24 Weeks!

Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance **that helps the air sacs inflate easily.

I can't believe I have one month left in my second trimester. How crazy is that? And why do I keep thinking, one more month before I start getting really uncomfortable? Is that pessimistic of me or realistic? I don't know. So babycenter.com also mentions that my uterus is about the size of a soccer ball. Now THAT'S crazy! haha! But it really does feel like it. The website also mentions that as my skin stretches on my abdomen and breasts I may be feeling itchy every so often. Oh man. How true that is. I itch ALL THE TIME! Lotioning up helps, but I'm still itchy sometimes. Might I add I am mostly itchy where the girls are and it's not really appropriate for me to just scratch 'em freely as I please... except when I'm at home. Junior is like, "what's wrong???" hahaha!

Apparently the US is experiencing some sort of a mini baby boom as they call it. I believe starting in 2006. I haven't researched it all that much so I could be wrong about the year. But supposedly the US birth rate has been higher than any other nation since 2006. Even among the poorer countries. Hmmm... and I am just adding to that. But I do have to admit I know quite a few people who are either expecting as we speak or have had a baby within that time frame. Not to mention with all the media coverage on these celebrities and who's pregnant now and who just had a baby. So I believe it. We are undergoing a mini babyboom. So be careful, you might be next. HAHA!

My birthday's next week! I know that has nothing to do with pregnancy but I'm excited anyway. Last year in my 20's and I must say I am actually looking forward to my 30's. I believe it will be better than my 20's! I really do.

Allergies

Yesterday the allergies hit me like a train. I mean I can remember exactly when I felt that weird tinge in my nose that has been causing me to sneeze like crazy even until today. Well I take that back. I sneezed like crazy yesterday and along with that the watery eyes. Later that night and through to right now I get that sneezing feeling, but can't sneeze! So my eyes water instead. ugh! I'm not sure if that has to do with the pregnancy at all or if it's just season and/or all the sickness and flu's floating around. It may be a combination of both since pregnant women's immunity drops and therefore are more susceptible to getting sick. Although, I've been lucky to not catch anything this flu season, knock on wood. Given I've had my flu shot, but so has Junior and he's been sick twice the season already! Maybe my immune system is really bad ass and even though it's lowered right now is still pretty good. hahaha! I don't know! ANYWAY....

I feel I don't have too much to blog about pertaining to my pregnancy except that my belly is really rounding out. And even then, I feel a little hesitant to blog about that because I know some of you out there are anxiously waiting for that damn belly picture! haha! It's embedded in my mind enough that I have NOT forgotten about it. Well sort of. I remember, but by the time I get home at night, it's not the first thing on my mind. So sorry. Maybe you'll just have to make it a point to see me! But OK, give me until Sunday to take that picture! It's Superbowl and we're all getting together so I'll have someone take a picture if I don't do it before then.

Oh yeah! So last night I talked with my dietitian and she agrees that my weight gain has been gradual and on track. So I expressed to her my doctors concerns but also told her that I think maybe my doctors scale is weird b/c according to my scale at home and my dietitians scale I've been gradual. Plus the scale my dietitian has is one of those big ass digital scales that also measures fat percentage, BMI, all that crap. It's pretty darn accurate. Mine is digital but not that fancy, but matches the same numbers at the one my dietitian has. My doc has one of those typical doctor scales with the height thing. I think I've concluded it's my docs scale. But my dietitian did make a point that it's good they are keeping on top of it just in case. It just makes me a little nervous when I have to weigh in with the doctor. ANYWAY, enough with that. I'm tired of it already! haha!

You may or may not know, but we will probably name little Bagel, Antonia. I can't remember if I blogged about the meaning behind this name but I'm not going to look back to find out. So if I did, my bad.

My mom's first pregnancy was a girl. She went full term with her and gave birth. Shortly after birth, the baby died. Her name was Antonia. Nickname will be Toni. Since I was a little girl, I always said that I would name my daughter that. I even called dibs on the name and made my brothers swear not to use it. And they didn't. Well actually (and I just learned this a couple months ago) my brother named his son Merrill Anthony and Anthony was in memory for Antonia just the male version. That's pretty cool! As long as it's not Antonia. hehehe... Well most everyone is already referring to her as Toni, including Junior and I. So we're pretty sure about naming her that. We just haven't decided yet on the middle name/second first name. Filipinos always make the middle name the mothers maiden name. But people can still call her Bagel too. hahaha!

