tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70233503676052358972024-03-12T22:50:28.615-06:00Their Bun, in My Oven. My Surrogacy Journey!My Surrogacy Journey! I'm a happily married, (busy) mother of 6! I've been blessed to be chosen by some dear friends to help them in their Journey to have a family. I have to say that I've always knew deep down that I would have this amazing opportunity brought into my life. I feel so blessed, overwhelmed, excited & scared all at the same time! Feel free to follow me through my Journey!Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-25243346399923733452014-02-07T17:06:00.003-07:002014-02-07T17:06:31.269-07:00~Part 2~I decided I didn't want to have the second half of my delivery sharing the beautiful part of my delivery! :) <br />
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As I laid there, holding Nick's hand, wiping my tears out of my eyes and enjoying and savoring the beautiful moments I was witnessing right before my eyes, little did I know my Dr. and the nursing staff were starting to get very nervous. <br />
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So, here is where it gets a little tricky for me. From this point on I
only remember bits and pieces. A few minutes after I delivered him my
Dr. tried to deliver the placenta. Unfortunately, it would not come out.
He tried a few times and nothing. He tried to go in manually to remove
it and I thought I was going to die! I told Nick, "I remember hearing this
blood curdling cry and scream and thought who in the world is that!? And
then realized it was me.." It was like an out of body experience, I
never want to experience again.. My Dr. decided it would be a great idea
to lay on top of my stomach and push with all his might to try to
detach my placenta! If I had the strength I probably would've hit him..<br />
<br />
Nick, knew things were not looking too good and decided that it would be best if B & C and their family could step out of the room. They were given a room down the hall to spend time enjoying their new edition. <br />
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My Dr. told us he'd give it some time and see if my placenta detaches by itself, but
it wouldn't. He tried repeatedly to push, massage and manually remove my
placenta but it was not coming out. I was in so much pain, I could feel
everything he was doling. I remember crying from all the pain. My nurse
Melanie stopped him firmly and requested they called the
anesthesiologist to come and give me some pain meds.
I vaguely remember him giving me an IV of something and I was in and
out of consciousness. I remember tons of pressure, seeing a lot of
blood, seeing a ton of people in my room & seeing them in a panic..
At one point, I remember opening my eyes and seeing someone with a
bloody towel, wiping up a wall?? My mother in law told me in between
consciousness I looked up at my husband Nick and said, "I'm scared." and
he said, "Everything will be okay love." When I finally came to it was
8:40 p.m. Almost 4 hours after I gave birth to Baby A... What happened?
Where did the time go? I was so lost and confused. By this time the only
people there were Nick, my mom & mother in law. Where did B & C
go and where is the baby? How is he? Someone please tell me what
happened? I remember the nurses telling me I was getting color back and
that the blood was helping?? Huh?<br />
Apparently, I had lost 2.5 liters of blood and at 8 p.m. that evening I received my first out of 3, blood transfusions. <br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>This is what I was told:</b></i></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I had a <b>retained placenta</b>.
A retained placenta is when your placenta actually attaches itself to
your uterine wall. Within five to 30 minutes of delivery, the placenta
usually follows
the same path that that baby just took out of the body. In about one out
of every 100 to 200 deliveries, the placenta is "retained" in the
uterus and doesn't deliver-even after 30 to 45 minutes. A retained
placenta is often accompanied by heavy bleeding. </i></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Manual Removal of the Placenta</i></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If the placenta does not
spontaneously separate from the uterine wall, the placenta must be
removed manually. This may be done in the delivery room or the operating
room. To accomplish manual removal of the placenta, the physician
places a hand inside the uterus and gently separates the placenta from the wall of
the uterus. He will then gently withdraw the placenta from the uterus.
Because manual removal may be uncomfortable, pain medication-narcotics,
spinal or epidural anesthetic, or general anesthetic-may be necessary.
Medications such as Oxytocin (Pitocin) and Methylergonovine (Methergine)
are often given to help the uterus contract and to prevent bleeding
before and/or after removal of the placenta. Antibiotics are often given
to reduce the risk of uterine infection. The uterus is also massaged to
help it contract. In a case of significant blood loss, a blood
transfusion may be performed.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Occasionally, a retained placenta is
difficult to remove, and can only come out in fragments. In this case, a
curette may be used to scrape the inside of the uterus and remove any
retained fragments. This process is necessary in order to prevent
bleeding and infection in the uterus.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Very rarely, the placenta
will not separate, or the adherent fragments cannot be removed
completely. This may indicate placenta accreta-a placenta that has grown
into the uterine wall-a relatively common condition in women who have
had a previous cesarean delivery. Significant bleeding is common, and
often requires an emergency hysterectomy. Blood transfusions are also common in these cases.</i></span><br />
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******************************************************************************<br />
Unfortunately,
I do not know why I had a retained placenta? It's most common if you've
had a c-section, which I haven't? From what my family & what the
hospital staff has told me, I'm lucky to be here. Someone was looking
out for me? My nurse Melanie said she's been a nurse for a very, very
long time and she had never experienced or heard of anything remotely
close to what we just went through..<br />
<br />
My placenta was
removed manually in multiple pieces. I continued to bleed heavily
throughout the whole process. My Dr. had to do a D&C on me to
attempt to remove all the placenta fragments. He then placed a balloon
in my uterus to stop the bleeding, but it just fell out. He decided to
go in a second time to scrape the uterine wall & attempted a second
D&C, he placed a second balloon and it stuck for a moment and after a
few minutes it also fell out. My blood pressure dropped drastically
& they had to give me oxygen.<br />
<br />
At this point, it
became a panic to stop the hemorrhaging. Well, my doctor was stumped
when he couldn't stop the bleeding. He actually sat in the rocking chair
in my room and was puzzled. As my mother in law repeatedly asked what
his plan was he nodded he wasn't sure. My mother in law told him what
about a hysterectomy and he was certain that's what they were leaning
towards... He finally got up and decided he would try one more time to
remove any loose fragments of placenta. After his third attempt of a
D&C he was able to control the bleeding! :)<br />
<br />
When I
finally came to, I had felt like I'd been hit by a bus! I have never
experienced so much pain in my life nor do I ever want to feel like that
again. <br />
<br />
My family said at
different times of the evening they would have to step out of the room
to compose themselves. I had 2 of my nurses tell me they also needed to
step out and say a prayer for me & had to compose themselves. My
mother in law & Mom said they have no idea how Nick remained so calm
and collective? They said he was probably the strongest one in the
room. One nurse told me there was a higher power with him that day. :)
Nick told me, "I never worried. I knew you were going to be okay." When
everyone else thought they were losing me. I am very grateful that he
was as strong as he was! He's amazing!<br />
<br />
That evening of
the delivery was very special to me. Although, I had complications after
I delivered this cute, adorable and beautiful little boy, I had time to
reflect the important things in life. I was so grateful to have my
husband there with me the whole night to comfort me and to love me. He
is my better half, he is my best friend. I couldn't have done this
journey without him by my side 100%. He was there with me from the
moment I made this decision and has continued to walk hand and hand with
me, whether my experience be good or bad. He is my rock! I love you more than you'll ever know Babe! Heavenly Father has certainly blessed my life in so many ways.. <br />
<br />
I also just have to share, I have an amazing mother in law who I (we) couldn't live without! She is
amazing in so many ways. She has been an inspiration to Nick & I
and our kids. She is stronger then she believes she is and she is more
loving than anyone else we know. I couldn't thank her enough for
fighting for me at the hospital, or taking care of our 6 kids for days,
attending Choir performances, Christmas parties, buying groceries to
stock our fridge, deep freeze and pantry, cleaning my house (from top to
bottom), and doing our laundry. She is one person that means so much to
our family, we are certainly blessed!<br />
<br />
Although, I've had a rough few weeks, I still wouldn't change this experience for anything. I've learned how much my husband truly does love me, how much my kids mean to me (even if they can be pains sometimes), how important family is, how much I rely on my friends and church members. It has built my testimony of my faith dramatically! I know prayer plays a huge part in each and every one of our lives. I just want to thank everyone of you for all your support and love. I couldn't have done it without you!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #9DC3E6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;">A</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #9DC3E6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;">lvina ~</span></b></i></span>Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-4930253592347343792014-02-06T14:38:00.004-07:002014-02-07T17:00:44.963-07:00~The Birth of a Miracle~ Part 1So, I've been working on this post for a long time.. I wanted it to
be perfect. But I know that I will edit it many, many times. :)<br />
<br />
The
week before was a stressful one. I was trying to finish up everything
at work and on Thursday the 12th both C & I were overwhelmed with if
we were going to have my membranes stripped or not on Friday the 13th. I
had decided early on I did not want Pitocin because I have a bad
reaction from it. But the more we both thought about it the more we both
got uncomfortable with the idea of stripping my membranes. Just unsure
of the unknown. Will I go quickly right after they're stripped? Will it
even work? What if B & C aren't here? Am I seriously starting to
come down with a cold?? Yep, I started feeling like I was getting sick
and this was the confirmation I needed. So, we decided it would be best
to induce on Monday the 16th.<br />
<br />
Of course, I was a wreck
that whole weekend. Running around getting last minute things done,
laundry, house work, etc. But Sunday night rolled around and I was calm
and relaxed. I was able to spend that evening with Nick. I was able to
ponder on my whole pregnancy, my whole experience, my amazing year that I
had with this miracle and I also thought about how much closer C & I
had gotten. I sat and thought about how much stronger this experience
has made me. And most of all how much I cherish and love my family. How
lucky I am to have each and every one of them in my life.<br />
<br />
At
this point, we weren't exactly sure when we were getting admitted. They
told me it could be as early as 6:30 am, but as late as 6:30 pm &
to keep my phone close by. Well, of course I couldn't sleep I was full
of excitement, nervousness, sadness and happiness! My phone rang at 5 am
asking us to come in at 6:30! Got showered, ready and was out the door!<br />
<br />
I
knew this was going to be an amazing experience for not only Nick &
I, my family, B & C and their family but also for the staff at my
hospital. This was there very first Surrogacy experience! The nurses
were absolutely amazing!! So loving and caring. And they had so much
excitement in every one of them! :) Of course, I got there on time and
got checked in. Immediately got all cute in my gown and climbed into the
bed. I was so mad because I forgot to have Nick take one last belly
pic. :( By the time we got the paperwork and vitals out of the way it
was already 8 am. I had sent Nick home to help get all 6 of my kids get ready & off
to school. B & C were going to join me about 8:30 am.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lets do this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~Nick & I~</td></tr>
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At 8 am they got my IV ready and started Pitocin. The nurse (Melanie) checked me and unfortunately I was still at only a 2!! Seriously, after this rough week I had and those contractions? Still only a 2.. Okay.. so we wait... B & C joined me about 8:30 and I had barely started feeling minor contractions. It felt so good to see them!! I had to work hard to control my emotions. I just wanted to hug C forever!!! We waited so patiently for this day and here we were, awaiting the arrival of this beautiful little boy! Nick came back at 9 and by this time I could feel the contractions pretty good, but not unbearable. My nurse Melanie checked me again about 9:30 a.m. and guess what.. Nothing!! Still only a 2. At this point I knew it was going to be a longer labor than I anticipated. But might as well savor these last moments as a surrogate, right? :) My best friend Linzee also showed up to cheer me on and to take some unforgettable pics for us! Thanks Linz! xoxoxo<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introducing the Amazing & Loving B&C!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~The Whole Team~</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Beautiful, Amazing & Supportive Mother in Law!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melanie, my favorite nurse out there!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was as excited as we were to experience this Miracle!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My doctor finally showed up a little after 10 a.m. and decided to break my water. Wow.. apparently my water was bulging but unfortunately my uterus was really back there? OUCH!! I couldn't believe how much it hurt! I was practically climbing up the back of my bed! As tears rolled down my face Dr. K tells me.. "Well, looks like you are a 3!" A freaken 3?? Seriously.. Okay, Alvina.. You can do this.. Just take a breath and relax.<br />
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Finally at about 12 p.m. I decided I'd had enough.. I opted to get the Epidural! My Anesthesiologist was "amazing!!" I started feeling the Epidural pretty quickly. Woot Woot, what was I thinking.. This should've been done "wayyyyy" long ago! About 2 p.m., my nurse checked me again and thank goodness I'd progressed! Not much, but still progressed! I was now a 4! Honestly... I thought I was going to be here all night!! So I decided to nap! :) At about 3:30 p.m., Melanie checked me again and hooray more progress! I was now a 5 & finally 100% effaced!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYlrSyNYzB3hkp5xNmBRAhWrXKR1e7-qlnIE2VvZkyebc-78PIIBQ0mNvsPLGyXYUTfXX5jPv8dAZAgAK7gVMBKv15Di9mlCkAYVj4xbSS4R6XFD8jxw5zHFr-NI-ZckaSXDfXOuRyDE/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYlrSyNYzB3hkp5xNmBRAhWrXKR1e7-qlnIE2VvZkyebc-78PIIBQ0mNvsPLGyXYUTfXX5jPv8dAZAgAK7gVMBKv15Di9mlCkAYVj4xbSS4R6XFD8jxw5zHFr-NI-ZckaSXDfXOuRyDE/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+022.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patiently awaiting a Miracle </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5sGCW7K2PT9W9fkQQu1qqZwNvXRA4FddOqrjIsCkdSbqQ29qBRjhVbFUq7v2YPUbgNcNEAhc7j2sgZGQp6Re8j8rHcp7_gg14q82cRwBxVgzo4nZuphyphenhyphen7lsHo3kYbPw4JhWIDgpME8w/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5sGCW7K2PT9W9fkQQu1qqZwNvXRA4FddOqrjIsCkdSbqQ29qBRjhVbFUq7v2YPUbgNcNEAhc7j2sgZGQp6Re8j8rHcp7_gg14q82cRwBxVgzo4nZuphyphenhyphen7lsHo3kYbPw4JhWIDgpME8w/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boys being patient</td></tr>
