Confession

Santa Claus brought me a Justin Timberlake CD and I can't. stop. listening. to. it.




It's going to be a long weekend. :)

To All My Readers: I Wanna Wish You a Merry Christmas...

from the bottom of my heart.

May your holiday season be filled with all the goods thing in life. And much much more.

Month Two

Dear Patrick,

Today, you turn two months old. I don’t know where the month went – it seems to have flown right by us. But this second month was, indeed, a very busy one for you.

We started out by celebrating your first Thanksgiving. We traveled to your grandma’s house and there, your Aunt Jacky, Uncle Chris, Aunt Lisa, and Cousins Michael and Tommy joined us to celebrate, watch football, and eat! You behaved very well, not once becoming jealous that all you could have was your bottle. And like me, you slept through most of the football on during the day, although I am sure your dad will change that as soon as he can.

We took your to New York City to visit with your Cousin Kristy and her husband, John. You loved it! Throughout that frezing day, we strolled you through snow, rain, and wind. But you didn’t complain once: it was another adventure for you. That day, we visited Little Italy and Chinatown, where Cousin Kristy and I bought knock off handbags from “the back room”, and Union Square.

We also took you to Cozy Soup and Burger, where according to your dad, “they serve hamburgers the size of your head!” You also rode the bus that day, as well as the ferry from New Jersey to New York. It was definitely a day of “firsts” for you.
You were also baptized this month. Again, you slept through most of it, even when the priest poured water over your head and blessed you. It was a wonderful event; so many family and friends came to see you and celebrate your life. You met your Godmom Lisa and Godfather Brendan for the first time. They love you very much and will help guide you through your life and help you make good decisions.

You are very aware of your home and are familiar with the different rooms. You definitely love the kitchen. And you love spending time in our room – that is, mommy and daddy’s room. You have learned that your crib is the place where you sleep and the living room is where you play.

You began sleeping in your crib about three weeks ago and have adjusted well to it. Every night, your daddy and I get you ready for bed, put you in your crib, and on your own, you drift off to sleep. You are still waking up once or twice during the night because you are hungry. You have started to gain control of your head (thanks to tummy time!) and keep your eyes focused on things that entertain you: the light fixtures, the windows, and your mobile.
We have been working to get you on some kind of schedule, so that when your Abuelo and Abuela go back to Miami, the transition will be a little easier. Some days, it works. Other days, you have an idea of how you want the day to work. Even so little, you are determined to have things your way. I love that you have your own personality and that you demand attention. This son, will get you far in life and I hope that you continue to ask for what you want. However, we’ll have to work on the “I want it *right* now and I won’t take no for an answer” demand. You will have to learn patience, but I am certain you will.

You are a very good boy and often times, I find myself staring at you for hours. I can’t believe that you are mine, that you daddy and I created you, and that one day, those small little hands and feet that I wash everyday are going to get bigger – probably bigger than my own.

You are amazing.

Love,
Mommy

Our Christmas Tree

I finally got around to taking some pictures of the Christmas tree!

No flash

With flash.

A Post About Nothing... or, Everything...

So it's been almost two weeks since my last substantial post. No excuses, just busy with everyday life and, of course, Christmas.

Patrick was baptized last weekend (photos forthcoming, probably in my two month letter to Patrick - eeek! Almost two months already!), so that took up a good chunk of time both before and after the event with family and friends.

We are trying to get Patrick to sleep for longer periods of time during the night. So far, we haven't been as successful as I have hoped, but it hasn't been awful. At most, he is sleeping in 4-5 hour stretches. But then again, he also has nights when he wakes up every two hours. We're working on it.

My parents are leaving in three weeks. While I am extremely grateful to them for leaving this blissful retired lives in Miami to come here to help, I think it might be time. I have to start adjusting to life with Patrick while Mike is at work. I am slowly getting back into the groove - laundry, cleaning, etc. I admire all women who are at home, watching their kids and still manage to get everything done in their houses. It's a tough job, this stay at home business.

I've been trying to finish up the Christmas shopping - I think I am finished. I just hope I don't see anything else that I just have to buy.

I've been thinking that I am going to rejoin Weight Watchers next month. Before I got pregnant, I lost 25 pounds on the points system and I still got to eat what I wanted. After Patrick, I have lost 25 pounds again, but I still want to lose more. I'm sure I will be blogging about my weight loss once the new year rolls around.

What else?

Oh! Freckle Face Girl had her baby boy last week (or was it the week before that?). He's a cutie pie. Go to her page and check out the photos she has posted of her little bundle of joy. Congrats!

One more thing - I couldn't post this weekend without adding a picture of the little punk. :) So here he is, meeting Santa Claus for the first time:

Tired...

...but not too tired to do a meme. Geez, it's been so long since I've done one of these. Here goes:

The Christmas Edition

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail that you can send.

Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. I tend to buy lots of paper when it goes on sale. But then again, sometimes I'll use a bag. It depends on the size of the gift.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial.

4. When do you take down the tree? After Three Kings Day.

5. Do you like egg nog? I haven't had it in a long time, but yes, I like it, especially when it's spiked.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Cabbage Patch Kid.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, two of them. One from my single days that I bought at a dollar store and another one that was passed down to me from my parents when I got married.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Mike - he has everything!

9. Easiest person to buy for? No one - I take so long in deciding what to buy people.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmmm, I don't know. Can I come back to this one?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story - "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"

13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hmmmm, yes

14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Pieces of gingerbread houses. I don't eat it often because I rarely know anyone who has a gingerbread house.

15. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

16. Favorite Christmas song? Happy Holiday/Holiday Season by Andy Williams - it's supremely ridiculous, but it puts me in a good mood everytime I hear it.

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel an hour to my MIL's house

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? No way.

19. Open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? When I was younger, Christmas Eve, but now, Mike won't let us open anything until Christmas Day

20. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Trying to buy presents that are personal, that show that I put some thought into buying them.

22. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Roasted pork. I'm Cuban, what did you expect me say?

23. What do you want for Christmas this year? One night of uninterupted sleep.

24. Who is most likely to respond to this? No one

25. Who is least likely to respond to this? No one, but if you want to do your own meme, go ahead and let me know in the comment section. I promise to go check out your answers.

Off to bed now! More posts coming, I know I've been slacking lately. I'm sorry...

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thanksgiving came and went. Thankfully, without a hitch. Patrick spent his first night at his grandma's house and behaved like the good little boy he is (yeah, right!).

Yesterday, Mike and I ventured out to Target (one of my favorite places in the whole world - next to Disney World, of course) to buy a few things. We thought we might go late at night but instead opted to go around 4 pm. It wasn't even crowded! Next year, I am totally going shopping on Black Friday. I'll even take Patrick with me. Yeah, right.