I can't help but wonder what her personality will be like. I wonder if she will be the car nut Junior is hoping to mold her into. Or will she be really girly? Hmmm... we will have to wait and see.

Taurus or Gemini

So little Bagel may either be a Taurus (April 20-May 20) or Gemini (May 21-June 21). Here's what her possible signs about her:

Taurus: April 20-May 20
The Bull
Face it: Little Bulls are stubborn. Your child is likely to resist change of any kind and prefers the security of familiar routines. Take whatever measures you can to prepare him for transitions (such as counting down the minutes until book time turns into naptime) and changes in the usual schedule (such as an unplanned visit from Grandma). Your child is all about comfort: He'll adore a cozy crib and, later on, may insist on covering his big-boy bed with loveys. Kids born under this sign are especially fond of animals, so don't be surprised if he gets really attached to a certain stuffed dog or cat.

This would be a great sign since we have our dog Jake!

Gemini: May 21-June 21
The Twins
Your baby is blessed with a quick, engaged mind and needs constant stimulation. Read to her several times a day, and make sure you have lots of little objects (rattles, squishy toys) for her to play with. Satisfy her natural curiosity -- and fend off restlessness -- with pop-up toys, puppet shows, storytime at the library, and frequent field trips (such as to the supermarket or a fish store). A true chatterbox, your little one may be the first in her baby group to speak. Even if it sounds like gibberish, pay attention: In her mind, she always has something crucial to say.

This makes me laugh because I always imagine that she will be close with her cousin Madeline and Madeline is quite a character of her own! this pair would be funny. What's more, my dad was a Gemini (May 26) and how awesome would that be if she turned out to be a lot like him. My dad was the social butterfly, I have to admit and quite smart too! Actually that's an understatement. My dad was very intelligent. I'm not even sure how many degrees he had.

Right now at this very moment she is kickin' the crap out of me! haha! But it's entertaining! This morning she kicked me so hard one could probably see it from the outside. I read online that during this time of the pregnancy they kick a lot. Then the website suggested trying to figure out (for fun of course) which part I am feeling whether it's the foot, hand, elbow, knee, etc. Shoot... I have no clue! They all feel the same to me!

(ok I added the following after I published this post)

I decided to see what my sign says and it's kind of funny:

Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18
The Water Bearer
Aquarian babies are natural rebels who like to do things their own way. This is very true. I tend to try and do things and be different than most. Get lots of toys to keep your child from becoming restless during tummy time, and lock those cabinets early. Again, true. My parents locked the cabinets although I was smart enough to figure out how to get past the safety lock and drink the Dynamo anyway. Give her the chance to crawl freely on grassy lawns and toddle around the playground. I do like the outdoors. Embrace her discoveries by letting her collect the rocks and other little treasures she finds. Funny, I used to have a pet rock. Support her individuality by allowing her to decide which outfit she wants to wear or which stuffed animal she wants to sleep with. I looked like a girl when my mom dressed me and a boy when I dressed myself. And introduce new toys, books, and games regularly: Kids born under this sign are bright and often develop ahead of schedule. Well I did figure out how to get past those safety locks.

Duh!

Another, yet common, side effect of pregnancy? Absentmindedness. I mean really. I've had my share of forgetfulness here and there like losing my train of thought mid conversation. Or forgetting what I was going to do ten minutes later, forgetting conversations that I had. Stuff like that.Well what happened yesterday HAD to be icing on the cake or else I'm in trouble!



I picked Junior up from work last night at 10pm in the med center. As we left, I had to use the restroom... another one of my pee attacks. That stuff can't wait. So anyway, I drive to a Barnes and Noble nearby to use the restroom. Junior switches seats with me so he's driving and waiting in the car. Did my business, all is good. Get in the car and Junior is driving now. So the ride home is maybe a 20 minute drive at that time. More this time because we grabbed dinner. When we get home I'm gathering the bags of food and cannot find my purse! I know I purposly left in the car when I used the restroom. I even said it as I was getting out of the car, "I'm leaving my purse." I'm asking Junior if he moved it to the backseat or what? We're both searching the back seat, I'm searching the floor in the front and under the seat. I CANNOT find my purse for the life of me! I'm kind of panicking at this moment Did it fall out of the car when I got in? How the hell is it missing??? I know I didn't take it with me into Barnes so I couldn't have left it there. Low and behold Junior says, "Honey, you are wearing your purse." Oh.... my.... goodness. I had to look at my arm I didn't believe him! I could NOT stop laughing I was crying so hard! Junior is just shaking his head as he's getting out of the car. I can't move. I'm too stunned at how stupid of me that was. I blame that ALL on pregnancy. I even told Junior that. After my laughter died down a bit, eyes still teary I said, "hey... I'm pregnant!" And he said with a mix of sarcasm and disbelief, "yes you are." HAHAHA!!!! I laughed all the way to the door.



