The Preeclampsia Scare of 2006

Tuesday I had my 8 ½ month check in and everything is going really well!! Bebe is healthy and in position. Although I did get a little freaked when I was asked if I have been experiencing any contractions – uh no, not yet, thank you very much! Blood pressure good (120/64), heartbeat good (between 137-140 for those playing at home), and few more pounds and inches gained in the Belly Region.

Then I got home & the headache hit and the queasiness settled in. I decided to stay home from work that day to attempt to make myself feel better and my little nap in the middle of the day seemed to do it. I went into work on Wednesday not feeling well at all. The heat (over 90 degrees) wasn’t helping matters, my ankles and feet were swollen upon waking up and the nausea hadn’t gone away. All day at work, I kept popping TUMS and feeling worse than I had with The Sickness and I struggled through until the end of the day. I fell asleep on the couch watching General Hospital around 10:30 or so and was woken up violently by THROWING UP on the couch (while still lying down) and on the hardwood floors. I attempted to get up quickly, yeah right and make it to a bathroom but didn’t succeed and barely made it to the kitchen sick before heaving all over again. Matias came running upstairs to see what was going on and promptly starting gagging after seeing dinner all over the floors. I started crying cause this was just damn disgusting & started to clean up after myself and lie back down. I thought I had coughed in my sleep while being in the full lying position – something that has proven dangerous during this pregnancy (so is coughing while putting my hair up in a towel with my head upside down but that’s another story) so I thought I was safe to lie back down and recuperate from this session of vomiting. Sadly, I was wrong and as I tried to get back up to run to a bathroom (things don’t happen so quickly with The Belly these days though) I sadly didn’t make it even anywhere near the kitchen sink and vomited something like 6 times into my hands and onto the HARDWOOD floors (splashing is LOVELY!!). And let me tell you, the smell that was emanating from this was not pleasant AT ALL, only making matters worse.

So after cleaning up this lovely mess, I made a visit to Dr. Internet & looked up “vomiting 3^rd trimester” and all the hits brought back the symptoms to preeclampsia.

• A severe or persistent headache

• Vision changes, including double vision, blurriness, seeing spots or flashing lights, light sensitivity, or temporary loss of vision

• Intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen

• Nausea or vomiting

Now, granted I didn’t have the vision issues or any swelling in my face (but my ankles and feet were another story) but having most of the symptoms caused me some concern. Especially when you read that the only “cure” for it is DELIVERING THE BABY. If I had it I would be INDUCED since I was far enough along OR put on modified bed rest. I was not ready to be induced like tomorrow, you know? So I went to bed with plans to contact my real life doctor in the morning and get this all straightened out.

Woke up Thursday still not feeling well but I had managed to not vomit again that night. Still had a headache and was queasy though and to ask me if my feet/ankles were swollen is like asking Matias if he likes to eat “meat”…got an 11:30 appointment with my doctor and waited. And stressed. And waited. And stressed. I am not ready to have this Bebe this week. Or probably even next week. We haven’t bought the car seat yet people!!! You cant have a baby without a CAR SEAT! You can see where I’m going with this…

ANYWAY. BEBE IS FINE!! Let’s say that straight out here. Mamacita – not so much. Normal ugly virus OR I “just might feel this way for the rest of the pregnancy”. For once, let’s root for a virus, mmmkay? I think I actually picked up Quinn's kennel cough ;)

The entire time Bebe was moving around and kicking and poking and everything was feeling fine within, it’s just ME who feels like poop. And now, Matias is sick. And he’s complaining of his face feeling bloated. Another symptom for preeclampsia. So I’m home sick again today, no need to get everyone in the office sick & trying to rest to help myself get better.

It’s a scary thing though to not know what’s going on and if something is happening to the Bebe. Thankfully, nothing was wrong with Bebe and everything is still very strong and right on track. Heartbeat still great, blood pressure still the same and Belly still growing!! I just wish it didn’t have to be so damn hot these days. But I am thankful that I don’t have to go through the WHOLE summer pregnant. And I’m very thankful that Bebe is healthy and happy.

Now, here’s to hoping that the next talk of vomit being spewed on the hardwood floors is from the Bebe!! Only 5 ½ more WEEKS, folks.

8 Month Picture

I'm trying to post this picture from Matias' machine cause mine hasnt been set up yet (we got the network cabling issue resolved yesterday!!) & he doesnt have the software that I use to post pictures but blogger claims to have the ability to post pictures from this setting...we'll see! This was taken last Friday at like 7am waiting for the movers to come as I was scrambling around taking pictures of our place all packed up. I had 3 hours of sleep and had just pulled my hair straight back after getting out of the shower so excuse the lovely look I've got going on :) Sorry for the lack of posts but I've got a doozy of one waiting to be written regarding the status of my swollen piggies feet and arthritic ankles!! OH the JOY!! We are heading to Cincy today for Brian's wedding & staying with Nikki & Chris, whom we havent seen since my first bout of morning sickness - still thinking it was a hangover at that point!! I *might* be able to post in between our excursions to High Tea and pedicures!! YAY Girlie Weekends!!

Happy 8 Months Pregnant!!

I had my 8th month appointment this morning and, thankfully, everything is PREFECT!!

Quick rundown of stats:

1) I gained 3 [more] lbs. up to a 21 lb. total weight gain but still well under the “average”.
2) My blood pressure is still low and steady
3) Bebe even kicked the OB Nurse AWAY when she was finding the heartbeat – she literally said “oh, this little one just PUSHED me away”. I said, “He’s shy”. She laughed. Then she commented on how much he does move around.
4) I measured at 32” EXACTLY spot on – you are supposed to measure an inch for every week along you are (I just found that out from my mom this weekend who found it out from her friend…)
5) Doctor noticed my swollen feet before I had to bring it to his attention & I didn’t think I was that bad already.
6) I got the A-OK to sleep more on my back if it stops me from wanting to puke due to my acid reflux when I try and sleep on my side.

And that’s it, folks! Same thing, different week, bigger Mamacita!!

Baby Shower pictures are here - http://ninocentral.com/_WEBAPPS/PhotoAlbums_APP/PhotoAlbums/BabyShowerNC/default.asp

They aren’t in any order and they aren’t labeled because there are 60+ pictures!! Excuse the typical Goofy Faces from Mamacita – I have no idea what happens when I open gifts but I’m going to be eternally thankful that my wedding pictures didn’t turn out like some of these did!

I’ll write a longer post on the shower when I get the chance – ha! Ok but seriously, that is my intention I just don’t know when that will happen considering we move in 3 days!

Baby Pool!!

Ok since I have enough free time on my hands for some reason, here’s a Baby/Birth Pool!! Just write out your guesses in the comments & I’ll collect them into an excel sheet (you couldn’t have guessed that one, could you?) to keep track of all the responses. I’m also going to send this out to people who don’t have the link to the site so that we can see what EVERYONE (!) thinks. You can email your guesses to jennifer.nino(AT)gmail.com (replace the (AT) with a @, please!!) if you’d like.

I wasn’t really thinking of doing this for money, BUT if the demand is there I suppose I could turn my sweet, innocent, Bebe Blog into a gambling site!! Although it might be difficult with us all so scattered…maybe just save the gambling for in-office activities…


Without further ado – here are the Baby/Birth Pool Questions!!

1) Date of birth?
2) Time of birth?
3) Weight?
4) Length?
5) Eye Color?
6) Hair Color?
7) Gender?
8) First Names? (although any family members who already know are EXEMPT from answering this question based on the grounds that I will kick your ass if you tell everyone our names!!!)

Which of these sex prediction methods was true for you?

I carried high (girl) or low (boy) BOY
I carried way out front (boy) or wide (girl) BOY
My morning sickness was worse in early pregnancy (girl) GIRL
My looks improved (boy) or worsened (girl) during pregnancy BOY (or so I’ve been told…)
My partner gained weight with me (boy) or stayed the same (girl) BOY (HA!! 10lbs!!)
The baby's heart rate was fast (girl) or slow (boy) Too Close to Call – 144 is smack dab in the middle AND if you know otherwise, please don’t tell me!!!

Do we need to start a Pool? If I knew how to set one up I would…I think the Office Folks want to do one too…is it strange to start your own Baby Pool?