Last night, we took pictures for our Christmas card. Loads of fun, folks, and I can't wait until people start receiving them. Having a baby is like having a doll sometimes. Seriously. :)

Today we plan to put up our Christmas tree as we attempt to watch the Florida-Florida State game. I feel awful that I haven't cheered on my favorite college team this season. I am going to try to make it up to the Gators today, though.

Now, as I figure out which channel the game will be broadcast from, enjoy this outtake from our Christmas photo shoot:

Questions: how do baby keep that extra bit of milk on their tongues? Don't they know to swallow it? And how, with FOUR people watching him, do we fail to realize that the boy has a booger in his nose? How?

Oh, and... Go Gators!!

Thankful

Last year, I took on the task of hosting my first Thanksgiving. This year, I have given the holiday back to my mother-in-law. With Patrick only a month old, I didn't think I would be able to pull it off. I did manage, though, to prepare a spiral ham, basted with Coke. I hope everyone likes it!

Since last Thanksgiving, a lot has happened in my life. Exactly a year ago, I got the okay from my doctor to become pregnant. I was very lucky that it only took a short amount of trying, and I am thankful for that.

I am thankful that I have a healthy baby boy that I can stare at all day long.

I am thankful for my husband and for the way he loves me and our son. For the way he has adapted to being married to me for the last few years and for the years we have before us.

I am thankful for my extended family and friends, who show me daily how much they love me and my family.

I am thankful for my health. After almost a year of being pregnant and being sent home on "limited activity", I am happy to say that I am as healthy as can be. Even the recovery from my c-section has been relatively painless.

I hope everyone has a great holiday - please remember to tell those nearest and dearest to you how thankful you are to have them in your lives.

Month One

Dear Patrick,

Tomorrow is your one month birthday and in such a short amount of time, you have grown so much! If every month of your life goes by as quickly as this one has, I don’t know what I’ll do. It goes by so quickly and there is so much to savor, so much to remember, so much to write down.

Being pregnant with you has been, by far, the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. Actually, let me correct that - being your mother has been the most amazing thing to happen to me. And the day you were born was one full of emotion. The second you were born you began crying, and to me, that was the most beautiful sound I ever heard.

Shortly after your arrival, a nurse noticed you were having a slight problem breathing – it was nothing serious, just something that happens to babies sometimes when they are born via c-section. It seemed you still had some fluid in your lungs and needed a nasal tube to help remove it. Quickly, you were moved to the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) and they started you on this tube. I was recovering from the operation of having you, and your daddy spent most of the morning running from my bedside to yours. You spent the first 48 hours of your life in the NICU, where the doctors and nurses took such great care of you, I will be forever indebted to them for treating you with such love and care.

At home, you have been amazing. Your abuelo and abuela are here with us and everyday, your abuela washes you down and tells you stories. You aren’t too fond of being scrubbed down, but you love when we pour water over you. You love to listen to our voices. We sit you in a bouncy seat in the kitchen with us and there, you are exposed to all kinds of sounds and smells. Your daddy and I sit you down with us in the living room and as we watch television, you look at us, perfectly happy to be there.

Every night, your daddy takes you upstairs and gets you ready for bed. He carefully changes your diaper and changes your clothes. This is a big deal because in the first days of your life, your dad was so scared he might hurt you if he carried you the wrong way or picked you up incorrectly.

When you are sleeping, you scrunch your face up and show signs of worries lines on your forehead. I wonder what you might be dreaming about that makes you so serious. As soon as you wake, you begin your hunger whine. It goes on and on until you get a bottle. And once the bottle is near your face, you begin panting like an animal. You are so ravenous! It’s very cute – except at 4 in the morning when the only thing your daddy and I would like is to continue sleeping soundly.

When you were two weeks old, we took you to church. Your dad made us sit at the end of a pew in case you starting crying. I kept a bottle right next to you in case you woke up and demanded nourishment. We were ready to go. But interestingly enough, we didn’t hear a peep from you for the entire hour. You did wake up at one point, and I put a bottle in your mouth. You drank every last drop and fell right back asleep. You were a hit! And all those people who gave us skeptical looks when we sat near them had to take back whatever mean thoughts they had of us when we originally sat down.

While on the subject of church, I should probably explain this a little bit. Your daddy and I, both raised Catholics, have not been church-goers during our adult life, but when you learned you were coming, we decided that we needed to expose you to religion. The world is too ugly and dangerous for people to be without faith and we want you to learn that there is a supreme being that looks over and protects you. We also want you to learn faith and spirituality, because in times of crisis, you will need them. And so we are committed to exposing you to the religion we know – it may not be the best religion and you may choose not to attend once you are older – but it is important to your dad and I to teach you and baptize you, which will happen in early December.

I continue to read books to you and play music. I dress you in all the outfits you have received from family and friends. I took you shopping one day and you loved it! You are going to be a great companion during the holiday shopping rush.

And, as promised, you have your own official paparazzi. When you are older, you are going to ask me why there are 54 pictures of you taking a bottle or 208 pictures of you sleeping. The answer will always be the same: because I cannot resist looking at you, and I want to record every minute of your life. You are my greatest creation and I am proud to show you off to anyone who will pay attention.

Thank you for blessing me with your existence. I love you unconditionally and with all my might.

Until next month,

Mommy

Tributes

My good friend, Courtney Lynn, posted a great tribute to Patrick earlier this week.

I started working on this one a few weeks ago and have been using time here and there to finish it up. I wish I had more time, but for now, this will have to do.

Enjoy!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Guess What?

Not only have I lost all the weight I gained during pregnancy (10 pounds), I've also lost an additional 15 pounds.

It might be the lack of sleep.

Whatever it is, I'll take it!

Patrick Wears Shoes! And Likes It!

All dressed up for church - 16 days old.

Hanging out with my daddy during tummy time.

Happy Halloween!

What a cool bib! A present from my Cousin Owen!

Right after a feeding. Grandma bought me this outfit.

Proof that he isn't always so well-behaved!

Trying to Stay on Top of Things...

...but obviously I'm not.

I haven't been online as often as I'm used to and haven't been keeping up with my favorite blogs the last few days. I'll try to play catch up soon.

So far, things have been good at home with Baby Patrick. We've had lots of visitors, lots of flowers and candies, and lots of presents.

We're adjusting, adapting and learning. Slowly.

Thank goodness for my mom. I don't know how I would get anything done without her. She's a godsend - doing laundry, cleaning up after all of us, cooking.

More stories to come, but for now, the latest pics:

Finally, a week old! Hanging out with his monkey friends.

"Future Agent." The apple doesn't fall from the tree. A gift from one of Mike's bosses. No pressure, though.

One More Picture...

Many requested, and never received, a final photo of me in my pregnant glory. My plan was to take weekly pictures of my growing belly and I failed at that task. However, the night before Patrick was born, I was adamant about taking a picture of myself, if only to remember what my body turned into.

