35 Week T-shirt Project

I am SO pleased to have made it to today.  I am 35 weeks and while of course I would love to keep my sweetheart in my belly another couple weeks, the main thing is that the bedrest has WORKED and today at my appointment I officially hadn't progressed!  I am still at 1 cm, 50% effaced, and the baby is engaged (meaning she dropped last week), but I really think I'll be able to make it to 36 weeks like I did with Liliana.  I haven't gained any weight the last 5 weeks so the doctor wants me to get an ultrasound next Thursday.  As long as that ultrasound looks good, he's going to keep me on bed rest for another couple weeks. BOO.  But it means possibly a full term baby?  WOO HOO!

35 Week Survey

• How Far Along: 35 weeks today!
• Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds
• Maternity Clothes: you betcha! I really like jersey skirts and dresses. 
• Stretch Marks: nope!  I'm one lucky lady.
• Sleep: believe it or not, it's been semi-decent this week.  My back is actually feeling better!  I've just learned ways to cope with the back pain by taking tylenol every evening.  I hate doing it, but it keeps contractions away so 2 tylenol is worth that.
• Best Moment this Week: just making it to 35 weeks!  I am SO happy about that.
• Miss Anything: I'm on bedrest. I pretty much miss EVERYTHING: sexy time with the hubs, working out, being active, being able to help ... yeah, excited to get off bedrest for sure!
• Food Cravings: not really!  maybe this is why I haven't gained weight in 5 weeks.  I'm just not that hungry.  I sit on my butt all day, how can I get hungry?
• Labor Signs: I keep having BH contractions everyday, but since I've been on bedrest, I must admit the painful contractions have really subsided.  Let's hope that stays the same for another week minimally.
• What I'm Looking Forward To: that ultrasound next week!  AND, making it to 36 weeks! : )

Now let's see that belly!

Gloria's Maternity Photos!

We took our maternity pictures with Gloria a week ago and to say that I am in love with the results is a little bit of an understatement.  The main thing that worried me was whether Liliana would be in a picture taking mood that morning and though she mainly wanted to go around the park and play, she did stop for a few gorgeous shots and that's all you need.

I'm putting quite a few pictures on this here blog, sorry there are so many.  I just can't pick which ones are my favorite and I want to post them in case other people want some inspiration.  

Hugging Mommy's belly

 Can you read yet Gloria?  Stay in Mommy's belly until July!  PLEASE!

Had this same shot when pregnant with Liliana and had to do a repeat.

Evan is in love with this belly.  He can't wait to meet Gloria.

Is Liliana starting to look like Mommy or what?

 Cute idea by the photographer.

Took this in the master bedroom.  Plan on using the same background after Gloria arrives.

Coming home dress.

I wore it on way home when I was born, Liliana wore it on her way home, and Gloria will too!

Holding hands with my lover.

 Love this very candid shot with my girl.

The special necklace.

Wore this necklace b/c Tata (Gloria's namesake and my grandmother) brought it home from Venice for me.  Venice was her dream trip and she got to go before passing.

The special bracelet.

When Tata passed, my cousin and I each took a few pieces of jewelry that Tata owned.  This bracelet was what I took.  One day, I will pass it along to Gloria.

Have to do the close up belly photo right?

Enjoying the craving.

LOVE in a picture.

32 Week T-shirt Project

It has been 4 weeks since my last t-shirt project and there has been some definite growth! While overall I can say that things have been going well, and yes, I am so thankful that I am pregnant with Gloria, the back pain that I've been experiencing the last 2 weeks has been tough.  It is tiresome and nearly constant.  But let's try and focus on positive right?

32 Week Pregnancy Survey

•  How Far Along? 32 weeks,4 days

• Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds

• Maternity Clothes: I can wear normal dresses occasionally but for the most part I'm in maternity clothes.  I like clothes that let me BREATH because I get hot very easily.

• Stretch Marks: Negative!  

•  Sleep: not great.  I've maybe slept well 1 night in the last 2 weeks.  The back pain wakes me up often and I toss and turn trying to feel comfortable.

• Miss Anything: the back pain needs to go away.  I miss moving the way I want and picking Liliana up whenever I want to.

• Movement: Sure she is still moving around in there, but I still maintain she isn't as big a mover as her sissy.  Then again, I can feel distinct body parts more this go around.

• Food Cravings: I don't have any that I desire all the time ... I like cereal, kettle corn, and slushies most though.

