34 Week Update

Obviously we got the a-okay for one more week. At this point that's all we can ask for. The specialist is giving us the go-ahead on a week-by-week basis, so long as nothing changes with her activity.

This past weekend, my Thursday night girls (Kim, Nestor and Katrina) hosted a lovely brunch shower for Ariyana. Heather made the trip from North Carolina which was really sweet of her, and a couple of other friends joined in the festivities. The shower was absolutely beautiful, delicious and fun!

I am almost full term. I'm 8 1/2 months, and the time is flying by. Today is also Mother's Day, and Sonny was sweet enough to get me a gift from him and the baby. I can't wait to have her here to celebrate in person. I think (hope) I'll make a good mom...but that's just based on the fact that I have a really awesome mom. Words can't explain how phenomenal of a woman she is, but she really is someone I don't mind being like.

And here's what 34 weeks looks like:

50/50 Chance

On Friday, Sonny and I went to see the specialist. I was hoping that it would turn into our last meeting with them and that they would tell us Ariyana is doing fine...especially since I felt she had gotten bigger. Unfortunately, that was not the case. In fact, it seemed to be the complete opposite.

While everything looked okay with her on the doppler, the specialist said he was going to confer with our obstetrician to determine if I should go ahead and get some steroid shots over the weekend. Apparently, little Ariyana is really little. She hasn't grown much and there is a chance I may have a hormonal imbalance with my placenta...which would explain why she isn't getting as big as quickly. She's measuring about three weeks small and is underweight.

He told us that there is a 50/50 chance that they will need to take her out before I hit 37 weeks. While, that thought doesn't scare me...what does is the fact that we have so many other things going on and I fear we won't be ready - not as in ready to be parents, but more along the lines of ready for her to be here physically. But I guess c'est la vie.

That morning  I got a call from my OB saying that I should pick up my papers and head to triage to get the shots later that day. The steroid shots are to help bolster her lungs... just in case they have to take her out early. It's a precaution that I am glad we have the option of. It will just help ensure that when she gets here, she heals/gets healthy quickly.

The shots are administered in two doses (24 hrs. apart.) When I first got there the nurse told me to change into a robe, which I thought was weird since I was just getting a shot, but then again, I didn't know where it was going. And then she hands me something a bit more personal and the look on my face must have said it all because she asked me what I was in for and then that's when she realized there was a mix up with the paper work! Needless to say, we got it straightened out, but the morale of the story is always double check that they know what they are doing.

The nurse who administered the shot said it would sting and then burn...boy did it burn! The next day I went in for the second round. I was a bit worried about Ariyana since we hadn't felt her as rambunctious as she normally is, so after they have me the shot, they hooked me up for monitoring for about 20 mins. Everything looked okay, but I'm glad I went. It helped give us piece of mind.

Right now we are taking everything one day at a time and are enjoying every moment we have as non-parents, because any day she could be here. We enjoyed Cinco de Mayo with our friends Zach and Danielle, caught what could be our last movie: Avengers, and started packing stuff up. I am hoping to make it through the next three week, and if she can hold out that long, then we will be all set!

32 Weeks

I can't believe I'm already 32 weeks! I've been diligent to eat more food, and my nugget is responding. I think she hit a growth spurt. I'm excited to see the specialist this week because I'm sure he's going to see a much bigger baby. And we get to see her again. I saw her four weeks ago and already saw so many resemblances...so I can't wait to see if she's changed any. Still no food cravings, but I have been feeling my hips loosen. It takes some extra effort to stand up/get out of bed/move. I'm waddling , more hormonal (sorry Sonny) and having a harder time breathing. I feel like I am constantly in the bathroom. I feel her strong kicks and jabs. I've been able to identify (somewhat) a schedule for her.She really loves her daddy and responds to his touch and voice. I took some maternity photos this weekend, courtesy of my friend Kim. I think they came out lovely. In the next few weeks we will need to finish our labor videos and start a birth plan. Normally I would forgo the plan, but just in case...