Things I Think I Know About Our Bebe Already

1) Bebe is shy around others – even Daddy sometimes – Bebe can be zooming around like crazy and my belly can be bumping to the skies but as soon as I call someone over to look or feel Bebe stops moving. And then starts again when the person is gone/isn’t looking. Sometimes this happens to Daddy but then he plays his little “knock-knock” game or “hello Bebe” game and he gets a response. But Auntie Leanne sat for about 20 minutes with her hand on my belly and nothing, she moved away and the Bebe started zooming again. And Bebe doesn’t stop when I put my hand on the belly.
2) This makes Bebe a “Momma’s Bebe” since Bebe is NEVER shy around me!
3) Bebe is a Homebody – movements picked up in speed and strength almost as soon as we got home last night – as if Bebe knew we were home.
4) Bebe likes the Sweets – or maybe Mamacita is just using him as excuse to indulge but Mamacita doesn’t think so since Mamacita usually doesn’t have this Sweet Tooth. Just ask Mamacita’s family.

Southern Bound

I’m leaving in about a ½ hour to catch the train to Cary (NC, for those who don’t know!) for my Baby Shower!!

I’ve got my Super Cute outfit on – the one I’ve been saving for warm weather and Cuteness to come out and damn it all if the pants aren’t LOW RISE. Who makes pregnancy LOW RISE (and I bought them online…so don’t start in on me for not trying them on) pants? My crack is gonna be hanging out all over the Amtrak place. Don’t worry, it’s not the same Cute outfit I have for tomorrow!

We got our first Bebe presents yesterday!! TOO CUTE!! Thanks so much – and don’t worry, I’m sending out a REAL thank you next week – right after I buy some more cause I, uh, already packed up the ones I have. Whoops. Along with my 12x12 scrapbook pages for people to sign at the shower tomorrow. Whoops. I hope my sister has some! I think she does…

I also packed all my little decorative pillows – which, silly me, would have been prefect to take on the train for my back – I’m pretty sure Amtrak doesn’t offer pillows. The airplane pillows TOTALLY saved my back on the flights so I’m not sure what I was thinking except “must pack everything”. Also packed the sonogram pictures BUT I just remembered RIGHT NOW that Grand-mamacita has copies! In case, you know, anyone wants to see Bebe tomorrow!

Heartburn is back with a vengeance. But thankfully it’s containing itself for certain times of day – right around General Hospital watching time & bedtime and 2am & 4am. Don’t fear, I keep a bottle of TUMS on my nightstand and have transferred it to my luggage today.

Matias has been spoiling us on our travels lately – he’s been bringing his laptop, per usual, but now he brings all sorts of downloaded (we’re PIRATES!!) shows that we love to watch – Sopranos, Bill Mahr, No Reservations and Good Eats and we just spend our time watching and trying not to laugh out loud with headphones on. Sometimes that doesn’t happen though & I know we look like crazy fools laughing together on a plane or train…but anyway…I wont have the laptop this time so I might actually have to read something!! I haven’t been reading lately cause I changed to my Spring Purse and it’s smaller and does not hold my hardcover book that I’m reading now (Saving Fish from Drowning, if you are interested) so this will be nice to catch up & I’ve stashed my Pottery Barn catalog to day dream about decorating the Dream House (that we move into next Friday!)!! I managed to read all my magazines on the flights to CA so I have NOTHING mindless to read. Might be a struggle. Might have to buy some trash at 7-11 when I gas up for the drive to Alexandria…

The meeting at the Embassy with the #2 in charge went very well yesterday – I managed to wear a nice outfit that wasn’t 100% maternity wear – seems some of my LOFT sweater sets still fit & since it was rainy yesterday every single woman in DC Metro Area was wearing a sweater set. Even some people at the meeting were more dressed down than I was…

My feet are still swelling, of course, but I’ve been able to take pretty good care of them minus the time spent on the bus in the evening (and yesterday it was 2 hours, stupidstupid bus driver) and while packing. My arthritis reared it’s ugly head last weekend and caused a somewhat major breakdown for me – thankfully it’s been in check this week. My feet are just fugly though. I’ll get pictures of them soon so you can see my Little Piggies for yourself!

And with that lovely image, I’m out of here! I’ve got my snacks and water packed and should have everything I need for a fun, relaxing, train ride and weekend home (my last one before becoming a Mamacita – how’s that for trippy??)!!

Things

Thing #1 – People, mainly men [surprisingly], are telling people to give up their seats when they see me get on the metro. It’s a little weird and makes me feel a little uncomfortable but I take the seat cause usually my feet are swollen and they hurt. It’s strange, we all board the train and someone beside me will just SHOUT “there’s a pregnant lady here who would like to give their seat up for her???” and they are talking about me.

Thing #2 – I don’t feel old enough to be a Mother. I’m 33 tomorrow and I don’t feel like I’m old enough to be doing this – does that sound weird? Sometimes I still feel like I’m in my 20s (not because of my looks but because of the things I like to do) so I forget that I’m “old” and “adult” and “responsible”. PLUS, when your husband is 4 years younger than you it’s easier to fall into that state of mind.

Thing #3 – I will 51 (!) years old when our Bebe graduates from high school. Ok, THAT made me feel old.

Thing #4 – the Bebe moves more often that he is still – or at least it seriously feels that way. I’ve read that sometimes your doctor will make you keep a record of the number of kicks per hour and I’m dreading being given that assignment simply because there are times I’m like “please stop kicking me for just a few minutes” or “I cant remember the last time you weren’t zooming around in there” – seriously bebe moves ALL the TIME. It would be easier to record the times he wasn’t moving.

Thing #5 – We got FRONT row tickets to night 1 Charlottesville!! We might need grandpa to babysit for that one, not quite sure if we want to do front row, even with the high tech headphones on, at that age.

Thing #6 – Since I’m in my 3rd Trimester (how did that happen already?!?!) I will start going to the dr. twice a month now. Last week I had my 7½-month appointment and everything is still going very well! My belly measured at 31”, I gained a whopping 8 lbs., the fetal heartbeat was 144 and my blood pressure is still really good. I’ve only gained 18 lbs. total for 30 weeks so that’s not too bad and still within acceptable ranges but it is a shock to have gained that much in one month!

Thing #7 – I’m due in 8 weeks. HOLY WHAT THE FUCK?!?!

Thing #8 – I have three of my bestest friends and my mom & sister coming to visit about two weeks before I’m due. Thank god. These people kept me sane before my wedding & I’m praying that they can do the same this weekend. Plus, I have 4th row tickets to the Nissan show.

Thing #9 – I don’t have anything Super Cute to wear to our Baby Shower this weekend. And that bums me out. I have a Cute top and pants to wear but not Super Cute. BAH. I have a very important work meeting at the Embassy with the No. 2 Minister on Thursday and I don’t have a maternity suit. I will be able to wear a nice outfit although not a suit. BAH.

Thing #10 – I cannot wait to get into our new pool at our new house and just FLOAT. I want my ankles to be weightless and free. There is nothing that would feel better. Well let’s not get crazy here but also remember Grand-mamacita reads this site too. HEE HEE.

This is Mammcita & Daddy at the Tech Museum in San Jose - You can see Bebe in my belly on the right!! It appears that Matias has a cold heart though! 

We’re baaaaaack!!

When Grand-mamacita asks for an update, you KNOW it’s time to update!

The Babymoon was a fantastic hit – a much needed relax-athon spent with family in Tahoe and Northern California. I even managed to get a little tan on my face! Matias “wanted cancer” so he didn’t use anything (well neither did I but I tan better than my little Latino…) and after wearing goggles all day ended up with a frighteningly funny sunburn. I’ll post pictures later!

It was a little difficult not being able to “do” anything – no skiing, no skating, no snow-shoe – NOTHING! But I do understand that it’s only for these 10 months & that I’m making good decisions but DAMN, am I BORING. Also no hot toddies at the lodge after a hard day of skiing, no hot tub for hours on end (15 minutes then sit on the edge for me!), no wine with dinner, no casino hopping until 7am…yes it’s hard to change your lifestyle but it’s hard to watch other people around you do it (mainly husband and family) and have to sit back and on the sidelines. I know it’s for the greater good, people, but it’s still a shift!! I still have to get used to it Happening to Me sometimes. I wouldn’t rather be doing those things, don’t get me wrong, if I had to choose between making the right decision for my baby and having the Rock Star lifestyle 24/7, I choose doing the right thing for my baby BUT sometimes I will throw a fit like any good recovering Rock Star. And then my husband goes and buys me a sign that says “thou shalt not whine” and I can laugh about it all. Plus, it wasn’t torture to spend my days walking around Tahoe in 60 degree weather with my parents, you know?

I think I did really well walking around San Francisco also – we spent a day there doing the Touristy Thing – cause sadly, that seems that’s all there is left to do in SF these days. And I didn’t get us lost, AT ALL. And I even found all the places we wanted to go WITHOUT A MAP. Plus, I got a cute little onesie with a trolley car on it for the bebe.


