Baby and Me

Labor story part two

2009-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

I have a moment to finish my labor story. I left off with the anaesthesiologist was on her way in about 20 minutes....
Finally the anasteseologist arrived in my room. And as far as I was concerned not a moment too soon. The pain was more than I ever thought it would be. I was at 3cm but the baby was moving down so they allowed the epidural. Normally they try to wait until you are 4cm. My wonderful nurse had me sit up and round my back as she help hold me still. A small little prick in my back and that was it. They said in about 10-15 minutes I should have no more pain.
Ten minutes passed and I was still in pain. Another 5 minutes passed and still pain! The anasteseologist came back to check on me. I remember asking if they were sure it should work. ha! Finally at about 25 minutes the pain was gone. Ahhhh sweet relief. And I still had some movement in my legs. My nurse hook up a cathidar and a few minutes later my aunt and grandma arrived along with my husbands mom and sister. Now all we had to do was wait.
At noon my nurse decided to check me. She had been moving the monitors on my tummy down for the last hour. So we knew the baby was getting closer. Everyone cleared the room except for my husband who was watching basketball.
Whoa! I went from 3cm to 9cm in two hours. According to my nurse that was fast progress. She also told me that was probably why my epidural didn't take that quickly. The nurse said she was sure I would have the baby by 2 since she could feel the baby head. She left to call the doctor. My family came back into the room and I told them the progress.
I was so amazed by my bag full of pee time seemed to fly by. The doctor came in at 1pm checked me and said she wanted me to start pushing in about 30 minutes. I said my goodbyes to my family, it was just my husband and I left in the room. No point of asking if he was ready, since I knew he would never really be ready.
1:40 pm the doctor came back I was a full 10cm and they got me ready to start pushing. I think I only push like 4 times, it only took me 10 minutes to push that 8 lbs 6 oz baby out. And Alyssa came out with a good healthy cry. She had pooped a little before she came out so they quickly took her to clear her mouth and nose. I cried a little. I think I was so amazed that finally she was here I didn't breakdown. Now my husband on the other hand, broke down. I mean broke down all the way. FINALLY this man realized he was a dad. Anyways it took him a good ten minutes to get it together so he could go look at her.
My doctor was very pleased with how quickly she came out, she told me that was not a normal delivery for a first timer. I only had a few stitches, (not as bad as I thought it would be) and I was able to hold Alyssa and feed her right away. We allowed our families back into the room about an hour after she was born. We stayed in that labor room a little longer and then we were moved to the mother baby room for the night. Tons of our friends came over to see us. Then by midnight it was just the baby and me. We rung in 2009 together.
I couldn't have asked for a better delivery. And now over a month later I can tell you happily I am fully recovered. Alyssa is doing so well, she is gaining weight and becoming more alert each day.

New Baby...New Blog

2009-01-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

Ok I swear I will finish up my birth story. But I started a new blog just dedicated to Alyssa.
No random complaints about my family or husband. Just something Alyssa can one day look back on and see how she grew.
http://alyssagrows.blogspot.com/

One for the road

2009-01-17T07:08:00.000-08:00

Here is another picture of Alyssa

where do I start???

2009-01-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!!! Motherhood is crazy busy. I finally have a semi moment to tell you all Alyssa birth story.
On Tuesday 12/30 at around noon I went to the bathroom I notice what I thought was my mucus plug. I text my friend J who is also expecting and my husband. I then looked it up on the net and I was sure it was it.
But of course they say you can loose your plug and still not go into labor for weeks. Fast forward to that night. At like 11 I notice more on the toilet paper. I decided to go to bed and not think about it. At about midnight the contractions really started in. My husband was sleeping in the room with me but he left and slept in his playroom. He had to work in the morning and no need for him to have a sleepless night if this wasn't really the big show.
I started to panic because I couldn't remember the darn rules of when to call. I got out my baby book and looked it up. I called the on call dr at around 1am. The contractions were about 6 minutes apart and lasting for 30-45 seconds. I didn't really like this doctor. He told me they were not long enough so to continue to labor at home and to call when they were a minute long. UGHHHHHHHH!!!!
I took a shower in hopes that would help with the pain. It did for a bit. I went back to bed. I fell asleep for bit and realized I felt like I pee'd my pants. I went to the bathroom and sure enough the show has started! Finally at 4am I called back and lied and said they were a minute apart. They were not a minute apart but I was sure my water had broken at that point. The hospital told me to come on it.
I woke my husband up. WHO decided he wanted to pay the garbage bill online. And he was moving at a snails pace. I yell to him to hurry the "f" up. He moved a lot faster after that.
Meanwhile I am texting J to tell her what is going on.
Thank God it was a holiday, we left the house at 5:30am and arrived at the hospital 40minutes later. I met my nurse and got hooked up to the monitors. I called my dad who was already at work. My husband left to get a haircut. I know this may sound crazy to some. But my husband has a bad case of A.D.D. SO it was really for the best the he gets out of my space.
At this point the pain really kicks in. Oh my gosh!!! Why do women choose to do this more than once?!?!? I even threw up a few times at this point because of all the pressure on my stomach. The nurse wanted to do the test to see if my water had broken. By the time she got back she could see a lot of liquid had pooled so she said we didn't even need to do the test she could tell my water had broken. And I was being admitted and I was going to be having a baby!
My dad called and he headed to the hospital. My sister in law also called but I was mid contraction so my wonderful nurse told her I was in labor and staying. My sister in law and mother in law both left work and headed to the hospital. I sent the text to all my friends that I was in labor and I would let them know as I progressed.
8:30am they check my progress. I am only 3cm. I wanted to die. My dad wad their at this point. My husband was heading back. I text him to tell him I was 3cm and 80% efaced. ha! He text ed me back and said "what is efaced" I was so mad! How could he not know what that meant. Looking back I realized duh, it would help if I spelled things correctly.
At 9:30am I asked (begged) for anything to help with the pain. I got a wonderful shot of narcotics. It would only last an hour but I just needed to get to 4cm and the would give me my epidural.
10:00am I am pretty sure that drug wore off faster than and hour.
10:30am Finally I can get my epidural. But the anostigologist is in a c-section so I have to wait just about 20 minutes more until I get the shot. OK I can do 20 minutes.
Uh oh Alyssa is awake. I will finish this up soon!
Thanks for all the warm congrats to us. Alyssa and I are doing really well!

Typing with one hand is hard...

2009-01-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Why am I only using one hand? I will let the picture tell you why.

Alyssa was born 12/31/08 8lbs 6oz 19inches. She is sound asleep in my arms now but I wanted to give everyone a quick update.

Sarah if you read this I tried to email you but it bounced back. sorry you had to find out on here rather than an email.

Slow moving

2008-12-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

No progress. Still 1-1.5cm. My Blood pressure was ok, it was a little higher than they wanted. I blame that on my doom and gloom dinner plans I had to go to later that night. But baby Orange was happy with a heart rate of 152. No protein in my urine, but before I left they checked my pressure again and it was still at about 120/90.
Dinner ended up not being bad at all. It was just me, my brother and my 21 year old sister. We got a few things out of the way. But overall it was nice and I was glad I went.
Today I am walking on the treadmill at lunch and hopefully getting this kid to drop down a little more so she can arrive sometime next week.

Mothers

2008-12-29T08:35:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I got a call from my mother in law. I like her very much and am very happy we get a long so well. I actually am very lucky to have her around since I dont like my own mom, but more on that in a bit. I answer the phone and here is how the conversation went

Me: Hello
MIL:anybabyyet?!?!
Me: Huh? (laughing)
MIL: Any baby yet?
Me: Ohhhhh, No baby yet.
MIL: Ok, just checking on you, hadnt heard from you in a day.
ME: ha!
MIL: Ok bye!

I guess I am offically on everyone radar to be checking in now.

I havent really talked much about my crazy mom on here. Today is her birthday. I dont like my mom. She is crazy. I really didnt even plan on telling her I was pregant but I have a 11 year old sister that lives with her so I felt obligated to tell them. Ugh, now my brother (he is getting on nerves) orginized some last minute birthday crap for her. He is going back to Florida tomorrow and due to the snow we havent seen each other. I told him and my other 21 year old sister (who I also am still mad at due to the shower) that they needed to make plans and let me know so I could meet us with them while they were in town. So of course yesterday he calls with me with these dinner birthday plans. I tell him I have a doctor appoitment tonight, and he throws a big fit.
Rather than totally curse him out, I said a few words. I said I would show up for a bit but I am leaving when Iam tired and not to expect more than 30 minutes from me.
Anyways, One of my goals besides having a 2009 baby was also to at all costs not have her on my mom's birthday or as I have been saying "the satan's birthday".
After my appoitment today I can take a deep breath I have a feeling I am still only at 1cm, I feel like I am getting what I want. A healthy 2009 baby. I think I will really start walking more tomorrow and see if I can get this baby moving down more.

Uh...why did I just realize I have 5 days until I am due?!?!?

2008-12-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

I guess my mind is preoccupied. I just looked at my little counter and realized I only have 5 more days until I am due. Of course I am hoping for January 9 or 10 baby. I am fine with my due date being 5 days away, actually much calmer than I thought i would be. It just seems so weird. I am still really comfortable. For the most part I sleep at night, my feet are not crazy swollen and I have been able to continue to work. I go back to the doctor on Monday night. Ok well here is hoping for a at least 5 or 6 more days of healthy pregnancy. Any more days after my due date are just bonus days to me.

It snowed, I fell, went to L&D, more snow, its christmas and Iam freezing!

2008-12-26T07:51:00.001-08:00

As you can tell by the title of this post a lot has happened this week. I last left you on Tuesday and it had snowed some more. That night my husband and I went to the bank and to a smoothie shop. He had just went to the gym and had shorts on so he parked by the smoothie shop. The bank was really close. I said he should drop me off, but he said he had shorts on. So being the nice person I am (I am too nice) I walked. No biggie. Got to the bank. Then I started walking back. BAM! Down I went on the side of my stomach. I slipped on some ice. I screamed for my husband who I could see in the smoothie shop paying for his smoothie. He quickly came out, (mind you I am still getting up) he looked at me like he didn't know what to do. Oh great! So I of course started to scream at him that I told him he should take me to the front of the bank and I hope his f'ing smoothie was good, and to take me home now!
The next 5 blocks in the car to the house were silent.
I went upstairs look off my dirty pants and got into bed, layed in bed and waited. Wait to calm down and for the baby to move. It took her about 20 minutes, probably less. My husband came in and asked if I was dying. I swear I am going to slap him at some point once I have her. Then I called the on-call dr at my OB office. Duh, of course I had to go in. We ate a quick dinner and back out in the snow we went.
Tuesday night basketball was on so he wasn't too happy to leave the house, but he has the 4 wheel drive car and technically if he would have dropped me off at the bank none of this would be going on.
We spent the next 2 hours at the hospital. I felt fine and the baby looked great! I was contracting a bit and they said if I contracted too much they would need to keep me. I immediately calmed down, cause I was not staying the night! By 11:30 I got the all clear to go home. Just in time, my husband has an undiagnosed case of ADD. It was starting to kick in, he was turning lights on and off, flipping channels and walking around like crazy.
As we drove home it started snowing again. Luckily I had a late start at work due to the bad weather so I wasn't due in until 10am.
We went to sleep, by 7am I looked my phone and I missed a call from my boss. Turns out the offices were closed and I didn't need to go into work! I haven't had a Christmas eve off in forever so I was very excited. I didn't do much, I just went to my parents house and sat around and watched classics like White Christmas (ahhh, I miss my Sarah K!) and Meet me in St. Louie.
Christmas morning I woke up talked to my best friend on the phone and compare snow stories. Once my husband woke up I gave him the gifts I had gotten him. Originally I was going to be a Grinch and not get him a thing. But that wasn't me, so I got him a few small things. He on the other hand blamed me for not telling him what I wanted and the snow and the fact that 2008 was the worst year of his life so he hadn't gotten me or anyone else any gifts.
Funny thing was I really didn't care. I didn't care that he wanted to be a Grinch. In the 13 years he and I have been together, he really isn't much fun on holidays, so I guess I was immune to it.
We spent the rest of yesterday with his family. Our niece came over and she told us all about how mommy got stuck in the snow and she didn't like the ice. Since the weather was so bad my family postponed Christmas until Saturday. So really my Christmas isn't over yet!
Its like 31 degrees out! I know it could be colder butI am sick of snow and ice. I am ready for it to warm up!