OK so anyway. I was supposed to take a picture of me side profile and post it as I promised some people and am due for one anyway. I didn't forget! When I was ready to take the picture, the abttery to my camera was dead. So I had to charge it. Today I was ready to take that picture. I did, but... oh man. It didn't do much for my self esteem. Let's just say that I was under the illusion that I was pretty cute pregnant. Maybe because my sis in law keeps telling me how great my skin looks. She must have really just been talking ONLY about my skin. My self esteem dropped about 10 points after I took that first shot and maybe another point for each shot after. Maybe I need to primp a little before I do it. I took several pictures of me in some sweats and a cami so you can see the bump. Had my hair up, no makeup. I didn't have a problem with the clothing. I think I need to put some makeup on. hahaha! I was looking rough! I didn't realize I looked that way. Maybe it was bad lighting. I was in a bright room, shadows were forming... hahaha! Whatever. I need to be ready for this pic. My apologies to those who haven't seen me and are anxiously waiting. I plan to do it tomorrow... at least. Maybe I need a mini makeove or pampering to make me feel good. Or maybe, just maybe... I need to accept that fact that being cute and pregnant is not for everyone.

6 Months!!!

Technically I'm 23 weeks today, but in pregnancy terms I am 6 months! Wow! How crazy is that?! Again, time went by so fast but still seems like so long until our little girl makes her debut.

Here's the babycenter.com pic and a little excerpt:

Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango). His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.

Ok, I know it's just a drawing and not of my baby personally but I can't but think 'Look how big she is!' hahaha! I really do need to get a pic up here of me b/c I definitely show now. Yesterday afternoon my belly had gotten so hard (usually happens after I eat) that when I laughed it bounced up and down. haha! It made me laugh harder that it was doing that. But sometimes I just wanted to suck it in because it felt like I was purposely sticking my gut out there which I wasn't. Just felt that way. But you try to suck in and yeah... that belly goes no where. oh well. Junior always says, "Well honey, you're pregnant!" I know that!

Cute

When Junior got home last night from work, we were watching American Idol... oh wait! By the way, I watched it already but recorded it for Junior since he got off at 10pm. ANYWAY, while I was watching it she was kicking like crazy!!! Either she likes the show, hates the show, loves music, or hates the singing. hahahaa! But whatever, it got her acting up! Then again, maybe she's just active between 7-8pm. Hmmm... I'll have to take note of that in case my theory proves true and her routine continues after birth.

ANYWAY, back to my point. So I watched it again with Junior when he got home. And during the commercials (sometimes we forget we can skip through it!) he was taking all the tags off his new nifty backpack. Now when we registered at Babies R Us they gave us this little gift package with a bottle, diaper, wipes, pacifier, etc in it. He got all that stuff and put it in his backpack to see how it was. hehehe... I thought it was cute. Shows his excitement! I told him how Bagel kept kicking when I was watching AI and so while watching it the second time around with him, he kept talking to her hoping she'd kick again. But maybe she was sleeping already because I couldn't feel anything. He said, "oh... she must be sleeping. I don't want to wake her." awww.... what a guy.

