32 Weeks - Life with a Newborn

To those of you who are currently enduring those sleepless days and nights with a newborn - this is for you.

As we near the arrival of our sweet Leo, I can't help but reminisce about the days with a newborn. No one can ever prepare for what life will be like when you go from no baby to baby. Jason and I had absolutely no experience with babies - reading the book and watching the DVD of "The Happiest Baby on the Block" was not enough to prepare us for what we were about to encounter. You know how they say that if the month of March comes in like a lion, than it will go out like a lamb? That is the saying to which I would like to compare our first newborn experience. And I am not identifying the newborn as Lidia, per se, because it wasn't her who struggled - it was us who struggled. She just happened to be the lucky newborn who got us newbies as parents.

I have no regrets for stopping the blog as soon as Lidia was born. If I had continued writing, I'm sure it would have shown how clueless we really were as parents. I remember not even being able to pee without putting her down. Our first newborn didn't want anything to do with sleeping in any location other than her parents' arms. I know, you may be thinking that we spoiled her, but she woke up every single time we set her down to sleep. So when she fell asleep on one of us, we literally were out of commission until she woke up. And if we had the unfortunate luck of having to relieve ourselves while she was sleeping, she sometimes accompanied us to the bathroom. To get our first newborn to sleep, it took the actual physical effort of standing up and rocking her back and forth for sometimes an hour. And how could we forget that every time we found a moment to doze off, she woke up. Every time we decided to go to the store or eat out, she had decided that it was time for her to express her dislike with whatever she deemed appropriate. But, again I say, it wasn't her issue - it was ours. We were baby virgins. We had to go through all of our - and other's - tricks of the trade. Another memory is singing "You are My Sunshine" over and over again to keep her content. Every time we would stop the song, she would start crying. So we belted it as loudly and as proudly as we could to keep our baby content.

I fully support what I wrote in the first post of this blog - our first newborn taught us everything we know about being a parent. We have learned patience - she eventually stopped crying. We have learned to be completely selfless - she literally owned my boobs for the first 15 months of her life. And frankly, she owned our every thought and every ounce of our living, breathing selves.  Show me one person who never doubts that they are the best parent. We doubt ourselves everyday. Our tricks that we learn are just that - they are tricks. They aren't some fancy theories coming to life. And just when you think that the newborn phase will kidnap the rest of your carefree life, you are flash-forwarded to 2 and a half years later...

When we eat pasta, it is serious business. Every ounce of Italian in our body is focusing on getting every piece of rotini in our stomach before our stomach registers that it's full. The same holds true for Lidia. So as we sat down to devour our pasta one evening recently, it was no surprise that there was silence as we chomped down every bite. Out of nowhere, Lidia stops eating and looks over at me. I look over at her waiting, as I could tell her mind was trying to put together what she wanted to tell me. She finally said, "Mommy?" I answered, "Yes, my love?" She replied back, "You're a good mommy." Immediately, my eyes welled up with tears and I said, "That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me." And she concluded by saying, "I lub you."

So to all the newbie parents out there - it gets better, I promise. And even if you are doubting yourself, chances are your newborn thinks you are the best. He just doesn't have the words to tell you...yet. Keep your head up (literally), and keep doing what you feel works best for your newborn. He will eventually thank you.

Squishy Squash

It was so nice to feel you moving tonight, my love. You had been pretty inactive throughout the day. Of course, I worried a little bit. But then, after dinner, you had a burst of energy and were practicing your moves for about a hour. I just read where I will be noticing a decrease in your movements these days because you are settling into actual newborn sleep cycles. If your sleep cycles are any indication of what your sleep cycles will be outside of the womb, it looks like we might have another baby who loves to sleep on his mommy and daddy.

Speaking of sleep, it is that oh-so-favorite time of the day for your mommy. Good night, my sweet Leo. We'll be seeing you soon!

31 Weeks - Meet Leo!

I have nothing more to share this week than the fabulous 3D pictures of our baby boy. I now know that he is head down with his head looking at my left hip, his butt is positioned right below my right rib-cage, and his legs and arms are just about everywhere.