I feel like I’m all talked out about our vacation cause I’ve talked to so many people about it outside of writing about it…it sure was more exciting than I’m making it out to be…that’s for sure…

The flight home was really rough on my pregnant body – 5 hours from LAX to BWI, and then almost 3 ½ hours from BWI to home – DON’T ASK! Discovered that my ligament along my pelvic area can become QUITE sore from sitting for 5+ hours.

Also this week has marked the extreme swelling of my feet and OF COURSE my bad ankle is more swollen than my non-bad ankle. Just my luck, right? Now it doesn’t hurt but I cannot wear my regular shoes anymore because then that hurts from the pressure so I get to wear my flip flops to work. HA! Just when I thought I had lost that right at my new job, I still get to wear them!! HA HA! The leg cramps are lasting longer than just in the morning. I was starting to get them right before waking up, during that time when you are moving around in bed a little more than usual but now my legs are cramped basically throughout the entire day. It’s fabulous. It’s not painful, it’s just uncomfortable. What’s been painful is my commute but that’s another story! Just don’t put a 7½ month pregnant lady on a bus and tell her the HEAT WONT TURN OFF for two days, ok? I need to start getting up more during the work day also, but since my feet have been hurting from wearing my shoes, I’m not really motivated to get up and walk around when that causes displeasure also, make sense?

I know, I know, “thou shalt not whine” but F THAT. I packed that up last weekend when we started packing! I’m not complaining or bitching, I’m just saying “damn this is uncomfortable”.

You know what though? It’s also amazing. I’ve got this little one in my womb - a happy, healthy, active little Bebe - and all of these BS side effects of doing this amazing thing is just enough to make you want to scream. And I’m telling you if I even glance side-ways at a Pregnancy Symptom I will get it AND I’m not even a hypochondriac! It just sucks that you have to deal with these annoying things in order to have this experience…but at least my belly button hasn’t popped [yet]. BUT on that note, who the hell knew I had a MOLE INSIDE my BELLY BUTTON?!?!!? Thought I had some major disgusting something or other in my belly button and when I attempted to dislodge it I discovered it was ATTACHED on PURPOSE. The things you discover about your body when you are pregnant. Simply amazing.

Yog-aaaaahhhhhh

I started YOGA on Saturday & was a little nervous before going in as I’ve never done yoga before & didn’t really know what to expect of myself (which is usually pretty high). I’m not the most stretchy person alive and don’t have the greatest of balance (Hi! I fall off of bikes still!).

I can report that I only almost fell over once and did so gracefully and then tried the position (Half Moon) again and did it just fine. The breathing techniques were really good – breathing through your belly, your ribs in the front and back & you can really feel the difference and the room it gives the bebe. I can totally see how these positions are going to come in handy for a natural delivery also & that is the most exciting thing for me! Matias would like me to be able to channel my “feelings” a little better and cut out some stress that I let bubble up so as not to effect the bebe – I think I’m doing pretty well with that considering…but I do know I can also use some help with that and the circular breathing definitely does help!

Bebe LOVED it too! When we were doing our relaxation breathing for 6 minutes to warm down he was moving EVERYWHERE and just cruising around – such a good feeling – I just laid there with my eyes closed with the sun on my face and smiled. I’m sure I looked like a doof but knowing that the bebe was zooming around in there happy as can be, it made me feel really good about what I was doing for the bebe and for me. And, I think that’s the point of it all.

There are a lot of stretches that rotate your hips and pelvis and you can tell that it’s supposed to help get you into delivery mode which I think also helps prepare your mind for what is going to happen if you have never experienced it before. Lots of squats that actually didn’t hurt but felt good to be opening those areas up, cause lord knows those areas are gonna be opened up in a few months’ time. I felt confidant doing all the poses too! And it’s nice to be a room with other pregnant women who are all in the same boat as you. I could probably blame my center of gravity being off for nearly falling off the wall while standing on one leg with my other leg basically over my head BUT I think it’s just the weak left ankle that was somewhat getting in my way. I was fine balancing on my right ankle though. THANKFULLY my ankles DID NOT hurt!! That’s a main concern for me at this point since my hands and ankles are swollen already & I know they can only get bigger – my doctor has assured me that the swelling will not effect my arthritis but what can I say, I suppose I wont believe it till I see it & by me doing these yoga positions I was worried I would over-extend my ankles and cause myself some pain. YAY for that not happening!

It would be nice to picture myself just squatting this bebe out BUT I’m pretty sure that’s not on the agenda! On a somewhat related note – there is a CD player in the delivery room & a DVD player in the recovery room in the hospital – I asked if there was a DVD player in the delivery room and then Matias turned to me and said “you’d NEVER be able to watch that DVD again if you did that” & of course, he’s probably right but wouldn’t GORGE or RED ROCKS be perfect? I know I can still listen to them but having those boys to “focus” on would be nice too. GRIN.

Now that I’ve switched gears here a little bit, I should probably get thinking about what music exactly we will take in with us. This probably will take 3 months to decide. Do we just bring his laptop with the portable hard drive in and put it on random? Do we make a track listing? Do I obsess too much over weird things? Do you realize that was rhetorical? Heh.

In other news! Sometime last week, I started SEEING the bebe squirming around in my belly!! SO SURREAL!! Monkey was lying down with me at the time and he kind of spied the movement but didn’t have the patience to keep staring to see if it happened again – I’m sure that when he does really notice it though a little Monka paw will be extended to try and “catch” the movement. And for some reason, I just think that’s the cutest damn thing EVER. It doesn’t happen all the time and for very long though so it’s been tough to get Matias to see him in action – I’m sure it will happen soon enough though! Rach says she can feel the head or foot but not me…I can feel more of what he is doing that what part of him is doing it…and honestly I don’t know if I’m quite ready yet for the whole “that’s a damn foot in my ribs” experience!

And the whole “no bathing suit anytime soon for me” statement? Yeah, I packed my tankini (and some clothes to wear over top) for the hot tub in Tahoe. I just think it’s going to be scary. I don’t have any stretch marks YET so it wont be that hideous. Maybe.

It’s getting more and more difficult to sit with my legs closed or without wanting to put my belly in between my legs and just lean forward, and I know it’s only going to get more desirable to do just that. For some reason, I haven’t been enjoying the Cuddle Pillow as much as usual…I normally just toss it out of bed now in the middle of the night. Don’t know what’s up with that though…

And with that, I’m going to finish packing for our Baby Moon since Matias got up and I can be loud in the bedroom! I might be able to post from my brother’s house but I don’t know about Tahoe.

But HAPPY 7 MONTHS PREGNANT DAY!!

*almost* 7 Months!! This was taken Friday before work in a shirt that I bought last year - I joked that I had bought a Maternity shirt by accident cause it was so big in th belly! As you can see it still fits quite nicely :) As does Bebe! 

Post Delivery/Recovery Room with Bebe's bed 

Warm Blankets for Mom after delivery - they say I will just love it but I'm not sure since it will be July and all... 

Labor & Delivery Room 

Sleep to Dream Her

I had another dream about having a baby girl last week. Also included another LOVELY episode of passing out during the delivery and not remembering one single thing from it all. So much so that I had to ASK what we had!! I would remember everything up to the point of starting to push the head out and then NOTHING.

I woke up and saw that my mom was carrying a pink blankie around but wasn’t sure if it was for me and the bebe or what…so I had to ask and when she responded with “you don’t know, do you?” I realized once again that I had completely blocked it out. I had to go to the nursery to meet our little girl – thankfully Matias hadn’t changed the name on me!

I’m starting to really dig this ‘don’t remember a damn thing’ whole approach to delivery without meds! Wouldn’t that just be the best of both worlds??!!? No drugs but also no pain? You know your body/brain shuts down and blocks things that are too hurtful for you to go through so why cant this be a true concept? Wouldn’t that be grand? Your body is still reacting but your brain has given you a pass!!

I suppose the larger aspect of this is that I’m beginning to be afraid of the pain. Duh, people. But I like the way it’s manifesting itself in my dreams! I haven’t had one dream that is painful – everything has been painless!! I like those odds – what’s it called – [jesus, hello Mommy Stupids] Projecting!!

But it was also the second dream I had about having a girl. I’ve heard that whatever you dream it is, usually is wrong, so…your guess is as good as mine, I suppose. Strange thing is that I’ve “felt” like we are having a boy, and supposedly, the Mommy Instinct is correct a high percentage of the time and couple that with the dreams of girls (which are supposed to be wrong) then I think if you’re a betting person, I would go with Boy. Logical, right?! HA.

freaking blogger

I dont know why that last post is showing up twice...and I cannot seem to fix it...