22 Weeks!

I had my monthly checkup today and like I was anxious about, the weight became an issue. The doctor wasn't so concerned with the amount of weight I've put on because 15-16 lbs over 22 weeks is normal. What she's concerned about is the amount of weight I've put on in a given time frame. Now I"m not so sure I trust her scale and here's why. According to her scale I've gained like 4 lbs in the first trimester. Then jumped up 8 lbs then in this visit another 4 lbs. So she's afraid of my sugar level. She's a little worried of the fact that I seem to gain weight lately much faster than I was. Now according to my dietician and my weigh ins over there, I've steadily gained weight. And even on my own scale at home. So my thinking is either the person weighing me at the office made a wrong reading somewhere or the scale at the doctors office is jacked up. Nevertheless, I went through with the doctor what I've been eating. I told her that I think the reason for weight gain is quantity. Honestly, since my appetite has returned, my ass is hungry and let me tell you I CAN EAT. So what am I eating she asks? Anything really, lots of chicken since I missed out on that before, some beef, seafood. whatever really. She said even eating a lot of protein shouldn't cause such a rapid weight gain. ok. She asked about sweets. And honestly, I have my occasional and I mean occasional. I ate more sweets (just about everday) in the first trimester because it was the only thing I didn't have an aversion to. But now, I'm just enjoying food and maybe one day I'll have something sweet and seriously a small bit. Just for taste. Fruits? I did increase my fruit intake but when I told her how much, she said that wouldn't be the cause either. Sodas? Almost never. Most sodas have caffiene so I don't drink it. But I do have the occasional sprite or orange fanta one day. but even then she said that wouldn't be significant enough to make such a drastic change. Breads? Rice? Well I do eat more rice lately so maybe that's it. She doesn't think so but Junior thinks if it's anything it's that. haha! What can I say? I'm asian. I grew up on rice. Whatever the reason, she said she'd give it until next appointment to see how things go. If it's still such a rapid weight gain, then she will have me do the regular blood sugar testing done earlier than normal. In the meantime I have to exercise more. I wanted to tell her to get a new scale. haha! I didn't though.

Other than that, everything else is fine. She was very pleased with the ultrasound report and everything seems to be right on track. She measured my abdomen and baby girl's heart rate and all is good. Blood pressure normal.... everything but the "rapid" weight gain. I think I'm ok. haha! Junior didnt' seem to think I had any sudden weight gain and neither does my dietician! so... we'll see.

Here's the little deal from babycenter.com:

Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

Last night Junior and I registered at Babies R Us and let me tell you, registering for the baby is NOT like registering for your wedding! haha! Junior even mentioned that. Registering for your wedding is WAY more fun! Not that registering for the baby wasn't enjoyable but partly frustrating because we didn't know what the hell some of the things were. I'm sure all first time parents go through this and veteran parents have no problem knowing exactly what they need. Thank God they provided us with a check list of items we should register for because otherwise we would have been so lost! We didn't register for EVERYTHING on the checklist but just things we thought we needed. Thankfully we can always update if we ever need to online and in store.

Junior was excited because he got the diaper backpack he really liked! We saw it at another Babies R US and didn't get it at the time. But last night we figured, better get it now before they stop carrying it. He likes it so much because it doesn't look like a diaper bag. It's a sling backpack with a cell phone case like all other sling backpacks. But inside it has compartments for diapers, wipes, clothes. It has a changing pad and an insulated storage area for the bottle. He loves it. haha! Did you know they make vests and jackets for that purpose too?? It's kind of tacky and cool at the same time. A vest/jacket that has all the compartments a diaper bag has and even a changing pad! But kind of tacky in that it's almost too Inspector Gadget like. Besides that, it's about $80. So the $30 backpack will suffice. I have yet to find one I really like.

Last night we went to Target because I had seen one there I liked and it was on sale for $13. I should have bought it then, right? Well I didn't. It was during the holidays and I had other things I had to buy. So I put that on the backburner. Mistake. When we went there they had next to no selection! Needless to say I was very disappointed. However, I did find a crib set I thought was cute and quite cheap too! So today after my doctors appointment I thought, I better get it now before that goes too. So I went back and got it... with the matching crib skirt. hahaha! I know... totally unnecessary but I couldn't help it. It was on sale too.

Oh yeah! how could I forget? So I'm pretty sure about those things I've been feeling that that is Bagel kicking! I hadn't been sure but I'm pretty sure now. Especially this morning! She was kicking me while I was driving and while I was waiting in the doctors office. She even kicked while we listed to her heart. It was cool! Although I think now, she must be sleeping or I'm just not feeling her. I wonder if I kept track of her movements if that pattern would continue after birth? Then maybe I could be prepared for her schedule. Hmmm...

Other changes? The girls. I mean the girls on my chest! So ok, in the first trimester I ballooned to up about 1 1/2 cup sizes and one (rib cage?) size. But I've kept at that fairly steady for a while. Well the past week the girls were itching. Not from dry skin or anything. The nursing bra I was wearing had cut outs behind a flap... for nursing. Anyway, that little cutout was cutting into the girls and making me itch. So I thought... could I have grown another cup size? No way... I didn't feel like it. But I tried one on anyway and my goodness! I looked like I should have been wearing that size all along! It's crazy to think I'm that size (double letters my friends) and that I will probably get even bigger. Insane. I didn't even think my body was capable of that.

