39 weeks

7 DAYS TO GO!!!!

Progress Updates:

• The Hogie Bun is starting to weigh more and more and it has gotten pretty uncomfortable to sit in general.

The Hogie Bun at 39 weeks

• I have been experiencing more Braxton Hicks regularly.
• Sadly there hasn't been that many updates since two days ago. I have been feeling more uncomfortable as the days go by and my feet and hands have taken a turn to the Flintstones Era!

Flintstone Feet at
39 weeks.. Pretty Gross! 

Other than these minor updates, everything continues to be the same as before.  Baby's movements are still pretty regularly.  He loves to wiggle around from 9pm to 10pm sometimes he will continue his dancing party a little past 10, but afterwards he will settle down and go to sleep :).  

Earlier during the week, I needed to count his movements and Dan started talking to him asking him to wiggle around so that I can count his movements, and sure enough as soon as Dan talks/sings to him, he moves around like a jelly fish! LOVE IT!!! I can pretty much get 10 counts within 2 min.!!! 

Pudgy Pudgy

9 DAYS TO GO!!!!

General Baby & Progress Updates:

• Went to my weekly doctor's appointment and needless to say, there has been no progress since almost 3 weeks.  I was a little disappointed to hear that but I suppose I can't rush things.
• The baby's heartbeat was at 130's.  She mentioned that at the most she thinks the baby will be 8.5 lbs, but she doesn't think the baby will be that big.  That brought some music to my ears, hopefully she is right.
• It looks like I've gained about 2 lbs or so, and I have begun to retain water on my hands and feet.  In fact typing and writing are starting to feel a little uncomfortable.

Pudgy Hands & Feet

Parent's Updates:

• I am starting to get a little impatient "SURPRISE"!!!!! I think that it's getting so close that the anxiety and excitement is taking over.  I know I need to be patient and wait until he is ready to come, which I WILL, but I am just anxious to meet him!!!
• Dad has been SUPER during this whole process.  He has been helping me so much to keep the house clean and making dinner, etc... not to mention yesterday he scrubbed the carpets, vacuumed and everything!  
• My mom has also been very helpful.  She made us some meals, vacuum sealed them, and froze them for us to eat for after the baby arrives.  Sometimes, I just want to take them out and heat them up to simplify my day, but I figured it's best to save them for after the baby's arrival.  

Now I think we are truly ready!!! 

• Birth/Labor and Breastfeeding classes completed - check
• Hospital Registration - check
• Hospital Bags Packed - check
• Car seat installed and checked by inspector - check
• Clean house/bathrooms, etc.. - check
• All of the baby's necessities ready to be used - check
• Baby's clothes washed - check
• Everything sterilized - check
• Bathroom essentials/sponge baths ready to go etc.. - check
• Prepared for water breaking in-house/overnight or outside the house (cars, etc..) - check

If I missed something, no worries, I probably already have it ready, I just forgot! ;)

ALL WE NEED IS A BABY IN THE HOUSE!

38 weeks

2 WEEKS TO GO!!!!

General Baby & Progress Updates:

• During our normal checkup, the baby's head is still facing down, however when the Dr. was trying to find the heartbeat she wasn't able to hear it towards the bottom but rather heard it towards the top right corner.  Which is opposite from where it should be.  The baby's heartbeat is still at 140's.  Due to the heartbeat not being heard where it should be, the Dr. suggested doing an ultrasound to make sure that the baby was still facing head down.
• Highlight of the appointment!  Got to see the baby on the monitor after almost 20 weeks!  The baby is still facing head down so that was good news!  I asked if they could please verify that it was in fact a boy, just to double check :) you never know if the they got it wrong the first time ;), but sure enough it's a baby boy!
• He is definitely running out of room in the Hogie Bun.  The images they were showing me and the prints that they gave me were difficult to figure out what exactly we were looking at.  His face and cheeks look plumply and much fuller.  Dan and I are just very curious and anxious to meet our little baby boy!
• From the technician's comments, the baby seems to be healthy and ready to meet us whenever he is ready.

