Doctor Doctor, Give me the News...

I had my monthly check up with the OB today, which didn't go as well as all of my other appointments. This is really the first time I had questions and complaints, so I guess for that I'm lucky. First off, my blood pressure was high. My blood pressure has never been even slightly elevated! They checked it three different times, just to be sure. Also, I had protein in my urine. That's never happened before either. So just to rule out pre-eclampsia I had to do more blood work, and tomorrow I will have to do a 24 hour urine collection (yup, it's as fun as it sounds!)

So for now, it's back to drinking my 100 oz of water a day and not eating chips. (sorry baby) Unfortunately, there isn't anything I can do for the end of day cankles, or the pregnancy induced carpal tunnel, except for hope it doesn't get worse and wait for the baby to come! The good news is, all of this is totally tolerable and temporary. As I've said before, I expected much worse LOL...

Now that I'm almost 8 months along I switch to 2 week appointments so it's a good thing I really like my doctor's office! Wish me luck on the pee test...

Baby Shower Hangover

Yesterday I had my very first baby shower! It was a blur of baby clothes, family, friends, love, oooo's, aaaah's, and food! I can't explain how wonderful it felt to be surrounded by the women I love and respect, and to know that we were all there that day to celebrate my baby girl. I couldn't have asked for anything more, and yet again I realize how lucky I am to have such wonderful support and role models for parenthood around me.

I will post more about the details, and add some pictures, as soon as I recover from the "hangover." I've been pretty exhausted and useless since the party ended. My mom said, at this point, I might as well get used to it =)

P.S.- Having both of my parents call me today, just to see how I'm doing, made me smile. I really do have it good...

Baby Business

I was worried that getting ready for a baby might be a stressful experience, since there are so many details to consider. It is truly shocking how much stuff a tiny little baby needs =) So far it's been pretty fun, although I'm sure I will find something to stress about as the due date gets closer.

Louis and I have purchased the furniture, crib bedding, and few small items for the nursery. I've just done the shopping and research. Louis had to the heavy lifting and assembly, so he's done all of the "work." (Thank you darlin!) We're waiting for some missing pieces to the dresser/changer, but once we have that together I'll post some pictures of the baby's room. Hooray!

In the meantime, here are a few of the things I've picked up:

Baby's Crib and Dresser:


This will go over the guest bed:

Lanterns for over the crib:




Dwell Crib Bedding:


Sugar Skull Bib:


Baby Hat on etsy.com


It's hard to not buy everything I see!

Father's Day

Yesterday was Father's Day, and just like mother's day in May, this year held new meaning for us. I took Louis to lunch and we did a few laps around Best Buy. Food and video games seemed fitting for the occassion! And, aside from one swollen ankle, I felt pretty good. After an afternoon nap, Louis, Nicole, and myself headed to North County to spend time with my Dad. We watched a Terminator movie and discussed gas prices and politics. Good times!

Michelle and Denise joined us, and before we all headed to Filipe's to gorge on Italian food, I gave my Dad a small gift. He got a greeting card from the Baby, that said... "Grandpa, I'm happy we're related... It's good to know my good looks and intelligence aren't a fluke!" He also got a baby bib that says "I love my Grandpa." My Dad's sweet reaction to the tiny bib was enough to make me cry (not that it's difficult to do so these days!). We all talked about how we were excited for the newest member of our funny little family to arrive, and made our way to dinner...

All in all, it was just a good day. I feel lucky to have a family that can share in the joy of my life. This is going to be one loved baby!

So this is what pregnant feels like...

7 months along

So this is what being pregnant feels like! There were so many things about pregnancy that I expected. Morning sickness, weight gain, fatigue, discomfort, mood swings... All these wonderful symptoms have come and gone along the way like changes in the weather.

Morning sickness kicked my ass, I can't lie. My mom lamented that I would never have any more children. I thought she might be right! But once those dark days passed I was pleasantly surprised at how mellow my pregnancy was. Not to say being pregnant has been easy: I've outgrown my fat clothes, had endless food aversions, spent most of my free time in bed, and complained a lot! But there was something so subtle and normal about it all, that I felt lucky. I've found myself always waiting for the "bad part" to start.

The joys of pregnancy that have really caught me off guard though. I have looked forward to this time in my life for so long, that I knew I would be excited and happy. What I was not prepared for was the love that would grow for my little baby girl, before I would ever meet her. It's not even something I can put into words! And I know Louis feels the same way. To see the joy in his eyes as my belly grows, to hear him talk to his daughter, tell her he loves her, and how all he wants to do is hold her in his arms... It all just makes me love him more too.

We have shared so many blissful moments on this journey of ours that I can't imagine what it will be like when the baby is actually here. I know the hardest parts of pregnancy and parenthood are still ahead of me, but I can't help but know that in the end it will all be worth it. I just can't wait!