Pretty & Pregnant: Introduction

Pretty & Pregnant

I would like to introduce you to a new addition of the blog. It's a journal for baby #2 and a way that I can capture all things to this pregnancy. These postings will include weekly updates on what's going on and progress of the baby to doctor visit stats and the infamous belly growth. I will also include anything that I think has something to do with pregnancy: thoughts/feelings, cravings, and of course the sisterly love that has already begun.

I'm very excited to be capturing these moments. It will be a great gift to our precious little girl when she's older. Have I mentioned I have Bri'elles delivery on video to look at on Mother's Day and to share with her when she get's older. I will be doing the same for this baby. :)


I'm hoping to make a button for these postings.... as soon as I'm able to do maternity pics... am hoping to have some done sometime this week. **crossing fingers**


Lately, I have had a lot of realizations so to speak, this past sermon at church hit me and hit me hard. It hit me so hard I actually had to go to the bathroom and let myself cry in the stall. Some of it I know are the pregnancy hormones but for the most part it hit home.The speaker this week was one of my peers growing up. He is also the student pastor for our church. This week's message was about how we expect God to do so much for us but then we don't give him our all. It just proved so much that I've been learning with this pregnancy. I literally had to put my full trust and faith in God, not letting any worry or grief get to me. I had to allow God to be in complete control NO MATTER what the outcome would be. God has a PURPOSE for EVERYTHING that happens. To me it was as if God was telling me he knew all that I've grown to be where I am and I was truly thankful. More than words could explain and I think that's why tears ran down my face.


I will be posting some past blog postings of "how we found out" and "our first appointment" and will follow the pregnancy until I deliver. :)

Christmas Cards

On Monday Jay and I finally had some time to take a family photo for our Christmas cards. We decided this year to do them since it will be our last year as a family of 3. And we got a really good deal through groupon, so it was almost a must!

Here is a sneak peek of the main picture for the card - its not the best but I love it!

There are two others that are on the card as well and they are just adorable. I can't wait for them to get here and share with everyone :)

Sweet Shot Tuesday

Tis the season!!!!

New Changes..almost new Everything

Wow, there have been so many new changes in our lives its crazy when I look back to the past week. This is going to be just a lil update, more will come soon (my computer mouse button still doesn't work so I can't post any pictures yet, boo!).

We moved!!!!

Previously we were living with my parents to help save money until we were able to get back on our feet. With Jay having great success at his job, we have been able to get caught up and found a great deal for a condo. Plus, we wanted to get out in enough time to prepare for our little bundle arriving soon.

The place is so awesome! We are so thankful the Lord has provided the last couple of months for us to make this big change. We all love it, I think Bri'elle loves it the most. She gets so excited when someone comes over to visit. We are still moving in as we only have our room and the kitchen setup. The living room has a tv but no sitting furniture and we have get to get a washer an dryer but with patience we know in time it will all come together. Bri'elles room/the girls room will be last to get done because we also want to setup everything for the baby along with Bri'elles stuff. Right now we let her have a free for all (which keeps her busy and happy and out of the way for moving stuff in).

More Baby news

I will start a separate blog posting that I hope to have up in the next couple of days journaling pregnancy #2. From the ups the highs and the joys (no downs - even through this experience - the Lord has blessed me already). I already have saved bits and pieces from the very beginning. To be able to share my experience with other moms, moms to be, and anyone interested would be so great for me.

A quick little update, the tear is finally forming but I will be on bedrest the rest of my pregnancy. I was recently diagnosed with vena-cava syndrome for blackouts due to restriction of blood and oxygen flowing to my heart and brain but should subside soon. All my other tests came back good :) Stay tuned for more....

Bri'elle

She has been growing and changing so much the last few weeks its so hard for me to keep up. I can't believe she will be two in just a lil over two weeks. How time flies by I have no clue. She loves her new house, her little sis-tuh, and her new high chair. The simple things in life are the ones that make you happy.

Debt-free

Jay and I will be debt free at the end of the month. We've had to make a lot of difficult choices the past couple of months to get us here but we are finally here! Our new motto, if we don't have cash to pay for it then we just simply don't need it. Needs come before wants. Necessities come before luxuries. Happiness comes before anything. Love is the most important. Each other is priceless.