Why Am I Here?????

2008-12-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing all week in Seattle. Yet I still manage to get my butt into work. Not many people are even trying so I don't know why I bother.
Oh that is right, I am saving all my precious time off for when I have the baby. Just look at what I am looking at right now!

And you can see how many people tried to get up this hill. The hill has been closed since Thursday but driver still want to try. I have seen at least two cars slide back down.

38 weeks

2008-12-19T14:06:00.000-08:00

Still 1cm. dilated. We had a lot of snow here the last few days so I am happy to not have any action yet. I cannot imagine driving in the snow trying to get to the hospital. So looks like I have another week to relax!

Birthing Class the END.

2008-12-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

We have one more birthing class this week. And we have decided to skip it. Overall the class gave very few new information to us. I think it has more to do with the teacher than the actual class. Neither my husband or I really thought she had a good teaching style. I mean I cannot know all their is to know about babies! This last class was just to review what we already talked about and general bringing home baby care.
After last week we had a tour of the hospital and pain management ideas I feel like we have gotten all we could from the class.
But we did get a class email saying one of our classmates had their baby this past Saturday, over a month early!
Now I have a free Wednesday night to find something to do!

I forgot to mention last week

2008-12-15T15:57:00.000-08:00

I had another weekly doctor appointment last Friday. I was still at 1cm. Nothing new from the week before. Next appointment is Thursday.
In other random news, my husband is still an ass and it snowed here in Seattle this weekend.
I should have taken pictures of the snow but I was too busy keeping warm in bed all day!

Dear after baby body gods- Part II

2008-12-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

As some of you remember I prayed to the after baby body gods once before. I am in total bow down amazement of women regardless of fame that can "bounce" back. I know the movies stars have endless money to get back to pre baby size but look at J.Lo. DAMN! I cant even hate on her, she looks good. Better than she did before she had her twins. I know she trained for a marathon so I sure that helped.

I will be adding this picture to my inspiration wheel once I hit the gym. But for now bring on the ice cream!

Keeping busy

2008-12-08T12:35:00.001-08:00

This weekend I was able to get almost all my Christmas shopping done. Now if I could just wrap it all up.
Saturday I went to my breastfeeding class with my two girlfriends who are also pregnant. We had a good time. I think we all learned a lot. So I think we are all optimistic about trying once our babies are here.
That night I went to our friends house they were having a group of us all together to watch the De La Hoya vs Pacquio fight. It was fun! De La Hoya basically gave up once he realized he was getting his butt kicked.
Sunday I went and got my fabulous jogging stroller. And my husband and I went to a Seahawks game. He got tickets at the last minute. The game was going great until the Seahawks lost in the last 3 minutes.
Last night we watched this documentary on MSNBC. Even my husband stayed up to watch it, he was so sleepy, but he really thought it was well done. I had seen the preview for it on Friday on the net while I was at work and didn't realize it would be on TV. If you have a chance to watch it this week on TV you should it was really good. Its a tear jerker, but it shows the love of grandparents for their son and grandchild.

Potty Time

2008-12-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

Yep that is about all I seem to be doing these days. Going potty. In fact I often say I am going to have a potty party. Now that the baby has her head down I think she has found my bladder to be the best place for her to rest her head, shoulder, ear, some body part on. All I do is think about going potty! I do drink a lot of water when I am at work, and it all seems to be coming out so I know it not a bladder infection but I am telling you I am sick of getting up and down. And when I am not thinking about that its the heartburn, thanks to her feet! But not sick enough to want her to come out early.
I need a day off! A day off from walk and moving. Sadly this weekend will not my weekend to do that.
Tomorrow I have my breastfeeding class. I am excited for a few reason. Two of my girlfriends who are also expecting are taking the class with me. And we are all going out to lunch after. yeah! Then I am hoping to get the crib set up at my parents house and tomorrow night is fight night with the rest of my friends.
Small fact is I love boxing! It should be fun.
Sunday I have to get my Christmas shopping out of the way. I am only getting gifts for 6 adults and 2 kids this year. This is a drastic cut from years before. I am so glad I cut back, I just don't have the energy to think about that special gift for so many people. After I get the shopping done then I can rest. And maybe then I will not be so darn grouchy!

36 weeks

2008-12-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Quick update from last night. The doctor said everything looks great. My blood pressure was good, I actually didn't gain any weight since my last appointment, I am measuring right at 36 weeks and I am 1 cm dilated. WHOA! WTF?!?! Back it up.
Yep, some action has finally started. I know, I know I could be at 1cm for weeks. But I really thought I would be at zero. So much for wishful thinking. I think my exactly word to the doctor were "whoa, really?!?" She just laughed and told me it was normal. Anyways, the baby head is down, yippee! So everything is going as it should.
We also had our third child birthing class. It was much better than the previous two class. She started off with great info on c-sections and what may cause that to be done. took our break and watched a movie and then she started to go back to her normal teaching style of asking of questions like, how might our lives change once baby is here or what will a typical day be like with baby. Most of us in the class are first time parents so nobody really knew what to say. Other than it will change a lot.
Tonight should be fun. My husband and I are going to see our Alma mater play basketball. Its my first game of the season. We go to at least 4 to 5 games a season but I have a feeling I wont make it to that many games this year. I am hoping for at least 2 or 3. I will be happy with two.

Hearburn is back :(

2008-12-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

Ugh!!! I hate heartburn! Not as much as I hated morning sickness but heartburn is #2 on my list of things I hate while pregnant. It went away for a solid 3 weeks and this week is came back, just as strong as before. It is driving me crazy today because I took my last Tums I had in my purse and now I am stuck with no relief until I go to lunch. If she comes out with no hair I will scream! All this heartburn better be for her growing a fabulous mane of silky hair.
In other news, I go in for my first weekly appointment today. And my first internal exam, oh yeah! Hopefully baby is nice and tucked up in their and doesn't try to pop out early. After my appointment I get to go to another birthing class. I am still up in the air on if I really like this class or not. I think my teacher is a little to chit chatty about random boring stuff, like her family and our emotions. I don't know, I really dont care about her family and as far as our emotions it will vary by couple. I think my husband and I both thought it would be more useful info. We have 3more classes, next week is the hospital tour. We may skip the last class if tonight's class isn't any better.

35 weeks Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

Here is my 35 week picture! Now lets go eat some pumpkin pies! happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Check two more things off the list.

2008-11-24T12:22:00.001-08:00

This weekend I bought a crib! Yeah! And tonight I am meeting with a possible pediatrician. My sister in law recommended the pediatrician so I hope I like him and don't have to meet any others. I spend enough time at doctors offices this year. Here is my crib. I am hoping to get it set up in the next week or so. Its a 3 in 1 crib so it should take her into her toddler bed years.

Shower pictures

2008-11-23T11:45:00.001-08:00

I am sneaking time on our laptop, I had to!!! HA! Finally here are the pictures from my shower last weekend.

Funny story

2008-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Last night I stopped at the store, to check on some egg nog. I got some, yeah! Anyways, this man and his wife were shopping and the man saw I had egg nog. He said to his wife that they needed to get some. He started to tell me how good egg nog was, and that when I got home I needed to put some brandy in it to really make it good. His wife looked horrified and said "Harold, she is pregnant!" ha! It was so funny!

F'ing virus!

2008-11-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

So I have been laptopless at home due to this virus we have on it. My husband was suppose to take care of it yesterday, but no such luck. I also came home to a sink fully of dirty dishes. Lovely.
Anyways I am hoping to get some shower pictures on here soon. In the mean time we had our second birthing class this week. We went over what our hospital does during and after birth. We can have as many people present at the birth as we want. But we have decided to have it just be us. I have a feeling my husband will break down so I know he rather not have more than just me see him. We did some more breathing and watched a video. This time as the baby came out and they place the baby on the mother stomach my husband said "ewwww" and the man next to me said "they need to hose that off". Again lovely.
Last night I went in for my 34 week check up. I first stopped by my in-laws house to see my niece and mother in law. After a short visit I was getting ready to leave. My niece told me to stay I said I couldn't cause I had to go to the doctor. She said "where's your owie" I was like huh...oh!!! Doctor=owie. I said "no I am going to the doctor for the baby, you wanna come with me" My niece immediately says "no". ha! Anyways, I met with another doctor in the practice. He was very nice. I think I have now met all of the doctors and they are all great so I will be find with having any of them deliver my baby. Of course I hope its my regular doctor on call but who knows. Last night this doctors said that as of 36 weeks if I go into labor they will just let it happen. I would be full term and they wouldn't do anything to stop the labor. Uh...wait a minute I need a few more weeks to wrap some things up and finish getting her room together.
Off to Babies r Us I went after that appointment. I got some more essentials that I knew we hadn't gotten at the shower but would need. Hopefully she will stay put. Next appointment is in two weeks and I get my first internal exam so they can see if I am still all nice and closed up.

I think I over did it

2008-11-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

My shower was yesterday, it was so much fun! I hope to get some pictures on here soon. But we have a virus one our computers at home. Meanwhile, I think I did too much yesterday and may have over did it. I helped set up and take down a few things. We had a minor crisis moment when the cupcake lady dropped two of the boxes of cupcakes as she carried them to the car. And now today I can barely walk! ouch! The only reason I came into work is because I have training all day today and tomorrow.
Anyone have any remedies to easy my sore legs?

