Pretty & Pregnant: Your Face

February 2nd, 2012

At the appointment today we saw your FACE!!!!! Well half of it. You had one side covered with your arm. You like your arms up by your face. It was so amazing to see how clear it is. Everyone says you look like daddy. In the ultrasound, I have to admit you do. Now the curiousity begins with how much you look like him since you only exposed half of your face compared to what you will look like when you are born.

This appointment really went well. The doctor said everything is still looking good. Since I was just getting over a cold he prescribed me what he called, "some good cough medicine" to help me sleep because I'm only getting a couple of hours of sleep and have been feeling extremely exhausted. 

I go back in two weeks to see you again. After that we will go every week as the time is ticking down.

Baby weighs: 2lbs 12 oz - which is above average for the stage we're at. The doctor said either you'll be a bigger baby or the due date is off. Yikes, now your really playing a guessing game on when your going to come. 

Mommy's weight gain from last appt: 2lbs
Mommy's total weight gain:29-31lbs



 

Pretty & Pregnant: January 18th

 

 January 18th, 2012

Today was another great day! I think these are becoming regular..... 


Appointment Status:

It was great today. We are making great progress as we are gearing up for the last couple of months. Overall, the doctor said everything looks great and perfect but he still would like to keep seeing us every 2 weeks to keep a close eye. If something were to happen he wants to make sure he is able to catch it in time, which is fine by me!

Joys of Pregnancy Status:
Still, I have scaring pains, pressure, ligament stretching, urine leakage, mucous leakage, and spams. None of this is a concern, which I knew it wouldn't be, most of them are normal signs of pregnancy and when it happens I just try to make myself more comfortable or use home remedies. Most of the time it works but I just have to let it ride out no matter how painful or uncomfortable it may get. I've gotten to where I know when certain things will be happening and how many days it will last like constipation and heartburn. It's amazing how much I have been able to learn about my body. 


Your movements & position:
You have been moving around like crazy. I expect you to until delivery or right before. That's how I was able to notice when I was going to deliver Bri'elle, it felt like mother instinct. The doctor was able to give me an outline of how you are positioned inside my tummy. I was mostly right from guessing. You are head down, Yay! I have been feeling you turn every once in awhile so its nice to know you sense where your suppose to be facing. Your feet are up by the middle and left side of the belly/ribs. The doctor was able to show me when my tummy gets tight and I feel a lot of pressure what you are doing. It feels like I'm having Braxton Hick contractions but for some reason I didn't think they were. There was something different and the doctor confirmed today that these ones aren't. You are literally trying to stretch not caring that you don't have enough room. You are pushing that it makes my stomach spasm and even sometimes causes the contractions. Closer to delivery if you keep this up you may be able to induce your own birth. When he tried to do a 3D it wasn't working because we couldn't even see your face. Mostly we were able to see your profile and at one point I was able to see your nostrils. He said you have your head down but you are positioned in a way where you are looking at the floor/down. So we weren't able to get a clear shot of your face. You better not be checking out that route for an escape anytime soon. 


Baby's size/measurements:
From all the measurements he took of you, he said you measure perfectly to where you are suppose to be. Your head is the right size and your growing beautifully. Today you measured to be 2lbs & 2oz.  No height since you are all curled up but I think average is 14 inches right now. Keep on growing little one. 

Mommy's weight gain:
only 1lb since the last appointment 2 weeks ago. It's normal at this stage since you will be the one growing and then I will gain little more the last month or so. Total gain: 25-28lbs

Mommy's thinking/Feeling:
Mommy wants to soak up the last little bit of time I have left to be pregnant with you. I want to fully enjoy what a gift I was given before my present is to be revealed. I'm having a great experience even with all the downfalls. Time is precious. I've had so much on my mind lately, TONS actually. Most of it is how thankful I am to be in the position. God has opened a new window of my life through this trial of despair I've been given life and twice of it literally. This pregnancy has taught me a lot. I'm glad I can share this experience with others to give hope through Christ our Lord. Thank you daughter for being the cause, the rhyme & reason, more life that mommy needed in so many ways. 

 







 

Pretty & Pregnant: Great Start for a New Year

Happy New year 2012 to little baby Alfia (nickname for right now). 

