This is LOVE

Date night! So a week and a half ago on Thursday the hubs and I were able to go for a date night. As we try to make sure we have a routine schedule of dates, we took full advantage of this night.

We had to be in walnut creek for an appointment and since I already had a hair appointment scheduled in Castro Valley we decided to just make a night of it. Our appointment finished early so we headed to this sushi spot in Danville that is unbelievably yummy. I think it has become one of my favorite sushi spots. 

Spicy edamame, Prawn Lettuce Wraps, Garlic Rice, Miso Soup, Spicy Crunchy Yellowtail, Hawaiian Roll, and Green Tea Creme Brûlée filled our tummies.

After, we took a quick stroll through the shopping mall area and then quickly headed to my hair appointment.

I absolutely love my hair dresser! We've been friends since the young days. And she's been doing my hair for probably like 7 years or so. This year we've been trying new stuff out and I have to say, I'm loving this "do"! 

We ended the night with a quiet ride home enjoying each others company driving the longest route home just like the good ole days. 

I have to give major props to the hubby. This was his 2nd hair sitting and said we should plan date nights every time I get my hair done. 

Jalilah's Amazing Delivery

Being induced is no joke!

I will try to sum it up the best I can but I was in labor for about 17 hours & there's a lot I don't want to miss

The morning I was being induced I could hardly sleep. I woke up at 3:00am and wasn't able to go back into a full sleep. My alarm was set for 5:55am and I was going to call L&D at 6:00am to see when I could come in for my delivery. I called at 6:10am after doing numerous squats, walking back and forth, and even some jumping jacks and anything that could possibly induce my labor instead of going in. It didn't work. The lady who answered put me on hold to check the schedule, got back on and told me to take a shower and have something to eat then come in at 8:00am. The next two hours couldn't have went any slower. I immediately took a shower to get ready. Frantically I went over and over the different things that were coming to the hospital, Bri'elles bag that was packed, and making sure daddy was getting up (I let him sleep in). 

Since I was craving a bagel and cream cheese we went to Noah's Bagels for breakfast. I ordered a sesame seed bagel and regular cream cheese. We sat and ate there. After we dropped off some Pampered Chef stuff of to a customers house (yes, I was working this morning). Then back home to drop off milk for when Bri'elle woke up. My sister Jojo stayed the night so Bri'elle could wake up in her own bed and have a nice morning at home. The house was our last stop. To the hospital we go....

On the way to the hospital Jay was playing lil Jon and the Eastside boys... this is usually my workout music. Not for the lyrics but because its hype music, lol. I told Jay he needed to turn it off otherwise I might get too crunk in L&D, it was a good laugh.

I arrived in L&D at about 8:30 - after doing all the paperwork and getting the necessary information on paper we headed to our room. We passed by the room where I had Bri'elle and I started to get nervous remembering the excitement I was soon going to have holding my baby girl in my arms. To our surprise the room they were going to put us in had just been mopped so they had us go back the way we came and next thing you know we were being put in the very same room I delivered Bri'elle in. Now both of my girls were delivered in the same room. How cool is that????

Next I was getting my IV started and the heart monitor. They checked to see if I was dilated which I was at only a 2 so we had a long way to go. The doctor then discussed some of our options and what she would like to do. There was so many different ways to induce someone it is absolutely crazy. Since I wasn't dilated too much they needed my cervix to open just a bit more so they could try to get my body to naturally start the delivery process. The option we had was a cervical balloon. This is where they place a balloon between your cervix and sac. They fill it with saline and then tie a string to your leg. Every once in awhile you give it a tug to try to stretch your cervix open. Eventually you want it to fall it out which means your dilated to the next level (a 3!). I was also put on pitocin. Now with Bri'elle I was given pitocin by accident and it scared the living daylights out of me because it literally sped my delivery so much I couldn't bare it. My nurse saw my concern and worry and promised me she would go a very slow pace. Also she said she would go by my comfort. I was relieved! The process had now begun. 