Here it is - a photo of myself pregnant at 38 week and 1 day.

My apologies for those who asked and never received. Hopefully, you will forgive and use the term: better late than never.

Final pregnancy photo - 38 weeks, 1 day

Pictures!

Mere minutes after he was born with Dr. Daddy!

It's incredible how much this kid looks like Mike!

Our first family portrait.

With Abuelo and Abuela at the hospital

Our first adventure! A car ride home. Doesn't he look like a little gnome?

Grandma was waiting when he got home from the hosptial. What is she thinking? "He looks *just* like my Michael!"

Finally... Home

We brought Patrick home yesterday afternoon. There are many words to describe him: adorable, cuddly, tiny, beautiful. But my favorite:

Perfect.

Not because he's my son or anything, but just because he is.

Perfect.

I knew that the minute I saw him, I would be smitten and in love. But I never imagined it could be this intense.

Many thanks to my bff, acb, for keeping everyone updated on his birth, progress, and photos. And many thanks to the phone calls, emails, and comments on this blog with prayers, thoughts, well wishes and congratulations.

I will upload pictures soon, hopefully sometime today. That camera phone picture just doesn't cut how awesome this kid is.

More soon.

Hmmm ... did someone ask for a picture?

Another guest contributer post. Still acb here ...

The wonders of technology will never cease to amaze me ... Neither will the miracle of babies. And now we have both rolled into one -

Mike was able to send this to my phone ... and I was able to upload it to my computer. Now to figure out how to upload the pics I have taken with my phone without subscribing to Sprint's service plan ...

Anyway, drumroll please ...

Introducing Patrick William!!!!!

He is totally a cutie!!!

Again, so many congrats to our dear Annie and Mike!

Anna and Mike had their baby!

A short story by acb, Guest Contributer.

Sooooo -

Anna and Mike had their baby!!!

And it's a ...

Wait for it ...

Wait for it ...

A BOY!!!!!!!!!

Patrick William
8:06 a.m., today, 10/19/07
6lbs, 8.2 oz,
19.5 inches long

Anna is doing well - she is in recovery from the c-section. Baby Patrick has a good amount of strawberry blond hair (like his daddy!), and is doing well also. Mike - well, he's over the moon, as expected. :)

Congrats, Anna and Mike!

38 Weeks

Just got back from the doctor. Won't have the official results of the amnio until tomorrow, but the doctor seemed to think the fluid looked 'perfect.'

Thanks for all the well wishes, thoughts and prayers, and phone calls today.

I'm going to be a mom in less than 48 hours!

Quick Update

Not much going on this week. Just waiting.

Please send good thoughts tomorrow morning, as I have to go in for an amnio to check on FeeNo's lung maturity. If all is developed, the c-section is scheduled for Friday morning.

With the exception of waking up once every night to go to the bathroom, I've been sleeping wonderfully. I have no complaints. My swelling has gone down - my legs are back to normal.

It must be the calm before the storm. :)

More tomorrow.

Dreaming

Last night I dreamt that I was in labor. I dreamt that Mike took me to the hospital and when I got there, the doctor that was on call (not my doctor) sent me home.

Me: But I'm in labor!!

Doctor: I know. Come back on Monday.

Me: But it's Friday!

Doctor: I know. Come back on Monday. We'll take of you then.

Good thing I'm scheduled to go to the hospital next week. I don't know what I would do if I actually went into labor, showed up at the hospital and got sent home for the weekend.

Countdown to FeeNo - 9 Days

In nine days, I am going to meet my baby face to face. Even as I type this, I can't believe it's going to happen already. It's been the longest nine months of my life, nine months of anticipating and preparing. But still, it seems like a dream.

At today's appointment with the doctor, my parents got to see a glimpse of their grandchild. They were amazed by it all - seeing the baby's profile, arms and legs. FeeNo's weight today - about 6 pounds. Things look good for my c-section next week, pending an amnio on Wednesday.

I'll say this now and I am sure I will again: thanks to everyone for all the prayers and good wishes. It's been a long journey, a scary one most of the time, but everyone's encouragement has been helpful.

FeeNo's Bedroom

I took some pictures of FeeNo's bedroom. Enjoy!




And, finally, a picture of my chubby pregnant face:

My Mom Rocks

She's only been here a few days and already, Mike and I are spoiled.

Dinner is awesome and plentiful.

Tonight: chicken cooked with garlic and onions, served atop fried potatoes. Alongside, white rice (yes, even with potatoes, we still had rice). Also, a side lettuce salad. And empanadas.

Dad is also helping. He's become the official garbage remover in the house. :)

Cankles

I developed them yesterday. I still have them today.

They are gross.

I spent the day doing baby stuff with my mom. We washed clothes and went through lots of things in FeeNo's room. Tomorrow, we'll finish up the room.

Hopefully I'll have pictures to post early next week.

FeeNo Wants Out!

How did it get to be October already? Holy moly!

My parents arrive tomorrow. Together, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of FeeNo. I tell you, it's going to be like an I Love Lucy episode, where everything is rehearsed and then, someone will totally freak out about the entire situation. Of course, this will only happen if I actually go into labor, and I might, since FeeNo's head is way down, ready to come out.

Not much going on otherwise. I saw the doctor today and the countdown to FeeNo has started - 16 days until my scheduled c-section. Things are looking very good - the doc even joked that I am no longer a high risk pregnancy.

I didn't have a growth ultrasound today, so I don't know how much FeeNo weighs today. I suspect the weight is at about six pounds, since I seem to have put on FOUR POUNDS in a week. FOUR POUNDS!

Oh well, what can you do?

I'm so excited, I don't even care.

Here is a clip of what could possibly happen in the next few days with Mike and my parents. Enjoy!

Awake for the Daybreak

Yes, it's six thirty in the morning on a Saturday and I am wide awake. I have been for about an hour now. I finally got out of bed because I didn't want to wake up poor Mike who has been looking forward to sleeping in all week.

Insomnia. It stinks.

Insomnia during pregnancy. It really stinks.

But there is one good thing: Autumn is in the air and you can feel it through the cool breeze that comes through the window. A new season is among us. It's kind a nice to enjoy it as everyone else sleeps away the early morning.

Insomnia + Back Pain = A Very Irritable Annie

Okay people, we're in the homestretch.

It looks like FeeNo will be making a grand entrance on October 19th (as long as my amnio on the 17th shows mature lungs). That's only three weeks away. THREE WEEKS AWAY.

I spoke to my doctor yesterday during my appointment and told him that Mike and I were leaning toward a scheduled c-section because we would rather schedule it than have to have an emergency one. The doctor agreed (coincidentally, they had already sent me the order via US Mail earlier this week, so it was a done deal) and as long as I don't go into labor beforehand, my doctor is definitely going to do the honors of making me a mom.