Salvation

Praise to God in the highest, I will praise your name. God has done so much for me since the day I was conceived. It feels so great to get closer with him more and more. I've been able to keep faith and stay strong by my alliances of the church, family, and friends. The downs build a stronger hold for the love and glory I will give to him. I thank God for every small and large thing within my life.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving!!!!!! Stay tuned for more postings....

I thank God for every person who reads this blog. :)

My Special Visit

Sweet Shot Tuesday

Yesterday I had the pleasure to visit with my friend Melissa and her son Kaleb (he's only 5 weeks - AWH!!!!). Melissa asked if I could come along with her to her doctor appointment and watch Kaleb while she was being seen. Of course I said yes. For one, I always like to help someone out if I can and two he is so adorable how could I say no to spend some time with him. After her appointment I went over to her place and snapped some really good shots of Kaleb smiling at me. It made me so happy to see him smiling at me. I also helped her create some birth announcement/holiday cards. It was my pleasure to help her. I had a lot of fun doing it mostly. Creating things like that are right up my alley :) They turned out so cute! I can't wait to see them when she gets them.

Some Fun Saturday

Bible study with the ladies and kiddos

This past Saturday my favorite and the most wonderful bunch of women and kiddos got together for our usual Bible Study. It was held at Marissa's has this month where she served Baked Potatoe Soup with all the fixin's (so good!), I brought cheese and garlic croissants, Olga shared some yummy Chicken Caeser Salad, and Melissa brought drinks (I loved the blood orange juice). Here we gathered for some fellowship and communion with each other by our blessings from God. This Bible study group is just amazing. The women are so devoted to God it's inspiring to be around just wonderful people.

It's been awhile that I got to see all these women because of being on bedrest. I missed them all dearly even though I see some of them throughout the week and talk on the phone with them. When God gives you great people in your life you want to surround yourself with them and build a barrier that no sin can break through. And that's how I feel with these women. I feel like there's nothing that can bring me down because God has blessed me with each and every one of them in my life. It's truly remarkable when you look back and see the people that come and go (unfortunately) but you get a totally different feeling when it was God who leads you to the people you should be around.

Proverbs 12:26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

When I'm around these women (and kids) I want to shower them with all the love I can give and let them know I truly appreciate them in my life. It's so great when all of us girls are together. We do the usual mommy talk, wife talk, home talk, God talk, we have so much to say to each other and so much to offer by how we are being blessed in our lives. God has blessed each and everyone of us in very different ways and some ways alike. With all of this we are able to share past experiences and plans for future goals. We are able to console each other when needed, be there for each other, and give a helpful hand. On a higher note we are able to laugh, giggle, and just ultimately have fun.

Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Bible study was alot of fun this weekend and I was so happy to see these lovely ladies and kids. Can't ya tell?!?!

To top off how great and how much fun these ladies are: Olga brought some clothes she had went through and wanted to get rid of for a clothing swap. It was so much fun raiding someone elses closet - and they are aware of it! haha... I got some pretty good stuff I can't wait to wear. I should've took some pictures of us going through the clothes and trying them on, Darn!! Thanks Olga, that was so sweet of you!!!!!

Thanks Ladies - and kids - for a great Saturday! And big thanks to Marissa for hosting it at your house to be close ;)

{Baby Madison}

{Olga and her beautiful girls}

{Melissa & her son Kaleb}

{ my sweet little girl Bri'elle }

{Lucy, Raychel, Jordan }



 

 

One Month and Counting.....

I can't believe where time has been. Our little girl is 23 months and will be two in a month (less than a month now that this posting is up)! So much has happened the past month with our little Bri'elle. She has been learning so many different things its almost impossible to keep track of them all. It's such a joy and pleasure watching this little girl grow up and became a little toddler. I thank God everyday for blessing me with her. She is truly a gift from God.

Bri'elles Daily Routine:

Wakes up between 7:00-8:00 / sleeps in somtimes until 9:00
Lately the trend is waking up and playing in your crib. After a little time goes by between 15 & 30 minutes you will stand up and shout "wake up, wake up, wake up momma" while hitting the bar of your crib to get MY (momma's) attention. Sometimes I'll wait a little bit to see how long you will go... today you went about 5 minutes and that was enough for me. Once I open my eyes or give you attention your face lights up. I tell you "Good morning, baby" and you say it right back. You then know that daddy will get you out of your crib and will lay you next to me while he continues to get ready. There are some days you stay asleep while daddy gets ready and you don't wake up until he gets you in the car to bring you to Grandma and Grandpa Alfonso's.