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About an hour later at 4:30 my nurse comes in, and I told her I had pressure.. I was hoping and praying to at least be a 6!! Well, guess what???!!! I was a 9 almost a 10, Melanie paged my Dr. and told him "Do not do that C-Section! She's ready to push!!" o_o The second I heard her say this.. I lost it! Was this really happening? Was what we worked for, for over a year finally here? Were we going to witness the Birth of this beautiful little boy?? Was my journey coming to an end? I immediately started crying and was so overwhelmed with emotions, I could barely control myself. I just squeezed Nick's hand and hugged C and Linz! I wasn't ready for this?? As long as my labor had lasted, I wanted it to last a little bit longer.. Why?? Was I scared of the delivery? Scared my journey would be over? No.. I was scared to find out if I would feel that emptiness everyone around me thinks I may feel... I thought to myself... "Get control of yourself Alvina! You've worked so hard to get here. You should be Proud! Believe in yourself. Know how lucky you are to give such an amazing gift to B & C!" And with that.. I gave it my all and started to push!<br />
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I pushed, and pushed and pushed some more, lots more! And nothing.. "Come on Baby Boy, lets go. I'm finally ready! Your Mommy & Daddy have been waiting for such a long time for you! We want to see that beautiful little face and hear that beautiful little cry!" I took breath after breath, waited for the next contraction and would give it my all again.. I could hear all those amazing nurse's, Linz, my mother in law & Nick cheering me on. I know I was so close, but after 20 minutes of pushing... I was exhausted & weak. I have never pushed so hard in my life! I took one more long deep breath and pushed and with that we witnessed a Miracle..<br />
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C's first reaction to the sight of her baby</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C's face speaks for itself</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She was handed her baby boy!</td></tr>
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<br />
He is beautiful.. He is big! My first intuition was to look at C's
reaction, it was beautiful! It was everything and more then I
anticipated. This is what I worked so hard for and it was worth every
second, if not more! :) Everything was Priceless! Everything was
Perfect! I sat back, held Nick's hand and enjoyed and savored this
moment. It was a very special moment, one I will cherish forever.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Linzee also savoring this moment</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p5y8RGXxgk9uYbmjcL66axvAJJsIhPFmPxNgpgTlNPxP4-7l_Wsykk8qzUDkkJmH7yIJvXE7qOScAOSnrjnxINpWbUaHkmbfsw2XK06_eBQdJkUKuuU-WzbTm4Em36Tyt3XqclLBVwY/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p5y8RGXxgk9uYbmjcL66axvAJJsIhPFmPxNgpgTlNPxP4-7l_Wsykk8qzUDkkJmH7yIJvXE7qOScAOSnrjnxINpWbUaHkmbfsw2XK06_eBQdJkUKuuU-WzbTm4Em36Tyt3XqclLBVwY/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+087.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing him off!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
B & C looked
so proud! C brought him close to me and thanked me! It was a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
very
emotional moment for all those involved.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
He was born at 4:50 p.m. They weighed him and he was a whopping </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
8 lbs. 4 oz. 20 inches long! A very healthy little boy!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud papa moment!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Proud parents, absolutely love this picture!</div>
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The moment I finally got to hold this handsome and precious little gift. I was overwhelmed. He was perfect! He melted my heart and put an instant smile on my face!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNyPJHCKKbNhNnqj6mTTOkywPKY-x80YefNC6eCwLLr49en8r_kaIpeUh4niU8UzgsHoC5NY7PYBBM7eIDJ3Kk3ZUBOrHL43QqiUjcEMHDdFlJN4janFux0f5jqO8dkWOR3CElqZ75QY/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNyPJHCKKbNhNnqj6mTTOkywPKY-x80YefNC6eCwLLr49en8r_kaIpeUh4niU8UzgsHoC5NY7PYBBM7eIDJ3Kk3ZUBOrHL43QqiUjcEMHDdFlJN4janFux0f5jqO8dkWOR3CElqZ75QY/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+082.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmy-LLqyesHpA2SEIM1fS0T7JCfF9T6CmmPBhSHUWgUGuxgNzsIzUx8u7VZ6MJczZcmqhEYhXY94T3X_GcnTB97Ab0S4o1Wc3iK0BkHSFG1XAS_bS6nCkF3Rztc7-x-fjXN7e_voidJY/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmy-LLqyesHpA2SEIM1fS0T7JCfF9T6CmmPBhSHUWgUGuxgNzsIzUx8u7VZ6MJczZcmqhEYhXY94T3X_GcnTB97Ab0S4o1Wc3iK0BkHSFG1XAS_bS6nCkF3Rztc7-x-fjXN7e_voidJY/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+083.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~He's worth it all~</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOHldnp9Gohm2FbJ8TIlYz7gwtPluS-WEb2TFjdJ4ls_yKnpXKVCGzGPkwb800lVIkNF2pM29jGdNTyX-_DogK9S9-mYiWZli11kai-rqxLPHvAC2z61ycIJ9R4DsPN1Kv76iqRiYh_I/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOHldnp9Gohm2FbJ8TIlYz7gwtPluS-WEb2TFjdJ4ls_yKnpXKVCGzGPkwb800lVIkNF2pM29jGdNTyX-_DogK9S9-mYiWZli11kai-rqxLPHvAC2z61ycIJ9R4DsPN1Kv76iqRiYh_I/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+092.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little K meeting her brother for the first time!</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma C (I love her by the way!) meeting baby A for the first time.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87q-tlfkjIYhjx-dDCadUevwcLt1u3HVkwfL24EXnHUZyGKCeyDjCe7Eu53K6-5J6C-2QYPPN9SD7t3wH5GtFVebt116vpn92TreIWVq6FWHd2EOUF2ST3trxrNAO7My8745JxVxDV98/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+099.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87q-tlfkjIYhjx-dDCadUevwcLt1u3HVkwfL24EXnHUZyGKCeyDjCe7Eu53K6-5J6C-2QYPPN9SD7t3wH5GtFVebt116vpn92TreIWVq6FWHd2EOUF2ST3trxrNAO7My8745JxVxDV98/s1600/2010-12-29+001+2010-12-29+099.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1333618020"></span><span id="goog_1333618021"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_hfUgXQL-tBRYc8Jc3kLOO1smvTCCyUOdr3aV2P67Nd1zvcViWULPbqb02JeIq9cVuHB0UxfyFEaul2H_CvCLd8l7HbFLiZYlDcbSU5XR7dyT_qvClM5aRlSDtsrHmvxhSlqYDzkl3k/s1600/cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_hfUgXQL-tBRYc8Jc3kLOO1smvTCCyUOdr3aV2P67Nd1zvcViWULPbqb02JeIq9cVuHB0UxfyFEaul2H_CvCLd8l7HbFLiZYlDcbSU5XR7dyT_qvClM5aRlSDtsrHmvxhSlqYDzkl3k/s1600/cropped.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma C, Thanking me a million times! Such an amazing lady!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I just have to say that he was worth it! His beautiful little face just melts my heart. If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would! This experience has been so amazing. Something I will cherish for the rest of my life! I know there was someone who brought us together at that exact moment in our lives. I am so grateful for this opportunity in my life and I am so grateful to B & C and our families for the support and love they have shown us. I never would've imagined the amount of support from my family, church, friends, co-workers and honestly even strangers. I am so blessed.. This experience has certainly changed my life for the better. It has given me a stronger testimony of my Faith and my beliefs, it has made me a better wife and a better mother. If you ever have this opportunity in your life, take advantage of it.. I promise you it can only change you for the better!<br />
<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 36.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #9DC3E6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;">A</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-no-proof: yes; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #9DC3E6; mso-style-textfill-fill-colortransforms: "lumm=60000 lumo=40000"; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent1; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themetint: 153;">lvina ~</span></b></i></span>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-7195088838176503622013-12-26T12:20:00.003-07:002013-12-26T12:22:35.463-07:00~A little update~I'm so sorry that it's been well over a week and I have not posted or updated all of you amazing readers. Last week was a pretty difficult and hard week for me. I unfortunately had some complications after child birth and was down and I'm actually still taking it easy. Then with Christmas and family they've kept me pretty occupied as well. :)<br />
<br />
I will just let all of you know that "he" is beautiful! Every time I picture him or see his little face, it makes my heart melt.. The "moment" was everything I had ever imagined, if not more. I would not trade this experience for anything in the world!<br />
<br />
He was born on Monday the 16th. Weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long and was just breath taking! I promise I am working on his birth story and will post this pretty soon. Thanks to all of you for your amazing emails and words of inspiration. And for all of you who take the time to read my blog, I really appreciate all of you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQE8Se_7khGn5E0Ip2Usj-PEtYjQwGK6mxo09aJ1ifxkWpFvklSuel6HHq6UhlCY5I1JpSF-iXIQZrhfMnxZnLf6wjSuhRM2ruVO_qGWDVWQFl4aY-1QivoH_dwEjnFKL_Dd6u_8CQic/s1600/The+Birth+of+Asher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQE8Se_7khGn5E0Ip2Usj-PEtYjQwGK6mxo09aJ1ifxkWpFvklSuel6HHq6UhlCY5I1JpSF-iXIQZrhfMnxZnLf6wjSuhRM2ruVO_qGWDVWQFl4aY-1QivoH_dwEjnFKL_Dd6u_8CQic/s400/The+Birth+of+Asher.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">~B & C's little Miracle~</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-23532754144410006612013-12-16T06:00:00.000-07:002014-01-07T11:11:01.009-07:00~My Letter to Baby S~ <span style="font-family: 'Segoe Print';">December 16th, 2013</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
I do not know how to start this letter.. Before even starting this letter I am sitting here overwhelmed with tears of joy. It has been longer then a year that I first found out that you were just a little bit of hope in your Mommy & Daddy's hearts. That they were praying for you to join their beautiful little family. Not everyone has such an amazing story of how they came into this world, thought of, planned, wished for, prayed for, and tears were shed for. You were this little glimpse of hope in their eyes. Your Mommy & Daddy knew that with a little prayer and faith they would soon be able to hold you in their arms.<br />
<br />
I cannot even begin to express the emotions that ran through my body and my heart the moment I heard that your Mommy & Daddy were looking for someone to help them bring you into this world. I prayed, I cried, I fasted, I prayed some more and I knew that there was a reason that your Daddy called his friend Nick, my husband that day. There's a reason I could not get your Mommy and all her trials out of my mind that day. The reason I felt to go to the Temple to listen clearly to my heart and to receive guidance from Our Heavenly Father above. It was you, you were guiding me, he was guiding me, my heart was guiding me. I have never, been more sure in my life as I was at that exact moment in time. And with a small text to your Mommy, "I hear you have an amazing service project for me??? :)" The "Miracle" began.<br />
<br />
I still remember the day that we went for the transfer. I had this amazing and overwhelming feeling that your Mommy & Daddy were soon going to get their wish. Their Miracle that they've been hoping and praying for, for so long. Everything went smoothly and I have never been more careful in my life to take some down time to let you get all snugly in there. A couple of weeks later we found out that it had worked! You were making a home in my tummy to get strong and to come to this earth to be with your family.<br />
<br />
I remember the medicine, the sickness, the weakness, the exhaustion. I remember the very first time I felt you move.. I had to immediately text your Mommy and share it with her! Although, this saddened me.. I knew that she would love to hear that you were getting stronger and healthier. :) I wished everyday that it was her that was experiencing all these amazing things with you. But I knew that she would soon be able to look into your eyes, hold you, feel you and smell that beautiful scent of yours and she will know the Journey you took to be here with her. With them..<br />
<br />
I remember the look on your Mommy & Daddy's face when the ultrasound tech said, "It's a Boy!" The shock, the disbelief. It was so cute. They almost looked a little scared, but were up for the challenge of boy names, boy clothes and boy colors! Oh.. and that sweet big sister of yours. You are going to look up to her in so many ways. She will pick on you, make you cry, tease you, but love you, teach you, guide you and you two will grow up to be the best of friends.<br />
<br />
I have kept a weekly tab on your growth week by week. My belly of course, it amazes me how much bigger, stronger and hungrier you have gotten these last 8 weeks. I'm sure you can hear all the commotion that is going on outside your little incubator. Well, those are all my kids.. All 6 of them! They talk to you, sing to you, rub you, feel your little kicks and most of all, they pray for you. My whole family, my friends and my church members have fallen in love with this little miracle baby that will be soon making his debut. They want you to know that you have touched each and every one of them. You have inspired them, you have given them hope, faith and belief. The timing could not be more meaningful this time of year with the birth of our Savior. There is something so special bringing you into this world right around the time Mary brought him into this world and gave him a body. You are a blessing, a miracle!<br />
<br />
I wish for you to always stay true to Our Heavenly Father, to your faith. Your faith will guide you and lead you. It will give you opportunities you wouldn't believe. I pray you will have a strong testimony and that one day you will grow up and share that testimony with so many people around you. Know that your parents love you dearly, they wished for you, prayed for you. You may not always think they are right or you may think that they are hard on you one day, but they love you so much and they only want what's best for you. They are both such amazing and loving people, cherish them. As they will cherish and adore you.<br />
<br />
As I sit here at the close of this letter I cannot help but be full of joy, love, hope, inspiration and even heartache. I have loved you from the first day I knew you existed. I have treated you as if you were one of my own. I have wanted the best care for you from day one. And I continue to want the best for you. The time has come for me to watch this "Miracle" take place. That moment I hand you over to your Mommy & Daddy who have waited so patiently for you! They are so excited to see you and meet you! I pray I will be able to watch you grow and know how much I loved you and will always love you. You have this special little place in my heart and always will. Thank you for choosing me, thank you for making my testimony even stronger than I could imagine, thank you for allowing my kids to see the good in people, the miracle that our bodies can do and most of all.. Thank you for always keeping my heart full and for making me cherish life, my kids, my marriage and my faith.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Love Always,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Alvina~</span></div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-63299676280856205752013-12-15T20:11:00.002-07:002013-12-15T20:11:44.764-07:00~39 Weeks~Well, here we are very very pregnant at 39 weeks. :) I honestly was thinking that the weekly post might stop at 38 weeks, but I guess he's enjoying it in there way too much. Where we live, it's desert weather and we just experienced a huge snow storm and temps well below average around here!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSVMJ3A3BJ8fC2boZSOVWLBli_7zWIAJ4zcIvAcpqDuW1BNRPQynTI2BqEliJjdVTENVtyfGHIbwOK-42j6rx1tMd7g1bro0W4fwrQE_So3uZU9YDSCXEiF2hO60gGBwYskaZLqLbJwU/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSVMJ3A3BJ8fC2boZSOVWLBli_7zWIAJ4zcIvAcpqDuW1BNRPQynTI2BqEliJjdVTENVtyfGHIbwOK-42j6rx1tMd7g1bro0W4fwrQE_So3uZU9YDSCXEiF2hO60gGBwYskaZLqLbJwU/s320/photo.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
I am beginning to think that this little boy is very, very smart! I wouldn't want to come out in this weather either! LOL <br />
<br />
We had our weekly appointment on Wednesday and it looks like there has been absolutely no change in progress. :( I am still only a 2 and 80% thinned out, well I guess that is 5% more effaced then last week. I have contemplated all week whether or not to get my membranes stripped. But have finally come to the conclusion that I will just use the Pitocin for induction. Although I would've given anything to have allowed my body to go natural with a little bit of help from my Doctor instead of going straight to Pitocin. Which I absolutely despise.. But I decided it would just be the best route for all of us.<br />
