Pregnancy to Parenthood

The last 13 days has been such a huge adjustment for us. We could never imagine that a 6 pound baby could change our lives so much. Josh and I have exercised our team work to the max! We both depend so much on one another to keep Brandon clean, fed, and happy. Who ever said that parenthood was easy should be shot...but with the hardships comes such amazing rewards. His smile and watching him grow is worth the lack of sleep and freedom.

We originally started this blog to keep our family and friends updated with our pregnancy, but now that Brandon is here we've decided to continue it to keep our family updated with Brandon's growth as well. 



We hope that you all will continue to keep up with our family. Here's to a new chapter in our lives...happy new years everyone :)

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37-38 weeks

Well, I never got a chance to do a final update. I will try my hardest to remember what I was going through those last weeks.

I just remember thinking that regardless of how big I got or how uncomfortable I began to feel I was going to finish this pregnancy with a positive attitude. I also didn't want to remember the last leg of my pregnancy being bad.

I tried to keep myself busy with stuff around the house and worked until the very very end. I knew that since my c-section date was fast approaching I wanted to make sure everything was ready to go and the list of things that we needed to do was done and crossed off.

Due to Brandon being breech I went back to my OB. I was really sad that I wasn't able to go through my original birth plan, but both Josh and I knew that this was the best decision all around. Brandon pretty much made his own birth plan!

After talking to my OB she knew that I was a little heart broken, so she promised me that she will make sure that one of my midwives will be there during my c-section. She was so sweet to do that! That really eased a lot of my anxieties about the surgery.

After about a few days I began to accept my c-section. I actually started becoming more and more excited, cause having a scheduled birth just throws the guessing game out the window. We knew what time and date we were going to meet him. We were able to plan out what we wanted to get done and even have a our final date night.

I also wanted to spend more time with my close girlfriends before Brandon came. I know that as soon as he comes, catching up over dinner and meeting up for late night happy hour will be replaced by catching up on sleep and late night feedings. I guess I just really wanted to soak up the freedom of pre-parenthood. I know that they will understand the reason for my MIA at times, but I just really want to let my girls know that I really cherish my time with them.

Brandon so far (at 38 weeks)

Weight: 6.8lbs

Length:19.5 inches about the length of a leek

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Mommy and Daddy's letter to Brandon

I saw this idea a long time ago and couldn't wait to do it!  So as a little addition to Brandon's room Josh and I decided that we were both going to write him a letter and frame it.  I thought that it would be a great way to really show Brandon how much his Mommy and Daddy love him.  Josh and I came to an agreement that we were going to wait to read until now.  Oh, man talk about waterworks!   Anyway, we can't wait until Brandon is old enough to read and understand it.  He is one loved dude!

Maternity leave letter...

I just wrote my formal maternity letter to my boss, and I'm not gonna lie, but I got a little teary. Oh gosh, It's really starting to hit me :)

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35 & 36 weeks

Ok, Slacker Mcgee over here!  I'm sorry I haven't gotten a chance to do my weekly updates.  It's getting down to crunch time and it's been pretty crazy around the Roque household!

Again, I'll be rolling 2 weeks into 1 post!  So here we go...

As of the past few weeks we've had some good and bad news.  Everything with Brandon is fine, but all the other stuff is not going as well as we expected!

So, you all probably know that the big issue right now is that Brandon is presenting breech, and being so close to the end this is something that my midwives are very closely monitoring.  We had an ultrasound and the tech found that not only was he still breech, but his fluids were low as well!!  Geez, give me a break will ya? I was measuring at a 6.2 and the normal AFI levels are 8-18!  My midwife told me that if I had measured at a 5 they would've admitted me right then and there!  My heart literally jumped to my throat! I had no idea how this could've happened?  I felt like everything was going well and wasn't having any strange symptoms. Now with those 2 things against me, they decided that I have to go in twice a week for a non-stress test.  A non-stress test just monitors his heart beats, movements, and contractions.  I don't mind it, but I do mind that I NOW have to start going to the hospital 2x's a week and add my weekly check-ups, so that makes it 3! 

My midwife suggested doing Moxibustion.  I mentioned this in my last blog in the "A day with nikki."  Anyway, we started doing it that following Friday and did about 6 rounds.  I felt like he was moving a lot, but I didn't really feel him "flip" so to speak...That following Monday we had our 2nd ultrasound to check for his position as well as my AFI levels.   I was so nervous cause I knew that he was still breech...when I they did the ultrasound the tech confirmed that he was still breech, but my AFI went up to 8.2!  Thank you, God!!  After that I had another NST everything was going good until she says "oh you're having a contraction!" All I felt was my tummy expanding and Brandon pushing down on my bladder!  I though "gee, if this is what contractions feel like, then I'm golden!" But I knew as soon as I said that I had just totally jinxed myself!  SOoo, at my next NST I had an even bigger contraction, big enough to where it took my breath away (not in a good way either!).  It was pretty cool and scary at the same time!  I can't even imagine how bad it will feel when they're the real ones! Yikes!

 Overall I'm still feeling pretty good!  I just feel more tired and try to sneak in a nap here and there.  My last week of work will be next week.  I'm excited and sad all at the same time!  I will miss being on my feet and just being able to socialize!  I love my job, but I don't love that it takes such a toll on my body now!

My appetite is still monstrous!  I hear that baby boys weigh in a lot bigger than girls do, so maybe he's having a huge growth spurt?  I'm up 22 pounds from my pre-pregancy weight, which I feel really good about!  Although I do have 3 more weeks to go, so who knows I just might blow up towards the end!  

We pretty much have everything checked off on our to do list!  His nursery is finally complete.  We decided to rearrange some decals on the wall and add a tree decal as well!  It's so cute!  I'll post pictures soon.  Our hospital bags are packed and door side just in case he decides to come early!  His car seat is installed and ready in Daddy's car.  We have our list of people to call, and a Russy sitter!