I have terrible back pain. Last night, it was so terrible I was almost reduced to tears. I have insomnia. Today, I was awake at four in the morning, tossing and turning, and finally got up at five to read and watch shows I had DVR'ed during the week. When I do sleep, I have the craziest dreams (they are all pregnancy related - if you want details, email me). I am snapping at poor Mike. Then I fel bad about it. My stomach weighs a ton (even though my overall weight gain is 8 pounds) and I am in the bathroom constantly, it seems. And my indigestion doesn't seem to be getting any better.

FeeNo wants out of my belly already. There is constant movement in there. And the poor kid is running out of room. Yesterday's weight was 5 pounds, 1 ounce.

I can't believe I'm going to be a mom in less than a month. I'm very excited, but in all honestly, I am scared out of my mind.

Moving Legs and Arms

At today's doctor's visit, FeeNo was a ball of energy. During my entire ultrasound, FeeNo kept moving around, punching his arms and kicking his legs.

In the end, we were able to come to these conclusions: the child is very healthy and active at 34 weeks. And, apparently, experiencing a growth spurt. Today's weight: 4 pounds, 12 ounces. Up from last week's 4 pounds, 2 ounces.

A nice healthy jump that isn't a reflection of my diabetic woes.

I also had a growth spurt: a weight gain of 2 pounds, most of which is baby. Obviously.

I am feeling pretty good, if a bit tired from time to time. I've spent most of this week "nesting" starting with the cleaning of my kitchen cabinets and ending with the cleaning out of dresser drawers. The doctor says this is all perfectly normal, that I'm just getting ready for FeeNo's arrival.

Now, every week, the doctor and I go through pretty much the same things: how I feel, my blood pressure, the baby, my blood sugars. I keep a log of my blood sugars, writing down as many as 10 blood sugar readings in a single day. Then, the doctor and I go through the numbers and figure out if I should make any changes in my food and/or insulin intake during the day. Most of the time, it's been pretty easy to manage because my control has been pretty good.

Today, however, was different. After reading my fasting blood glucose levels, the doctors says to me "I see you were 102 the other day. And 105 the day before that. That's high." Now, for any diabetic out there, those numbers are actually within range. They are pretty much perfect numbers. But for pregnant diabetics, doctors like to see fasting numbers below 95. The doctor expressed concern over increasing my insulin intake overnight, as it might make me too low (which is worse than a high at this point). So he said we should reevaluate the numbers next week and see what's going on.

I have read on other diabetic pregnancy blogs something similar. And the reactions have always been the same: WHAT? HOW CAN 102 BE HIGH? I AIM FOR THIS NUMBER ALL THE TIME! But I guess the rules change when you are pregnant.

That being said, if my fasting numbers don't decrease, I may need to have a c-section afterall. I appreciate the doctor being so cautious with me. But man, now I have c-sections on the brain again.

I shouldn't complain, though. This kid is healthy, active, and growing. I shouldn't be concerned about having to have a cut on my belly, right? I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks about that.

Woo Hoo!!

Test results in from the doctor: NO PREECLAMPSIA!

If I could, I would celebrate with a drink. :)

Jenny McCarthy I'm Not...

...But I am certainly experiencing many of the things she did while she was pregnant. I will spare you guys the details, but if you are curious, pick up a copy of her book, Belly Laughs. I read it many months ago and now, I find myself picking it up to read a chapter here and there. It reads comically, but very truthfully. Even the stuff your own mother won't tell you!

This week's update is more of the same. FeeNo is still thumb/hand sucking. Weight - 4 pounds, 2 ounces. Very healthy.

I am still awaiting the results of my preeclampsia test - hopefully, I'll know by this afternoon. I lost a pound at this week's appointment. Not too much swelling in my legs. Blood pressure was okay. Blood sugars in check.

I feel bad that I haven't been posting much lately - only pregnancy updates. I will try to post more often - I have plenty to write about, including the disappointing season finale of Rescue Me, but I will save it for another day. Next week sometime...

My Favorite Owen

Last weekend, my bff and her family came to visit Mike, me, and my big belly.

I got a picture of Owen posing with Gary the Gnome.



It's hard to believe he's almost two!

It's Raining, It's Pouring, Annie is Snoring

Or so I'm told. Poor Mike hasn't had a good night's sleep in about three nights. But then again, he won't go sleep in the guest room. So it's not really my fault now, is it?

At my 32 week check up today, I learned that I gained 3 pounds! In a week! Things are still looking pretty good, but I have to do a test next week for preeclampsia, which makes me a little nervous (due to being 32 weeks pregnant and the fact that my legs are swelling - ick!).

No growth ultrasound this week, but I did get to hear FeeNo's heartbeat (in the 130s - nice and healthy) and see a little bit of this growing baby. Still has a big head. Right hand is still covering the face. Legs continue to kick. The lungs are practicing breathing and the heart looks so cool pumping away in the chest.

Next week, in addition to the preeclampsia test, another growth ultrasound, which should give us an indication of FeeNo's weight. Less than 60 days to my due date. I can remember when it was over 200 days. Not much more to go until Mike and I get to meet FeeNo face to face.

As soon as FeeNo is born, Mike wants to discuss the baseball playoffs - never mind this baby has a 50% chance of being female.

Me - after giving FeeNo a kiss, I think I'll give him a kick. Just like he does to me every night at 4 am. :)

I Have an Awesome Baby

Guess what FeeNo did?

Turned around and got into the right position - all on his own!

At my appointment yesterday, we found out that FeeNo is no longer in breech position, so while we still have a scheduled c-section on the calendar, it's very likely that I am going to go into labor on my own and have this baby naturally.

It took me the entire week to wrap my arms around the idea of having a c-section and now I am told that it may not even happen. No complaints, but I have learned over the last 7 months that things can change daily.

I'm feeling pretty good this week - no indigestion, although my back is starting to hurt a little bit and I get some leg cramps from time to time. I gained another pound - I think that makes it a total of 2 or 3 pounds gained over the course of the pregnancy.

I am almost finished with the baby's room. I only have a few more finishing touches and then I can start to snap pictures. My mother has some things in Florida for the room, so it won't be entirely finished until she arrives in early October. But it looks like a room for a baby.

A room for my baby.

Wow.

Here's a picture from yesterday - I know it looks like the last one, but it's a new one. Really. And I guess FeeNo likes sucking his thumb. Thay may explain the hiccups I feel everyday.

FeeNo at 31 weeks.

Could It Be True?

Today I got a special treat from my hubby, who was off. He drove me to the mall, where I walked and walked for a few hours. It was definitely nice to get out and see people in a place other than the grocery store (which has been one of my only means of public visits the last few weeks).