I'm counting this as your new year for your new beginning since there was a chance that mommy and daddy wouldn't have made it this far. BUT we have! And we are so thankful for it!!!!

I have some news for you I failed to mention in the Christmas posting, your Christmas gift this year was your NAME!!!!!! Yes, your name has been designed for YOU. We are not yet announcing the name, maybe by the time our celebration gets here in March and we still have to complete a middle name for you but I'm super excited. 

January 4th,

For some reason I cannot sleep! It's almost two in the morning and I layed down about 10:50pm. Lately I've had a lot on my mind, thinking...thinking about you. A lot of my thoughts have been about you, the delivery, what you look like, your personality, when you will come, your nursery, what things we still need for you, pretty much everything. I know this is perfectly normal especially now that we are winding down to the last couple of months. I have a feeling that tonight's insomnia is the fact that I have an appointment to see you (today actually) and maybe I'm anxious to see you on that screen again. I get really excited before appointments but it hasn't really affected my sleep and certainly not like this. I know everything will be fine but its the joy of being able to see you that gets me. At this moment I'm getting a contraction...OUCH (as tummy tightens) good thing these aren't the real ones. You were actually doing some monkey business moving around all crazy about 20 minutes ago as if you were saying mommy I'm up too, let's play. I'm hoping now that I gave myself a little breather from forcing myself to go to sleep I will actually be able to sleep. And since I had a lot on my mind and started typing this maybe it will relieve some of those thoughts. On another note I have started to plan a party to celebrate your birth (aka babyshower). It's going to be a lot of fun. I really can't wait and I know it will be here before we know it. 

Sleep tight little one - hopefully I can get some sleep now to be at least semi rested for the appointment tomorrow (actually later today). I love you!

Later that day/Appointment Status:

The appointment went great today! No reports of any bad news, all good news. Everything looks great including you. At the moment you are head down, which of course could change but I'm glad you are getting familiar with that position. The doctor tried to get a 3D of you but there was too much stuff in the way (cord and placenta). You also had a leg and an arm by your face. We were only getting little glimpses of your face. When he did the 3D your features look so petite. I adore them already. What also makes it a little more difficult to get the 3D is the fact that you haven't yet acquired the baby fat yet which is perfectly fine and expected. Usually around 28 weeks you will start getting more chubby and acquiring the fat needed for the 3D ultrasounds. For 3D's you have to be more plump otherwise the soundwaves don't bounce good off of your features to get a clear picture. He will try again in 2 weeks at your next appointment. All other reports have been good. Mommy can finally do a little more walking, no more than 5 minutes at a time and it has to be a walking mode; not speed walking, jogging, or running. Which is fine by me since without having been able to really walk the last 6 months I would probably run out of breath and be tired quicker. I also can do a little bit of exercise, upper body only and no heavy weights. I'm super excited! I'm limited to the weight of canned soup and I have to be in a sitting position but at least I can do it. I've missed working out and being active. I'm very happy to do this, mommy needs to work out these arms - the better to hold you with my dear. 

Other than that, no new reports. I will go back in two weeks (I Love that I get to see you about twice a month). No new picture today but hopefully next time so I have something to put in your album for January. Today mommy had to do the glucose testing so let's keep our fingers crossed that all is clear. Usually they can tell by the size of the baby and the doctor has said your size is perfect. As soon as I drank the limeade substance you were moving all about. It was funny because right after I had finished drinking it the doctor came in to do the ultrasound and you were kicking the dopler. When he lifted it up you could see your form from the outside. You had us laughing away already humoring everyone. I think you will be the type of girl who walks in a room and you just have to smile at her, your sister is the same way and I'd like to think you get it from mom ;)

I'm so super excited and thankful we had all good news today. God has definitely been watching over us through this journey. We need to rejoice in his name always!

Mommy weight gain: 8lbs since the last appointment 

Total weight gain so far: 24-27lbs and I'm loving every piece of it!