The Hogie Bun at 38 weeks

Other Updates:

• We are done with all of the classes we had to take, including the baptism class that took place last night. Now we just have to put some final touches to the ceremony/luncheon that will take place once our baby gets baptize and after that I think we are all set with everything!  All we will have to do is enjoy our baby boy!
• On the other hand, I think I am ready to take my body back and start feeling a little bit more normal.  Even though "normal" will be a "new normal", I'm ready to just not have to carry these extra 40 pounds in just one area.

37 weeks

General Baby & Progress Updates:

• Baby's heartbeat is in the 140's and moving constantly.  We have a very active little boy that's getting stronger by the day!
• Lost a little bit of weight (3/4 of a pound) so my total weight gain is 38lbs.
• Things are progressing smoothly under the "hood", I don't want to get into too many details.
• I was told that they would have to put me on antibiotics (penicillin) during labor and they will have to keep me at the hospital 48hrs after delivery, so this was a bit of a bummer but nevertheless they said I should not worry and that this is very common.
• The Hogie Bun is measuring at 35cm.  I certainly feel like it's bigger than that and weighing a lot more!
• Feet & hands are swollen but not too much, some days more than others
• Getting a good night sleep is starting to be impossible.  I feel really awake in the early mornings and then my mind starts to think and that makes it impossible to fall back asleep.
• Baby's room is also all ready to go, just finishing up some touches on the wall which we probably won't finish until later, but all the essentials are ready to go for his BIG ARRIVAL!!!
• Hospital bags are also ready to go (Mom, Dad's, and Baby)
• Car seat has been installed in the SUV (certified by a tech) and ready to go.  Now Dan needs to teach me how to install the base in the other car etc...

For the time being all we have to do is try to keep our place clean so that we don't have to do much once the time comes :)! and play the waiting game.  My job according to the Doctor is to continue to monitor his movements.

36 weeks

4 WEEKS TO GO!!!!

Home Stretch Update:  Doctor's appointment took place on Monday.  This time they didn't measure the Hogie Bun but they did estimate the baby's weight to be a little over 6 pounds.  I asked to see what she thought the overall weight of the baby will be and she said she is thinking low 8's.  Heart rate of both of us appears to be pretty good as well.

I can certainly get into more detail as to how things are progressing but I am thinking that we'll leave it on a need to know basis! Overall things are looking great.  My job for the next 4 weeks is to monitor the baby's movement.  The baby has been quite active as he has been this whole time, so on that note, things are also progressing in the right direction.

I gained 4.7lbs in two weeks, let's see what the damage is this coming Monday.  I really need to start my walks and stretch more often.... I say this... BUT..... when it gets down to it...  I am not doing such a good job at it... booo!!!!

The Hogie Bun at 36.5 weeks

General Updates:

• Baby's room is pretty much set with all the essentials.  We still need to decorate the walls, etc... but I think that will come with time.  Overall, it still looks pretty cute and I am starting to get a sense of completion.
• Baby's bag is ready to go, and for the hospital bag I have most of the stuff laid out and ready to be packed when it gets a little closer.
• Car seat verification appointments have been set and those should be all taken care off next week.
• All we need to do is sterilize the bottles and pump and I think we should be pretty good to go!  After that I think we just play the waiting game!

34 weeks

Total Weight Gain:  This past Monday we went to the doctor for our regular check up and things continue to go in the right direction.  Blood pressure and growth seem perfect according to the doctor.  Since our last visit two weeks ago, I've gained a total of 2 pounds, bring it to a whopping grand total of 33 pounds!

The Hogie Bun is measuring at 35 cm, so a bit bigger than where we should be at, keeping in mind that both ultrasounds that we got the baby measured 4 days ahead, so if this is the case then I think it's some what proportional.  Baby's heartbeat at the time of our appointment was at 134 bpm.

