A Pregnant Woman's Workout

What activity is productive and fun and a workout for an 8 month pregnant lady all rolled into one? Shopping!!!

My aunt in San Antonio has loaned us a cradle to use for baby and we needed to pick it up from her.  She, my grandmother, and cousin said they would meet me halfway in San Marcos.  My mom, sister and I decided to make an event of it!  We met for lunch at the Gristmill in Gruene which was delicious as always.  We then went to the San Marcos outlets for some shopping.  I had such a great time and it was fun to have a little lady time (plus Jon, who was a champ with all of us.) We parked, and walked, and walked and walked.  It wasn't bad at all because all of the walking was broken up by shopping, but my legs and ankles felt it this morning!

Sarah, Mom, Olivia and I :)

Mom, Mama, and Suki. 

Jon, Sarah and I.  Mama in the background looking as tired as I felt!

Post-shopping

4 generations: Grandma, Mom, granddaughters, and great-granddaughter in utero.

We were able to find some cute things for baby, of course!  This Halloween tutu will be great for next year.  It's not really a costume, but we can at least send her to daycare in the tutu and a black onsie to be festive! It came with a headband, too :).

I loved this Christmas outfit! I need to find some white tights to go under this outfit because surely by Decemeber 25 it will be colder here in Texas. (Highs are in the 85-90 degree range next week...)  Olivia has a pair of black patten leather shoes and a pair of "My First Christmas" slippers that can go with this onsie.   Thanks, Grandma! :) 

I'm still on the search for some cute winter hats for O.  It never really gets super cold here in Austin, but we do have a week or so in the winter that hats and gloves are needed.  Especially for our itty bitty newborn baby.  I also want to get Olivia used to wearing hats from early on.  We have brutal sunny summers and she will need to keep covered once it gets hot again.

Next project: Putting the cradle together and finding  a craddle pad and sheet for baby.

Paying It Forward

 One of the strangest & nicest & most random things that has ever happened to me happened last weekend....

A little back story: Saturday, Dave and I spent all day  running around to all stores that carry baby things pricing and buying items we still needed for Olivia. We went to every store imaginable, Babies R Us, two Toys R Us stores, Target, Ikea, Wal-Mart, Burlington Baby Depot and Hobby Lobby (for some nursery decorations.) I had a blast, and Dave was a champ during all of the baby shopping, he was even good about doing the obligatory "aaawwws." One of the important items that we still needed at this point was the crib mattress, but we wanted to see what all was out there before we actually bought the mattress. We finally decided on a Sealy mattress that was at Wal-Mart and we decided that we would go back on Sunday to get the one we wanted. 

Sunday morning came and I decided to go to Wal-Mart alone while Dave stayed home and watched football. I was almost completely done with my shopping at Wal-Mart, and I was looking for the last item on my list, syrup. My cart looked pretty full at this point with the crib mattress poking out along with all of the other things I was picking up; maneuvering the cart was fun.

I was trying to push pass a couple of other carts in the syrup aisle when this one lady steered around my cart and seemed like she was in quite the rush. She then looped the aisle we were on and came back around the aisle towards me. She pushed her cart right up next to my big ol' cart and approached me. She then proceeded to stuff a 20-dollar bill in my hand and said, "take this." I was quite shocked, checked my pockets (even though I knew I wasn't carrying any cash in them) and said, "Oh, I didn't drop that." This woman explained to me that I must take this 20-dollar bill because she knows that baby beds are expensive. I was really caught off guard, and was taken aback for a second. Lots of different thoughts ran through my head such as, was she serious?  Do I look homeless? (I was wearing my pink crocs....) Does this woman think I'm entering parenthood as a single mother? Do I really look that pitiful with my big cart and my big belly and at the store alone? Does she think I'm a teen mom??? I told her, "wow, thank you, but I really can't take that."

She then explained that she is a mother of three and knew how expensive babies can be, that she was done having children and she really wanted me to take this money. So, I took the money and genuinely thanked her and was truly touched. I stood there for a second trying to process everything, and she rushed off down the aisle, just like that. I thanked her again as she was walking away. Then, I made the biggest effort to rush out of the store and pay as quickly as I could so I would not have to run into her again. That would have been awkward.