Maternity Photos

I LOVE the look of professional photos. Especially from photographers that focus on natural light and have fun with their editing. However, like everything else I like in life, they are expensive. I figured a good camera will take good pictures and some editing software is all I need. Well check and check! My friend Kim has an awesome camera, and is extremely modest when it comes to her natural talent. I have some editing software and enjoy trying different things.

So this morning the two of us headed out to Litchgate to take some photos. We got some wonderful pictures, and plan to take a few more in the coming weeks.  Enjoy!\

I'm a House...at 31 weeks!

Not quite sure how within a week I go from being told to gain weight to feeling like I'm as big as a house. Only 9 weeks left!

 

It's Alive!

This morning, as I was sitting and having breakfast, I noticed Ariyana was getting a bit feisty. I looked down at my shirt and my stomach was bouncing all over the place. It made me laugh and I got so happy. I'm happy because a feisty baby is a healthy baby, and after all the talk from the doctors about her being small and me needing to put on more weight, I know that she is okay in there. I was trying to capture it on video, but I don't think it does any justice. You see my breathing more than her moving- it's in the very beginning (Don't mind Khloe in the background.)

30 Weeks

The third trimester has definitely brought on the common pregnancy symptoms I have been lacking this entire pregnancy:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Crabbiness/Irritability
• Weight gain
• Braxton Hicks
• Bathroom breaks (OMG!)

But as unpleasant as it all sounds, I am enjoying every moment of it. I figure if I am finally feeling all of the 'normal' things related to pregnancy, then perhaps everything is going to be perfectly fine after all. 

Someone asked if I was all set for the baby, and my answer to them was 'no.' I said if she decides to come early she's sleeping in either a shoe box or a drawer. We are hoping to be in our new place in a little over a month, and that's when we will get her room together. It's going to be hectic, and there are going to be long days and nights during that time period, but thanks to wonderful friends who have already offered their help I know we will be okay. After all, we don't have much of a choice!

Showering Ariyana with Love

The other weekend I was in Miami for work, and my friends also happened to throw a baby shower in honor of Ariyana. It was wonderful seeing so many family and friends join me for a few hours, and Ariyana was definitely showered with lots of love and gifts from everyone. I loved all the games, food (especially the dessert table!) and decor. Having the shower got me even more excited for our little one's arrival...I can't wait to meet her!

She's Adorable!

I know every mom thinks their baby is the cutest thing ever...but mine really is just adorable! I went to see the specialist today in hopes that he would clear me and I wouldn't have to see him again, but no such luck. Little Ariyana is measuring 2 weeks small and is in the 30% for her weight (she was measuring 1 week small 8 weeks ago.) Although everything is measuring okay, she is on the small side and the doctor said to expect a 6 lb. baby or so. I honestly was hoping for a little chunkers just because I feel fatter babies are more sturdy, and safer. I go back in 4 weeks for more measurements. If things get worse then we will cross that bridge when we get there, but for now, we just think she's going to be a small baby. I'm so happy she has hair (she's Indian, I wouldn't expect any less), and Sonny thinks she has my nose. I think she has my round cheeks!

28 Weeks/Third Trimester/Home Stretch

I've officially begun the third trimester and everything seems to be going really well! Before I was worried that the baby was too small, now I'm worried that she might be too big! Hopefully I'll have some confirmation this week when we visit with the specialist. We are hoping that he gives us the final clearance and that we won't have to go back to him. Little Ariyana has been the best behaved baby so far. I haven't had any nausea, leg pains, back pains (only some in the beginning), or any cravings. I'm excited to meet her in less than 3 months! People ask if I'm scared or nervous, and honestly no. Obviously there is going to be a learning curve, but I'm pretty confident that Sonny and I are going to be okay - I mean, what choice do we have? I also feel better knowing that my mom will be with us the first couple of weeks. Sonny and I have already called "not-it" on cutting her little nails! With everything else going on right now, I hope she doesn't come early (or late), in fact I'd like her to come on her expected due date...like I have any say in it! :)

Nursery Idea 1

At 26 Weeks I Lost Sight of My Toes

It's happened! I have officially lost sight of my toes. I hope to see them again in 3 months, but until then... farewell little piggies :) I just got back from working an event for work and I got to sport my new headband. Not my typical style, but it was nice to get dolled-up and go out (and to have a dress designed for my ever growing belly!)

