Baby, You're Doing Karate in My Belly!

I'm officially past the halfway point in my pregnancy. At 21 weeks we had our ultrasound and found out that our little angel is a baby boy. So far everything is going well and baby is progressing as he should. He's been extremely active in mama's belly. It's fun identifying his patterns - when he's sleeping, when he's up and practicing martial arts in the belly! Daddy was able to feel one of his kicks already. He's getting lots of love and attention, too. At work staff, faculty and students like to rub the belly and talk to baby. Grandma, daddy and mama read to him. Daddy, plays the guitar and sings to him sometimes. We all talk to him all the time. He gets kisses from daddy, too.

He's a boy!

Celebrating the News of Our Baby Boy

We finally got our registry done! Wow, that was a lot of work. Poor Rico had to push me around in a wheelchair at Baby's r Us, because my back was killing me. Of course we bought baby a few things... like this adorable cowboy bib.

Daddy Sports It Quite Well, Doesn't He?

I recently transferred from my practice to a midwifery practice. I'm going to attempt a water birth at Anschutz University Hospital. We have our first appointment on January 2nd. After that visit we need to sign up for birthing classes.

I wasn't able to put a Christmas tree this year. I promise my baby boy he will have a tree next year!! I did find him the perfect stocking, though! He already has two presents inside - one from mama and one from daddy.

Baby's Elmo Stocking

My mom, baby and I will be spending a few days in Miami over the Christmas holiday. I'm looking forward to spending time with family and friends, enjoying some warmth and humidity and showing off my belly. It has really popped out as you can tell from the pictures. I hope I can manage the trip. I admit carrying my baby boy has not been easy. I'm still not completely over the nausea. My new nuisance is heartburn. And then, there's my lower back. I asked my mom today if she thinks I'll be able to do this again. She said she thinks I'll think about it real heard. I told her I think once I see my son and have him in my arms I will instantly forget all the symptoms and pains of pregnancy.

20 Weeks Pregnant

20 Weeks Pregnant

22 Weeks Pregnant

22 Weeks Pregnant

Thanksgiving with Baby in the Belly

Thanksgiving 2012 was truly lovely. We got to use my new dining room furniture. The food was delicious. My flan de queso was a hit. We spent it with lovely people close to my heart. And best of all, I felt the baby on Thanksgiving day unmistakably. I felt the famous flutters I kept reading and hearing about everywhere. It was beautiful! And, I've been feeling the baby consistently everyday since.

Flan de Queso

I was also very happy that the baby and I could spend Thanksgiving with daddy. As a flight attendant, holidays are sometimes tough to get off. So, we were lucky this year. And Rico and I had so much to be thankful for this year! Since, not only do we have a precious hapa baby on the way, but daddy is cancer free. Yay!

Daddy's Matching the Wall : )

The Expecting Parents

My Momma, Her eyes are closed, but look at that smile

Thanksgiving dinner at work with the faculty, students and staff was really fun, too. I got to meet my librarian's kids and see his wife again after a really long time.

Alfredo, Amy Sue, and Their Beautiful Kids

The day after Thanksgiving, we met at my boss' place up in the mountains. We picked a tree in her 13 acres of land to put in the lobby of our campus. That was fun!

Can You Tell I'm Pregnant? 

The Tree We Chose Going Down!

My Chama, Ludy, with her Beautiful Daughters

17 Weeks - Energy Is Returning

I think I felt the baby move twice this week. It's so hard to tell. The first time, it felt like a fish swimming across my belly. The second time, it felt like a jump. It's so exciting to think that soon I won't have to guess if what I'm feeling is my baby.

4 Weeks Pregnant

The nausea has not disappeared, unfortunately. But, and this is a big deal... I'm finally getting my energy back! This weekend I got so much done around the house. I can't believe how far behind I had gotten on so many things. It's a miracle the bills were getting paid! It feels good to get things done and off of my to-do list.

As promised, here is a progression of belly pics. Enjoy!

