Thanksgiving

I know we're well into December, but I wanted to post these Thanksgiving pictures before Christmas.  I forgot how much time a baby consumes.  Maximus is now 2 weeks and Briana is 134 months old. Ha!  I have to give props to those women with multiply little ones, because my life definitely has revolved around Maximus.  Jaime and Briana has had to fend for themselves.

Mom decorated the table

Maximus was sick of taking pictures.

Proud Grandparents

Both fake sleeping

Playing with his toys

My skinny guy saying Hi!

So crazy, I have a boy

Birth Story

Jaime watching Maximus get his first bath

First of all WOW what a miracle.  All the credit goes to the Lord!  Childbearing can not be possible without God's presence and I definitely felt His presence that night.

Tuesday - At my 39th week check up, I was 2cm dilated.  I was getting antsy so I started googling, things/foods that induce labor and this is the first thing that came up, an Eggplant Parmesan recipe.  That was a Bust! but at least we had an awesome dinner on Thursday. 

Friday - Next was the Castor Oil, but before trying it I wanted to ask my midwife about it first. I had the appointment with my midwife and I was 3cm dilated. woo hoo!  She asked me if I would like to schedule an induction but I told her I would rather begin labor at home and what her thoughts were on taking Castor Oil?  She said it is completely safe for mommy and baby and if my body was ready, it would indeed induce labor, If not I'd be cleaned out with no harm to baby. O_o

Saturday - At 9am I drank 2oz of Castor Oil mixed with 2oz of Orange Juice, showered and curled my hair, just as prescribed, then waited......and waited.....nothing happened, so my midwife told me to repeat dosage after 2 hours.  Still nothing. 

6pm - I felt my first contraction.  So I began getting ready.  I cleaned the kitchen, washed the dishes, finished packing my hospital bag then called the doctor's office to let them know I was coming. 

7:30pm -We were out the door to drop Briana off a family friends house.  Then we came back home because we forgot to pack sandwiches and snacks for Jaime. (I'm all about saving a few bucks)

9pm -We finally got to the hospital and I was 6cm dilated!  They had to monitor me and the baby for the first 20mins, so i was stuck laboring in the bed.  Meanwhile the nurse asked me questions and had me sign papers in between contractions.  Paper work took like an hour or that's what it felt like.

10pm - Luckily I brought my own yoga ball to the hospital because it worked great.  I bounced on that while me and Jaime watched the Ray Charles movie.  Then with each contraction I would clench over on the bed and humm.  The nurse would tell me to breath a certain way, but I liked humming instead. 

11pm -Once the contractions felt unbearable I knew it would be over soon.  I felt the baby coming down with the last couple contractions and told the nurse I had the urge to push.  Jaime was so supportive and surprisingly calm. Which is exactly what i needed.  When the doctor and nurses would tell me to push I would push but resist at the same time.  I think it was because I was too scared to really push.  I prayed to God to give me strength and to just take over because I could not do it.  Right after, the fear of pushing went away and I gave it my all.  Not even 10 minutes later, at

11:59pm - the doctor places my sweet baby boy in my arms.  Jaime kisses me and tells me what a great job I did.  It couldn't of been more perfect. :)

It's a Boy!

Maximus Lee

7lbs 4oz

Birthday 11/19/11

 



39 Weeks Pregnant

Hopefully this will be my last belly shot post.  At my appt. I was 2cm dilated.  I hate to be one of those pregnant women who whine and complain about pregnancy, but you know what, the last couple of weeks are miserable.  I know fifty percent is in my head and fifty actually because of pregnancy.  I wonder how when I was pregnant with Briana it was a breeze all the way till the quick labor.  And now I know why, back then I was working full time and very active.  Compared to now, I'm at home on a lay off, just waiting for baby.  My mind has been very focused on cooking this turkey and that's about it.  Next time, if there is a next time, I will remember to stay active and have some sort of routine going on.  Note to baby: The world doesn't revolve around you! ha! ;)

How far along:
39 weeks.

Size of baby:
Over 7 lbs according to babycenter.com. I'm just hopeing for under 9 lbs

Total Weight Gain:
37lbs. No weight gain this week.  Thank goodness.

Maternity Clothes:
It was nice out so I wore my very comfy maternity shorts. The rest isn't maternity.

Exercise:
None whatsoever. Feeling alot of pressure when I walk. Goal is to run a half or full marathon by next Thanksgiving. Can't wait to get training.

Movement:
Same smooth movement. No kicks or punches since baby has taken up all the space.

Sleep:
I've been sick this week and have not been able to sleep at night. Good thing i've been able to nap during the day to make up for it.


What I miss:
To be honest, working (okay now you know I'm sick). I just haven't gotten into a routine that will help me feel like i'm contributing to the world.

