25 weeks

I'm hitting 25 weeks in exactly 2 days but that also means another Dr.'s appointment. Normally I would hate Dr.'s appointments but I adore my Dr. and it provides another peek at what the little guy is doing so I love it. DH wasn't able to make this appointment due to work travel, but he didn't miss much (luckily!). First I had to take the dreaded 1 hour glucose test, which I should have the results for tomorrow. The most dreaded part of it all was controlled my sugar and carbs... that became rough and I of course ate a ton of both after the appointment! I was a little surprised after I came out from my blood test though because I heard another pregnant woman( who was clearly further than I am!) tell her husband in shock that I just had the glucose test and he didn't believe her. I know I've been told I'm on the smaller side for how far along I am but I didn't really think much of it.... that is until I got measured. While the baby is right where he should be, my belly is measuring 3 weeks smaller. Hmmm.... I know this isn't a big factor since it's not the most reliable measurement but I have to admit, I don't mind it! Once again I was told that he is a very active little guy and had a strong heartbeat of 150. No kicking the Dr. this time though! I also got a copy of my charts for the trip in case I should need to see a Dr. at any point. It was nice to see a copy of it with all my information, especially since its my proof that I'm doing good on the weight gain. Only 11 lbs. so far which my doctor is very happy with... yea! According to everything I've read, normal weight gain would put me at around 15-17 lbs right now so I'm looking good. Hopefully I can keep it up since I'm trying to eat healthier with the little one. Other than that, not much new on the baby front. We have our next ultrasound scheduled for in 4 weeks which should be a long appointment since I see 2 different Dr.'s that day... But at least we get to see the little boy in action again!

Planning, planning, planning...

Between studying for finals/completeing last homework assignments (FYI, only 12 days till graduation!), cleaning house to prepare for company, and preparing for baby, we've finally came to the realization that the weeks are getting closer to our trip to Hawaii and we really need to start figuring out what we're going to do while we're there and get it booked! We're already decided our "musts" are: Pearl Harbor (last time I went to Pearl Harbor I was 11 so I'd like to go back as an adult), Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, a Luau of course (I'm ok without going but this is DH's first time so this is a must!) and then we want to take a Catamaran tour that takes you snorkeling (I love Catamarans so I'm really excited about this!). We had originally planned to do a few other tours but unfortunately I'll be restricted so they are out. I don't think my Dr. would appreciate me getting on a horse or going parasailing! We haven't figured out what else we're going to do yet, but we're thinking of hiking up Diamond Head and then going to the Dole Plantation (my parents tried taking us when we were last in Oahu but they were closed... ), then of course we fully intend on doing a little shopping, going to the North Shore (I'm already craving some shrimp....) and laying on the beach/swimming in the ocean.
Antonia, I know you live there.... anything we must do while we're there? Or, what should we avoid??? We'll have a car the entire time so we're not restricted at all and will be staying in Ko Olina (so excited since our hotel room pictures are gorgeous!). We're hoping to have our tour and luau booked by this weekend... this has to happen since we're running out of time, and then set up what else we want to do on which days so we don't cram too much in. We have 6 days to plan stuff for even though we're there for 7... Dr's orders that we not do anything the first day except get my feet elevated after the flight, relax and get hydrated!

BTW, Congratulation to Antonia! I'm a little late on this but she had her little boy just over two weeks ago! So happy for her!

24 weeks and V-Day!!

Wow, it's hard to believe that I'm already at that 6 month mark. Where has time gone?? Of course I'm thrilled to hit the 24 week mark though since it means the baby is officially viable outside the womb should something happen. Of course we're not anticipating anything happening but its still nice knowing he could survive if need be. This has been a date I've been anxiously awaiting for since finding out I was pregnant since my sister was just shy of her v-day when she lost her baby girl over 3 years ago. Not something anybody in my family wants to relive. Hitting the 6 month mark of course also means getting closer to meeting the little boy. He is getting more and more active and has recently decided that sitting as low as possible (preferrably to the right) is the most comfortable for him... if only it felt the same for me! Ouch! Of course I know this is just the beginning of his awkward positioning. I probably only have a few more weeks of being told I'm "small" for being this far along. Who knows... but I have a feeling that won't last long either!

In other news... I will be graduating in 2 weeks! I thought this semester was going to go by so slow but it has gone by surprisingly fast. One of my classes finished up yesterday and now I just have the other 2 to get through and then of course finals. I'm so excited! Now to just make it through the next two weeks and the summer fun can begin!