Activities you love:
Oh my, you have been really interested in painting. You know exactly where you need to sit to be able to paint. And you change your mind every swipe for a new color. At the Barn Bash recently you enjoyed doing the arts and crafts with glue. You love to dance (by shaking your butt) and sing. Sometimes you even make up your own songs which is so darn cute.

Things you love: Dumbo is your favorite right now along with Elmo. But it seems like you pick a new favorite whenever you watch a movie or show. You absolutely love Mickey & Minnie Mouse. Winnie the Pooh or "Poooooo" is also one of your favorites. You love candles because you always think is someones birthday. Helping mommy and daddy cook especially sweet treats. Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles...to blow bubbles, to have them in your bath, to pop them. If there is bubbles there you are right there.

Bri'elle, you are an all around fun little girl to be around. Most of the time your always in a good mood. You tend to be shy in front of people you haven't seen in awhile but once you warm up to them you want to be around them every second making them smile. Your a very friendly person and always wants to give hugs and kisses. It's funny too, you've picked up greeting people (your friends) with hugs when you see them. When we have company over your excited for all the kids to play with your toys. Sometimes you can be a little booger when you get all wound up and you will crunch your face together if you don't want to do something. But mommy and daddy love everything about you and wouldn't change any of it.

The sweetest things:
You have been very interested in sharing
Picked up saying "Thank you" by yourself and you say it after everything that is given to you. Even if I just pull the covers up on you, you will say "Thank You".
You talk in your sleep
When we pray at the very end you will say very loudly "AAAA-MENNN!!!!"

Your growth stats:
You haven't been in for a check up since June but I think you are maybe 26-30 pounds
The last time we went in for your check up you were in the 90th percentile for your height and I assume you are still ranging in that category because you are talling than even some 3 year olds.

Sizes in clothes: 3t (pants are a little big but lengthwise fit you almost perfectly)
Sizes in shoes: 7 (you are starting to grow out of your 6's recently)

Today you said you were my cutie-pie, Oh it just warmed mommy up all over!

I haven't done your 23 month pictures yet (don't hold it against me) and unfortunately mommy has been using daddy's computer which doesnt have the best editor so hopefully in the next couple of days I will be able to do them :)

Here's a couple pictures taken last week

Your birthday is coming up very very soon. We have been thinking of a couple things to do but I think we are going to stick with one idea mommy thought of the other day. Since you have been really in to arts and crafts and your birthday is more the beginning of Decemember I thought an "Ornament Making Party" would be the best for you and your friends. I'm super excited and hope we can pull it off. I guess we will see in your Birthday Blog Post :)

Sherin's Birthday

Last Wednesday was one of my best friends Sherin's birthday. I got a chance to take her to dinner and celebrate on Thursday night. We went to a place nearby for dinner: Pear Street Bistro. There we shared a couple of appetizers that were really filling and yummy. It was so great to celebrate my friend's birthday with her. I've been missing a lot of things lately and I was super excited when I was able to spend some time with her. Before dinner she came in so Bri'elle could give her some birthday love. Bri'elle was so happy, we even lit a candle so Bri'elle could sing her "Happy Birthday".

Happy Birthday Sherin, I hope this next year God blesses you and keeps watch over you as you try new adventures in your 25th year of life.

Hubby Thursdays - Give Thanks

As a contribute to Thanksgiving I will be doing a

The hubby has been working so hard lately... at his job and at home. With me on bedrest ALOT rests on his shoulders. Starting with dropping and picking up Bri'elle from the sitters, going to work, coming home and doing house chores, fixing dinner and even sometimes dessert, bath time, bed time, and with whatever time is left he is doing other work-related things or leisure things. Sometimes we don't even get to have a full conversation or alone time.

Lately we have had tons of things on our plate I know it is weighing down on him but the upside is I've been able to do some things here and there to help out. It makes me sad knowing that I can't help him even though its for mine and the baby's health. I thank God everyday and pray that God will guide Jay in the right directions. Also to lift any burdens that Jay may have. It's always great to see your partner smile and be happy.