This was all a very strange exchange, but at the same time I was touched.  Looking back I wish I would have at least asked her name.  For the rest of the afternoon I felt really good about humanity.  There are good, thoughtful people in the world, and that's nice to be able to experience firsthand.  I'm looking forward to the opportunity to pay it forward to someone else.  Additionally, there were about 5 different people who offered to help me to my car when I was checking out.  The mattress, although awkward, was not heavy at all, so I would politely decline, but it was the thought that mattered.

In the end, baby's bed is ready to go with the loving touch of my parents, Dave and I, and the kind stranger at Wal-Mart who felt the desire to chip in 20 bucks:

33 weeks 4 days

How far along? 33w4d

Weight gain? 33 pounds.  My lower back is beginning to feel it a little bit. 

Stretch marks? Nope, none.  Thank you sweet Olivia for growing at a gradual and steady rate. 

Sleep: Such a love hate relationship with sleep.  Last night was the first night in about 5 nights that I slept the whole way through.  I wake up and stay up for a whole bunch of different reasons, one night I had to pee a million times, one night her kicks were so strong they kept me up, another night my mind would not let me sleep, and then another night heartburn was the culprit for my lack of sleep.  I had a pretty eventful day yesterday and I think the exhaustion finally caught up with me and allowed me to sleep like a baby from about 1045pm to 5am.

Best moment this week: Another doctor's appointment down!  I only have 5 more scheduled doctor's appointments to go.  I may have to make one more if I go past my due date, but I will tackle that should the time come.  Another best moment this week was all of the baby shopping we got done!  Her room is really looking pretty awesome.  The bedding that I ordered should arrive today and this weekend we are building and painting her dresser that we bought unfinished from IKEA. 

Movement: Ouch!!!  I feel like this baby does not sleep from about 11am till 10pm.  She is moving, hiccupping, rolling around, you name it.  She does not seem to be a morning person as she is quietest in the mornings, but that could also be because that's when I am the busiest trying to get up, walking & feed the dog, and get ready for work.  Work also is typically busier in the morning than the afternoons, but once I get a little bit of down time I feel her non-stop. 

Food commentary: Not really much to say.  Still trying to continue to eat healthy.  I've been slightly hungrier lately, but I get full pretty quickly.  The heartburn can get pretty bad so I'm trying to be more aware of what may be causing it. 

Labor Signs: Not really.  The BH contractions are definitely picking up!  I will have anywhere from 3-6 a day.  They aren't painful at all, but slightly more uncomfortable than I imagined they would be.  I think that may be because I get them on our drive to and from work sometimes and I can't get up to move around. 

Belly Button in or out? Out.  The good news is that with the recent growth of my belly it's beginning to look slighty more discreet!  Finally!!!

What I miss:  I miss a good hard workout.  I miss really sweating and being out of breath and getting tired from the workout.  I get so easily worn out from a normal 30 minute walk that I'm discouraged and feel like I will never be in great shape again!

What I am looking forward to:  Olivia's bedding is suppose to arrive today.  I'm also looking forward to getting her bassinet from my aunt next weekend.  She brought it to us in San Antonio, and we forgot to load it in the car and take it home.  It works out well because now we have an excuse to meet in San Marcos for outlet shopping and lunch!

Weekly Wisdom: Every mother is doing what she believes to be the best things for her baby and family.  It is so hard not to be judgmental and give other woman the *side eye* when you talk about raising children and caring for a baby.  I know that simply because someone chooses to do things differently than us does not always mean it's wrong.  And the way that we choose to care for our child doesn't mean it's the only right way, but it's the right way for our family to do it.

Weekly WTF:  Deciding on baby gear!!!  Both Dave and I did a little bit of research on the different options we had as far as carseats, strollers, and carriers go.  We could not decide what we wanted to do.  Just buy the carseat, not the travel system and no stroller and rely on our carseat and Moby wrap?  Then should we get an infant carrier-carseat that only goes up to 22lbs or go for the slightly larger heavier one that fits a baby up to 32-35lbs??  Travel system? Which one?  We ended up getting a travel system with the infant carseat that fits a baby up to 22lbs.  The stoller is a "flip-it" so when the carrier is not on the stroller we have the option of pushing baby facing us or facing away from us. 