On a side note, I have been feeling pretty tired these days and feel that need to take bathroom breaks as soon as I get up from sitting.  Sleeping has become a bit more uncomfortable but at the same time, I have had those nice moments of deep sleep (it varies).  There are times that when I stay up too late the night before, that the next morning I feel like I have a hangover... granted these are weekends, so I can sleep in if I need to which always helps, but even if I do it still takes a while for that feeling to go away.  Note to self... slow down the late nights :)!


General Updates:

• Date night on Saturday went great!  We had a wonderful dinner and even if I wasn't able to have my favorite rolls with raw fish, all of the veggie rolls and the California roll tasted AMAZING!!! I could eat sushi rolls everyday!!!!

• We didn't make it to Chicago last weekend due to other plans that came up but we were able to used that time to get a great jump start at the baby's nursery :)  We were also able to get a lot of laundry done and get it all ready for his arrival.  There is still quite a bit to do, but hopefully by the end of this weekend that's all taken care off and ready to go!  I'm thinking that by the end of this weekend, the room will begin to take shape and feel more complete!

• 6 WEEKS TO GO!!!  and so the home stretch begins!!!  We attended our first labor/birth class this past Tuesday.  Overall, it's informative and there was some information that was really helpful to know.  Some people say that taking these classes help with the anxiety and anticipation that us moms-to be have when it's their first baby.  Well, like I told Dan, I don't think that seeing and learning more about the big day has made it any easier.   I do think that I will begin to practice the relaxation techniques because I am thinking I will really need them so that my stress does not make the pain any worse than it has to be.  

Irish Burrito's Baby Shower

This past weekend we had our little Irish Burrito's shower!  It was great seeing a lot of family and friends that we don't get to see very often.  We also would like to thank those who were not able to attend but that sent their well wishes for our family.  THANK YOU TO ALL for making this a beautiful shower to remember!  Our Irish Burrito is very spoiled with lots of love already!

Irish Burrito's Baby Shower
February 9, 2013
Country Springs Hotel

Our Sister-in-Law made the beautiful
"IT'S A BOY" & "SWEETS & TREATS" banners!

Can't get enough of the banners!!
Check out Uniquely Me Designs on facebook!!

Parent's To Be

Proud Grandma's!

Dessert

Handmade & painted cross magnets
made in Mexico.  

33 weeks

Parent's To Be Update:  We are starting to really prepare for what's coming and trying to also squeeze as much as time together as we can before we become a family of three!  Although technically, we are already a family of three, we are trying to meet with as many friends as possible and stay out a little later than usual because we know that once the baby comes, we might not be able to do this as often.

"New" This Week:  Mom over here is pretty much feeling the weight again on her back and lower tummy!  We still have 7 more weeks to go, so we are wondering how big I will get.  Any guesses as to how much this baby will weigh? Dan is starting to get into the mood of organizing the baby's room etc... which is a good thing, because I just haven't had as much energy as I would like in order to do everything I would like to do!

• We are heading to Chicago for a mini trip to get some essentials for the baby's room and enjoy the day together.. perhaps going out to get some sushi... (California & Asparagus rolls for me) and Dan (will probably get the super yummy ones!).  I think the two things I miss the most are: (Belgium Beers & Sushi).  We LOVE, LOVE seafood, so only being able to eat limited quantities and kinds during the week really puts a damper on things.  But that's a sacrifice I am willing to make! 

The Hogie Bun at 33 weeks

Co-workers Shower:  Today, I was surprised by a few co-workers at the lunch break room with a few baby shower gifts and a yummy cake!  They got our baby some super cute outfits and a stuffed animal.  I thought that was a very nice gesture from all of them!  THANK YOU!!!

32 weeks

On Monday we went to the doctor and it looks like everything is still on the right track!

Total Weight Gain:  Whooping 31 pounds!  Considering that at the last doctor appointment (week 29) I only gained a total of 1 pound, it looks like this past two weeks I've made up for it and gained 7 pounds!!!  The Hogie Bun is measuring at 33 cm.