:)

Baby Talk

Matias is continuing with his conversations with bebe – and last night we did a little “test”.

He was just talking to him, through my belly button-area, and there was no response but he had just been awake a minute earlier so I told Matias to “tap to him” and see what happens. He responded RIGHT AWAY in the exact spot Matias tapped!!

He was also singing songs to him and when he responded he would make a specific noise to let the bebe know he had “heard” him. It was too cute.

After a while though the pressure of Matias lying on me and my organs gets a little much & I have to ask him to say goodbye so I can get some relief. I always feel bad doing that but it a little uncomfortable. So he says good night and kisses my belly.

Matias asked me the other night how it feels to be pregnant with a growing belly – sometimes my belly ‘hurts’ like the skin is stretching more and just aches around my ribs so he rubs my belly cream on me and that helps soothe it. When I responded that it didn’t really feel any different – to actually have the belly – he was surprised but not as much as I was! Sure, it’s different but it doesn’t feel “alien” & that’s something I wasn’t expecting. When I feel the bebe wake up I always say hello or good morning and then I talk to him throughout the day (but quietly so as not to seem too crazy) – I don’t feel like he is a separate entity in my body, taking over and changing Me – I feel like he’s a part of me/us that just happens to be inside of me. If anyone has ever had a conversation with me about pregnant women you know I’m not that thrilled about it all & I’m not saying I’m one of those people who suddenly is all like “oh wait until it happens to you…”, I didn’t expect this feeling & feel quite “blessed” (for lack of a better non-catholic word) to be sharing this time and giving our bebe a Home. I still really don’t think pregnant bellies are beautiful but I don’t feel like I’m looking at a stranger when I catch a glimpse of myself either. And perhaps this feeling will diminish when I get to a larger stage…but at the moment it hasn’t & I don’t mind at all. I also think that since Spring has Sprung I’m feeling more “loose” – mostly in my clothing! No big jacket to lug around and encapsulate my growing belly, no heavy shoes & socks – just wearing ONE layer of clothes is such a nice feeling. Don’t think you’ll be getting me into a bathing suit anytime soon though!! And I am truly NOT looking forward to the day when my belly button Pops. I hate belly buttons, period. And this Popping thing – I still think that’s gross. I had to check last night though as my draw string on my pants (thanks for the black yoga pants, mom!) was in a conspicuous position – thankfully – not the Button!! I do feel comfort in the bebe’s movements too – I LIKE feeling him move and tumble around in there. And I also, GASP, RUB MY BELLY. Not in public, mind you, unless some asshat pushes me on the metro than I just comfort him to let him know we are ok. Not to sound like an idiot but it’s like petting your cat when they sit in your lap – they are there, they want love, so give it them! Don’t worry, I’m not comparing my bebe to our cats – although…if we could have a bebe as sweet and loving as Monkey & as fierce and strong willed as Mystic, I don’t think you’d have any complaints from the Ninos. Maybe just more controllable fur, I mean hair.

I looked up at our sonogram picture last night and I turned to Matias and said “that’s OUR bebe in that frame there – not someone else’s, isn’t it amazing?” and he just squished my face and called me a weirdo.

Which was a lot nicer than being called Cork – which sadly he called me for most of the night since I got an extreme case of Mommy Stupids.

In other belly news – I am running into things Belly First now. It’s almost as if I don’t know it’s there. Cube walls at work get rammed if I turn around too quickly, drawers get shut by it when I’m cleaning the kitchen, and corners get hit when I’m doing the laundry. And yes, my center of gravity is off. If I stand up too quickly I can tilt a little before righting myself – which is comical to my co-workers cause they just love watching me so animatedly go through this. One would think one would realize that this belly is going to go first but you just kind of forget that it’s there. Getting off the couch can be difficult, depending on how long I’ve been there & Matias hoisted me up with a nice shove of his legs last night and nearly sent me over the ottoman cause the whole center of gravity thing kicked in too.

Let me explain a little about the Mommy Stupids – they aren’t of the ‘forgetting’ simple things variety. I seem to experiencing the type that regress my base of knowledge to that of a teenager. Things we know usually, I have to question and sadly sometimes I do ask out loud and regret it instantly because of the looks I receive from Matias over it! It’s like I’ve forgotten that the Sun is this orb that heats us…strange. High learning intense TV shows (like NOVA) are a little much for me to handle at the moment so I just nap through them praying osmosis kicks in. Thankfully, Matias is grateful that I’m sending all my brain power to our child. But it would be nice if I could have some left over for myself.

See, I was going to write about something else but Matias just asked me to shut a window and I took Mystic to him to warm him up in bed and I’ve completely forgotten. It could have been really important too. But I’m sure it wasn’t!

For example, I cannot remember if I wrote about my dream last weekend – I was waiting to write about it until I had told Matias & my mom about it but now I have to go back and see if I actually did mention it already. Alrighty, I haven’t written about it – so I’ll make that a separate post now!

Week 26 Update

We had our Week 26 doctor appointment on Tuesday & I also had the lovely Diabetes Screening Test – gotta love the ORANGE flavored something or other you have to drink in less than 5 minutes.

Everyone is VERY good & healthy!! Heartbeat was found RIGHT AWAY!! YAY!! I’ve gained 5 lbs. which puts me at 12 lbs. total for 6 ½ months, I hoping I don’t gain more than 20 but at the MOST 25. I’m afraid of that 30 lb. mark. Blood pressure is still very good 120/74 (I think, if that sounds right), they claim that my swollen ankles will NOT affect my arthritic ankles and he did measure my bump, but I forgot to ask.

I also talked to him about Lamaze techniques and wanting to go Au Natural (no meds) and he sees nothing wrong with that and since my pregnancy has been so “great” (YAY!!!) that he foresees no problems with that route. He was also pleased that I will taking the prenatal yoga and also suggested water aerobics BUT I don’t think I have time in my schedule to add something else at this point…considering we are moving, going on a 9 day vacation AND working FT…I don’t think I should add anything more!

April, a co-worker, exclaimed this morning “did you grow over night? You look huge!!” so maybe I’ll take a 6 ½ month belly picture this weekend??!?! LOL.

I do think I’m going through a growth spurt – I’ve been waking up hungry which is not normal for me & I woke up last night at 2am (actually the husband woke me up eating CARROTS IN BED) hungry so I made a peanut butter (organic!) sammich and chugged some milk. Which promptly woke the bebe up and he proceeded to do flips and kicks for about an hour – at that point I spooned my belly up against Matias & let him feel the movements – he started giggling right away.

I bought some apples this week and they are SO yummy BUT they make me burp. Always have – I remember I would eat one before softball practice and then do our warm-up run and I’d have the HUGEST burps out there – shocker, I know, eh? So now I’m sitting at my desk après pomme and trying not to burp. FUN. Not as much fun though as trying not to fart when you cough. Kidding, I’m kidding. Or AM I? Bebe really likes the apples though.

I think the Real Cravings are setting in though – the other day I REALLY wanted two scrambled eggs. And then later I got the craving for those Cadbury Finger cookies (dark or milk chocolate, I don’t care!) – sadly I haven’t satisfied that craving yet. Usually, I’ve had hunkerings for things we actually have in the house but this week, I’ve found myself REALLY NEEDING these things. I’ve given Matias strict orders that I MUST be taken for Mexican food this weekend. Taco Bell doesn’t count.

Grandma sent us the CUTEST sonogram picture frame EVER! It says “the first time ever I saw your face” – go on and try not to tear up, I dare you. So I put the “profile” picture from below in it and put it on our TV. GRIN!! So now I can see his (OR her) face whenever I’m watching my marathon L&O episodes!

This weekend I am definitely hitting up the Spring/Summer Maternity Fashions…I desperately need some clothes. And underwear. Why the BEEP has Target pulled their maternity underwear? I ADORE it and there’s no more. Old Navy’s is “so-so” AND one of them ALREADY has a hole in them (I have underwear older than our cat that doesn’t have holes in it) so I’m done with them…Motherhood has a good selection and not horrible prices so I’m going to check that out this weekend also. Matias tried to talk me down off the ledge over the underwear and wanted me to just order if from Target on line – they don’t even have it AT ALL anymore. Sadness and bitterness.
I believe the date has been set for my Baby Shower – May 13th!! YAY!! EXCITING!! I think I’ll take the train down for that and leave Matias at home with the Our First Babies – I’ll be leaving the goodies there anyway since we will be moving the following weekend & I really don’t need to bring more stuff into the house to move to another place, you know? I should probably book that now, before I forget!!

Funny.