We also go our Moby wrap in moss green per Dave's request because he also intends on wearing baby.    Another "discussion" we had while shopping was the diaper bag choices.  Dave wanted something more "manly" so that he wouldn't feel like a woman carrying a purse.  I wanted the pinkest and frilliest girly one.  An option was to both get our own diaper bag, but the thought of having to switch bags from time to time seemed annoying.  I pretty much choose the travel system and almost everything else that we have bought so I gave in and let Dave pick our diaper bag.  Ta da:

It is called the Stevens Baby Boom Jeep Weekender Diaper Bag.  It is slightly bigger than I would have liked and it looks as though Olivia is going camping, but I loved his choice :).  The really good thing about this one is that it's very functional.  Lots of room, and pockets for organzing. 

Nesting madness: Yes, yes, and yes. 

Milestones: We aren't quite there yet, but in 2 weeks we will finally be at the "it could be any day point."

Baby Shower for Miss Olivia Marie Copeland

Sunday, October 3rd, 2010. 

My baby shower was so much fun.  My mother and sister hosted, and it turned out really nice.  I love getting together with the ladies of our family and our friends, whether if be for baby showers, weddings, bridal showers, etc.  Everyone was so generous to Dave, Oliva and I.  Our daughter is definitely going to be the best dressed little girl at daycare! 

Gift table

Some of the ladies from the Jimenez side of the family. 

(From L to R: Aunt Gloria, Pamela, Kathleen, Katherine, Lindsey, Me,

Jacqueline, Aunt Cristina, Sarah, and Aunt Lupe.)

Grandma Copeland

Grandma Jimenez

Aunt Sarah

Pamela, Great-grandma Garza, and Aunt Lupe.

Mom playing teacher and leading us in some fun baby games!

More baby shower games.

Grandma Copeland made Olivia an adorablely warm snuggie.

Swivel highchair from Aunt Suki

Claudia's gift to Olivia. Love the bag & goodies!

Great-grandma Contreras and I passing out cake. 

I really cannot get over how much fun it was, and how excited I am to bring our daughter into this family.  She will definitely be here for Christmas and get to meet everyone who is around the San Antonio area.

Since the baby shower has taken place my nesting instincts have been at an all time high.  The last couple of nights I have stayed up way past my bed time, organizing, re-arranging, hanging up clothing, and making a ton of lists. 

She will be here before we know it!

My boys

Sometimes, just sometimes, Thor is nice and relaxed at home...

He knows it's time for bed and will lay down at our feet and settle in for the night.

Then when Dave and I are  both in bed, ready to go to sleep he will snuggle in between us and want to play!

I love my guys!

31 weeks 3 days

How far along? 31w3d

Weight gain?  Huh?...oh that.....31 glorious pounds.  I've actually thought about skipping this information, I mean no one really needs to know, or may even care how much weight I'm gaining...but I like to keep it real.  I truly thought, rather naively, that I would not see that number at all over my entire pregnancy.  I still have 9 more weeks to go (give or take a week or two), and likely 9 more or so pounds to go.  I guess it appears as though I have gained a pound a week from the start, however that is so not the case.  I was doing so well until about week 20, and then the weight gain started to really kick into gear.  My doctor has not been concerned with the weight gain, and actually reassures me I'm right on track. 

Stretch marks? Still no stretch marks...I'm hiding from them.  Luckily the weight gain and the belly stretching has been so consistent and gradual, no funky stretch marks!

Sleep:  The pulled muscles in my back have completely healed!  Sleeping has been much better since then.  I can pretty much get comfortable and fall asleep on either side.  I usually have 1-2 bathroom breaks in the middle of the night, followed by one Thor break where I will just throw him in the backyard around 4:00-4:30 am until it's time for our walk at 5:00am.  The weather has recently cooled down and we can sleep with the windows open.  That makes a very big and warm pregnant lady happy, while her poor husband has to bundle up in tons of blankets.    

Best moment this week:  My 32 week doctor's appointment was today!  Got to hear Miss O's heartbeat at a nice healthy 140 bpm.  The doctor was also able to tell how she was positioned.  She is head down with her booty over to the right side of my belly.  It makes me happy knowing she is head down, even though I know at this stage she still has plenty of room to flip and move should she choose to.  I'm measuring a tad big, by about a week, which is how she has been measuring since her anatomy ultrasound at 18 weeks.  I hope this means that she will come a week early, and not that she is just an oversized baby! 