The very last and important thing is that tomorrow we are scheduled for an external cephalic version to get Brandon to turn head down.  We had our pre-consultation with our OB today and she informed me of what to expect and the side effects.  She told me that "You are now learning your first lesson in parenthood...children will do things on their own terms." She was totally right!!!  What a little stinker!

After our talk I got very nervous, and had a huge breakdown when I got into my car!  I called Josh and he made me feel better.  I had so many thoughts running through my head!  I thought about all the what if's and Josh was very quick to tell me that thinking that way will not help our situation.  That whatever happens we just need to accept it and move on...  So, now we're kinda sitting on the fence seeing what route we will be taking as far as delivering him.  If they do the procedure and he doesn't turn, then we will be scheduled to do C-section, but if he does, then I will be able to deliver him vaginally!  Either way he's gonna have to come out.  I'm sad to say this, but I feel like the natural birth that I had intentionally hoped for is starting to slip through my fingers.  Oh, well...

Brandon so far (at 36 weeks)

Size: 18.75 inches about the size of a crenshaw melon

Weight: 5.75 pounds 

According to thebump he is getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own.  His skin is geting smooth and soft and her gums are rigid. His liver and kidneys are in working order.  Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too!

36 weeks and 6 days

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17 days and counting!

I officially put in my request for my last day at work!  I've always thought that I would try to work until the end, but for how physically demanding my job is, I've decided that it would be better for me and my co-workers if I don't.  I can tell now that everyone seems to worry about me.  They worry that I will go into labor any time during my shift.  I don't blame them, cause I DO have this crazy feeling that my labor will start at work!  Now, a lot of my co-workers don't have kids yet, and I think that they have this phobia of me going into labor at work and them having to drop everything they're doing and take me to the hospital!!! Kinda like how they show it in the movies, ya know?  I think that's what everyone visualizes when a woman goes into labor.  I've talked to a few of them and try to inform them that that's not the case at all.  If I begin labor at work, the chances are that he wont arrive for a few (wishful thinking) hours, so I will have time to call Josh, have him pick me up, and head to the hospital.  I try to stay calm at work to not freak them out...I've also realized to not to say the following:

"OH MY GOD!"
"OH SHIT!"
"UH-OH"
"OUCH!"

Those phrases kinda puts them on the edge sometimes!

Anyway, I was a little sad, yet excited when I put in my request.  Sad because I love going to work and will miss having my daily conversations with my co-workers and regulars...excited because I know I will meet my little guy soon!!


17 more days....

Happy birthday, Josh!!

Happy birthday, to my sweet husband!  I felt a little bad that I wasn't able to plan anything big for him.  The arrival of Brandon has currently taken over lives at the moment, but I hope that his present from Brandon and I made up for it!

All our bags are packed...and ready to go!

Josh and I can finally say that we are all set. We finished packing our hospital bag last night. It felt kinda like packing for a vacation, but a bit more exciting cause we know that we'll be coming home with the ultimate souvenir :D We are so ready and excited!!!

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A day with Nikki

My good friend Nikki asked me to come along with her to one of her acupuncture appointment yesterday morning. Reading my last blog, you all probably saw that my midwife mentioned going to see an acupuncturist to try to get him to turn. Anyway, Nikki was kind enough to let me tag along (plus it was a good excuse to have a girls day) and see what the process was like.

When we got there we were greeted right away by her acupuncturist (a natural MD) a nice and very well dressed Chinese man ( josh would be very impressed with his outfit choice).  He introduced himself and began to do check on Nikki.

I was expecting him to have a stethoscope and listen to her lungs and heart beat, but didn't. He looked at her tongue and felt for 3 pressure points on the inside of both of her wrists, and from that he diagnosed that her tummy was not digesting in full capacity and something else which I don't remember at the moment. It was crazy to me how much information he got by just doing some simple touches and looking at the right places!

So, he then began to ask how she was feeling and started to put in the needles. He was so fast and it didn't look like Nikki felt any pain at all. I was so amazed.

After he had Nikki all dialed in; him and I began to talk about my pregnancy ( I think the big bulge in my belly kinda have it away) I told him about Brandon's position and he told me about treatment that they do at his clinic called Moxibustion. It involves a cigar looking stick called a Moxa stick. You're supposed to place the stick just beside your pinky toe; just close enough to feel the heat. He says it works about 75% of the time. They've done studies on it, and they really don't know how to explain it scientifically, but it just works!  It was kinda funny cause the acupuncturist said that he's heard an old Chinese wives tale that "the heat from the stick will make baby feel the heat on his feet too, which will make him want to change his position!" LOL!!  I was dying cause the very first image that popped into my head was Brandon stepping on hot coles and saying "ouch, ouch, ouch!"

So after that he was kind enough to give me a Moxa stick to take home and try it on my own!  I think he totally felt my desperation and worry! He showed me the points on where I should place it and told me that 5 minutes per foot, for 20 minutes,  2x's a day should work. He said good luck and sent us on our way.

Oh, check out those sausage links, eh?

When I got home that evening Josh and I wasted no time and started right away!  After about 30 seconds into the treatment Brandon was moving like crazy "Ouch, ouch, ouch" he's probably saying!  Oh lord the things we do to our child...and in my case I feel so bad, cause he's not even born yet!  I really hope that this will work.  We have our next ultrasound on Monday, so we'll see then I guess!

Wish wash

When I took Brandon's clothes out of the dryer it finally hit me that the end is near... Kinda took my breath away looking at the tiny little clothes.  I almost lost it (whatta sap!).

When I started to fold his clothes I realized that I had no idea how to properly fold them! They don't hold a fold like how you would regularly fold grown-up size clothes cause they're so little. Well, I tried my best. I'm sure that with more practice I'll get the hang of it.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Josh and I had such a great day today!  Although we didn't get to see all of our family and friends, we are so very thankful that they are a part of our lives!