• Labor Signs: Unfortunately this has been a yes already.  I have had about 3 real contractions and they're terrifying this early along.  I have to take it easy the rest of the day and day after when they happen. I simply can not wait to get to 36 weeks (or 34 will be a big day too) b/c I won't have to worry as much.  I would be shocked if I made it to 38 weeks, though that would be my goal date!

• Looking forward to: my 34 week visit in 10 days!  He's going to check me to see if I've progressed any.  Let's hope the answer is NO!

Now, for that belly! I measured a week ahead at my last doctor's visit and I think it shows ... the belly is rather large!  EEK!  But hey, that means she's growing really well (or so the doctor said) so I am happy about that.

Big baby girl in there!  On to the last line of the t-shirt!  CRAZY! : )

28 Week T-shirt Project

It's been a month since I've done a t-shirt project or taken a decent pic of the belly for that matter...busy much?  But we finally got around to doing it and you know what that means?  I am officially in the homestretch of this pregnancy!  In fact, if Gloria makes her appearance as early as Liliana did, it means we have 2 months until she decides to come in to this world!  EEEK!  That freaks me out more than just a little bit.  I'm REALLY praying and hoping that we can get to full term this go around, but as long as we make it to AT LEAST the same gestation age as Liliana, then I suppose I can't ask for much more.

28 Week Pregnancy Survey

• How far along: 28 weeks today!
• Total weight gain: 20 pounds.  EEK!
• Maternity Clothes: shirts are a definite maternity and so are pants.  I can still fit in to some skirts that are jersey material.  I still wear LOTS of non-maternity dresses (and am in one today actually).  I am such a dress and skirt fan when pregnant.
• Sleep: depending on the day it can either be fabulous or horrible.  My back has been in SO much pain this go around.  Evan gives me a massage on nearly a daily basis and I have a heating pad at work which helps a lot.  I've noticed that working out helps immensely too.  If I don't get those three ingredients in every other day, the back hurts so badly that it wakes me up.  Boo.
• Best Moment This Week (oops) Month: getting in to the third trimester is always nice.  I, honestly, feel blessed every day that I get to cook this little girl longer and longer. BUT what I'm really excited about is that my baby shower is tomorrow for work!  They're SO sweet to throw me one because you typically don't have one for baby #2.
• Miss Anything: Not having round ligament pains when I exercise.  ALSO, in the complete spirit of honesty, belly is getting so big that it's making certain times more and more difficult (use your imagination).
• Movement: yep!  She's increased her movements a ton since the last survey.  She still doesn't move as much as Liliana did in the womb though.  I felt our first hiccups yesterday though and that was fun to feel again.
• Food Cravings:  I haven't had any that stick around this time!  I do like grapes and fruit so that has probably been the one that stays.  And I did crave brownies two nights ago (and ate 3 of them last night after having Evan go get a box yesterday).
• Labor Signs: I get Braxton Hicks more and more often, but nothing too alarming yet fortunately.
• Symptoms: Back pain AND this weird painful painful feeling around my butt.  I know that is SO TMI but something pops in my back area when I walk most of the time.  And, PS it's not hemorrhoids.  I had Evan check.  Pregnancy is sexy.
• Belly button in or out:  Still mostly in.  It was already popped with Liliana so that's surprising.
• Looking forward to: our baby shower tomorrow and going to Texas next week to celebrate Liliana's 2nd birthday!  Can't believe her party is nearly here!  I have SO much to do!

28 Week T-shirt Project



Here's week 24:

Here's week 28!  Definitely seeing some growth! (in my belly, face, butt .... darn!)

PS The blog is getting a makeover today!  It's gonna look SO pretty!  Like the new title? : )

24 Weeks Pregnant -- T-shirt Project!

Today I am 24 glorious weeks pregnant with Gloria! One of my favorite days of pregnancy is hitting the 24 week mark: VIABILITY.  Sure, you would never WANT the baby to be born this early, probably weighing a little over a pound, but knowing that there would be a 70% of surviving already?  That just puts this big sigh of relief on a pregnant woman.  Each week that passes makes you smile more and more because you know chances are your baby is going to be in your arms, safely one day.  I have a BIG goal to get Gloria to full term this go around since I didn't quite get there with Liliana.  I don't think I want to have her at 39 weeks, b/c Liliana would have been nearly 9 pounds at 39 weeks had she not decided to come sooner.  That being said, I want to have a full term pregnancy once in my life.  Just to hit that day and think "I made it!" 

For now though, I'm basking in the glory that is the 24 week mark.  And the belly is growing ...

