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 :)

25 weeks

This past week was jam-packed with so many life changing events! 1 brand new baby, 1 wedding, and 1 big test result.


I feel like being pregnant is the new black! I think I'm one of 8 women I know to be pregnant. It's nuts! But honestly I feel blessed to experience pregnancy with a lot of these girls. It's been nice to pick their brains and compare symptoms. It's great to know that not only do I have support from our family, but from them as well.

Along with those women one of them happens to be one of my dearest friend Rochelle. I've known her for about 10 years now, and we've been through a lot together. Although our schedules don't give us too many opportunities to see one another, we still always try to pick up where we left off. It's like we never skip a beat when we see each other and it makes that time together a little more special...more so now that we're experiencing being 1st time Moms together. She and I have pretty laid back mentalities when it comes to being pregnant, but with that being said I can also see how easy it is to become paranoid about anything and everything. I've learned to nip that in the bud very quickly, by just learning to relax and trying to see the big picture. I see no reason to stress over things that you have no control over. Plus stress is not good for the little one.

I had a chance to hang out with her a few times last week, and on Thursday (her due date) we made plans to hang out and walk around to help her little one come sooner. She seemed to be in good spirits and very ready for the baby to come. After we hung out, we planned on getting together the following day to walk some more. The next day came and out of the blue I get a text from her saying "I'm doing okay.  It was a girl!  Annabell Kalan, 6lbs 15oz."  I was so thrilled and excited for her!  I can't wait to meet her little one!

Before Josh and I even thought of having kids, I've always known that I wanted a natural delivery.  I know, I know! You may think that this is crazy, but I feel like I'm up for the challenge.  With me being an athlete all my life, I feel like I've been doing the best to my ability to try and prepare my body for the stress that it may have to endure come game time....I also trust in my body that it will be ok and recover well.  I just believe that as a woman our bodies were built for this... Please don't think that I'm solely thinking of just myself.  That is not the case at all.  If for some reason my technique of choice is not working for Brandon, then I will deliver him in a way that is best for his health.   I also don't look down on anyone who decide to deliver with the help of medication, I believe that delivering a baby is very personal, and however you want your baby to enter this world is completely up to you and your beliefs, and no one has any room to tell you what's right or wrong!

Over the weekend another friend of mine got married!  Congratulations to Annie and John... their wedding was at the Cave B Winery in Quincy, WA.  Their ceremony was held at the Cavern Theater which overlooked the Gorge and was absolutely breathtaking!  The reception was under a tent in the middle of the winery.  We were surrounded by rows and rows of grape vines.  It was just amazing!!  Thank you both for letting me be a part of your special day!

Annie and John's first dance as Mr. and Mrs.

Ok, so this glucose test was probably the most exhausting and NOT FUN part of my whole entire pregnancy.  Just the process and the over thinking was just not my cup of tea!  Anyway, I got my result Sunday morning and I'm glad to say that I passed!!!!!  HOLLLEERRR!  I'm just so glad that that's over and done with and I can now get back to worrying about more important things like: "What am I going to eat/drink as soon as I have him!"

Ok, not gonna lie, but being pregnant during the summer has been really hard!  I didn't realize how much of my favorite things came with summer!  I miss drinking a super cold New Castle when it's hot out.   Raw Ahi tuna or just raw sushi in general....and last of all RUNNING!  I wonder if my hospital will be ok with me smuggling beer in my delivery room?

Toni "braxton hicks".  I felt it the first time when I was in California, but I thought that it was just from the heat.  This week though, I've felt it a little more.  I've realized that it happens usually after I've been on my feet for too long.  It usually begins with a tightening and then to a cramping.  It is very random and it only last about 10-15 seconds.  It's not very painful, but it's enough to cause a little discomfort.  I think I freaked Josh out the other day, poor guy!  I talked to my Dr. about it on Thursday during my monthly visit and she told me that it is normal and that the only big concern is if it continues on a more regular basis and more uncomfortable.

Lately, Brandon's movement has been a lot stronger and more frequent.  Along with the pops and kicks that I've been so used to feeling, he's been doing some serious somersaults and been pushing up against my tummy.  It's so weird!!  When he turns it feels like being in an elevator and your stomach drops, but A LOT slower...it's kinda creepy sometimes.  When he pushes up against my tummy whether it be his head or butt, it's pretty funny cause it makes my tummy look off kilter! I think because he's a lot longer and bigger these days I can really feel his every move!

Brandon so far at 25 weeks:

Weight:  1.5 pounds

Length:  13.5 inches about the size of a rutabaga!

According to my babybump App. Brandon's body parts are continuing to become more proportional to each other.  Baby fat is also continuing to fill in his wrinkled skin for a smoother look and more hair is growing.  

25 weeks and 6 days

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Glucose test...you can just suck it!!!

I've heard so many horror stories about this test that I've been dreading it for the last few weeks.  I've heard that the glucose drink that they give you is absolutely disgusting and will make you sick sometimes!

No Thanks!!!