We have so much to be thankful for this year!  Well, the number one thing that we're thankful for is our health.  We are thankful for being able to wake up every morning with healthy bodies and mind.  Another thing is our family and friends.  We are so lucky to be surrounded with amazing and supportive people.  They are our foundation and wouldn't know what we would do without them.

Nieces, Nephews, and Brother (A few more are missing)

I love this family for welcoming me with open arms!

Best cousins and sister in-law ever!!

So very thankful for these girls!

Love my sisters (Missing in this picture is Jackie)

My parents!

  We are also very thankful for having each other; that our love for one another has only continued to grow over the years.

 Last of all, Josh and I are very thankful for the little guy in my belly.  Thank you, lord for giving us this blessing.  It has been an amazing experience so far and we can't wait until he's finally here!

Josh and I hope that you all had a wonderful and memorable thanksgiving!  XO!

34 weeks

It's getting a little tough to start reaching certain parts of my body these days...good lord!  As you have probably read from my last blog (33 weeks) I feel like I'm going through another huge physical transformation with Brandon growing so rapidly now.  It's not only been very challenging physically, but mentally as well.  

As a bartender I'm around people all the time.  I probably interact with hundreds of people a day, and let me tell you, there are some very bold people out there.  Now that I'm very much showing people are a lot more brave to asking questions about my pregnancy.

Top questions are:

"Oh, wow, how far along are you?"

"Do you know what you're having yet?"

"Is this your first?"

"How are you feeling?"

"How are you still working?!"

"It looks like you're about to pop!" Ok, I know this last one isn't a question, but I put it up cause this is my least favorite thing people say to me :( 

It becomes very repetitive and redundant, but what am I to do? Just be mean and short with them?  At times I do feel like saying "Oh, wait, what are you talking about?  I'm not pregnant I'm just fat" and just walk away...lol!  But I know that that's not right, I know that when people ask they mean it with the best intentions and they ask because they truly care! So, I always try to answer them politely and usually end up having a good talk with them... there is just something about being pregnant that pulls people towards you...it is truly a blessing and I just love that it can always put a smile on peoples faces!   being a bartender I've learned that you HAVE to learn how to start a conversation...it's a part of your job description....and let me tell you this bump is seriously the best conversation piece... EVER! I'm seriously gonna miss it when it's gone. 

I've realized that my fuse is a lot shorter these days...people may not believe this because I'm always very happy (which I am) but there are times where I have to take a deep breath and bite my tongue.  I take a step back and just remind myself that it's much easier to just smile about it then be angry.  I also think that if I'm angry all the time then Brandon will pick up this trait and he will be an angry baby too! LOL!  I remember promising myself that when I got pregnant that I would truly cherish every moment of it whether it be good or bad.  I think that I've done a pretty good job at doing so, but I do get tested sometimes.

My appetite seems like it's doubled this week.  I can't stop eating!  All I think about is food and I find myself getting tired of eating sometimes!  Geez, talk about over indulging!  Root beer with a lot of ice has been my weakness lately.  I love the sweetness and bubbles, although I don't love the heartburn that shortly follows it!

Josh and I had our first birthing class this week.  It was great.  We both learned a lot and was given a new book to read.  We were taught certain techniques to use during labor and how your partner can help.  We were also given a birth plan to fill out after we complete the class.  During our 15 minute break Josh and I got to walk around the birthing area and even got a look at a birthing suite.  It had big windows that over looked the water and was very spacious.  All the nurses were very nice and out going.  We both just got a really good vibe and it was nice to get a chance to see where we were going to be in a few short weeks :)

Brandon so far:

Size:  17.75 inches about the size of an average cantaloupe

Weight:  4.75lb

According to thebump he is curious and listening to your conversations and might enjoy a lullaby or two, so go ahead and sing to him.  Some say that baby will recognize the song mom sings while he's still in the womb, and may even be more easily soothed by them if he's used to them once he's on the "outside."

34 week and 6 days

Brandon's Nursery

Here's just a little sneak peak of Brandon's nursery.  We still have a few things to add, but it's so nice to see things finally come together.  It's so fun to just hang out with Josh in his room and imagine Brandon being in there.  With all the baby stuff that's in there now, it starting to smells like a baby.  It makes my heart smile :)  I would also like to thank all of our family and friends who have spoiled him with all of his gifts!

We loved the idea of an animal theme

His dresser

It's crazy to think that he could possibly be here any week now!  Mommy and Daddy are ready for you Brandon!

33 weeks

Looking at the scale has been a bit discouraging lately.  It's hard to step on that thing and not die a little inside.  My 33rd week has definitely brought me back to how I was feeling during my first trimester, I feel like my body is going through another drastic change...and It's so discouraging because I thought I already passed that phase.

I read that from now until the end of my pregnancy Brandon will gain about another 4-5 pounds and grow another 3-4 inches!  My body is in full on overdrive to try to grow this baby over the next month. I can't believe it... doesn't that just sound so exhausting?  The human body is one amazing machine I tell ya!

My belly is staring to get in the way more, it gets too uncomfortable sitting down for too long because I feel like I can only take short breathes at a time.  With him getting bigger there's not a lot of space for the important stuff like...my lungs, bladder, and intestines...so it kinda makes breathing a little harder, peeing more frequent, and back ups in my pipes (if you know what I mean).  My insides have fully surrendered to Brandon and it totally sucks sometimes!

From how he's been moving I believe that Brandon is still breech.  He still loves to rest his head on the right side of my belly button and stomp on my bladder like they're grapes!  I feel him move sideways sometimes, but he just hasn't figured it all out just yet.  It's funny cause I told my mother in-law that he was breech and she just said "Oh, Josh was like that too!  They tried turing him, but he was too stubborn, and I ended up having c-section!"  OH, GREAT!!!!   Please, Brandon DO NOT take after your Dad!!!  