• How Far Along: 24 weeks

• Total Weight Gain: 13-14 pounds.  The weight has come on so differently this go around.  With Liliana I had gained about 3 pounds at 20 weeks and then after that, it just SHOT up until I reached my final 36 pounds.  This go around, it's been slow and steady the whole time. 

• Maternity Clothes: oh yeah.  Tops don't have to be and I wear lots of dresses that are non-maternity.  But, pants are 100% of the time!

• Stretch Marks: still none!

• Sleep: I had a ROUGH time for a few days, but this week has been great.  Evan has been home at least for part of the night every single night since March 1st and I think this is the main reason my sleep is improving so much.

• Best Moment This Week:  Getting my favorite wall in the nursery done! ; )

• Miss Anything: Working out to my full potential!  Some days I feel great and run 3 miles without hesitation while some days, I'm getting pains in my legs by half a mile.  I think it's my body saying I need to slow down drastically.  I already did that on Tuesday and will do it again today. Boo.  Let the weight gain begin at a dramatic rate again I suppose!

• Movement: yes though she's less active than her sister was.  This last week she has started kicking a TON more and that has been fun.

• Food Cravings: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  Thank goodness for our Sams card b/c I've been having a couple bowls a day!  One for breakfast and one as a snack when I get home from work. 

• Labor Signs: I have braxton hicks at the WEIRDEST times ... if I've had a busier day, I get them more, but otherwise, let's just say I get them at ... strange times.  That's as much detail as I'm giving! ; )

• Symptoms: Two ANNOYING symptoms are back that I had in my first pregnancy: every single time I pee in the mornings, I fart as well.  Eww I know.  That happened with Liliana too!  It's SO weird!  Second, pregnancy brain is back in full force.  Guess who left the garage open this morning when she left for work?  Thank goodness for observant neighbors!

• Looking Forward To: Working more on the nursery!  It's tough finding time this go around.  We have to take advantage of weekends and as you know, Evan's usually working.  This weekend he's off, but we were invited to TWO easter egg hunts by sweet friends we've made here so who knows how much will get done this weekend.  Oh well, there's always next time right? 

21 Weeks Pregnant -- T-shirt Project!

Today I am 21 weeks pregnant with Gloria!  In one week I go back for another doctor's appointment and I feel like I was there just yesterday.  Pregnancies fly by when you have another kiddo at home to chase after and have conversations with.

For instance, here's a gem for you...

Since my big fall down the stairs a couple weeks ago, I haven't been carrying Liliana down the stairs ever.  She is obviously capable of going down them but sometimes when I am in a hurry I snatch her up so we can rush out the door.  Now I've decided I'll just be 1 minute late for the safety of all of us.  Liliana likes taking her time going down the stairs and often says "wee!" or "I love Mommy" or "no kitty!" down each stair.  We have a window next to our door and she often sees the neighbors cat.  She's not a fan. 

Two days ago, she went down a stair and let out a big fart.  She started CRACKING up and said "tootie from bootie!"  Yes I only teach my daughter the finest words.  Then she started saying ... get this ...

Liliana: "Mommy tootied!  Mommy tootied!"

Me: Umm ... excuse me child.  I am pregnant so yes, Mommy's booty does make those sounds, but not this time!  Don't go placing your gas problems on me! 

So the next few steps were spent her saying "SI! (yes)" and Mommy saying "NO!"  It was a fight I eventually gave up on.  She was so insistent that I even pondered "was it me after all?"  Then I realized my 21 month old child manipulated my mind.  I'm in trouble.

BACK to being 21 weeks pregnant and not talking about gas shall we?

Excuse the nasty look.  I had just run three miles on the treadmill and didn't feel like sprucing up for the picture.  My belly looks BIG huh?  It's crazy how much growth has occurred in the last 3 weeks!