Babysitters galore!

One highlight of my weekend (besides actually finding a cute maternity swimsuit that was cheap!), was learning that I now have not 1 but 2 potential babysitters for the little one when I need it. We've been investigating alternatives to daycare recently upon learning that we can't afford 99% of centers (I leave 1% open because I haven't called all!). One of my SIL's offered to watch the baby but at the time she lived too far away. While, that is going to change real soon as she's moving in 2 weeks to within 10 minutes of our house. Fantastic news! Of course, I learned this after I talked to another SIL about the possibility of her taking the baby while I'm at work. She was thrilled at the idea and considered it a strong possibility. She lives close to my work so it would be nice for that reason. Each has different pros to having the baby there and I'm grateful to both for offering to watch him so now it will be just a matter of time before we decide. For now, we're seeing if DH can work from home (strong possibility) and of course I'll be working from home for a short time after my maternity leave. So for now, we're just waiting for more information to make our final decision. I'm hoping DH will just be able to work from home but who knows about that....

Bank of America-1, Me-0

After 9 years of being a faithful customer to BofA, I officially hate them. Without any notice, I learned this weekend that they no longer want me as a customer. They removed all credit I had, which left me to find this out at the Dog groomers. How fun is that? Nothing like being declined on 2 cards when you think you have tons of credit available to you. I was shocked to say the least when I went home and checked what was going on to find out "the letter is in the mail" (per the conversation with BofA when I called trying to find out what was going on). I honestly thought that my cards had been declined because of identity theft or something of the sort... stupid me. My mother had warned me that I should be expecting something since she recieved a letter "offering" to double her interest rates on her cards or basically her cards would be frozen too. We both used our cards for other benefits, but now I'm learning fast how much damage those benefits can cause when you start relying on the cards rather than cash. I was literally in tears this weekend over the damage my credit score is taking from the loss of credit, and the shock of it all. I felt so lucky that the economy wasn't effecting us at all, but lately its getting worse and worse for us and family members. While one family member got an unexpected (huge!) paycut, another lost a job that she hadn't even started at yet, a third is having to move in with the in-laws due to their financial situation (luckily they managed to short sale their home before it went into forclosure), a friend's husband recently got laid off and the list goes on. This is only the more recent events too... We're grateful to still have our jobs, but we're both we're both definitely feeling the effects of the economy. While the trip to Hawaii is still on despite much debate (mainly because its already pretty much paid for!), we're tightening up our belts and learning how to live with cash only. This is a big change for us, but we're determined to make it through this rough patch. I'm just hoping things turn around before too much longer, which doesn't look promising. As long as our tax dollars keep bailing out the companies that are hurting it further, we're going to be stuck in this cycle for awhile. Meanwhile, we'll be looking at ways to cut back and bring in more money. Which of course could be a highlite since it means I'm finally getting DH to sale the 4-wheeler that hasn't been used since before we met!

If you think swimsuit shopping is bad...

....try shopping with the intent to fit a big belly! DH and I decided that tomorrow we will go in search of a swimsuit that I can wear for Hawaii since we're now only a month away. While a coworker gave me one swimsuit, it isn't really my style (I vehemently dislike one pieces) although it will still be used as a second suit since I don't want to buy 2 swimsuits. Speaking of not wanting to buy.... I don't want to buy the swimsuit to begin with! While I need one that fits me properly and I'll be comfortable in, I'm having a difficult time spending money on a suit that I may very well only use this summer, not to mention there isn't a lot of variety out there for maternity suits. Sure, I found some that are ridiculously priced (um, hello, I don't spend that much on my swimsuits when I'm NOT pregnant!), but ultimately I decided that I really refuse to spend more than $40 which seems to be the going rate. I'm just praying that I can find something decent tomorrow so that I don't have to order anything (I found 2 online that I like but am scared to order either one since I don't have time to send them back and get a different one at this point!). Depressing to pick out a new suit though knowing I have 2 completely adorable swimsuits that I bought last summer specifically for Hawaii that were on sale. While they are bikinis so they would work, I'm honestly just not brave enough to bare my belly to the world in that way... not to mention I want some protection on my belly. So for now I'll be compromising by searching for a tankini.... At least it will get lots of use since I plan on spending every free moment this summer at the neighborhood pool!