While we were out, my mother called me with news that someone had died. Mike and I were quick to come home and turn on the television. But we found nothing.

Nothing.

What's going on? Is FeeNo going to visit Cuba sooner than we expected?

I can only pray...

So You Really Think FeeNo is a Boy?

Right now, the poll shows that the majority think FeeNo is a boy.

Interesting, because initially, people thought FeeNo was a girl.

Weight yesterday - 2 pounds, 15 ounces. Baby looked good, except still giving us the spine. No pictures to show for it. Maybe FeeNo will cooperate in two weeks. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

I have gained back the two pounds I had lost. So I have gained a total of one pound this entire pregnancy. Blood pressure was good. And the doctor decreased some of my insulin intake since my blood sugars have been dipping a little bit. Overall, not a bad visit.

Ten more weeks until my due date, although it appears FeeNo may have to come early. He is in breech position (which explains all the spine shots the last few weeks) and if he doesn't flip himself over the doctor has scheduled a c-section for mid-October. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that yet, but as long as FeeNo is okay, that's all I really care about.

More on that in the coming days.

For now, if you haven't voted in the poll, please do so.

Better Late Than Never

I finally scanned the ultrasound picture from three weeks ago.

Here is FeeNo, sucking on a thumb:

How awesome is that?

Oh, and I am feeling better today. Thanks for the comments and phone calls from everyone to make sure I was okay. :)

Everyone's Invited to My Pity Party

I think three weeks of being homebound is starting to get to me.

My belly is big and hard, I am tired all the time, I hate the heat, and I am on my third John Grisham novel.

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

Update on my Week 28 Update

So I just got a call from the doctor's office. Turns out they just wanted to let me know the results of my bloodwork from yesterday.

Eureka! How quick was that?

Turns out my urine is perfect. My bloodwork is also good. No infections. My body is not fighting anything. And my Hemoglobin A1c? That pesky test that measures my blood sugar over the last few months?

It's lower than it was in June, meaning I'm even more perfect than I was then!!

If only all this perfection would coordinate with the headaches. I have one. Right now.

Ugh.

I Made it to 28 Weeks!

Yipee!!

I made it into my third trimester. The headaches, although still present from time to time, are not as intense as they used to be. My blood pressure is steady. And my blood sugars are within range.

FeeNo continues to grow. At my ultrasound today, Mike and I learned that the baby has gained another 11 ounces, for a total of 2 pounds, 5 ounces. FeeNo is the 40th percentile at this point of the pregnancy, a number that made the doctor very happy.

And while the baby increased in weight, I lost 2 pounds. The doctor told me not to worry since I am sure to gain it back and then some over the last trimester.

No photo to show off today (and yes, I realize I have not posted the picture from two weeks ago yet) because the child had his back to us for the majority of the ultrasound. When FeeNo turned around and we caught a glimpse of his face, he proceeded to cover his face with his hand. It was very Sean Penn-like. And then, as the technician was measuring FeeNo's leg, I got a nice, strong kid. Boy or girl, this baby is definitely going to be a handful. I can sense it already!

We also got a tour of the Labor & Delivery unit, complete with a visit to the baby nursery. I saw a fresh little one: she was screaming and crying. And so tiny. But - wow! - so beautiful. I was literally taken aback and when I saw Mike's face, I knew he was thinking the same thing: in a few short months: that's going to be our baby, kicking and screaming.

Excitement is building. It's starting to become more concrete and less abstract.

Sheesh, I need to finish up the nursery.

One Week

I've been home for an entire week now. And with the exception of two of my friends visiting me from Boston and Miami, I haven't done much of anything.

I mean, yes, I've done stuff: laundry, cooking, dusting. But I haven't gone anywhere. In fact, I haven't been in the car in three days.

But I'm resting.

Yesterday morning, I assembled FeeNo's changing table. All the baby furtniture arrived on Tuesday and the room wasn't cleared out. It's full of stuff: stroller, high chair, car seat, clothes, and diapers. Now it's my job to sort through it all. I'm not complaining, it's just that I didn't realize my belly was going to start to balloon in a matter of weeks, making things a little bit uncomfortable.

I'm clearly pregnant at 27 weeks. Entering my third trimester. FeeNo kicks and punches me and responds to conversations Mike and I have. It's a strange sensation, one I hope never to forget. I'm winded after climbing the steps. And I've given up on picking up the laundry basket full of clothes. I just can't do it anymore.

I've yet to scan my latest ultrasound picture, which is a shame on my part, since I am scheduled for another ultrasound next week. I'll get to it.

I will.

Homebound

It's official.

I have been put on limited activity until FeeNo arrives. I will be home for my entire third trimester growing this baby and making sure that everything stays on target.

First, the serious stuff: I have been experiencing some migraines and the doctor feels they may be indicative of preeclampsia, which has no cure except the delivery of the baby. The doc feels that I would be better at home, resting up. I am not on complete bedrest (luckily!) so I can still go up and down the stairs, go for walks, swim, etc.

Second, the details of my last visit: the baby looks good - very good. FeeNo gained half a pound over the last two weeks and is now 1 pound 10 ounces. I am 26 weeks along (plus two days), with less than 14 to go. However, the doctor thinks the baby may come a few weeks early, due to the changes in my body and the way I am reacting to the pregnancy as I enter the last trimester. I have gained another 5 pounds, for a total of 13.

Third, the fun stuff: during this ultrasound, FeeNo must have sensed how serious everyone was, so he decided to cooperate and pose for a picture. I will upload it in the next few days, but basically the child was sucking on a thumb and chilling out. The baby continues to kick and punch me, and has developed what I think are hiccups from time to time. Mike and I continue to watch episodes of 24 (we are now on season 2), which results in many kicks to my belly. We continue to read in both English and Spanish. And lately, Mike has taken to imitating radio reporter John Sterling and making calls on the Yankees.

FeeNo's favorite call: El como dulce, sweet as candy! Bobby Abreu singles to the right!

I'm not sure if FeeNo's response is from the baseball itself or Mike's comical way of imitating Sterling.

Either way, it brings smiles to both our faces and just makes us want to meet FeeNo that much sooner.

How can it be that someone I don't even know yet has taken over my entire heart?

The More Things Change...

the more they stay the same.

Here is my post, from a year ago today.

I've not much more to say about it, except that my feelings are the same or possibly even stronger, since I am having a baby this year and wish that my entire family - especially those in Cuba - could partake in this miracle.

More news on FeeNo tomorrow.

Random Facts

Sometime last week (or maybe it was the week before), I was tagged by FFG.

I'm just getting around to doing it.