From the moment I was told when to come in to now, I was keeping everyone updated the best I could. My main concern was to not alarm anyone since who knew how long it would take. Jay's family arrived (dad, stepmom, sister), my family had arrived (mom & sister), and my besties came (Sherin & Laura). All to be the audience and well they kept me entertained. My other sister, brother, and dad came throughout the day as well. A couple hours went by and my balloon fell out with some of the mucous plug, YAY! I remember feeling like it was taking forever. But it finally came out - it is actually funny the way it came out. Sherin was helping me to the bathroom and was in the room. We were talking (I forget about what) but we were in there for a long time. I kept telling her how I was scared to pull on it but was feeling uncomfortable. So she tells me well just pull on it and see what happens. I gave it a little tug and nothing happened then all of a sudden I felt a pop and heard something fall into the tiolet. Viola, it was there! Sherin and I had our fun bathroom experiences. Once it came out I was put on a higher dose of pitocin which was bearable. Now I was at a 3 and the waiting really begins. They wanted my water to break on its own so I just needed to sit there to see what happens. 

Hours upon hours went by with no action just ALOT of contractions. We were working my contractions up to be every 2 minutes apart and needed it to be in a series. Every time I would get a good streak going it they would break off for a couple minutes and start over. Oh boy, here we go into the night!

Luckily my besties were there to keep me company. I don't know what I would have done without them there. They touched up my makeup, we talked about girl stuff, even watched a few movies. My family (extended in laws as well) did a great job being there as well. We had good conversation and the anticipation was growing more and more. Now probably the funniest thing while we were there happened. All of us played a game well I should say I was part of a race. haha! The monitor me and the baby are hooked up to has a little tv screen that shows my nurse my information as well as all her other rooms. This way she could see how her patients are doing while in other rooms in case an emergency happened. Well we all understood what the monitoring was and decided that I (and baby) were in a race against the others on who was going to have their baby. What was really funny is seeing the others have theirs and then mines still going or seeing the same person being hooked up and unhooked because she wasn't making any progress. It kept us very entertained. Who won you asked? Well obviously a few delivered but we were the first delivery of the day (stay tuned). We were growing  more and more into the night. I had lasted this whole time without pain meds.

As the night progressed I felt myself beginning to get extremely tired. Between contractions I would start to fall asleep and was yawning so much. It was scaring me since we didn't have a clue how much I had progressed. They didn't want to keep checking me because that could pose a risk for infection. Finally at 11:30 I decided I needed an epidural to help get me through the night so I can sleep and let my body get some rest. The epidural worked magically like it did with Bri'elle. I didn't feel a thing. I almost think it worked too good. Actually, after they gave me my epidural and were getting ready to put in my catheter I felt a little pop and then all of a sudden my bed was soaking wet, my water had broke. This was a good sign. That means my body was starting the process, finally! When my nurse checked me I was a 5, so I still had a while to go.

The epidural allowed me to get about an 1 1/2 of sleep. Of course, it wasn't the full sleep because of the nurses coming in to check on me. And my epidural was linked to a push button so anytime I wanted more of the medicine, I just pushed a button. It was so nice, I didn't have this with Bri'elle. With Bri'elle it was just the IV medicine. As time went by for about an hour I kept getting this weird feeling in that area. I told everyone that I was having a kind of pressure but I couldn't really feel it so I wasn't sure what it was. After a little bit of time of feeling this I decided to tell my nurse when she came in. She told me to give her a couple minutes and she would come back to check if I had dilated anymore. Sure enough when she checked she saw a head. Immediately she went to go get the doctor. My body was naturally pushing her out and I couldn't control it. Once the doctor arrived it was all downhill from there. The doctor came in at 3:15 and started to prep everything... We even had to wake up Jay who took awhile to get awake but he said once he was standing there with my leg in his arm and noticed the head that was starting to show he knew he wasn't having a dream. Then I heard the famous words from the doctor, "when you feel a contraction go ahead and start pushing". It was funny because I said okay and sat there for a minute and realized I couldn't really feel my contractions to know when to push. The nurse helped me and I just started to go for it. All of a sudden as I pushed I heard the room "awh" and then "look at all that hair". The nurse led my hand so I could feel her head coming out (we had forgot about the mirror). That was a strange feeling itself to feel something come out of your body, a little too strange I had to pull my hand back quickly. A few more pushes and she was out at 3:33am. Her and Bri'elle were in the same position when they came out, had the cord around there neck once, and didn't really cry. 

It was so emotional for me. My little girl was here!

(Pictures will be in a separate posting)

Always my Valentine

February 14th marks a very special day for Jason and I. Not only is it thee LOVE day but it is our love day. We celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary this year. 