"This won't last for long"

The song "This won't last for long" by Darius Rucker is seriously one of my favorite songs lately, and yet it sends me to tears nearly everytime. I'm posting the lyrics for those who haven't heard it (yes, it is a country song) so you can see what I mean. I never thought a song could make me cry so easily but it does. It just makes me sad that as anxious as I am to meet my son, the time is going to pass so fast. Everyone always says to enjoy every moment because they pass so fast and the further I get into this pregnancy I'm starting to understand what they mean.... and he's not even here yet! Anyways, if you haven't heard it... take a minute to do so (warning, not recommended for pregnant women or you'll end up a mess like me!).

He didn't have to wake , He'd been up all night
Layin’ there in bed listenin’ To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee, He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says It gonna be OK
It won’t be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laughin’ At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by So baby just hold on
‘Cause it won't be like this for long

Four years later ‘bout 4:30 She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry This’ll only last a week or two
It won’t be like this for long One day soon you'll drop her off
And she won’t even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly byIf you can just hold on
It won’t be like this for long

Some day soon she'll be a teenager And at times he'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the aisle And he'll raise her veil
But right now she's up and cryin’ And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her ‘Til her eyes are finally closed
And just watchin’ her it breaks his heart Cause he already knows
It won’t be like this for long

One day soon that little girl is gonna be All grown up and gone
Yeah, this phase is gonna fly by
So, he's tryin’ to hold on
‘Cause it won’t be like this for long
It won’t be like this for long

23 weeks

Only 17 more weeks to go! Wow, time is flying! We are amazed daily at how fast time is flying by. One thing I missed in my last update is that the nursery is 99% complete. We are waiting on a few items that we're hoping to get as shower gifts (one being the crib mattress that my mom said she would buy), but otherwise the room is set up. It turned out really cute and I will get pictures posted one of these days, but I'm proud of DH for the job he did since it turned out exactly like I had hoped (complete with planes hanging from the ceiling!). Its strange because when we saw our house being built (remember, we bought it off of a floorplan so we had no idea how things would look exactly), we picked out this room for the future nursery because of the unique L shape with vaults. It just seemed to fit as a nursery, even though it has worked as a guest room up until now as well. I couldn't be more right. Now the only thing missing is the baby!
Anyways, here is what the bump has to say about my pregnancy to date (this applies for the last 3 weeks as well... just late on posting it!). Oh, and that's a papaya that they're comparing the baby to in case you didn't recognize it!

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Tax Day Freebies!

I hope everyone has got their taxes in! If not, you better get a move on since in must be out by midnight before its late! But, as a stress reliever (and a little reward for those who did get them in on time) here are some freebies going on today...

Snag some FREE Cinnabites from Cinnabon... yum! Just stop in between 5-8 p.m. http://www.cinnabon.com/home.html to check out more details. Please note this deal is not valid at airports.

Dunkin' Donuts is offering a FREE Donut with the purchase of any size cup of coffee! More details http://www.foodchannel.com/stories/328-dunkin-donuts-sweetens-tax-day-with-free-donuts

Get a FREE Taco from Taco Del Mar! Just bring along this coupon! http://www.tacodelmar.com/index.html

Maggie Moo's is offering up a FREE single scoop of ice cream! Just come in throughout the day to snag your freebie! You can check out more details. http://www.maggiemoos.com/about_maggiemoo_s/in_the_news/