 

Pretty & Pregnant: December Update

December 12th: Today was another doctor appointment. I'm so glad the doctor is watching us closely. We had a good report today for the most part. When the doctor sat down before he proceeded to the ultrasound we went over any concerns or questions that I or daddy had so far. I expressed my concerns for Braxton Hick contractions. The doctor said that it was a little early to experience them but it wasn't uncommon. I let him know how I experienced them with your sister early on and that I was put on bedrest with that pregnancy because they were so bad. He said it could be that I'm petite and you are pushing my muscles causing them to get irritated and contract. He advised to keep a close eye on them. Now onto the ultrasound... We discovered the tear is pretty much healed however it left behind a lot of scar tissue which could cause my water to break at any given moment. I need to be really careful so I do not cause anything to irritate it and cause it to rupture. Also giving reason to the Braxton Hicks. Your movements inside mommy's tummy most likely are irritating the scar tissue and causing them to give contractions. The doctor didn't pose very large concern but will keep an eye on us to make sure things stay going good but we are almost in the "clear zone" which makes mommy and daddy extremely relieved. At the appointment you were laying in the strangest way but not too far off from your usual position, all curled up in a U shape with your hands and feet covering your face. Your head was then tilted to the side away from us. The doctor zoomed in and was able to get a glimpse of your nose and mouth. You were opening and closing it and almost looked as if you were smiling at us. Dr. Downs said it looked like you were swallowing. As the doctor went onto the remainder of the ultrasound, he looked at your heart which looked great and he is 99% sure it is all the way formed with no defects. Next he looked at your stomach which looked great as well. 


Everything else looks good! What great news! The tear like I said does pose a risk for preterm labor but were at the point where it would be safe to deliver if we had too. But from the looks of it my cervix is very long and doesn't look like it will be ready for labor anytime soon. I need to remain on bed rest and careful of any activities to ensure you stay in there until you are ready. 


Today you measured to be about a POUND! You were 15 oz but it was more closer to a pound. Your growing beautifully :)


No ultrasound picture today since you weren't in the best position for a good picture. The doctor did tell me not to schedule my appointments on Monday to make sure we get the better machine (3D's will be coming up soon!). 

FUN FACTS:

How big is baby: From the ultrasound 1 pound and I'm guessing about 10 inches (I'll have to ask him to measure baby's length next time)

Weight Gain: Believe it or not I have almost reached 20 pounds. Yes, I'm serious. Since my weight when I first weighed myself varied a couple pounds I have gained anywhere from 17-19 pounds. This doesn't surprise me since with Bri'elle I gained a good 50-55 pounds (it was all belly). I think it will be about the same with this pregnancy.


Sleep: Sleep is pretty good for the most part. I get up to use the bathroom probably an average of 5 times. Sometimes I can go as long as 1 use (if I'm sleeping soundly) or even 3 times. Other times I use it every hour to 30 mins depending on how I'm laying. My sides have been going numb which is cause from poor blood circulation so I have to toss and turn in between sides but I prefer to lay on my right side. And you move the most at night. Recently you have started to move a little less but it as if you are like get up mommy I want to play now. Some days it actually puts me to sleep others I dwell in the moment and watch/feel you move. 

Movement: You move like crazy at certain times. It's hard to tell but when people talk or when you hear loud noise (especially your sister's voice) you move like crazy. During the day you are pretty dormant moving here and there otherwise you prefer to move in the evenings or when mommy is going to sleep. When I read and pray at bedtime with your sister you move a lot and its very comforting. If my schedule is thrown off, your schedule gets thrown off and to tell you the truth it scares me when it happens but will try to do what I can to get it back on track. A really funny fact about your movement is you move when the pastor preaches. I noticed it about 4-5 weeks ago and have been watching closely to see if I'm right and I am! haha! Last week you were moving so much during the sermon the people sitting next me (one being your dad) saw in the corner of their eye not even looking at my stomach. I actually giggled out loud because it was so funny. After the sermon you stop moving or only move periodically. You love listening to our Heavenly Father already, that's my girl! Praise the Lord!


