Babymoon & Beginning of Third Trimester

When I suggested a babymoon to Rico, I thought we might get away to the mountains for the weekend and just relax and bond before the wonderful madness of parenthood began. : ) I never dreamed that our babymoon would be on the beautiful island of Hawaii. I used to say that Hawaii was over rated. I was there once in 2008. But, this time I saw it with a new pair of eyes. It could be that all things appear enhanced to a blissfully expecting mamá. Or too, that I was able to see more of the island than just a tiny strip of Waikiki. It really is a gorgeous island.

Our babymoon was everything I could have wanted and more. The soothing warm temperatures were a welcome break from the freezing cold in Denver. Rico's family was very attentive, and I enjoyed spending time with them very much. Babydaddy and I got to eat great food and do fun things and take a break from the constant to do list back home with baby registries, and doctor's appointments, and birthing classes, getting house ready, and on and on and on... It was perfect! I think baby loved Hawaii, too, because he had a growth spurt. I was only gone a week, but all my coworkers commented on how much my belly grew in that short time! Oh and one funny story. According to Hawaiian tradition, a girl puts a flower on the right side when she's available. So here I am parading my belly all over the island with the flower on the right side indicating that I'm single and available. : ) Adelia's friend finally put it on the left side for me, and that turned out to be one of my favorite pictures of us.

Flower on the left side, finally! : )

Rico's sister Wendy and her family

Rico's sister Adelia and her family

So, I have officially begun the third trimester. I look like I have a cantaloupe in my belly. I still get nauseous almost everyday. I also still have lots of heartburn. Tums is my new best friend! My back pains have subsided, though. I feel like I'm actually sleeping a little bit better. It's weird, but in some ways I'm feeling better. I suppose the obnoxious third trimester symptoms will kick in soon. I can't wait to get into the nesting period. I want energy to finish getting this house ready for the baby.

24 Weeks

24 Weeks

25 Weeks

28 Weeks

28 Weeks

We had our first visit with the midwife practice, Center for Midwifery. All went well. I have a good feeling about this group, and I'm anticipating a positive birth experience. At my next appointment I have to do the glucose test. I have to drink 8 oz of disgusting sugary syrup. Gross!! Not looking forward to it, but I suppose it's a must.

I had a cool surprise waiting for me when I reported to work after my vacation. Looks like everything is ready for mamá and baby after maternity leave.

Our new maternity room on campus

Christmas & New Year's with Baby in the Belly

Baby and I went home to Miami to spend Christmas with my family. It was a lightening trip... we were only there a little less than 3 days. But, it was totally worth it. My family and friends just loved seeing and touching the belly. Baby got lots of lovin' and lots of presents! I enjoyed the warm weather, and actually felt relief from the pregnancy symptoms. But the highlight of my trip was when we went to see my dad at the Assisted Living Facility on Christmas Eve. He hasn't recognized me the last two times that I've visited, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I shared my news with him. I showed him my belly, and told him I was going to have a baby, and my dad said, "Finally... now you can be happy!" And, I knew that he recognized me, and he remembered our conversations and how much I wanted a baby.

Mom and Dad, Noche Buena

My siblings

My gorgeous nephews, Noche Buena

The Family

Showing off the belly, 6 months pregnant

My beautiful nieces

My baby niece made her first gingerbread house with Tia's help, of course!

We spent New Year's Eve in Denver where it was freezing cold! We spent it with a bunch of Cubans, so we got to eat typical Cuban holiday food again, moros y cristianos, puerco asado, yuca hervida... and baby got to hear Cuban salsa again.

Showing off the belly, still 6 months pregnant : )

Three preggers at the New Year's Eve Party

With my dear friend, Pepa

Daddy and I didn't get to spend the holidays together, since he was working. We had our Christmas Dinner when I got back from Miami. He gave baby adorable Converse booties and a million dollars!!! Mamá got a cute teddy bear that can be warmed up or chilled to soothe aching muscles. We had a lovely dinner at Nona's Bistro, one of my favorite Italian restaurants.

Baby's Converse Booties

Baby's Million Dollar - I don't guarantee that baby will see this, mamá is a chocolaholic!

I've already used him!