We were with Pace & Chris last night for the GMU game & Pace made a comment about the babies first words out of the womb would be "dancing nancies...", I retorted with "I'm thinking it will be more along the lines of 'Hey La'". Cause seriously, this bebe LOVES that song. Instant reaction every time it's played.

Not that I have a problem with that. At all.

More Rambling from Mamacita

Thursday I had my First Stranger ask me when I was due! Thankfully, I mustn’t look fat but pregnant OR she just had really large balls.

Matias is still talking to the bebe through my belly button. Now, the bebe answers him. In Morse code, of course. He talks and taps and the bebe kicks him back – to which Matias responds with “ow!” and the cycle continues. He was talking to him during a quiet time so I told him to get me a glass of milk and he’d wake right up – sure enough – this bebe was up not 30 seconds after chugging a glass of milk. And the games ensued. We either have a kick boxer, submariner, or soccer player. I’m leaning towards all three because you know this kid has mad skillz, yo.

Honestly, these hits and kicks do NOT come in as singles – they are volleys. Picture Rocky at the punching bag and please include the sound effects because I do when I describe it to people. I think that instead of using ASL (which I only know one “universal” sign) we should just get an old school Morse code machine and just make him OR HER (or really?) a geek from the get-go.

We went to Baby Depot and Toys R Us yesterday to actually touch and feel things instead of just picking crap off the web. We excel at picking crap off the web. Hell, how do you think I found my husband? Kidding, I kid. OR do I? At least it confirmed that yes; the Daddy did like everything I picked! HA! We changed a few things around – no swing but get that adorable Papasan for $50 cheaper. Yes, we have our Travel Gear confirmed – and Daddy pushed the stroller around and approved of the second cup holder to be used as an ashtray. Kidding, people, I’m kidding. Sadly, that usually what we use our Second Cup Holders for on our camping chairs though. Ah, times are a’ changing. He has finally calmed down about the breast pump issue (thank god, eh, Nikki??) and “approved” of the one I picked. I say “finger quotes” because I was getting it “approval” or not. We changed our mind on the playmate based on us not liking the colors and patterns of the one I originally chose. Fun things like this – just remember your wedding registries and think “buying shit for something you have never done before” and it’s TONS OF FUN! Actually, it was a lot of fun, just strange. All going to Toys R Us proved was that they mark their shit up a LOT. Some items were $20, 30, and 40 MORE than a non-sale price at Baby Depot. I’m seriously considering switching our Amazon Baby Registry to a Target registry – this is HUGE because Target registries SUCK. BUT they have better pricing and selection than Toys R Us (my god, how many times can I scare myself by writing that store name?? ME? TOYS R US??? Hold me.) And plus, I’m really pissed at Amazon and will tell anyone who listens.

So you’re listening! Amazon has a 100% affiliation with Babies R Us – that’s the ONLY way you can buy online for that store & when you register at Amazon you register at Babies R Us. BUT unlike other Wish Lists at Amazon NOT ALL PRODUCTS OFFERED ON AMAZON ARE AVAILABLE TO BE ADDED TO YOUR BABY REGISTRY. Do NOT ask why, Amazon had no good answer for me (yes, I emailed them) they simply told me to add those items not available to add to the BABY REGISTRY to a separate WISH LIST. So, I would have to create ANOTHER LIST for nice, generous, loving people to buy MY BABY a gift. I think not, bitches. My idea of using Amazon was so that we could cull all of the items we wanted from non-Super Store stores and have them in one place. All this started with the AMAZING baby sling that NO ONE offers in their Super Store stores. How is this to their disadvantage? Everyone would be making more money & Babies R Us wouldn’t be losing any since they don’t offer that item to begin with!! MORE MONEY, MORE PEOPLE HAPPY – EASY, PEASY PEOPLE!! I hate always having to do things the RIGHT way for people, it’s very taxing. HA! Kidding, I kid. OR do I?

I am also at the point where Every Time I Stand Up, I Must Pee. Running errands yesterday was FUN!!

I’ve been going to sleep around 10-10:30 every night…it’s not too bad on school nights but it’s killing me on the weekends since I DO like to spend time with my bebe daddy but he’s been adorable about it – even tucking me in (ok he does that every night) and making sure I have my cuddle pillow properly in use. Bad side-effect though – I’m up at 7:30 and I mean UP. So this morning it was 6:30 (thanks DLST!) so thankfully Da Monk came back to bed and we had some cuddle time before I got up after he stepped on my bladder.

One more thing – this picking a Glider business – how on EARTH do the prices range so much on the same model at ALL different stores?? And HOW does Baby Depot not even have the one we liked available on line? We REALLY hate going around the stores with the gun thingy since they usually malfunction while in use BASICALLY forcing us to use the gun thingy since it’s not on line! DRATS.

Bonjour from Mamacita & her 6 month belly!! 

Say hello to our little friend! If you tilt your head to the right you can see the bebe's little face a little clearer :) 

Hello Bebe Nino! This is the bebe's profile 

Music, Clothes & Daddy

Music Preferences!!

Last night Matias put on some DMB & Best of What’s Around came on and AS SOON AS Dave sang “hey my friend…” this little Firedancer started jumping around!! HE LOVED IT!! Oh and let’s not forget that when I was choking back tears listening to that song as mentioned in a previous entry, I was listening with my headphones so Bebe couldn’t hear it…

He really does seem to be enjoying DMB music & he liked the Jason Mraz I had on for him the other morning. This weekend I wasn’t home much so there wasn’t much time for music therapy on our quiet weekend mornings but next weekend should be easier for me to get back into the swing of things.

I’m really making an effort not to force feed him DMB [right yet]. Granted I do play Some Devil [but you have to introduce perfection to them right away] but I don’t think I have put on a show or a studio CD beside D&T Live at Luther College…it’s been ALL Matias for choosing the DMB rotation. Thankfully, it hasn’t been that hard of a decision for him!

Bebe also likes old Mayer [back when he was boyfriend material] &, of course, Jack Johnson. Along with all my 80s music that gets played in the car on the ipod…

And I have censored what bebe can listen to – at least to a certain degree. He hasn’t heard Halloween or anything by Prince, nothing too scary or menacing or dirty. You know cause of his virgin ears and all. HA!

Onto another favorite baby topic of mine:

CLOTHES. Thankfully with Spring on the horizon there seems to be a LOT more Unisex clothing to choose from!! YAY!! I wiped GAP out of their cute new onesies and was very pleased with my choices there. I feel confident that our bebe will neither be naked nor dressed all in white for the first while!! Cause, really, folks, I have bigger things to worry about!

And another favorite topic:

WATCHING MATIAS FEEL THE BEBE KICK. This morning the entire family awoke at 5AM. No one feel back asleep – including the bebe. So instead of just lying there, doing nothing, I asked Matias if he wanted to feel the bebe zooming around. He would jump up each time the bebe kicked at him and just smile. It was so cute to watch his expression as we both felt our bebe moving around. It was so nice in that pre-dawn light to lie there and just be together. It’s a moment I’ll always remember. He would tap on my belly and I SWEAR TO GOD this kid would tap back, RIGHT AFTER Matias did it, and in the exact same spot. It was too precious.

Rambling Friday

Wow, I’m in a mood today. I think it’s stemming from this sinus pressure headache that came on while I was on the bus this morning. It’s somewhat gone now, but I can still feel it lingering, you know?

Also, kind of running out of clothes again – the maternity clothes have been great BUT I’m somewhat in-between seasons right now & I didn’t want to spend a LOT of money on winter clothes nor do I want to go and buy MORE winter clothes in the 4th week of March. BUT I also cannot really start buying a bunch of spring/summer clothes that I cannot wear right now. And I seemed to have ended up with a lot of yellow maternity clothes…maybe I unconsciously bought myself a bunch of yellow clothes in my quest for unisex newborn clothing?!!?!? But it’s somewhat annoying to wear yellow 3 times a week, now I know it’s not the same top but I’m getting sick of it.

See? Told you. Not a good mood today. I think the weather is getting to me. It’s still in the 30s when I get up and head out in the morning…I believe they even uttered the words “snow flurries” on the radio this morning & usually my little heart would all twitter-patter over this but for the love of all that is good, IT IS THE 4TH WEEK IN MARCH!

Plus, I’m not paying an arm & a leg for maternity clothes. I just discovered that H&M sells maternity clothes and that we have one in Potomac Mills – we have to go over there anyway for the Carter’s outlet & IKEA (who can go there and not stop by?) – so now I just have to find the weekend day to do it! I think next Saturday sounds good to me…we also have our Birthing Center Tour next Sunday…

But this weekend is All About Jen! (yes, this is different than other weekends.)