<br />
So, it looks like we are going to get induced on Monday the 16th! We are still waiting on a time. I have so many feelings that are running through my head. So many emotions.. I will keep everyone updated as soon as I can. Wish us luck! I cannot believe we are finally going to meet this Miracle Boy!<br />
<br />
*Unfortunately, I haven't downloaded a pic for 39 weeks but I will post as soon as I can!*<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight:</b></i> 25 lbs!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings:</b></i> No real cravings anymore.. I eat whatever is cooked by me by my amazing husband! :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms: </b></i>Ditto from last week! :) This week I have a ton of butt pressure though, more then usual. My feet and hands are still swelling pretty good. Tons of bathroom breaks. He has dropped a ton so now I feel his every move right on my bladder.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/73FC877C0B954257B6E4D760E9D6BB8C.ashx" /> <br />
<br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #76a5af;">Their baby's the size of a watermelon! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Baby keeps growing, despite being so crowded in there. He probably
weighs around 7 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.9 inches. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708844.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="265" /><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby at 39 weeks!</b></span></span> <br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's probably able to flex his limbs now. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">His brain is still rapidly developing -- he's getting smarter by the week!</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">His nails may extend past his fingertips. </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-20862929548222912092013-12-06T11:27:00.000-07:002013-12-06T11:27:03.169-07:00~38 Weeks~38 Weeks and we are still going strong.. All along I kept having this intuition that we would go early so we'll see. I think a lot of it was because up until 3 weeks ago he was always sizing 2-3 weeks larger then he should've been. But now it looks like he is slowing down his growth spurt.<br />
<br />
He seems to be doing great! Moving around as much as possible but still tending to sleep a lot better then he was last month. I could feel him really down low and wonder how he hasn't broken my water with as active and aggressive as he is?! It's amazing how he can push and stretch so much in there. Most days I have to grip onto something and take a deep breath!<br />
<br />
As for me.. I keep telling myself that I am doing okay. I feel really great for about 3 hours a day and then I get hit with exhaustion or intense contractions. I am eating about 5 small meals a day with snacks in between and apparently that still isn't enough for this little munchkin! ha-ha! I believe he is going to have a hefty appetite for his Mommy & Daddy! :) My hands and feet are still continuing to swell and some nights I have to wrap my legs with ace bandages just to keep them from cramping. I also noticed that my hands and feet are starting to go numb at odd hours of the day? This has never happened before so it's so strange to me. This week has been really rough on me for sleep. The problem is.. I'm just not getting any! I am averaging about 2.5 hours a night of sleep? I cannot get comfortable, whether it's in my bed, the floor, the couch, a recliner, nothing. :( Lets just say I may or may not have fallen asleep at work!... <br />
<br />
We had our weekly appointment and it looks like I've put on 3 more lbs. Not too bad this far into the pregnancy though. :) Blood pressure is good. Dr. says I am dilated to a 2 and 75% effaced. We are moving along! He looked at my cankles and legs and said the swelling is pretty normal and he's surprised I didn't swell with any of my last pregnancies. Thank goodness! :) He says we are measuring right on, exactly. So, glad cause last week he made me nervous by saying he was measuring a few weeks behind? But things were looking great today. Oh, and it looks like my Group B test is negative so that's good!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain: </b></i>24 lbs!<i><b><br /></b></i><br />
<i><b>Symptoms: </b></i>Back Pain, Leg Cramps, Swollen Feet, Potty Breaks, Hard time sleeping, Pelvic Pressure, Exhaustion, varicose veins :(.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings:</b></i> Ice Chips, Ice Water, Bananas, Apples, Dried Fruit, Carrots, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Bread... I got a strange craving for Rolo's the other night too! I will eat anything I don't have to cook at this time! :)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZIiR3kpBWI5a9I_gbLkH2sK5UGjYqLsQDTUxzS6MeU6qMXrHx_yP2bW035LqDe9xYzvGrJJRmyFbGWmN57QjJHYWBQpZQ9QZD_EelFPhIxdBWt3Dh0_BVG9nl-QzUPiKRdis_jgKeBg/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZIiR3kpBWI5a9I_gbLkH2sK5UGjYqLsQDTUxzS6MeU6qMXrHx_yP2bW035LqDe9xYzvGrJJRmyFbGWmN57QjJHYWBQpZQ9QZD_EelFPhIxdBWt3Dh0_BVG9nl-QzUPiKRdis_jgKeBg/s640/photo(6).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">38 Weeks and counting!</td></tr>
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<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/CA0B9EA2DD4F4E53A50ECCEE7361F2E1.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby's the size of a pumpkin! </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Baby Boy is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 7 to 9.2
pounds. His head is now about the same circumference as his abdomen. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708860.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="265" /><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Their baby at 38 week! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He may have about an inch or so of hair already.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's slowly shedding that white goo on his skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-81537957949014183702013-12-02T13:04:00.001-07:002013-12-02T16:15:15.095-07:00~37 Weeks~We are 37 weeks!!! December is sneaking up on us! I am so excited to "attempt" to get my tree and decorations up. Mostly because I let my kids decorate for Halloween and I have not one item for Fall up in my house. Hopefully I can work on that this weekend!<br />
<br />
As for this little guy he is doing amazing! Very cramped, but still very active. No more kicks and jabs, just a ton of body rolls! He has found a great sleeping pattern, which I am loving. Also, I think I am going to blame my starving issues on him. :) I am hungry all the time. I have to eat at least every 2 hours. I go to sleep eating and I wake up starving! I can tell that he has started moving downwards. I thought I've had a ton of pelvic pressure the last 2 weeks but now I know I was lucky then.. Cause now.. yowzers!<br />
<br />
We had our 37 week appt on Tuesday and C was able to make the trip down. She also brought her father with was the sweetest, most gentlest, loving man. Something about him just gave me warm feelings inside. Maybe it was Baby S? Maybe he sensed his Mommy & Grandpa were near!<br />
<br />
Dr. says baby is looking perfect and I am looking great as well. Nothing to worry about! I only put on 1 lb. this week! Which amazes me cause I thought for sure I would be gaining a ton more right now. Dr. K gave me my Group B test, so lets hope it comes out negative. Also, he checked me and it looks like we are 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced! That's a start! After our weekly appt. we headed over to labor and delivery and met with some amazing ladies in the Labor and Delivery Unit. C & I went over and gave them our Birth Plan. It was so nice to see them so intrigued and interested in what our request were! I have a feeling that we are going to have a great experience with them! They said everything on our plan was do-able. So, that gave us a ton of peace of mind. :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain:</b></i> 21 lbs!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Ice Chips, Water, Bananas, Strawberries, Ice Chips, Dried Fruit, Cottage Cheese, Cashews, Pistachios, Ice Chips, Licorice, pretty much anything and everything I can get my hands on. Oh, and did I mention Ice Chips?!! I just found out that eating ice is a low iron deficiency? Again, I don't know why. This little guy must take every last drop of my Iron from me! :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Fatigue, Exhaustion, Back Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pelvic Pressure, Tail-bone Pressure, Absolutely no sleep (well maybe a total of 3 hours a night), Extreme Potty breaks, Leg Cramps. And I almost took a pic of how swollen my feet and hands were getting this week! I seriously was sporting some serious Shrek feet! Didn't take a pic cause I was pretty embarrassed of them, I almost didn't recognize my own feet! LOL<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi821H_1kqCYAlPiBhHEcvI05zfeqxU4ww9h3IxRQPOgZcAoAWSfsv2JXXJs0lN6iQ9-QPxLYPgp1WPqOEEMpVUMw12YSLoeEGXIAEA7MvjlheuNltTkFG8dsLflZOV6k3W0_yUL6kqwe8/s1600/photo(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi821H_1kqCYAlPiBhHEcvI05zfeqxU4ww9h3IxRQPOgZcAoAWSfsv2JXXJs0lN6iQ9-QPxLYPgp1WPqOEEMpVUMw12YSLoeEGXIAEA7MvjlheuNltTkFG8dsLflZOV6k3W0_yUL6kqwe8/s640/photo(5).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">37 Weeks! Very uncomfortable when this pic was taken, hence the expression on my face! :)</td></tr>
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<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/1E185F2FD5B74ABBA205B173443C908E.ashx" /> <br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Their baby's the size of a winter melon! </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9
inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce
each day. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708843.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="265" /><br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby at 37 weeks!</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-82724050397491191712013-11-22T13:34:00.001-07:002013-11-22T14:51:03.163-07:00~36 Weeks~One more week down! And one more to go until we reach December!! I cannot believe next week is Thanksgiving already, what a crazy and busy month! I knew last week how quickly this week would fly by. :)<br />
<br />
As for this little guy, he seems to be doing excellent! I could now tell how squished he is getting in there. He is moving less and less but with every move there is more pressure or pain. Strong boy! :) I also could tell that he is sleeping a lot more then usual. And I am so excited to say that when I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, he doesn't! He may move to get comfortable again but quickly goes back to sleep. Which makes it so much easier for me to do the same! :)<br />
<br />
As for me, I am getting bigger and more uncomfortable. Work is almost unbearable right now. I never thought I would complain about sitting in a chair for 8 hrs a day! LOL :) But apparently me sitting up and putting pressure on my pelvic isn't my favorite thing to do these days. I also have pillows for my back as well as for my bum that I use daily at work. I have been going on walks periodically during the day so I am hoping this is helping me progress. I feel a ton of pressure down low lately. I have contemplated leaving work early, maybe after Thanksgiving, but
with the Holidays and 3 Birthdays coming up, I've decided to stick it
out. I got this amazing text from my husband yesterday telling me I was very strong and amazing and it has made me feel rejuvenated! Thanks Nick!!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain:</b></i> 20 lbs.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Cravings: </i></b>Grapes, Apples, Bananas, Smoothies, all Veggies :), Sandwiches (any kind) Subway, Jimmy Johns, Tom's Deli, Kneaders and even home! Ice water, Ice pebbles, Juice and Milk.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Symptoms:</i></b> Exhaustion has got to be #1, Back ache, Pelvic Pressure, Leg Cramps, Swollen hands & feet, Constipation, Braxton Hicks and Headaches.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuAL27zCHfzvovsQR7Q_pce95rVUU7Qlyp_uOTmoElv6BZWfjr-jCmuwqkjT3YczQsCciIkP4xPgJTD08-30kZnVxL7zjbhxW6QK0ZHIwpWw_hNculsl-apO8Z4GyZrSg28X1io9hvhc/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuAL27zCHfzvovsQR7Q_pce95rVUU7Qlyp_uOTmoElv6BZWfjr-jCmuwqkjT3YczQsCciIkP4xPgJTD08-30kZnVxL7zjbhxW6QK0ZHIwpWw_hNculsl-apO8Z4GyZrSg28X1io9hvhc/s640/photo(4).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">36 Weeks!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/B6B75C9A4E1D40309659995EE6D225DC.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby's the size of a honeydew! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
He's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 5 - to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708859.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Their baby at 36 weeks!</span></b></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">His liver and kidneys are in working order. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-85691206514750007122013-11-18T15:09:00.001-07:002013-11-18T15:09:22.787-07:00~35 Weeks~Wow, we are getting closer and closer to finally meeting this little man! I keep thinking that the weeks have been going slower and slower for me, but glancing at my calendar lately is making me re-think that! I cannot believe we are half way through November already? Didn't I just move my calendar from October to November?? Thanksgiving is going to be here before we know it! Then we will be heading into December! Yikes!<br />
<br />
We had a Dr.'s appointment on Tuesday and it went smoothly. I didn't even gain 1 lb.!! Who knows why not. I can totally tell a huge difference in how I am carrying him and I know for sure he has grown since last week because every time he moves or stretches I have to catch my breath. :) He is so strong and likes to push on my sciatic nerve. :( Doc says he looks great, is measuring right on and is a little over 5 lbs. Thinks he is measuring 16-17 inches.<br />
<br />
As for me, I am doing great. Other then the normal 3rd trimester aches and pains and tons of exhaustion (still) I feel good. I've been meaning to get into the chiropractor or to schedule a massage but finding the time for myself to actually go, is crazy hard. :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain:</b></i> 20 lbs.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms: </b></i> Major Backache, Pelvic Pain, Braxton Hicks, Major Leg Cramps, Swollen Feet, Exhaustion, no sleep and I always feel like I could pee but it's just the pressure. :(<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings:</b></i> Apples, Smoothies, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Zucchini, Salmon, Chicken. Ice Water, Pebble Ice and I even gave into a Smash Burger Mushroom and Swiss Burger and Fried Pickles!! o_o And don't feel guilty one bit!! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq8zjZ87YZRUdh6N9eyKyWgqw-YnV2jpcuuH1rz3ELngrJkbdOARYOcEU82s742MPVAQ0uh5zMr6QwZh9MR_e1Z7ImlEr_GUC3dbZHFEh6QEH8oHilFqWHCc1G2s5yx_-gthw41BNguI/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTq8zjZ87YZRUdh6N9eyKyWgqw-YnV2jpcuuH1rz3ELngrJkbdOARYOcEU82s742MPVAQ0uh5zMr6QwZh9MR_e1Z7ImlEr_GUC3dbZHFEh6QEH8oHilFqWHCc1G2s5yx_-gthw41BNguI/s640/photo(3).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">35 Weeks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/5FE8FE2D0BE9448185908C97B376CDEF.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby's the size of a coconut! </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much
longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and
he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708858.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Their baby at 35 weeks! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">Now, his hearing is fully developed, and he responds best to high-pitched noises. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">If it's a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-4110318947662739762013-11-08T14:32:00.001-07:002013-11-08T14:32:18.828-07:00~34 Weeks~Man these last couple weeks are just dragging for me.. :( Lets get moving... HaHa Honestly, I know that this month is just going to fly by so I should just enjoy it. I just wish I could find the time and energy to start Christmas shopping but even the thought of that exhausts me.. :) My tradition with my sisters is to go Black Friday shopping and I haven't decided if I'm going to be up to that or not.. I may be up for it but this little guy may not be! I should just shop online but there's just something about shopping and spending money and not actually having the item to enjoy once you get it home. Maybe that's just me..<br />