Momma's Update:  I already feel/look a lot bigger and things have been "shifting" and creating some discomforts here and there but nothing out of the ordinary.  Some major discomforts have been my lower/upper back (too much weight to support), some ligament pains on my hips, lots of heartburn, some shortness of breath, and finally some Braxton Hicks contractions here and there nothing too uncomfortable.

The Hogie Bun at 32 weeks

• We have 8 MORE WEEKS TO GO!!!! which makes me a bit nervous but at the same time excited to meet our Irish Burrito in person.

• The Grandparents from both sides are throwing our Irish Burrito a baby shower this Saturday.  We are very excited to see many friends and family that we don't get to see very often!  After our baby shower, we will begin to set up the nursery and finalize the nursery before our baby arrives.

• One big problem with me!  I tend to read too much about pregnancy and everything that goes with it.  So I went on a mini hospital bag/post-birth shopping in order to not be scrambling towards the end trying to get everything I would like to have.  I have read/heard just about all stories regarding labor and post-birth "beauties".  Let's just say that reading all of them have made me chuckle quite a bit and terrified at the same time.  

Dad's Update:  He has been very supportive throughout this whole experience.  Couldn't have asked for a better partner!  He is just as excited to get the room all set up and get everything finalized for his little boy's arrival as we all are.  He will be a very busy man come these next few weeks :)!

Baby's Update:  He is one active little burrito!  I am not 100% how much he weighs at this time, but it is said to average about 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long and taking up a lot of space in The Hogie Bun.  The doctor mentioned that mom will be gaining about 1 pound a week and roughly half of that would go straight to the baby.  Which leaves me to believe that I am in for a treat on how big I can certainly get!

At our appointment, the doctor mentioned that it felt like Baby Hogan has flipped and is now facing head down :)!

On a side note: As I was getting things crossed off my TO-DO List for the BIG DAY! I came across a free class to learn how to make your own baby food.  We figured why not go, it's free and was offered at the hospital that we intend to deliver, so we signed up for it and attended it.  Needless to say we were both a little disappointed.  Mostly because we thought this was going to be a more hands-on "making baby food class", but it wasn't.  We got some important information that our pediatrician had already mentioned to us, and we did get to sample some baby food that they made for us.  The following were the samples that they prepared:

• Sweet Potatoes - Dan really likes sweet potatoes, so the taste of it wasn't bad.  Me on the other hand, I am not a fan at all of sweet potatoes, so for me I just didn't really enjoy it.  However, I do think that our Irish Burrito will like those someday.
• Avocado & Bananas - Who would have thought this funky combination was actually good!  We both really liked it!
• Pears - This one to us didn't taste like much, but a good one to have as an option. 

31 weeks

Not a lot of updates or exciting news since the last post.  We do have a doctor's appointment this coming Monday so, I will be able to report any new developments and measurements since two weeks ago.

So far, the only difficulties I have been having is getting up from the couch, floor and bed.  Every once in a while I have to ask Dan for some assistance if I need to make a "quick" move...haha!  Otherwise, I take my sweet time in rolling to my side and then lifting myself up!

The other thing I've noticed is that the Hogie Bun certainly feels like it weighs a bit more, and I am feeling more pressure on my lower/upper back.

Baby Hogan's most active times are between 4-5amish, 7-9am, 1-3pm, 6-7pm...but loves to wiggle his butt and whole body between 9-11pm!  I basically feel him pretty much all day, but these are the times where he has his kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do classes and makes sure either Mom or Dad are focusing all of their attention on him!

Next weekend is the Baby Shower!  I'll post some of those pictures after it takes place!

The Hogie Bun at 31 weeks

Baby Bump Photoshoot

This past weekend was pretty busy.  Saturday, we started with an early Baby-Bump Photoshoot up in Madison, Wisconsin.  One of our college friends did us a great favor and took some pictures of us two/three! We are very grateful that she was able to do this for us in such a short period of time and capture these memories for us.