5 Weeks Pregnant

5 Weeks Pregnant

12 Weeks Pregnant

12 Weeks Pregnant

17 Weeks Pregnant

17 Weeks Pregnant

17 Weeks Pregnant

Baby, Your Heartbeat Is Music To My Ears

The nausea persists, the fatigue persists, but I'm so excited about this baby!!! We had our 16 week visit this week. I opted for having this visit with one of the midwives in my practice rather than a physician. I was curious to know the difference between being a midwife patient or an OBGYN patient. Honestly, it felt like the difference is kind of small. But, still it might be worth it. Basically, the midwives get to know their patients better, and give them more one-on-one attention. Apparently, they also spend more time with the laboring mother during birth, rather than showing up when the baby's about to come out. I did feel like the nurse midwife was very thorough in answering all my questions. It didn't feel like she was in a hurry. We discussed the benefits of having a doula. I'm seriously considering having one for support during labor.

We got to hear the baby's heartbeat again. So fast! So beautiful! It was good for me. I still can't feel the baby move, so sometimes I wonder if there's even a baby in there. With all your symptoms, how in the world can you doubt it, you ask. I know. It's weird. But, it was just reassuring to hear that beautiful sound.

Daddy went to Hawaii for vacation for a little over a week. He'll get some family time and some surfing time, too. It's a good thing, cause it'll be a while before he'll be able to do that once the baby comes.

I'll try to have belly pictures on my next post. : )

Voluptuousness is Goddessness

Being pregnant is weird!! There are just no consistencies. I spent the entire first trimester of my pregnancy feeling nauseous and awful but never threw up! At about week 13 I finally started to feel a little better, and then at week 14 I threw up 4 times. Once in the parking lot at work. How embarrassing! I almost didn't even make it. I opened that car door and blop... there it all went. When I walked in to work, my coworkers said I looked white as a ghost! I then proceeded to vomit twice more in a span of about an hour and a half.

But then there are blissful moments. Recently, I took a long bath with some relaxing Lavender bath salts that Babydaddy gave me for my birthday. I soaked and read a great book that Tía Adri sent me called Hot Mama. I laughed so hard. But, that little funny book really did help to change my perspective on being pregnant. I now embrace my voluptuousness, especially since it is all happening as my body nurtures a living being inside me. How beautiful is that!!

Every Pregnant Woman Should Have This Book

It has also been fun spending time with Daddy and planning for our little angel's arrival. Rico is a planner, so I have a feeling everything will be perfectly ready for this child when s/he arrives. In fact, this past weekend we bought a video camera. I might add some video clips to my blog soon!

So there are good days and there are bad days. The other day I was exhausted, and I told my friend Nubia, "My goodness you would think I had run a marathon!" And she replied, “My goodness, you would think that you're pregnant!" And that's exactly it. Being pregnant means feeling tired, nauseous, emotional, sensitive, elated, excited, and exhausted sometimes all at once! It's pretty crazy. But every time I think about that beautiful hapa baby growing inside me, I know it is unquestionably worth it!

Baby, You Are Perfect

Last week we went to do the Nuchal Translucency Screening. It's an ultrasound and a blood test. We got to see Baby at 12 weeks. It was pretty amazing. Baby was moving like crazy and making it really hard for the doctor to get the views he needed to capture. He asked us if we wanted to know the baby's sex. Of course! It's really too early to tell, but his guess is that it's a boy. The doctor (who we found out later was a pioneer in ultrasounds for pregnant women) said that everything looked really good, and Baby looked healthy. Here are Baby's ultrasound pics. He's cuddling with mama, he's right up against my uterus.

They called me this week with good news about my blood work. It came out negative for Down syndrome and Trisomy 18 which is lethal to a fetus. Yeah!

The day after the ultrasound we had our second visit with our practitioner. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat with the Doppler baby heart monitor. It's fast and strong.

So, hapa baby is doing just great! Mama was feeling a little better, too, though the last few days have been a bit tough. And Daddy is definitely recovering well from stomach surgery. He had enough energy to paint my basement.