21 Week Pregnancy Survey

•  how far along: 21 weeks
• total weight gain: I haven't weighed myself in weeks so I have no idea.  I know I've gained more than I had with Liliana at this point, but I'm exercising more this go around and am not concerned about it.  I think I'm gaining it at a more normal pace this time whereas last time I barely gained anything and then ballooned gaining 4 or 5 pounds a week for 3 weeks.  That hasn't happened this time, fortunately!
• maternity clothes: most of the time.  I've been wearing TONS of dresses and skirts.  They're so comfortable and the weather is so warm that it's appropriate.
• stretch marks: no sir! The boobs do have big veins on them which the hubby says makes sense because of yadda yadda.  I didn't listen.  I was just grossed out by them.
• sleep: not great unfortunately!  I am no longer taking the anti-nausea medication because I don't need it, but since part of that medication was a sleeping aid, I've missed the sense of feeling sleepy.  I think that daylight savings also screwed me up. 
• movement: oh yes!  i've been seeing her move for about 2 weeks and feeling her move since about 12/ 13 weeks.  My clothes just move all around and some people at work have even noticed.  We make strong ones, let me tell ya!
• miss anything: just lack of mobility ... being able to help around the house more and not being able to run nearly as quickly as I used to while working out.  It puts an awkward pressure on my pelvis and is uncomfortable so I have to slow the treadmill down.  That's getting old but I'd better get used to it!
• food cravings: sonic slushes but I haven't caved!  Evan keeps saying "PLEASE let me get one for you!  I want to help!" but I realize I quite honestly don't need to eat that and have to burn it off after Gloria arrives.  In the mean time, pass the water please! : )  (note: that's a lie: I did cave once this week but I know how it goes.  At 30 weeks, I'll be eating so much that I don't ever stop so I'm trying to be aware of that as much as possible at this stage).
• belly button in or out: still in, but not by much!  I'm guessing it will be out by 25 weeks.
• looking forward to: seeing my parents tomorrow!  I haven't seen them since I was 4 weeks pregnant.  They need to see the growing belly! ALSO, looking forward to dealing with that pesky corner I posted about yesterday ... guess who found a GREAT solution yesterday?  : )   



18 Weeks Pregnant - T-shirt Project

Yesterday marked being 18 weeks pregnant with Gloria.  It was, all in all, a wonderful pregnancy week.  I felt great, we got wonderful news, and it's just that stage in pregnancy where each kick is fun (and not too entirely painful yet).  The belly is growing, but not at a SUPER alarming rate anymore thankfully!

18 Week Pregnancy Survey

How Far Along: 18 weeks 1 day

Total Weight Gain: I'm not totally sure ... I think about 6 pounds.  This is 3 pounds more than I had gained with Liliana at this point, but I'm not worried.  I am SO much healthier this pregnancy and haven't been nearly as sick so that makes sense.  Even though I've gained more so far, I'm actually still fitting in to some pants without even unbuttoning them!  I am staying toned since I'm working out and eating healthier.  Happy about that.

Maternity Clothes:  Read above - pants and skirts are more comfortable if they're maternity but I can get away without.  Shirts are usually maternity.  I must be carrying higher this go around or something.  I, quite honestly, wish I could go buy some more maternity clothes because I don't have much that's compatible enough for work and accommodating to the weather.  But considering February is almost done I'm holding off and will soon be able to wear something other than my 4 sweaters and pairs of black slacks.

Stretch Marks:  Nope!  I hope I don't get any this go around.  I thought that since I got lucky the first time that meant I would get lucky this time too, but I've read some blogs that say differently!  EEK!

Sleep:  Not great.  I'm not sure if it's pregnancy related or if it's because we've just been so darn busy, but I wake up very often throughout the night.  For instance, last night I fell asleep around midnight and my alarm went off at 6:20.  I woke up 6 times last night.  This means I'm never really going in to my REM cycle.  No wonder I feel sleepy.  Hopefully the weekend will help me recover.

Best Moment This Week:  FOR SURE our ultrasound!  Everything, anatomy wise is perfect!  AND, my placenta looked great too.  We are hopefully smooth sailing until 37 weeks when I'll deliver Gloria! ; )

Movement:  Yep!  She doesn't move as much as her sister did though.  These movements HURT when they do come along, to the point that I stop dead in my tracks.  They're great to feel though. 

Food Cravings: Still fruit.  I like cold things, so cold cantaloupe is awesome.

Gender:  Still a girl!  I was glad to know it's for sure a girl because now we can start decorating that nursery.

Labor Signs:  I get a couple braxton hicks in the morning right when I wake up.  I've had some REALLY bad round ligament pains on the treadmill but I told my OB about them and he said just to stay hydrated.

Symptoms: I can't mention all of them here on this blog, but truly, I don't have many symptoms any more other than those round ligament pains and feeling sleepy.

Looking forward to: Painting the nursery!  I can't wait to see it come together.  I'm also looking forward to a GREAT friend visiting this weekend and for Evan's birthday on Tuesday.  Eventful and fun week ahead of us. 

Here's a comparison shot for you ... I'd say my belly with Liliana was smaller, but the main difference I notice is the difference in actual belly shape!