The weather in Wisconsin has been a little crazy lately.  We had 0 degree weather or lower with negative double digits winds, then afterwards it got warmer, with some snow, and on Saturday when these pictures were taken we had a beautiful day! Sunny, not too windy, snow on the ground, but still cold!  Hope you all enjoy them as much as we do!

All photos taken by Rebecca Ray

30 weeks

Baby & Momma Updates

• Things haven't really changed since my last appointment this past Monday, please reference week 29 for updates!

• I can't believe we are 10 weeks away from the due date.  I realize that it can be sooner or it can be a little later, but just thinking that next week we will be in the single digit weeks has me a little anxious and well just feel like I am sort of falling behind on my TO DO LISTS...!!!

• We did however, called a pediatrician that was highly recommended by one of our friends and who also happen to be recommended by the OBGYN's.  Luckily, this doctor is accepting new patients and the other important part, is that this doctor is in our network insurance.  Needless to say, when I called to ask for information and see if we can become a patient the receptions gave us the option to also set up a quick appointment to meet the doctor and make sure we as parents are comfortable with him, etc...  I thought "why not?".  She said the doctor would call me to see when it would be convenient for the three of us to meet.  Never did I expect to receive a call that same day at 7pm from the doctor to do a briefly introduction by phone and set up a time!  So far, I am happy with his prompt response to get back to us.  I hope that if we do like this pediatrician and something were to come up in the future (hopefully nothing too serious) he is just as responsive!

• On another note, when we went to our 20 week ultrasound, the technician did mentioned that normally if everything is going well and they see no signs of complications, that we will probably not get another ultrasound.  I asked the doctor on Monday if there was one more ultrasound scheduled and she said "no"...... Boooo.... The technician at the ultrasound did mentioned that GE does ultrasounds for free at their Waukesha location so that students can learn and study from them etc...  So I did a little research and found the number and emailed them. I am not sure if they will give me a call back since I am already at 30 weeks, but it's worth the try.. all to see our little IRISH BURRITO again.  I am also very curious to how he is positioned so I can get a better visual in my mind :) !

The Hogie Bun at 30 weeks

Daddy's & Other Updates
Mom C. gave us a juicer for Christmas and we finally used it!  This thing is amazing and the recipes that the book contains although some sound like a weird combination, are actually pretty good!

We are becoming more obsessed with the juicing little by little and adding it to our meals (mostly breakfast thus far).  I of course cannot replace a meal with a juice because I would be starving within 1 hour, but it's a good way to add those vegetables and fruits that one would normally not eat within one day.

This awesome Dad is putting some
hard/easy labor into this concoction!

The end result = Yummy Healthy Fresh Juice!
Carrots, Apples & Celery

Today on the 30th week celebration.... Dad made us some beet, carrot and orange juice! Great way to start your morning!  Now all I have to do is manage to get my butt out the door and get at least a 30 min. walk a day.  It's a little hard when it's 1 degree (or lower) and wind chills of (-15 and -25).

29 weeks

The Hogie Bun at 29 & 5 days

Total Weight Gain: My last doctor's appointment was at week 27.  Surprisingly, since then I've only gained a total of 1 pound.  I thought I was going to see a tremendous increase as the holidays offered quite the goodies and momma over here just couldn't resist the cookies!  So, the big number is at 24 pounds!

Based on where I am at and how things have been developing, we are still within the healthy weight gain range (25-35). I know I still have about 10 weeks+ so we'll see what the final number is.  I am trying not to focus too much on that so long as I keep a balanced nutrition, but let's face it, sometimes I could just eat ice cream all day!

On another note, my blood counts are higher than normal, which she said was a good thing to have and know when it comes to delivery.  I can go into more detail as to why this is good during delivery time, but I won't!  She did however, also mentioned an additional benefit of having a higher blood count, and that is that after delivery I might actually end up having a bit more energy than most women feel after delivery, but of course that's case by case.  For all I know I can just be one of them!