Getting the House Ready for Baby's Arrival

Church on Sunday

A Stroll on the Trail by My House

The fact that I had enough energy to go for a walk is pretty amazing considering how sick I was during the first three months. I even went to yoga this week for the first time in over 7 weeks. The nausea is not completely gone, though. But, I am a bit better. Things are looking up for our little family. :)

Childhood Friends

While I was in Maryland three weeks ago, I got to see a my childhood friend, Mary. We used to play together in the barrio back when kids played outside till dark. I hadn't seen her in seven years, and then when I see her I'm pregnant! It was wonderful to catch up. These are the friendships to be cherished, and the kind that I hope for my baby. Mary is a breast cancer survivor, and she's currently mentoring two women fighting breast cancer right now. I'm very proud of her!

Mary and I at Vapiano's

PJ's for Baby from Tia Mary

PJ's from Tia Mary

Baby, We Made it Through the First Trimester

Well, today I'm 12 weeks pregnant, officially done with the first trimester. I wish I was officially done with the symptoms. The nausea persists rendering me useless. And I have so much to do!! And, oh the emotions! What a roller coaster! I had no idea pregnancy would make me so needy.

I still don't really look pregnant. I'm just starting to look chubby.

Five Weeks Pregnant

Twelve Weeks Pregnant

This week I have an appointment with the OBGYN, and another appointment for an ultrasound - the Nuchal Translucency Screening which I'm doing because I'm over 35. It's non-invasive, and we get to see the baby. We can't wait.

Unfortunately, Rico is in the hospital again. They told me they'll make me a CD with pics and some clips of the baby in action for Daddy, if he can't make it.

Baby, You are My Birthday Present

Today's my 38th birthday, and I feel so blessed! I have a beautiful hapa baby growing in my belly. It is the most amazing gift I could have on my birthday. I am also blessed with an incredible network of family and friends that are so excited about the arrival of this baby. I know I have prayers coming my way on a daily basis. And, I have the best babydaddy I could have ever hoped for. He takes care of me, and I know he's going to be a fantastic father.

Co-workers, My Second Family

Yesterday, I announced my pregnancy to my co-workers. How fun! First, they all celebrated with me by sharing my excitement for this baby that has long been my heart's desire. Then, came the flood of advice and do's and dont's. There's an interesting phenomenon that occurs when you announce a pregnancy. All the mom's start reminiscing and sharing stories of their own pregnancies. It was so special watching my co-workers all aglow while they relived past pregnancies with sweet, tender and some super funny stories. It was funny to see how they contradict each other, too. Ludy and Mauricio were encouraging me to have a glass of wine. !No te hace nada! While, Syndia, sternly declared, "There's no need!" I also found out that coincidentally our OBGYN, Julie Ann Mahoney, was also Ludy's and Mauricio's wife, Lili's. And, they loved her.

In the evening we went to Tamayo's on Larimer Square to celebrate our achievement of reaching the registration goal. It was a very poignant evening, and we actually had several things to celebrate. Estevan was nominated to receive the Colorado Rockies Hispanic Adult Leadership Award. Fernando and I had September birthdays. And, of course, the baby was a cause for celebration. Fernando was actually not able to join us, but he left us a lovely letter where he addressed each of us individually. Here's what he wrote to me:

Rita – You have such an endearing heart and your aura is genuine.  Everyone from the staff, faculty and students look to you for knowledge and support.  I know when you’re around, there is a sigh of relief.  I was also filled with joy when you said you were expecting a child. I send you a huge hug and all the positive energy and prayers because you deserve it.  It’s your turn. This couldn’t have happened to a better person.   You have a fan in me.



Birthday Surprise!



Baby's First Onesie

Rico gave me an early birthday present today. I got two really fun things.

At our first prenatal visit our practitioner told us that our baby is now the size of a gummy bear. So, this gift is in honor of our hapa gummy bear. : )

Here's gift number two - Baby's first onesie from daddy. I love it!

First Prenatal Care Appointment

Today Rico and I went to our first prenatal care appointment. We both really liked Dr. Mahoney. She was very friendly and funny. Her first question, of course, was how were we doing. Well, we're both messed up! Me with pregnancy symptoms and Rico with post surgery issues. She spent the first 15 minutes of the appointment talking to Rico about his recent stomach surgery and even checked out his stitches. Then she apologized to me for not making this all about me. It was pretty funny. It's okay, Daddy's important, too!