I'm a really big planner and love to extend celebrations for longer than their usual DAY. I tend to celebrate for weeks, probably even months if time allowed, haha. So this year I did a week countdown until valentine's day. I turned it into something Bri'elle and I could do through the day and surprise daddy when he got home. Things like making him cards, to little Valentine's crafts, jello hearts, conversation cut outs, dinners, making him lunch, cleaning the house, etc..etc.. I think you get the picture. It was nice to do these things for him. He was surprised to or would say, "Whats this for?" and it was a great time with Bri'elle. Everyday, I would tell her about Valentines day. More about the meaning of love. I would show her a heart and tell her it means love. She knows where your heart it and the sound it makes, thmp, thmp, thmp. I would then ask her to tell me the things she loves. One day she started by saying mommy, daddy, and continued as she went through all her grandparents, all her aunts and uncles, her friends, and then mentioned different pets she loved. It was so cute. Another day (this was my favorite) she started by saying she loved herself. I was pleased to know she included herself. So I told her yes, it's important to love yourself because Jesus loves you and everyone loves you. Then she continued and said Jesus along with the remaining people and pets from the day before. She also added different items like her blankie, some of her favorite movies, etc. 

On Valentine's day these are the things we did:

Gave Bri'elle her Valentines - A card from mom/dad, the movie Lady and the Tramp, and heart shaped peeps

Bacon for Breakfast

Mommy got ready and Jalilah wanted to say hi to daddy, so I took a pic and sent it to him at work :)

Yum! Jay bought this for me a day before so I decided to get it out and make him a snack for when he got home

The chocolate cheddar cheese is in the middle!!!

Yes, that is In N Out

Grubbin'

This is exactly what I wanted, double cheddar cheese burger extra well done with fries a rootbeer and a choc shake

After eating in the car before heading into the movies

All these were taken on our phones, haha. I had my camera with me but it was so much easier at the time to snap a quick shot with my phone or Jay's phone. I need to get out of this habit. 

Jay worked and Bri'elle went to preschool so I got some good quality ME time until about 4:00 when Jay got home. We spent about a half hour talking and cleaning the house before we left to pick Bri'elle up from his parents. Once we picked Bri'elle up we brought her to my parents to spend the evening while Jay and I went on a date. We couldn't make up our minds where we wanted to eat so both of us said heck with it and decided on In N Out. I'm so happy we did. the food was extra good. After ordering it from the drive-thru we drove to the nearest movie theater which was only two minutes from In N Out and sat in the parking lot eating our dinner. We played R&B love songs while we ate and talked about our timeline of friendship to marriage (from highschool to now). It was so romantic!!! I loved every minute of it. I felt like just sitting in the car and making out for old time sake, haha but realized my belly would be really uncomfortable in Jay's stick shift Mustang coupe. Not fit for someone preggo for sure. Once we finished with dinner we went into the movie and watch Man on a Ledge. I highly recommend this movie! It was so good!!!! we were going to see a chick flick/romantic movie but I was in need of some action and have been watching to see the movie plus it was something we both wanted to watch. Better to please both of us :) After the movie we stopped at Mel's diner before picking up our little valentine. I ordered a hot chocolate and Jay got coffee. We sat there for a long time just gazing at each other, gushy I know! Right before we left a song came on from the jukebox and it was MY song literally. Not sure if any of you will know it, it's called Brandy by Looking Glass. It was perfect timing and couldn't have been picked on a better night. When we were leaving a group of girls between the age of 30's-40's about 3 of them. I noticed them looking at my belly then I heard one girl say awhh and when I looked at them they smiled with sincere admiration. I was completely glowing by this point. My night was definitely getting better and better. Next we headed home and picked up our little girl. 

And that was pretty much our Valentine's/Anniversary <3

 

My First Outting

 January 15th, 2012


Since I've been cooped up in the house majority of the time this pregnancy with the doctors approval I have been able to get out a little more. I'm still limited to the things I can do and the length of time I'm on my feet but at least I can get some fresh air. I have to say I have been able to do more the last few months than when I was first put on bedrest especially now that I know she is a healthy little baby and there aren't any worries about if she would need to be delivered she would be fine. Granted I've been extremely blessed! 


So Jay decided/surprised me with a date after church on this Sunday. On Sundays we have family dinner with my parents as something we started for the new year and since we've moved out. It was a tradition on my dad's side of the family when he was little so he wanted to start the same thing with us. Jay checked with my parents to watch Bri'elle in the afternoon then we would join them for dinner when we got back. Of course, my parent's said yes...so our date began. 