5 weeks

2008-11-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

For the next 5 weeks I will be going to my birthing classes. We started last night. As you may remember my husband originally didn't want to go. He since changed his mind and he went with me. Their is about 20 couples in the class all ranging in age. I swear one couple has to be at least 50+. In fact most of the class my husband and I sat their guessing how old they were.
The first class was harmless enough. We all introduced ourselves. We told our names, dr name, due date, what gender we were having if we knew and one craving from the moms and one thing about pregnancy from the dads. The class had responses from the moms like I really like quarter pounds, ice cream, leafy greens. Some of the dads said things like I like rubbing her feet, watching the belly grow, feeling the kicks, one man even said he loved see his wife changed and realizing how much he loved her more each day (awww, we later found out they had been trying for a baby for awhile).
So I am sure you want to know what we had to say...I said I craved milk. Which is so true. I love milk. Since I have been pregnant I haven't met a milk carton I didn't want to drink. My husband response was "I just cant wait to get started on this new chapter in my life". Ok so now I am sure you may think that is sweet and he is looking ahead to being a dad. Oh no. This was his cryptic way of saying I just want her to hurry up and have this baby so I can go kick it with my friends. But I didn't let that bother me. We still had two hours to go. We watched a movie of a birth. I felt like a 12 year old in sex ed at one point. I think both my husband and I squirmed at the same part. The lights came on some were crying and some had a puzzled look on their face. My husband and I have both been present for two births so we know what to expect, technically speaking. But the movie seemed to highlight parts I blocked out. Next our teacher went over the first stages of labor. Can I run out the class now?!?!?
The group of us then sat around in a large circle and talked about how we have physically changed. One lady mentioned how people tend to touch your belly without a second thought. Later that night once my husband and I had gotten home he asked me "do people really just come up to you and touch you" he had this with his grossed out voice. I said yep, sometimes. He said "that's rude" and walked out the room.
Cant wait to see what the next class brings our way.

I can have egg nog!!!

2008-11-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

With all the election fun I almost forgot to mention last night right after work I had a doctor appointment. I saw a new doctor in the practice. They are starting to have me meet other doctors just in case my normal doctor isn't there when I go into labor. Since I love my doctor so much I thought it would be hard to top her. And this doctor didn't top her but she was just as nice.
She said everything was looking good I think my blood pressure was 118/76, but I could be wrong. She was looking at my chart and was super impressed on how well I had brought my blood pressure down. She actually asked if I was on medication. ha! I said no, but I just stopped letting my husband stress me the hell out.
I am measuring right at 32 weeks and my weight gain was great. She said since I am so tall (I am only 5'7") that they like to see people gain anywhere from 25-35 pounds. I really want to stick within the 25 pound rang and so far I am at 21 pounds in 8 months. She checked my ankles and said I was not swollen, yippy no cankles for me so far! She also check by touching my belly if the baby head was down or not yet. Silly me was so busy chatting with her I didn't even find out if it was or not.
The best part of the appointment was when I found out I can have egg nog as long as its pasteurized! AMEN!!!!
I know I need a new picture of myself, and I am hoping to do that this weekend. I was going to do it Sunday but my husband ended up staying home and blew my Sunday alone around the house. So fingers crossed I will take one this weekend.

Wow!

2008-11-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

I cant even lie I cried last night. Just in case you missed it here is the speech!

I did it!

2008-11-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

I voted (check out my cool sticker)and I got my flu shot! The flu shot line was actually longer than the line to vote. But at the church I vote at there was for sure a lot more people than normal. I got there bright at early at 7:10am and was all done by 7:25am. I am so glad I have those checked of my to do list! Also my flu shot was thimerosal free, in Washington if you get a flu shot and are expecting that is the only shot they will give you.

Productive Weekend

2008-11-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

This weekend I got a lot of things done! I went to my friends C and J baby shower. It was so fun! It was co-ed so a lot of people were there. They had at least 80 people if not more. The food was yummy and they played some fun games!
I also got my thank you notes for my shower that is in a few weeks. I actually got them at a really great price at my ribbon store! They were $5 for a box of by Crane & Co. I just checked online and they are actually normally sold for $15 a box! Considering I got 4 boxes I had a total savings of $40!

I also found a diaper bag. Since it rains a lot here I wanted something that would be rain resistant yet roomy and durable. I also got this at a great price of $20. I checked on line and most places sell it for $35.

Oh and guess what!!!

2008-10-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

I think my damn absentee ballot was stolen! I have been moaning about this missing absentee ballot for at least two weeks. They say I have one on the way now after I called again.
But i heard on the tv this morning that a number of people had not gotten theirs and the USPS along with the county the distributes them suspect they were stolen! I am sure mine was stolen! But that wont stop me from voting! I will waddle my pregnant ass and do it in person if I have to.

So over it...for this year at least

2008-10-31T07:48:00.001-07:00

I love Halloween. It has been one of my favorite days of the year since I was a kid. Back then we got to wear our costumes to school! I trick or treated with girlfriends well into my teen years and once we got too old we started to take their nieces or in some cases kids out for trick or treating. Ever since I turned 21 I normally would go to the clubs or a party dressed up. Over the years I have been everything from a fairy, witch, bunny, princess, cheerleader, angel even a gypsy once. Halloween in Seattle in no joke, you gotta be a trooper and be down for whatever weather may come your way.
Well not this year. The idea of thinking up a costume and then putting it on sounded exhausting! I planned on handing out candy at the house but my husband is going out so I rather not be opening and closing a door all night in a house alone. So I guess I will have to eat all that candy I bought.
And now for your viewing pleasure, here I am at about 5 or 6 (around 1983)as a princess. Check out my Afro puff!

Time to vote...almost

2008-10-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ugh! My stupid absentee ballot was lost in the mail. I am totally annoyed. I called and they are resending so hopefully I should get it by Saturday.
I have mentioned before I have always loved to vote. Every 4 years is important. This year isn't anymore important or exciting to me. Although the older I get the more I pay attention to other issues beyond Roe v. Wade or war for example. Now that I am a home owner, a soon to be mother and actually thinking about spending my money on things other than travel and clothes, I paid great attention to many issues brought up by the candidates this year. I didn't want to say I was voting for Barack just because he is mixed with black or McCain because he has a women as a VP running mate. I wanted to decided based on what issues are important to me now.
At my current job we are facing many layoffs and from what I have read we will be in the danger zone until 2010. If I am even still have a job by then, paying a mortgage and day care costs makes a job loss or cuts very scary to me.
At lunch I eat with 4 to 5 of my friends and we regularly talk about what it would mean to us to have Barack as a president. We all have said we never thought we would see a black president in our lifetime or at least not while we are young. For me to see how close we are to have Barack as a president and to be bringing a child into the world is amazing. It often brings tears to my eyes.
So last night I had every intention of watching Barack's infommerical last night. But I started watching an NBA game with my husband and totally fell asleep. So I watched it this morning and I thought it was pretty good. I cant say if I were undecided it would sway me to vote for him. But I am such a sap that I really like watching it. So just in case you were like me and missed it here it is.

Oh no!

2008-10-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had that day where you just cannot get comfortable. Ugh! I am at work and I am so uncomfortable. So I got up to walk and use the restroom. And now I think my feet have grown! My shoes are tight. Not swollen, because the toes seem to be hurting. This just sucks! I already have big feet so now I will have like clown feet or something.

Rolling

2008-10-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Baby Orange is doing lots of rolling around these days. I think she loves to either have her butt or her head at the top of my stomach when I sleep. When I wake up in the mornings I have this really hard bump. When Iam laying down it can look like I have 3 boobs. HA! Eventually she moves down so I can sit up.
I had a pretty busy weekend. I was able to go with my friend that is throwing my shower and get all the was needed. I am helping with the favors. She found small plant pellets for the guests to take home and plant a tree. She got these boxes and I am going to add a puff to each one. I need to take pictures once I have some done.
Also I got the final food list for the shower, yummy!
Lumpia
Black eyed peas
Fried Chicken
Won Tons
BBQ
Potato salad
Mac & Cheese
Greens
Banana pudding
Macaroni salad
Rice crispy treats
Punch
Pop
Water

Yesterday Appoitment

2008-10-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Everything went well at the doctor office yesterday. My blood pressure is still nice and low I am measuring a week ahead but that doesn't mean I will have her early. It means she is just big. Crap! My weight slowed back down (Amen!). I found out I had a 93 on my gluclose testing which according to my doctor I passed with flying colors. I guess at 140 you fail. My white blood cell count is still elevated, but again nothing to be concerned with. Oh and the baby heart beat was a nice 144.
I did ask a about my flu shot. I will be getting the thimerosal free vaccine on election day at my next appointment.
Speaking of the election...I am so excited! Only 13 more days. I know the results may not be official that same day but still very exciting. I have always loved to vote, as soon as I turned 18 I sent off my form to register. In recent years my dad and I have been voting opposite so we always joke our votes just cancel each other out. ha!

Every other week

2008-10-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Today I am heading to the doctor for my 29/30 week appointment. And as of today I get to go to the doctor every other week. Time is flying by!
Not much eventful happened this weekend. Although on Sunday as I was getting ready to leave the house to run some errands I saw an Ihop commercial. Big problem, all I thought about was pancakes for the next hour. I couldn't get done with my errands fast enough and find a Ihop so I could eat pancakes!

I finally got my pancakes and texted my friend J who is two week behind me and she reassured me that she too has had these type of moments. Love pregnancy!

Can I vent for a minute???

2008-10-17T14:25:00.001-07:00

Ok I will make this quick.
First let me say I love my sisters and brother. But they do some of the dumbest things sometimes. My sister is 21, a junior at an out of state college and is a typical student. I am 30, been to college, balanced my life while in school. I worked, had a social life, kept up my grades and traveled the world and graduated and still always made time for family.
My sister was one of the first 3 people I told I was pregnant. She immediately said she was excited and wanted to help with the shower. This was back in June. I told her she could help only if she wanted to and if it wouldn't disturb her school schedule. Fast forward to August, I talked to her to see if I could buy her plane ticket in September once she started school and had her school schedule. I worked my shower date around her being home for it. I put a deposit on a shower location.
First week of September I called her to confirm that dates she agreed on before I booked the flight. I originally wanted her to fly in on a Saturday but she said she didn't have class on Friday so to book a Friday flight. Again I asked her if she was sure that it wasn't going to mess with homework or a quiz. No, no, no she assured me it would be fine. I booked the flight. I am on the phone with her as I book it so she can choose the flight time. ahhh done. My sister is coming home in November. Or so I thought.
Late September she calls and wants me to see about changing her flight so she can join a sorority her final big moment of joining is the same weekend of my shower. I was annoyed cause I had already checked her off my taken care of list. But whatever, I called the airline. Its a $150 to change her flight each way. I told her she could do this but she would have to pay the difference. No, never mind she says leave it as is. Ok.
Today I get an email, an EMAIL from her saying she has decided she really wants to stay at school so she can join. And if she misses it then she cannot join again until next year. She loves me and the baby and she feels so bad...blah, blah, blah.
She said she emailed me so I would yell at her. WTF?!?! She gotta talk to me at somepoint.
Needless to say I am disappointed and my feeling are hurt. I wanted her to be home for the shower. I just told her I understood her choice. Oh and she also did say she would pay me back for the flight plus the cancellation fee.
But still. I am totally annoyed and mad. To be honest she is lucky she is in another state cause I want slap the shit of out her. I hate when people don't follow through on things.
I had planned on giving baby orange my sister first name as a middle name. But I am so annoyed right now I am tempted to change my mind. But I hoping in few days I will have calmed down.
OK I am done with my vent. Anyone else annoyed today? Please feel free to share.

