Bump Update: 40 weeks and counting

Well, I was sure I had completely run out of room in my belly, and that there was no way I'd see my Feb. 20 due date, but here I am, 40 weeks and 4 days in, and waiting for this little one to come. As a person who very much likes to plan and be on time, and as someone who gets anxiety from the well-meaning, "Did you have your baby yet?" calls and texts, as well as the "Have you eaten spicy food, walked, had sex, etc.?" questions from unsolicited pregnancy counselors, I had a bit of a meltdown a couple nights ago. Flavio, like he always does, talked me off a ledge and reminded me of some very important truths. I am writing them here, in case I need to come back to this as a pep talk in a week.

:: Everything in our society is scheduled and controlled; there is nothing like the mystical experience of waiting for a baby in modern-life. Planned c-sections and inductions are big in Southern California, I think mostly because people are so uncomfortable with unknown timing. (A few people have told me I should just go get electively induced. It's crazy.) Due dates are not expiration dates. They are guesses with a 5-week margin of error. And in the end, it's up to the baby to decide when they want to come. Period.

:: Every day the baby is in the womb is a good thing. There have been countless studies showing that babies born at or after term are healthier.  I talked to a mom yesterday who gave birth at 41 weeks and 3 days, and she told me that her son was able to latch on to the breast at birth with no problem, and has reached all of his developmental milestones early because he was "fully cooked" when born. Brains, lungs, immune systems etc. are still developing in utero and every day in there counts toward the longterm health of the baby.

:: According to my midwife, most first babies come late. Even Kate Middleton was overdue.

:: Parenting is about flexibility and patience. This is a good lesson in that.

:: Trust the process. Somehow, my body put together a whole human. Somehow, my body will tell me when this human is ready for birth.

:: I am enjoying my freedom while it lasts. I can do anything I choose with my days. That will all change very soon.

:: Finally, I have loved being pregnant, and still feel really good. Even though I am anxious to meet our baby, I am also a little nostalgic about the pregnancy ending. I am the only one that gets this kind of special time with our little one, who gets to enjoy all the kicks and pokes and bonding time - just the two of us, so I am remembering to soak it all in and enjoy these last few precious days with our little baby on the inside. He or she will choose their own birthday, and it will be here soon enough.

Edited to add: this beautiful article on the last days of pregnancy. It so resonates! Sent to me by my friend Krissy.

All previous bumpdates here.

Baby C's Nursery

We are so beyond ready to have this baby! I have nested and re-nested, our house is sparkling, our birth center bag is packed, I've spent my days walking in an effort to encourage this baby out, and now it's just a waiting game. I guess babies come when they are ready.. And whenever this little one decides to come, we're excited to spend time in the nursery we created. We knew we wanted to do a safari theme, because it's gender neutral, and because we are still obsessed with all things Kenya after a 2007 trip there, and we had a lot of fun putting it together. I think it's simple and classic, and is filled with sweet gifts from wonderful friends. I hope our baby loves it as much as we do.

Noted on a Friday

We're mostly taking it easy this weekend. I'm feeling very pregnant, and keep wondering if I'm going in to labor (regular Braxton-Hicks and some light cramping at night) so we'll be keeping it very low-key. We are having dinner with Flavio's dad tomorrow night (who we haven't seen in forever), and I'm getting a pedicure on Sunday, as I can no longer reach my toes. Should be delightful. Hope you have a good one! xo

{branch manager}

{Newborn Care class -- very proud of my swaddled baby}

{Practicing at home. Flavio is the better swaddler.} 

{Flavio making fun of me for double-fisting samples at Trader Joe's}

Noted on a Friday - Quick Holiday Re-Cap

{NYE 2014}

December and the first part of January ended up being crazier than anticipated. Flavio came down with a cold/flu? over Christmas week, and then I got it over New Year's week and it felt like we were still running around and overcommitted despite our maladies. But, the actual holidays were quiet and nice. For Christmas Eve we went to my mother-in-law's for tamales and Christmas movies, and for NYE, we got Indian takeout, built a fire at home, and snuggled up for our last night of 2014. Although I was under the weather, it was somehow a very memorable and magical NYE.