<br />
Anyways, we are doing pretty good! I feel okay for being this close to having him. I get asked all the time if this is my first!! o_o HaHa, this makes me feel really good and confident! Thanks for all of you who lie through your teeth to make a very pregnant woman feel absolutely "amazing!" Let me tell you with the roller coaster of hormones I have lately, any and every compliment will be eaten right up!<br />
<br />
I thought I'd post about the changes in our bodies and our lack of confidence that we have while pregnant, although I don't ever remember feeling like this before? I always thought I had more confidence while pregnant, but not this time around. I am constantly asking Nick how he feels towards me, but not because he doesn't make me feel loved but I guess just to have the reassurance that he is still attracted to me. I've heard other surrogates say their husbands get weirded out by them being pregnant, not with their child. So maybe that's where my dilemma comes in? I have this need to want my husband to look at me and think I am beautiful, for him to tell me I look good, honestly.. anything at this point would make my day. It is so different when you receive a compliment from your husband then from a complete stranger at the grocery store, though I'll take any compliment I can get these days! :) So, this post is for "My" husband as well as any other Father, Intended Father or Surrogates husband that may read my blog.. Compliment the women in your life!! I promise you, it will make her fall in love with you all over again!! Something as little as a glance at her with a grin -to actually complimenting her on her clothes, hair, etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="title_box">
<div class="">
<h1>
10 Things You <i>SHOULD</i> Say To Pregnant Women</h1>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat right firstright">
<div class="module moduleAdSpot color0" id="mod_new9">
<div id="google_ads_div_health_hub_content_250x250_ad_wrapper">
Being
pregnant can be frustrating, tiring, sometimes irritating, and of
course beautiful. Pregnant women get all sorts of comments and advice,
most of which they just don't have the patience to deal with and
sometimes they get comments that are downright rude because people
aren't thinking about what they say before they say it.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat full">
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153262">
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153262">
Everyone has an opinion about everything a pregnant woman is doing,
saying, wearing, looking like, putting in their mouths. By the time the
woman is in their third trimester, they have heard it all, listened to
it all, and likely politely smiled through it all - while envisioning
how to best rip the commentator's head from their body.<br />
Before you put your foot in your mouth, take a read over some of
these things that you should say to pregnant women. Not only will they
be pleasantly surprised, but you may have just managed to make their day
with a few simple words that they don't always hear. If ever.<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153264">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">10. That Pregnancy Glow Really Suits You</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153264">
Pregnant women are sure to be self conscious about how they look, so
its only natural to want to have a boost in confidence. For any woman
its nice to hear that they are looking good, especially on their worst
of days. In this case, pregnant women need it more - they have fragile
emotions and it can help keep them in good spirits when carrying around a
human bowling ball is tiring and frustrating.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat right">
<div class="module moduleImage" id="mod_17153263">
<div id="imgs_17153263">
<div class="inline_hub_image fullWidth" id="img_url_5944327" style="cursor: pointer; position: relative;">
<img alt="" class="half" height="320" src="http://s4.hubimg.com/u/5944327_f260.jpg" width="214" />
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat full">
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153265">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">9. You Sure Make This Look Easy!</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153265">
We
all know that pregnancy is not easy. There are aches and pains and
worries and emotions and all sorts of other things that flood a pregnant
woman's mind over the course of a nine month roller coaster ride.<br />
That doesn't mean that we can't give a little shout to the woman who
is building a baby in her belly. You can say things like "Being pregnant
is hard work, but you make this look easy." It will brighten her day
and make her feel like superwoman.<br />
Not only does it make her feel good about how she looks but it gives her props
and helps her out with yet another confidence boost.</div>
</div>
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153267">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">8. It Will All Be Worth It</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153267">
In
the back of her mind, that pregnant woman knows that when she holds the
baby in her arms, when that karate champion of her belly is finally
out, it will all be worth it. The pain and the exhaustion and the
frustration will be made worth while and probably will be forgotten the
moment she lays eyes on her sweet new baby.<br />
Even though you know she knows this, you should remind her every once
in a while. Reaffirm and reassure that even though the first nine
months of her child's life, while in the womb, was difficult and crazy,
the end result will be the happiest day of her life.<br />
For surrogates it's a little different. But that doesn't mean we don't want to hear it will be worth it. :) I know the second this baby is born and they place him in his parents arms I will too have that instant gratification of reassurance that what I've just helped create, makes it worth it in the end.</div>
</div>
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153268">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">7. Making A Baby Is Hard Work, Pamper Yourself</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153268">
Wondering what might make a great gift for a pregnant woman?<br />
There are so many ways you can pamper your pregnant friend, relative,
or partner. Some of those things are even free. Give her a nice back
massage. Take her out to dinner. Buy her a nice spa treatment or
manicure/pedicure day.<br />
Make sure she knows that you acknowledge that she is doing hard work
and show her how much you want her to feel comfortable and relaxed
during the course of her 24/7 job as a baby making machine.<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat right">
<div class="module moduleImage" id="mod_17153269">
<div id="imgs_17153269">
<div class="inline_hub_image fullWidth" id="img_url_5944262" style="cursor: pointer; position: relative;">
<img alt="" class="half" height="195" src="http://s3.hubimg.com/u/5944262_f260.jpg" width="260" />
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat full">
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153270">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">6. You Go Ahead</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153270">
If
the pregnant woman you are dealing with is anything like me, they don't
really like to add extra attention to themselves. They will stand in
the background and let others go first. They shy away from making it
clear that holding the seven items in the grocery store line behind your
ridiculously full cart in the express lane is causing shooting pains
down their legs.<br />
If you see a pregnant woman who might benefit from going before you
in the grocery check out, why not let her go ahead. Open the door for
her and make sure there's not something else you might be able to do for
her.<br />
No matter what the woman says, she is appreciative of the help, even if she is hesitant to ask for it herself.</div>
</div>
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153271">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. Did You Change Your Hair?</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153271">
I
know from personal experience that this comment makes a pregnant
woman's day. Of course she will chalk it up to the prenatal vitamins
she's taking and might just laugh it off.<br />
Inside, she is beaming, she looks good and someone noticed. Say this
comment and say it frequently. It will get a smile like you have never
seen before, even if she waves you off with comments of folic acid and
pregnancy making her hair different.<br />
It doesn't matter, say it anyway. Rinse and repeat. It never gets old
when someone tells you that on the days you feel the crappiest that you
look like you did something to your hair. :)</div>
</div>
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153272">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. I Can't Even Tell You're Pregnant From Behind</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153272">
When
I first thought of getting pregnant of course I was worried about gaining
weight. It's some sort of mechanism that is triggered in pretty much all
women's brains. <br />
It doesn't matter if the pregnant woman you are dealing with IS in
fact as big as a house, don't tell her that. Instead make her feel nice
by making her turn around and show you from behind. Mention that she
doesn't even look pregnant from behind. Not only does it compliment her
growing curves in the rear, but it sure does boost the mood when someone
essentially tells you that you look normal from the back.<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat right">
<div class="module moduleImage" id="mod_17153273">
<div id="imgs_17153273">
<div class="inline_hub_image fullWidth" id="img_url_5944253" style="cursor: pointer; position: relative;">
<img alt="" class="half" height="173" src="http://s2.hubimg.com/u/5944253_f260.jpg" width="260" />
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat full">
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153274">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Congratulations!</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153274">
Considering how we got to this point, I will never ever get tired of hearing people congratulate me for being pregnant. You can't go wrong with this simple but effective statement when it comes to pregnant women. They are so excited about having a baby that all they want to do is
bask in the glory of it. They want to be happy and carefree and even on
days when the swelling in her feet are so unbearable she just can't
stand it, saying congratulations will bring her back to the happy moods
and thoughts of what her baby will be when it is finally here. Remind her of the blessing she has growing inside of her and that its totally worth celebrating.<br />
Even if she is a surrogate. A little congratulations on doing a good deed for someone else goes a long way. </div>
</div>
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153276">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. You Look Great!</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153276">
They
say that pregnant women are beautiful. People say that comment all the
time. The problem is that most women don't feel that way when they are
actually pregnant. They are large and rotund, they trip over their own
feet, they can't put on their shoes without it being considered an
Olympic sport. These things can wear a woman down after nine months and
the further along in the pregnancy she is, the more she feels like she
is definitely not beautiful.<br />
Tell her she is looking great. Make the words count and be genuine
about it. Let's face it, she probably hasn't shaved her legs in the last
four months, (actually I am proud to say I finally did shave today!) but making a baby is hard work and she is doing a mighty
fine job of it.<br />
<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="modfloat right">
<div class="module moduleImage" id="mod_17153275">
<div id="imgs_17153275">
<div class="inline_hub_image fullWidth" id="img_url_5944244" style="cursor: pointer; position: relative;">
<img alt="" class="half" height="173" src="http://s1.hubimg.com/u/5944244_f260.jpg" width="260" />
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="module moduleText color0" id="mod_17153277">
<h2 class="subtitle">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. That Cake Looks Delicious!</span></h2>
<div class="txtd" id="txtd_17153277">
Pregnant
women feel guilty about just about everything they put in their mouths.
While it is healthy for us to be eating leafy greens all the time and
wiggling our noses like rabbits who eat that stuff, sometimes, we just
want a nice juicy burger from the greasiest fast food place there is.<br />
More people are prone to telling you what to stick in your mouth and
what not to eat when you are pregnant. Instead of being one of those
people, why not just tell her it looks delicious. You know you want a
bite of it, why not get real and actually let her know.<br />
Besides, how do you know she didn't just eat a salad for lunch or a
carrot stick as a snack. Don't make snap judgements, instead help her feel
good about herself. Tell her it looks so TASTY.<br />
She's making a baby, let her eat cake for goodness sakes!</div>
</div>
<br />
<b><i>Weight Gain:</i></b> 20 lbs.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Cravings: </i></b>Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Smoothies, Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Onions, Squash, Zucchini (especially Zucchini!), Pasta :\, Ice Water, Pebble Ice and I found that Sprite or Soda Water helps with my heart burn.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Symptoms:</i></b> I'm sure you've heard all this for the last couple posts. :) Backache, Pelvic Pain, Braxton Hicks, Leg Cramps, Shrek Feet and Exhaustion, lots and lots of exhaustion!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy80OcwxG6YW1rawuzpgNScgt0D704ibdK2NHAjH-tiJ7nKwvGyUa2zq-kY0sHpUbrueT-eSVbaWNWlwOv46EtLrcLJXAI49_rEPZC8jgitUAr-NfkK5BhyphenhyphenJVmtyAbzc8NjbvlenYPR7U/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy80OcwxG6YW1rawuzpgNScgt0D704ibdK2NHAjH-tiJ7nKwvGyUa2zq-kY0sHpUbrueT-eSVbaWNWlwOv46EtLrcLJXAI49_rEPZC8jgitUAr-NfkK5BhyphenhyphenJVmtyAbzc8NjbvlenYPR7U/s640/photo(1).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">34 Weeks! He is growing so much! I notice a difference daily. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/317DB2BACE304C8F81D8BBEB1E6291E8.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #76a5af;">Their baby's the size of a butternut squash!</span></b></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
At less than two months to go, he weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708857.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Their baby at 34 weeks!</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's
recognizing and reacting to simple songs, voices and noise. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's also urinating about a pint a day.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-11508735617466122602013-11-01T16:25:00.002-06:002013-11-01T16:25:34.895-06:00~33 Weeks~I can officially say, "I'm due next month!" <br />
<br />
This week felt like the longest week I've had in a very long time.. (yawn) I think a majority of it is because I am so exhausted lately. That and work has been extremely slow for us. I am noticing that every week that passes this pregnancy is getting harder on my body. But it just goes to show that this little bundle of joy is growing healthy!! :)<br />
<br />
We had our 2 week appointment on Tuesday. C decided to stay back for this one due to the weather, so we tried to Tango (an App you could voice call & video). We could see each other but C couldn't hear me. :( So, we messed with it for a while and nothing.. I decided to just put her on speaker so that she could hear Dr. K during our visit. He said Iron, B-12, weight gain looked great! Baby S is finally measuring right on this visit. I still say he's big! ;)<br />
<br />