15 Weeks Pregnant - T-shirt Project

Today I am 15 weeks pregnant with BITO.  This week, symptoms wise, has been GREAT.  I have felt really good, my belly isn't growing at the astronomical pace that it was doing previously, and we've just grown more and more excited to see if it is a boy or a girl!

We have the results of asking everyone whether they think it's a girl or boy.  Since we took the pictures, we've had more votes ... but I'll give the results in a bit.  For now, here is the 15 week T-shirt project.  I LOVE the picture with Liliana.  When we ask her where the baby is, she lifts up her shirt and points to her belly.  It's hilarious.

15 Weeks Pregnant Survey

How Far Along: 15 weeks today

Total Weight Gain: if I had to guess, it's about 2 to 2.5 pounds.  I haven't weighed myself in a while.  I will know next week when I go to the OB.

Stretch Marks: None.  I'm hoping that since I didn't get them with Liliana, I won't get them this go around!

Sleep:  Not great.  I fall asleep quickly but wake up often.  I also have STRANGE and VIVID dreams.

Miss Anything?: This week I didn't miss much!  I do miss wearing my contacts full time b/c the pregnancy has given me VERY dry eyes.  BUT this week that got a lot better and the opthamologist gave me the green light to wear the contacts a few hours here and there.  YAY.

Movement:  The last two days I didn't feel ANYTHING.  That had me quite worried although Evan assured me that since I was feeling movement so early if the baby moves just a little I could stop feeling movements.  While I listened to him, I only sorta did and still had my concerns, but I am glad to report that today I've felt quite a few already and those make me smile.

Food Cravings: CANTALOUPE!  The cantaloupe at the cafeteria at work is simply AMAZING.  I've also wanted banana pudding and haven't made it.  I need to get on that.

Food Aversions:  Anything messy looking still doesn't seem safe to me, like stew or chili.  I'm sure it also has to do with the fact that this winter in Little Rock has been incredibly mild.  I mean, the high is 70 degrees today!

Gender: WHO KNOWS!  We find out a week from today!  In fact, in exactly one week to the minute, we will probably know because our appointment is first thing in the morning.

Looking Forward To: Hmm ... not much.  HAHA! YEAH RIGHT!  Finding out if we're having a little girl or a handsome boy!  CAN'T WAIT! I was excited with Liliana, but for some reason, I KNEW it was a girl that time.  While I still think it is, I just want to know FOR SURE.  : )

Now for the results of the tallies.  When we took the picture, we hadn't received 5 extra votes that we got.  The FINAL tally came to:

BOYS: 29

GIRLS: 20

When we took these pictures, all the tallies weren't in, but Daddy still made his smug face and Mommy still made her "just you wait and see!" face!

14 Weeks Pregnant - T-Shirt Project

I am 14 weeks pregnant with BITO today!  This week had some tough days as I blogged about earlier this week, but now that the medicine is in my system once again, we're right as rain. 

In TWO short weeks we will try to see if BITO is a he or a she! I put a poll on the sidebar (left) for people to vote and take a guess!  Should be fun to see what you guys are thinking and who ends up being right!  For the record: my parents think boy and so does Evan.  I think girl.  But the woman is always right, so ... my vote should count times a million at this stage. ; )

How Far Along: 14 weeks today

Total Weight Gain: about 1.5 to 2 pounds I think.  I think it's all belly and boobs so far.  But we know that will change soon!

Maternity Clothes:  I am unbuttoning my pants and using my bella band so use normal pants still.  However, I need most maternity tops!  This belly is VERY different from my last one shape wise b/c with Liliana it was the bottoms that changed drastically first. 

Stretch Marks:  NO, but I can see my veins more in the breast area.  It's strange and quite unattratctive if you ask me. 

Sleep:  The pregnancy pillow found its way in to our bed 2 times this week and it really helps.  I like it especially when Evan is out of the door and I still have some sleeping left to do.  It's like my sleeping buddy.

Best Moment this Week:  EVAN FELT BITO MOVE LAST NIGHT!  Isn't that CRAZY?  I was psyched out of my mind that I felt some movements around week 12 or so, but last night BITO was going to town and I thought "maybe, just maybe" even though I truly thought it woulnd't be until I was at least 16 weeks for Evan to feel it.  I told Evan to try and within seconds he said "I felt one there!  and there!"  and they were EXACTLY when I was feeling kicks so I know we were right on page.  We've got another big and strong baby in there it seems!

Miss Anything: I'm pretty sick of constantly having to eat something to make me feel good.  I carry snacks around just in case and I miss the days of not worrying about nausea.  Hopefully those will come again soon.