 

Just a Couple of Cute Things from the Spring Boutique...

6 Months Down...

And less than 3 1/2 to go before little Ariyana arrives. Now, more than before, I feel overwhelmed with everything that needs to get done. For those that know me, I am a very organized person that hates to wait until the last minute. The plan for this weekend is to create a plan for the next 12 weeks so that I can make sure we are all ready for her!

Important things to do:

• Sell the furniture in the spare bedroom
• Find/buy baby's furniture (Why is shipping the same price as the furniture!?)
• Find a pediatrician
• Find a sitter for Sept. (In Tallahassee it is important to do this almost as soon as you find out you are preggo!) Any suggestions?

I've been feeling a little bit more tired by the end of the work day, but not sure if that is her or if I am just that much busier at work. I can tell she's getting bigger and stronger because her kicks have become more powerful, and I am getting bigger.

She Has a Name...

"You're doing really well, Genius."

Those were the most comforting, meaningful words I heard last night from the boy throughout this entire pregnancy. Granted, we've had our hurdles, but as far as pregnancy goes my journey has been pretty easy. I haven't had any morning sickness, not too much back pain, no excessive weight gain, no crazy cravings (except for an apple once)...but I have had more emotional swings than either he or I am accustomed to. I blame it on never having a normal hormonal balance and then going to the extreme and having tons of hormones. So, to have him tell me I'm doing really well, that meant a lot. I know I don't tell him as often as I should, but I do appreciate having him around to help me when I need it. So here's a big shout out to him: Sonny, thank you for being so supportive and helpful with everything the in the past 11 months! You're going to be an awesome daddy!

Baby Shower Ideas

My fabulous friend, Jacky, and her mom have offered to host our baby shower in Miami. What that means is that Sonny and I have to finish the baby's registry. I have spent the past couple of days looking at shower ideas and I have a couple of my own. For a theme, I think we are going to go with: Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice. Decor: shades of pink, purple, cream and brown. I created a dashboard of things I like:

Delicious DOES Come in a Jar!

My friend, Angie, whom I have known since high school recently launched a new business called Angie's Cake Jars. And the slogan is true: Delicious does come in a jar!

To help launch her business she had a Facebook contest. After reaching 100 fans, Angie was going to give away a free cake jar. Well, not only did she hit 100, she surpassed it! To my delight, she rewarded not one, but three people with free cake! They were chosen randomly (and I never win anything) but I did!

I checked my mail  today and there was my package waiting for me with deliciousness inside!! I came home and went straight to work... taste-testing her new product. First off, let me say the packaging is super cute! It was only topped by how phenomenal the cake tasted. I requested a rum cake, and let me just say Angie does not skimp on the rum! (Must be the FSU in her! Or maybe this preggo's taste buds haven't tasted any alcohol in a while!) Either way...Angie's Cake Jars rocked!

These make the perfect gift for any occasion...even those nice random surprises for people just to let them know that you are thinking of them. So check out her website and place an order. These cake jars are AWESOME.

Congrats, Angie, on what I am sure is going to be a successful business! I love seeing you take this idea and making it your own.

Weeks 21 and 22

How Sweet!

Since this is the last Valentine's Day without the baby you'd imagine that the boy and I would live it up, but no. We decided to keep it very simple and just enjoy the peace and quite, and calm! So we cooked a lovely dinner together and spent the evening enjoying a nice meal and each others company. We made not one, but two lasagna's (one w/ cheese and one w/o.) I picked up some cupcakes from the Cake Shop, courtesy of a Xmas gift card I received from a lovely co-worker, and they were by far the most delicious cupcakes I have ever had!