Here goes:

8 Random Facts/Habits About You

1. I am not a big fan of cheese or cheese products. I won't eat a slice of cheese on a cracker and I don't like it added into my salads. I won't use cheese dip, not even nachos. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE pizza. With extra cheese.
2. When I am home, I have a tendency to use the bathroom with the door open and have complete conversations with Mike. I fully expect him to do the same for me, but he doesn't agree.
3. I am obsessive about paying bills. I have a whole system where I line up the bills in order of their due date and then pay them in that order. I keep a very balanced checkbook, right down to the penny. And if there's a discrepency between the bank statement and my ledger, I will not stop until I figure out what the problem is. Update: I *just* called my town's tax collector because the tax bill hasn't arrived yet and it's supposedly due next week. Ack! I need to pay the bill! But when I got someone on the phone, they told me the bills haven't been sent out yet and they will be due on August 21. See? There is something seriously wrong me with. Who wants to pay their tax bill?
4. When I grocery shop, I make a pretty extensive list of what I need. I cross reference it with whatever is on sale that week and then I look for coupons to fray the costs. I have been known to save more than $20 on grocery shopping visits.
5. Even though I am Cuban, I won't eat black beans and rice. That is, black beans on top of white rice. I don't like the soupy texture of the beans. But I will eat an entire plate full of black beans cooked in the rice - congris, if you will.
6. I am scared of watching mystery shows especially Unsolved Mysteries. The voice of the host freaks me out and causes a long bout of insomnia.
7. I dream in English and Spanish. Sometimes, I dream of my aunts in uncles in Cuba and they speak English. Other times I dream of my husband speaking Spanish.
8. I speak to my parents nearly everyday. We don't even talk about any substantial, but I need the phone call just as much as my parents do.

I'm supposed to tag 8 people to do this, but I won't. Although, I am interested in reading what Martha has to say. If anyone else wants to do it, feel free to, and let me know in the comments section.

Cravings

So, my obsession this week is nuts.

Cashews.

Almonds.

Peanut butter cookies from Target. They have their own brand of cookie - Double Peanut Butter made by Archer Farms, especially for me!

And FeeNo. Because FeeNo wants them. FeeNo craves them. FeeNo must be obeyed.

The only unwanted product is Reese's Peanut Butter cups. If anyone puts one of those darn things near me, I'll fling it at them.

They gross me out. Even when frozen.

More tomorrow, I promise. I've been tagged by FFG and I need to respond. I'm becoming very forgetful in my pregnant state.

Nearly Two Hours on Hold

As many have read from my blog over the last few years, I have developed a very strange crush on Tom Jones. Mike reintroduced him to me after having listened to his records with my parents as a child. At first I thought is was a little silly (sorry!), but I really do love the sound of that man's voice.

I've been very fortunate to see him live various times, including front row in Las Vegas with my two awesome friends (including acb, who was carrying Little Owen in her belly but didn't know it yet) humoring me and joining me at the show. Yes, I screamed with delight when I saw him. Yes, I threw a pair of panties.

(No, I wasn't married yet, but engaged - very engaged. Luckily, Mike wasn't enraged. I think he was shocked that I would do such a thing, but hey, it was TOM JONES! I had to do it. Anyway, I digress...)

Mike and I went to see him in Atlantic City about two years ago. Unfortunately, when he peforms there, seats are not assigned and you get seated where ever the maitre'd puts you, depending on how much you grease his palm. Since we are poor folks, we sat way in the back.

And even thought Sir Tom is awesome, we vowed never to go back to see him in Atlantic City. Unless, of course, we got free tickets.

Yesterday, we got a postcard in the mail inviting us to stay at a casino on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. It's the casino we visit when we go down there, but we are not - in any way, shape, or form - whales. Seriously, we play penny slots and consider it a big victory when we are up $5.

But anyway... we received the free night for all of August and in the tiniest print you can ever imagine, it said: Come join us to see the Legendary Tom Jones. Two tickets complimentary.

Whoa!

I got on the phone immediately. Toll free number. On hold. On hold. Nearly two hours. And then - Mike went to plug in something where the cordless phone is plugged in and DISCONNECTED THE PHONE.

For a second, I wasn't sure what happened. Then it hit me. And when I told Mike we were disconnected, I thought his head was going to explode.

I got back on the phone. Busy. Busy. Busy.

And then Mike had the great idea of calling the hotel directly and telling them that we got disconnected. I thought it was a longshot, but it worked. He was put through almost immediately and we reserved our tickets.

Yipee!

FeeNo is going to get his first taste of Tom Jones in about three weeks. I can't wait until Tom sings Sexbomb. Hopefully, FeeNo will start doing the usual somersaults in my belly.

My Child

My child proved to be extremely difficult today at the doctor. Instead of cooperating so Mike and I could see his profile, FeeNo curled up into a little ball and only showed us glimpses of hands, arms, legs, and a big head. Therefore, no pictures from this ultrasound. I hope FeeNo cooperates next month.

While a little on the small side (FeeNo measures about 22 and a half weeks, while I am 24 weeks along), we are told not to be concerned since the baby has always been on the small side, but is progressing at a good rate. Heartrate today was 146. Still in great shape.

In the three weeks since my last appointment, I haven't gained any weight. So I am still down 4 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. This time, the doctor told me not to worry (he didn't encourage any gain on my part), because I will start to put on more weight over the next few weeks.

I'm almost out of my second trimester and it still amazes me that I am actually growing a little person inside me - a little person that could possibly have Mike's knowledge of all things Star Trek, my ability to sing almost any Barry Manilow song, and the Cuban and Irish traits of chatter.

Mike and I have upgraded our Netflix membership so we can watch 24 constantly. If FeeNo likes it, we'll watch it. Let's just call it one of the first sacrifices we are making for the child. :)

FeeNo Likes Jack Bauer

Mike and I must be the only people in North America that have never tuned into 24. Not one episode, people.

So, a few weeks ago, I added every single season of 24 to the Netflix account. We are halfway through the first season and nevermind the fact that Mike and I are hooked, so is FeeNo.

Saturday night, we sat down to watch the next installment of episodes (four of them, to be exact). I was completely relaxed, watching intently and I felt it: thump thump thump. Right on my belly.

I called Mike over to feel FeeNo's movements. But when he paused the video, FeeNo stopped moving.

Mike went back to his seat, put the video back on and all of a sudden: thump thump thump.

I called him over again. Mike paused the video and FeeNo stopped again.

Then it hit me: the kid is motivated by Jack Bauer.

We tried it again. This time with the volume on.

And Mike got his first feel of FeeNo hanging out in my belly, clearly amazed by the complicated plot of 24.

I am having the coolest kid in the world!

Spending Time in the Catkills Mountains

Mike and I spent a few days in the Catskills Mountains in New York state. It's exactly what we needed - some fresh air, mountains (which I have absolutely NO pictures of), rest, sleep, and of course, goofy pictures.