I am starting to get very uncomfortable. This week at work has been a struggle. I even switched chairs at work to try to accommodate to my back pain, but have had no luck. :( I even get up a lot more frequently then I used to, purposely so I could just be mobile. I have a feeling that these next few weeks are going to be very, very long. I've even been contemplating asking my boss if I could cut back on hours. :\ Which I really don't want to but I cannot imagine another 6 weeks at this desk. I am going to try and tough it out as long as I could. And according to my Dr. I am doing fabulous! But why don't I feel FAB?! :)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Weight Gain: +2 </i></b>lbs! I am up 20 lbs. total!<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Pebble Ice, Still on my fruit kick, Granola, Cottage Cheese, Eggs, Cold Milk, Red Meat, Fish and would you know it... Green Olives!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Major Backache, Pelvic Pressure, Swollen Feet, Exhaustion, Trouble Sleeping, Leg Cramps, So many Braxton Hicks, Heartburn.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06b8B8jDQS13FIZ82yb6z27fy-hXtH8Jl1lUmBVjSZz7IoimVqFWIDTWArvJqom3K_FwkeG3xSL_BhCesGL6h1Ykv0QWBOeQNFC4gf_36S0B-XI9_GEJ1PWBWShhvN_w4dzhPQJPHOJU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06b8B8jDQS13FIZ82yb6z27fy-hXtH8Jl1lUmBVjSZz7IoimVqFWIDTWArvJqom3K_FwkeG3xSL_BhCesGL6h1Ykv0QWBOeQNFC4gf_36S0B-XI9_GEJ1PWBWShhvN_w4dzhPQJPHOJU/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">33 Weeks! He's still pretty high!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/9CC3F0FB32074C4F9C3D06DD0C1CA699.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby's the size of a durian! (I don't know what this is??)</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
He weighs about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7
inches. And he may grow up to a full inch this week -- amazing!! </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708842.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #76a5af;">Their baby at 33 weeks! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's keeping his eyes open while awake.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">His bones are hardening. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">And he going through (more) major brain development -- that's one smart baby!</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-10064663528028853332013-10-25T15:37:00.000-06:002013-10-25T16:07:06.083-06:00~32 Weeks~Exhaustion has no taken over my life.. I cannot get any good sleep lately. I am tired all the time. It doesn't help when I'm the first person Clients see when they walk into my office and I'm practically drooling at my desk! :)<br />
<br />
But other then the usual aches and pains that come in the 3rd Trimester. I am feeling pretty good. I have to say I am so happy that I have more good days then bad. :) The only thing that I have to complain about is that I wish I could eat more then I am. I am hungry all the time but tend to get full so much quicker these days. I think it's cause he is taking up all the room in there, it's difficult to digest my food. :) And oh, boy is he active! He keeps me up all night long. It seems to be his favorite time of day. He is very particular about which side I'm lying on, etc. I still believe he is extremely long. I can literally feel him pushing on my hip bones, ouch!<br />
<br />
Last week we had some photos done by an amazing and talented photographer here in Utah, she is amazing! So, excited to see the finished product. I will post the pics I do have and I will also add her website to share her talent. :)<br />
<a href="http://monkeyfacephotography.com/" target="_blank">http://monkeyfacephotography.com/</a><br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgm4KyzubWzztSGojnMGh7YwYQ63JpOSnnbMCM2x7syxp9H0USMyj9HHryiAzQoi_Lcg8iwnnjYq3M8-8UiGwdUhYoGFn4Ge_56l08WlZBaJdrA362eocLcS_hIlIutDi7m1u6zSsU18/s1600/surrogatepregnancySouthernUtahPhotographer_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgm4KyzubWzztSGojnMGh7YwYQ63JpOSnnbMCM2x7syxp9H0USMyj9HHryiAzQoi_Lcg8iwnnjYq3M8-8UiGwdUhYoGFn4Ge_56l08WlZBaJdrA362eocLcS_hIlIutDi7m1u6zSsU18/s400/surrogatepregnancySouthernUtahPhotographer_0048.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I absolutely adore this picture! It is a Favorite for sure!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I am in love with these pictures! They may not show our faces, but I love that they are capturing & focusing on the Journey<br />
and this little Miracle!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain:</b></i> 18 lbs.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Almost anything edible! I have been craving a lot of red meat which is really out of my ordinary? Maybe cause my body is needing more Iron? :) I still have a thing for all Fruit, Green Olives, Pickles, String Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Wheat Thins, and Pebble Ice.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: All the Above, J/K! :) What is to be expected in the 3rd Trimester. Back Ache, Pelvic Pain, Leg Cramps, Swollen Feet, Heart Burn, Braxton Hicks, Enlarged Breasts and I've noticed tiny spider veins on my legs. :( This makes me so extremely sad I could cry. I cannot keep my bladder empty these days either. I've decided that I am going to start getting massages at least every couple weeks until delivery, I deserve it. :) I think this will help with the back and pelvic pain and help with some anxiety and headaches I've been having lately.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/4FB7456B685B4E9E908B0D6F9D8AA1FF.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby's the size of a squash!</span></b></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Still growing, their baby weighs in at about 3.5 to 4 pounds and measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708856.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Their baby at 32 weeks! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's getting ready for his descent -- he's likely in the head-down position now. (I know he for sure is head down, tons lower pressure.)</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">And he's probably feeling a even more cramped.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-2408170306320735072013-10-18T15:34:00.001-06:002013-10-21T11:56:19.873-06:00~31 Weeks~Okay I have to post on time, this time! :)<br />
<br />
This week has been a pretty good week, nice & short as well!! I took Monday off of work because there was just way too much to do in one day! I had a dentist appointment scheduled, Surrogacy Photo Shoot, Walk through with the hospital, and our 2 week Dr's Appt. Wooh.. It was a busy day!<br />
B & C and little K were able to make the drive down! :) I met up with them at our photo shoot at 11 o'clock and it was a beautiful day!! We had an amazing & talented photographer. I cannot wait until we get the pics! I love that C wanted to do pictures of "Our Journey." I am going to cherish these moments for eternity..<br />
<br />
After our photo shoot we were able to do a walk through with our hospital. I've had friends ask, "what for? You've had 6 kids, you know what to expect?" But honestly there is so much that is going to be different for us this time around. I want to make sure we have a Birth Plan. The staff needs to be aware of our situation. And I can only pray that they understand where C & I are both coming from. I may be the one in labor but I want them to include her in everything.<br />
<br />
We've actually had some doctor appointments where they focus on me and not really acknowledge her. She is his Mommy, she will be loving him and taking care of him for all eternity. It makes me so sad. I wish <b>she </b>could experience everything that I am feeling.. pain, pressure, aches, heartburn and all.. :) (Love you C!) I know she would give anything in her power to be in my shoes. I just want both her & B to have the most amazing and positive experience they both could possibly have! I really felt awful on Monday because this little man was moving and I wanted her to experience that.. but the moment she felt him move it saddened me, it made me think of how lucky I am to experience this and how sad it probably made her. :( So.. this is why I want a birth plan.. so the hospital could include her and B in everything and they could all be aware that this is "their" baby, they have just as much say as if she was the one giving birth to this little miracle.<br />
<br />
We were able to talk to the staff and are actually waiting for a call from the Head Nurse. Here are a few of our request I would like to have written in our Birth Plan: (I will post more later, once I've cleared them with B & C)<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>My number one thing... I do not want the Dr. or nurses to lay this little handsome miracle on my chest when he is born. I want B to be able to cut the cord and I want the staff to hand him to his parents.. But please don't rush him away. I want to lay there and cherish this moment. I want to see the expressions on their face, I want to witness the miracle I helped create.</li>
<li>If I have to have a c-section and they only allow one other person present, I would like it to be C. </li>
<li>I would like B & C to have their own room after delivery. I
want them to be able to bond with him and if they have family coming to visit they could do it w/out interruptions. And I also want to be able to
recover in my own room.</li>
<li>I would like B & C to both be provided with the wrist bands to identify who they are, Baby S's Parents.</li>
<li>I want all medical decisions for Baby S to be made by his parents.</li>
<li>I want all forms that have to be filled out by his parents to be filled out by B & C.</li>
</ol>
That's a start to our Birth Plan. There is a lot more that I haven't talked over with B & C yet. I just want everything to go so smoothly. :)<br />
<br />
So after our walk through, B & C took me out to lunch (which I devoured) and Nick also met us there. It was so nice for the boys to catch up, and also nice C and I could sit down and have a nice conversation! We also decided to carpool together which was nice because we never seem to have enough time to just sit and visit. C brought up how I felt about induction, and this made me so happy! Not to be induced but just to have a plan. It overwhelms me to think they could miss the birth being so far away. So, we decided to ask the Dr. at our appointment. :)<br />
<br />
Well wouldn't you know.. He was all for it! He doesn't like to induce any earlier then a week so that is good! He said Friday the 13th and C and I were like umm.. Maybe the 12th?? LOL Then I told him I'd like him to strip my membranes before having to use Pitocin and he was okay with that too! He said he could even strip them on the 11th to see if I go on my own and if not he will induce the next morning or the 13th. Nothing set in stone but it did take a whole week off from our due date! :) I guess we'll just wait and see how my body progresses these next few weeks! <br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain</b></i>: 16+2=18 lbs gained! And I'm actually okay with it!! :)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Cravings</i></b>: Apples, Grapes, Bananas, Apple Juice, Ice, Cottage Cheese, Kneaders sandwiches and salads. Oh, and all kinds of soups! <br />
<br />
<b><i>Symptoms</i></b>: Enormous amount of potty breaks! Heartburn, Pelvic Pressure, Backache, Swollen Feet, Trouble sleeping and Braxton Hicks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiOXNpOWysrzIHwQKc27iMIHkgwJWtWLvPPC6vv7Rl8Q1757TWhKbiWOqHTia6UK9uv2KnNcRpN9wFj47IaTXiFZ9l3_O9GBXgt-jMhiDT4BPajyNUilYeGemVhmr5IgGc9zIsbHRI6E/s1600/photo(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiOXNpOWysrzIHwQKc27iMIHkgwJWtWLvPPC6vv7Rl8Q1757TWhKbiWOqHTia6UK9uv2KnNcRpN9wFj47IaTXiFZ9l3_O9GBXgt-jMhiDT4BPajyNUilYeGemVhmr5IgGc9zIsbHRI6E/s640/photo(7).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">31 Weeks!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img height="200" src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/74DE3E3566A34DA182897CB605E517C6.ashx" width="200" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby's the size of a pineapple! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
He's about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long and weighs about 3.5 to 3.8 pounds
this month. He's getting so big! </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708841.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="213" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Their baby at 31 week! </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's going through major brain and nerve development. </li>
<li id="wbwdisc">Eye development, too. His irises now react to light!</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">All five of his senses are in working order.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-28689928564833568032013-10-16T11:13:00.002-06:002013-10-18T15:34:55.891-06:00~30 Weeks~Oh, my goodness!! I am so late on this post!! I wrote this last week I just haven't had time to edit it! :\<br />
<br />
This next week we will be in single digits!! Next post it will be 9 weeks before Baby S makes his appearance! So exciting!!! It finally feels like it's getting close! I cannot believe we are almost half way through October already! If I tell people we have 10 weeks left they are like "Wow, that much longer, huh?" But if I tell people December they say, "Wow, that's coming up pretty quick!" I love that response so much better! :)<br />
<br />
This week has been a lot better week for me. Last week I thought my emotions and feelings were going to get the better of me. This week there's been a little sensitivity but not near as bad as last week! :(<br />
<br />
This last week seems to be revolved around lack of sleep. But hey, besides feeling exhausted all day long, at least I am feeling good.. He is so so so active! It's so neat that he can hear what is going on around him. I wish B & C were closer so that he could start getting familiar with their voices. Poor little guy hears the craziness of my kids all day long! o_o I noticed the other day he heard a car horn beep and he immediately jumped! It was pretty neat! Also, he has been having a ton of hiccups lately! It could be as many as 3x a day he gets them! I can tell we are getting closer by the way my body is starting to feel. I wonder if I will hit the nesting stage?? Because usually a pregnant female will start to clean and organize like crazy knowing that she will soon be bringing home a new bundle of joy? Will I get that too?? My nesting stage starts about 34 weeks so we will just have to wait and see! :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight </b><b>Gain</b></i>: 16 lbs! (Until this Monday!)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Ice!! I seriously could eat a 10 lb. bag of pebble ice a week, Apple Juice, All Fruit, mostly Apples & Bananas, Cottage Cheese, Green Olives, Pickles, and any kind of Soup.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Exhaustion, Pelvic Pressure, Back Pain, Heartburn, Crazy Dreams, Frequent Potty Breaks again, a little Braxton Hicks and I've noticed after work a little swelling in my feet. :(<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPak4-SDTRnAgExc9MROAykYiPJx69K5XZfLtrP-YopkPb64qmxK932VIr2p9TDb5IjvSYzB8hQecgeG3HOekTxNJqmsp2mbFNotzoTxCRom-T-HibdVgNTglPTcUSbsGiSkIp_vBn88/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPak4-SDTRnAgExc9MROAykYiPJx69K5XZfLtrP-YopkPb64qmxK932VIr2p9TDb5IjvSYzB8hQecgeG3HOekTxNJqmsp2mbFNotzoTxCRom-T-HibdVgNTglPTcUSbsGiSkIp_vBn88/s640/photo(6).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 Weeks! I keep trying to fit into my normal clothes, but I really shouldn't! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/755DFA22232D4AEAB36080D8DDC0DAE7.ashx" /> <br />
<br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby's the size of a cucumber!</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Their 15.2- to 16.7-inch, 3- to 3.8-pound baby continues to grow!! </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708841.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby at 30 weeks! </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">His skin is getting smoother.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">But his brain is getting wrinklier -- to make way for all that essential brain tissue.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's now strong enough to grasp a finger!</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-30873309504584677612013-10-07T16:19:00.003-06:002013-10-07T16:23:02.896-06:00~29 Weeks~Here we are watching another week fly by! As for this little guy he is doing Amazing! He is so active all the time and usually catches me off guard and nails me somewhere good! :) He sure is a strong little guy. I sometimes stare down at my tummy and think.. "Could I possibly get any bigger? Was I this big with my kids? Is he going to be squished in there?" I have been looking for previous tummy pics with my kids and I honestly look the size I did at about 37 to 38 weeks.. Wowzers! This terrifies me for delivery. I think about it constantly, is he going to fit? Will I have to have my first C-Section? :\ I pray daily that I won't and that I will be able to have a smooth delivery and recovery. It's scary to think that we are only a couple of months away before this little guy makes his appearance! I know B & C cannot wait!! :)<br />
