PrettifulPetals

I've started a collection of bows and flowers for V and I just can't get enough.  Now I just need to focus on matching them up with the outfits I have for her.  My awesome sister has started her own little precious bow website so now I can custom order what colors I want from her.  Doesn't get any better than this!  She'll look precious in the fall in a deep red bow.  The bigger the better!!

You find her collection on Etsy.com

Vivien's Nursery

Time for an update...

Oh it seems like yesterday that Vivien's little kicks were a gentle flutter in my belly.  Where each movement brought a huge smile and I'd giggle and place my hand right over her.

Those days of gentle kicks are long gone....

I've been introduced to a deadly new force called Symphisis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD) or what I like to refer as "Hoo Ha" pain.  It literally feels like someone is taking a hammer to my lower pelvic region all freakin day long.  If I listen closely I can even hear a clicking sound when I get off the bed.  And standing on one leg to put my pants on?  Forget about it!  This makes my swollen elephant feet feel like heaven.  I think the hubs thinks I'm a wuss because I'm moaning and complaining.  He keeps betting I'll ask for the epidural as soon as I arrive to the hospital.  I explained to him (in my lovely tone of voice) that its DIFFERENT when you're expecting pain rather than waking up one day feeling like someone was trying to rip apart your pelvic bone.  Oh yeah and Dr. V pretty much told me to deal with it and pray it just goes away or my pelvic bone adjusts to the pain.  Nice Doc! 

Other Updates...

I have thirty days until my delivery and I'm praying she'll arrive atleast 1-2 weeks early.  Because I honestly don't think I can handle her being on time or late.  Dr. V says her head is down and she's made her way south.  Right now she's weighing in a little over 6lbs and I'm also praying that she'll gain no more than 1 lb until delivery.  Lord knows I can't handle an 8 pounder!  Otherwise, heck yeah I'll be asking for that epidural at check in.  Do you think we can call a head for the anesthesiologist?  Just joking...well I guess we'll just wait and see.

Yesterday, I treated myself to an amazing massage which actually helped the hoo-ha pain subside momentarily.  Except the friendly, over talkative massage therapist had to make a comment about my cute, swollen feet.  I didn't pay you to talk lady...just rub!!!  I also had my hair trimmed by the cutest darn hair stylist I've met.  Maybe because I'm fat and pregnant, but I couldn't help but stare out how damn skinny and perfect she looked.  Seriously, I loved her entire look from head to toe.  And there I was... forced to stare at myself in the mirror with a drape snug around my fat neck and swollen cheeks.  Not cute. 

On the brightside, I only paid $50 for a massage, hair cut and style, wax and manicure.  Thanks to the most awesome new service ever called Groupon.  It's a new online service to get the word out on deals in your city.   Each day a different coupon is featured for a super low price.  I can't help but check it every morning when I get to work. 

$5000 a year on Formula?  Nuff Said!!

I eagerly attended the Breastfeeding Your Baby class with my trusty BFF Nicole.  She was my honorary support person for the evening and I couldn't thank her enough for being there.  I did notice she looked very interested in the tips and benefits of breastfeeding (can we guess she'll be preggers by 2011?). 

By the way, yes this is the most beneficial thing you can do for your baby but all you had to tell me is the average parent spends over $5k on formula!  Uhh no thanks!  I did learn that breastfeeding your baby reduces her chances of getting Type 1 Diabetes.  So there's no doubt Vivien...you're going on the boob!

Our very own pregnancy photoshoot!

We decided to put our new Nikon camera to work today and see what us "amateurs" could produce on film.  I have to say I was very impressed with our photographing skills.  I took a few of these on a timer until Lance got home and then we used the timer for the ones with both of us.  What a great investment!

My Most Amazing Husband

I know how blessed I am to have such an amazing husband, but I sometimes get so caught up and take it for granted.  Then suddenly I'm blown away by how strong Lance's love is and it's like falling back in love for the very first time again. 

This weekend I got a glimpse of what a terrific dad he's going to be when we attended the "You and Your Baby Class".  As  you know, I wasn't sure what to expect with the class.  I did expect to learn about breathing techniques and I did expect to see some graphic videos.  I guess I didn't expect to see how involved Lance would be and to show so much interest in the entire birthing process and what he could do to be there for me as my birthing partner.  Throughout the class he took notes, asked questions and worked on massage techniques with me.  And it was more than just going through the motions, he was so tremendously  focused on me.

I've often felt alone throughout this pregnancy when it came to my expectations for giving birth.  When I tried to voice my opinion to Lance on what was important I always felt like he either didn't understand or just didn't care as much as I did.  I come to realize that he just moves at his own pace, gathers all the facts first and when it comes down to "game time" he's going to be there by my side 110%.  = )

So...here is what I learned from our birthing class. 

I learned that I can't really have a "Birth Plan" but I can be aware of all my options set a goal of what I'd like to happen and if it doesn't then there's always Plan B, Plan C and the "Oh screw it...let's just get here outta me safely" plan.

I learned that I'm still anti-Epidural but its not because I want to be "Strong Woman..here me Roar!".  I've realized I just don't like the idea of being confined to a bed during the birthing process.  This is something that only happens once in a lifetime if I'm that lucky and I want it to have meaning and I want to take part in bringing her into this world.  I don't want to sit in a bed for 6-8 hours with no feeling of control.  I learned that the moment I have an epidural I will be laying in the bed with an IV in my arm, an epidural catheter in my back and a urinary catheter as well.  The thought of that type of confinement and restriction just bothers the heck out of me.  Seriously, anyone who knows me, knows that I need some sort of control at all times in my life!  Plain and simple. 

I learned that the idea of being able to go through relaxation techniques with Lance will only make our bond stronger.  As convenient as "no pain" and being told when to push sounds to some people, I like the idea of struggling and sweating through something with the person you love.