Free is the best price...

2008-10-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

My friend J is expecting a baby boy a few weeks after me. She also had a friend who had a baby about 5 months ago. She was done with her swing and offered it to her or anyone she knew. Lucky for me they already had a swing so I was on their list to see if I wanted it. I got the swing this weekend and it is in pristine shape. The baby only sat in it a hand full of times so its really like getting a new swing for free!

A swing was a must in my book. When my brother and sister were little (we are 9 and 10 years apart) I was forced to babysit. My mom would leave for a few hours and they would start crying. Oh it was like torture for me since I was only 9 or 10. Anyways, I would put them in their swings they would fall asleep with no problem and leave them their for the hours she was gone. When I heard he car I would quick like take them out and pretend they had been awake the whole time playing with me. Ok that is such an evil thing to do but again I was only 9 or 10.
While I have no intentions of leaving my daughter in her chair for hours like that. But I still remember how great their swing was.

I passed!

2008-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

I just called to get my gestational diabetes test results and I passed! Yeah!!! I am so happy. I felt like I had been very good with what I eat since I have been pregnant but you never know. Good luck to some of you other readers who I know will be taking your test or getting your results back soon.
Just in case you are curious:
I did have to fast for 4 hours prior to the testing. That morning I got up and had pancakes (with syrup) for breakfast with orange juice to drink. I had two pancakes. That was a lot of food for me so early in the morning. I normally only eat a small amount of oatmeal.
I am also use to eating every two to three hours so I was worried about how my system would take not eating. I ate until I was stuffed.
It did the trick, I wasn't sick on the day of the test and I passed.

Third Trimester!!!

2008-10-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Today I am finally in my third and final trimester. WOW! That is freaking crazy.
I feel great. The baby is good. Not anything really to say just that I made it.
Oh I do start my kick count today. I just need to make sure she kicks at least 10 times within a two hour period each day. This should be easy considering she goes wild when I drink orange juice in the morning.
Things I need to accomplish this month
Look for a crib
Send out shower invites out
Register at Target
Turn in my FMLA notice for work
Ok that is only 4 things I can do it!

New Symptom

2008-10-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night I noticed my hips were kinda hurting. Just sore. I had went for a walk earlier but nothing intense so I figured I had nothing to worry about. Well now we are on Wednesday. The soreness isn't as intense as it was over the weekend. But I notice it. I checked it out in my handy dandy book and turns out my hips are might be loosening up. Oh fun! Not that my ass and my hips are not wide enough as it is. But now they are widening on their own!
Also the great bladder running is back on. I am up at least once a night again. Sometimes even twice. One day away from my third trimester, what else is next????

Tag and I am it...

2008-10-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

I've been blog "tagged" by http://weshallwed.blogspot.com/, so here it is...

4 Things I Did Today
1. Woke up
2. Came to work
3. Emailed all my friends about random things
4. Ate lunch with friends

4 Things On My To Do List
1. Wash baby clothes
2. Pack up more stuff around the house that doesn't need to be there.
3. Research more day cares.
4. Register for breast feeding classes

4 Of My Guiltiest Pleasures
1. Reality tv
2. Detective work (I love murder she wrote)
3. Blogging
4. Shoes, which I cannot really enjoy right now.

4 Random Facts About Me:
1. I hate being cold
2. I talk in my sleep sometimes
3. I can tell when people are lying, but I rarely call them out on it.
4. I hate keeping secrets from my husband (crazy I know) but I feel guilty so I rather just tell him.

My Shower Inviations

2008-10-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

As some of you may remember I am working on my shower invitations http://1babyandme.blogspot.com/2008/09/help-me-pick.html. I am not throwing my shower, I was forbidden by my friends to do that, ha! But I was "allowed" to make my invites.
I found this really pretty yellow and pink card stock paper that was double sided. I used that as my boarder.
Thanks to your help and my family I decided to go with the wording from
#3 We are tickled pink
and happy to say
An adorable little girl
is on the way!
You're invited to Leah and husband baby celebration!
is on the way!
Sorry the pictures are kinda blurry. Anyways, the shower is mid November so I am sending these out in about a week or so. I haven't even finished all of them but I have made progress. What do you think???

Here is the back of the pink and yellow card stock.

I also decided to make them magnetic so guests can just have them on their refrigerators. I bought a sheet of self adhesive magnetic paper and cut into rectangles and stuck them onto the yellow paper prior to using the double stick tape to stick it all together with the yellow and pink card stock.

And here is the ribbon I picked, I like its because the two tone pinks matched the two pinks on the card stock.

Yesterday

2008-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday appointment went well. I wont have the blood results from my diabetes test for a few days but I felt ok after drinking that gross sugary water crap.
I am measuring right at 27 weeks. Baby orange heart beat was 136. And drum roll...my blood pressure was still nice and low!!! Amen, amen, amen!
I also got my fun Rh- shot. Right above the tush. Actually I was somewhat a human pin cushion yesterday. They gave me the shot and drew my blood. Since I have such hard veins to get blood from they got it from my hand. But they got it in one stick so that was a great thing. I am one week shy of being in my third trimester. Next week I get to start my kick count too!
This weekend I am going to Baby Depot for the first time with my good friend Toni. I am very excited!

Wish me Luck

2008-10-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today I have my glucose testing. I started to fast at 7:30 and cant eat again until after noon. So sad. I already miss food. Look at my yummy drink that is waiting in the refrigerator for me to down in 5 minutes or less at 11:30.
Wish me luck!

Did she really say that...

2008-10-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I got on the elevator to come into my office. I had just walked up my normal big hill to get to my building. By the time I got onto the elevator to go to the top floor I was winded and the baby was pushing on my bladder. Right as the doors started to closed this woman got on.
I was a little annoyed (I really had to pee!) so I leaned on the wall and my back was arched off the wall so it made my belly look bigger than normal. So this lady says "looks like your ready to go" and then pats her stomach. I just smiled not really thinking of what she said. It took me to about the 6th floor to realize she said I looked 9 months! She got off at the 8th floor but I stood there thinking for the rest of my ride up did she really just say that?!?!?

Uh ok we can go there...

2008-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back I mentioned to my husband that I hadn't decided on a stroller. And I asked if he had any opinions on what I picked out. He said he want a jogging stroller, one that the baby was facing him in. Uh ok. He then said maybe we could go look at them one day and pick one out for the registry.
huh?!?! Where is the husband that hated babies, hated baby "crap" and didn't want anything to do with the baby.
My reply was "uh, ok we can go there and find one"
So last night we went to Babies R Us.
I guess before I get to that part of the story let me say he has made some strong efforts since he came back from his trip to "clear" his mind. We talk about names, me being on leave and life insurance. Random. ok, but if you have been reading my blog you know what a little shit he was. So I am cautious and realistic about where our marriage is heading. Did I mention he had a freak out this weekend. He said he is feeling anxious and needs a day or two away this week to clear his head again. WTF?!?! Well he did tell me, and I have to remain calm (still working on keeping my blood pressure down). While he is gone I can get more shower invites done and work on the nursery at my parents house. Yes, I plan still plan on having a nusery at my parents, like I said I am realistic.
One thing for sure is this baby is coming in just about 3 months (oh shit!!!!). I am very excited but I started to read about labor and delivery. Not a good idea!
Ok so back to Babies r Us. So Monday he calls me at work and says after we get off we should go to babies r us to look for the stroller. His idea not mine.
he picks me up I can already tell from the drive there he is in a mood. You know the mood, the one where men rather be at home playing video games, watching tv anywhere but here mood. So I am thinking Dude this was your idea. We get to the strollers find one he semi likes. We register for it. The baby wont be facing him but there is a window so he can look down and see her. The idea of this man running with our daughter in a stroller makes me giggle. Yep, I had that moment of imagining him actually being a dad. ha! So funny.
Ok on to car seats. Now the thing is I already have a car seat, that was just bought for us. Really the baby will be with me primarily but him having his own car seat for his car will be a good idea for those rare times she is with him in the first few months. He starts to look at infant carriers and then on to boosters seats. He says "put this one on there" I look at it and tell him its a booster and the starting weight is 25 pounds. He then tells me "I think the weight requirements are BS, they just say that so you by extra crap you don't need".
Ok. With a deep sigh I then proceed to tell him, that yes, we will find many things at babies stores we dont need and its just about marketing. But a car seat is not one of the items. A forward only facing booster seat that is $50 is not something we need right now. The baby cannot even face forward until she is at least 20 pounds if not more based on some studies. A car seat is not something we will decide on becuase it's cheap, stylish or just because you are in a hurry.
He then picked out a seat similar to the one we already have. He actually said then just pick one as he pointed to the three models similar to the one we already have. I was like ok, well which one, he said "I dont care, I am not buying it". oh...really, what if nobody buys us another car seat. He just shrugged his shoulders, I could tell he was done. I scanned one, done. Lets go home.
Finally we get to the house he was like a kid that had just made it through a dentist appoitment. He was in a good mood again, and plopped his ass down to watch monday night football. Should have known that was why he was in a hurry. But at least we picked out a stroller. Next week, Target registry.
Here is the jogger we picked out. I like it cause it light weight enough so that I can use it. We looked at the Jeep brand ones but they were a little heavier than I liked.
Baby Trend Expedition LX Jogger - Jet
by: Baby Trend

26 weeks

2008-09-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

As promised here it is finally, my 26 week picture. My husband was at work so I took these myself. The camera is on top of tv, I originally didn't have any makeup on and I looked at the pictures and realized I looked a hot mess. HA!

This weekend was very eventful. Another friend of mine has been added to the pregnancy club! So that makes a total of 3 of us pregnant right now. She is due in late April. Exciting!!!

100 days to go

2008-09-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

What is that I see?!?!? Is that a small light at the end of this tunnel??? Yes I think it is! Only 100 more day until my due date. Not that I am complaining. I have been extremely lucky! After I got over that gross morning sickness I have been feeling pretty good.
This morning Mimi Orange decided 3am was a good time to wake up. I don't mind when she gets to kicking that early but normally she does it a few times and back to sleep she goes. Not this morning she was awake for 2 hours! She was jumping kicking and I swear I felt a full spin in there. When the alarm when off at 5:30 she kinda stopped as if she knew I was going to start getting ready. Oh well at least I will be nice and sleepy tonight.

PS I know I need a belly picture desperately on here. I just keep forgetting to do it. But I promise I will have one up by this weekend.