Dr. Julie Ann Mahoney, our OBGYN

We got to see our little hapa peanut! Baby is the size of a gummy bear right now. The best part was seeing the heart beat. It's fast, too! One hundred sixty beats per minute. Estimated due date is April 18, 2013.



Baby's first picture!


Auntie Becky and Uncle Chris were very anxious to hear about the first prenatal appointment. Well, everything is perfect! The pregnancy is completely normal and mine is NOT a high risk pregnancy. A toast was definitely in order!

Get Well Soon, Daddy!

Rico had emergency surgery yesterday. He'll be in the hospital 5 days and recovery will take at least 3 weeks. My nausea has only gotten worse, even with meds. Rico told me the other day that some scientists posit that severe nausea is an indication of high IQ for the baby. I think this baby is going to be a genius, because my nausea is persistent and awful!

Looks like mommy and daddy are both going to be messed up the first trimester. Well, things can only get better, right?

Do I have to go to work today?

I have a new admiration for pregnant women who work a full time job. My goodness, it ain't easy! My mom asked me yesterday how the baby was doing. I told her s/he must be doing great, because s/he's putting mommy through the wringer! These past few days at work have been torture. I have these comfy sofa's in the library that are constantly tempting me, "Come lie down on us!" That's all I want to do all the time is just lie down. Perpetual nausea has overtaken all other feelings. I can't even tell if I'm hungry, full, thirsty, tired. I just feel one thing... nausea!

A Stone's Throw Away and Even Closer

Babydaddy doesn't get to be around the belly all the time. So I decided to replace my belly ring with one that has his birth stone. I want something of daddy close to the baby all the time. I know it's silly and sentimental, but guess what? I'm pregnant, so I'm allowed. Now let's see how long I can keep it on. : )

Chicken Soup for the Soul and the Tummy

Today I'm 6 weeks pregnant. Boy did those symptoms go from mild to strong fast! We totally skipped moderate. I still haven't actually puked, but yesterday the nausea was so bad, I spent the entire day in bed. Adri says being nauseous and tired is a good sign the baby is developing healthily. That's a positive way to look at it. : )

I'm so blessed to have my mom with me. She made me some chicken soup with lots of noodles. We didn't have any potatoes. I suggested that she go ask the neighbors. She used to do that all the time when I was little. She would ask for sugar, milk, eggs... She's too shy to do it now. Plus, the neighbors don't speak Spanish. I imagined myself going next door and knocking, "Hi, I'm pregnant. Do you happen to have an extra potato lying around that I can have? It's for the baby." But, I couldn't get out of bed. So, I had chicken soup with lots of noodles. It was just what I needed. Thanks, mom!

Bebé, Tu Tía Betty Está Muy Contenta

Anteayer le di la nueva noticia a mi prima, Betty. Se puso tan pero tan contenta. Y ayer me mandó este lindo mensaje.

Querida Rita:

¡Felicidades!

Cuanta alegria me dio la GRAN NOTICIA. Dios escuchó mis ruegos. GRACIAS DIOS MIO. Este es un GRAN MILAGRO. Disfruta estos 9 meses. Este BEBE es UNA BENDICION. Como los padres de este BEBE estan tan felices, todo va a estar EN ORDEN DIVINO. Gracias por compartir conmigo este momento de felicidad. Felicitaciones a Rico. Estoy segura que él va a ser un buen papá. Y tú, una excelente e informada mamá.

Abrazos,

Betty

 

¡Este bebé mío tan deseado va a llegar al mundo colmado de bendiciones y amor!

Betty, cuando vino a visitarme a Praga.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I have been sleeping on an air mattress since last September when I brought my mom to Denver from Miami for a short stay. Of course, I gave mom my bed. Well, the short stay turned into a longer stay, and I am about to hit a 1 year anniversary sleeping on the air mattress. My back has finally said no more! Today, I bought a king size memory foam mattress. I'm so excited to sleep on my new mattress! Tonight will be blissful sleep for mommy. That means baby will be happy too!