Lost and found

Funny how I ask where my dear friend has gone (yes, I found her.... although I'm sure a phone call would've been quicker on my part but hey, this works too!), but then I disappear for over a week. I do apologize to anyone expecting updates (do any of those type of people even exist on my blog???), but really, nothing exciting has happened. I'm still sick of school but slowly counting down the days for it all to be over. I have only 3 classes and a final left for the first class to end, but I have 3 weeks before I can call my last class over for good. I graduate the following day, thankfully. Even more so, I'm excited since my siblings and their families will be making it up to see my graduate. I'm absolutely thrilled about that, even more than being done with school!
Then of course Easter was fun (we do a big egg hunt at the in-laws each year, that I do have pictures up but knowing me will never be posted...) but we couldn't help but think how much fun holidays are going to be once the little guy is here.
Speaking of the little guy... his name is set in stone at this point. His first name begins with B.... any guesses from those who have not directly asked me or seen references on my facebook page??? Anyways, he had a slow week last week with the activity but has picked right back up where he left off. I've been trying to catch him kicking when DH is around but he always stops. DH says he'll feel him when the kicks are meant for him! He thinks I'm aggravating the baby because I'll push sometimes to get him to kick a little more. Last night was the first time I could feel really strong kicks that could be felt on the outside. Its so amazing....
Oh, and the DH's family FINALLY believes us that he is indeed a boy. We brought our "proof" to the egg hunt on sunday and it was confirmed. Although one of our BIL's has now confessed that he is jealous. He desperately wants a boy but has 2 girls. I think he was hoping we would have a girl so the "family curse" could be verified. Oh well... he'll get over it! Besides, he has 2 very adorable girls that are hard to resist!
Other than that... not much is going on. So ready for the warm weather to stick around but that should begin next week from the looks of the weather reports. I'm sick of the teasing, this rain has got to go!

Andi, where are you???

It seems my best friend has lost her blog/website. I know you're reading this so where'd ya go???

21 weeks 3 days

I'm officially past the half way mark and am in total disbelief at how strong my little boy is getting by the day. Even more so, it's hard to believe that in about 4 months he'll be here and our lives are going to change in the most drastic way possible. It still feels like eternity till then, but its becoming more real everyday.
Today I had my 21 week Dr.'s appointment which went really well. My weight is holding steady (I think it dropped a little actually but the nurse didn't say anything....), and my blood test for my MTHFR came back normal which means I won't have to take baby aspirin for the rest of my life (thank goodness!). It also means I don't have to stay on the aspirin theorapy although my Dr. said it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and take it. We heard the little ones heartbeat again today which is so exciting to hear. He was strong at 140 (probably the only old wives tale he has fit into saying he is a boy since all others pointed to girl!) and shortly after that was told to us, he gave a swift kick right where the sonogram was placed, giving DH a nice sound effect of what jellybean has been doing to me lately. Even the Dr. laughed at that because he hit right on target and it was loud! She commented that its funny how they start showing their personalities so soon since he clearly does not like my belly to be poked no matter what its for. We talked to her about how we watched our DVD of the big ultrasound as well and noticed at one point after the tech had tapped my belly several times that he appeared to be crying. His low lip was quivering and mimicked exactly how I've seen newborns cry. She then mentioned how in some cases, Dr.'s have reported hearing the baby's cries after the water breaks since air is available. So unbelievable how much they do without anyone ever really knowing...
Other than that, the rest of my appointment went well, with the Dr. giving me permission to travel to Hawaii even though I'll be in the third trimester. She told us that if anything, that is the time she recommends going since I will be past the viability date and the week that follow it where the baby still needs a lot of things. She said I should still be comfortable as well, but to just make sure I get up a lot and to take baby aspirine before I get on the plane so I don't get any blood clots. We'll be getting my records from her at my next appointment along with the information for her and the hospital in Hawaii should I need to be checked out while I'm there for any reason. And of course, she'll be writing me a permission to fly note too in case the airline gives me a hard time for any reason about being on the plane. It will be exciting getting that information from her since it means we're that much closer to the trip.
On the bad side of the appointment... my glucose screening test is for the next appointment. Since it is in the afternoon, I've been given permission to eat (I was told to fast if it was in the morning) and then I took the fruit punch flavor at the Dr.'s suggestion. I'm hoping its not as bad as I've heard but the Dr. did give me some tips to make it go easier. I'm really just hoping I can keep it down and that I pass the first time around!
Now just waiting for the next 3 weeks to pass so I'll be past the viability date and I know the little one can survive should anything happen...

Other news...