I hung out with Snoop Dogg, Martin Sheen and Making the Band

2008-09-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

So I am going to blame this dream on my random Sunday tv watching. I spent yesterday watching random things on tv as I got ready for niece birthday party. I watched making the band 4 where I learned all about Dawn and Q dating. Snoop Dogg along with Uncle Luke from 2 live crew was on CNN as being a good dad. Then that night I was at home I watched the Emmy's as I worked on my baby shower invites.
Now to my crazy dream.
I was at a house I assume it was my house because I was hosting the cocktail party. First I was with Danity Kane. I didn’t hang with them long cause they were a hot mess. But the guys from Day 26 came in and I was talking to them and I guess Q had all the guys give all the Danity Kane girls a quiz. Dawn and I laughed because we knew it was just so Q could find out how much he really liked her. So later that night Snoop was there. Martin Sheen was already drunk. But Snoop was making martini's. And I was talking to Snoop about Ice Cube. I was trying to see how many Ice Cube songs he knew. Snoop told me I was funny cause he knew all of Cubes songs.
Then the alarm went off and I was so mad cause I still had things I wanted to talk to Snoop about.

I would love

2008-09-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

A big glass of coke with ice and a turkey sandwich. Followed by me going to bed and falling asleep on my stomach. ahhh... I wish.

Did you feel that?

2008-09-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

I finally have baby girl orange kicking figured out to a point it doesn't freak me the hell out. I am serious the first time I was like this is so not ok. But now I am an old pro at her low kicks. She gave me a high kick the other day which took me by surprise.
Anyways so my husband and I were laying in bed and she started in like she does in the mornings. I hadn't really made him feel her kick yet since sometimes it goes on for a few minutes and sometimes its a kick or two and that is it. Anyways I reached for his had and put it on my tummy. And "Bam" a kick. I said "did you feel that?" he was like "yep". She gave a few more punches and kicks before we had to get up to go to work.

First BIG items

2008-09-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

First I gotta say thanks to my dad and grandma for buy the baby her first big items this weekend. My dad got her a car seat and my grandma got her a bassinet/play yard. My daughter will be my dad first grandchild and my grandma's first great grand daughter.
This is not the car seat I originally wanted but after talking to the people at teh store I learned it was one of the top rated car seats by consumer reports and it was $150 less than the one I originally registered for. I still opted for the convertible seat rather than the infant seat. I dont want to have to buy a new seat for her within 4 or 5 months (20 pounds). This seat will take her from infant to 65 pounds so around 1 years old or more. It is the Evenflo Triumph Advance Deluxe Convertible Car Seat.

And here is the bassinet. I like this one because I will be able to have it in our bedroom at the house or pack it up to take to my parents house where I plan on spends my day time hours while on leave and my husband is at work. The materials are said to be natural and not dyed so I am hoping to help out on lessening her exposure to chemicals used in dyes. The top part will eventually come out and she can have a play pen to hang out in if need be.

Its funny because I look at these two items and neither of them are really girly. All of my friends were so excited when I found out I was having a boy because I got to get a lot of cute pink things. ha! Not so far. But I am totally happy with these choices I think they were the best for her and I can always toss a pink or purple blanket on her. The peace of mind knowing she now can leave the hospital safely and sleep near me is priceless.

He's back...

2008-09-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well my husband came back on last Saturday from his week and a half long trip. We are now on a full week back and well...I am happily hopeful. He seems in good spirits. But I also if this is just another calm before the storm. He brought the baby this

He has been talking about names. And we went to the Husky game last night where we got a beat down by Oklahoma. But we had fun. We even spent Tuesday night looking on the net for names that we both didn't hate. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that his trip helped him turn over a new leaf and he will for once and all be supportive of me and be happy about being a dad. Keep you posted!

Let's Go Huskies!!!!

2008-09-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow the baby will be going to her first football game! My husband and I both are alumni of the great University of Washington!!! Husky stadium is great too because its right on the water so if the game sucks we still have a nice view. Some of the best things about supporting sports I love going to games because it gives us some time together, we both love the UW and it's never too early to get the baby thinking about college...

3 men and 2 ladies

2008-09-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I had the chance to finally go and register. A few years back when my guy friend C was expecting his first a few of us all went with him to register at babies r us. So it was only right that the tradition continue. I had my 3 best guy friends two of whom are dads and one who loves kids. And a J who is also expecting a few weeks after me.
Tim and I got there early so we registered and started to look around. Oh my was there a lot to see. Once everyone else arrived we started in at the car seats and strollers. J and I got many helpful tips from the dads. One tip on a car seat was while the infant carrier stroller combos are great the baby will grow out of that car seat within the first 4 to 5 months. So I could get that or I could invest in a car seat that would take the baby up to 65 to 75 pounds. I decided to register for the seat that take her into a 65 pound weight. This is the one I found I like

I am still up in the air about strollers. A jogging stroller would be nice, but they are all in fugly colors. I know! That is such a dumb reason, but I cant help it! I don't need everything in "girl" colors but can it at least be not ugly army green. I have found a few that I like but of course they are a lot more money that I want to spend. So I am still looking into that. I registared for tons of recieving blankets, sheets, bibs and little baby towels hoodies. I wont bore you with them but here are some other fun things I registared for so far.

What the hell was that?!?!

2008-09-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday I couldn't sleep in. My husband is back from his vacation (more on that later) so I didn't want to wake him on his first morning to sleep in our bed. So at 9am I got up and went into his playroom which is right by our bedroom I figured I would lay in there and watch tv. I went downstairs got a bowl of cereal and juice went back upstairs sat down turned on the tv and started to eat. Well at at 9:45 he was up. I guess football started in 15 minutes. So we both laughed that here I was trying to be nice and he was going to be getting up anyways. I went down to the living room to watch tv.
About 10 minutes after I went down stairs I started to feel so ill. Really nausea and kinda crampy. So I went up stairs to the bathroom and at this point I wasn't sure which end it something was going to come out of. I stated to sweat. So I called my husband to quickly bring me some water. Thank god he was A. home and B. I didnt care if he sees me on the potty. I took a few sips of water. I didn't have the queasy feeling anymore but I did have an urge to lay down. So I got up, barely got my pj pants back up and stumbled into the bedroom. I laid there on the bed for a good 30 minutes. Then I eventually fell asleep. I heard my husband come in at some point and check on me. I told him I was much better but I just needed to rest.
About 2 hours later I was awake and felt fine. I did some research and it turns out it was more than likely a hot flash due to hormones. The flash lasted less than 5 minutes but ugh what a weird way to start off my Sunday. I am going to give my doctor a call just to confirm that was all it was. I feel the baby move and my instincts say it was nothing but has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks Grandpa

2008-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

I think I may have mentioned that I am my dad's only child. He raised me along with help from my grandma. So when I found out I was having a girl I laughed because that meant my dad was going to do girl stuff all over again. Just when he thought he was done. ha!
He is so happy to be a grandpa, he even took an ultrasound picture to work to show off. A few weeks ago he gave me his first gift for the baby. Isn't it cute and perfect since she will be arriving in the winter.

Help me pick!!!

2008-09-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

I did my wedding shower invitations and I have decided to do my baby shower invitations as well. I will show you the finished invite once they are done.
I need some help on the opening line of what I want it to say. FYI: It's a co-ed shower for our female and male family and friends. I am unsure as of now if my husband will be attending that is why some of them say his name and some don't. But here are a few ideas I have found that I like.

#1 Oh Baby!
It's a Baby Shower!
Come join us in celebrating the arrival of
Leah’s Baby Girl!

#2 Leah and husband
baby girl is on the way
Let's get them prepared
for the big day!
You're invited to a baby celebration!

#3 We are tickled pink
and happy to say
An adorable little girl
is on the way!
You're invited to Leah and husband baby celebration!

#4 A sweet little girl to tuck in all snug,
to love and to cuddle, to kiss and hug.
Join us for a baby shower in honor of
Leah, husbdand and baby girl.

#5 Your suggestions....

Happy Birthday Hubby

2008-09-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Today is my husband birthday. In the almost 13 years we have been together dating this is only maybe the third birthday we have spent apart. Kinda sad since normally we are on a trip together or doing something fun to celebrate. You see he didn't really do birthdays before he met me. I know, crazy! He never understood that a birthday is special because it is a day just for you. A day to celebrate your birth and your life.
I always tried to make it special. When he turned 18 I got cake and his sisters together and we sang happy birthday to him in the kitchen. Sounds silly, but at the time it was sweet. Over the years we have went to Hawaii, San Fransisco and Vegas for his birthdays. One year I even threw him a surprise party with all his closest friends.
And now this year he is off celebrating alone turning 30. My friend J said you never know when people will have their "ah ha" moments. I am hoping him being away and finally hitting that grand 30 year marker will allow him to have his ah ha moment. And he will come back as a man ready to be a dad.

On a side note: My boss gave everyone in the office a small package of turkey jerky. I love turkey jerky. My blood pressure has been down so I decided I would have a piece. Baby orange doesn't like turkey jerky. I feel all yucky now.

My Crazy Niece

2008-09-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

My niece who will be turning 3 this month is crazy. Ask anyone in my husband family and they will tell you this is true. She was the first grandchild for his parents and she has been the only one for 3 years. So her mom and I are slowly easing her into the idea of having a little cousin.
Its not going so well. When her mom asks her if hottie Leah is having a baby she will always say no. And when we say Diego (She calls my husband this because she thinks he looks like Diego from Dora the explorer) is going to be a daddy she runs away screaming no. hmmmm...I wonder if he taught her that. Any suggestions on other ways we can help our niece get excited about the baby?
First she loves to tell people where they stand in here life. For example she will look at me and run to her grandma and say "my grandma". Its like she is marking her territory. She loves me very much but normal if my husband isn't with me she will say "hottie Leah, where Diego?". Then once she knows the status of him will she be willing to talk to me about whatever.
Last week she spend the night at our house. We stopped by Best Buy to get her a Dora DVD. She came into the house which she tells everyone it's hottie Leah house (smart girl), anyways we all ate dinner and watched her DVD. Then it was bath time and off to bed. All was going great. Then she actually fell asleep, and started snoring. And I mean she sounds like an old man that has been smoking all his life. Then she sleeps horizontal. We have a large bed but some how she managed to take up most of it. So one my right was my niece, I was in the middle and my husband to my left. I was smoothed!
Here is my niece as she and Diego walk into best buy. I kept her pant let rolled up cause she looked so gangsta. Ha!

Long Weekend

2008-09-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

I do like working only 4 days a week. Long weekends give me an extra day of doing nothing if I so choose. I was able to keep myself busy for the most part. My husband text me few times the last few days to let me know he was safe. I am going to assume he didnt call since I was such a blubbing cry baby when he left and he is one of those guys that when I cry he cries.
Anyways, friday I went walking with friends after work. Saturday I hung out with the inlaws. And Sunday I went to their family reunion. Since my husband wasnt in town I felt I needed to go and show support for his dad side of the family. Plus I have heard so much about some of the family I had to check it out for myself. I had a lot of fun!
Finally Monday my extra playday. I had plans to try and get out of the house but then...well you know what happend. Me and baby orange decided we liked the couch. We watched all the marathons. Including Monk, Murder she Wrote, Project Runway and ANTM.
Not much going on in babyland. She is moving around a lot more and I swear at one point my back hurt so bad at night from side sleeping I would have paid $100 to anyone for me to be able to sleep on my stomach. I mean really I miss stomach sleep more than anything.
What did you guys do over the weekend?