He's got his Daddy's nose

 Cute, chubby cheeks

Legs and arms everywhere!

 Looks like he is smelling his foot!

He's got his mommy, daddy, and sister's plump lips.

 Look at that cute little ear and those precious wrinkles!

Sweet Little Pineapple

Leo, it was so amazing to see you last night. You were very active an hour  before our appointment, but then decided to take a snooze right before it was showtime. You had your hand in front of your face for most of the ultrasound, but the technician was able to poke you enough to get you to move for a couple of quick shots. I know one thing for sure - you sure are a handsome baby boy!

Apparently, you are now between 2 1/2 and 4 pounds. As big as mommy's belly is, I'm guessing that you are closer to the 4 pound mark.Your brain and nervous system are continuing to grow rapidly at this point and all of your 5 senses are fully formed.

Well, my sweet Leo, I can't believe that the next time we will see you we will actually be holding you in our arms. We love you so much! Keep growing healthy and we will keep praying for you:)

30 Weeks - Our Glass is 3/4 Full!

We have only a quarter of the way to go until we get to see our precious baby boy. I can't believe that we are at this point already! This is where the action phase kicks in. This is where we take out our to-do list and begin checking everything off. Clothes - check. Furniture - check. Name - check. 3D/4D ultrasound - uh oh!

It has been no surprise that through this pregnancy, I have wanted to replicate and reproduce activities that happened with Lidia's pregnancy. The blog, the belly pictures, the Big Reveal - they are all important parts that I didn't want baby Leo to miss out on just because he was baby number two. Naturally, I also want to have a 3D/4D ultrasound with him, like we did with Lidia. I have scheduled one for next week and could not be more excited. We had the fortunate luck of seeing Leo cozy in the womb 4 times before week 20. But, sadly, we haven't gotten to see him since then. I understand why some people would not want to spend the extra money or time on getting one of these ultrasounds done. I, however, would not miss the chance to see our baby boy. We've got 10 weeks left to wait patiently, and seeing his face and body would help these next 10 weeks go by so quickly. Jason isn't so keen on doing the 3D/4D ultrasound this time - he says he wants to be surprised. While I want to respect my husband's opinion, I am taking the opportunity to be selfish. I am with Leo everyday. With every move he makes, I try to envision his face, his eyes, his mouth, his nose. Having the amazing pictures that a 3D/4D ultrasound can produce will make me feel so much closer to our baby. Finally, I want to because I can. Every pain and every contraction that I have can be wiped away by seeing his face. And I can't wait to share his handsome face with you next blog!

Cool as a Cucumber

Leo, don't get me wrong, we are excited for you to enter this world, but not quite yet! Mama has been having some consistent contractions these past couple days. The doctor said that it's just second baby "stuff," so I am not too worried about them...just yet. Mama had to tell you sternly last night that you better stay put for at least another 9 weeks!

Son, we are so excited to see you (in ultrasound form) in less than a week! I'll be sure to drink some fruit juice beforehand so you'll be sure to be active - hopefully you'll put on a nice show for us. You are continuing to gain weight this week. In fact, each week from this point on you'll be gaining close to a half of a pound. We couldn't be more ready for you to enter this world and become part of our family. Your brain is growing rapidly, as usual. I have no doubt that you will be just as smart as your older sister.

It's time for this contracting mama to get some sleep now (and maybe some ice cream as a night-cap). Good night my love!