<br />
As for me I am doing Okay. I wish I could say I was doing as well as I was last week! This last week has been rough for me. I have been so emotional and so sensitive to every little thing. I am usually chirpy and happy and I have been so gloomy and such a cry baby lately. I believe my hormones have now taken over my life -completely! :( I literally lose it for everything.. What is my problem? I was always more emotional with my pregnancies but this one is a whole knew challenge for me. Other then my emotions I have been feeling good. I am not sleeping good but that is to be expected! :) And it seems that every time I was up in the middle of the night so does he! Then it takes him some time to fall back to sleep. I honestly wish I could sleep half as good as I do when I fall asleep on the couch as I do in my own bed?? :\ Why is that??<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain:</b></i> 16 lbs!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings:</b></i> Everything and Anything lately!!!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms:</b></i> Back Pain, Pelvic Pain, Sleep Deprivation, Exhaustion, Crazy Dreams and an enormous amount of Braxton Hicks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtOelryLtAP9qsfNOGOaSKZHwY3nrQlW0Q58H8QeMjnHYH1rPuDwOl-9PYi579cBgjyAWNZktGgvllG-MrwtF4PXxx9iWDmGTIWlJ26R_8kxKkqiEBeLgeYnJuW9-tFF8aKBa0QhgTtY/s1600/photo(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtOelryLtAP9qsfNOGOaSKZHwY3nrQlW0Q58H8QeMjnHYH1rPuDwOl-9PYi579cBgjyAWNZktGgvllG-MrwtF4PXxx9iWDmGTIWlJ26R_8kxKkqiEBeLgeYnJuW9-tFF8aKBa0QhgTtY/s640/photo(5).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">29 Weeks! And Growing Strong!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/EFD0995DD54B49D68031BE8AA67C4FAC.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Their baby's the size of an acorn squash!</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Baby already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, he
weighs about 3 to 3.8 pounds but he's still got a ways to go -- can
you believe he'll triple in weight before birth? </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708840.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #76a5af;">Their baby at 29 weeks</span></b></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's
getting a little cramped in there, since he's growing so fast. But you
probably already realize that, since you're getting all those jabs and
kicks.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's growing white fat deposits under his skin, and his energy is surging because of it.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">Feel a subtle twitch? It might be baby hiccuping.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-57827152113779023522013-09-28T09:32:00.000-06:002013-09-28T09:32:46.501-06:00~28 Weeks~Yippee! We are now in the 3rd Trimester!! How great it feels to finally be here! :) These last 12 weeks I know are not only going to fly by but he is going to grow so much more for his mommy & daddy. I keep telling myself to start Christmas shopping cause I am such a procrastinator with that... And I know the further I wait the more uncomfortable I will become but just the thought of Christmas shopping makes my heart race, my hands sweat & my stomach turn..o_o<br />
<br />
This Monday we had our monthly appointment and of course C made the 3-4 hour drive down for it! :) I love her support throughout this entire process! She is a doll!<br />
<br />
As for my appointment it went pretty well. I only gained 2 lbs!! Woohoo! Feeling proud of myself! :) So that makes it a total of 16 lbs. Last week I had to take my Glucose test and it looks like everything looks amazing. Well, actually I was a little anemic, this little guy is taking all my Iron which I honestly already knew since I'm pretty exhausted lately. Even with taking Iron pills? :\ Someone told me to eat Liver, *gag*, so not happening! Here are some ideas I've found that I am going to try:<br />
<ul class="node">
<li>Red meat</li>
<li>Egg yolks</li>
<li>Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)</li>
<li>Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)</li>
<li>Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)</li>
<li>Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)</li>
<li>Turkey or chicken giblets (<b>Umm. No Thanks!</b>)</li>
<li>Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans</li>
<li>Liver (<b>No Way!</b>)</li>
<li>Artichokes</li>
</ul>
So, I've started eating a little more red meat, which I honestly am still struggling with since becoming pregnant. Egg yolks and everything else on here is do-able! :) Hoping with my supplements and these items above I will no longer be anemic. :)<br />
<br />
Anyways, Dr. told me I was his new favorite patient!! I was his second but his first just delivered!! LOL Said I am as healthy as they come. Perfect. As for this little guy he is looking great doc said, but he is still measuring over 2 weeks ahead of schedule. So.. now we go in every 2 weeks from here on out? He didn't explain to us why, but I am thinking just to monitor the both of us, which I am all for it! :)<br />
<br />
C is the cutest! When we were in the waiting room she wanted to touch the belly. I wish she wouldn't feel so awkward doing this. This is her baby and if anyone in this entire world has the approval to do so, it is her! :) When it was time for her to head back home I could tell that it was really hard for her.. She then explained that she feels like she is leaving a huge part of her, which I know she is, she trust me with all her heart with this little miracle and that makes me so grateful! She, has such a kind heart and I promise you C, he will be home with "S" family soon. Then you all can love on him and enjoy every waken minute with him. I know I am enjoying him so much. Me and him have this little bond.. :) and I love that and cherish that. And I also know that he has this connection with his parents and he cannot wait to meet them!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Weight Gain</i></b>: 16 lbs!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Fruits and Veggies still! Lots of Salads & Smoothies, Green Olives :\, Avocados, Eggs, Tortilla's, Soups, Juice, Ice Water.. Especially with pebble ice, man I love pebble ice, it's probably my weakness! LOL<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Headaches, Heartburn, Backache, Pelvic Pressure, Braxton Hicks, Shortness of Breath and most of all I am tired all the time.. :( I just cannot seem to get good sleep lately.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvuAmi5imLy_olVJFoNlTICn9_YcEVGTy6ZLrFfGX-MJUrtcWyMOAORXKg5C4-s4qNLZuciK94Dnhyphenhyphenv6jJjJXcGuZaPsesCHr_K9uXU3gEyPAcLZftl3ca16Tc_NdIP30eefwn4jcuBE/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvuAmi5imLy_olVJFoNlTICn9_YcEVGTy6ZLrFfGX-MJUrtcWyMOAORXKg5C4-s4qNLZuciK94Dnhyphenhyphenv6jJjJXcGuZaPsesCHr_K9uXU3gEyPAcLZftl3ca16Tc_NdIP30eefwn4jcuBE/s640/photo(3).JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 Weeks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm not sure what's wrong with my camera on my phone? I upgraded and this is what all my pics are looking like now? I've got to mess with it some more.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/D00769780688408FABA3F1B5E06F9826.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby's the size of an eggplant!</span></b></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Putting on layers of fat, their baby now weighs in around 2 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 14 to 14.8 inches. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708839.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby at 28 weeks </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's starting to develop more fat, so his wrinkly skin will start to get smoother.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">His lungs are mature enough that he'd probably survive if he was born now. Wow!</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-60337724394164985312013-09-20T12:05:00.003-06:002013-09-20T12:05:38.352-06:00~27 Weeks~Another week down! He is really getting tight in there. It's amazing how strong you can feel them getting! B & C are going to have a little Rocky on their hands!! :) My co-workers laugh cause sometimes I will just be sitting there and my body jerks cause he's nailed me pretty good! Also, B & C, I really hope you are prepared for a good eater! I have never (in my 6 pregnancies) had an appetite like I do this time around? He still prefers cold juice over anything else, especially Apple Juice. :)<br />
<br />
I cannot believe that in 13 weeks he will be enjoying his Mommy, Daddy and little sister "K"! How time is starting to move quickly! I know once October hits time will move even quicker, with all the Holidays to keep us busy and all! I am just praying <strike>I</strike> (Santa) can get all the Christmas shopping done before this little man makes his appearance! :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight </b><b>Gain</b></i>: 14 lbs! (And counting!)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: All Fruits and All Veggies! Still loving smoothies and juice. I am loving bell peppers right now and anything with Onions? :\ Also, I got my kick for spicy foods again! I am still loving green olives but have been hiding the jar in the back of the fridge so it's not the first thing I notice when I open it! :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Back Ache, Pelvic Pressure, Stomach Tightening, Braxton Hicks, Major Heartburn, Trouble Sleeping, Lots of bathroom breaks again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIXZ_4Bk25eN86mjJCMNL0jCwVWtoV-cHD2JmGAEi2ErUEsPyfnVcFYnmhSi8RSkEg8yPak3CR4ZGWIes88ah6mPX4Pi2IygGI1RtRDLlN1enPyo6PX6p5W5oG_Mor3Fkg_faVTopYNM/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIXZ_4Bk25eN86mjJCMNL0jCwVWtoV-cHD2JmGAEi2ErUEsPyfnVcFYnmhSi8RSkEg8yPak3CR4ZGWIes88ah6mPX4Pi2IygGI1RtRDLlN1enPyo6PX6p5W5oG_Mor3Fkg_faVTopYNM/s640/photo(2).JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">27 Weeks!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/21F61AD748AA4A09A120E0C85E93DCF2.ashx" /> <br />
<br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby's the size of a rutabaga!</span></span></b></div>
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">(I actually don't even know what a rutabaga is?) HaHa!</span></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"></span><b><span style="color: #76a5af;"></span></b>At 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, he's not just getting bigger, he's getting smarter. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708838.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby at 27 weeks </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And his brain will keep on getting more complex.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-34935478914757069372013-09-16T15:53:00.004-06:002013-09-16T15:53:25.614-06:00~26 Weeks~I haven't even begun the 3rd Trimester and exhaustion has taken a toll on me like a ton of bricks this week.. I seem to be waking up every morning at 4:30 am and I'm wide awake and cannot fall back to sleep. Mostly cause this little active boy seems to be the most active at that hour of the night lately?? Also, my late night snacks apparently aren't holding him over until morning anymore! I am waking up at that time and I am starving to death, it seems? Why can't I ever get full?? Lord knows I'm eating more then usual. :)<br />
<br />
Milestones that I've hit are:<br />
<ul>
<li>I have begun to waddle! Yep! You have it folks.. I'm a waddler! :) </li>
<li>I can no longer shave or walk up the stairs without running out of breath! </li>
<li>When I sneeze I better know it's coming, so I can speed cross my legs! </li>
<li>I have moved up 2 whole bra sizes and purchased 2 new bras. :\</li>
<li>My body temperature seems to be twice as hot as everyone else's</li>
<li>I can no longer stand for a long period of time. Pelvic Pressure.</li>
<li>No matter what I do to myself I just feel blah.. :( </li>
<li>Strangers now want to rub my belly, like a Buddha. :\</li>
<li>I'm so exhausted lately.. It doesn't matter what my house looks like. :\</li>
<li>My kids think he's big enough now! :) They said to stop cooking him! :)</li>
</ul>
<i><b>Weight </b><b>Gain</b></i>: 14 lbs<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Apples, Peaches, Blueberries, Smoothies, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Salads, Green Olives, Fish, Almonds, Food.. :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Exhaustion, Hungry all the time, Pelvic Pain, Unable to sleep. But I am loving how active he is! I could totally feel that he is starting to get cramped in there cause when he stretches it is starting to hurt. :)<br />
<br />
This weeks pic is pretty Blah, seeing as I am having trouble sleeping. But you can see how much he is growing lately! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhottS1PaVYytlkLjORZi2PLKT7MpT3PCExV_ckS0Jlmr-XP6qHna08jAFg966OiH2E46Hjmg7vj73574VO2ifZ0ZCmD5n4CghzXbr5Qyyc4D2Uv8h60cBtPyqEo0eOY9YdGjtqGA-gKHE/s1600/photo(3).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhottS1PaVYytlkLjORZi2PLKT7MpT3PCExV_ckS0Jlmr-XP6qHna08jAFg966OiH2E46Hjmg7vj73574VO2ifZ0ZCmD5n4CghzXbr5Qyyc4D2Uv8h60cBtPyqEo0eOY9YdGjtqGA-gKHE/s640/photo(3).PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26 Weeks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/ED11C118A2A549DC9EAD696471113242.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby's the size of a head of lettuce!</span></span></b> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
He's still growing in the 13.6- to 14.8-inch and 1.5- to 2.5-pound range, and developing his senses, features and talents! </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708837.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby at 26 weeks </span></b></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">His eyes are forming, and his eyes will soon start to open.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">And his eyelashes are now grown, too.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's getting his immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up your antibodies.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-27220169679054191672013-09-06T11:02:00.003-06:002013-09-09T09:13:12.028-06:00~25 Weeks~1 more week down! :) Yessirrree! 25 weeks we are! Again, this week has just flown by. Where is the time going? All I know is we are feeling really good lately! He seems to be as happy as can be! I believe he is going to be one strong little dude though! With every kick and every move he makes I feel as though he's playing tackle football! Maybe he knows the football season is here and is as excited as I am!! LOL :)<br />
<br />
I can also say he must love to eat! It seems like whenever I "used" to eat it would put him right to sleep, but now it's as though he is excited to be fed! Ha Ha And tends to move for at least an hour afterwards. I can say that it is getting harder to maintain my diet and always watch what I eat lately. I used to always want Cafe Rio Salads or any kind of Salad for that matter but now they just don't fill me up the way they used to? If I eat a salad I am immediately starving again within a couple of hours, fruit no longer subsides my hunger either? I am finally welcoming meat back into my life, well red meat. I always ate chicken and fish. Anything Italian has been off this girls menu since the beginning, only because if I have heartburn as bad as I do right now, I couldn't imagine what I'd feel like after consuming pasta & sauce! Hmm.. I have this thing for Asian or Hawaiian flavors right now? Maybe it's the spiciness of them? Which I know.. makes no sense what so ever seeing as I want to stay away from Italian food? Nick made homemade orange chicken the other day and I honestly could've eaten the whole pan all by myself! It totally hit the spot!<br />
<br />
I am however enjoying all the produce in my house from the Farmers market though!! Yumm... Nothing like veggies straight from being picked! Cucumbers, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, and even avocados have been on my daily menu.<br />
<br />