I told Mike if he misbehaved, he would have to live here.

Yes, that's FeeNo in my belly - me - pregnant at 23 weeks, 3 days.

Mike thinks about where he wants to go for dinner. Think, think, think!

Tom Jones This Past Weekend

Here's Tom Jones singing "Kiss" at the Princess Diana concert this past weekend. Even though I missed the concert when it aired, I am grateful to folks who post on YouTube.

Unfortunately, Sir Tom didn't dance but his voice is still wonderful.

And I may be mistaken, but I think the guitarist from Aerosmith is playing in the background.

Enjoy!

Cotton Anniversary

Nothing's changed in a year. Well, except that maybe I love him more.

Read more here and here.

Happy Anniversary, Mikey!

Pregnancy: Things No One Warned Me About, Part I

1. Heartburn. Oh, the heartburn.


2. Skintags. Enough said.


3. The widdle waddle way I may or may not be walking.


4. Mood swings.


5. The amazing feeling of having the baby kick or punch you repeatedly. It felt like a repeated heartbeat in my belly! Incredible!!

And I'm only 22 and 1/2 weeks into this!

Up Too Late Last Night

Yesterday I read Marta's post on Six Degrees of Separation.

Of course, I had to participate.

And then, when Mike got home from work, we played as we drifted off into sleep.

Mike: Okay, link Julie Andrews to Salma Hayek.

Me: Hmmmmm, okay, I got it! Julie Andrews was in Shrek the Third with Rupert Everett who was in My Best Friend's Wedding with Julia Roberts who was in Ocean's 11 with George Clooney who was in From Dusk till Dawn with Salma Hayek.

Mike: Alright. You're good. Please, go to sleep. It's past 1 am.

Me: Fine. But tomorrow, we play again!

Oh Marta, you have created a monster. :)

P.S. We tried one last one before we (finally!) called it a night. I know we got it, but I can't remember it right now - give it a try: Jonathan Silverman to Patrick Stewart.

Pregnancy Update

I knew the honeymoon phase of pregnancy couldn't last that long.

On Wednesday, FeeNo provided me with my first experience of heartburn. In my 32 years, I've never had it. Now, I've had it for three days straight.

Does it mean that FeeNo is going to be hairy? That's what I've heard: mothers with heartburn have babies with lots of hair. But both Mike and I were bald babies, so in my mind, that tells me that FeeNo will most likely be bald too. Right?

Maybe not.

All in all, though, things are going well. Another pound gained this week (that's a total of 7, people, 7 pounds in 21 weeks!) and a fetal heartbeat that was music to my ears. Unlike other appointments, FeeNo fully cooperated this week and didn't turn over when the doppler was on my belly.

Physically, I think I have officially 'popped'. My lower belly is hard as a rock and the hardness extends to my belly button. My summer suit no longer fits and I had to go shopping for various pieces of maternity clothes (pants, button down shirts, skirts, etc).

As far as FeeNo goes, I read that this is the week where he can hear the outside world. Mike and I have been reading to the belly for a long time now (since 6 weeks, I think) and I would like to think that the child is already well-versed in the poetry of Shel Silverstein and Jose Marti, as well as the rhymes of Dr. Seuss. My favorite of all the books we're reading is Hueves Verdes Con Jamon, the Spanish translation of Green Eggs and Ham. I am particularly pleased that the main character in the book is not Sam, but rather, Juan Ramon.

I think that's all for now. I'm looking forward to the official start of summer this weekend. And hopefully, the summer will fly right past me. That only means that FeeNo's arrival will come so much sooner and I really can't wait for that.

Not Making Light of a Death...

But one less Commie is always a good thing.

Read about it here.

Tagged

I got tagged by Freckle Face Girl.

Here goes:

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago, I was a student at the University of Florida. At this time, specifically, I was preparing for a 6 week trip to Europe.

Five Snacks You Enjoy:

1. Dry cereal like Cinnamon Life, Honey Nut Cheerios, Rasin Bran
2. Ice cream
3. Peanut butter crackers
4. Carrots and hummus
5. Radishes

Five Songs That You Know All The Lyrics To:

1. Copacabana by Barry Manilow
2. Xanadu by Olivia Newton-John
3. Tiny Bubbles by Don Ho
4. Against All Odds by Phil Collins
5. You're So Vain by Carly Simon

Five Things You Would Do If You Were a Millionaire:

1. Pay off the mortgage
2. Invest
3. Buy a home in Hawaii
4. Buy a new SUV
5. Go on a shopping spree

Five Bad Habits:

1. Picking my cuticles
2. Leaving my shoes in the middle of the room for Mike to trip over
3. Picking scabs
4. Not taking the laundry out of the dryer
5. Leaving the shopping cart in an empty parking space when I go shopping

Five Things You Like To Do:

1. Travel
2. Nap (when I get a chance)
3. Shop
4. Play dominos
5. Go to the movies

Five Things You Would Never Wear Again:

1. MC Hammer pants
2. A mullet hairdo
3. Classic fit jeans
4. Banana clips
5. A pleather mini skirt

Five Favorite Toys:

1. Palm Pilot with MP3 player
2. New laptop
3. Mike's MP3 player
4. FeeNo's monkey toy that he received as a gift from Courtney
5. Cell phone

Five people to tag: (And anyone else who wants to give it a go)

1. acb
2. Courtney
3. Sofi
4. Occasional Confusion
5. The B.A.D Blog


Instructions: Remove the blog from the top, move all blogs up one, add yourself to the bottom.

Smiling Mom
42
Dayngrous Discourse
Freckle Face Girl
It's My Blog and I'll Blog if I Want To

FeeNo at 20 Weeks

Wow!

FeeNo has a profile! And a little nose!

Check it out:

As an aside, the doctor told me that it seems I am not gaining enough weight. WHAT? I was told to GAIN WEIGHT! Hahahahahaha, I love it!

Never Mess With a Pregnant Lady Who Just Happens to Be Hungry

This is a joke, right?

I just got home from work, my mouth watering as I was opening the door. All the way home, I was thinking "there's gonna be somejuicy steak leftover from from last night. You hungry, FeeNo? Mama has some good food for you!"

Guess what?

HE ATE MY DINNER. FOR BREAKFAST.

How can anyone eat leftover steak at 10 in the morning?

Someone is going to pay when he gets home from work tonight.

What Did You Think?

I am away from a computer for the entire day tomorrow, but I am super interested in finding out what everyone thought of tonight's final episode of The Sopranos.

I am going to take the rest of the night (and possibly all day tomorrow) to finish processing it.

Comments are welcomed and encouraged.

Good News

On my last visit to the doctor on Wednesday, I had blood drawn to check my hemoglobin A1c. Even before pregnancy, I was very careful with caring for my health, which ultimately led me to become pregnant. After learning of the pregnancy, I obviously became even more aware of how diabetes can cause so many complications to FeeNo and myself.

