Thursday, December 17, 2009

Last Weekend

We had our first party in our house, and it was great. We had yummy food, music, movies, and family and friends. Not everyone we expected came, but we had a blast with those that did. I was so tired by 1030. We didn't do anything on Sunday b/c we did so much that Saturday.
I want to be able to do as much as I did preprego, but it's just not possible.
In the morning, we cleaned and cooked. I cooked half the food and my mom cooked the other half at her house. Then, entertaining is tiring too; which you don't realize until you can't walk anymore. My mom helped pick up some things before she left, and Marcus washed dishes the next day. I slept on the couch most of the day and ate when I was hungry.
A first for me was something that happened to me late in the day. Marcus and I were playing Scrabble, and I guess because I did not wear a bra all day, my shirt was wet. I totally freaked out when Marcus asked what I had on my shirt. Even though I had been expecting it I still was surprised and a little embarrassed. I know Marcus doesn't care and he was probably expecting it too, but I still get a little red in the face. Actually, I was worried b/c I hadn't had any leaking. Nothing has happened since then, but I'll be buying some pads this weekend just in case.

My Weekday

It's getting tougher.
It starts with getting out of bed. I have to push myself up and sit for a little while before stepping onto the floor with out feeling the baby move sharply. Looking at my awful stretch marks gets me upset too. Then getting socks on depends on the day and how baby is sitting. Sometimes I need Marcus to help me and sometimes I can do it myself with a little bit of a struggle. It continues when I'm driving to work; I think baby feels that he doesn't have enough space so he will push against my ribs through out the drive, and it's even worse on my way back home. While at work I get so so sleepy around 1030; I can barely manage to keep my eyes open. Afterward it feels like the day drags on until it's finally time to go home.
The part that's not hard is getting home and seeing Marcus. We watch some tv together and cook together. I wish the evening wouldn't end so early, but I am exhausted by 930.
I think being 6 weeks away from my due date is getting to Marcus even though he won't admit it. I got up at 3am to use the restroom, which is somewhat normal, and he got up all of sudden an said, "are you ok?" He sounded like he was freaked out a little; he said that I sounded like I was in pain, but I'm pretty sure I just exhaled a little loud.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Time flies

Time flies when a baby is growing in you.
Tonight I'm redecorating the Christmas tree...long story. We also went grocery shopping for our first house party, Saturday. I'm so excited! We're going to have a full house, and it'll be the first time a lot of our family will see our house. Marcus has the colorful lights hanging outside, I have the mantel decorated and getting the tree decorated. All that's left are the poinsettias, the drinks, the music and the people. I wounder how baby will feel hearing all the sounds?
I've had both my baby showers and we got some great things. Of course, everyone bought clothes so I think he has enough for every day of the first year. Now I just have to send the Thank yous. I think the noise soothes him b/c at both showers he did not move the way he usually does. He's really calm, and usually on my bladder.
Christmas is coming up, and we still haven't bought all the gifts. We have New Year to think about, which we still don't have plans for. Marcus will be leaving for China shortly after, and he'll be here 10 days later waiting for the little one. ALL OF THIS IN SEVEN WEEKS.
How did we get here? Who knew we'd be in this position? Just over a year ago we were getting married. Nine months ago we bought a house and a car. Wow, how far we've gotten! Please hand me a clock to turn back.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Two months left

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving has passed, Christmas is coming and a short month after is when we'll be awaiting the arrival of a whole new little person.
I went to CO for Thanksgiving, which was a long overdue break I really needed. It didn't snow and we didn't go up the mountains, but I still had a good time. The turkey was fab, the clam chowder was delish, and the Chinese and wings takeout was tasty.
I think Nicholas had a great time too b/c he would not stop moving. Now it has gotten to the point where it really hurts. He's constantly kicking, punching, and moving now. Sometimes I just want to cry b/c it's painful, and he moves so awkwardly that he just wants to make me pee. Does he use my bladder as a pillow? YES! What is funny, and at the same time not so much, is when he has the hiccups. I really didn't know what it would feel like, but it's funny when you start feeling a slow pulsing in your va-jay-jay. Oh the joy! I can't wait until he's out.
Next week is out Christmas party, so I've started to decorate all while getting the baby's room ready. Yes, we've made progress; no, I haven't taken pictures. We have the crib, glider, and dresser. I have to give thanks to a great husband who has done most of the work in the room than I have. We also got a ton of fabulous things at the baby shower that I need to organize and put in the room.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

I'm Uuuuupp!