Momma's Update: After enjoying some warm, relaxing weather during our babymoon, I ended up getting a relatively small cold and congestion.  This congestion has been lingering for about a week now (not fun) but I am getting better.

My belly is measuring at 30".  However, I still get some people at work asking me how far along I am, and when I tell some of them, they respond "Oh, wow! I thought you were farther along".. in other words.. "Wow, you look huge!!!!
I am still not quite sure how I should take that. I understand I am pregnant and I am going to get bigger, but then it makes me wonder, do I really look much bigger than I should?

For all you men out there..... I don't think that this is a statement that needs to be said, whether one is expecting or not!  Believe it or not, I am still a bit self-conscious on how I look and it certainly doesn't add any confidence/self-esteem when one knows that they look bigger than normal and that they still have more pounds to gain!  In other words, please just keep it to yourself or simply say "Oh, you look great!"

Baby's Update: Baby is still moving and dancing along with us.  Very active especially in the mornings around 9am, mid-afternoons 1-2pm and sometimes just before going to bed 9ish.  I wonder if these are going to be the times that the baby is going to be the most active once he is out of the "hogie bun"???

I still don't know which way the baby is facing or what part of his body is what's moving etc...  The doctor mentioned that at this time, from what she was able to feel, she thinks that the baby is still head up, on my right side facing my left side, but we won't know for sure.

Discomfort: Sleeping has gotten better.  I still get the occasional hip discomfort but I just end up switching more often from side to side.  Other than that, it's just the normal discomforts of back-ache here and there.  It is now taking me a little longer to bend over or move faster, but I am adjusting.

Also, my T-shirts are no longer fitting AT ALL!!! & Dan's T-shirts are starting to get a bit tighter as well... I am running out of options....  :)

Bellybutton: It has popped, not a ton but you can certainly tell on shirts if I am not wearing a belly band or some sort of a spandex tank-top underneath my shirts.

Looking Forward to: Finalizing all of the baby shower details!  

Babymoon

Los Cabo San Lucas, México

The Office Restaurant
Médano Beach

Overall, the three of us had a wonderful time on our trip to Baja California Sur, Mexico.  As some of you know Dan and I had bid on a live auction trip to Cabo sometime early last year..  We tried to get a few of our friends and family to join us, but in the end that fell through and we figured why not take this time for ourselves before our little Irish Burrito arrives.

What a wonderful idea a babymoon !  As we arrived to Cabo, Dan and I looked like two lost puppies exiting the airport trying to find our transportation to the resort.  This wonderful gentleman pointed us in the "right direction".  The direction of a sales representative.  We had already planned on purchasing some excursions so we took the time to listen and see what her prices were.  After we have selected a few to purchase, she mentioned that in order to receive these prices in addition to some free breakfast, all we would have to do is attend a brief 75 minute presentation.... TIMESHARES!!! GRRR!!!

The price was right $53 for a sunset cruise dinner, whale watching, glass bottom boat tour and $50 worth of gift certificates to a near by restaurant.  We said, ok we'll do it.

Taken from balcony of our suite with iPhone

Next morning, we got our breakfast did the tour and let's just say this pregnant woman started to get pretty impatient with the constant "selling of everything" even after we had already said that we were not interested.  Finally, we got our promised "gifts".  We headed to our resort, changed and headed to the beach for some relaxation time.

That evening we went on the sunset dinner cruise.  It was a very nice time and the sunset was beautiful, like a photo-shopped sunset.  This cruise had some entertainment, music and paparazzi taking some pictures.  One of the pictures that they took as the one I posted under (28 weeks).  I thought it was a very cute picture of the three of us!  Dan was asked to take some tequila shots (which he loves -- NOT! and a bird pooped on the back of his shirt -- priceless! What an evening.  We sealed the night with a walk by the beach and some dessert (Flan & Chocolate Cake) at a near beach restaurant.