Tomorrow I have a scrapbook event – Memoranza – from 9am-3pm – in the past I would have signed up for the 9-10pm slot but I really do not think I can do something for that long at the moment! So this should be LOADS of fun!! Then Sunday I have a Southern Living Party at Kym’s house – more fun!! I think we are meeting up with Isabel this weekend too, just waiting to hear from her…

I just cannot get over how much people will pay for maternity clothes.

On a lighter note:
Monkey was in Crouching Monkey, Hidden Bebe position this morning.

You know you're Hormonal when...

...you find yourself seriously choking back tears and thus saving yourself from choking on your sammich while listening to Red Rocks Best of What's Around on your and chair dancing away at work...

Hey la.

6 Month update!!

“Your tiny diver has a few new moves, thanks to her buoyancy in amniotic fluid. She can turn, spin, somersault, and jackknife. Her motions are becoming more forceful and coordinated”

You don’t say? Driving back to VA this weekend, I SWEAR I felt this bebe do a flip off my bladder into my pool of my cervix. I believe also that this little bebe is using Morse code to communicate the MORE CHOCOLATE distress call. I think last night I started to feel the beginnings of pummeling my back – now I KNOW gas doesn’t feel like that, so I’m pretty sure that’s what it was but since it was my first time, the jury is still out!

“At just over a pound and almost a foot long, your baby is long and lean. And your uterus is growing along with him - it's now about the size of a soccer ball [emphasis mine].”

Daddy was thrilled with the “size of a soccer ball” comment – Mammacita on the other hand, woke up wondering if they meant “if he’s all curled up in fetal position is that the size of a soccer ball” OR “holy f*cking sh*t a SOCCER BALL?!?!?!?!?, how am I going to get a SOCCER BALL out of ME?!?!?! Seriously, I woke up about 3 times last night thinking this over. I will have to make a 110% conscious effort to not think about this too much or I will be screaming for drugs. Not the visualization I’m sure the Lamaze instructor has in mind…

Speaking of Lamaze instructor! She did call me back last week sometime & let me know that she teaches at the PW Hospital but isn’t the instructor for our class in June – she was going to check to see who our instructor who and if she was a certified Lamaze instructor. In the meantime, she was going to send me a ‘magazine’ that they basically use as their “textbook” so that I could go over it and familiarize myself with the practices. She also wanted me to have a “discussion” with my OB the next time I’m in – to gauge his reaction to no drugs and how he feels about Lamaze in the delivery room.

Then she emailed me this week:

As per our phone conversation, I have placed in today's mail the Lamaze parent magazine for you to read prior to attending class. Interestingly enough, after we spoke I received a call asking if I could teach the very class you and your husband have signed up for. Is that weird or what!!!!
We will discuss/practice comfort measures to manage mother's response to labor pain which include relaxation, breathing, use of heat- cold, position changes, visualization, massage and medications.
See you on June 4th!

YAY!!! Of course, I totally take this as a good sign.

THEN!

I just sent in my registration form for PRENATAL YOGA!! Matias is treating me!! He thinks he might even sit in on a few classes so we can practice it together!! YAY!!

THEN!!

A few months ago, Matias asked if I wanted to go on vacation before the bebe came…like any NORMAL human being, I said, yes please!

SO!!

We just booked our trip yesterday to go to CA and crash my parents Spring Break trip with the Other Grandkids in Tahoe and then drive up the coast and hit up Seattle!!! YIPPPEEE!!!!

NINE DAYS OFF FROM WORK!! ON VACATION!!

I haven’t been to CA since 97 – haven’t even seen my brother’s house. Ever. Last time I was in CA was for (come on, you can guess this one…) was for a DMB show. I’m going to show Matias around San Jose – kind of an Old Stomping Ground Tour!! I wont be able to partake in any of the winter activities in Tahoe but I can still have fun!! YOU BETCHA!! And we have a hot tub!! And Matias can go skiing. I WILL miss skating though. Wonder if I can toboggan? HA. Kidding. Or am I? I’ll just take pictures of everyone else doing everything else and pout and possibly whine.

I wonder if TOGOs is still open?? Who thinks I get tragically lost in San Jose when I’m driving us around?

TWO WORDS, PEOPLE: In n’ Out.

So, I’m mildly excited about this trip. In the pregnancy circles it’s called a Babymoon – works for me!

I have no idea what to pack though (yes, I am already thinking about this) since I barely have a wardrobe to begin with. And with Tahoe being still in Winter Phase, I think I can pull that off but I HOPEFULLY wont be needing sweaters in Seattle or Oregon…

AND I will only be missing one YOGA class while on our Babymoon which I can make up!! No harm, no foul!

I meant to post our ultrasound pictures last night but I think I got distracted by doing 2 loads of laundry and putting two more away…so I promise to do that this evening! And I think I’ll take a 6 month picture soon too…

Still think it's cute?!?! Goop and all :) 

Moving forward

I just booked our Birthing Center Tour & Childbirth Preparation Classes (weekend crash course)!! I emailed the local Lamaze instructor yesterday but haven’t heard back – might put in an actual phone call to her but it’s not REALLY easy to talk on the phone at work, you know?

I’m going shopping for cradle sheet fabric with my mom this weekend – YAY!! I like fabric stores, I just don’t like actually making anything myself with fabric! I also want to look and see what they might have for crib bedding – I think we’ve decided to have my mom make the bumpers, crib skirt and just buy “generic” sheets (those are a little harder to make!) – so we have to start looking for fabrics for a boy OR a girl (or do we? I like messing with my mom)…

There’s also some store in Cary that is having a 70% baby sale – so we’ll hit that up!

I’ve picked a couple of dates for Baby Shower in NC – May 13th (Mother’s Day weekend NOT day) is the best one for us but I don’t know if that is going to work!

Also have to get on that baby registry – I think we’ll just do Baby Depot & Amazon.com – that way I can add things from various vendors with the best prices available, hopefully. I know some people like to buy online and others really like to go to the store so I’ll try one online based and one ACTUAL store and see how that goes!

I just discovered that the crib bedding that I want to model our nursery after has fabric for sale by the yard. Very expensive yards, I might add. BUT still there’s hope we can find someone who can special order it for cheaper, possibly!! YAY!! I was hoping to be able to match is closely but now we might just be able to make it ourselves!! Of course this all depends on what’s cheaper, buying it or making it. The sheets are a little more expensive than Pottery Barn and I haven’t found much on Ebay…so it might be worth it depending on how much yardage this stuff takes…

So Grandma just confirmed that it IS very expensive yardage…what to do, what to do…

Out like a Leo, in like a Crab

So…we are no longer expecting a LEO baby…

As a Water sign, the Cancer baby is likely to be more emotional than most. In a word: tears! This baby will probably cry a fair bit, so holding and touching are of paramount importance -- really anything to achieve comfort. Along these lines, this is a baby who needs to feel secure and will easily pick up any bad vibes in the household. Therefore, arguing in the presence of this child should be kept to a minimum. Family is very important to the Cancer baby, as is nurturing. As Cancer is the sign of the Mother, the elements of nurturing, family and mood swings (think sensitivity and emotions) are highlighted. Also, because Cancer is the sign of Memory, the Cancer baby will retain memories from the past, both good and bad. This is a child who could get lost in the supermarket for two minutes and forever remember it as a sign of rejection from the mother! For this reason and others, this tot needs to be made to feel secure, especially within the family unit (family will always be more important to the Cancer baby than friends). The somewhat reticent Cancer baby will nonetheless surprise Mom and Dad by being fussy about food, so be sure to please that palate! To sum up, the Cancer baby is familial, must feel protected, and with any kind of luck, will learn to swim like a fish!

Matias really wanted a LEO baby but the 11th is a Water Sign – which he is also – so that should help ease the ‘disappointment’ a little, no? It’s funny he’s disappointed over the astrological sign of his baby (on many levels) but thankfully doesn’t care if it’s a boy or a girl (although I know he daydreams about a little girl)…weirdo.

This sign doesn’t sound too far from a Taurus either though so seems like a pretty good combination of mommy and daddy…

So we are having a Crabby McCrab and not a ROARING LEO!

Still damn ruby though.

Music Log Updated

So we’ve been using our Wombsong to play music directly for the bebe instead of “through” me – you’re only “allowed” to have two 10 minute sessions a day so we must choose our track listing very wisely.

The first time, Matias just put on random World Music and I was mildly excited about that – I’m never very excited about music without lyrics or music I don’t know inside and out. But, it wasn’t me listening so…I was really neither here nor there about it…

But last night, Matias picked his track listing a little more carefully – and the bebe was introduced to Mr. Jack Johnson and his Curious George soundtrack. Folks, we’ve gone all PBS on him already!! He had the Number 3 song on repeat. This kid is going to come out yelling at us for not recycling his diapers. HA!