Despite all the hardwork the he hubby has being doing and stress he has taken on he managed to get a promotion. A month ago another department like his work and offered him a job all he needed to do is to pass their test. He did!!! I'm so very proud of him. He was actually suppose to start the new position the last week of October however the department he works for now wasn't able to find a replacement in time so he now starts his new position on the 16th ofhis November.

I know God was definitely looking out for Jay. This was the encouragement he needed and definitely a booster for him. He has been all happy, very proud of himself. I'm proud of you too babe. You seem to amaze me more and more the longer we have been together. I know possibilities are endless especially with God on our side.

This blog posting is for my hubby and all hubbies out there who take care of their wives!!!!!!

I'm hoping to surprise Jay soon with a date night. I'm thinking dinner and a movie (since that is pretty much all I've been approved to do).

Soy-Ghetti

Sweet Shot Tuesday

Today for lunch I had what my family ate for dinner last night. Oh, you got to love the joys of leftovers. It sounded really good since I missed out (my mother in law sent me home dinner). They had chicken spaghetti and mixed vegetables. As always when I eat homemade spaghetti I added my signature to the bowl - soy sauce! I know, I know, it sounds completely gross but you have to try it. Just once.

You only have to drizzle a little of the soy sauce over the noodles. I then usually add garlic pepper to give an extra hint of flavor. And Ta-da you have a new and improved spaghetti. Now go on and try it!

Don't worry I don't do this at Italian Restaurants.

New to my Blog World: Test

This is a test to see if the signature I created works:



It works!!!! I'm so happy the blog is moving forward. There are some things with the signature I need to fix but for now it will work :)

Update: Our Life

If you read the posting Halloween 2011 then you know our recent news... if not, well then brace yourself.

We are expecting!!!!!!

Yes, you've read it correctly. We are expecting our 2nd child. On Halloween we found out that it is another precious girl. Both of us couldn't be more happier right now. Our pregnancy news has been more intimate since we haven't publicly announced that were pregnant and only our close family and friends have shared the news with us.

Early on in my pregnancy had began spotting. I didn't think it was anything serious since I was about 4-5 weeks pregnant and it looked like older blood. The amounts were very minimal so I figured it would be nothing to worry about but I still consulted with my doctor and midwife. Both had the "possible miscarriage" talk with me and told me to keep an eye on it but it could be perfectly normal. At 8 weeks I started to experience some cramping as if I was going to start my menstrual cyle. It was very alarming and I knew something was wrong. Not long after I felt a pop and then blood began to pour. I ran to the bathroom hoping when I looked in the pearl white bowl it would still be that color. To my dismay it was the color I was dreading to see. Immediately I ran out of the bathroom crying not knowing what to do. Jay was outside working on his car. My sisters room is the closest to the bathroom, she was sitting on her bed with the door open and saw that something was seriously wrong. At the same moment she got up to come near me, my mom had just walked out of her room hearing me sob. That was the moment my mom found out I was pregnant. My sister ran out to tell Jay to come inside. My mom phoned the advice nurse for me to talk to her and see if I should be see.

Another issue to my bleeding is that with my medical history I'm considered high risk pregnancy whenever I get pregnant. I'm given instructions to administer blood thinner injections everyday until about 6 weeks after the baby is born. I wasn't sure if my blood thinners would affect the bleeding and if I could be possibly hemorraghing. After speaking with the advice nurse I was scheduled an appointment the next day with the nearest OBGYN doctor at the facility closest to my house (which is 5 minutes). That night I was to watch my bleeding and cramping. I also emailed my specialist who is looking after me for this pregnancy.

Early the next morning my doctor's nurse phoned to say she was cancelling my appointment and that my doctor would see me. When I went to the appointment he found a tear and clot along my uterine wall that was causing my pregnancy sac to disconnect from the wall. It started at my cervix and went up one side to the middle of the top. Luckily the placenta was on the other side otherwise I would've lost the pregnancy. From that day I was put on bedrest until an ultrasound showed it was healed. The doctor said that they haven't discovered what causes this to happen especially for women who haven't had a previous ceasarean. So from that moment on my baby's life was in my hands.

When I got home I looked it up on the internet because I had never heard of something like this. To my surprise it is very common, well at least I found a support group with a lot more women than I expected to. Most of the girls were on bedrest their entire pregnancy but were able to deliver there babies with no issue. I didn't read one story where it ended badly for the unborn child or mother. I was very relieved. I knew I would just have to take it easy, pray to God, and my baby will be fine.