Movement:  Look at "best moment this week."  We seem to make babies that kick early and hard b/c Liliana was a constant mover.  I don't tend to feel BITO move too much during the day but at night I feel it lots more.  I'm chalking this up to the fact that I feel more when I'm lying down and relaxed for the first time in the day.  Also I'm only 14 stinking weeks! haha.

Food Cravings:  FRUIT!  I love oranges, cantaloupes, &grapes.  This is an awesome craving considering with Liliana it was candy.  I fully expect this will change soon, but for now, I'll take it.

Food aversions:  Anything that has a strong odor.  I don't like seafood, but I can't imagine being around somebody that would want to be eating it.  No thank you!

Gender: Only the man upstairs knows for now!  My gut says girl, but it's hard to tell.  This pregnancy has been different in a lot of ways, but we'll just have to see.

Labor Signs: I've had some round ligament pains, especially while working out.  I've also had a couple braxton hicks already, but nothing too painful or out of the ordinary.  They're very short lived.

Wedding rings on or off:  they're still on!  YAY for that.  With Liliana they did come off, but later.  I'm thinking the same will happen this go around.  YAY for getting swollen.  NOT.

Looking Forward To:  Finding out the gender in 2 weeks!  I know there's a chance we won't see and then I'll just have to be even more patient.  However, patience IS NOT my biggest strength so here's hoping! ; )

12 Weeks Pregnant!

Today, I am 12 weeks pregnant with BITO.  I can't believe it's already nearing the 2nd semester.  This pregnancy has FLOWN FLOWN FLOWN by!  While many parts of me are sad that it's flying by, I'm also looking forward to the more glorious weeks that usually follow in the 2nd trimester.  In my first pregnancy, weeks 20 - 30 were the best.  They were AWESOME and fun.  Let's see which weeks I like now.  In my first pregnancy weeks 4 - 20 were HORRIBLE, and while this one has had it's fair share of me puking in to a toilet (or on the floor like last week because I didn't make it in time!), it has been MUCH better overall.  Instead of CONSTANTLY feeling sick, I just feel sick for a few hours at a time.  One thing I've noticed: SLEEP HELPS!  Over Christmas break I thought my morning sickness was done for the most part.  Now that I'm back at work all the time, I've felt significantly worse.  I think it's because I'm not sleeping as much.  I was sleeping in until 9 every day over the break (so lucky to have a baby that sleeps in!).  Now, I wake up at 6:00 for work and losing those 3 hours = puking.  It's a very strong correlation for me.  I just need a job that would let me nap some time during the day!  Do those exist?  Any body wanna hook me up with one of those? ; )

SO, I probably won't do these surveys every week during this pregnancy like I did with my first, but since 12 weeks is a big milestone, I'll do it today.  I've attached a couple poorly taken belly pics.  I've taken them myself, sorry.  And, the lighting sucks.  But, the point is: I AM HUUUUGE for 12 weeks!!  It's almost embarassing.

How far along are you? 12 weeks today.

Total weight gain: Haven't weighed myself in a while but the Doctor said I had lost a few pounds at my visit last week.  He wasn't too concerned but said I better gain it all back PLUS some by next visit.

How big is baby: Dude, I NEVER know these.  I am horrible about keeping up with this. Most pregnant women get emails telling them this information.  I get emails ALL DAY at work so I don't like adding to them.  Let me look it up (this is what I will do EVERY TIME, I promise):  the size of a lime! 

Maternity clothes: I still haven't worn any, but I did already tell my sister-in-law that I need ALL my clothes back.  She's 30 weeks and I feel bad asking for my clothes back, but my sweaters are TIGHT and I'm using the bella band FULL TIME now.  I got SO much bigger SO much faster this time!  It amazes me.

Stretch  marks: None.  None from Liliana either.  Lucky lady right here!  HOWEVER, my boobs have grown SIGNIFICANTLY this pregnancy so I wouldn't be surprised if I had some because of that.

Sleep:  I get up EVERY MORNING between 3:50 and 4:20 to pee.  It is SO weird.  It's like my body has an alarm for that time period.  The problem with this is that it takes me FOREVER to fall back asleep.  It almost feels like I wake up at 4 every morning as a result because by the time I fall back asleep it's basically 6 and I have to wake up to head to work.  Considering I'm getting to sleep around 11, I doubt that is enough sleep for a pregnant lady.