29 Weeks - Hey Mr. D.J. Put a Record On, I Want to Dance with My Baby

The closer we get to Leo's due date, the more we discuss our labor and delivery plans. There are many factors that go into planning for labor and delivery, especially if you are a planner like myself. Even more planning takes place if you intend on hitting the labor and delivery scene sans drugs. One of the "musts" I kept hearing when planning for an unmedicated birth was to make a soothing labor and delivery soundtrack. When I was close to the big day with Lidia, I remember searching the Internet high and low for the perfect soothing mix. I was having a hard time finding a mix that was already made, so I pretty much had to make my own. Below is a list of songs that ended up being our soundtrack:

Only Time - Enya
Return to Innocence - Enigma
The Maiden Whose Voice Made the Animals Sing - Anael
Once Upon a Dream - Anael
Servant Song - Angelina
Here I am Lord - Angelina
Rain Down - Angelina
Be Not Afraid - Angelina
You Are Mine - Angelina
A Mother's Prayer - Celine Dion
Dreams Are More Precious - Enya
Godspeed - Dixie Chicks
I Wish For You - Jessica Andrews
I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
Sunrise - Norah Jones
Lullabye - Billy Joel
Watermark - Enya

I'm hoping that by providing this list, someone, somewhere, might stumble upon it and use it as their own. We had it playing on repeat from 11 pm until 4 pm the next day. Will I use this mix again for Leo? Most likely not. We all know how my labor and delivery went last time, which makes me think I need to switch it up. Like I have said previously, music has the power to motivate me. When I train for my races, my music mix has to be upbeat and inspirational. I could honestly run for hours if I had the perfect mix playing on my iPod. I get sick of songs, too, so another important factor is being able to switch up the mix with new, upbeat tracks. Which makes me think that this time around, I might try a different genre of music. My Leo labor and delivery mix is below. Let's hope I can dance him right out of me with this soundtrack:)

Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
International Love - Pitbull
We Are Young - Fun
Glad You Came - The Wanted
Marry the Night - Lady Gaga
Stereo Hearts - Gym Class  Heroes
So Good - B.o.B.
Wild Ones - Flo Rida
Survivor/I Will Survive - Glee Cast
Turn Me On - David Guetta & Nicki Manaj
Ass Back Home - Gym Class Heroes
Domino - Jessie J
Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
Without You - David Guetta & Usher
Good Feeling - Flo Rida
Super Bass - Nicki Manaj
It Girl - Jason Derulo

Acorn Squishy Squash

Well hello there, son! Mama got to hear the sweet sound of your heartbeat at an unscheduled doctor's visit today. You see, mama has been having a lot of pain in her pelvic area. I knew that you were OK, but the pain has been so bad that I have trouble walking to my car after work. I originally thought it was your head resting on my bladder, but apparently mama has what is called pubic symphysis separation. Nothing to worry about, it just means I may have to be a bit sedentary the next 10 weeks.

You are active as ever, Leo. This makes mommy, daddy, and even Lidia happy! We get to see you moving quite a bit. My favorite is when I feel you hiccuping. I can tell this disturbs you because as soon as those hiccups start, you begin to move all around.

It is a fact that in the next 11 weeks, you will double - and even come close to tripling - your current weight.  You're also getting pretty close to your actual length at birth. Speaking of your birthday - we are now counting down the days! 71, 70, 69, 68, 67... every day that passes means we are one more day closer to holding you in our arms. We love you little Leo!

28 Weeks - Sliding Into Home

Ladies and gentlemen, we have started our descent. In preparation for landing, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position...

We're here at the third trimester and we're all doing perfect. I apologize for being a day late on the blog. Lidia and Leo's Mamaw and Nonno have been visiting and I wanted to soak up every moment that I had to spend time with them. We had a wonderful visit with one of our doctor's today. She told us that Leo was doing great and, even more importantly, he is head-down like a good little boy. She also revealed to us that I would most likely be in labor for only half of the time that I was with Lidia and that instead of pushing for 3 hours, I would only have to muster out about 3 pushes. This gave us much encouragement - perhaps we will be able to make it through without medication after all. She also let us know that they will not let me go past my due date like  they did with Lidia. Little Leo will for sure be here by May 25th and we could not be more happy!

A Rutabaga?

I have no idea what a rutabaga is, but your size is comparable to one this week. You have been moving like crazy, as always. Its very easy for mama to do your kick counts. I can honestly feel you at just about any time of the day.

You are dreaming now - could you be dreaming of how wonderful your life will be when you arrive? We dream about you every second of everyday! You are also perfecting some of tricks that you will be performing outside of the womb - like coughing, sucking, blinking and breathing.