Cravings:
Well still no cravings but I plan on eating an Eggplant Parmesan tonight to see if it will induce labor. It's worth a try.

Symptoms:
(here is where i complain) Lower back pain, frequent urges to tinkle, tiredness and still anxious.

What I'm looking forward to:
Finding out if baby is a Boy or Girl!

Still need to:
Finally finished that darn tree mural updated pic. It was redone like 4 times. I need to post the finale version. I could also get birth announcements ready and compose an email list. 
  

Music Monday & Ramblings

I'm still waiting for this baby to make its grand entrance to the world. I guess he or she doesn't know or care about my schedule,  since it's too busy doing it's own thing like, oh I don't know, finishing up business in the womb.  Anyways, yesterday Jaime and I and even Briana (somewhat) deep cleaned the whole house.  Even the dogs got baths and nails trimmed.  I'm sure the baby will appreciate it and any guests that come by.

So now it's Monday and waiting for baby can be well, how do ju sayyy? BORING.  But I've been doing alot of thinking and praying and browsing the web and quiet time can actually be very humbling.  Below is a song I heard and want to share with you.  It's hard to find good christian urban music, but this one is good.







 I remind Briana that even though she has parents that loves her alot she should always seek her heavenly father for guidance.  Us parents aren't perfect and will screw up more than not.  So the only way to find truth and understanding is to look up to Jesus who is perfect.

Neutral Nursery

I painted these little guys.  So cute.



Very comfy rocker/glider




I got Jaime to staple gun fabric to my changing table.  He was busy in this room.




Can't wait until there's a baby in that crib!





Same closet organizer as Briana's Room except in white.  The blank canvas' are for feet and handprints





So here is the final tree.  The other one was a cottenheadedninnymuggin. :P



38 Weeks Pregnant

 

This weeks Dr. appointment I was 1cm dialted and 70% effaced. :)

How far along:

38 weeks.

Size of baby:

Almost 7 lbs according to babycenter.com, but my guess is more like 8 lbs.

Total Weight Gain:
37 lbs.  About the same as when I had Briana so not bad.

Maternity Clothes:

Not wearing maternity clothes just a regular stretchy tank, yoga pants and cardigan. Its what i live in now a days.

Exercise:

I haven't been doing much of anything lately.  But I will try to go for a walk today to see if I induce or speed up labor.  I walked alot when i was pregnant with Briana and labor was a breeze. :)

Movement:

Not alot of crazy movement anymore, but the head is down and baby is in ready position.  Woo Hoo!

Sleep:  
Still thinking alot about labor, but luckily I've been getting in some good afternoon naps.

What I miss:  

Step aerobics, jogging, and shopping for clothes.

Cravings:  

No cravings, I'll eat anything really.

Symptoms:  

Ashamed to say I've been a little lazy, cranky and whiny. Hopefully Jaime can tough through it.  I'll be back to myself soon.

What I'm looking forward to:

Being lighter and able to move around more. Any day now!

Still need to:

Grocery shop, clean, and finish painting my tree mural in the nursery.

My 6th grade girl

 
   The beginning of the year went well.  Briana was busy playing middle school softball, playing the trumpet and participating in church events.  It was great.  Our night time chats would be about aspirations to become a professional softball player, what colleges have the best softball teams, and when can dad squeeze in time to practice with me.  We always had something positive going on and that we would talk about.

Now softball season is over, the excitement to play the trumpet has faded and new friends (not so great influences) have joined her church group.    Our night time conversations has turned into soap operas.  This girl was talking about that girl, that girl stole this girls boyfriend, and guess who asked who out. O_o.   Since I'm still in shock all I do is listen. 

I'm grateful God has given me the patients to hold my tongue, because it paid off last night.  When Briana was telling me about a friendship that has gone sour because of a boy, she looked at me and said "I'm so glad I can talk to you about this" :) aaawww Warms my heart. 

Of course not to spoil the moment but I have my backup.  Here are a couple of things I think will help in steering her on the right path.  I check her grades online daily or at least weekly and follow up with her on anything I see needs improvement.  I get to know her friends mothers and if their good friends I keep in touch to swap any information concerning one another's daughters.  Because even though Briana tells me everything, she tends to miss the part she's involved in.  I email teachers from school and church just to check up and so Briana knows I have my bases covered.  No calls after 8:30pm and cell phone is in my possession at night and during school.  No social media of course your only 11! and No Television is the best because trashy ideas don't fester in her brain.

To wrap this up in a bow.  6th grade is only the beginning and all I can do is pray that God gives me the wisdom and strength to do what is right and not what is popular.  Jaime is a big help to me in this area since he's not very popular. LOL

37 Weeks

How far along:

37 weeks. Full Term! meaning this turkey is cooked

Size of baby:

A little over 6 lbs, but my guess would be more like 7 lbs.