I'm starting to get my sciatic back pains again...I mainly feel it when I wake up from laying on my back for too long.  Ps not to worry...I'm not lying flat on my back, I'm propped up with a few pillows, but I think that since he's a lot bigger now, he tends to sit on it which causes the pain.  You'd think that I'd learn to not sleep on my back for too long, but with my heartburn that's the only comfortable way I can sleep... I can't win either way! lol! 

I can't stop itching!!  Now that my skin is starting to stretch even more, itchiness is one of the side effects!  I'm trying so hard not to itch it cause my mom scared the crap out of me by saying "If you scratch it you will get stretch marks!"  So, I just rub or pat on it! Ahhh!!      

My sleep pattern has been so off lately.  I usually read a few pages before I turn in for the night, but lately it's more like chapters...add that with my 3-4 potty breaks a night, I feel like I get zero sleep!  But the crazy thing is that when I wake up in the morning I'm not all that tired!  I'm thinking that it's my body trying to get me ready for what's to come, but when we went to our first birthing class on Saturday. Our teacher had mentioned that our body during this gestation tend to change it's sleeping pattern to match the babies!  Which makes sense to why when I wake up in the middle of the night it's usually followed by a few jabs, kicks, and a few body rolls from him. NUTS!

Brandon so far:

Size:  17 inches about the size of a pineapple

Weight:  4.25 pounds!

According to thebump he's keeping his eyes open while awake.  He's also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.

33 weeks and 6 days

Ob/Gyn to a Midwife...

Well, since before I got pregnant I've always been interested in having a midwife.  I'm sure that I've mentioned this before in my previous blogs, but my birth plan is to have Brandon all natural.  Now that I'm approaching the end of my pregnancy I've been thinking (and dreaming) about the big D day and to be honest it's starting to get a bit scary.  Lately, there's been so much that has been going through my head, so much that I begin to doubt weather or not I'll be strong enough to do it.  One day I finally broke down to Josh...  We had a good talk and he was so great at reassuring me that I will do great and that I should really start giving myself more credit.

Ok, so I'm sure the big question is why the sudden change of heart, especially being 33 weeks into my pregnancy?!

So, let me just get one thing out of the way, I'm not changing because I didn't get along with my Dr, I actually am feeling a bit terrible about having to tell her that I will no longer be seeing her.  My Dr was absolutely wonderful, sweet, and informative...BUT the big thing that made me double guess was the fact that there was no guarantee that she would be even there during my delivery.  She is the only Dr that I've been seeing and to think that she might not even be there when I need her most makes me very worried, and I really don't need to worry any more than I already do.  The thing about OB's are that they have A LOT of patients that they over look and they are not always on-call when it comes to delivering babies.  They actually rotate between the other Dr's in the clinic...and during delivery the people that will be helping you out the MOST are the nurses.  Who I'm sure are absolutely amazing, but I need to see faces who I'm familiar with (well besides Josh's), and I feel like the more familiar faces I have around me then the more comfortable I will be.

With the combination of the researching that I've done and talking to other mothers, I've decided that hiring a midwife is the best thing for me.  There is a midwife care available at Providence which makes the transition very easy for us.  They already have complete access to all my medical history and check-up records... and I will still be delivering in the family maternity center because they have full privileges there. I talked to my midwife over the phone for the first time last week and after our 30 minute conversation, I already began to feel more at ease about the big day.  We have our first initial meeting with her next week where she'll be doing all of my usual testing and measurements.  She will also be going through my medical history and as well as my birth plan.

For me I see midwives as coaches and that's what I need and expect when I'm in labor.  Unlike Dr's, midwives are able to spend more time with their mothers-to-be.  They are there to provide you with different techniques and tools to help you through your labor and delivery.  They don't quickly pressure you into taking medication, but the option will be there if you feel like you truly need it.  The last and most important thing is they allow you to move freely during labor if your body needs it...Also, if at some point during my delivery things become complicated and Brandon will need to come out c-section there is an OB that is on call 24/7!

I can go on and on about this topic, but I will be up all night.  I will keep you all posted on our first meeting with our midwife.

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32 Weeks

Gosh do I feel big!!  So I had my last appointment on Monday and everything went well.  Blood pressure was good, Brandon's heart rate was strong and steady.  I mentioned to the my Dr that he was breech and she said that it's nothing to worry about right now, especially since he's still so little and has plenty of room to move around.  She said that she will check again at my 36th week appointment to see if he has turned...and if he hasn't then they will do an external cephalic version aka try to turn him manually.  If you have never seen this done, I suggest you check out this video!

NUTS right?!?  It doesn't look like it hurts too bad, but I would like to pass on that if possible.  Right now it seems like Brandon has been moving like crazy!  His favorite spot right now is head right up against the left side of my belly button and he loves to kick my pelvis...sometimes he kicks so hard that a little pee-pee comes out (totally gross, but it is what it is).

My total weight gain so far is 20lbs and I guess that he is gonna start gaining about a 1/2 a pound per week.  Oh lord, I seriously don't know how I'm going to manage lugging around another 5-10 pounds. I can almost say that I'm almost ready for the end to come!

It's beginning to get harder to bend over, put my socks on, sit for too long, and put my undies on (which I found were inside out the other day).  Parts of my body are beginning to jiggle more than I would like and I think that I might have spotted a set of stretch marks!!!  Oh, Brandon, if it really is stretch marks I swear to GOD, you will not only be grounded, but you know your favorite pirouette french vanilla wafers that you love so much? You can kiss those babies GOODBYE!!