Forgetfulness

Here's something to laugh about. Forgetfulness happens to be common among pregnant women in case you weren't already aware. I had been planning to do this blog for a few days now. Now, I didn't forget to do the blog, I forgot what I was going to type! haha! I had all these examples of my forgetfulness lately and now I can't remember. Well I remember one. Like I had planned to email my friend Nelson but kept forgetting. Luckily, he emailed me. haha!

Seriously though, I've had a lot of these episodes lately. And for the life of me I can't remember what they were... besides the email one. oh well. at the moment I am trying to remember what I was going to tell my brother when he got off the phone. I can't remember. arghhh... haha! it's funny and frustrating at the same time. sheesh.

Well tomorrow is my doctors appointment. i'm excited and nervous at the same time! Excited to see what the doctor has to say about my ultrasound that I had a couple weeks ago, but nervous that she'll tell me I'm gaining too much weight. haha! My dietician seems to think I'm doing GREAT with my weight gain. But last time she said that, I went to the doctor the next day and she said that although I don't have a weight problem, I gained a lot quick. soooo.... a little nervous about that.

we're registering tonight! woo hoo! i'm excited. Just makes the whole thing that much more real. I've been kind of up in the air about registering though because nothing is planned. so why register. But I keep reading that it's a good idea to anyway and my friend said to do it anyway because at Babies R Us, whatever we buy ourselves off our registry, we get 10% off. He put things on there that he doesn't expect anyone to buy but did it just to get the discount. Sounds like a plan to me! So Junior and I are going to do that tonight.

ok... maybe this is just me being sensitive but piece of advise to everyone. It's one thing if I haven't seen you in a while and you say, "wow... you're showing!" or "look how big you've gotten!" I have no problems with that. But if I see you everyday and everyday at least twice a day you tell me, "you're getting really big" or "I can really tell you keep getting bigger" .... doesn't make me feel too good. no it's not Junior. He knows better. haha! But someone at work (who will remain nameless) tells me this at LEAST twice a day everyday. I know I'm getting bigger and I don't need to be told that many times. So I told him, "You know, it doesn't really make me feel good when you tell me that everyday." "Well I know why you're getting big, I'm just saying." "I know why I'm getting big too, but it still doesn't make me feel good when you say it." "well SOR-RY!" He's quite the drama queen! So I say, "How would you feel if everyday atleast twice a day I tell you 'Wow! you are getting bigger and bigger!'?" HAHA! Then and only then did he get it. boys. sometimes they just don't get women.

21 weeks!

Ok... I'm late on that. It was this past Wednesday that I hit the 21 mark but I was busy blogging about my rough night. complaining again. I should stop that. I'm very lucky, actually.


Ok, so here's the babycenter.com picture. These pictures get better and better! i'm so excited! Here's a little excerpt from the website:


Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.


Pretty crazy huh?? And yes, it's true what they say. The second trimester is way better than the first! Aside from my rough night the other night, I have more energy and a WAY better appetite. i'm still unsure if I'm feeling her kick or not. I feel things but they don't feel like what I would think a kick feels like. So I don't know. I have my next drs appointment next week, so we'll see what she says. I'm excited to hear her findings and the report on my ultrasound!


Tomorrow is Mom's 4 year anniversary. I can't believe it's been that long already. Still feels like yesterday. I keep thinking how she would be if she were here now. She'd be so excited not only that we're pregnant but that it's a girl! My mom was so feminine and I was so not. haha! I already know she'd probably be going all out by this time if she were here. Makes me sad that I can't physically share this with her. But, that's life right? Anyway, moving on...


So everyone's been asking about names. Have we thought of any? Yes we have. But not a whole lot. Did I blog about this already? Oh well, if I did oops! I don't feel like going back to check. haha! So my mom's first pregnancy was a girl and she carried her full term and gave birth. But there were complications and soon after birth, the baby died. Her name was Antonia. Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to name my daughter that. So that of course is about the only name we have so far. Nickname Toni. For her middle (or actually her 2nd first name) it would be Zenaida, after my mom. We haven't set anything in stone, but it's all we've come up with so far. But we still need to come up with boy names just in case. These ultrasounds are never 100%.


Oh yeah! Here's another picture from babycenter.com. It's a 3D picture of a baby (not mine) at 21 weeks. I thought it was suck a good ultrasound I wanted to post it. How crazy they look so human already! hahaha! I know that sounds odd, but it's so amazing. Truly a miracle... but mostly a blessing.