I loved tag as a kid!

2008-08-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

My wonderful bee friend Cathleya aka Pengyho has tagged me. This is my first tag so I hope I do it right! Here is here Link http://www.xanga.com/wifeylifey Go visit her she has a great blog!

Here are the rules of this tag game:
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Write 6 random things about yourself
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is posted
Six Random Things About Me:

1. End of the world movies freak me out. Only the ones that say the world is ending due to a natural disaster. Not because of aliens.

2. I wanted to be a doctor all the way from high school until about my junior year in college. Then I realized I had to take a lot of more math and that was the end of that.

3. I love David Beckham. He is a lot "paler" than I would ever go for but he has tattoos and a body that would put most men to shame. I don't like his voice, but I can just look at him and be happy.

4. I use to call my sister lizard when she was an infant. She looked like a lizard and she was ugly. ha! But now she is really pretty.

5. I want to live out my senior citizen years in Paris. I want to move there when I am like 75 and stay there until I die.

6. I am scared that I will get too big during this pregnancy that I cannot shave my legs.

Recall Warning

2008-08-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

I am starting to research more and more baby items that I will purchase or register for in the coming months. Now that I am going to be a mom I pay much more attention to things like toy safety and product recalls. One of the first items I am looking to get is the crib (my sister is buy the car seat, otherwise that would be the first item :)) I have found a few I liked so I went to this site http://www.cpsc.gov/
and I found this warning on a Simplicity product and thought I would pass the information on just in case you are looking to buy this item...

Government warns Simplicity bassinets are deadly
Thu Aug 28, 12:06 am ET
WASHINGTON – A government safety group is warning parents not to use a Pennsylvania company's baby bassinets after two babies were trapped and strangled in the product.
The "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets, made by Simplicity Inc. of Reading, Pa., can allow infants to slip through the product and suffocate, said the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Simplicity Inc.'s 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spaced farther apart than federal standards allow.
CPSC said a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan., was strangled on Aug. 21 when she became entrapped between the bassinet's metal bars. Last September, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo., became entrapped in the product's metal bars and died.
SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity Inc.'s assets in April, "has refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products," CPSC said in a release Wednesday. "SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc."
Simplicity recalled about 1 million cribs Sept. 21, 2007, after reports of three deaths as well as reports that seven infants had become entrapped in its cribs.

Adios

2008-08-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well finally my husband asked me to take him to the airport for his non secretive trip to puetro rico. I know what some of you may be thinking. "oh hell no, I wouldn't take him" trust me that was my initial feeling. But I just kept thinking what if something happens to him while he was gone I could never live with myself for not seeing him off. Like that video of Brian McKnight from years ago when the plane was going down.

So I am taking him to the airport tonight. Then I will be going back to my parents house for the week he is gone. He actually has been fine this past week. We had our niece last night and had fun with her. I doubt "oh so needed vacation" will do any good, it wont change what he has said to me or what he said about our child.
But he did ask me about baby names on Tuesday night. SHOCKING!!! He orginally said he didn't care what the baby name was and now he wanted to know if he could help pick out a name. I said yep, we could come up with a first name we both like. Then last night he actually had a list of names he had came up with. Some were funny and some he actually liked. So maybe just maybe he is starting to realize this is actually happening. We are having a baby and he should be involved as much as he can. Or maybe he just feels guilty about going on his trip. Who knows.

21 week Dr Appoitment

2008-08-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

I had a doctor appointment yesterday and it went super! My blood pressure is way down. Its back to normal. YEAH!!! I am still monitoring it but its nice to have it back down. I am totally not stressing like I was so I think that is helping out a lot. My weight and measurements are right on track.
Next appointment is the fun glucose test! Oh joy! 4 hours of no food. I originally had an afternoon appointment but I think I will be changing that to a morning appointment so it will be easier on me.

One of the few thing I will buy

2008-08-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

I am pretty lucky that between family and friends the baby will be getting a lot of great things to fill her closet up with. I wont have to buy too many things myself for the first year besides diapers and food. But there are a few cute items that are a must purchase I saw these socks a few years ago when I was shopping for a girlfriends baby shower. I must have made a mental note to myself and buried it deep in my brain because on Monday night it popped in my head and I had to find them. How cute are these!

Blah

2008-08-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

I think I over did it this weekend. But the problem is I did absolutely nothing. I sat around the house all day yesterday. You would think after I watched a series of shows on over weight, shortest people, tallest people, people with half a body I would want to do more with myself on a day off. But I didn't. I just sat there dozing in and out of sleep. Eating whatever appealed to me and only moving to eat or use the bathroom. And now I am all sore, my back hurts, my butt aches and my neck is crazy stiff. This is my punishment for not getting out the house and doing something. So today at work I feel so tired and blah.

Oh I guess I skipped that

2008-08-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Opps I realized that I skipped the offical big movement post (thanks babyquest). I think mention back a few weeks (like week 18ish)ago I felt like a flutter and was sure that was something but not sure at the same time. Well this week Baby Girl Orange (my friend Tim gave her the name Orange and it just kind stuck) anyways, she has been moving around here and there. This started at 20 weeks and 4 days. Mostly in the morning when I first get up. But yesterday when I stayed home all day she was swimming around all morning until I ate. And then I took a mid day nap after lunch and she was bouncing from once side to another. And last night as we listened to music I swear she kicked the head phone. I swear I felt that thing jump. But of course when i looked down at my tummy nothing. Its not regular and I feel it the most when I am laying down on my side.
The only time I really notice her at work is when she decided my bladder is fun to get a good jump start off of. It will be quick pressure and the urge to pee! It is the funniest feeling!
But Ok I have a confession. As neat as the movement is, its kinda weird. Maybe I watched Aliens one too many times as a kid. When Orange moves it actually startles me. I cannot say I love all this new rumbling around yet. I know most moms are counting the moments until they feel the baby move, and it is neat but I think I am just not use to it yet.

Baby Gifts

2008-08-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

So far this baby has gotten so really amazing gifts. I decided I better start showing some of the wonderful things she has gotten. Lets start with my fellow blogger Anita!!! Now check out her blog at http://anitaspinkthumb.blogspot.com/ she is an amazing gardener and the meals that she cooks will make your mouth water just looking at them!
I had the chance to hang out with Anita when she came to Seattle last month. We had a lot of fun! And look what she got the baby

cute bibs for her first meals and a smart toy. Yep those colors are suppose to be really good for babies! Thanks again Anita I love them!
My grandma has something she just finished for Anita and once I have it in the mail I will show you guys!

I am Listening

2008-08-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

I am listening to my body and decided to stay home today. I wasn't really feeling great and then when I got up to go potty I hurt my back and I was like that is a sign! I called my boss and went back to bed. But of course I could go back to sleep my back hurt too much. So I tossed and turned, got the heating pad meanwhile my husband was off today so I found out he takes up the whole bed when he thinks I am going into work. Finally I went downstairs and my back calmed down. But I think all the commotion woke the baby up so she was moving all around. I just took it easy for the rest of the day. I was so glad I listed to my body I would have been miserable at work!

He went where???

2008-08-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

So the word on the streets is my husband recently made a trip to babies r us with a few of his guys friends. Now these two guy friends he went with are wonderful and totally have been a great support to me. One is already a dad and has #2 on the way and the other guy loves to help with baby stuff. Both very level headed and have spoken to my husband along with other friends about his behavior.
My husband and I haven't had any arguments lately. He asked me about the due date and something else baby related the other night. But I forget. Anyways, I answer his questions as he asks, He knew the answers to whatever it was so I was thinking whatever dude. But other than that I don't talk to him about baby stuff. His sister thinks its his way of trying to get involved, and I know it is but I am bitter to a point. If he cannot be man enough to come out and ask me to tell him what he really wants to know then his loss. He can keep fishing for answers.
Anyways he is leaving on his secret trip to Puetro Rico next week. Well its not a secret because I busted his stupid ass on that crap. I plan on staying with my parents for the most part while he is gone. To be honest I hope he doesn't call or text while he is away. Shit if he wants time away to clear his mind well then be gone with you. Don't bother me while you are gone. I am busily thinking of things to do for the next week while he is gone.
1. Work on my baby shower invites (Yep, I am doing my own!)
2. Go register at babies r us and Target
3. Finish cleaning up my room at my parents house since it will be a nursery/ my room.
4. Finish cleaning out the guest room at our house
5. Register for birthing class
6. Go to dinner with the girls
7. Go to the gym Saturday morning
8. Work on baby shower baby CD
9. And if I am feeling really energized I may even actually buy one of the items that I have been eyeing for the baby. Like her swing or something.
I don't know just little odds and ends that I can take care of.

Dear After Baby Body Gods,

2008-08-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

Dear After Baby Body Gods,
I know I am writing my prayer letter to you a few years earlier than I expected. But I feel like I have been a good member of the Pre-Baby Body Church. I never asked for much more than to take off the occasional 5 pounds here and there. And I was always willing to work to get those pounds off. I tried to hit the gym a few times a week and always ate fruits and veggies. And I still am not complaining about the newest bump I have.
But After Baby Body Gods if you could please find it in your heart to hear my prayer. Please give me my old body back after my baby has arrived. As you know I have prayed ever night to the Healthy Baby Gods so I figured I would go ahead and start my prayers to you. You see I saw this

Yes, I know I was no Jessica to start off with. But damn it I looked good (hey how do you think I got pregnant in the first place!!!). I had curves in all the right places! I will happily work to get my pre baby body back but it sure would be nice if I had your help in make sure I can at least have a fighting chance. Amen.

Not Overwhelmed Anymore

2008-08-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

After last week excitement of finding out I am having a girl I tried to look at baby stuff online. I was totally overwhelmed by the choices. But I think I am over that and now I am on top of what I want and like for my baby. I started with diaper bags. I found this site
http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/

and well now I am overwhelmed again! They have over 1000 diaper bags! And tons of cute crib stuff. Look at the site at your own risk, I am warning you it is a lot of cute, adorable and sweet things to take in all at once. You will have a cute over load if your not prepared.

No more tummy sleep

2008-08-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Up until about a two weeks ago I had been able to sleep on my tummy still. Not for long amounts of time but just for a little to give my back and my sides a break. Well I noticed a few weeks ago I couldn't so I stopped. And then last night my ass hurt so bad from sitting on it all day :) I tried to lay on my tummy. Nope. Couldn't even for a second. I am so sad! I am happy that I cant because that mean I have a baby growing in there but sad because I love to sleep that way. When did any of you have to stop sleeping on your growing bumps?