Work is slowly starting to wear on me these days, sometimes after being on my feet for 11 hours non-stop makes me want to just go home and cry!  I also have my photography that has been staying steady! Now is the busy season especially with the holidays just around the corner. Everyone wants to start doing their holiday photos.  I feel so blessed to still have the energy to work, but sometimes I wonder if I'm over working myself too much... I know that I should probably take it easy, but my mentality right now is if I work my ass off until the end of my pregnancy, then the longer time I have to spend with Brandon when I go on my maternity leave.  2 months is my goal, but 3 would be even sweeter :)

Brandon so far:

Weight: Almost 5lb

Length: 16.7 inches about the size of a large jicama

According to the babycenter he now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair.

  

32 weeks and 6 days

Snack MONSTER!

My appetite is out of control right now. I can eat pizza for days and it's usually followed by a snack of some sort. I dunno what's gotten into me? I thought that I've already passed the "craving" part of my pregnancy, but oh well. I guess I'll just sit back and enjoy the ride :)

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31 weeks

All I keep thinking now is "any week now". I know that I've been saying this a lot lately, but I'm starting to get anxious the closer I approach 35 weeks. I just have this feeling that he will be here sooner than expected. Or I'm hoping so at least.

It's hard not to get excited especially seeing his nursery almost done. We've been working so hard to get it ready for him over the last few weeks. We just hope that he loves being in there as much as we do. It's funny cause when Josh and I are at home we usually do a lot of our catching up on the couch, but lately we've been hanging out in his room and doing our catching up there. Just the feeling of being in there is such a surreal feeling. The closest feeling that I can compare it to is when I walked down the aisle to become josh's wife...it just felt like that's where I was meant to be...I was meant to be his wife...like I am now meant to be a Mom.

I get asked a lot lately if I'm ready to have Brandon yet. Yes and No. I am only because I want to meet him and hold him, but I'm really not in a hurry cause I'm still enjoying my pregnancy so far. I may not always feel that way when he's giving me heartburn, leg cramps, and the unnecessary round house kick to the bladder. Over all when he's ready to make his appearance we'll be ready with open arms and unconditional love.

I think Josh is in 110% nesting mode...me I'm at about 60%. For our closest family and friends this may not come as a surprise to you. He told me that he finished his "dad's pregnant too" book yesterday...for those Mom's to-be out there Josh swears by this book! It's written by a male author and pretty much explains his experience of what it's like being a husband to his wife with their 1st child on the way. It's funny, witty, and very informative all rolled into one. Josh will never fully admit to it, but I feel like ever since he has started reading this book he has become more patient and more aware of my needs. He knows what and what NOT to say when I'm filled with hormones. He's become more patient with my forgetfulness and reminds me to laugh.

We are on the same team after all and even better now that we're on the same page :)

Mommy and Daddy are ready for you, Mister!

31 weeks and 6 days

Brandon, you're grounded!

I just got back from a 3D ultrasound this morning.  I never thought that I would ever want one cause they used to freak me out.  I once saw a 3D ultrasound where the baby opened his eyes!  AAHHH! It was nuts and scary all at the same time, but I guess if you were the baby's parents it would be different.  I found out about this place from a friend of mine Sokuntha, who is also expecting her first baby shortly after me.  She was sweet enough to tell me that she heard that there was this new Seimens building who happens to be doing free u/s.  She went there a few times to get some pictures done of their little one and she said they were all so nice and patient!  I guess they have a bunch of new techs and they need people to practice on, so I thought why not?  There's really nothing to lose, plus who wouldn't want to take a sneak peak of their little one's cute face?

When I got there everyone was super friendly and nice.  I think that they could tell how excited I was cause they where so quick to get me back.  The lady did my scan was so sweet and patient. As soon as she started the very first thing that she noticed was that Brandon was breech.  She told me that I should inform my Dr. when I get a chance because around this time he should be head down.  (Brandon, that's strike 1 MR.!)

She then moved on and started to do his usual measurements and here is what she had:

Brandon at 32 weeks and 1 day

Weight: 4lbs, 4oz

43rd percentage (should be at 50)

She said that he was just a hair small, but it's ok.  His head is measuring a little big but nothing to worry about...great my poor vagina! (That's strike 2)

So when she finally started to do the 3D part, Brandon thought that it would be funny to conveniently press his face right on my placenta...what the heck?!  SO, she started jiggling my belly for him to move.  When she finally got him to move he then decided to put his foot right in front of his face!  COOL!  She proceeded to try to shake him and have me move in different positions, but he then thought that maybe putting his hand in front of his face would be funny too!  I then said "What a little pill he is already!"  The tech just laughed and said "I think he's gonna make you wait..."  I even went to the bathroom, drank water, and had a twix bar!  That's strike 3 Brandon!!  He is so grounded!!

SO, after about an hour we decided that he wasn't going to bless us by showing his cute face.  Oh well, good thing it was for free right?  Here are some of the pictures she captured!

Brandon with his hand in front of his face!

His chubby cheeks and cute little button nose

aaannndd a great 3D shot of  his foot in front of his face!!  GEEZ, this kid!

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30 years and 30 Weeks!

This has been a pretty easy week for me (thank god!) especially after the little scare that we had a few weeks back.  I'm feeling good and not getting any crazy aches and pains.  Brandon has been a good boy and giving his mom a break!

I think that after our trip to the hospital the reality has really begun to set in.  It's a bit scary to know that B will be here before we know it and that our lives will be focused solely on this little person. We're excited to meet him, but we're also ok enjoying the calm before the storm.

His nursery is starting to come together!  We really wanted to wait until after our baby showers to begin putting his room together to help see what else we needed.  With all the generous gifts from our family and friends we really don't need a lot!  We're so thankful for to them...they've made our adventure into parenthood an easy one so far!  We will post a picture of the nursery when we are all done with it.