We still have yet to pick a Go Night Night song but Matias is suddenly all for that – it was funny our conversation yesterday about it but it wouldn’t translate well to words since there was “acting” involved. But I can tell you it went a little something like this:

Chosen Go Night Night song is playing & bebe just starts snoring.

See, so much funnier when you see me do it in person. I promise.

So tonight…I’m not sure what we will choose for him…I’m REALLY trying NOT to push DMB on him [I mean Matias in this case] (I know, doesn’t sound like it should be a hard sell but…) but I really want to put Some Devil on for the bebe!!! And yes, I could do it alone but Matias likes to watch the belly jump and likes to know when he’s kicking around and to what songs so I’m not going to get all sneaky on him about this…I’ve got plenty of other things to be sneaky about! HA! Just kidding. Or am I?

Oh the bebe also likes Ani. Or at least likes me singing and chair dancing along to her.

My, how Time flies…

Believe it or not but we are already in our 23rd WEEK!!

Where did the past two weeks go?!!? Turns out my abnormally large belly is due to be birthed July 11th and NOT July 25th!!

TWO WEEKS EARLIER!!

I WILL BE 6 MONTHS (ALREADY) NEXT WEEK!! Just last week I was 5 MONTHS!!

YIKES!! I changed my due date on my little weekly update emails and they informed me that I only have 17 weeks left in my pregnancy!! DOUBLE YIKES!!

And how do I know there has been a change??

CAUSE WE MET OUR LITTLE BEBE YESTERDAY VIA ULTRASOUND!!!

More on that coming up…

Mother Ducker.

When my mom and sister were here last weekend they brought us quite a few bebe goodies!! We got stocked up on all things Duckie!! I got a bunch of layette outfits and blankies – which are just adorable.

Thing is – anything in “Neutral” is ALL ducks, ALL the time. We went shopping also and I couldn’t find a single thing in “Neutral” that was cute enough to buy. I ended up getting one outfit from Janie & Jack that is for a boy but it’s green and has grasshoppers on it so it’s not TOO BOY. And it says Love Bug, so who could resist that. And I got a bib and blankie from Gymboree that is boy also, but it’s neutral “enough” to pass. It’s really aggravating that I cannot find anything decent. Almost everything is DUCKS. And Grandma wiped them all out, I think!! They are so cute though!! We had them take them back home since we will be moving in May and really don’t have the room to store any extra goodies at the moment…hence the reason I’ve somewhat forgotten to written about the adorable stash of newborn clothes we just got!!

Most unisex sections are really boring or just have like two choices but I did just look at Target and they have PLENTY for us to choose from – THANK YOU! So although we wont be registering them (damn them and their horrible registries!!) we will be maxing out our charge cards, I’m sure!

Why is it so hard to make unisex clothes for newborns? If little boys OR little girls can wear them people who know what they are having would buy them also, right??

And why are all kitty things pink and doggie things blue?!?! WE ARE NOT DOG PEOPLE, PEOPLE.

Matias says I’m making this more complicated than it is & I probably am BUT it’s really aggravating to go shopping and either already own everything (thanks Grandma!!) or not even have any options, beyond Ducks that is. And his, typical male, response is “just get white onesies and that’s all we need”. I try not to argue but, please, we know that’s not going to happen. I just don’t want him OR her to be naked cause I couldn’t find cute clothes. Ok, yeah after writing that last sentence I do feel I’m making this a little more than it really is.

I suppose it’s just hard not knowing and not being able to Plan – it’s not the hardest thing in the world but it sure is tough when you come across smocked dresses or little overalls and you just have to wait LONGER.

And there’s TONS of monkey stuff out there but, seriously, we need to be careful about buying monkey stuff since we have a cat named monkey and all…and some of it is just ugly. HEH. And I honestly don’t know how unisex monkey stuff is…the few pieces I have ARE light yellow and light brown not bright colors so I am fine with that…

So, THANKS GRANDMA & AUNTIE LEANNE!! We love the goodies you bought us!!

Alrighty, folks, dont say I didnt warn you...here's 5 Month Bebe Belly 

Music Log for Saturday Morning

(so far...)

Some Devil - Dave Matthews
Waiting for my Rocket to Come - Jason Mraz
Inside Wants Out - John Mayer
Number 1 Hits - Elvis

:)

Also need this :) 

I NEED THIS!!!! 

Grandma bought this for us - isnt it just perfect? I have it sitting next to my lamp on my desk and I just love looking at it when I'm on the computer! Thanks Grandma!! 

Our Next Steps

I mailed in our Pre-registration for the hospital this week!! We have to register at 20 weeks so that they have, I can only imagine, all of our insurance information before we check in for the Big Date!! YAY!! Oh and by the way Mom, you’re our emergency contact – forgot to tell you…

Then I printed out all the schedules for Birthing Center Tours (free!) and Childbirth Classes ($135) & all the other sundry classes they offer. We decided to do the Speed Childbirth Classes (9-4:30 for two Saturdays) instead of the 5 week long weekDAY classes that would just kill us – we are NO good at after school activities since neither of us gets home until 6:45 if are modes of transportation are running on time, that is. I consulted a fellow co-worker about the additional classes – breastfeeding and childcare – and she let me know that the Lactation Consultant they send in after the birth is the best thing going & your contact with a consultant AFTER you get home and see where any and all problems might lie. There’s no reason to go learn about breastfeeding when you don’t even have anything latching onto you at the moment, right? Plus, that was another $45. And they cover all the Childcare issues in the Childbirth class so we should be set there also. Saving another $35 or something like that. We found a Lamaze instructor in our area-ish (not Manassas but Centreville, which is right down the road) so we will be calling/contacting her shortly to see what’s up with that. Since we want to go the Natural Route, we feel we should get as involved in the learning of that Route before just showing up and saying “no drugs, please & shouldn’t I have something to Focus on?” I’m nervous about how much these Lamaze Classes might cost though & Matias doesn’t think he can learn what he needs to know from a book – which you know was my first suggestion. HA.

When I reminded Matias that I mailed in the pre-registration form he got all excited and I asked him what that was all about – he said “I’m really excited to go on the tour and take the classes together and get moving on this thing” to which I smiled & kissed him, gratefully. I was nervous that he would fight me on the “classes” thing since he’s the oldest of 11 he’s changed his fair share of diapers and then some and bathed and burped and fed and…you get the picture…so I was nervous that he would declare himself Expert and refuse to participate – you know how men can be. Thankfully, this hasn’t happened. I did tell him one time that I haven’t had much experience with babies (really only my niece and nephew and we didn’t even live in the same state for most of that time and there’s one memorable diaper changing incident that still scars me…) and that I, being a Active Learner, need to actually get in there and get my hands dirty, so to speak, to make myself feel more prepared and ready. Plus, tons of reading. Read then do…tis how I learn. And make lists. Plus, and this is the Big Reason, I wanted to make sure we were both doing the same thing and not bringing in lessons learned from past experiences that might be “wrong” and then end up arguing over those points while our child lies on the changing table flinging poo everywhere while we discuss the proper front-to-back or back-to-front style of wiping. I would like to be on the same page with him on this and thankfully, I think we will be. And everyone has heard that the first child is the one who gets the binky boiled clean after touching a dirty surface for a mili-second and that the following children just get the dirt blown off before returning it to their screaming maw – can you just imagine what happens at child number 11? So not only has he agreed to the classes he’s EXCITED ABOUT THEM!! YAY DADDY!!! Elevates some stress for me, considerably.

The Bebe has definitely been moving around more as of lately. He is waking up earlier – sometimes even before I’m out of bed! Usually he was getting active while I was on the bus – sometimes two hours after I’ve already been awake (you really don’t want to know how long my commute is…) and then normally after I’ve eaten snacks or meals. Now, he’s up way before that and pushing off his pond walls and, as I imagine, breaststroking his way to the other side to do a flip turn and head back. He’s our little swimmer, this one! Which just makes me ache for the day I can get him in the pool with me!!! I didn’t spend 6 summers teaching swim lessons for nothing, people!! I thought I felt a kick this morning that Daddy would have been able to feel but since we were sleeping I wasn’t on the ball enough to grab his hand and see if it would happen again.