I am so lazy

2008-08-17T17:17:00.001-07:00

That is the best way to describe myself today. I didnt do a thing! I love to keep busy on my days off but I found myself with nothing to do this Sunday so why fight it. Yesterday was in the low 90's here in Seattle so I think that has a lot to do with my lack of motivation today. I feel like a cat. Sleep a little, eat, go potty, walk around, go back to sleep and eat some more. Ugh back to work tomorrow!

20 Week Ultrasound Recap

2008-08-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Lets see where to start. First of all it was like torture working on the ultrasound day. But it was probably better than sitting at home. My sister came and got me and we headed to the doctor office, my husband was meeting us there. Now this would be a fun/ interesting afternoon, fun because we were going to find out if the baby was ok and interesting because my sister hasn't seen my husband since Miami so basically prior to him being a jerk to me.
The thing about my siblings and I is we are extremely close and there isn't much we wouldn't do for each other. Basically I think my brother is the nicest once between us and my sister and I will cut you if you cross us, kidding! But really we will protect each other. So I wasn't sure how my sister would treat my husband. But when he arrived she gave him this evil eye look and that was it. I don't think they said a word to each other the entire time. Which was smart on both their parts. My husband sat through the appointment with his sunglasses on and didn't say too much, now the room is dim so we can see the screen, I am not sure how much he was able to see, but whatever. The smartest thing I did was have my sister come along. She was pumped which took the edge off me.
Right before we went into the room my brother calls. I can hear him on my sisters phone "so what are we having?" ha! We both said we don't know yet, we will call you back.
Into the room we go. I had the same ultrasound lady I did last time. She is wonderful because she explains everything as she goes. Now the remaining part of this story you have to imagine me and my sister with huge ass kool-aid smiles on our faces. Really, we looked like we were up for Miss USA title we smiled so much. First we saw the spine. I think my sister both said "wow" at the same time. It was crazy!
On to the heart, all the chambers were there. 2 arms, two legs, 10 fingers, 2 kidney's and 1 big head! No really her head was huge looking! But inside that big head is a big brain.
On to see the big show, she was wedged with her butt down and back turned up. The ultrasound tech wiggled my tummy to try to get her to move. She wouldn't budge. We went back to the heart so the tech could finish up getting the heart measurements and pictures she needed.
Back to see if the baby was a boy or girl. Finally, she was turned so we could see. The tech asked my husband what he wanted, he said its probably a boy (side note: he wanted a girl, but figured since he was already being "forced" to have a baby he wouldn't get what he wanted in gender). Then the tech asked me I said I didn't care either one would be great. Then my sister pips up and says I want a girl! And her middle name will be Sarah (that is my sister's first name).
Then the tech said you see these three dots she circled then on the screen.

Well that is girl parts, if it was a boy you would see a line. My sister squealed! I turned to her and she and I started to giggle. It was so funny! a few more looks around, wipe off the goo from my tummy and she cut up the pictures for me to take with.
We left the office, my sister and I called our brother, he answered and said "its a boy!" Together my sister and I said "1-2-3 its a girl!!!" to which my brother said "damn it!" ha! It was so funny! After we got off the call with him we gave each other a hug my sister was heading to Vegas for school the next morning so I wouldn't see her again until my baby shower in November.
Here are some pictures of the baby for you to see.

It's a....

2008-08-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!
Yep! She reluctantly showed us her goods at the end of the ultrasound. SHe is healthy and right on target for everything. I will tell you the full story along with pictures tomorrow! AH! I can't believe it!

Just a few more hours!!!!

2008-08-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

How am I suppose to work when in a few hours (5 o'clock to be exact) I will find out how this little baby is doing in there!!! Boy or girl??? This is just too much for me, I don't like suspense movies so you can imagine what this is like in my own life. Ok I should be able to give you guys the update by 9pm tonight so check back then. Keep me in your thoughts today that all goes well. Regardless of if I can see what I am having I just want him or her to be healthy!!!!

Baby Shower Fun

2008-08-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

Ok between the pitiful anniversary and heartburn I figured I would give us something happy to think about, I don't know about you ladies but I love to go to a good party! I feel like I cannot really get the baby shower ideas flowing until I know what I am having. Well my friend G who is due in September is a party throwing extraordinaire. She is waiting to find out what she is having. So her Alice and wonderland tea party themed baby shower was perfect since it wasn't really geared towards one gender. It was perfect timing for me, since I am having my shower in the same venue I was able to see what the space really could do. I was able to steal a few of the huge flowers she made and I will use them at my own shower but in a different way. Check out these pictures of what she was able to come up with for her theme.

And a picture of yours truly, each lady at the shower was given a hair fluff to wear.

I heart Tums

2008-08-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

First let me say thank you to everyone that offered their kind words and hugs to me for the last few days. I really appreciate it.
They say the second trimester is easy compared to the first and third. So far this has been true. Recently my friend J and I were talking about a common problem we both had started to have within the last week. HEARTBURN!!! Just when I was able to start eating fun foods again!
Ugh and it sure is uncomfortable. Some days I don't think my food can get much blander. The only relief I have found is from my new best friend:

My grandma has a huge bottle of tums sitting by her night stand and now so do I. Actually its funny my grandma and I have a lot in common these days. For example I no longer wear my sexy underwear now I have giant granny panties! I am in my P.J's by 7 and in bed by 9. Oh and I have to go potty at least once in the night. I guess being pregnant is like looking ahead to old age.

The good thing about being sad

2008-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well our anniversary went just as expect. He never mentioned it. Its just so him. We went and saw Step Brothers with Will Ferrell. It was funny. Then we came home. He was eating his nasty Popeye's chicken crap and I ate my favorite cereal. I gave him his gifts. He said thanks and continued to eat and watch Lock up on MSNBC. I went to the bedroom. I decided earlier in the day I needed the baby to listen to more Stevie Wonder songs. So put the ipod in the stereo and me and baby spent our anniversary listening to Stevie Wonder. With a few tears added in just because I can. When I finally got them all wiped away. Those few tears turned into an all out good cry after he came in the bedroom to check on me. He actually said "hey, you ok? What's wrong?" Ugh like you don't know you big jerk!
The good thing about being so sad is it helps pass the time. I am down to 2 days until I hopefully know if I am having boy or girl!

Happy Anniversary, sorta

2008-08-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Well today I have officially been married for one year. I cant say its been the greatest year. My husband hasn't been the world greatest, cant even say he comes in the top 100 list on that category.
I was just telling my sister in law how hard it was finding him a anniversary card. they all say "Your my best friend", "I cannot imagine my life without you", "You have been there for me when i needed you the most" or "I love you". Don't get me wrong I do love him. No matter what he has said or done, we have been together almost 13 year so love doesn't fade that easily. I didn't say i liked him. That really is on a day by day status with me right now.
I wanted the card to say husband so at least it was different than the other anniversary cards I had given him over the years. But he hasn't been there for me recently, I have been forced to imagine my life with out him and he is not my best friend. Ok he is my best friend but I still don't like him.
I did get him two books for his anniversary gift. I got him a travel book on Pueto Rico. He has been talking about vacationing there for years, so he finally booked a trip with his guy friend for the end of the month as his birthday gift to himself.
The other book is the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I originally saw him on Oprah. I was totally touched by his outlook of his life and eventual death of cancer. At one point he said people are either a tigger or an erho. I have always joked the my husband was an erho. When I was about 10 weeks along he told me that having a baby was worse than having cancer.
I know. sad he feels that way.
Anyone who has seen a loved one battle cancer knows that having a baby is nothing like cancer. I could go on and on about cancer, my uncle died last year of cancer. It changed my life. It changed how I looked at every part of life. At the time I was 3 months away from getting married. Seeing my uncle in bed at the hospice barely able to speak, I just knew if I was ever in that posistion (god forbid)I want my husband there to see me through my final days and hours.
WOW, what a differance a year makes. Happy one year anniversary.

What am I having???

2008-08-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

At the top of the blog you can see I have a poll going on. I just realized it isn't fair since you may not know all there is to know about my symptoms so far. I decided to give you a cheat sheet of my answers to some old wives tales to help you out:

*I think I am carrying my baby low but that is up for debate.
*My feet are the same as before.
*The Dad-to-be is not gaining any weight.
*I had morning sickness early in my pregnancy.
*Hang a thread with a needle over your belly. The thread moves back and forth.
*I pick a key up by the big end.
*I have been craving fruits and milk. Most meats are gross to me right now.
*The baby's heart rate was 160 or more for the for first 17 weeks and at 18 weeks it was 140.
*If someone asks me to show them my hands, I show them palms up.
*How do you pick up a mug? By the handle
*The hair on my legs is not growing any faster during my pregnancy.
*My nose has not spread.
*I crave sweets more than sours.
*The "girls" doubled in size but I cannot tell if one is bigger.
*My vision has stayed the same.
*I haven't had any dreams about which gender I am having.

Hope that helps!

19 weeks and 1 week away

2008-08-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today I am officially at the start of my 19th week. In exactly one week from today I am having my big ultrasound! Next Thursday could not get her quick enough!
The hardest thing for me these days is to figure out the weeks to months ratio. I know that seems so silly, but really I have to pause each time someone asks me how far along I am. I can easily tell you in weeks but the months can get tricky for me. I was so happy when I found this quick little cheat sheet. I hope it helps you like it has helped me!

Present for the "girls"

2008-08-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

I will be heading into my 19 week in a few days and I noticed something. My skin is dry and itchy everywhere! I had read that this would happen but now I needed to do something about it before it drove me crazy. I started using organic lotions, but I got a great tip for the "girls".

Here is the official info:
Lansinoh HPA® Brand Lanolin, the leading topical in its category, is recognized around the world and is the only topical nipple treatment endorsed by La Leche League International*, considered the foremost experts on breastfeeding.

Created with a patented refining process, Lansinoh uses ultra-pure, medical-grade lanolin to help heal sore, cracked nipples, a major reason women discontinue breastfeeding.
Lansinoh HPA® Brand Lanolin is the only lanolin available that contains no preservatives or additives of any kind, so it does not have to be removed before breastfeeding.

I just started using it last night so we will see how it works, but the people who recommended it swear by it! It can be found in the baby section of most stores, I got mine at Target for a low price of $8.43. It also gave me a chance to look around the baby stuff!

Weekend at Bernies

2008-08-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

HA! I wish I had a fun filled weekend like in that movie, minus the dead body. I mostly took it easy at my parents house. Since I knew my husband wouldn't be home and well lets face it I need it seemed like a perfect time to stay there.
On Friday I had my doctor appointment. All went well! I am still on the high side for my blood pressure so she gave me a prescription get get my very own handy dandy blood pressure machine. I later told my mother in law this and she great "great bring it over here and check my blood pressure"! funny, cause she knows I will! Anyways, I am right on track with my weight gain and measurements. The baby heart beat was lower this time at 140 but that is still right where it should be. I read that the heart beat is normally higher in previous weeks and lowers.
10 days until we find out what we are having!!!! I am so excited.