My sweet husband...oh how thankful I am to have him.  This part may get a little sappy, but I just really want to give Josh a shout out for how amazing he's been.  Ok so, when we found out that we were pregnant I bought him a daddy to be book.  I was really hoping that he would prove me wrong and begin reading it.  Well, just like I expected I sadly saw the book collecting dust on his nightstand.  I would give him a hard time and say "well good thing you're really putting that book to use..." I tried not to let it get to me cause I know that men will just do things on their own pace. Although, it did make me double guess whether or not he was truly into this pregnancy as I was...it's so bad to think that way, i know, but hey I'm a woman and add that with an unnecessary amount of hormones, I can't help but over think.

Anyway, after chalking up the book situation, Josh tells me the other day that he took his book to work (to read!) ...I was really surprised that after so many months he finally decided to start reading it.  I'm not sure what got into him, but hey, I'll take it!!  It's so funny to have him so excited to tell me all the new things that he's learned so far.  It's quite cute and I just love him more and more because of it.  The other day I came home to the nursery rearranged and organized...Oh god, talk about waterworks!!!  He later told me that his book said that this new arrangement is the most efficient way for a nursery.  Ok, I've always felt that when it comes to baby knowledge, that I knew a lot more than Josh, but after this new information, I was left picking my jaw up off the floor.  God, there's nothing worse in life than your husband proving you wrong!!

Brandon so far at 30 weeks:

Length: 15.7 inches about the size of a cabbage

Weight: Almost 3 pounds!

According to thebump....His skin is beginning to smoothen out and is now able to grasp a finger!

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Just.Be.Nice...

Just the other day I got to catch up with one of my favorite regulars from work that I haven't seen in a while.  She happens to be labor and delivery nurse and it was so nice to pick her brain about everything!  I felt kinda bad at first about bombarding her with so many questions, but it seemed like she didn't mind at all.

I've had such an amazing experience thus far when it comes to seeing my Dr and nurses for my appointments.   They've always been very supportive with my decisions and very patient with any questions that I've had.  Being that my job focuses very highly on customer service I try to make sure that I don't make their job any harder than it already is, because I know what it feels like to come home and be emotionally drained after a long day of working with people.  It's no fun and it makes you want to pull your hair out!!  I've been working in customer service for a long time now and I've learned that it is so easy to hate your job, but the only way that keeps me from jumping that ledge are the people who truly go out of their way to be appreciative of your hard work.  Those people may not come along as often as I would like, but those are the people that make me love what I do!

Anyway, so with that mentality in mind and after talking to my regular your ATTITUDE does go a long way when dealing with others.  So be nice to your Dr's and nurses people, and say your "please" and "thank you's!!"

Now, because I worry about what other people think and feel a little too much, I also asked her what her biggest pet peeve's were when it came to women delivering their baby?  She said that the only real thing that bothered her are the women who come in with one option of delivering their baby.  She hates to see women HATING their birthing experience because they didn't want help.  Um, I totally understand that delivering a baby is no walk in the park, but isn't that why we go to seek a Dr or a nurse? To help ease the pain?! DUH!

With that being said it made me think of my birthing plan a little more.  Like I've mentioned before, my main goal is to TRY to do it naturally, but if it comes down to the health of Brandon and I.  I will make sure to put my pride on the side and ask for help if I need it!
 

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29 weeks

I realized that from my last post I forgot to add how the little guy has been doing.  Other than the little scare that we had he's been doing great.  He's been letting me sleep pretty soundly at night, with a little help of adding a few more padding under my tummy.  I still get up about 2x's a night...which is sooo much better than 4x's in the beginning, although I feel like I go a lot more during the day!  Especially at work, I feel like I've earned to have my name engraved in one of the bathroom stalls at my work!

Energy:   When I entered my 3rd trimester it seems like it went on a decline.  I've found myself sneaking in a nap a few times a week.  It's been nice surrendering to a nap, but I always feel so guilty shortly after. I have so much I want to get done before he comes, so I decided to go back into the gym and get the heart rate back up again.  I believe that staying active and being on my feet really helps me get my energy back, as well as having an easy pregnancy.  Although my work out is very limited these days, I try to at least get some good time in and get my sweat on!

Appetite:  I've never been a snacker, but I think that this time around it's a must!  It's funny cause when I leave the house I always make sure I have the following: Keys, cellphone, purse, and snacks (which is usually a bag of wheat thins).  Having a snack in between my meals really helps with not over indulging come lunch or dinner time!  Along with my appetite I've been experiencing with a little heart burn.  It usually happens after dinner or when I turn in for the night.  I get this acidy taste around my throat and it's just disgusting, so I've surrendered and have decided to not eat too close to bed time.

Appointment:  I had my last monthly appointment last week and I have been really dreading it because the last time I went in my Dr was a bit upset about the 7lb weight gain that I had!  It totally wasn't my fault though!!  I was on vacation!  So since then I've just a bit more cautious about how much I eat and really understand that just because I'm pregnant it doesn't mean that I'm ok to eat whatever I want!  Anyway, the appointment went well blood pressure is good and I was only up 1lb. HALLELUJAH!!  Wich puts me at a total of +14lb from my pre-pregnancy weight!  I got to listen to his heart beat and it was nice and strong!  After this appointment I am now going in every 2 weeks!  I still can't believe that I'm so close to the end.  It makes me so much more excited to meet him!!  AAAHHH!  I'm so excited!!


Brandon so far:

Length:  15.7 inches about the size of a squash

Weight: 2.75 lb

He's growing white fat deposits under his skin, and his energy is surging because of it! You may feel some playful kicks, and jabs, and a little hiccups!

29 weeks and 6 days

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Practice makes perfect...right?