Rough Night

So far I consider myself pretty lucky. Aside from the food aversions in the first trimester I haven't experienced any morning sickness, nausea, or anything like that. I haven't had any problems really. At least up until last night! Well even then it wasn't so bad, but maybe because I've been really lucky so far, it seems bad.


Last night was my first REAL sleepless night. In preparation for when baby girl arrives? Maybe. Last night I was at Target just getting a few items I needed. I had some cramping going on but nothing too crazy. i've had them before but they go away really quick. Supposed to be the round ligment cramps from the stretching going on with your uterus. ANYWAY... So here I had cramping but kept walking around. Usually goes away fairly quickly. Not this time. It was amybe 30-45 mins before it went away. So naturally, I was a little worried. I thought, maybe it's because I had to pee earlier and I haven't gone yet. so I did that. Still hurts. Then I thought, oh maybe I'm dehydrated. So I drank a lot of water. Still hurt. Maybe because it's time for me to eat. So I did that. Still hurt. by this time I needed to pick Junior up and the pain seemed to be subsiding so I wasn't so worried. Plus I try to go with my instincts and I didn't feel any real threat going so I headed down to the Med Center to get Junior. I got to that side early so I stopped off at Barnes & Noble. Headed to the pregnancy section to do a little research. I rememebered reading in my book that some cramping was normal but that when persisting to contact your doctor. I just couldn't remember what was considered 'persisting.' Anyway, lucky me (and my pain was gone by this time anyway) persisting is for several hours and on a regular basis. Whew! I knew I was ok, but I had to check to be safe.


But that was just the beginning. So we get home and I proceed to go to bed around 11:00p b/c I needed to meet a client early this morning. Long story short, I didn't sleep until 3:00am and got up at 6:30a. sigh... And those 3 1/2 hours were RESTLESS. I could not get comfortable for the life of me. I tried getting in my usual sleeping position but for some reason last night, it wasn't good enough. My leg felt numb a little. So I repositioned it. Well now my other leg felt numb. So I moved it. Well now my arm. One thing after the other. ugh! I'm surprised Junior didn't wake up with all my thrashing! But maybe he's used to it. haha! I finally got some z's but didn't sleep well. As soon as the alarm went off I was up. Almost like I didn't have a chance to be tired. sigh... Looks like I'll be going to be early.


My theory is my uterus is about to really start growing. I mean it already is, but with the cramping and the hardness of my belly... yeah. I can't sense it. Pretty soon my belly button will be an outtie. I'm actualyl looking forward to that b/c when it's an innie and your belly shows, it looks like just belly. Like gained weight and not pregnancy. I think an outtie will make be feel better. haha!

Alive and kickin'!

Last Saturday I THINK we felt the little one kick! It was in the morning and we were just laying there for a bit. I was trying to get Bagel to move or at least kick hard enough for me to feel. But no luck. So Junior layed his head on my belly and started talking to her. We felt something twice and we THINK that might've been her kicking. I'm pretty sure it was! I know it wasn't gas! haha! And after we got excited I said, "wow! She's already not listening to me b/c I've been asking her to do that for a while now and here you (Junior) go asking and she does it." Already a daddy's girl. This morning before we got up out of bed, Junior had his arm around me and again I THINK I felt her kick a few times but I'm not sure. It's so mild I'm not sure. But if it was her, I think Junior has an affect on her.


The "kicks" felt like small spasms. haha! That would suck if it really was just spasms. But it wasn't quite as fast as a spasm. So I think it's a kick. I'm sure once it becomes more consistent, then i'll know whether she was kicking or what.


My brother noticed on the ultrasound pics that Bagel's got some big lips! haha! Just like my neice (his daughter). They said Madeline's (my neice) has a partner in crime! I didn't even notice that at first, but maybe because I'm still learning to see all that is int he ulstrasound pics. In her profile pic, she is also holding her leg... I didn't catch that either! haha!

Drumroll please...

The awaited moment is here! Is Bagel a boy or a girl? Did Bagel cooperate? Well first off, Bagel DID cooperate and so let me just say right now that if you don't want to know, stop reading... although my future posts will refer to the sex so if you REALLY don't want to know you'll have to stop reading my blogs.


Bagel... is... a... oh so let me say... haha! Is the suspense killing you? Everyone that took a guess (even outside my little poll there) were so sure they were right. Some of you were and obviously some weren't. OK. So on with it already... I know!