Total Weight Gain:
35 lbs.  So this would mean i'm averaging a pound a week.

Maternity Clothes:

Hypnotizing strip long-sleeve paired with maternity shorts. 

Exercise:

I quit!  My excuse is that i'm big as a house and finding it hard to even walk around.  Second excuse is I'm lazy gosh darnit.  We'll see how i feel next week.

Movement:

Feeling the baby very low.  I'm ready for this baby to get off my bladder.

Sleep:  
All i can think about is having this baby.  My mind is constantly thinking of all the things that i anticipate will happen. I'm in need of peaceful nap

What I miss:  

Hmm...I cant think of anything I miss because the only thing on my mind is the future.

Cravings:  

Nothing in particular.  Maybe cinnamon pita chips. mmmmmmm

Symptoms:  

Anxiety! It's like when your sooo close to the end of something you just want it to be over with.

What I'm looking forward to:

Adjusting to having a new baby in the house.

Still need to:

• Chill Out!!

Reading Books

   I would love to tell you that I'm a big reader and enjoy reading in my spare time or just for fun.  Unfortunately, I would be lying.  So the truth is I only read when I have to, like for my woman's bible study group, when I'm reading to my family or when I want to learn something or teach Jaime a thing or two ;).   Ironically Briana enjoys reading and will even read the same book more than once.  I think that came from reading to her every night since she was a baby and now we read books as a family for a story time.  She loves that since she has big imagination and books exercise that muscle, I guess.  Anyways, here are the 3 books I picked up:

1.)  Duty or Delight?: Knowing where you stand with God, by Tammie Head

This is the book we're going to go through for our 6 week ladies bible study. To be honest the book alone isn't what i'm excited about.  It's the combination or women getting together and the holy spirit doing it's work within us.Good stuff. :)


2.)  Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, by Todd Burpo

Now this book, I picked up by impulse (i rarely do that).  I don't know anything about it but it was on sale and by just reading the title, sounds like a good family time read.  So far we're halfway through the book and it was hard for us to find a good stopping point. This book is Briana approved.

3.)  What Happened to My Little Girl?: Dad's Ultimate Guide to His Tween Daughter, by Nancy Rue and Jim Rue

I didn't go into the book store with any research but this was just what I was looking for Jaime to read  me to read to Jaime.  He is very willing to listen, just isn't a reader.  I'm sure every women with a 10-12 year old thinks her husband can be a better father.  I mean we all have room to grow.  Especially since the father shapes our little girls into the women they will become.  Kinda important.  We're only a couple of pages in, but so far I love the male narrator. Jaime can relate to his point of view since he is rough around the edges like him.

So like I said, I'm not a book worm but hopefully posting about these books will keep me continuing to read.  I mostly like Inspirational books or really good self help books.  Leave me any suggestions on anything you like to read.

36 Weeks

Pregnant and Perfect

Decided to get a shot out of the bathroom

How far along:

36 weeks

Size of baby:

About 6 pounds, compared to a crenshaw melon.

Total Weight Gain:
33 lbs, no weight gain this week! woo hoo!  I'm sure its the gym that has been helping with that.

Maternity Clothes:

I got this shirt from Kohls.  They don't have a wide selection, but this shirt is cute.

Exercise:

I slacked this past weekend and paid for it this week.  I feel sore all over, but the good kind.  That means my back pain bothers me less.

Movement:

Compared to when i was pregnant with Briana, this baby is alot stronger with it's kicks and punches.

Sleep:  
Couldn't sleep good since my whole body was sore. I know it's because I need to stretch.

What I miss:  

Fitting into clothes period, but bonus if they're cute clothes.  I also miss my pre-preggo body.  You don't appreciate it until it's gone.

Cravings:  

Mocha Latte's, french fries.   The sweet and salty combo.

Symptoms:  

Is nesting a symptom?

What I'm looking forward to:

Not having baby stuff all over the place.  Hmm I have a feeling that I'll still have baby stuff all over the place.  Fine than.  Knowing what my schedule will be like. O_o

Still need to:

• Pack hospital bag
• Strap car seat in car
• Get breast pump replacement parts
• Haircut and Pedicure :)

 (I really need to put this on my planner to do list or it really won't get done.)

Baby Shower

Here are some pictures of my baby shower this past weekend.  I love these girls!  I couldn't survive relocating to Georgia without having these friendships.  

35 Weeks Pregnant

How far along:

35 weeks

Size of baby:

About 5 1/4 pounds, compared to a honeydew.

Total Weight Gain:
33 lbs! It just doesn't slow down.

Maternity Clothes:

Well what I'm wearing in the pic is Briana's off the shoulder shirt, tank, and yoga pants.

Exercise:

I've been doing really good.  Been walking on the treadmill at a 5 incline 3 speed, today was 30 minutes. 