It's just past 5 in the morning, and I am wide awake. This has been happening for the past 2 or 3 weeks. Oy! It would be great if I wasn't so exhausted by 2 in the afternoon when I feel like my forehead will hit the desk. It's ok though.
I have so many things on my mind. It's crazy that the holidays are coming up so quick. Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and we all know how fast Christmas comes after that. But for us it won't end at New Years; we'll still be on the fast track to having little Nicholas. It's only 2 months away.
Marcus and I have started taking birthing classes...kind of. So we did sign up for classes, but then our schedule got messed up and now we are watching an instructional video. It's actually really interesting and informative. I like doing this at home with Marcus, and from what I've heard from others, it's most-likely better than if we had gone.
Also, we finally started on the nursery. Actually, Marcus did... by cleaning it out and painting it last week. I'm loving it so far. We decided to use our old dresser, and I ordered the glider last week.
It matches the dresser; we decided it was a lot easier to match that than the crib.
I know, lots in 1 post. I'll stop now.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

What they don't tell you about being prego

I am in my 3rd trimester, and with my belly/baby getting large my body has drastically changed. Most don't share, maybe b/c it's too embarrassing, but I don't care.
Everyone knows that it's tougher to bend down and tie your shoes, but it also blocks the view of certain body parts. Does it look the same? I don't know; I can't see. Every one always talks about getting gassy, but goodness gracious, it's ridiculous. Gas and/or heartburn all the time is not fun. Sometimes I just hope none of my coworkers come by my cube. I know most women talk about constipation, but thank goodness I don't have that problem. In fact, it's beginning to look like I'm going more often instead of less. Still not sure what's worse.
Something else that is expected is how tired you get. There is so much I want to do, and before I would be able to go go go from start to finish. Now, I can start but never finish. Sometimes I feel bad b/c I'll start cleaning or cooking and I have to ask Marcus to finish because I get so tired.
Even going to the grocery store has become difficult. Braxton Hicks contractions are no joke. Yesterday, I had one once we got in line to pay for the groceries, but it stopped once I got home, got water, and put my feet up. That drive was not fun, your abdomen gets really tight (similar to cramping), and baby doesn't make it any better (he moves to a spot that feels better for him, but worse for me).
Another thing is my sleep pattern. I am so tired when I get home after work, so I am happy falling asleep at 8 or 830, but my eyes are wide open at 5 am or sometime before. Then I'm sleepy again before I even leave work.
Lastly, is the baby moving, kicking, and punching. It's great sometimes, but when your trying to work or even just relax it is not fun. Nicholas is constantly moving now, which is great b/c he responds to us talking or touching him. He just kicks all the time now which is ridiculous and I have to admit, sometime annoying. Gosh, I can't wait until he's out. I'd rather see him kicking and screaming than him do this to my bladder, stomach, and ribs.
Of course there are happier times, but everyone talks about those. I'll talk about that next time, and you can be sure the list is way longer.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween

This is our first Halloween in this neighborhood, and we had a ton of kids come by. It was awesome. Seeing all the different ages got me thinking of our little one dressing up for Halloween in the future. I can't wait. A mommy took pictures of her little butterfly coming up to our door to say, " Trick or treat!" Sooooo cute! Also a family was recording their boy getting candy too. It was cute b/c the whole family was dressed up.
I'm sure I will be thinking of things like this throughout the holidays too. Next year will be baby's first Christmas. That will be soooo special! This year does not count.
I'm sure we'll be using our recorder a ton next year.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Crying Over Coffee

I know, it's been a long while. That's because there's been a whole lot of nothing. Everything has been good, but I think I got to that point where you get used to being pregnant, and you live your life as before...just with a baby kicking like crazy in your belly.
So, today it all finally hit me. I think I'm so overwhelmed, happy, anxious, and every other emotion you can think of. This morning I went to Starbucks and realized I didn't have my debit card, so I couldn't get a yummy pumpkin spice latte. I got to the car and just broke down. I began to cry.
I'm sure every woman goes through this in some kind of way while pregnant, and today was my day. All of these questions started running through my brain. Am I being a good wife b/c I don't do as much as I used to? Am I pulling my weight at work? The baby is coming in 3 months; of the million things I still need to do, what can I do today? What is baby thinking right now? I'm also thinking, I'm exited that I have some one that loves me as much as Marcus does, and I can't wait for our little one to come. I'm sure there are a million other things I can think of, but asking myself, "where is my debit card?" was the last straw.
I emailed Marcus to tell him what happened. I'm so glad I have him b/c he asked, "what can I do?" and "are you ok?" I'm sure we'll talk about it more when he gets home, and I'm sure I will cry more.
One day I'm thinking how lucky am I to get where I am now. What more can I ask for but live on and continue with my goals in life, love, career, etc. The next day it's the complete opposite and I just fall apart. Is this me? Is it the pregnancy? I think I'm at a point where I need to reevaluate my goals and future.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Getting into an Exercise Routine