Good Morning, Baby!

Early morning is my favorite time of day so far. I wake up super early and remember that I'm pregnant. Immediately, a smile lights up my face and my heart flutters with happiness. And then, alas, I can't go back to sleep. Yes, me, the one who loves to sleep in and hates getting up early.

So, I get up and enjoy the quiet early morning hours. I read about the baby. I have a daily pregnancy journal that describes each day in the baby's development. It's so fun to read about the baby's heart that is pumping 65 times a minute and the tiny little limbs that are beginning to form right now.

The symptoms start to kick in later. Depending on the day, it could be by mid morning or afternoon/early evening. Thus far, it's just been mild cramping, mild nausea, mild heartburn and some crazy emotions. Every once in a while the hormones act up, and I feel a little emotional. But, so far the main thing that I'm experiencing with this pregnancy is joy!

Baby, We've Got Presents!

Tía Nubia was the first to give the baby a present. It’s a bilingual book about Family. This gift is so appropriate considering that 1) I’m a librarian and this baby is going to love to learn and read, 2) the baby’s going to be bilingual, and 3) family will be a very important part of my baby’s life. S/he has a lot of family all over the USA, plus more extended family in the Philippines and in Cuba!

I got some presents, too. Tía Adri sent me a super cool care package with essentials to make the pregnancy go smoothly.

I Told You the Baby Was Coming

“Because when the baby comes…”

“... for when the baby comes.”

These were Carmen’s favorite phrases this summer when I went to Miami in June. And, the baby came in July… well, the baby was conceived in July. And, when we found out I was pregnant she said, “I told you the baby was coming!” Who would have known? Well, clearly Carmen did. : )

Friends aka Family

One of the most heartwarming experiences for me so far has been telling my closest friends that I'm pregnant. The reactions have been varied, but all have one thing in common. My friends are thrilled with the news.

Adri started crying.

Pepa was so excited she couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Nubia was so excited, she couldn’t sleep that night.
Faby was very happy for me.

Basi was ecstatic.

Angie was super happy.

Jackie started crying.

These friends know my heart and know how passionately I've longed for this baby. And they shared the euphoria with me of finally being pregnant.

But the first person to find out was actually blood family. My niece, Carmen, whom I love and adore and who has seen me through some really tough times, and who also knew how much I longed for this baby… she was with me when I first discovered I was pregnant (via phone, of course).  She actually had to convince me that I was pregnant, because I couldn’t believe it initially.

Every single one of these reactions has served as confirmation and affirmation that everything is going to be just fine. This baby is going to be surrounded by Tía’s and completely showered with love. And mommy is going to have lot's of support.

Dreaming of Caramel Machiatos

Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs is not so bad. But, not being able to have sushi, feta cheese and caffeine is a bit much! Yesterday I craved a Caramel Machiato so desperately. It doesn't help that I'm in the first trimester and feeling constant fatigue.

It's worth it, though. I would do anything for this baby. S/he is the most important thing in my life right now. Plus, I'll splurge on a decaf machiato once I hit the second trimester.

Baby, You Are an Answer to Prayer

In February of this year, my friend Nubia went to Israel. She insisted till the day before she left that I write my prayer, so that she could take it to the Wailing Wall. I finally drafted my prayer and gave it to her the night before she flew out. There were four significant requests in my prayer. One was for my house. And, in April I closed on my cute town home with three bedrooms - one for the baby that was coming. Of course, I had no idea when the baby was coming, but I was getting ready.

Another heartfelt request in my prayer was for a baby. If you know me even just a little, you know that having a baby has been my desire for some time now.

I give thanks to God for answering my prayer and giving me this precious gift that is now growing in my belly. Halleluiah!

Baby, Your Daddy Loves You

I waited a few days to process my new reality before I told the babydaddy that I was pregnant. I admit I was apprehensive. After all, this baby wasn't planned. He told me that a bird had pooped on him twice that week, and this was the good news he was supposed to get. That was all I needed to hear to know that he was in, and we were going to be co-parents.

Cheers to the hapa baby!

Daddy's on the left.