I'm 29 weeks and 6 days today!  It's hard to believe that in about 10 weeks Brandon will be here changing our lives for-ev-er.  There's still not a day that passes that I think "Oh wow, Josh and I are going to be parents!"  I was just looking back at my pregnancy journal the other day and I just started crying!  This week has been such an emotional roller coaster, I feel like since the end is near that there's just so much that goes through your mind.  The number one being whether or not we're going to be good parents.  I've accepted that I will make mistakes as a Mom and that I wont always have the correct answers, but I will promise him that I will try my hardest to raise him to be a good man.

Secondly, I worry whether or not I will know what to do when he's here...like changing his diapers when he needs them changed, feeding him when he's hungry, consoling him correctly when he has a tummy ache...  

It's so easy to start worrying about all the little what if's, but I just hope that once he's here I will magically know how to do all those things :)

So, I've mentioned before that I've been having some serious round ligament pains lately...well on Friday it got the best of me and it lead to a trip to the hospital.  It was such a reality check for me, the whole process from the beginning until the end was so exhausting!

Here's how it all went down:

Friday night after dinner as we were walking to our car I felt this super sharp pain running down the side of my pelvis and my stomach all of a sudden started to get hard!!  It was so painful that I had to stop walking and breath it out (holy scary right?!).  It stopped after about 10 seconds and once we got to the car all I wanted to do was get home and lay down.  I thought that it was just the ligament pain, but since my tummy began getting hard I thought that maybe I was just a bit dehydrated.  When we got home I immediately drank a glass of water and laid on my left side.  A few minutes later it happened again.  This time I told Josh that I was gonna start timing these so-called contractions.  We counted 5x's in 1 hour.  I called my Dr and she said that if it continues that she wants me to come in.  At this point I began to panic, I didn't care that I was in pain...the only thing that was on my mind was "No, he can't be come yet, he's still too little!!"  We continued to count after we talked to the Dr and when we got to 4 I ask Josh "should we maybe pack a bag?" "Ya, probably"  10 minutes later we were out the door and on our way to the hospital.  I had so many things running through my mind...I probably could've toughened it out, but I just really wanted that piece of mind that he was ok.  I probably asked Josh about a 100 what-if questions and bless his heart he was so calm and answered every one.

We checked in and they had me hooked up and monitored within 15 minutes of getting there.

They monitored Brandon's heartbeat and my contractions

She took a few samples one of them being a fetal fibronectin.  It predicts preterm labor and if it's positive then the chances of going into labor within 14 days are high!  As we waited for those results they just continued to monitor Brandon and I.  We were there for about 3 hours and she reassured me that everything seemed to look good that I wasn't dilated and that I haven't had any contractions since we've been there!  

It was getting late and from the excitement and anxiety we both began to start getting a little tired.  Josh was wonderful, he was so calm and made jokes when they were needed.  He alleviated a lot of my stress just by being there.  As he was dosing off I just looked at him and thought "I wouldn't want go through this with anyone else, but him!"

A few hours later we got or test results back and they were all negative.  Our nurse said that although it was all a false alarm, that it was good that we still came in, because now we have somewhat of an idea of what to expect when the real thing happens.

The whole experience just made everything feel so real, I can't even begin to explain all of the millions of emotions that went through my head when I was laying there...just the thought of  possibly delivering your baby right then is completely indescribable!!!  We don't even have a car seat to take him home in yet... 

The next day, I look in the bag that Josh packed for us and saw that the only thing he packed were my things...I asked him how he knew what to pack and his response was "I Googled it."  

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Paging Dr. Doogie Howser....

Josh and I took the day off to meet with a possible Pediatrician for Brandon today. Like getting an oil change, it made me feel like such a grown up! I've heard a few parents say that they never actively looked for one and that they just used whatever "Doogie" that their hospitals recommended. That's totally cool by me, but we felt that it is very important to meet the person that will be poking, prodding, and drugging (i hope not) up our baby. Josh and I have a pretty laid back personality about a lot of things, but when it comes to our future child we expect nothing but the best...as all parents should.

We really want a Doogie who is very knowledgable and experienced. They don't need to have gone to an ivy league school (although it would be a plus) but would like them to be very confident and passionate about their practice. We also want a Doogie who is open to giving us suggestions as supposed to just telling us what to do.... to let us make our own decision when it comes to his well being, but will also be quick to tell us "No, dummy that's not going to work!"

Anyway, we met with our first candidate today her name was Dr. Giselle Falkenburg. She was such a sweet little lady. She came in with her laptop in hand and a crocheted purse strapped across her chest. Ummm, wasn't really sure why she needed her purse, but she had about 8 pens hanging on the side pouch...Maybe she was just getting done with her Divination class, who knows??

Dr. Falkenberg

DO YOU KINDA SEE THE RESEMBLANCE?!!

Professor. Trelawny (from Harry Potter)

But anyway, she had a very quirky demeanor about her and seemed very outgoing. She sat down and was ready for Josh and I to read off our list of questions. We asked a lot of the basic questions, but one of the big questions that we had was what her approach was on giving children medication/drugs for when they get sick. Josh and I are big believers on letting your body work it's magic when it comes to getting sick. We try to prevent getting sick by just living a healthier lifestyle and eating right. Ok, just for the record we're not health freaks by any means, but we just believe that just because we have a little cold that we need to drug ourselves up with medication! Josh's and I's cure when we were sick was Mom's cooking, hugs, and kisses :)

There's nothing worse than being a germaphobic parent and we are trying to stay away from becoming one,  we are strong believers that "A little dirt wont hurt", and that children need to build their immune system in order for them to not be so susceptible to becoming sick.  I may be saying this now, but who knows?  Maybe when Brandon is finally here I'll change my thinking and he'll be the boy in the plastic bubble...

The dog days are over...