I bought my first baby item

2008-08-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have been given some wonderful things so far for the baby. I will show you those soon. But this past Sunday my friends Tim and C and J and I all went to Pista Sa Nayon which is the Filipino American festival as a part of Seattle Seafair weekend. Since my husband is 1/2 Filipino I was on the look out for some cute baby items. And look what I found!

So cute! I am also excited because C & J are also expecting a few week after me so they picked up this same cute item!

You look tired.

2008-07-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Ok I never got this. I never understood why other mostly women feel like its ok to tell another woman she looks tired or sleepy. I normally do not look tired but, if I just walked up the stairs or am about to start eating my lunch I may look winded but not tried! I know what I look like when I am tired. And it is not a pretty site.
Anyways, this one lady at my job insists on telling me each morning now that I have announced my pregnancy that I look tired. And each morning I want to say Bullshit! I look great in the mornings! My hair and make-up is still intact, I normally have just eaten breakfast so my spirits are high and my clothes are still buttoned and fasted as they should.
I could totally understand someone saying I look tired after lunch, I normally have been walking downtown so hair is wind blown make-up maybe rubbed off, clothes (mostly pants) are unbuttoned. And overall I look a little tired. Still not full blown ugly girl tired but not the sparkling beauty (wink) I was in the morning. Does anyone else have someone who loves to tell them how sleepy or shitty you look now?

Kid full weekend!

2008-07-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Just when I think I will have a relaxing weekend I change my mind. I have been feeling so good lately I want to do as much as I can without over doing it. Friday night I babysat our niece. She had already had a pretty full day so she was kind of over me within the first 30 minutes. As I drove to the house my husband called to tell me to keep her out of his hair because he was would be busy for awhile in his office. Well, that was fine, she and I had a lot to do. She saw he mom put her swimsuit in her overnight bag the drive to the house all I heard was "Auntie we play in watera" over and over again. So first thing she did when we got to the house was put her Dora the explorer swim suit of I hooked up the hose and we ran around the yard for about 20 minutes. I would chase her and squirt her with the cold water, as she squealed in delight!
Then back into the house to eat. But then it hap pend. She saw a picture of her mom. "My mommy, oh my mommy". Note to self: hide all pictures of her mommy and grandma. Then magically at about 9:30 she fell asleep. I woke her back up quickly to go potty, and guess who is amazingly done with his work. Well at this point our niece was too tired to care and gave her uncle a hug and said good night and off to bed she went. That was really the easiest I have ever had with her going to sleep.
I like to say I got a good nights rest, but she snores like a 60 year old trucker that has smoked his whole lifetime. She was in my ear all night!
Despite how my husband may look at this pregnancy as ruining his life he sure does have a soft spot for his niece. I mean they adore each other. But she is no fool, if you dont play with her in her time frame she has no time for you.
Saturday morning I turned on the cartoons fixed her breakfast and got to sleep for another hour. yeah!
Then it was off to the horse races. I took two of my good friends and my nephew who is 8. I broke even but my friend Tim did really good and won over $100 on a $5 bet! By Saturday after noon I had heard auntie so many times I thought my eyes would pop out of my head. Is that how I will feel about hear mommy, mommy, mommy all day????
Sunday I originally had planned to say home all day. But something fun came up. Tell you all about it tomorrow.

Late night

2008-07-25T07:37:00.001-07:00

Well last night I did it. I had my list of thing to talk to my husband about and all the paperwork for FMLA, banking info, birthing classes, etc. I was prepared. So we talked. And he is still happily selfish. Cant say I didn't try. Luckily this totally cleared up many things I wanted to run by him.
I have total say on the name
I am more than likely changing my name back to my maiden name
He doesn't care about dr appointments (except the one we find the gender out)
He doesn't care about child care, the baby shower, nursery items and has no plans on buying or paying for any of the above items.
The birthing class was originally a no, but when I said that was fine because my good friend and his sister both offered to go with me. He magically said he would think about it.
Oh and his best line of the night. I asked if he wanted to be in the room when the baby was born? he said he was 50/50 on that.
Well then I in a calm manner said ok because if you don't plan on doing the birthing class there is no point of you being in the room since you will not be my coach. I didn't say it quite like that, but you get the idea. He then said he would think about it. Finally at like midnight I got to go to bed. And then back up at 5:30am to go to work. UGH!!! I will be dragging today!
On the bright side I am baby sitting our niece tonight! I am so excited! While she is a hand full she is always entertaining! I will let you know how it goes!
TGIF!!!

Oh crap!

2008-07-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

So I totally fell down the steps this morning as I got off the bus. Luckily I landed on my rear end. But it kinda startled me. I think I am fine, I will just monitor things for the next few hours. I was trying to be polite and squeeze through people that wouldnt move. Next time I will just push my way through and say "MOVE!!!"
On the bright side I think I felt a kick or something yesterday. It was quick and I haven't felt it since but it was something. Exciting!!!

Another one bites the dust

2008-07-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Well another pair of work pants will be retired today. I have these great black slacks and they are totally too tight around the waist when I sit down. I dressed extra nice today at work because I knew I was going to tell my bosses my news. I first told my direct supervisor and she was so happy! Then I told my other boss and she too was so happy. I knew they would be, but I was about the timing of my leave being at the first of the year and all. But they assured me my job would be here for me when I returned. phew!
This weekend at the cousins son 3rd birthday party I also found out my cousin who is 2 years old she may be expecting #2! She would be due in March so it was some exciting news for the family!

Semi Belly Picture

2008-07-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

So last night I was watching tv and playing on the laptop. I know I need to take more belly pictures on a regular basis. But I was so darn comfy. So I got out my camera and took a picture of my belly at that moment.

Oh and I happened to be having ice cream and a piece of pie. ha! And for once I didn't feel like a fat pig, I just reminded myself how good all that calcium in the ice cream was and the fruit in the apple pie has to be wonderful for the baby! That's my story and I am sticking to it!

Pants Don't Fit

2008-07-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

While we were in Vegas I took a few options of what I wanted to wear out at night. I brought jeans, skirts and two pairs of white Capri's. As we got ready one night I put these white capris on that I always look great in. You know they are flatter to every curve. Well expect for my newest curve in front. I couldn't get the damn things to button or zip up. So off they went with a few colorful words. And I put on a skirt with a nice elastic waist.
So today as I sit at work I have on one of my favorite pairs of jeans. The moment I sat down at my desk I had to unbutton and unzip them. I guess this is my last day of wearing them. And now I am dreading the 40 minute bus ride home because I have to figure out how am I going to unbutton and unzip my pants without looking like a perv on the bus. Luckily I wore a longer shirt today so I have been able to cover this up but their is no way to rezip it gracefully on the bus.

Back from Vegas

2008-07-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Ok Vegas with our friends was blast! The average temperature was 109 degrees. Not ideal for a pregnancy. But I managed to stay cool the whole time! Basically I made sure each time I went out in the heat I had a bottle of water with me. This did make the bathroom visits more frequent but those casinos has some fancy bathrooms so it was ok. Also I made sure I had a plan. Normally I can wonder around the strip for hours, but this time I made sure I had a destination in mind and knew the coolest way to get there. Most importantly I took lots of breaks. I tried to make sure I sat down before my feet started to hurt. I was even able to stay out until 2:30am one morning. In case you didn't know, that is a current record for me since I found out I was expecting. Normally I am in bed by 10pm these days.
Also the main advice I got for traveling on a plane while pregnant was to drink tons of water and stretch. From Seattle to Las Vegas it is only a two hour flight but I still managed to drink up 16 ounces. I had to use the dreaded airplane bathroom. But even that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Things to come this week: I plan on taking a new belly picture this week. Maybe on Friday so it will be a 16 week picture. This is also the week I planned on telling my job I am pregnant. I am not really that excited to do it. I have been there for 9 months now and while my big boss has a child my direct supervisor doesn't. They both are very nice but I don't really know them well enough to know how they will take the news. Hopefully they will find it as good and see my maternity leave as a good thing. ha! Do bosses ever think long time away is a good thing. Anyways, I still am not showing too much (I still just look chubbier the normal) so I am think I may wait until next week. The good thing is by the time I go on leave my FMLA will have kicked in and I should be getting all the benefits of that. I have heard we have great maternity leave so I am already talking to HR to find out what I can expect from that. And if my husband wants (doubtful, but you never know) he can also take 3 months off for paternity leave. In a perfect world that would give us a total of 6 months of pure baby time.

15 weeks and Iam hot!!!

2008-07-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today Iam 15 weeks! Some time in January about 15 friends all decided we should have a group trip to Vegas in July to celebrate all of us turning 30 this year. Well I wasnt planning on being pregnant at time. So here we are on Vegas 100+ heat! Luckily I had the all good to fly here. So far I have learned to remain hydrated and limit my time in the heat. But unless we are in a casino or in our hotel Iam hot! Anyone have any tips they are using to stay cool in hot weather?

Vote on a Name Game

2008-07-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Help me start picking a name. I find out what we are having on August 14 so in the mean time to pass the time I decided to see what my friends and family think of some of the suggestions I have gotten so far. Some of these names I really like and some...well some are a joke. Diego is what our niece calls my husband. She loves Dora the explorer and she thinks he looks like the character Diego on that show. So funny! My sister in-law has been wonderful and she has suggested some of these names too!
So help us vote below. Also I am up for any suggestions so feel free to give me some names to consider.
http://www.babynames.com/namelist/9639421

In the clear

2008-07-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

I went to the oncologist at lunch yesterday and got some good news. They were able to do a blood draw there and give me the results within minutes. My count was still considered high but it had dropped from where it was last time. So it could be two things A) I am just one of those people that always have a high cell count or B) its just the pregnancy and my body is just do what it is suppose to do. Either way I have nothing to be worried about. My red blood cell count and platelet count was excellent.
I called my aunt who is a nurse and she confirmed that based on the amount of weeks that I am it sounds like it is perfectly normal. Yippy!
Also the cancer center is located in the hospital that I will be delivering in. I wanted to sneak around and check out all the new changes they have made but I was running late to get back to work. Oh well guess I will have to wait for the official tour.

How are you feeling?

2008-07-07T07:18:00.001-07:00

This weekend I was out with a good friend of mine that has a broken foot. He has been on the disabled list for at least 6 weeks now. So when we arrived at a bbq when our friends said "how are you feeling" I automatically turned to him waiting for him to reply. Then when he didn't I turned back and looked and low and behold they were talking to me! Now that the cat is out of the bag I have been getting asked "how are you feeling" a lot! I mean, I have really considerate people around me and we always ask how each other are but now it is said a little differently. Now its is with a slight tilt in the head to show concern and in a sympathetic voice. Its so nice! Then they ask if I am having any morning sickness or cravings. Am I sleepy or do I have a bump yet. I can honestly say I have only been sick a hand full of times in my life. I have never broken anything (knock on wood) and never had to spend the night in an hospital. Overall I have always been healthy so I am not use to people asking how I am feeling and I actually have something to besides "fine" or "good".
Today I have my appointment with the vampire to get more blood to check my white blood cell count. Wish me luck!