January, which usually drags, is flying! I've been doing some major cleaning (the nesting instinct is real, people) and have started reading baby and parenting books, thinking seriously about baby names, and generally doing all the prep stuff I had no time to do during the semester. We've also been making it a point to get out and get together with friends before we disappear into babyland, so that's been nice. I haven't had much time for reflection on the previous year as I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the changes that are coming our way quickly, but I'm looking forward to a quieter weekend in, working on some projects around the house, cooking, and generally getting my head on straight. I hope you have a great one. xo

{As the kids say, #nofilter}

{Christmas Eve, 32 weeks}

{While I've previously done cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, I might switch the tradition to this easier and equally delicious overnight French toast}

{Christmas morning, Guiri's gift}

{Rosca de Reyes, delivered by my mother-in-law}

Our Baby Shower

At first I didn't think we'd have a baby shower and I was okay with that. As our little one is due in February the holidays seemed conflicting, plus I hate the games, have an irrational fear of opening gifts in front of others, and no one had immediately offered, so I figured we'd just skip it. But then, Flavio told me he'd been talking to his mom who said she'd like to host a traditional Mexican shower with any food I wanted (I picked my craving, Chinese), a big cake, and no games. I was still unsure, feeling like a shower seemed a little grabby - especially during the holidays when people are already spending so much money (it's so weird that we ask people to buy us gifts for weddings and babies!) but, Flavio reminded me it's a celebration of the coming baby, and I was in. Turns out, it was the best day.

There were adorable safari-themed decorations all over my mother-in-law's house, piles of Chinese food, and the most amazing tiramisu from Extraordinary Desserts. Mexicans give everyone a broche, a decorative baby-themed pin to wear, and the mother-to-be sits in a decorated chair. Flavio and I are big believers in bedtime stories, so Flavio had the idea that in lieu of cards, guests bring their favorite childhood books with a message written inside, which I loved! We got so many amazing children's books, in English and Spanish, and I'm happy that the books, with their sweet inscribed messages, will be keepsakes for our baby.

While my dad and Flavio were there, the other guests were all women and throughout the afternoon, many of them shared funny parenting stories and gems of motherhood advice. "Coconut oil works wonders for diaper rash" and "Rice cereal at 4 months will help your baby sleep through the night", and "Walk hills and have lots of sex to induce labor" and "Do what feels right to you and your family and ignore everyone else's opinion." We talked about how parenting advice comes and goes (apparently, all doctors used to advise babies sleep on their tummies, and now we're told babies should only sleep on their backs), and one woman shared her natural birth story with me.

Overall, the day was surprisingly empowering. Pregnancy can sometimes feel very personal and individual, but I couldn't believe how excited all these women were to meet our baby and how encouraging and bolstering the whole afternoon was. Suddenly, my pregnancy felt beautifully communal, if that makes sense. The whole thing felt like an important milestone from pregnancy toward motherhood, like I'd suddenly become initiated into this other tribe, and I could feel everyone's maternal strength and positive vibes. It was such a sweet and touching afternoon, one that I'll never forget, and it's now clear to me why showers have become a time-honored tradition around the world. Plus, cake! :)

{stork, gifts} 

{tiramisu and my mother-in-law}

{My mom and Flav} 

{books galore!}

{serving cake}

{happy tears - it was such a great day!}

{part of invitations}

A Birthday Bump Update: 26 weeks

Today is my cake day and it has been a regular Tuesday, but my birthday always makes me feel different in the best possible way. After a busy weekend and Monday/Tuesday, I'm excited for Flav to get home so we can go out for a fun dinner and to see the very classy Dumb & Dumber To. I'm 34 which means I've officially reached my mid-thirties. Woot! I know people say your twenties are the best time of your life, but I definitely prefer my thirties, and this pregnant birthday feels incredibly special.

I haven't done a bumpdate recently because despite my rapidly expanding belly, there isn't much new to share from my last report at 22 weeks. I'm still feeling really good. The baby is still measuring big (I'm terrified this is going to be a 10-pounder!), and his/her kicks have me wondering if this little one is a soccer player already. I know I've already said it, but I've never felt better or more exhilarated in my life. Now on to dinner and a big slab of cake. :)

Bump Update: 22 weeks

While there are the occasional discomforts, I love being pregnant. It's basically a 9-month detox and I feel so healthy and alive. All the pokes and movement make me feel so close to this little person, and I am pretty much obsessed with being near Flavio at all times. The love and happy hormones are flying. It's just a wonderful time.