Best Moment this Week:  I have had THE WORST eye pains for the last 6 weeks and I went to this Optometrist (that I THOUGHT was an Opthamologist but was wrong).  Today, the Opthmalogist called me and said she's concerned that the Optometrist hasn't figured out what's going on and she wants to see me TODAY.  So honestly, that is the best part of my day ... just trying to fix this eye pain that WILL NOT go away!

Movement:  I felt some last week!  Isn't that INSANE?  At 11 weeks?  But I know they were flutters.  I felt Liliana around 16 weeks and I know they say you feel it sooner with the second, but this is EARLY.  I haven't felt any this week so maybe baby has moved, but that's ok ... I'm looking forward to feeling them again in a few weeks.

Food Cravings:  I've enjoyed bagels this pregnancy.  Other than that, I haven't had cravings, just mainly aversions.  I am still at the "force yourself to eat" stage.  I've noticed that water, and a good amount of it, helps with nausea so I'm trying to convince myself to crave that.

Labor Signs:  No, but I have had some round ligament pains!  Dr. said that since I'm popping out already that's to be expected.

Belly button in or out:  In still, but I swear it's becoming less of an innie already.

What I Miss: I miss not feeling sick.  Whether it has been a cold, or nausea, or my eye pain, SOMETHING has been nagging at me for 6 weeks.  I just want to feel HEALTHY!  I guess I just have to give it time (and sleep).

What I'm Looking Forward To: I have a FUN weekend planned: girl night on Friday (those are always a BLAST), hubby time on Saturday, and family time Saturday night.

Milestone:  hitting the 12 week mark with NO scares!  With Liliana, we had already had 2 ultrasounds, a few times that I spotted, etc.  This pregnancy, aside from having some cysts that hurt at first, has been DRAMA FREE!  LOVING IT!  Hoping that doesn't change! (knocking on wood as I type)

Belly Pic?  Sure, why not:

Here I am this morning before work!  Belly is where I was at 16 weeks the first time! EEK!

Here is Liliana's reaction when you say "Liliana do you love the baby?"  She LOVES pointing at my belly and saying baby over and over again.  I think she's understanding that I'm looking bigger lately, and she knows what a baby is, but I don't think she can even BEGIN to comprehend how much her life is going to change in about 25 weeks! : )

My AMAZING Christmas gift ... (the video actually works now!)

In case you're looking for a Monday Minute, I wanted to let you guys know ... there won't be one this week.

In my mind, it's still Christmas.  I'm with my family. My husband and I are spending time with loved ones: family and friends alike.  Sorry if you guys are mad, but I needed the break and we've been enjoying our time together.  Look here next week though, cause I'll be back in full force.

NOW on to the reason I posted today...one of my husband's gifts to me this year was awesome and I wanted to share and brag a little.  Actually, both of his gifts were pretty kick ass. He got me the Wii Fit for our new Wii.  LOVE the thing.  So flippin fun.  He's a creative little sucker too.  We have a monetary limit on our gifts because quite frankly it's all we can afford.  The Wii Fit is much more than that, but leave it to him ... he got the Amazon discount and got a new one for $50.  Dang that's talent.

But in addition to that, Evan always likes doing something sweet and superbly romantic as well.  And I'm such a SWEET wife that I let him do that every time. ; ) 

Behold his gift to me.  

I LOVED this gift.  As you guys know, I'm not a bare belly fan.  As much as some might disagree with me, I don't find the pregnant belly very beautiful.  Maybe that's because mine WASN'T beautiful.  It was just big ... my belly got HUMONGOUS as you can see.   But, we took these pictures for us to remember how quickly our girl was cookin in my belly and cause I constantly searched you tube to see "what will my  belly look like in _____ weeks?"

And, oh yeah, you can get jealous cause I know my husband is amazing.  It took him hours to put it all together.  I will always treasure it.

My favorite part?  The music selection.  Carrie Underwood's "American Girl" was a song that we started listening to when we got pregnant.  Evan always said he wanted a girl first and would play this song on repeat.  Once we found out we were indeed having a girl, that was on nearly nonstop until Liliana was born!

Ok, time to get dressed and go have a million more people tell us Liliana is "gorgeous."  Brilliant people in my opinion.

Merry Christmas or as my niece says "Miss"!

apparently that's how you combine the two words if you're a two year old. haha.

VIABILITY!