Man, I must be pregnant! This whole post is on food! LOL, sorry everyone! I was a little discouraged last week after my Dr. made me feel guilty for putting on 14 lbs. in 25 weeks. :\ But I am happy (as well as Baby S) and feeling amazing. I feel as though I am eating a pretty good darn diet and taking my vitamins daily like I'm supposed too. I am not eating burgers and fries and drinking soda, so honestly I should just enjoy every minute of my cravings, whether it's a cucumber or a bowl of enchilada soup. :) I do have to admit that I haven't worked out like I should be, but only cause I work everyday until 5, get home at 5:30, make dinner, help kids with homework, get what house work done I have, get kids to games or practices, get kids home to shower, read with them and get them to bed. By this time it's 9 or 9:30, I take a seat on the couch and pass out by 10:00.. I should wake up at least 45 mins earlier but seeing as I fall asleep on the couch at 10, go to my bed at 10:30, lay there until midnight, fall asleep, wake up at 1:30 (potty break), fall back to sleep at 2:30, wake up at 4 (potty break), fall back to sleep at 4:30 and wake up at 6. I just don't get enough sleep and I'm a walking zombie in the mornings.. I have got to find some time for me and to take care of me? Where are you Alvina time??? :)<br />
<br />
Anyways, on a positive note! We are both doing fine! We are as happy as can be!<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Weight Gain: </b></i>14 lbs!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Apples, Peaches, Plums, Honeydew, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Salads (Big ones!), honestly.. Just food in general! LOL :)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Heartburn, Pelvic pain, back pain, trouble sleeping.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4qwKqBHDc4pckYPDvGd1dZe4E_aGbnpJMqkbtJ-w_gV2jUmik6pUCuz6QtmnuNteY7_Py2Ho7W2yEtdFGsul1tiOPV46otSTQ_s3qSmsGP2u_diiME_FeEkeUOZtGxhK4ySXtmyeMtg/s1600/photo(6).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4qwKqBHDc4pckYPDvGd1dZe4E_aGbnpJMqkbtJ-w_gV2jUmik6pUCuz6QtmnuNteY7_Py2Ho7W2yEtdFGsul1tiOPV46otSTQ_s3qSmsGP2u_diiME_FeEkeUOZtGxhK4ySXtmyeMtg/s640/photo(6).PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">25 Weeks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/C73B28C470A94D88AE64366F7F7F38E5.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby's the size of a cauliflower!</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
During month six, the average fetus measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708836.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Their baby at 25 weeks </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's enjoying her new sense of equilibrium -- he now knows which way is up and which is down.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's growing more fat and more hair too!</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-45811246971787537472013-08-30T16:09:00.000-06:002013-08-30T16:09:59.407-06:00~24 Weeks~Hallelujah! We are finally at 6 months! It's kind of hard knowing the very day that you got pregnant cause then it seems to drag on forever. Once we hit 20 weeks though it seems like this last 4 weeks has flown by. But I shall savior these last 16 weeks or 112 days! :)<br />
<br />
This little guy is so active all the time. And I can tell what foods he agrees with and what foods he disagrees with! Lol He sleeps a ton during the night but all day long he is very active! Hoping he continues to sleep good at night for his mommy and daddy! And maybe even mellows out for them during the day! :) But as of right now it looks like Apple Juice and Orange Juice are his favorite and this is mostly what keeps him wiggling around in there! Also, I cannot seem to get enough sour foods? I guess, more vinegar based foods? Cucumbers w/ s&p and vinegar, green olives, pickles, even sauerkraut! And I am still loving bread.. :|<br />
<br />
Yesterday C & her lovely sister J were able to make it down for our 24 week Dr.'s appointment. It's always so good to see her! They both greeted me in the Dr.'s office. Wow, and can I say that both those sisters are just beautiful & so genuine!<br />
<br />
We were having an ultrasound to follow up on this little guys kidneys. At the anatomy scan last month it showed that his kidneys were a little dilated. At yesterdays ultrasound they said that his kidneys looked perfect! She couldn't believe how much better they looked in such a short amount of time! This made us all so happy! :) Also, I could not believe how much he was moving for the tech! She even asked what I had fed him before coming to my appointment cause he was all over the place. This was our second ultrasound and we still weren't able to get a good profile picture of his cute face. It seems that he is head down and his face is towards my spine. We were able to get some cool 3D pics of him, well of his arms, legs, etc! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DvQMXMyfHEi2ruixye9-bfSk0iFr2Gewem_Al1-9IdEKim4xNM7cuFZlgA2p2cm1qD7vL8z8KZExVlLCa1H34O8mT2mdoBucFHzRQJHC7ht3T8N90PBjKArYhSOZU25qWVWcFh84FvY/s1600/photo(3).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DvQMXMyfHEi2ruixye9-bfSk0iFr2Gewem_Al1-9IdEKim4xNM7cuFZlgA2p2cm1qD7vL8z8KZExVlLCa1H34O8mT2mdoBucFHzRQJHC7ht3T8N90PBjKArYhSOZU25qWVWcFh84FvY/s400/photo(3).PNG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how squished he looks! This is his right arm, resting on his right
leg! We couldn't believe the size of his foot! Yikes, he's going to have
big feet like his daddy & big sister!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNi4mz76DjAK6ekjiL3IM79WhJfgAQBG_I9rKq5iDa7YHyYY1TzNXDPNs9jHHiShIF3TEjMu61t_gh6sn1uUFurSzrhT2Zp5AI6lbJFUH9IdcW4WT4YE-Pam-xryerbKFb_aWw1Hmkic/s1600/photo%25284%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNi4mz76DjAK6ekjiL3IM79WhJfgAQBG_I9rKq5iDa7YHyYY1TzNXDPNs9jHHiShIF3TEjMu61t_gh6sn1uUFurSzrhT2Zp5AI6lbJFUH9IdcW4WT4YE-Pam-xryerbKFb_aWw1Hmkic/s400/photo%25284%2529.PNG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic is of his back, shoulder and right arm. You could see his spine also. He was being stubborn and wouldn't allow any pictures of that little face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_838495686"></span><span id="goog_838495687"></span><i><b> </b></i>My kids aren't too fond of the 3D ultrasounds. They think they are creepy. :) I think that they are amazing!<br />
<br />
So, my appointment went smoothly. But apparently I need to lay off all the fruit & salads I've been eating cause I'm putting on way too much weight he said. :( I know that I've gained a lot total from the beginning of this journey but honestly I've only gained 14. Kind of left there with a complex and feeling a bit on the chubby side. :(<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain: </b></i>2 more lbs! Now up 14 lbs. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i><b>:</b> Still Fruit, just not so much of it. Strawberries, Blueberries, Watermelon and Honeydew. I'm down to 1 Smoothie a week also. Still loving all kinds of Salads though. Tomatoes, Cucumbers, & Carrots also. Also, as before any Vinegar based foods, especially my green olives? Odd. And for some stranger reason I've been wanting beans? Any kind, black, pinto, kidney, etc?<br />
<br />
<b><i>Symptoms:</i></b> Back pain has now started and I've also noticed that if I stand for a period of time (like shopping) I have the worst pelvic pressure. Difficult time sleeping is my major issue though. I just can't seem to sleep all night but am dying for a nap all day long. :(<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO2WQG9i0HICt8KBrsgDGePz0GINvQlH3Zck0_0KYw4Ie_iXTAfszteIZe8DL-whkS2NZdacHWz_7pKy0zvhnqdAum7eo4BbccptzfnOrwhwo9WR_xHRF6vdIy3zd5DRZQtlTuXsNxhY/s1600/photo(5).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO2WQG9i0HICt8KBrsgDGePz0GINvQlH3Zck0_0KYw4Ie_iXTAfszteIZe8DL-whkS2NZdacHWz_7pKy0zvhnqdAum7eo4BbccptzfnOrwhwo9WR_xHRF6vdIy3zd5DRZQtlTuXsNxhY/s640/photo(5).PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24 weeks! Everything and I mean everything is so snug on me now. Darn you Watermelon! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/8400D785E3FA4FF6A42F7B0DF8EC4131.ashx" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>Their baby's the size of a cantaloupe! </b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Their 10.5-to-11.8-inch fetus weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces and every
week he gets closer and closer to being ready to survive (and thrive!)
in the outside world. </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
</div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708835.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /> </div>
<span style="color: #45818e;"></span><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>baby at 24 weeks!</b></span></span></span> <span style="color: #45818e;"></span> <div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">His see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">And it's got a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">His ability to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel are developing
stronger each day.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-17327055051726337442013-08-23T13:15:00.000-06:002013-08-23T13:15:09.120-06:00~23 Weeks~I wanted to post a little different this week.. I've had "so" many women tell me or express feelings to one another about how they feel about Surrogacy.<br />
<br />
So many women have in their minds how "<b>they</b>" felt when they were carrying "<b>their</b>" baby. And how they would never be able to hand that over and the bond that they feel with each of their pregnancies. They say that surrogates just don't have a heart since they can easily just hand a baby over??<br />
Well, I'm here to tell all you women who may not think you could be a surrogate for one of these amazing families that "maybe" you really could?<br />
<br />
If you re-read the very first sentence in paragraph 2, you'll notice that I've stated "<b>your</b>" baby. When becoming a surrogate, your mind set is totally different going into it. From the very start you know that this is "their" baby, not yours. You know that they are the ones who will be enjoying every minute of this little bundle of joy. They will be the ones who will be planning the future of their unborn child. When we carry our own children we tend to search for names, look for those cute little newborn clothes and design a nursery.<br />
<br />
I can honestly say that I haven't gone into the baby section at any store during this pregnancy. That may sound harsh or like I don't have a heart but honestly it's how "us" surrogates stay strong during our journeys. Don't get me wrong.. Everyday that goes by I am reminded that I am pregnant, that everything I put into my body is how I am nourishing this miracle baby, the lack of sleep I miss out affects my sleeping pattern for days, therefore affects "his" sleeping.. I am reminded every time I clean or grocery shop that I cannot overly strain myself and that I have got to take it easy. When I had an extreme toothache that I couldn't take anything but Tylenol to get me through the pain, for the sake of his safety. I really hope pointing all these things I do on a daily basis reminds those that I do have a Heart. That I do love this baby, even if it is differently then my own children. I love this baby so much that I was willing to give him a chance at life. Willing to give his "amazing" parents a chance to love him and watch him grow and enjoy his life.<br />
<br />
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail">With those words said.. I still believe that becoming a surrogate and helping make miracles is a blessing for not only the IP's but also for the surrogate. It's an amazing feeling of emotions that I have never experienced before. And he is not even born yet! I'm excited to feel another kind of emotion the day he joins his beautiful family.</span><br />
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><br /></span>
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail">As for how I've been feeling? Great! This week has been a good week, not too many headaches or pelvic pain! :)</span><br />
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><br /></span>
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><i><b>Weight </b><b>Gain</b></i>: 12 lbs</span><br />
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><br /></span>
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Strawberries, Blueberries, Banana's, Cucumbers, Green Olives? (Like I have to pour them in a container or I will eat the whole jar!?), Tomatoes, </span><span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail">Salads, Sandwiches, Baked Potatoes, </span><span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail">Smoothies, Strawberry Shakes, and I'm embarrassed to say Mint Oreo Cookies w/ a Large glass of milk! Guess my appetite came back full force from last week! <b>:|</b></span><br />
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><br /></span>
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Heartburn and Braxton Hicks!</span><br />
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm46PjASpHJI-m3_ZTQeWzsf4pWG1M_SZt2vGa9Ds5JBk4r6p6O5s3uoKwIClpGX1YwbsBUsTL9QqM0lgU-FNBj2VASZfpGOVF2fpoe3RUaoNejD01IDSGgHtrSQVkg1zw_SrQhGPzOyY/s1600/photo(2).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm46PjASpHJI-m3_ZTQeWzsf4pWG1M_SZt2vGa9Ds5JBk4r6p6O5s3uoKwIClpGX1YwbsBUsTL9QqM0lgU-FNBj2VASZfpGOVF2fpoe3RUaoNejD01IDSGgHtrSQVkg1zw_SrQhGPzOyY/s640/photo(2).PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">23 Weeks! Sorry bad pic, I was in a hurry! :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/24646ADC6F6148B5AA4D0082A8DD405F.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<b><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their </span><span style="font-size: large;">baby's the size of a grapefruit! </span></span></b></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
At about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces, baby's not just getting bigger, he's getting even cuter. </div>
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><br /></span>
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708834.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<span class="contentDetail" id="rpt_Detail_ctl00_lbl_Detail"><br /></span>
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby at 23 weeks!</b></span></span></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">His face is fully formed now -- he just needs a little extra fat to fill it out.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's listening to our voices and my heartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-68034736878077080792013-08-20T13:20:00.001-06:002013-08-20T13:23:36.760-06:00~22 Weeks~Loving that my weeks are just flying by! :) Only 18 more weeks or 122 more days to go! I'm just amazed at how active this little boy has gotten within this last week. I know he is growing a ton cause I know I sure am growing a ton! LOL I seriously am waiting for the question, "Whoa, are you carrying twins?" It's really strange, cause some days I seem bigger then other days. All I know is I can still wear my regular pants & shorts! That's a good sign, I think?? My tops on the other hand... Not so lucky in that department! :)<br />
<br />
This week has been a good week, except for the excruciating tooth ache I had earlier on in the week, but now.. It's good! My kiddos went back to school and it makes me sad that I can't enjoy the quiet time! At least for a little bit, seeing as I work all day now! But I am grateful that I was able to stay home with them for the last 12 years. Thanks Nick! :)<br />
<br />
This week I've felt so much better not having those pounding headaches/migraines. Thank goodness those are subsiding. Also, not too many cravings since I had a tooth ache. I kinda drank most of my meals this week. LOL<br />
<br />
I have noticed I've been getting Braxton Hicks a lot lately, nothing too painful and I always seem to get them right after I hit the half way point! Not fun. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain</b></i>: 12 lbs<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Lots of Cravings just couldn't enjoy any of them! I mostly drank Chicken Broth, Tomato Soup or Smoothies.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Pelvic Pressure, Back Pain, Braxton Hicks and more Heartburn.<br />
<br />
<i><b>What I miss</b></i>: Seeing my feet! I can't enjoy my lovely pedicure! :) Certain Sleeping positions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2-QKuDWrm2d-_A21Tvf5d9mKQ0npvu7lq62_YO59rzUsvQJl-FaLwHnPr9d4DksEs9nZCT1h1goznR8rVeOxRxhj9O4Q5MZ_e9nMg7n3HQMDueTAS3chNAv1UFm7vQv_A_9O4iKFdGE/s1600/photo(1).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2-QKuDWrm2d-_A21Tvf5d9mKQ0npvu7lq62_YO59rzUsvQJl-FaLwHnPr9d4DksEs9nZCT1h1goznR8rVeOxRxhj9O4Q5MZ_e9nMg7n3HQMDueTAS3chNAv1UFm7vQv_A_9O4iKFdGE/s640/photo(1).PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">22 Weeks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBx-15U0HIJ3pvQgol6bKg4PyULKXQSFWHWl4GI7zdbAk82D9jZSqQqf16TAACWEUOLFuNGdbSqe4eq1FRXDctRMHrTWHz_LgEQAphftUQ8tg14Gvn5poTLAmbwg4oC7J8h3T9mBLNx4/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBx-15U0HIJ3pvQgol6bKg4PyULKXQSFWHWl4GI7zdbAk82D9jZSqQqf16TAACWEUOLFuNGdbSqe4eq1FRXDctRMHrTWHz_LgEQAphftUQ8tg14Gvn5poTLAmbwg4oC7J8h3T9mBLNx4/s640/photo.PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow, he looks really low this week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/43F077E7ECEF45EFA9DAD87D5EF84E14.ashx" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their </span><span style="font-size: large;">baby's the size of a papaya!</span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