22 weeks

The baby is the size of:
A papaya

I'm feeling:
Elated. There's something really wonderful about being pregnant during my favorite time of year. It's been great to start nesting and even do a little fall-inspired baking, even though my sweet tooth isn't fully back.

Food love:
I love and eat everything now, but mainly crave spicy, salty, sour foods.

What I miss:
1. Coffee. I gave it up last January and I still crave the taste and smell. Per my midwife, decaf and most teas are also off limits, so I'm suffering. I'm planning to breastfeed, so there is no coffee in my foreseeable future. Sigh.
2. I miss sleeping on my back and stomach.

The best things about this week:
1. No anxiety. I feel so relaxed and optimistic.
2. Full-on kicks and punches, often at the same time. We can even see my stomach move on the outside...big changes are happening!
3. Seeing our little one at the 20-week ultrasound. He/she is measuring more than a week ahead and was happily bouncing, stretching, and hiccuping on screen. So cool.

{definitely my nose}

The worst things about this week:
1. The constant need to pee.
2. Crazy dreams.

Interesting turn of events:
1. When Flav talks to my belly, the baby kicks harder. We think it's his/her way of saying hello. :)
2. Also, people are really nice to pregnant women. Now that I look preggo, strangers ask me questions and let me go ahead in line, hold the door open for me, guess whether it's a boy or a girl, etc. It's fun!

Wearing:
Tops and bottoms that stretch. A mix of maternity and non-maternity.

Really looking forward to:
Settling on names. I think we have our girl name nailed down but boy names are sooo hard. We want something that works in English and Spanish and we are open to suggestions - if you have any. :)

Daydreaming about:

An upcoming prenatal massage, my first! 

Noted on a Friday

{signs of fall in the neighborhood}

Welp, this week was a weird one complete with an emergency trip to the vet and for a broken pawnail, and an Ebola scare and evacuation during my Thursday morning classes. TGIF. Despite these obstacles, things feel abuzz on the homefront. Halloween decorations are mostly up, costume ideas are in progress, and I can't help but feel giddy about all my favorite holidays on the horizon. We've got an action-packed weekend ahead complete with a friend's birthday brunch, some baby shopping and registering, and a fall-themed potluck on Sunday. I'm hoping to squeeze in some baking, Netflixing, and general relaxation in this lovely cooler weather. Here are some memorable moments from this week.

{her bandage melts me}

{my favorite kinda lunch: homemade pumpkin soup with cheese/crackers}

{delighted by the recent baby gifts that have arrived on our porch}

{'tis the season}

Bump Update: 19 weeks

This pregnancy is speeding by. I can't believe I'll be at the halfway mark (20 weeks!) this Friday. I'm really excited to be growing our little family... literally. :)

19 weeks

The baby is the size of:
A mango

I'm feeling:
Really great, still. Things have been crazy at work (I'm teaching an overload as I won't be working next semester) but I'm surprisingly relaxed and generally optimistic. I'm convinced this is a happy, peaceful baby.

Exercise:
Started going to prenatal yoga and I love it, both for the workout and the chance to chat with other mamas-to-be, compare symptoms, etc. I try to go a few times a week, and really look forward to it.
Also, my midwife is encouraging me to walk 2 miles a day, so I need to get on it.

Food love:
Bagels and cream cheese, and salty proteins. I've had the appetite of a trucker.

Food aversions:
Still not into sweets or eggs, but no major aversions. Pretty much eating everything in sight at this point.

The best thing about this week:
Feeling first flutters. When I drink something cold and lay still, I can feel the little bubbles that are the the baby's movements. It's exhilarating.

The worst thing about this week:
Hip pain while sleeping and overall, restless, interrupted sleep.
Also, bloody noses and bloody gums. Lovely.

Interesting turn of events:
Veins everywhere! My stomach looks like a roadmap. Fun fact: a pregnant woman's blood volume doubles during pregnancy (see bloody noses/gums above).
Also, my hair and nails have been growing crazy fast.

Favorite pregnancy items purchased:
My Snoogle Pregnancy Pillow is pure heaven. You wrap your arms and legs around it, and it's helped my nighttime hip pain tremendously. Flavio steals it when I get out of bed and Guiri loves to cuddle up next to it.