My belly started to become the center of random conversations.  Mostly people congratulating us and seem genuinely happy for the two of us.  Then they would follow up with the story of their lives and children.  So there we were having some nice conversations and then all of a sudden a "sales pitch comes out of their mouths".  By this time, Dan and I had discussed that NEVER again would we do another of those timeshare talks.  But here we were the guy was offering us some free breakfast again, 4 nights at this other resort, and some cash.  CASH! we thought...hmmm the guy threw in $150 dollars, I said, $300, then he said $200 cash, so that he can keep the $50 as his commission.  I looked at Dan and Dan agreed.

So here we go again... the sales rep, mentioned "now make sure you don't say you like it, or ask following questions and appear to be interested" this way you get your cash/gifts and I get some of my commission and you should be out in a reasonable time.  So Dan and I agreed, not to make any comments to see if we could just get our money, tour the place and head out to the beach.

The day comes, we eat breakfast, tour the resort and get sat and the sales pitch begins.  The rep got up and said I'll give you a few minutes to discuss and if you are not interested, we will get you your gifts and part ways.  In my husbands defense, this guy was good, in fact using some of the pointers that Dan as a salesperson himself has used in the past. The way Dan began to look at it was in the form of an investment.  Needless to say, the guy gets up, and I look over at Dan thinking "oh good, that wasn't too bad" when Dan begins to ask me questions regarding the offer.  I looked at him and said "Hold on, are you telling me that you are actually contemplating this and are interested".  He said, "I am looking at this as an investment, some of it makes sense" blah, blah, blah....  To make the story short, we kept asking questions and got him to lower it a ton and offer us "his best price/package" knowing that we were not going to purchase anything.  We finally were able to walk away and get our cash and gifts with no purchases - Thank goodness!

The rest of the days, we laid by the beach and enjoyed some refreshments and soaked up some rays.  The nights were a bit chilly (mid 50-60's) but still pretty comfortable.  We woke up to see the sunrise a few days and the rest of the trip was very relaxing.

Dan was able to go on the whale watching tour.  He got some amazing pictures! Unfortunately, I was not able to go due to how far along I was.  I must admit I was a bit sad, as that was one of the major highlights that I had envision doing during this trip, but I convinced Dan to go so that he can take some pictures/video and I can see them.

On our last day, we woke up early and headed to the beach to watch the sunrise and to take some pictures before heading back to the cold weather.

Highlights of our trip: 

• Relaxing by the beach with some alcoholic (Dan) and non-alcoholic beverages (Me)
• Sunset Cruise Dinner
• Whale watching
• Getting $200 cash + all other excursions at a very low price
• Enjoying some authentic mexican shows/dances at different restaurants
• Watching the first quarter (only) of the Packer game in downtown Cabo
• People watching

The list can go-on-and-on.... Overall, it was a wonderful trip that they two of us (3) got to enjoy together before our little bundle of joy meets us face-to-face.  

28 weeks

The Hogie Bun at 28 weeks
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Momma's Update: I spoke to the Doctor last night after emailing her some questions I had.  These past few appointments I have not been able to meet with my original Doctor and so I wanted to make sure things were still on the right path.

Come to know the Doctor had shingles in her head, thankfully she is doing much better.  She answered some of my questions regarding to tests.  I had to re-take the glucose test just to get reassurance and to also test my iron levels.  The test came back negative again for gestational diabetes.  Although it went up from 103 to 123, she mentioned it's a pass or fail and that I shouldn't be concern.  I had mentioned the concerns that my husband had due to my increase in sugar intake over the holidays.  Needless to say, she said that my body must be breaking down the sugar quite well!

As far as my iron levels go, she also mentioned they were great (13.8 hemoglobin  normally she said that 11.7 is the low end of normal, so I am just where I need to be and doesn't foresee me having difficulties for the rest of the pregnancy.

Additionally, as she was giving me the results of our little Irish Burrito, she confirmed that all of the organs are looking great and developing healthy.  Although I think my weight is a bit much for where I am, she said that the weight gain looks great.  She also mentioned that I shouldn't be too alarmed if for some reason I don't fee the baby move too much, as my placenta which is apparently 2" thick is right on front.