During month five, the average fetus measures about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708833.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby at 22 weeks!</span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">Now that he's got more developed eyes and lips, he's looking even more like a newborn.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's sleeping in cycles -- about 12 to 14 hours per day. </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-88686420609714637252013-08-12T14:27:00.000-06:002013-08-15T10:19:53.840-06:00~21 Weeks~This week has flown by! I have no idea where it went! Last weekend we headed North for my oldest daughters softball tournament and had a blast! We visited with our closest friends and realized how much we miss Utah County. :( Especially now that they are there. Our 3 youngest girls decided to stay up there for the week to hang out with our friends and their kids. I am sad to admit that the second we hit the freeway I lost it.. I balled like a baby.. It made me so sad to leave them even though I knew they were in good hands and that they were going to have so much fun the week before they headed back to school. My oldest kids laughed at me and said, "geez, you should be happy we just got rid of half the kids!" Sad.. Maybe if I had gotten rid of the teenagers I would've been happy, Ha Ha, totally kidding! <br />
<br />
This week has been a good week. A little more tired then usual, but nothing too bad. Appetite is good, as always and I am starting to feel this handsome little boy more and more each day. Wednesday he actually kicked me so hard it woke me up out of a dead sleep! Startled me! :) It makes me sad though. I really wish that C was experiencing this miracle baby. I am sure when he gets bigger she will be able to feel & see him moving! :)<br />
<br />
But other then the same old headaches we are doing great!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight </b><b>Gain</b></i>: 12 lbs. Total<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Strawberries, Peaches, Plums, Watermelon, Orange Peel Smoothies, Salads, Cottage Cheese, String Cheese, Cheese & Crackers, Any sandwich place known to man! :) I also just realized that I love sauerkraut! I know, kinda yuck right??!! Had a sandwich at Tom's Deli with it on it and it was amazing!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Heartburn, Bigger belly, Headaches/Migraines, Pelvic Pain (only if I'm on my feet for a long time)<br />
<br />
<i><b>What I Miss</b></i>: Sleeping on my Tummy and having multiple clothes to wear. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0yWCAB77GmuwcgiVinUmIvpdYut_z7_QFa5ioC3ruwnGl_fxwmiLMtHmcMtwJDYFhzsVCGZ4tcYc020XgqQluHUxg6GM48ni4cgi_fVabFVJGNostJIevhBZJx41MAxJJtSIVommnyY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0yWCAB77GmuwcgiVinUmIvpdYut_z7_QFa5ioC3ruwnGl_fxwmiLMtHmcMtwJDYFhzsVCGZ4tcYc020XgqQluHUxg6GM48ni4cgi_fVabFVJGNostJIevhBZJx41MAxJJtSIVommnyY/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoa Baby! :) 21 Weeks!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/A8413B17D9EA421892282A080E9468D5.ashx" /><br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby's the size of a pomegranate!</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
At 10.5 inches and about 12.7 ounces, he's big enough now that I've been feeling his rapid movements. </div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708832.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Their baby at 21 weeks</span></b></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">As
his digestive system preps for the outside world, he's manufacturing
meconium -- the tarry black substance you'll find in his first dirty
diaper (ew)!</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-60482203316071955012013-08-02T07:30:00.000-06:002013-08-12T14:27:46.925-06:00~20 Weeks~Half way point!! Wow, I am amazed that we are at the half way point in our Journey! So exciting! And although I posted a couple weeks back about the Trimester Chart and that at 18 weeks you're 5 months, honestly I haven't been following that. So, now I am officially 5 months pregnant with B & C's beautiful miracle baby!<br />
<br />
I am feeling really good this week, still have these horrible headaches, but I'm managing. Some days are worse then others. I really don't understand what the reasoning of headaches in pregnancy is? If anyone knows, feel free to enlighten me! Please! I can handle the pain of headaches or migraines but honestly hate the mood that they put me in. :( If I have a massive headache when I get home from work all I want to do is curl up in bed and not tend to my kids or make dinner, etc. It's pretty bad on some days that I have to force myself to get up and do my motherly duties. I really am not like this.. I am a busy body, ask anyone who knows me. Everyone keeps telling me to drink some caffeine with some Tylenol, but I just am not a fan of soda right now. The only thing that taste good to me is Ice water and any kind of juice. It seems like everyday for the past 2 weeks I've had a headache or migraine. Praying that these will soon subside, for the sake of my family! LOL<br />
<br />
So, lets talk appetite! Well, apparently if I could eat the word appetite, I would! I am hungry all the time! For the most part I can control it with grabbing a piece of fruit in between meals, but then at the end of the day I realize, not only have I eaten about 3-4 meals, I've also eaten 2 bananas, 2 apples, 2 peaches, 2 handfuls of grapes, 1 plum and whatever melon I have at home? At least it's healthy, but still that's a lot of eaten for just one day! And I just keep racking on the pounds.. Up 12 lbs since the beginning??!!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Weight Gain</i></b>: 12 lbs total!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Cravings</i></b>: Grapes, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Apples, Bananas, Strawberries, Plums, Peaches, Orange Peel Smoothies, Cottage Cheese, Salads, Subway<br />
<br />
<b><i>Symptoms: </i></b>Weight Gain, Hunger Pains, Headaches/Migraines, Ligament Pains, Leg Cramps<br />
<br />
<i><b>What </b><b>I </b><b>miss</b></i>: Sleeping on my tummy, Hard Cardio, Sushi, My old wardrobe, my waist! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EGyX0VkNT3tQrYhcbTMiMV5DXqGMhWYAEk5qUH1QwABpm-juCYBclpBGVDwSYI2hh_wLAdp-jRWUjFQ83lDOa32NiyZVCc1UlpNkKRPazkzohOtKIUdeflh7y_lbcQu_r4gyME6X9uI/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EGyX0VkNT3tQrYhcbTMiMV5DXqGMhWYAEk5qUH1QwABpm-juCYBclpBGVDwSYI2hh_wLAdp-jRWUjFQ83lDOa32NiyZVCc1UlpNkKRPazkzohOtKIUdeflh7y_lbcQu_r4gyME6X9uI/s400/photo(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look more pregnant at week 16 with Maternity Clothes on. :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh91Su9yyjGISR5b8kNC1Ebjoz-fM_Cld3R3UewP16Pfa9XJLcL8_ZF0BD_u-pG1quvVjHb0PKA9T0qi95xn_SupzfkvFbAZPKVD18D-ac3YCUwnpwrUYiWUrjKp2uQRPx_d95T0HlQko/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh91Su9yyjGISR5b8kNC1Ebjoz-fM_Cld3R3UewP16Pfa9XJLcL8_ZF0BD_u-pG1quvVjHb0PKA9T0qi95xn_SupzfkvFbAZPKVD18D-ac3YCUwnpwrUYiWUrjKp2uQRPx_d95T0HlQko/s640/photo.PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He sure is growing! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/%7E/media/E22F9CDFB3264F94BCFAD27BB9330DDE.ashx" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwhed">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Their baby's the size of a banana!</b></span></span> </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
Baby weighs about 10.2 ounces and measures about 6.5 inches, crown to rump. He's
still got a lot of growing to do though. Can you believe we are halfway
done? </div>
<div id="wbwdek">
</div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708831.jpg" usemap="#whatmybabylookslikerollovers" width="266" /></div>
<div id="wbwdek">
</div>
<div id="wbwdek">
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Their baby at 20 weeks!</b></span></span> <br />
<div id="wbwheddek" style="float: left;">
<div id="wbwdek">
<ul>
<li id="wbwdisc">He's got working taste buds.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc">Now, he's gulping down several ounces of <a href="http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/first-trimester/qa/what-is-amniotic-fluid.aspx">amniotic fluid</a> each day -- that's significantly more than before.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7023350367605235897.post-5518017109273953672013-07-26T11:34:00.000-06:002013-07-26T11:36:41.422-06:00~19 Weeks~B & C were able to make the drive down to come to the Anatomy Scan
and our 19 week appointment. B was pretty excited but I could tell that
both C and I were nervous and excited! We just wanted good news! Which
we got and are so blessed! <br />
<br />
So since the beginning I've been so excited to share with all of you the sex of B & C's beautiful baby..... I knew it was very important for all the world to hear it through C's blog first (wanted to make sure "she" was the one to tell her friends and family) so I had to make sure that she posted before I did here! It's been killing me since yesterday! I wanted to post the second I left the Dr.'s, what strength I have!!! LOL So, I apologize for all you amazing people that have messaged me or emailed me to "hurry up and post!" <b>:)</b><br />
<br />
It's a....... <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Baby Boy!!!</span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqyw9lx4Ij9_3fTkfqs_ZpFQVolfFhbg7JRlf1qkUu8-aI8FX0KVHNWFX4N0_nsW8Q8p7MrZUJ3p36JBylrsLFHuLIwpht_6bpc6THDosXvkevc9UrGrBNmJjNQDhKwaKd1pWf2yPf2w/s1600/photo(2).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqyw9lx4Ij9_3fTkfqs_ZpFQVolfFhbg7JRlf1qkUu8-aI8FX0KVHNWFX4N0_nsW8Q8p7MrZUJ3p36JBylrsLFHuLIwpht_6bpc6THDosXvkevc9UrGrBNmJjNQDhKwaKd1pWf2yPf2w/s400/photo(2).PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, ALL Boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 257px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 439px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpF377LPxzpKHIF-riZazRAZt-tK4A3dTEkut1-ht7n5ft-ObfB-012Q4cX7qiuCj_p_C1c_FO9cM0sbZaLQ4vWzn2qV4X_-rDuIJ8-vIOxbQthngZBAlgsBhE4LTPLIoO7iLjbT9JZU/s1600/photo(1).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpF377LPxzpKHIF-riZazRAZt-tK4A3dTEkut1-ht7n5ft-ObfB-012Q4cX7qiuCj_p_C1c_FO9cM0sbZaLQ4vWzn2qV4X_-rDuIJ8-vIOxbQthngZBAlgsBhE4LTPLIoO7iLjbT9JZU/s400/photo(1).PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is this profile? Look at his little leg! So Sweet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A very active little boy at that! He looks really healthy and is in the 67th percentile! He is about 3/4 of a lb already! Also, He is measuring big but only 5 days early according to the ultrasound tech, but according to my Doc when he measured he said 21 weeks! Which I should only be 19 today. Maybe B & C will have their precious son a little sooner in December!<br />
<br />
They did notice that his kidneys were a tiny bit dilated but they didn't seem to worry? Doc said he'll do a follow up ultrasound in 4 weeks but the fluid looks great in the amniotic sac so B & C shouldn't worry. Scared the life out of both C and I when the tech first mentioned it! o_o Also, another thing is I've been saying all week that I haven't felt this little guy move as much lately, well it appears that I have an Anterior Placenta. <b>:(</b> For those of you who aren't exactly sure what that is, here you go:<br />
<br />
<b>It means your baby is taking a backseat to the placenta. The term
"anterior placenta" refers to the location of the placenta within your
uterus. Most of the time, a fertilized egg will situate itself in the
posterior uterus — the part closest to your spine, which is where the
placenta eventually develops, too. Sometimes, though, the egg implants
on the opposite side of the uterus, closest to your abdomen. When the
placenta develops, it grows on the front (or anterior) side of your
uterus, with the baby behind it. <br />
<br />
Does the location of your placenta make any difference? Not to your
baby, who doesn't care which side of the uterus he or she is lying on,
and it certainly makes no difference to him or her where the placenta
lies. And what about to you — or your practitioner? You might be less
able to feel your baby's early kicks and punches because the placenta
will serve as a cushion between your baby and your tummy. For the same
reason, your doctor or midwife may find it a bit harder to hear fetal
heart sounds. These situations will resolve if the
placenta moves into a more posterior position later on (as anterior
placentas commonly do). But the good news here is that, despite those
slight inconveniences, an anterior placenta in and of itself poses no
risk to your health. <br />
<br />
If, however, you have an anterior placenta that is also lying quite low
in your uterus, it could partially or completely block off the cervix
(and the baby's way out), a condition called <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/complications/placenta-previa.aspx">placenta previa</a>
(which can make a cesarean section necessary). But again, because the
placenta generally migrates around in the uterus quite a bit during
pregnancy, a low-lying placenta will very often have moved into the
upper part of the uterus — and safely out of the baby's way — by the
time you're ready to deliver. </b><br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight Gain</b></i>: 12 lbs! (Don't judge me, lol!) <b>:)</b><br />
<br />
<i><b>Cravings</b></i>: Watermelon, Grapes, Strawberries, Peaches, Plums, Smoothies, Salads, Cottage Cheese, Subway, Veggie Delight from Jimmy Johns, PB&J, Ice Water, Apple Juice.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Symptoms</b></i>: Massive Headaches, Ligament Pain, Heartburn, Trouble Sleeping.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfpfU9Hx0jWaO6DMf1kZqroXDTEo2odqBcO6uXk1QYxhjwXerWb60yWSVoLir-5QTVqOTR_yBvaxZROnF_MHZrYvVV6mDc5r00bQ1yhLcme-R8Vntnz0OJQMDoFRYote8GS5auGRbi70/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfpfU9Hx0jWaO6DMf1kZqroXDTEo2odqBcO6uXk1QYxhjwXerWb60yWSVoLir-5QTVqOTR_yBvaxZROnF_MHZrYvVV6mDc5r00bQ1yhLcme-R8Vntnz0OJQMDoFRYote8GS5auGRbi70/s640/photo.PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19 Weeks!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/~/media/EB7F2646621D41969EF814799515B1D4.ashx" /><br />
<br />
<div id="wbwhed" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #66b5b6; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Their baby's the size of a mango!</div>
<div id="wbwdek" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black;"><i><b>He </b></i></span>is about 6.0 inches long and weighing in at about 8.5 ounces, <b><span style="color: black;">he's</span></b> getting there!</div>
<div id="wbwdek" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div id="wbwdek" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<img height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/parents/images/2011/03/a_101708829.jpg" width="266" /></div>
<div id="wbwdek" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div id="wbwdek" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5f3e31; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div id="wbwhed" style="border: 0px; color: #66b5b6; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Their baby at 19 weeks</div>
<div id="wbwdek" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<ul style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li id="wbwdisc" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://pregnant.thebump.com/~/media/6EEF6C0BB5B2406C9882BA93ADF5F0E0.ashx); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Developing a protective coating over <b>his </b>skin, called vernix caseosa. It's greasy and white and you may see some of it at <b>his </b>birth.</li>
<li id="wbwdisc" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://pregnant.thebump.com/~/media/6EEF6C0BB5B2406C9882BA93ADF5F0E0.ashx); background-position: 0px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">Working on <b>his </b>five senses. Nerve cells for <b>his </b>sense of taste, hearing, sight and smell are developing in <b>his </b>brain.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Alvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02874067031941877621noreply@blogger.com1