Food Cravings/Aversions: Some of my cravings have been caramel, bacon, chocolate, cheese, peanut butter... almost like a sweet/salty craving. Food that I have been craving real recently is salsa, fondue, chili cheese dogs (which is strange because I do not like hot dogs lucky dad bought us some turkey and hebrew beef dogs), caramelized onions on just about anything - we had mashed potatoes one night and burgers the next. Some more cravings have been hot chocolate, waffles, and tortilla soup. Food that have a toll with my stomach early pregnancy it was this certain brand of garlic salt so I have avoided it but I really want to test if its gone. Panda Express not sure if it was the pregnancy or a bad batch of something so I have stayed away from it and a burger from (I forget) but mommy made homemade burgers and I was licking the juice from the burger so I think I will make them from now on, I think it was the grease from the fast food joint since I'm not suppose to eat that stuff anyway. I've craved some other things and have avoided other things but can't exactly remember at the moment. Until next time... I'll keep eating. 


Gender: We have confirmed you are still a girl so I'll go for that. We're really excited to have another girl. I get to do all the girly stuff all over again and some I didn't get to do. And I have your big sister to help. One thing we have to remember is not to team up on daddy too much. Who knows how long us girls will be in the ranks :)


Things mommy misses: I will keep this PG for you so I won't go into any detail on one subject ;) **ear muffs my darling j/k** (I hated when my parents would get all gushy and now I think its funny that I can do it...lol) (Your little sis encourages it by pushing daddy and mommy's heads together and then waits for us to kiss, will see how you react. Other things, being out of the house the most. I'm used to being on bed rest but I crave being able to exercise running through a park or etc. I don't miss it too much because it won't be long until I will be doing that this is only temporary and I would give anything up for you. I'm hoping to get an okay to start walking in March. Also to dressing up and going out even if its to a friends house. Mommy loves to dress up (high heels) and since the tear I'm too scared to where anything higher than an inch. Your momma will be making that up with heels and a stroller any chance I can..haha. 


Things I'm looking forward to: having another girl! Watching you and your sister together. Seeing your 3D ultrasound and comparing it to our pictures even though I know its only a view. You will take my breath away when I get to take that first look at you but an ultrasound will let me practice so I know to keep breathing, hehe. All the holidays coming up being pregnant. I didn't get to experience pregnancy through the holidays with your sister and will you I do. Spring is the most #1 thing I'm looking forward to, when my little flower will bloom. 


Verses for you: They touched me so much during my pregnancy with you it was as if the Lord was speaking to me as I read them. I hope they give you words of Wisdom and you let them speak to your heart


Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."


Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."


I will post some belly pics soon. I just got my computer back so once I'm able to upload them I'll do a belly growth blog post. 


My dear little blossom, I pray that you continue to strive in mommy's tummy. That you are growing like you should and thank God for being by your side. You have shown that soon you will bloom when you are ready and the timing is right. We will see you in about 2 1/2 weeks (in an ultrasound that is). I love you sweetheart!

Pretty & Pregnant: November Belly/Ultrasound Pics

Since I started the blogging on the pregnancy a little late because what was going on at the time, I'm trying to catch it up as quickly as possible without leaving any information behind. I'm hoping posts will be more on a regular basis once I catch up. 

November Belly/Ultrasound Pics

November 15th

I have been starting to really see you move from the outside. Today my tummy did a few little flinches from where you were kicking. I tried to capture a recording but you had already stopped. It was so amazing to see your little movements from the outside. 

November 21st

Today was another appointment to peak on you. You are growing just as you should. The tear that mommy developed early on is almost healed. The doctor said it is forming nicely and should be completely healed soon enough. Still mommy is on bedrest and might be the rest of the pregnancy. Which will give me plenty of time to enjoy the wonderful joys of pregnancy with you. Next week we go in to another ultrasound to see how well you are growing and developing. Your big sissy will be coming with us so we can introduce you guys even though she talks to you all the time. Mommy's Weight Gain: 13-16 pounds

November 28th

Today we had an ultrasound with the radiology dept. At this appointment they get all kinds of pictures of you to make sure you are developing properly and to ensure you are healthy. The tech said you have petite features and are precious and that mommy was her Barbie mom :) You were moving all over the place but your main position is a U. You also had your big toe sticking out which is something you get from your daddy. Your sister also does this. It was so nice to see this on the ultrasound. You have a little personality already. And she confirmed you are a girl!!! Mommy and daddy have already started going through clothes and toys for you getting things ready. I can't wait to get your room together. Your Big Sister came to this visit and just stared like she was in awe of you. You two will be good sisters. Keep pushing strong little girl....