She said to go ahead and start the kick counting (starting and ending movement).  Count 10 kicks/movements within 2 hours.  So I have been doing that twice a day, morning and at night.  We have a very active boy in the Hogie Bun so it's easy for me to know that he has way over 10 movements within 2+ hours.

Baby's Update: Doctor mentioned that the baby probably weights over 2 lbs by now.  He has been very active and loves to tickle and poke my belly with (?- don't know leg/elbow/touchy/hand) at different times of the day.

I will say it's very exciting and gives me a piece of mind, but there are times, where it just feels weird and uncontrollable.  I do however, like to look down at my belly to see how it moves.

Discomfort: I know I've mentioned that I haven't had much to complain and my discomforts were to a minimum.  I am still somewhat sticking to this.  With the exception of last night.  I had the hardest time finding a comfortable spot on the bed, I tried all sorts of positions with pillows, etc... and nothing, I tried sitting while sleeping... not very comfortable.  I also keep feeling a constant "stretchy feeling" on the left of my belly, which was uncomfortable to lay on... so after waking up at 2:00 a.m. and tossing and turning until 4:00 a.m., I decided to move tot he couch and see if that would help.

To my surprise, it sort of did.  It wasn't that comfortable but at least I could feel like I was getting some rest.  I am hoping that these next months are not spent sleeping on the couch.  I am actually considering investing in one of those wedges that they sell at Babies"R"Us and see if that helps me sleep better!  Any suggestions?

Bellybutton: Previously, I had mentioned that it looked like it was starting to pop a little.  Now that the Hogie Bun has grown it has begun to take a flat shape.

Looking Forward to: considering this is my first full week back at work since the beginning of December and I am not having a ton of luck sleeping through the night.  I am looking forward to sleeping more comfortably and getting some rest.  I am also looking forward to finalizing some decorations for the baby shower that's coming up pretty soon!

27 weeks

The Hogie Bun at 27 weeks

Total Weight Gain: As of last week I had gained a total of 23 pounds! So I am really not sure how much I've gained since then, probably .5 or so?

Baby's Update: According to the lovely apps that I follow, the baby weighs almost 2 pounds (head of cauliflower) and measures about 14 1/2 inches long with legs extended.  I am thinking this baby of ours weighs more, just because at 20 weeks he weighed 1.1 pounds, but I am not a doctor, nor do I know the rapidness of his growth....

Based on how the last two measurements that the doctor took, it seems like the hogie bun has been growing proportionally with the number of weeks.  So I am guessing that I am measuring at 27cm.  (I can confirm this next week, when I purchase a measuring tape, I don't own one).

Movement: Our Irish Burrito is one active little boy in the hogie bun!  Sometimes he is very calm, but when he is active he makes sure you know his moving! 

Discomfort: I really can't complain of how my pregnancy has gone thus far.  My discomforts have been very minimum and pretty normal.

I complain the most at night, when my body is just tired and my lower/upper back just ache from all of the extra weight that I am carrying that I can't seem to get comfortable in any position.

Sleeping at night didn't used to be a problem, but now I just feel like I can't seem to get quality sleep.  I am constantly turning from one side to the other, in what feels like every 5 minutes.  OH THE JOY OF PREGNANCY!  There has been times where I wake up in the middle of the night and notice that I am more flat on my back, which freaks me out (yes, I exaggerate) but I do worry and wonder if perhaps I was in that position for too long and whether or not my uterus was pressing on the major vein and interfering with the flow of blood and nutrients to the baby.  These things go through my mind in the middle of the night/morning!

On the brighter side, I have noticed the baby move at random hours of the night, so that reassures me that he is doing fine.

Bellybutton: not quite all the way out, but I have noticed the the top of my bellybutton is starting to pop a little.

Looking Forward to: a short work week and then a relaxing week in Los Cabos, Mexico! Excited to spend some time with just my husband in some warm weather before we become a family of 3!

Babymoon - Los Cabos, Mexico