We went to the Tavern last night for dinner (don’t worry mom, no one was smoking around us at all!!) since Matias didn’t have any fish for dinner (good Catholic and all…) and it was so nice to see all of our Girls again – we honestly hadn’t been there, I think, since the end of January!! They all came over when I walked in (bus was also almost 40 minutes late!!) and oooh’ed and awe’ed over My Belly and just generally got excited. They were talking to us and asking questions about how we were doing and how excited and happy they are for us and just general giggle-ment – it’s nice to know we really aren’t just “customers” to them – they even remember our Anniversary! Our regular server (she actually switches stations with people so she can serve us!) was so cute – she commented on how my tastes buds haven’t changed that I was still ordering the same things! (Rueben with fries and a side of Blue Cheese!) and then brought me a double serving of a hot fudge brownie for dessert! She asked how far along we were now and was ASTOUNDED to learn it was 5 months already – she swore it felt like only two months!! And then said, well it’s no wonder you’re showing so much then!! I miss our Tavern though but I’m so glad they haven’t forgotten about us. They all came over and even said “please come back more often and don’t wait so long between visits”. Selfishly, I will MISS our St. Patrick’s Day celebrating there though. It wont be the same this year – no getting to the Tavern at NOON for GREEN BEER and about 540972 cigarettes. No singing along to the Irish band (the owners father is the lead singer) & calling my mom to tell her how much I miss her and how all the Irish-ness of the day makes me miss my childhood and Ireland and blahblahhormonalblah. And no more REALLY drunk pictures to laugh at the next day. *sigh* Maybe we can still go for dinner on Friday night before heading to NC the next day (Auntie’s 40^th Birthday!!) but it still wont be the same…

Plus, I’ve gotten them to start calling my Shirley Temple’s “Virgin Cosmos”. GIGGLE. And I get extra cherries. They like us, they really like us. I suppose this is our first taste of the transition from childless to child-ed; getting to see if our “friends” will still be there after we become Parents, you know? And yes, they still want us around!! I know this might sound silly to some who haven’t experienced the Tavern with us but these guys are fabulous. The night we got engaged we went straight there and celebrated, we get a booth anytime we want cause Matias likes to stretch out, they were fabulous for my Diva Dinner before the wedding, like I said, they remember our Anniversary and us coming in after our engagement…the list goes on…anyway enough about that.

I think it’s time for a little Introduction to Music 101 – just threw on Some Devil!! I’ve ranted numerous times about how I think this is just the BEST LULLABYE ALBUM EVER – now it’s my turn to put it to the test!! HEH. He’s kicking.

“before you came, you know I never cared, it's a just a game, I played, yeah oh up and away...”

Monthly doctor appointment – Week TWENTY!!

TWENTY?!?! How am I ½ way there ALREADY? I know the first 16 weeks were agonizing but it still doesn’t feel like I should be ½ way there already.

Maybe I should get a move on about getting some stuff together, no?

I went to the doctor yesterday for my monthly check-up and it happens also to be WEEK 20!!

Here’s a grocery list of things done/said at my appointment yesterday:

1) I gained some weight but now they want me to be sure not to gain as much again in one month
2) My blood pressure is really good & steady at 100/60
3) I’m carrying “low”
4) I still have an “abnormally large belly for this stage”
5) I confirmed there is only one heartbeat since he keeps mentioning this “abnormally large belly for this stage”
6) They had a problem finding the heartbeat because the bebe kept moving around too much and they couldn’t get a handle on him long enough to nabbed a heartbeat
7) They didn’t tell me that until they found it which nearly damn drove me into a panic for obvious reasons – they need to tell you why they cannot find the heartbeat a little bit sooner before making you assume the worse

We go next week for our ultrasound!!! Still wont be finding out the sex though! I’m very excited to finally meet & greet this little bebe swimming around inside of me. YAY!!!

And every since the doctors visit this little bebe has been moving around more than normal or maybe it’s just stronger than normal. I was telling Matias last night that it’s now more of an “hey, something’s kicking me from the inside” instead of “I don’t think that’s gas, I think that’s a baby in there” – very strange, indeed. I actually cant wait for papa to be able to see & feel our baby moving around AND I think it will be funny to show the cats (the Other Babies) my stomach when he is truly tumbling around in there with elbows and feet coming through and see if they “attack” my belly…giggle.

I LOVE my Cuddle Pillow. Although I’m sure I will be getting more “proper” use out of it in the coming months, right now, it’s so nice just to sleep with something up against my belly that isn’t Matias’ knee. It’s taking some getting used to when I roll over though – I haven’t quite mastered the act of bringing it with me when I roll. Monkey loves it. He sleeps on it when I am lounging on the couch & snuggles up to it at night in bed if he cannot get close to me for some reason. Mystic, as usual, can give two poops J

UPDATES:

Matias continues to talk into my belly button.

Bebe thoroughly enjoyed the Michael Buble concert on Friday night – he kicked it up during the good parts – smart bebe!!

Those damn Girl Scouts better watch out

We have ONE box of Thin Mints in the office - which is NOT why those little bastards have to watch out.

I had FOUR cookies. I have the WORSE heartburn now EVER.

I'm going to hunt one down tonight and trip 'em.

It's a sign.

Ruby

Ruby is the birthstone of July & the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th years of marriage.

Ruby's day is Tuesday, its season summer, and its apostle St. Matthew. The scarlet-colored gem is July's birthstone under the sign of Cancer, is said to accord wearers wisdom, happiness and health, and to bring particularly good luck to gamblers and lovers. [Note: The bebe is due on a Tuesday.]

Rubies are more than talismans or good-luck charms, not only historic and exotic but also valuable. Value is a human set of conditions: gems must have rarity, durability and beauty. Great rubies display all three hallmarks. Rubies - especially fine rubies - are rarer than diamonds, emeralds or sapphires. The beauty of their color is without peer. And their durability is often a surprise to new buyers. [Note: Hello? Sounds like our child!! ;)]

On the famous Mohs hardness scale of 1 to 10, everyone knows that a diamond, as the hardest natural substance on earth, rates a 10. Rubies, at Mohs 9, are harder than any other material except diamonds. You may already have noticed that rubies and sapphires are often paired. For good reason. They belong to the same family, corundum, the crystal form of aluminum oxide. Fine rubies are the most expensive of all gems (with the one exception - very rare colored diamonds, such as red). [Note: That's right, bitches.]

Clarity guidelines are not as rigorous with rubies as with diamonds because a natural flawless ruby is a virtual impossibility. Rubies, like emeralds, are expected to have inclusions. [Note: Mamacita's birthstone is the Emerald. WE ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE FLAWS PEOPLE!!]

And I believe that wraps up todays "Mamacita Must be Bored at Work" random entries...

What's your sign?

Symbol - The Lion
Ruling Planet - The Sun
Birthstone- Sardonyx
Flower - Gladiolus
Color - Orange

The Leo Personality

If your child is born in Leo, he or she is usually a happy extrovert that loves power. A child of the Sun is sincere, honorable, magnanimous, and proud. As adults they are usually dignified and positive.

The Leo child is philosophical, forceful, and demonstrative. Because they are assured, Leos demonstrate faith, hope, and fortitude. This child is apt to be energetic and lavish in expenditure of energy and money when his or her sympathy or interest is aroused. Leos are usually popular and even-tempered but quick to anger if their Leo pride is hurt. Leos always aim for the stars, and with their determination and self-confidence, Leo children usually get there.

The Leo child is daring, unflinching, and unafraid and at times must be taught to curb his or her exuberance. Leos love to be at the head of things.

Leos' great organizing ability and commanding power usually bring success. They are charming and excel as artists, actors, and musicians, and succeed best where they have authority or where they hold responsible executive position.

Leos are most compatible with Gemini and Libra signs.

Famous People Born under the Leo Sign:
Neil Armstrong, Astronaut, August 5
CoCo Channel, Designer, August 19
Alexander the Great, Macedonian Greek World Conqueror, July 23
Robert Redford, Entertainer, August 18

A gaggle of stuff (but not "pink stuff")

Does anyone North of the Mason-Dixon Line know what Pink Stuff is? Be happy, if you dont.

Anyway...

Brief list of random updates:

1) I won the Ebay auction for the Wombsong Prenatal Sound System!!! Paid 1/2 price for it too.
2) Matias is talking into my belly button now. He's only done it once so I'm not sure if a habit is forming or not...
3) My skin is stretching or TRYING TO. I can feel it. It's uncomfortable but Daddy (or Papa [French version] as I like to call him) has offered to rub the cream he bought for me THE DAY he bought the pregnancy test!
4) Cannot remember what else I wanted to say...
5) Bebe is going to another concert tomorrow night - Michael Buble!!

I suppose if I remember anything else I wanted to say (LeNelle distracted me...we are chatting...) I will get back to you :)