I took the first test yesterday, the glucose tolerance test...and I'm sad to say that I did not pass!  Now, for those who have never had this test done, the test determines whether or not you have Gestational Diabetes. The first test is just a screening.  They have you drink this delicious drink which is filled with a high amount of sugar... and you just sit around for an hour to let the drink get into your system.  After that hour is up they draw your blood and review it.  I guess about  1/3 of women who test positive for the screening test usually test negative for GD.  I'm really hoping that this is the case for me.  

SO here I am now taking the 2nd test.  This test is a little bit more involved and time consuming.  It's a total of 3 hours and you are not allowed to eat 10-12 hours before your test.  All I can think about now is what delicious breakfast I'm going to treat myself to when I'm done with this test!!!  

When I arrived this morning they took a blood sample and I drank another glucose drink, which I felt was A LOT more syrupy than the one I took yesterday! Blehkk!! Brandon is currently hyped up and kicking up a storm at the moment.  It's pretty funny, cause I just just imagine him bouncing off the walls. After every hour for the next 3 hours they collect a blood sample, so I'm looking at getting poked about 4x's today.  I'm not shy when it comes to needles, but I may be tested today.  I'm just done with all this testing...I'm done with the worrying...this could possibly be my least favorite part about my pregnancy thus far.  Josh and I have talked about the "what if's" and have mentally prepared for any situation that comes our way. We both have decided that no matter what the outcome is, that we will be positive and take it head on!

ahem...La la la

I've heard that singing the same song while the baby is still in your belly will do many incredible things. They will recognize that song when they are born and will help sooth them. I've also heard that classical music will help stimulate their brain, which will make for a smarter baby. I've recently let the little guy listen to music and he really seems to enjoy it. I also sing to him every once in a while, but lately this song has been his favorite. I don't have the best voice by any means, but I don't think he seems to mind :) The video above has always been one of my favorite songs. It always puts me in a happy mood no matter what kind of day I'm having. I hope that it will do the same for him :)

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A gift from Mickey

This makes me smile! :D

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23 & 24 Weeks

I feel like my second trimester is going by so quickly!  I'm 24 weeks and 5 days today and currently feeling more and more pregnant each passing week.  I'm starting to experience more cramping; mainly in my legs and sometimes in my belly.  I don't think that the cramping in my belly is severe enough to where I need to worry about it.  I just figured that it had a lot to do with the heat in California and all the walking we did.  I made sure that I kept myself hydrated and snacked frequently...so me gaining 4 pounds during my vacation shouldn't really surprise me.  I can only see the very tippy tips of my toes when I look down :(

Our trip to California was so relaxing and fun.  It was just how we wanted it to be...we got to spend a lot of time with Josh's family and sightsee around SoCal!  We got to stay at Josh's Aunt's beautiful house, which was just absolutely breath taking.  It looks like a house that you would see in a movie...thank you to Tita Elsa and Tito Emil for opening your beautiful home to us!

The Enriquez Mansion

We also got to hang out with Josh's cousin's that he hasn't seen for years.  Trisha, Joe, Anthony, and Gen (Anthony's girlfriend) were all so welcoming and so much fun to hang out with.  They showed us a few of their favorite spots to eat and for me there's nothing better than enjoying good food with great people.  We will definitely miss them all very much.  We hope that they will come and visit us so we can return the favor!

Josh, Anthony, and Marcus

Gen, Debbie, and I

The girls being silly

 BBQ'ing the back yard

Disneyland was so much fun!  Even though I didn't get to ride the big rides; just being there was enough.  Plus we can tell Brandon that he's been there :) What made it even more special was that I turned 24 weeks (6 months) that day.  

Josh, Brandon, & I

Besides the 100 degree heat we still had a great time.  We probably spend close to $100 dollars on drinks alone, but it was totally worth it, cause LA water is just plain gross!  One of the funniest thing that happened was Josh, Debbie, and Marcus getting stuck on the Matterhorn ride!  Due to the fact that it was a roller coaster I was not able to go, so I just waited on a bench with a raspberry lemonade in hand.  So, you can just imagine my face when they made an announcement saying that the ride had malfunctioned and that it would be 45 minutes until it would be up and running again.  As the people in line began to exit I waited for the 3 of them to show up...when the last people in line exited I knew that they were still on the ride!!!!! I call Josh and he tells me that they are stuck at the very top of the ride...SIDEWAYS!!! I just could not help but laugh!  Cause seriously, what are the chances?!

Josh sent me this picture while they were waiting to
get "saved"

So overall this vacation was absolutely wonderful! I'm not excited for Monday to come to say the least...

Brandon so far ( at 24 weeks)

Weight: 1.25 pounds

Size:  12.5 inches long about the length of a corn

According to the babycenter his brain is growing quickly now, and taste buds are continuing to develop.

Hollywoooood!

These Oscar awards were everywhere! So why not take our picture with one? Here was one of our favorites. The "Favorite Catsitter" came in at a close second.