Movement: All of the time.  She really responds to being poked and pushed around too.  She will poke us right back.  Dave thinks I mess with her too much and try and get her to move, but you should of seen how the doctor pushed on my belly trying to find the position she was in!    Olivia has also been getting the hiccups very regularly lately.  She will have at least 2 bouts of them a day. 

Food commentary: I have been craving anything pumpkin!  The change of weather makes me a sucker for eating something fall and festive...I am really craving a good pumpkin pie.  I also have been craving pizza.  I have yet to satisfy either one of these cravings, but I intend to this weekend!

Labor Signs: Zero.  I still do not think I've even had a real Braxton-Hicks contraction yet.  My belly will tighten up a little, but it's usually just from baby rolling around and repositioning herself. 

Belly Button in or out? Out. Still.  And it's starting to really irritate me.  It's so ugly when you can see it through multiple layers of clothing. 

What I miss:  I miss sleeping on my back.  I also miss sushi and oysters, but I've missed both of those from the beginning. 

What I am looking forward to: My baby shower is this Sunday!  I can't wait to see everyone.  I have not been to San Antonio in awhile so lots of my family has not seen me this pregnant.  Should be fun!  Dave and I are also trying to make plans for a day date on Saturday around downtown and the Riverwalk.  We are going to a cousin's football game first, and then going from there. 

Weekly Wisdom: "It does not matter how much weight you gain, so long as you are eating the right foods."  - Christina Barkley, Bradley Method teacher.  Gawd, let's hope this is true!!!

Weekly WTF: We need to find a pediatrician!  It's one of those things that really freak me out.  I've always just had military doctors, so this whole business of actually picking someone to go to is foreign to me!  I also realized that we need to somehow get our baby a social security number.  How the heck does that work?!

Nesting madness:  Heck, yes! So much has been done with so much still to do.  The furniture is in place for the most part, but both the crib and the bed need dressing.  The changing table needs a changing pad and I need to finish painting it.  We are getting a bassinet to borrow from my aunt that we need to transport to the house from San Antonio....the ceiling fans all need to be cleaned, I want to go through and organize all of our closets (who knows the next time I will get the chance to do that), we need to schedule the exterminator for a treatment (we have a lot of baby scorpions in Leander, gross, I know), the dresser for the nursery needs to be bought, Thor's annual vet visit needs to take place, we are getting a dining table from my parents and I need to get the dining ready for it, etc. etc. etc.     

Milestones: Yesterday was the 2 month away date from my official EDD.

Wonderful Weekend

This past weekend was a weekend I could get used to! 

On Friday, Dave and I had a nice relaxing evening in.  I read and watched some T.V. while Dave put together the crib.

Thor's never very much help!

We then watched a movie and called it an early night.  

On Saturday, my sister, my mom and I had a ladies day out and it was so much fun.  Mom and Sarah wined and dined Olivia and I.  We hit up all of our favorite places at the Round Rock Outlets, Target, Ross, Ikea, and Toys 'R Us.  Olivia got about 6 new outfits from Grandma.  At every store we went to my mom would say, "okay, no more clothing for Olivia", and sure enough she would find something Olivia just couldn't live without!  Very lucky little girl.  We also had lunch at one of my favorite places, Mighty Fine Burgers!

Olivia the Pig and Olivia the baby.

Sarah and I in the children's section at Ikea.  Safe toys, they can obviously hold a lot of weight!

Saturday night, after an all day shopping excursion, I came home to an awesome barbeque dinner.  Pulled pork sandwhiches and beef ribs.  We didn't even bother with any side items or veggies!  Dinner, a movie, and Saturday Night Live, and then Dave and I called it a night.   We are really enjoying what I like to think of as the "calm before the storm."  A good, welcomed storm, of course!

Sunday, after my walk with Thor, there were household chores to do and football games to be watched!  The Titans won.  I was also able to get in a very nice afternoon nap, an hour long bath,  and tons of reading in.  And this morning, Monday, when we woke up for work it actually felt like fall!!!  It was only 55 degrees and dry.  Thor and I went for an extra long walk and we even left him outside when we left for work to enjoy the first fall day.  The high is only supposed to be 79 here, and for us Texans that means coats & gloves! :)

I also wanted to include a cute picture of Ava.  Ava is in Chicago right now with her mommy and other grandparents while Jae is away at basic.  My mom had bought Ava a little doll that Ava calls Daddy and she takes him with her lots of places.  Here "Daddy" is watching Ava play :).