Jay took me to Bay Street in Emeryville. It is filled with tons of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Our first stop was Elephant Bar for lunch. I was craving a cheeseburger with all the fixings. Jay craved the same thing since I talked it up so we had the same lunch. I love when we happen to want the same thing. :) The burger was so yummy but I didn't finish it all since Jay ordered me coconut shrimp for an appetizer, another craving. 


After lunch we went to the movies to see Contraband. It was a pretty good movie! I love action movies and especially ones that have some pretty good actors, I won't mind watching a guy film if it makes him happy. 

Once the movie ended, Jay said he wanted to take me shopping. I was a little confused because I can't just GO shopping. For one, I'm not really suppose to be walking around. Two, I'm pregnant and didn't want to load up on maternity clothes. Three, well there is no three... How can I turn down shopping when the hubby wants to do something nice for me. Well, he leads me to Victoria Secret! Ha! he must have something up his sleeve. Which he did... I had a gift card that has been sitting in my drawer forever. I have no idea when I got it, maybe my birthday. Jay said he knew that I would probably let it sit there at least until I had the baby and knows how much I enjoy shopping...free shopping at that. I blushed because it made me feel really good he thought about me and how I've been feeling with being on bedrest. So... I let him go to town.... Nothing better than the hubby picking out your lingerie. 


After we went to one of our fave places for dessert, The Tea Cake Bake Shop at Bay Street. They have the best pink velvet cupcakes. We bought a box of assorted flavors for my family since they watched Bri'elle. We also saved ours to enjoy with them. 


It was a GREAT first outting out and about!!!! I'm so thankful the hubby did this for me.

 

Such a Great Feeling

Its such a great feeling when...

You Love yourself

When it pleases you to make someone else happy

Can embrace the little things in life

Have so much love for someone you have never met

Can teach love (Bri'elle giving little sister kisses)

Share love, joy, moments, laughter, tears, with other great women -picture by Olga

This post was inspired after church three weeks ago. We have been in the book of Revelations. At first, I was a little scared to tackle this book that is said to be mysterious and can lead to fear by what it says, but I never really dived into it so I was excited at the same time. Now, I'm loving it and it may just be one of my favorite books. On this Sunday we learned about suffering {{God is speaking to me}}. I knew I had to pay great attention that this message is tugging at my heart. 

Not that I feel like I'm suffering but it has been a challenge these last 6 1/2 months and for majority of my life even at a very young age. I struggled for the longest time accepting what happened to me and most of it I kept inside. From what everyone else saw I was probably one of the strongest people they knew. As the sermon went on there were some things that struck me with the most pleasant delight of satisfaction. God will never allow us to suffer for nothing. God promises a reward for our suffering. Of course, a believer and follower of Christ knows that their eternal reward is the day we get to see His face and live for eternity in the streets of gold. But, I see that on this earth there is more rewards God gives us and its such a great feeling to know you have these rewards. Right now, I know that all the pain, loneliness, and worry is all a now factor meaning it has an end, and end that will bring great reward to not just my life but my husband's life, Bri'elles life, and anyone who is part of our lives will experience the reward that I (and Jay) have been given through the birth of our daughter. God has already blessed us and rewarded us with Bri'elle now we are being rewarded with another sweet great daughter. 

He is no fool that loses what he cannot keep here in this life to gain what he cannot lose, rewards in heaven - Jim Elliott

Lean on Christ - Focus on Spiritual Wealth - Expect Persecution - Stand Firm

To hear the audio podcast go here: How to Deal with Suffering

Pretty & Pregnant: When we found out

August 7th, 2011 

I remember this date quite well actually. We were in Monterey for the weekend and agreed we would take a test while we were down there. It would be just us and very intimate. As the weekend rolled around I remember feeling nervous. My period was expected to come between the 3rd-6th sometime. Usually my cycle is off by a couple days so it was normal for it not to have started by the time the weekend came. BUT I just had this feeling I was pregnant. 

It was like something inside me was telling me I was but I would still get nervous that I would take a negative test. We had some issues in June that scared me a little for it to make my cycle off. I chart my monthly cycles since I'm not on any type of birth control (because of my medical history I'm not able to take birth control and other forms I scared would make me infertile). 

The past week I had been feeling really different like pregnant different but couldn't tell if it was all in my head, my nerves, or if it was really happening. By the time the weekend got there I was so anxious to take a test but we decided we would end our trip with taking the test. As the weekend would go along I would remember thinking could time just hurry up so I can know already but I didn't want to waste the precious time with the family that was right in front of me so I had to hold tight. 