 

 

Pretty & Pregnant: October Bump/Ultrasounds Pics

 Belly Pictures and Ultrasound Pictures for October 

**The Pooch Stage**

Beginning October Sometime

 October 3rd

Another appointment today... you were moving like crazy in there. And have shown that you are growing very well. The doctor said he was about 85% what gender you are but kept it a secret. The tear hasn't quite healed so mommy has to continue to take it easy. Mommy's Weight Gain: 5-9 lbs

October 17th

 The appointment that was scheduled today is to check on your development and for any chromosome diseases. I was able to see you in action for about an hour because of the way you had yourself positioned the tech couldn't measure the areas she needed to properly so we had to wait for you to move around. You were doing little pumps with your body. The position you stayed in for majority of the time was almost like a headstand position. Are you comfy like that? lol You kept waving and punching with your hands. Your legs were in a crossed position. I was even able to see your tongue as you stuck it out for a brief moment. When the appointment was over we received the results you have a very low chance for any chromosome diseases, Yay!

October 20th

Today was one of the first days I watched your sister all by myself for the entire day. It was hard trying to tend to her and also be careful for you. You would move around a little during the day but at night you moved around so much. Daddy was able to really feel you good tonight. 

October 31st

 We found out today that your a GIRL!!!! We are super duper excited! You and your big sister will be sharing a room. Now mommy and daddy are able to pick out stuff for your room. And we have been thinking about names. You have definitely been moving around a lot more. I think you are nocturnal because you mostly move at night - middle of the night to be exact. Mommy's tear is about 50% healed. We can't wait to meet you - near your due date sometime. 
Mommy's Weight Gain: about 7-10lbs

 To my little one: It has been so great to see how much you have grown in just a month. I'm so happy that God has been watching us both through this process. Even though it seems like a rough and long process keep holding on my darling. You are amazing us so much at every appointment. I love feeling you move and dancing around. You are already loved so much we will be so happy to hold you in our arms. May God continue to bless and watch over you. 

 Need to catch up on Pretty and Pregnant? Read from the beginning
Introduction
When we found out
Our first Appointment
Bleeding!!!
Much fighting, more Flutters
Progress Check

Pretty & Pregnant: Progress Check

October 3rd, 2011


Today we went to an appointment to check on you. You are growing so much and moving like crazy now. The doctor was even able to see what gender you are but is only 80% sure so he didn't tell us yet. The tear hasn't healed all the way yet but is forming the clots like it should. I'm to be off of work for another two months for more rest. Let's hope this tear heals quickly so mommy can get back on her feet again even though it has been so nice to be off of them. 

Sometimes there are things in life that happen to slow us down and this just could be that moment for me. For now I'm enjoying being off. I watch the foodnetwork constantly which gives me tons of cravings and not so much cravings but a lot of ideas for food. Another thing I have gotten interested in again is knitting. I haven't done it since I was a little girl but why not. And more and more books. It seems like I just can't get enough of them. 

Next appointment on Halloween we find out your gender unless you say otherwise :)

Big Sister in Training: 2 Year Check-up

December 19th, 2011

Today Bri'elle had her two year old check up. I as a mommy was super excited to go and see how much our little girl has grown. She hadn't been to the doctor since June so I definitely wanted some kind of update (thank the Lord we haven't been in to see the doctor unless its required). 

Bri'elle was a little lazy today not wanting to wake up so we were rushing out of the house to leave. As we were getting ready I kept telling her that she was going to see the doctor and explained to her what the doctor does. I told her how the doctor is going to ask to see her heart and listen to it "thump thump", then she will want to check your eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. And then after for being such a good patient she gives you a "present". Jay and I have both agreed that we want to teach Bri'elle that the doctor is good and helps us. Also it is important to explain to her what is going to happen. Since I had a lot of medical issues growing up and the amazing people to care for me I don't want to have my kids scared or hating the doctor. I think as she gets older I will introduce what I went through so she will always understand they are good people that God put on this Earth to help us whenever we are sick/ill. And I want to always teach her to be a good patient. 