Movement:

It's so cool to see my belly move around like crazy.  I should take video of it.

Sleep:
I've been having the weirdest dreams.  Next time I'll write them down before I forget them.

What I miss:  

I can't think of anything right now, but what I WILL miss after having the baby is eating whatever I want. Oh and not having to suck in my stomach.  Definitely will miss that!

Cravings:  

Not salad. Dark Chocolate. 

Symptoms:  

Still anxious and excited.

What I'm looking forward to:

Shopping for baby clothes

To do list:

• Pack hospital bag
• Strap car seat in car
• Get breast pump replacement parts
• Haircut and Pedicure :)

Training for Labor Day!

I have been hitting the gym pretty consistently up until 4weeks ago.  I thought I was too pregnant to continue going.  Recently, I've been feeling the lack of exercise hit my body hard.  Some of the symptoms are laziness, lower back pain and feeling fat.  I have also been feeling down.  Working out is the magic pill for all that.  I just needed some guidance on how to alternate some of the moves in my weight training class and a pregnant buddy doesn't hurt for motivation.

6 weeks (approx) until the big day!  Most people would think to rest until then, but if I'm going to try to go through it all natural, I want to be prepared physically.  Hmm I should put above Kegel Exercises, but that would be TMI and I should be doing those every night.  Anyways, Mon, Wed & Fri's I'll be walking, then Tue, Thu, & Sat's doing the Power class at my Gold's Gym.

Of course, this is only a outline of what I want to strive for.  So who knows how closely I'll be following my so called plan.  I'll keep you posted. :)

Room Tour

 

 Here is Briana's new room!  When we found out I was pregnant and started thinking of the nursery, we had to think of revamping Briana's room first.  We also thought it was meaningful, since she was transitioning from childish elementary school to I know it all middle school.  So it was only appropriate to spice up her room before the baby gets all the attention (in her words).

I love this room!  I wish it were my room.  My favorite parts of the room are the dry board eraser and the exposed closet.  I can write down what she needs to be doing without saying a word, It's perfect.  The closet was the biggest project since we tore down the closet wall and did extensive patchwork.  Installing the closet organizer was the easiest part. Jaime is pretty handy when it comes to things like that.  I painted the walls and the NY skyline painting, I also covered the cork board with zebra print fabric.  We're going to add friends and family pictures above her bed since that wall is kinda bare.  Other than that, her room is complete.

This room was very inexpensive to do.  We already had the bed, night stand, cork board and dry board eraser.  The only things we spent were:

• $46 = 2 cans of Paint
• $120 = Vanity from Bed, Bath and Beyond
• $98 = Closet Organizer from Walmart.com
• $20 = 3-Drawer cart (that's in the closet) from Walmart.com

Total of $284!  

Hope you liked it.  I can't wait to have the nursery finished and show that off as well :)

34 Weeks Pregnant

How far along:

34 weeks

Size of baby:

About 4 3/4 pounds, compared to an average cantaloupe.

 

Total Weight Gain:
31 lbs :( and feeling every bit of it on my lower back. 

Maternity Clothes:

Running out of warm weather clothes.  I know the cooler temps are here, but my body doesn't go with the season.  It does what it wants.

Gender:

Still don't know and have no maternal instinct to even a guess.

Movement:

I think I felt Braxton Hicks contractions yesterday or it just could of been some intense baby movement.  Not really sure o_O

Sleep:
I am sleeping well at night but still am extra tired during the day.

What I miss:  

I'm starting to miss my family (mom, dad, sister, cousins ect.) It will definitely be different from when I had Briana 11yrs ago.

Cravings:  

Authentic home cooked Hispanic meals, like my mom's soups and my mother-in-law's everything else.  I need to really practice cooking more. 

Symptoms:  

I don't really have any except for maybe feeling anxious and excited.

What I'm looking forward to:

Well currently just having the nursery finished and having family over for the holidays :)

To do list:

• Contact Insurance
• Register to Hospital (I took a hospital tour but apparently i still need to register)
• Pack hospital bag
• Strap car seat in car
• Pick a Pediatrician (Probably the same one Briana goes to, depending on Insurance)
• Get breast pump replacement parts
• Get a Pedicure :)  ofcourse!

Getting Financially Fit

Last year July 2010 we owed $18,879.43

Currently we owe $6,290

I want to share and show our progress towards becoming debt free. I know this can be embarrassing for some people to air out your dirty laundry like this, but I'm happy with where we're at.

I like using graphs and excel spreadsheets to get a visual of the numbers going down. It's great motivation! It feels like losing weight.

Our goal was to become debt free before the baby arrived but that was slowed down significantly after getting laid off. Now we are living off of just one income and It has only been through God's grace that has carried us through. I feel He has prepared us well for this time, and we can still make our goal of becoming debt free a reality before March 2012!