I went to the doctor today, and everything is good for the most part. I'm 24 weeks and have gained 12 lbs, which is good. I am starting to feel more back pain and hip pain; so, I will start exercising more often beginning today. Also, I wanna make sure my muscles are strong enough for the BIG push.
Today I did my 10 minute Pilates video. It has 5 different segments (ea 10 min), but I only did 1 today. OMG! It was pretty intense. I was really surprised that 10 min made me sweat so much. I was also surprised b/c usually pilates is a lot of floor exercises, but not this one. Try doing 100s standing and with weights. I was standing for the entire time, and it worked the tummy, pelvic area, back, arms, and legs. So, I guess everything. I can't wait to try a different 10 min tomorrow; if not, I'll just do the yoga that I've been doing.
Right now it's a lot easier for me to exercise b/c Marcus isn't home. Yes, he's in China again, but when he's home I like spending time together so I had been putting off my videos. He'll be gone 'til the 16th, so it'll be enough time for me to get into a routine; then, when he comes back home I won't break it.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

22 weeks and counting

I had to wear my U of H shirt, just because yesterday was a great day for them. They brought home a "W" against Texas Tech.
I am definitely getting larger, as you can see. Belly and hips. Can my hips get any wider? I started my prenatal yoga, but haven't been doing it as often as I should; especially since my left hip has really been hurting. Something else that has been kicking in, is the back pain. I don't really feel it until I've been sitting for a while and finally stand up. At work, I'll start walking around to alleviate some of the pain. None of the pain has been ruling my days, but I'm sure it will get worse.
I'm not ready to go to work tomorrow; I guess that's life. I need to win the lotto!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Deciding on Things We'll Need

This past weekend we went to Babies r Us (BRU) to see what stuff looks like, and to get an idea of things we'll need. we have definite decided that BRU is too price. I priced some things that are also sold in Sears and Wal-Mart, and these stores are much cheaper than BRU for the same or very similar items.
I'm glad we looked at the strollers b/c now we've decided to get the travel system which is the stroller with the toddler car seat and car seat base. We would just need to have an extra base for Marcus' car.
Let me know what you think.
There is also a pack n' play that happens to match this. It's like a play pen, bassinet, changing table, and vibrating chair all in one. We can take it everywhere including the grandparents' homes. Also, we decided that the baby was going to sleep in his own room in his own bed, but if we change our minds in the beginning we can use it in our room instead of buying another bassinet.
There is also a matching high chair, but how early do you really need to buy that? We'll probably get it later or just get a cheaper one that attaches to the dining table.
For now, this is all we've decided on. I think we'll do more this weekend. I'll probably end up making a registry while Marcus is being sucked into all that football (rolling eyes). We'll see.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

A whole lot of nothing

This week has been slow. We painted the office gray. I thought it was going to look blah, but it looks reall good with the furniture which is dark brown. Now we just need to organize all the papers and books we have in boxes.
I have become obsessed with thebump.com. I'm really into the forums; everyone on there talks about being prego and things there going through. I'm on there in the morning, during lunch, and before I go to bed. They do have other things like a name database, q & a on different prego issues, and ideas for the nursery. I look at that every once in a while, but I really like to here what the other prego ladies have to say. It's good; I can obsess about pregnancy with other pregnant women instead of boring others. I'm sure not everyone wants to talk baby all the time with me.
The baby has been moving a lot more, especially yesterday afternoon and all day today. Gosh; it was so distracting at work, I could barely get anything done. Plus today was such a slow day, it was easy for me to notice when he was kicking. When he's moving it feels like my stomach is grumbling, but not really b/c I know I'm not hungry. May it feels more like butterflies in my stomach. I don't know.
What has gotten worse is my emotions. I get really angry and short more often now. I tear up for cute things, and of course, I tear up with sad news or stories. I also get mad with little things like not being able to get comfy or commuting to work, as if I've never spent an hour in traffic before. Just being bothered bothers me. I even started tearing up when Marcus said he didn't feel well yesterday.
Yes, Marcus is sick. I think he has a head cold, he sounds really congested. He's cute; all he's worried about is trying not to get me sick. I told him since we live together it's inevitable. It's not that I don't care about being sick, but if I get sick, I get sick.
The weekend is coming what can we do?

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Pictures at 20 weeks

Here I am. Another 2 weeks have gone by.