We had such a good time just spending the day on Hollywood blvd yesterday. So much to see and such a great place to people watch. The weather was a bit hot, but going in and out of stores with A/C helped a lot! We finished our evening by going to the city walk at Universal studios. We did a lot of walking around yesterday so we called it an early evening....cause today....we're going to DISNEYLAND!

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Half way there :D

We had a 9:30 flight this morning. We're a little sleep deprived, but the excitement is keeping us awake. Cheeeeese monsters!!

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BABYmoon

So since Josh and I now have a countdown until Brandon comes (118 days give or take) we decided to plan a few trips.  In t-minus 2 days we will be on a plane on our way to sunny California!  We don't really have a set itinerary.  I would just love to relax and not have to worry about work or responsibilities for a week.  Although I would really love to go to Disneyland...I may not be able to ride the big rides, but just being there would be exciting enough.  I would really love to get the little guy a Micky Mouse ears hat with his name on it.  I think it would be so cute to put in his room.  

As far as flying goes, I'm not really too worried about it.  I'm sure that it will be a little uncomfortable sitting for a long while, but with my frequent bathroom breaks I will be forced to walk around to get some blood flow in my legs...

We will also be going with Josh's parents, Aunt, Marcus, and Debbie.  I love Josh's family very much!!  I'm very fortunate to have such amazing in-laws.  We always have good conversations, laughs, and food!!  Gosh, I can only imagine all the delicious food that we will be consuming during this week!!  Get ready for a lot of yummy food uploads :)  

21-22 weeks

Gosh the last two weeks have gone by so quickly!  With work and photography I have to condense 2 weeks in one blog (again).  I'm sorry, but this girl needs to make money...now if you guys want to start paying me to read my blogs then maybe I'll start blogging on the daily!

So since my memory is a little shot...I'll have to just randomly just write what I can remember throughout the last few weeks.  Now, please note that the time of these events are in no particular order.

Oh sweet sweet memories...how I miss you!  So I got another text from Josh the other day saying that I left our front door unlocked!  Golly, who does that?!  Now, thank God that nothing was missing cause I would've felt so bad!  I couldn't believe that I did that.  I consider myself a super cautious person when it comes to locking, unplugging, and switching things off around the apartment, but leaving the door unlocked was just something I would never do....so I blamed it on the dog...

"Gee, I'm hungry, but I don't know what I want?"  I've been finding myself having these conversation in my head a lot.  I haven't really craved one particular thing this whole entire pregnancy.  I've just found myself to go on long week binges...like for example one week I'll be craving watermelons and the next week I'll want nothing but wheat thins with cream cheese.  I'm kinda all over the board when it comes to the craving part...but now I've just unsure of what I really want...the other night around 1am I was so hungry.  I had no idea what sounded good to me, so I was really contemplating just driving on 164th so that maybe one of the fast food places would jump out at me...nuts right?! I eventually talked myself out of that ridiculous idea!  So I just settled for a vanilla greek yogurt :)

I finally experienced my very first leg cramp a few nights ago...it was just a little one on my left calf, but it was enough to make me not want to have it ever again!  BUT guess who had another one the following night?! THIS GIRL! This time it was both my calves...oh god, it was miserable!  It only lasted about a few minutes, but it was enough to leave a soreness after it was gone.

That's "Big Boobs McGee to you"....Oh lord have they grown!! Hey ladies, are you looking for a fuller, voluptuous, and more wonderful looking boobs?! Forget about going under the knife...being pregnant is where it's at!! Although there are some side effects:  Super sore boobs, larger and darker areolas, and blue vein-ituous!  If you don't mind those mild side effects then it's totally worth it ;) Just ask your husband and/or boyfriend for them!

So I look at my belly and it looks like someone took a ruler and drew a black line down the middle of it!  I guess it's called "linea nigra" aka the black line.  Well whoever did it did a pretty sucky job!  It's not very straight cause instead of continuing down your bellybutton (like it would NORMALLY)  mine goes around it...so it now looks like the black line did a round-about at my bellybutton!  REALLY?!

2nd trimester is still rocking for me!!  So much so that I've actually been working a lot more.  It's been nice to see old regulars that I haven't seen in a while.  It feels good to catch up with them and see them so excited to meet the belly!  The big question lately has been "How far will you continue to work for?"  I honestly don't have any idea.  I just take it week by week really.  It would be nice to try to work until 2 weeks before my due date, but since I work on my feet a lot I'm not sure how realistic that will be.  Although, I've been very lucky to work with such amazing people!  All of my boss' have been great about my schedule and trying to make it a comfortable work place for Brandon and I.  All my co-workers are great about carrying heavy things for me and giving Brandon a rub!  I just know he will have a special connection with all of them.  I know that he loves hearing all their voices because it's usually followed by a nudge or a kick from him.


Brandon so far (at 22 weeks):

Length: 11 inches about the size of a spaghetti squash ( I have no idea what that looks like)

Weight:  1 whole pound!!!

According to my baby bump App Brandon's senses are really developing this week. Taste buds are forming and nerve endings are developed enough for him to experience the sensation of touch.

22 weeks and 6 days