I have been on top of my health and the results of the test show it.

I am proud - yes, proud - to report that my levels are almost that of a 'normal' person. That is, of someone without diabetes. This reduces the risks of complications significantly. Coupled with the fact that I am feeling good and that FeeNo is growing at a beautiful rate, I think I can commend myself on a job well done thus far.

And my daily prayers of a healthy and positive pregnancy have been answered too - I'm halfway there and haven't had any symptoms that are out of the ordinary. Not even for a healthy woman with no health conditions.

I thank everyone that reads this blog for asking how I am, and checking back often to see if I have posted anything new. Your positive vibes are helping, I am certain of it.

Now, let's hope and pray that the second half of this pregnancy is as successful as the first half has been. And when it's time for FeeNo to come out, let's hope it's as smooth as can be.

Until then, I anxiously await FeeNo's arrival. Already, I couldn't love this kid more. Imagine how I'll be when I can hold FeeNo?

I'll be a blubbering fool.

Beast of Burden

I hear this song playing on the radio. It makes me want to get up and start dancing. Not the kind of dancing that you would do in a club. A kind of dancing that you do when you are home alone, dusting the house. Or a kind of dancing that you might do in your underpants when you think no one is looking. Something like that.

I went to see the doctor today for a 19 week visit. Once again, things look really good. I heard FeeNo's heartbeat again - it was in the 140s. Very good.

And I have gained another 4 pounds. So... that's 12 pounds lost, then 2 gained, and now, another 4 gained. I should be happy, since that's an actual loss of 6 pounds overall, but then the doctor mentioned my belly. Or should I say: my bellies.

(As an aside, when my best friend, acb, was pregnant, she referred to her bellies. She called them 'mama belly' and 'baby belly.' )

The best part is when he said that FeeNo is pushing my fat upwards. That's why my upper belly (mama belly) is so flabby and my lower belly (baby belly) is so tight.

That's all I needed to hear to be convinced that I am very sexy. A sexy beast.

I'm going home, finding the Rolling Stones CD and popping it in to dance tonight.

Poor Mike: he has his very own Beast of Burden on his hands.

FeeNo, The Dinosaur

I finally got around to scanning the latest ultrasound picture of FeeNo.

Once again, the child does not want to pose.



Here, you can see FeeNo with head down, probably trying to figure out how to get out of my belly.

Mid-Day Radio Rocks!

I was running an errand at lunchtime and heard a song that reminded me of my "yoof".



Enjoy the video!

New Poll

Hey, I finally created a poll for all my faithful readers to guess the sex of FeeNo.

I would love to hear your reasons behind choosing what you do. Leave comments in the comment section below or email me:

thesnowapewife[at]gmail[dot]com

Check it out in the sidebar on the left - it appears you can comment in the poll itself, so go ahead: leave comments!

One Restful Weekend Before It Gets Crazy Again

Memorial Day is supposed to be the onset of summer here in Jersey. And every year, I wind up at a party or BBQ, driving on the Garden State Parkway, getting stuck in some kind of traffic jam.

This year, I opted out of all festivities, and stayed home. And even though it meant missing my nephew's bithday party, I'm glad I did.

After a busy May, workwise, I was happy to sit around my house with no schedule. I sat out by the pool one day and shopped another. I slept in. I read. I watched too much television. Way too much television.

But it was good. Quiet. Restful.

And tomorrow, Mike comes home from his business trip. It's been so long since I've seen him (over three weeks!), I am going to have to look at a photograph before he gets home in order to identify him. Tee hee hee.

Once he gets back, we are in full mode again. We have to go baby furniture shopping. And add stuff to the baby registry (I started one, but there are soooo many things I need. I am totally overwhelmed by the whole thing). And finalize details so we can bank FeeNo's cord blood when he's born.

And yes, I have to get to taking some pregnancy pictures. I haven't felt any motivation to do so, since I have only gained two pounds and in my opinion, don't look any different. But I must be growing, because it actually hurts to button some of my regular pants. I broke down and bought some maternity capris, ones with an elastic waist. Elastic! Ugh. And I am wearing a pair today and I don't know, I feel so free!

I realize that I am nearly halfway through this pregnancy and while a part of me thinks the next few months will take forever to get through, I know they will go by in an instant.

I'm looking forward to meeting FeeNo, my kid. My kid that doesn't like pictures.

Oh yeah, and before I forget, I have to send out some birthday shout-outs to my Dad and Ma-in-law: happy birthday to you both! You're both so young!

17 Weeks

I just realized that I haven't written in over a week -- that's a long time for me!

I've been so busy with... I don't know... life, I guess.

But I'm here. I'm around. I'm good.

Saw FeeNo today. Things look good, people, real good! Right now, FeeNo weighs about 5 ounces and is 5.5 inches long. I got to see the legs and arms (the ultrasound tech measured all the bones!) plus the entire face. I am amazed at how technology works and how I am able to see this little... person... growing inside of me!

Oh yes, and the heart... it continues to beat strong - 149 beats today.

The allergies are nearly gone. Either that, or the Claritin has really kicked in. And the heat rash/eczema is starting to subside.

The only thing I need is for this belly of mine to grow. Right now, I am not really showing - I've only gained two pounds and that was after I lost 12 in the first trimester - but I can literally feel my waist expanding. Anything with a zipper and button is uncomfortable, but maternity clothes are way too big still. Plus, let's face it: they are hideous. Somehow, pants with an elastic waist are not "cute". They are not "fashionable" either.

Just one more thing I am going to have to figure out.

Mike

Since he's away on business, I got to feeling nostalgic. Please forgive the cheesiness.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Mom

Today is mother's day. And while I spent the day with great family and a wonderful collection of great mothers, I didn't spend it with mine, who is basking in South Florida in her retirement glory.

I spoke to my mom early this morning - she was on her way to brunch with her girlfriends. I also spoke to her this evening, where she recounted her day.

She sounded very happy. So I'm happy.

This year, Mother's Day has taken a new meaning to me. I guess it's because in a few months, I'll be a mom too. And if I want to be anything like my mom, I have a tough job ahead of me.

For 32 years, I have had the best mother I could have ever asked for. She is my greatest inspiration in life and I hope I can be the same example to FeeNo as she has been to me.

And next year, I hope our Mother's Day will be spent together - three generations of us.

To my mami: thanks for loving me unconditionally and for everything you have ever done for me. If I am half the mother you have been to me, I'll know I'm doing a good job. Feliz dia de las madres - I'll see you very soon.

*Update: I just notices that my mom LOVES prints. She doesn't wear anything solid! Oh yeah - and she loves posing while sitting on benches. That's my mom.