20 Week Appointment

So everyone has been asking, "Do you know the sex of the baby?" It was beginning to get annoying because it's been to early for the doctor to tell. Now we can proudly say, "IT'S A BOY!" We're so excited.
Today's appointment went well. I got a flu shot, which I was not expecting. My AFP blood work results, which tests for birth defects, was good. We got to see his heart beat which was beautiful; it was pumping like crazy.
Below are some pictures of our cute baby boy. He was being a bit stubborn with the picture taking.

Does baby look like mommy or daddy? He was drinking fluid while taking pictures, so we got to see him open and close his mouth.

Here's baby's first footprint
Not sure if baby has long arms like dad or short arms like mom.


Monday, August 31, 2009

Many Beginnings

Thursday was the beginning of the moving and kicking. I finally felt baby move. Now I can feel baby when I'm really still and paying attention. It feels like butterflies for now. Kind of weird.
Today was the beginning of prenatal yoga. I bought a yoga and pilates video last week, and I started the yoga video today. It was great. I need to work up to doing the entire 50 minutes, but you can feel the stretch and the openness. It's supposed to be about getting ready for birth and stretching muscles and controlled breathing, but I couldn't help laughing when we started doing Kegel exercises (that's exercises for down there). It's supposed to keep down there strong, but it's so funny.
Before I got pregnant, I was going to hot yoga, which was fantastic, and since I was flexible I was able to focus on deeper poses. Being pregnant is a whole different story. It feels like I've never stretched a muscle in my life. It's a challenge to stretch and control my breathing now. I love it.
Today was also the beginning of waking up a few minutes earlier for work. In my first trimester it was a struggle to wake up at 630 to get to work at 830. Now, because the kiddies are back in school and traffic is awful I need to wake up a little earlier. I woke up at 545 this morning, which is now really easy for me. I've actually been waking up at 5; I just don't want to get out of bed. Books and blogs say you have more energy in your second trimester, and it's true. I liking it. I just need to find enough things to do so I'm tired by bed time.
On another note, I went shopping for shoes today, and found the most comfortable shoes ever. They are Liz Claiborne, slip in, square toe, with a small 1/2 in heel. They're like butta. I think I'll be wearing these til I give birth. More shopping to be done tomorrow too. We're finally getting furniture in the house. It's living room and master bedroom for now, but once we find out (next Tuesday) whether we're having a girl or boy we'll be getting baby furniture. I have some things picked out for budgeting purposes.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009


It's been 2 weeks since my last pictures. Tell me; any changes? I think I'm doing good. I'm at 18 weeks and have gained 6 pounds. Not bad!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Decor

I've been thinking a ton about how to decorate the baby's nursery. Even though we don't know the sex of the baby yet, we're not going to either extreme. The room will be jungle themed and so cute. At the end of the month, Marcus and I will get paint for the room, and I will begin drawing ideas for the mural my mom will help me paint.
So, for sure I want to draw a giraffe and an elephant. What other animal(s) would be easy to draw? A tree would look good too.
I've seen a lot of decor and linen with cute animal prints. I'm excited!!!
Another thing we definitely need is a ceiling fan b/c we gotta have one. And, I know we won't need it right now, but will we need a humidifier or dehumidifier? I guess a dehummidifier makes sense since Houston is already hummid.
I'll have pictures once we start.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Good, the Bad, the Food

I love being pregnant. I can eat anything. Yes, I'm eating fruits and veggies, but now I don't feel guilty eating ice cream or hot wings and fries when I have a craving for it. Also, my mom and I found some Salvadorian cheese at a meat market, and I bought it b/c I really like eating cheese. I never imagined that it would be so amazingly delicious. It's like I was eating it for the first time. I told my mom to take half home b/c it was a lot, but I'm glad she forgot. Yummo!
Something that comes with all the good cravings is the disgust of some foods. I usually love corn. Plain, salt and pepper, hot sauce... I'd eat it. Now, I can take one bite and I'm done. Appetite is gone. Does this mean Baby won't like corn?
Another is leftovers. Marcus and I were really good about have leftovers from the night before for lunch. Now, not so much; a lot of the times the smell gets to me, and I'll just go and get Subway, Pei wei, or Chipotle. Yes, it gets pricey, but what else am I gonna do at the moment. Baby's hungry! And, I'm getting better at making food that I can eat the next day.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Maternity Leave