I've also learned that I will probably ask for the epidural but not after being able to push through the contractions and progress labor as much as I can with labor positions and breathing techniques.  You can play a bigger role in the progress of your delivery when you aren't just laying there, but the thought of crowning with no drugs still scares the hell out of me.  So sometime between 6-8 cm dilated I will be asking about that precious needle.  = )

Like I said, I can't rely on a true birthing plan because a hundred of things can happen now before her delivery, but knowing now what is important to me helps me feel more confident and prepared.   I'm more excited now about labor and delivery than before.  Only 6 more weeks to go!!! 

34 Week Photo Update

Not so little Baby Bump Update - 34 Weeks

In between studying for school, working full time and acting neurotic/obsessive about planning out my life, I am still reading the lovely Dr. Seuss to Vivien.  I wonder if she loves it just as much as I do? 

Also, I was finally able to capture her movements on video.  She is so sneaky and camera shy and often stops moving when I hit record, but not this time!

Me and My Baby Marathon

Tomorrow Lance and I will be attending the "You and Your Baby Marathon" to see if we're actually cut out for this parenting job.  It's an eight hour class and all I've been told is bring a blanket, pillows and some snacks.  I'll be sure to bring a spiral notebook for all the notes I'll be taking.  But seriously, what on earth can we cover in eight hours?  It doesn't even include breastfeeding (that's a seperate class). 


For anyone who read my blog last week knows I was a little stressed out about "getting my enter life in order" before she arrives. Because ya know it's a requirement for all mommies to be get there an entire life in order before baby arrives (what was I smoking?)!!  However, it is pretty amazing what a checklist will do for your life!  I've knocked out a ton of items in one week and I feel ready as I'll ever be to take on this Mommy role now.  Of course, this could just be my rollercoaster of emotions from week to week and I might just possibly freak out again next week.  Who knows!  I do want to thank my friend Jess for offering to do a cookout at my house to prepare "freezer friendly" meals.  I love that idea and am already looking up recipes!

Here are some of the necessities I have in mind for my "Freezer Friendly Meals":

1. Beans!  What can I say, I'm mexican, and we love our beans!
2. Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells - A recipe from Giada De Laurentiis that I've made before & LOVE them!
3. Chicken Pot Pie - A recipe from my good friend Tamara
4. Peach Cobbler - already donated to me from my friend Jess
5. Mac n Cheese Casserole - I'm a Mac n Cheese fanatic so this is a must
6. Meatballs
7. Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
8. Homemade Lasagna

I have other ideas, but I really need to plan out my freezer space for all this yummy food.  I am lucky to have a husband who isn't afraid to cook up a meal or two.  When I say meal or two, I literally mean, so far he only knows how to make 2 meals, but he's working on it and that's all that matters.  Love you Lance! : )

7 Weeks countdown to get my entire life in order...

I am officially driving myself crazy.  My mind is telling me "Time to nest!  Time to nest!  Time to nest" and my body is telling me "Rest! Rest! Rest!"  and on top of that I have no time to do either one.  I am constantly going through a checklist of what I absolutely need to do before Vivien arrives or I just won't be a good mother.  Yes, its that bad.  I feel like if I don't get her closet organized now, then my entire life with her will be one big mess.  If I don't clean the base boards and the carpet now, it means I'm going to turn into one of those slob mom's who just doesn't care anymore.  And if I don't pre-cook meals to freeze so when she arrives we have food to eat, well then we will all starve because you HAVE to have ready to cook meals in your freezer!

The last few days have been hard because this is what I think about all the time.  Of course yesterday I almost lost it, but I focused and kept my screams from pouring out when I explained to Lance why putting in shelves in the closet is just as important to me as having a carseat.  I've asked him a dozen times within two months to install shelves so I can reach her baby clothes, but every week goes by and still no shelves.  I finally couldn't stand it and cried to him about how I hate the state of the house and we need to do something to fix it or I won't feel ready for her arrival.  He has promised that those shelves will be installed today. I hope my husband understands if be breaks this promise I might just lose it. 

Checklists have always helped me keep my sanity for some reason.  So I've decided to put a checklist of what I need to do before she arrives:

1. Organize Vivien's closet
2. Get that ugly TV out of her nursery
3. Clean base boards and carpet in each room (starting w/ the nursery)
4. Wipe down wooden blinds
5. Organize baby changing station
6. Stock up on toiletries
7. Get labor and delivery bag packed
8. Find a pediatrician and schedule an appointment
9. Put together all baby equipment (carseat, stroller, pac-n-play)
10. Take inventory of diapers
11. Mop floors
12. Clean out freezer
13. Prepare meals we can freeze
14. Buy music for labor and delivery
15. Buy a music box for Vivien's room
16. Buy a toy she can sleep with
17. Buy lullaby music for her room (my computer crashed and I lost all the ones I had)
18. Get a haircut
19. Get manicure and pedicure
20. Get waxed
21. Buy her "Bringing home baby" outfit

I don't think this is a difficult list to accomplish if I can just keep my legs strong enough to get through a few items each week.  I hope Lance understands I am likely to have 1 or 2 more mental breakdowns within the next 7 weeks.

Finally I got my new toy!

My camera broke a few months ago and I've been bugging Lance daily on getting a new camera.  Of course I wanted a Digital SLR for $500, but I had to compromise.  We found this fantastic deal on a Nikon L110 and I love it!

I've been so busy with school and work I haven't had a chance to try it out, but I did take a few photos while reading the manual on the way to Austin on Thursday.  Yes, I had Lance drive while I sprawled out with my legs up in the backseat!

Lastnight I took a couple of more shots between cleaning and doing laundry.