Getting our place ready for Brandon has been such a long process now that I think about it. We started to get the place ready a few months ago and just the past few weeks it has turned our quite little household to a work in progress. Between work, spending time with family, and getting the place ready, it's been kind of a zoo trying to get everything organized. With the baby stuff that we will be accumilating over the next month it will take a lot of patience to figure out where everything should go...It's going to be crazy and not just for us, but for Russy as well. We've had Russy since he was a little puppy and we consider him as part of our family, almost like our first child (sorry Brandon). We love him dearly and he's been such an amazing dog to us throughout the years...but lately he's been such a needy little pill!! He's typically a very laid back and well mannered dog, but just the other day he just decided to do his "business" in the middle of the kitchen!!! Josh and I didn't really know what to do at first, because it's been years since he'd had an accident like that. We felt bad after we scolded him, but we had to do what we had to do :(

I mentioned it to Merrie, who is a dog owner herself and she told me that she believes that dogs along with other animals have that natural instinct when it comes to change. I never thought about this, and the more I think about it the more it makes sense! Josh and I have already readied ourselves to how to properly introduce Russy to Brandon when we take him home, but I didn't think that we would have to ready him so far in advance. Josh and I love Russy very much and the more we thought about this the more we tried to see ourselves through his hairy eyes. I'm sure that lately with how busy we've been with everything, we have been really sucking at paying attention to him. So since now that we have actually acknowledged the problem, we have been putting extra effort in paying more attention to him. I just hope that he doesn't decide to runaway on us...eh, who am I kidding, he's too lazy to run away!!


BUT just incase he does here's a recent picture of him...if you happen to see him wandering around aimlessly in your neighborhood, call me!!!

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28 weeks and growing...and boy do I feel it!

Oh, god I can't believe that I'm 2/3 done with my pregnancy already.  I feel like it has gone by so fast!  Especially the past few weeks, getting ready for Brandon has been the big priority for us these past few weeks.  So much on our to do list that it's starting to get a bit overwhelming at times.  I try to not worry too much about it, but it's just impossible.  I wish I could just snap my fingers and everything on the list will be crossed off, but I know that planning is part of being a grown up...it's ok though, going through it with Josh has been great and pretty entertaining at times :)

I feel that finalizing our registry has been on my mind 24/7!!!  I find myself just staring at this huge list and thinking "how many of these things do we really need?" or "Oh god, I wonder if I've gotten everything I will need?!"  Damn you internet and your "List of must have baby things!"  I find myself double guessing A LOT!!  Cause seriously how the hell am I supposed to know what things he'll need when he's not even here yet?!?  It's like packing for a vacation.... but for a complete stranger!!  Oh god, I think I'm giving myself grey hairs over this!

We crossed off 2 huge things on our list this week.  One was who's insurance Brandon will be under and second, finding him a pediatrician.  I was putting off the insurance thing for a while cause I'm not really polished on my insurance education.  But It was a lot easier than I thought, so that was really nice! Plus I've learned that my insurance sucks compared to Josh's! Oh, and we also signed up for our birthing classes which I'm pretty excited about...


So, now that I'm getting even bigger... I can no longer see my thighs or knees when I'm standing up.  I attempted to cut my toe nails the other night and let me tell you...It has become a work out...I found myself having to stop and come up for air a few times.  Josh walked in on me with a confused look and asking if I was alright....oh and I'm not even going to talk about shaving my unmentionables...that's just not even funny... I think that it would be in my best interest if I get serviced for those things now!


Stretch mark free zone (for now)  ok, so like I've mentioned before stretch marks are my biggest fear (in life), and I honestly don't know why?  It's not like I'm going to be rocking a mid drift top or a bikini after he's born?!?  I just have this thing about having flawless skin.  GOD, I sound super vain right now, but I believe that I've kept Aveeno lotion in business with how much I use it!  As well as Charmin toilet paper for how much I go pee!!


Round ligament pains!!  I've been experiencing these horrible pains the last few weeks,  I thought that Brandon got a hold of a knife somehow and has been stabbing me in my pelvis.  It usually happens when I get up from sitting....switch position when I'm laying down and sometimes when I'm doing the cupid shuffle.  I seriously thought that I was having contractions, but when I talked to my nurse she told me that I wasn't.  What happens is there are round ligaments surrounding your uterus in your pelvis area and because it's growing so big (imagine your uterus growing from a size of a pear to a soccer ball) the ligaments begin to stretch to try to accommodate for your growing uterus! The stretching of the ligaments is what causes the sharp pain aka Brandon stabbing me!  I'm not really sure how to prevent this, but I feel like cursing eases it sometimes....


Brandon so far:

Height: 14.8 inches about the size of an eggplant

Weight:  2.25 lb

According to the babycenter  he can blink his eyes, which now sport eye lashes (wink, wink).  With increasingly developed eyesight, he may be able to see the light that filters through my womb.

27 weeks and 6 days

Short and Sweet...

Well I just turned 27 weeks today and am officially entering my 3rd trimester. My 27th week welcomed me with waking up to snot running down my nose and Brandon kicking me on my side! Oh lord help me if this is just a taste of what my 3rd trimester will be like!

Goodbye 2nd trimester....you were amazing and great to me!

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Throw it in the bag!

Brandon's going to be poppin' some tags :)

I've been holding off from putting his stuff into his closet, cause I know that I would just begin to freak out...the reality of actually being the boss of a little miniature person is a bit frightening!! This may sound silly cause you would think that It would've hit me by now. It has but It hasn't...it's kinda like the feeling of getting married. You know the day and have been planning on it, but all of a sudden the feeling of "Holy CRAP I'm getting married!" Hits you!

Just this last month we've been going nuts over buying the little guys clothes. We've been hearing that we should lay off from buying too much for him until our baby shower, but IT'S.JUST.TOO.HARD! We've also been getting a few early gifts from his Aunts & Uncles already! Geez, I can't believe how loved he is already, and he's not even here yet...we are so thankful and blessed to have them all in our lives :)