Today, my little girl is 24 weeks old. This is a huge day in a pregnancy. At 24 weeks, the baby is considered viable: they are much more likely to survive outside the womb (about 70%). Granted, giving birth right now would not be good (so don't go thinking we're ready to see you quite yet Ms. Liliana), but it's still nice. As a pregnant woman, I've been waiting for today for quite a few weeks. I wanted to breath a sigh of relief. Ideally, I want this little baby girl to go full term (at least 37 weeks), but for some reason, when someone tells you: your little girl is SO advanced that she would have a great chance of surviving, so much pressure is off. Even more so, suddenly, she seems even more like a person. Another positive aspect of this week 24 mark is that each week, her chance of survival only gets better and better! Therefore, Mami just gets happier and happier!

In honor of Liliana's viability day, I thought I should FINALLY post some updated pictures (below find a belly pic and quite a few of her ultrasound pictures). Please note, I really dislike bare belly pictures. I don't know why, but they kinda creep me out. But, I know that I spend SO much time looking up bare belly pictures to see what I'll look like at a certain stage. For instance, I'll be 28 weeks at my San Antonio shower, so I've been looking up those pictures wondering what my dress should look like and how big my belly will look. Therefore, for those other Mom's to be, I'll post a bare belly week 24 picture. I'm sorry if you're horrified by it...just keep scrollin baby.

Week 24 Belly Picture

Here are her ultrasound pictures.  We've gotten film back from week 8, week 12, and week 20.  By week 20 she was so active that it was much harder to get good shots.  

Liliana Week 8 Picture

At this stage, she was just a little bean, but it was SO reassuring to see the heartbeat because I had spotted the day before this ultrasound.  Hearing that heartbeat nearly brought tears to my eyes...

Liliana Week 12 Picture

I thought this picture was INCREDIBLE.  In just four weeks, look at all that progress.  All that morning sickness didn't matter as much after I saw how gorgeous she looked.

Liliana Week 19 Picture

Here's our gender shot: that bright white spot is an arrow pointing to the lack of ... umm... male parts.  It was for sure.  Grandma had told us she was a girl 4 weeks prior when she did the ultrasound on Christmas Eve, but this was the film we got at the Doctor's office in Lubbock.

Liliana Week 19 Picture

This is the best profile picture they were able to get us.  It's not the best shot in my opinion, but she is so active that the lady had a heck of a time getting us a nice shot.

We won't be going in for another picture until Week 34 (they want to see just how big Liliana is because her Daddy was born nearly 4 weeks early and at well over 8 lbs.).  Of course, I can't wait to see her again, but only in a picture...again Liliana...not sooner than 37 weeks! Listen to your Mommy!! : )

22 Week Survey

How far along? 22 weeks, 4 days


Maternity clothes? Yep, those maternity pants are coming on more and more these days. In fact, I plan on going to the stores some time today or tomorrow to buy another pair of slacks. I don't like spending the money, but having to wear the same pair of slacks every single day got old after just one week.



Here's my 22 week Belly Picture! I've grown a lot more in the last four days. Sorry I don't have any "bare belly" pics...I'm not the biggest fan of them, call me traditional.

Stretch marks? Not that I can see, but I don't think I'll get lucky enough to do without them. My belly grew quite a lot this week.


Sleep: Sleep gets harder and harder. Sometimes, I just wake up in the middle of the night and am completely awake. I try to turn my pregnancy pillow around (which is a huge ordeal) and readjust, but I think the baby is starting to kick so much that it's making me wake up.

Best moment this week: This weeks best moment wasn't actually baby related. We made our decisions for who will be on the board for ALJ next year and although it took forever, I'm glad to report that the journal will be represented by 7 great students.

Movement: she slowed down for a couple days there and I'm not gonna lie, it got Mommy worried...but I'm glad to report that I counted over 150 movements yesterday! : )

Food cravings: still none.

Gender: a girl who is gonna melt her Daddy's heart.

Labor Signs: those Braxton Hicks contractions really came about this week! They're not too too painful, but more irritating. Out of no where, you think, hmm....my uterus feels really hard and it's just uncomfortable.

Belly Button in or out? Belly button didn't make a big change this week.

What I miss: not over analyzing every movement in my stomach!

What I am looking forward to: Tomorrow is Valentine's...that's fun. This week will be slower than last week, so I'm looking forward to eating dinner with Evan this week instead of coming home at nearly 10 o'clock.

Weekly Wisdom: When you feel that you've taken yourself too far, sit back and make sure to relax! I had really long hours this week and finally had to tell some of my classmates that I had to put my feet up...they were more than accommodating. Make sure to tell people "I need to slow down."

Milestones: I am done with the "in between stages" of pregnancy ... I am nearly a full-time maternity pants woman.