Since the last appoinment on halloween my tear is half healed. The part that is healed is the top which is great. The baby looks perfect and healthy. She doesn't even know what is going on. The doctor said if my tear heals completely I will have a normal (well what I call normal) pregnancy until delivery. I do pose a risk for preterm labor now that the membranes are a little weak but if it heals they could build the strength they need to hold the sac until term. My safe zone right now is 25 weeks. If for some reason I delivered from this week on the baby could survive. I keep praying and am sure that I've made it this far I can make it as far as I want.

With all of that said, is the reason why we haven't yet announced our pregnancy. We are hoping at our next appointment which is in 2 weeks to get some more good news and announce it maybe a week later (which we have another appointment).

Even though already this pregnancy I've been through a lot, I'm really enjoying it. I'm not worrying about a single thing and just taking this pregnancy a day at a time so I can really enjoy this bundle of joy and how she is already giving me the joys of being her mommy.

I will start posting her baby journal starting from two pink lines and catch up with each milestone.

Please pray for me, the pregnancy, the little baby, and our family. We really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers we've already received from our family and friends. It means a lot to know we have such a great support group and we thank you deeply. <3

P.s. I will do another update to some other recent news in a couple days or so..... stay tuned



Barn Bash

11-05-11

Over the past weekend we were invited to my friend Meagan's church for a "Barn Bash" they put on. It includes a chili cook-off, bouncer, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin sweeping, cake walk, bean bag toss, crafts, and line dancing. After approval from the doctor we went. I was so excited to get out of the house and have some fun with friends. I overloaded on all the chili's.. there were 15 and I only made it to I think #7 before I was completely full. Even with the cup only have a miniature scoop. It was probably the really good corn muffins I stuffed in the bottom of the cup. We all had a blast. Bri'elle loved the bean bag toss and jumpy the most. And then loved it when Theresa (another friend) played with her doing crafts and line dancing. Jay also joined in on the line dancing. It was so much fun!!! Definitely a church event I would come back for next year. Everyone at the church was so nice. They would walk up and introduce themselves. Jay and I thought that is so sweet. Towards the end of the night the church had a little raffle for the kids. There were different little baskets you could put your tickets in to try to win and guess what!?!?! Bri'elle won the basket she put her raffle tickets in. I couldn't believe it. She gave one of her dollies to Bella since it came with two. But the basket consisted of two fairy dolls, a coloring book, and a bouncy balloon thing. She was so happy. Unfortunately we accidentally left the little fairy there. :(

Thanks Meagan for inviting us!!!!!!!!!!

Grandma Norma's 70th

October 29th


On this day we celebrated Jay's grandma's 70th birthday. As a treat for her on her birthday her sons and their families (well part of their families) came from Hawaii. All of us got together at Hs' Lordships in Berkeley for brunch. It is such a delicious place to eat especially for the all-you-can-eat brunch. The restaurant sits on the water and it is just gorgeous. There was a couple seals that were swimming close by which was so much fun for the kids to watch. Her birthday was truly amazing. First by being able to celebrate her 70th year of life and to be able to celebrate with all the family that was able to gather for it.

It was some of the great grandkids that were there meeting eat other. Bri'elle just loved everyone of them and couldn't get enough playtime. Her and little lenny (Jay's nephew) have a very special close bond and they wouldn't leave each other side's. Little lenny will be 4 the beginning of March. He is just a good older cousin and hreat friend for Bri'elle. He would hold her hand and take her to the window to look at the water. It just brings the biggest smile on my face to watch the interaction my child now has with her other kid family and friends like I did when I was younger.

See the seal

 Bri'elle and daddy

 The Birthday Girl

 Little Anthony - Jay's nephew

 Len & little Lenny (Jay's older brother and his son)

Jay holding Anthony & Bri'elle - HUGS

A group of family 

 Jay's little brother and his friend

 Bud (Jay's other older brother) & Andrew (my cousin)

 Len & Anthony

 Kian, Noah, Kanalu, and Samantha (Jay's cousins)

A lot of the family isn't picture since I wasn't really able to move from my sitting spot. Jay took some of them for me.

It was a great birthday celebration. May God bless you grandma through your 70th year of life.