Sunday came and it was finally here. The moment that both Jay and I had been waiting for. Jay said he didn't need to have a test to prove I was pregnant because he already knew. I on the otherhand needed more proof than just a missed period and couldn't bare to wait another week to confirm Auntie Rose wasn't showing up anytime soon. 

On our way home we stopped at Target. We had plans to take the test in our room and celebrate with lunch but through our other plans it was better that it was saved for the last leg of our trip. I went in to Target and went to the aisle. I started panicking when I seen all the tests, which one is going to tell me I'm pregnant. I grabbed a less expensive on sale came with three tests kind of deal. I purchased and headed for the restroom. I unwrapped that little destiny of white and a mystery of pink lines and prayed. I asked the Lord that if it was his will and way to please show me a positive test. I thanked him for our daughter and how wonderful she is and that I would be truly blessed with another gift from him. I asked him to bless me and be with me when I discover the results. I would not be angry with him if the test isn't positive that I will be sad but will understand. As I said "Amen" I started the standard procedure. And then the waiting began, I tried not to sit and stare at it because that only seems to make the suspense worse. 

And then it happened.... I saw two pink lines. One was a little faded then the other but it was there. We are having a baby. I immediately took a picture and texted Jay Congrats - daddy!

However, Jay was letting Bri'elle watch a movie on his phone so he didn't get it and I was able to show him the test in person. We both were super excited and gleaming with joy. It was surreal that it seemed like when we gave each other a congratulatory kiss it felt like all eternity. Aw!

We then began on the way home discussing baby plans. :)

The beginning of known pregnancy..... in the car I had called for a referral to the perinatal department from my OBGYN doctor. I could expect a call within the next few days :)

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).

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



Halloween 2011

Halloween - this year represented a whole lot for us :)

Instead of the spooky, scary, tricks that Halloween can mean... instead of partying and the act of dressing up (for some its an excuse to dress with less clothes)... God blessed us and gave us a real meaning to Halloween. One that gives great happiness, treats, and sweetness. A very memorable one!

This year we invited Jay's parents over to my parents along with some friends to announce our big news. It's a GIRL!!! We haven't yet made any public announcements because this pregnancy is very delicate. This is our first outright display of our pregnancy with our 2nd child. And it feels so good to be able to blog about it. But for now I'm only keeping it on the blog, no public announcements, we're just not ready yet. After our next appointment - maybe.

We had an appointment early Halloween morning with our doctor who gave us the news that it is going to be another sweet precious little girl. Both of us are super super excited to be having another girl. Given the circumstances we're honestly happy to be having a baby and that it will be healthy. Since it was halloween we couldn't let the celebrating just be about candy and pumpkins. We decided to have a little gender revealing halloween party.

Jay's dad and stepmom came over to join us for dinner. I made a very yummy beefy harvest chili (it has butternut squash and pumpkin in it) along with halloween themed chips and homemade pumpkin spice chips, with salad. For dessert as you can see from the pictures above we had a chocolate yellow cake filled with pudding (yes, homemade - Jay and I decorated together!). It was a fabulous dinner celebrating our special little girl.

After dinner and announcing we did some more pumpkin carving and trick or treating. I only went to two of our neighbors houses since I'm not suppose to be walking around but I had to see Bri'elle treating just a little bit. This year she totally got it. We practiced with her a little bit teaching her she needs to say trick or treat when the person comes up to the door. It was so darn cute. She would say tik treat. Before we headed out the door to go get treating we had a couple treaters ourselves so I let Bri'elle help me. She was so cute handing them their candy with her hands full. If one fell she immediately picked it up to hand it to them. It was like she didn't want them to miss a single piece. When we went to our first neighbors house - who is my boss, Bri'elle says "tik treat" but instead of getting candy she tried to give them her candy from her little pumpkin bag. We all started laughing and figured it was because I had her help me with treating at our house. Bri'elle was so excited to be out treating and seeing all the other kids in their costumes. She was waving and talking up a storm to everyone. Needless to say, she had a good time.

Once they got back from trick or treating we headed over to my nana & papa's and then Jay's grandma (who unfortunately wasn't home) house so Bri'elle could show them her costume and get some last bit of treating done. She had a blast at my nana's house playing with this pole and trying to give the kitty cereal.

Halloween this year has been the best! We will definitely always remember this one! I hope everyone had a great one as well.

P.S. Bri'elles costume was mine when I was her age. Isn't that a trip or should I say a treat that I was able to share that with her.