As a quick re-cap of the rest of my week....
-Jellybeans hutch came in on my birthday and it is all put together already. It is truly beautiful and made very well. We were really quite surprised at the quality and are so happy we chose to get it. I'm already looking forward to how its going to look in the completed nursery (I already put a wood firetruck that I won a while back on the shelf and its going to look really cute with the other decorations.... even though he'll be able to play with it later on so it won't stay there!).
-We also picked up paint last night for the little mans room. We had put up chair rail so the bottom of that will be a taupe and the top of it is going to be a light blue. The room has a low vault in it that is really cute (ultimately why we picked that room for a nursery... I mean, other than the fact that the other bedroom could fit all the Octo.moms babies in it and is way too big for a nursery! Seriously, we have a Queen bedroom set and living room set in that room!). Anyways, the blue is partially to mimic the sky since we're going to hang some planes in the corner from the ceiling.
- Once again on the baby, his bedroom set comes in today! I can't wait to see how it all! We've seen it twice in the store but I ordered some other pieces the store we saw it in didn't carry. BTW, anybody looking for baby sets... I highly recommend babysupermall.com. They have almost all the same sets as everywhere else we looked (JCpenny's, Babys'r'us, USAbaby, etc.) and are by far the cheapest. They don't charge tax or shipping either which is a double bonus! They seriously saved us over $100, not to mention they ship fast! I ordered on Monday and its being delivered today!
- I bought my cap and gown yesterday! Woo-hoo! I had to laugh though because the lady grabbed my form before I could tell her why I didn't put my weight on it. She grabbed a gown in my height came to give it to me and then immediately pulled back saying, "Oh! You're pregnant!". I told her that yes I was so she said hold on and went and grabbed me a different gown to ensure I have enough room. I don't really know if that was necessary but DH thinks it was since even with the one she gave me you can see my bump. I guess it doesn't really matter in the end but I suppose this gown will ensure its even all around and not pulling up in the front. Who knows. The lady obviously knows what shes doing since she didn't question it or anything just went straight for a bigger gown (same height) so obviously they do that for everyone that is pregnant. After all, I highly doubt I'm the only one that will be during graduation! Only bummer about my gown is they gave the engineering dept. the ugliest tassel color... bright orange. Blah. Oh well, not that important anyhow so I can deal with one little piece of orange!

Other than that... I don't think much else has been going on.... its been a busy week but hasn't felt like it!

Another year older

My birthday was on Wednesday (yup, April Fool's Day!) and my mother-in-law asked if I felt another year older or a day older.... I definitely go with the day. After all, who wants to feel an entire year older??? The day was good other than the yucky weather that consisted of snow. You know, I've never had a year where my birthday had nice weather. In Vegas it was always a cold and windy day (even if it had been beautiful the day before and the day after), Boise it usually rained, and here... well, usually its just cold, but about half the years I've lived here (will be 8 years this mothers day!) it has snowed. Oh well... at least that is one thing I'm happy about having the little guy in August, it will always be warm even if it is rainy or windy!
Anyhow, I did have to work on my birthday but I recieved many nice phone calls wishing me a happy birthday and then my loving husband took me out to a wonderful dinner. We went to Market Street Grill and got a steak and lobster dinner. We had two gift cards to use up so we went all out. So much so that after our Crab, spinach and artichoke dip appetizer (something DH insisted on!), we had salads, then I had ordered the prime rib with boiled potatoes, and then DH got the New York Strip pepper steak, with boiled potatoes and then of course the lobster and my meal came with ice cream. The food was amazing and we had way too much of it (which was still really good when we ate it last night for dinner!). Only problem is that now I'm seriously craving lobster. I was afraid to get it for myself since I wasn't sure if the baby would reject it like he does with the egg at McDonalds (can't say I blame him for that though!), but he evidently loved it because he went crazy when I ate it! I think I'm going to be in serious trouble with the little one since he's already proving to have expensive taste in what he likes! Hopefully the craving goes away because that was a one time deal since we can't afford to keep feeding me lobster!
Anyhow, my birthday was really nice, and I can't wait to pick out my birthday presents that DH promised me (a pearl necklace and a coral necklace when we're in Hawaii). Its all I asked for and I know they are much cheaper there. Not to mention the pearl necklace will technically be my graduation gift too.... Only 6 weeks to go till then!

21 weeks

Well, hmmm... last week the baby was the size of a cantelope and now its the size of a banana... strange... Anyways, hopefully this isn't a sign of me having a big baby because he was measuring at 13 ounces over a week ago and this says he should only be 12.7 as of today! Oh well... at least the little guy is healthy either way. I'm just hoping I don't have a 10+ lb baby like a school mate of mine had (well,his wife had at least!). Anyhow, here is what the bump says about the baby this week....Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch. (uh oh... I'm in trouble here since my cravings have been Coke and lobster.. one is bad and the other is expensive!!! I've been limiting the coke at least and rarely drink any caffiene!)
Then this was in my e-mail description...

Baby's now the size of a banana!Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, if baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop to around one million by birth).