My boss will be on maternity leave in a couple of weeks which is forcing me to think about it early. I'm not sure what to do, what is enough time, and what terms to set. She is very flexible, and she's already said that I need to put family first.
I know I roughly have around 30 sick days accumulated, and since it'll be the beginning of the year, I'll have 10 vacation days. That's about 8 weeks; is that enough time?
And what about once that time is up? Unfortunately, my workplace doesn't pay for anything beyond sick and vacation time. So, will we be able to afford my being out for a few more weeks? If I go back part time, should I go back for 2 or 3 days a week, go back for half days or go back full time....what? Ahhhh! So many things to think about, and we have 5 months to set it and save up for it.
When I go back, will we be able to afford a nanny, or will we have to stick my child in daycare?
But, it's not only about me, Marcus will be checking at his job to see what their policy is. This baby's his too.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Doctor's appointment today

Our appointment went well today. I've gain 3 pounds in a month; which is really good. We heard the heart beat again, and this time it was more pronounced than last month. The heart beat was between 140 and 150 beats per minute. The doc said that next month we'll find out if it's a girl or boy. We're so excited.
You never really now how your body will change with pregnancy. No one's pregnancy stories can prepare you for what your own body will experience. Now I'm even more hungry than usual. I'll drink milk before I go to bed and I'll wake up at 2 am for a snack. I'll eat cereal or a slice of bread with peanut butter. It's a different kind of hunger when pregnant. It's so hard to ignore and just fall asleep. I'm not as sleepy as I was in my first trimester; I just need to make sure I go to sleep at 10ish to last the entire next day.
Oh, Marcus is starting to talk to the baby too. He'll rub my tummy and say "hello" or "This is your dad talking." It's cute. I never thought that he would start interacting with Baby so soon. I figured that dads don't really have the same connection that moms do b/c they don't go through the same that moms do. I love it.
I have finally taken pictures to see what I look like now. I think I just look fatter instead of prego. It's ok. I know what's in my body.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

OMG Clothes

So, my clothes, especially pants, are getting tighter. I was able to just put a rubber band around the buttons of my pants, but now I can barely zip up. Today I was able to wear a skirt I had in the back of my closet that is stretch, and I actually got complements. I've been thinking about what I'm going to wear tomorrow because I don't have anything that fits for my bottom half. Ugh!
I know, I just need to buy clothes, but it's hard to just buy clothes that I'll only wear for a few months. I don't like wearing skirts or dresses, but I think that's where the better investment is. Either way, I'll be going to the store this weekend. Just let me get through 2 more days, baby.
even though I feel crappy, Marcus makes all the difference. He constantly tells me how great I look. Today he told me how beautiful I looked, and that I'm looking better everyday. Of course, I started crying.
This evening my stomach feels funny. Is it gas or the baby's movements?

Saturday, August 1, 2009

More food, please!

I am always hungry. I thought being nauseous was bad, but being hungry all the time is worse. I know to eat 300 more calories, but when you're working for eight hrs and driving 2 hrs everyday, how do you do it? The other part that makes it bad is the fact that leftovers make me loose my appetite. So what can I premake that won't make me gag? On the upside, I'm able to eat meat again; yay!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Marcus comes home

Marcus is coming home tomorrow, and I am so relieved. After the past 2 weeks I've learned that he balances me out. I like cooking but don't like doing the dishes, and with out him I did neither. Before he left I was doing well eating healthier for the baby, but I've been eating crap for dinner 3 of the 7 days of the week. He also keeps me somewhat in line with the excercising; I need to start walking, so we'll definitely keep up with that. It's also weird reading about the growth of Baby, and not having time to share it with him.
By the way, Baby's the size of a lemon; 3.4 inches.
On another note, last Thursday I went to my doctor's visit with my mom and we heard Baby's heartbeat. Awesome! Baby kept moving around, so it was a tad hard for doc to find Baby. I still can't believe I'm prego. My belly is starting to get bigger, but I think I'm the only one noticing it. We'll see what Marc says when he sees me tomorrow. I wounder how big I'll get? I guess we'll see in 6 more months.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

First baby's picture

Baby Haynes at 8 weeks

The beginning

Marcus and I are having a baby! We weren't expecting it, and it definitely wasn't planned, but here we are. God must know that we're ready because I'm still worried. How is it that we get married, buy a house, and get pregnant with in 6 months?
We don't have any money saved, and we're just finding out what bills are like with a great new home. I know Marcus is worried and so am I, but some how having a baby in my belly overpowers any worries. I know we'll have to face reality and try and figure out how we plan to pay for everything. Probably, as soon as Marcus gets back from China. We have six months, and it's gonna take way more than planning for a wedding. Ahhhh, not again!
On the other hand, we'll have a little piece of our love keeping us up at night. I'm so excited. I never thought the day would come when I would be a mommy. Well, at least not this soon.