Wearing:
Leggings all weekend, and mostly maternity skirts for work.

Reading:
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Hoping to birth this baby drug-free. 

Really looking forward to:
Feeling more powerful kicks, so Flavio can feel them, too.
And, our 20-week ultrasound next week; seeing the bouncing baby playing on the screen is mind-blowing.

Daydreaming about:
Transitioning our guest room into a space for the baby.

Noted on a Friday

This past week was an effort to bid this long, hot summer farewell. We barbecued, enjoyed cold drinks at our local bar (ginger beer for me), hung at the dog park, went on long walks in the warm evenings, and generally spent our after-work time outside. San Diego even had its own mini-hurricane this week (at least that's what I'm calling it) and I'm just waiting for the autumnal weather to come rolling in... The first day of fall is this Tuesday. Fingers crossed!

Some little things making me happy lately...

Though it was nearly 100 degrees this week, these leaves are telling me my season is right around the corner.

Can't stop staring at this photo of Baby C. at 12 weeks. Life is such a miracle.

Guiri and her boyfriend Bowie had their first sleepover at our place. Love bugs.

The tastiest deep-fried catfish at Phuong Trang with Jan and Gary.

Monday Night Football at Sycamore Den.

Minding our own business at the dog park when rain and 70 mph winds flashed through. Wild.

Bump update: 17 weeks

So this summer was tough. I felt like I had a 2-month hangover, and while I was just teaching one summer school class, I struggled. On a scale of 1 - Kate Middleton, I'd say my morning sickness was a 7. The blog, and pretty much everything else, fell by the wayside. I was so zoned out, headachy, nauseated, and constantly fatigued. It's true: the first trimester is just as miserable as everyone says it is. But, at about 13 weeks, I started to feel like my old self again, and it's also true: the second trimester is a magical time. I'm feeling better than ever! Because this site is sort of my personal time capsule, I thought it would be fun to keep track of my pregnancy, documenting my shifting feelings and rapidly changing shape here. I'll pop in with bump updates sporadically.

{17 weeks}

17 weeks

The baby is the size of:
An onion

I'm feeling:
Completely energized!  I feel so positive about life and really alive, if that makes sense. I haven't had a bad day in weeks.

Food cravings:
Bread, potatoes, beef, fish, Chinese and Mexican food. All savory. All the time. It's really put a damper on my baking.

Food aversions:
Eggs. Do not put them near me. Weird, because I was such an ovatarian previously.

The best thing about this week:
The baby can now hear, so we've been singing a lot and listening to happy music around our house. Flavio speaks Spanish to my belly at night, quietly whispering sweet nothings to the baby. It's so tender - makes me tear up every time.

The worst thing about this week:
Depending on what I'm wearing, I'm still at that awkward stage where people glance at my belly, and wonder if I've just had a really great summer with a lot of food and beer, or if I'm pregnant. I can't wait to have a full-on bump to stop the questioning stares.

Interesting turn of events:
Guiri seems to sense the pregnancy. She stares at me with her head cocked, looking confused. It's hilarious. Someone told us dogs can smell and hear the changes? She's also overly protective of me at the dog park, chasing off any other dogs that come near. Sweet girl.

Best reaction to our pregnancy:
Besides Flavio, my parents! They were shocked and elated, and shocked! I wish we'd gotten their reaction on film. We gifted them this little clock and they didn't quite know what to make of it at first, but after it set in, there was cheering and hugs and tissue-paper flying, and pure joy. One of my all-time favorite life moments, and so glad we got to tell them at their 50th. 

Currently living in:
Lots of loose dresses and skirts that still fit and my beloved pair of H&M maternity jeans (see photo above) which are the comfiest pants ever. 

Really looking forward to:
Fall! My favorite.

Daydreaming about:
Whether this is a boy or a girl. We're not going to find out the sex, but I can't help but wonder.. My intuition says boy. We'll see in 5 short months.

Three Plus One

We have some very happy news...

...we're expecting our first baby this February!

We are over the moon, and I've been dying to write about it on the blog, but we wanted to make sure we told all of our family members before putting it on social media. So, now that the cat's out of the bag, I can't wait to post about this exciting time here. So much to look forward to! xo