Today nugget got some lovely outfits courtesy of my dear friend. I couldn't help but ooh and ahh over everything. It was so nice to share that with a girl, because when I came home to show Sonny, there was definitely not ooh-ing and ahh-ing on his part. This precious little baby is going to come into the world with a wardrobe that I am getting to be envious of! All of our family and friends have been gracing her with such lovely gifts, from cute stuffed animals to shoe-socks (which are so cute!), to toys and the list can go on and on! 

Thank you everyone for loving our little one as much as we do. I can't wait for her to be here so that she can love you all back!

Weeks 19 and 20

I completely forgot to update my photo from week 19, so here is 19 and 20. In week 20 we had a follow-up with the perinatologist. Everything with nugget appeared to be okay, except for the fact taht she was measuring a week small. He said that the typical variance on ultrasound machines is 1 - 2 weeks, so he wasn't too worried about it...but because she was measuring small he wanted us to come back in 8 weeks.

Nugget is now 10 oz. and seems to have a personality all of her own! I have found that kickboxing helps with my back pain...but I don't think she likes having her space cramped whenever I kick.

On Thursday I had some pain in my lower stomach...it was probably the worst pain I have felt so far and I got a bit nervous, but my friend assured me that it is normal. The next day I woke up feeling very pregnant and round. Several people that day said I finally looked preggo, so maybe that pain was just growing pains. It's kind of nice to officially be looking pregnant and to still have my clothes fitting - with the help of a belly-band.

When Did She Learn Kung-Fu?

This week I felt our little she-nugget kick for the first time, and second, and third, and fourth, and so on... It wasn't the most pleasant thing...in fact, in downright hurt. When did she get so big and so strong and why is she testing out 'bend-it-like-beckham' moves? I know it's a good thing, so I'll take the jabs in stride.

I usually feel her a lot after I've been sitting. It's like she's cramped when I sit, so the minute I stand up she's back to stretching out her arms and legs. This is usually a double whammy because not only do i feel it in the front, I feel it in my back.

Everyone says to wait until she gets bigger and has less room...oh joy! No, I really am happy. After everything we've been through to get to this point, her moving around, regardless of how uncomfortable I feel, is a very good thing.

Sonny has been really good about helping out with my back pain. Using one of his geeky websites he concocted a home made heating pad that felt AMAZING, especially after a long day of work and being on my feet. One night while we were making dinner, she was getting a bit frisky in there and I was getting crabby because of it, so Sonny points a finger at my belly and says, "be good to your mommy." I thought that was the sweetest thing.

Then I realized that the minute our little girl is here, he's going to be wrapped around her tiny fingers!

Guess What!

 

Now to pick a name! 

I Feel Round!

Last Wednesday I woke up feeling particularly round. I spent all day feeling round and just sort of uncomfortable. When I got home, I told Sonny I felt round and he said I looked the same. Then I started to cook dinner and he saw me from the side and said "Oh, now I see."

On Thursday night before our weekly dinner with friends I was getting dressed. Nothing fancy- jeans and a shirt. I tried laying on the bed, sucking it in, hanging upside down - you name it - but the jeans were not going to be buttoned. So I pulled out the 'help.' I have officially started using the belly-band. I have heard women say they popped - I don't think this is it, but it is now pretty evident there's a baby in there.

I haven't felt any obvious movement, but today the nugget is all over the place. There's just a rumbly in the tummy! My friend Nestor said it felt like a roller coaster, and it does!

On Wednesday we find out if it's a confirmed boy or girl. On Thursday I am heading down to Miami for some fundraising visits and will be there until Monday morning...then I'm off to Tampa/Sarasota for some more visits and then finally I'll be back home on Tuesday night. I'm hoping the car ride goes well and that my back doesn't begin to hurt too much. Oh the joys :)