Bagel is a.....

GIRL!!!! That's right!!!!! We're having a girl! I can just hear it now. Those of you that were SO sure Bagel was a boy are like REALLY??? hahaha! And of course those that guessed girl are like I KNEW IT! haha! So before I go on, here are several shots we have:

First, let's remember Bagel at 10 weeks. the very first appointment we had with the doctor when she broke the news to us that we were 10 weeks. Such a clear shot but then again, that was an internal or vaginal ultrasound. Her head is to the right in this shot.

Fast forward to today's ultrasound at 20 weeks and done on the belly. This is her profile... hehehehe... so cute already! haha! I'm biased. And I hope that is a bridge I see on her nose! Don't want her to have mama's flat nose! But I'll love her anyway.

Ok this shot is of her face. According to the ultrasound person, the white in the shot shows where the bones are. In this picture her head is to the left and you can see where the white outlines the skull and the orbits for the eyes. She looks MEAN here doesn't she? haha! I knew it. I will have a girl with major attitude. Now I know this is just a regular ultrasound and really we're looking more at the skull than the face but it just seems like she will have that Tecson brow and some of you know what I mean! There's another face shot we got except she flipped to the other side. So her head is now on the right.

And of course, the shot that show's us Bagel is a girl. Now if you're like me, I was like, "uhhh... what am I looking at here?" The ultrasound lady asked us if we knew what we were having and if we wanted to know. So of course we told her we didn't know what we were having and we absolutley want to know. And she got to this shot (not the exact one in the pic) and Junior was all, "It's a girl!" The the lady confirmed it. Me, on the other hand, was like, "how do you know???" hahaha! So in this shot look right to the right of the word GIRL and you will see two white lines which you should know what part of the girl that is. Now of course, nothing is 100% but the ultrasound lady and Junior were pretty sure of it. The more I look at the picture I think yeah... there's no way that can turn out to be a boy! haha! It's kind of tough and there is a leg to the left.


Anyway, they took a lot more pics since the purpose of the ultrasound was to make sure everything was going well and everything is. She has a good heart rate (150) all four chambers, good spine development, the placenta has made it's way up and away from the cervix (it's the gray cloudy stuff on top) no cleft palette (did I spell that right?). Oh there was a great shot of when she stretched! We didn't get that copy and I didn't think to ask for it I was so excited, but for once it was something I made out on my own with no help. I could see her stretch her little leg up and flex her foot! awwww.... so cute! We saw her move around although she was a little stubborn when the ultrasound lady was trying to get her to flip over so she can take shots of her spine. She kept poking me and Bagel would NOT budge. hahaah! Stubborn already. Eventually she did and they got the shots they needed. We saw the bladder, kidneys.... although honestly I wasn't sure what I was looking at but they said it was all looking good. Oh yeah! And she weighs about 14 oz which they say is normal too. In her little stomach it was black which they said means she is swallowing already and is a good sign. So yay!!!! Just need to wait until the send that report off to my doctor and we can discuss whatever at the next appointment.


By the way, I am for real showing. haha! There's no hiding it now.

Oh yeah...

I forgot to mention to that my aversion to poultry is gone! Well chicken anyway. I'm assuming since I'm ok with chicken I'll be ok with turkey too. Since my appetite has greatly improved and I did have some dishes with shreds of chicken in it with no problem I thought... I need to try this. So last night Junior and I had chicken for dinner and MM! MM! MM! MM! MMMM! It was good! So I'm eating me a chicken salad now. ohhhhh so good! yay! That's good news for me!

Getting ready

Yesterday Junior and I were at the store and we thought hey, we said we would start buying diapers and stuff when we made trips to the store so we did. We got our first pack of diapers which are pretty cool I have to say. They are for newborns and the front of the diapers dip a little to allow for the belly button/umbilical cord to heal. One of Junior's friends wife suggested it. We got a pack of wipes too. yay! I think this weekend we will clean and organize our place to make more room for Bagel. Oh yeah, and I got another maternity shirt. haha! I think I'm at the point where my belly will really start to grow. So I need to be careful! Junior said he noticed my belly button is not as deep as it once was. haha... he also said, "your belly button will go back to an innie after the baby right?" hahaha! It was cute. He gets excited to poke at my belly now b/c it's getting harder. He can't wait to feel Bagel kick and neither can I!