We have had a very busy, but good, week, little one. It's time to get some rest now. Sleep tight and sweet dreams! We love you little Leo.

27 Weeks - Sick and Pregnant

Forgive me, audience, if my blog post tonight is rather short. I'm suffering from a fabulous sinus infection tonight. I went to the store to grab the one medicine that brings me relief - Mucinex D - and stood speechless when I realized that it cost $23 for 18 pills. $23 can buy me almost 8 tall Chai Tea Lattes. $23 is a box of Dora Easy-Ups for Lidia. Jason could hold $23 in cash in his wallet for weeks without spending it. And here I was considering plucking down $23 for something that would bring me some relief for a couple of days. I let Lidia be my deciding factor - I asked her if I should get it or if I could manage without it. She looked away, thought about it, and then looked back at me and said confidently, "Mommy, you can manage without it."
I feel more confident being sick pregnant the second time around. Yes, I do think twice about taking any medicine, even if it is on my handy-dandy approved medicine list that I got from my doctors. I know where my breaking point is and once I reach it, I may dish out $23 for some Mucinex. But until I get there, I'm going to try to manage without it. Here's to hoping Tylenol will at least take the edge off!

Little Cabbage Head

Congratulations Leo! We are closing out the second trimester this week. We're ready to head for the homestretch. I am so over-the-moon happy that in three months, I will be holding and loving on you.

I would be surprised if you have slept for more than a 1 hour stretch in the past 24 hours. Either that, or you like to move while you are asleep. You have been moving so much. Right now I'm just watching you move one of your appendages from one side of my belly to the other. If your movement in the womb is any indication of what you will be like in this world, then we have another Lidia on our hands!

It's time for both you and mommy to get some sleep now. I love you my sweet baby boy!

26 Weeks and 100 Questions

By 26 weeks, there's no hiding that there's a baby in there. My belly is out and my belly button is saluting everyone that sets eyes on it. Inevitably, the questions began to be asked by everyone from my mailman to the cashier at Trader Joe's. Below is the list of questions I have been asked in week 26 of this pregnancy:

• Have you tried bowling yet? My ex-wife swore that being pregnant helped her game.
• Umm, no. Though my belly is bigger than a bowling ball at this point.
• Are you sure you don't want your own glass of wine?
• No, of course I'm not sure. But that darn maternal guilt gets me every time.
• How far along are you?
• Too far to count. But if you'd really like to know, I'm 26 weeks, 6 days, 3 hours, and 15 minutes.
• When are you due?
• Too far away to be optimistic. So I say "May 25th." with a "woe is me" look written all over my face.
• Is it a boy or a girl?
• It's a boy! That, I say with a smile.
• Do you have a name?
• Yes...sweet Leo.
• Is Lidia excited to be a big sister?
• Yes, but ask her about a week after Leo is here and I have a feeling she will not be so thrilled anymore.

and, finally, my favorite

• Are you pregnant?

My favorite answer to that question is, "No, I've just been eating a lot of cheeseburgers lately." It's losing it's luster though, so I'm determined to come up with a more smart-ass answer. I invite any suggestions.

Lettuce Give You Lovin's

Hey Little Leo! We just had the best moment. Lidia made daddy and I laugh so hard that we cried. I wonder what it feels like for you when mommy laughs. I know that I can definitely feel your every move. A little bit ago, it almost seemed like you were moving your fingers around, just tap-tapping on your cozy little amnoitic sac.

In terms of development, your eyelashes are fully grown now. If they are anything like your daddy's, mommy's, and big sister's, then they will be long and luscious! Another exciting development - your eyes are beginning to open up this week. Up to this point, they have been fused shut. Although there's not much to see in your dark haven, I imagine you have been investigating your hands, your feet, and the umbilical cord. I'm sure you will begin to study and take in all of your surroundings.

Well, my son, it's been another amazing week interacting with you. I love you! Keep growing healthy down there and we will keep praying for you.