When we entered the room Bri'elle was amazed with all the stuff in there. I let her play with the gloves and showed her the tools the doctor will use on her. We played with the protective paper on the examination table. I allowed her to get comfy with the room and then the doctor came in. At first she was a little shy, but once the doctor gave her the "present" a little book and started to talk with me Bri'elle all of a sudden says, "doctor look it doctor, hi doctor" all the while raising her "banket (blanket)" in the air. Bri'elle started talking away. The doctor saved the examination for last to do an overview of what Bri'elle was up to. It was so funny because all the questions the doctor would ask me, Bri'elle would answer her. I was so happy to see Bri'elle and the doctor interacting without me needing to answer for her and take control. The doctor asked her if she ate certain foods and Bri'elle would answer yes or if she was really excited (when the doctor asked about fruit) Bri'elle would scream with her arms in the air "YEAH". She even told the doctor she likes broccoli. The doctor was pretty impressed to see that Bri'elle could hold a conversation and understood her. We then began to tell the doctor the things she likes to do (mommy had to answer some of these because Bri'elle started to look through her book and the pamphlets). Bri'elle would climb up and down off of the table which shocked the doctor. I then explained how Bri'elle is very active and doesn't limit herself. She made a comment of Bri'elle being a gymnist. Bri'elle had sneezed and asked for a tissue then realized her nose didn't run and instead asked the doctor if she could wash her hands. It was the cutest little thing. 

 Next came the examination. I had told the doctor that I explained to her what she would be doing so she could ask Bri'elle to show her the different parts of her body. The doctor played into it and asked Bri'elle where all the different parts were so she could look at them. Bri'elle showed her all of them and sat very still to allow her to get good views. She even breathed in and out when the doctor was checking her heart and air flow. I was so happy that giving her the explanation helped. 

 The appointment came to an end and surprisingly she was all caught up on her immunizations and vaccinations until late January, woo for now. But I did opt for her to get the flu nasal spray. I tried to tell Bri'elle all she had to do was smell it but since the little spray container looked like a syringe she was not having it. Oh my poor little girl cried and was so scared but after the lady had finished she looked around and noticed it didn't hurt her. I comforted her and the lady gave her a sticker which made it all better. Bri'lle still told me, "mommy no like it". I think at the next appointment hopefully daddy will be able to go too (poor Jay was upset someone called him at 6:30 calling in so her had to go fill in at another location since there was no manager on site - on the up side he gets off two hours earlier). Right before we were leaving Shelly (Bri'elles aunt) let Bri'elle use her chapstick since Bri'elle asked for it. The doctor was talking to me about "baby sister" and I was telling her how Bri'elle has been getting it lately. Bri'elle comes over to me tells the doctor "baby sitsah" lifts up my shirt and put chapstick on my belly. The highlight of my day so far.

For Bri'elle:
Mommy is so proud of you today. You behaved so well at the appointment. It was very important to mommy that you understand the doctor is only there to help you and see that you stay healthy. So far God has blessed us with a very healthy little girl and I have faith he will continue to keep you healthy. One of mommy's fears is having one of my children being ill or have medical issues but I have learned I have to let God handle it. God can see us through all things and this is something I have to let go. God has showed me he is keeping you healthy and your growing like you should. Honey, learn from this and always keep your faith even when you don't feel good. Not feeling good only lasts for a short period of time and God rewards us with the greater causes. I love you and love who you are. You are developing into a little girl and shedding pretty much all of your babiness, but you will always be my little baby. :) Always remember daddy and I love you very much and try to guide and shape you as you get older. P.s. always remember to eat your fruits and veggies. :)

Bri'elles Stats:

Weight: 28 pounds - 70th percentile
Height: 35 1/2 inch - 90th percentile - the doctor said if Bri'elles height keeps going the way it has (since birth Bri'elle has always been tall) she is projected to be 5'8. This is amazing since Jay and I are both short. But it doesn't surprise us since most of our family are tall. 
Bri'elles weight is a little lower on the scale (nothing to be concerned about) but the doctor said that its because she is so tall and active. 

The next appointment is when she is 3!!!!  

Hanging out with Auntie Shelly today helping hang up some ornaments.