ONE MORE DAY!!!! And only one vote. hmpf! oh well! once we know the sex, then i'll put a poll up for names maybe. We'll see.

20 Weeks!!!

Woo hoo! I am officially 20 weeks!... even though I've been telling people that all New Years. haha! Well close enough. And yes.. I am showing, but part of me feels like I'm still just gaining weight. I guess because my belly still isn't all hard and perfectly round. Hmmm... maybe I just carry differently. Who knows.


Anyway, here's the 20 weeks picture from babycenter.com. It's so exciting! It's becoming more and more real every week. Here's the excerpt:


Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)


A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)


Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).


TWO more days until we find out if Bagel is a boy or girl!!! Thanks to all ONE of you that took the time to do my little survey there! shoot. And I know who that is too... based on the vote! haha!


I really should get a picture of me up here with me showing. So much for the idea of taking a picture every month. That idea got shot to hell. I really wanted to do it, but I kept forgetting and it's weird when you don't show for so long and then one day you just look fatter (not pregnant) and your supposed to take a picture of that? hahahaha! Anyway. It would have been nice still, I guess, to see that kind of change.



Well my goal this year is to ORAGNIZE and keep our home tidy in preparation for Bagel! I heard Home Depot is having an organization sale... I may check that out. I also want to cook more (therefore grocery shop more regularly) AND invest in a few more maternity shirts. Some of the bigger t-shirts I have fit... WIDTH wise but are getting short. hahaha! Junior laughed at me. :( But it was funny, so I laughed too. oh yeah, and we're going to start buying diapers, wipes and that other stuff little by little everytime we go grocery shopping. Start stocking up.


My brother and sis in law gave us some baby stuff they didn't need anymore. WOO HOO!!! Let me say I am SO in favor of hand me downs! It's cost efficient and babies grow out of everything so fast. So if anyone has stuff they want to get rid of, send 'em my way!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!

Happy New Years to all of you and your families! I wish you all the best this year! Make the most of it because life is too short!


New Year's eve was pretty exciting! I went with Junior, Junior's cousin, my best friend and my cousin skydiving. But wait, before you freak out I, myself, did NOT go skydiving. I mean c'mon people, I'm pregnant! I'm sure Bagel would not appreciate that! But I went along to watch and WOW!!! Before I had the attitude of "No way in hell would I EVER do that pregnant or not!" But I have to say, I think I have been turned. I want to do it! It looked like so much fun! And the people there (1-800-SKY-DIVE) were so cool and laid back and that seemed to really help with those jumping, especially the first time. So definitely, I think after Bagel is born I want to do it. Maybe next years New Years.


OK, but something else interesting happened. While we were at the sky diving place, I stood up at one point to take a picture of the four of them (and man do we have some awesome pics) and I felt this really weird feeling in my uterus. It caught me off guard and I just stood there with my hand over it and everyone was looking at me like, what? I wasn't sure... was that Bagel's first kick I felt? Or what the hell? I really didn't know. Well later on that day we went to my cousin's house for New Years and as I was explaining to her and another veteran mommy what I felt, I explained it was like my uterus tightened up for a few seconds but then it went away and it didn't hurt at all. They said it was probably Braxton Hicks contractions.


OK, wait. If you are like me, I was thinking that isn't it too soon to be feeling something like that? I mean I haven't even felt Bagel's kicks yet! Well thank God for the What to Expect When You are Expecting book!


When I got home, I looked up Braxton Hicks in the book and it's normal. Apparently you can start having them after the 20th week. Ok, technically I don't make 20 weeks until tomorrow but Junior pointed out that for one, it's only an EDD (Estimated Due Date) and two, The 20 weeks mentioned in the book is a guideline. It can be different for all. Thank God Junior's a nurse. haha! whew!


Anyway, it also said that normally when one feels it around the time I did, it's painless and goes away quickly. But basically it's your uterus preparing for the big day. And supposedly those get painful the closer you are to the big day. Well I haven't felt it since. Oh yeah! I also read it can be brought on by dehydration. I know... that's not good. But I think I may have been a little because as soon as I was able to drink something I could NOT stop! So I'm sure that may have had something to do with it.


Well that was my interesting pregnancy thing to end the year with. Who knew that I would feel that before a kick? Craziness.


Well hope you all had a great New Years eve and wishing you all an even bigger and better one for '08! Like someone told me on New Years, dance as if no one were watching, sing as if no one were listening and live everyday as if it were your last!!!! Here's to '08!