Into the third trimester....

August 27, 2011
28 weeks, 3 days

I am in a bit of shock that the third, and final, trimester has crept up so suddenly.  It feels like just yesterday I was secretly smiling to myself as I walked through the streets cherishing the being not yet the size of a pencil tip.  And now I rub my belly and wonder what it is that is growing so rapidly inside me and that is so insistent on kicking me at the most inopportune times.  For instance, he has taken to using my bladder as a trampoline on car rides.  Last night, as I was laying to go to sleep, I swear she did a full somersault with a few strong jabs in my ribs.  

Don’t get me wrong- I don’t mind these little games one iota.  I embrace these movements and take comfort knowing that Baby is alive and well.

The big event of the week has been diapers.  Exciting, I know.  Originally, I was turned off at the prospect of cloth diapers.  Disposable just seemed way more convenient.  However, over the past week I have been doing some research and talking with Moms and, frankly, cloth diapers these days seem much more user-friendly than they were 30 years ago.  No diaper pins needed.  Although the option of a diaper service for us is definitely out of the question, doing laundry every other day will be a reality as it is.  I got the hubby involved and I think we are now going to try it out and see what happens.  For long trips and camping outings, I have a feeling we will default to disposable.  But, I think we could do a lot for the environment by using cloth on a day to day basis.  And wouldn’t you rather have organic cotton on your bum than plastic?!

I am in “nesting” mode.  Both a good and bad thing.  Good:  I want to set up the nursery, clean house and start stocking up on food in my deep freeze.  Bad:  my 28-week body doesn’t want to let me.  That and my shower isn’t for another month.  I can’t tell you how tempting it is to go out and start buying all my sheets and such so that I can be super prepared!  But I resist the temptation and find other means to fill my time, i.e. doing our Italy scrapbook and working on our yearly photo book for 2010.  I even started thinking about Christmas presents…..if that’s not nesting I don’t know what is.  My mom and I did wash all the hand-me-down baby clothes and put them away in the dresser which was fun.

The past week or so I have noticed a significant shift in my body.  I find it is telling me to SLOW DOWN.  Let’s be honest: I am NOT good at this.  But, my morning walk has slowed and I force myself to stop every few hours and sit for at least 15-20 minutes with my feet up.  Irritating at first, I have come to relish these mini-breaks during my day as a time to connect with Baby.  

Fun Baby Fact:  Fat begins to accumulate under the skin, toenails and fingernails appear, and downy hair sprouts on the body and scalp.  Baby weighs in just over 2 lbs 6 oz.  Baby is about 16 inches long and at birth will be somewhere between 19 and 21 inches long…

Fun Pregnancy Fact: My uterus is the size of a basketball.  The upper half of my belly button is peaking out now.  No exciting “pop”, but more of a creeping.

Givin' some love to my puppy dog...our little seal

Belly Holes and Beaches

August 15, 2011
26 weeks, 5 days


26 week Belly shot


I have spent 3 significant days at the beach.  And I have 3 more!  We celebrated my moms 60th on Saturday.....and we ordered 60 mini cupcakes for the occasion. Did I mention that I have been having a major sweet tooth the past month?  Forget my normal binges of chips and salsa.  No more.  Bring on the cookies, brownies (Trader Joes are particularly fudgy), chocolates, etc...  I have never been one for sweets but I guess I never knew what I was missing.  The 60 mini cupcakes?!  Fabulous idea.  Between chocolate, strawberry, coconut, vanilla and lemon I have been satisfied daily.

At the coffee shop this morning, I decided on a new phrase, "A doughnut a day keeps the doctor away."  It has a great ring to it, huh?

I dug my very first "belly hole" the other day over at the bay.  My bro and mom were playing an intense game of smash ball, CJ was entertaining himself throwing the ball to Owen and I was desperately searching for a comfy position in the sand.  That's when it hit me - the perfect time for a belly hole!  I got to work diggin' away and within a few minutes had the perfect spot.  I haven't laid on my belly in months.  And it was incredibly comfortable.  I plan on taking full advantage of the sand over the next few days.

Clearly, there is no denying the fact that I am pregnant any longer.  Leaning over to pick up things is a feat and a half, my bladder cannot sustain itself when I sneeze and my ankles....let's be truthful:  they have become cankles (because I refuse to wear compression stockings at the beach).  At least the extra water weight will leave me rapidly after Baby has popped out.  Forget keeping my clothes clean.  I have the oddest habit of spilling things all over my belly now a days. 

I have determined at the suggestion of others that I am carrying Baby "high".  Family has determined this means I am having a boy.  One thing I don't understand:  if I am carrying Baby so darn high, how is that he still manages to kick on my bladder on a relatively consistent basis?  One second I can't hold it any longer and the next I feel empty.  A vicious cycle.  And then when he starts poking me under my hip bones.  It tickles - I swear!

Fun Baby Fact: Baby measures in at about 15 inches and is over 2 pounds.  Its eyes are starting to open now!

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  I am eagerly awaiting the "pop" of my navel.  My brother thinks it is just a matter of time - and then, BAM!, I will feel it the moment it pops out.  I'll keep you posted.

Busy Bees

August 8, 2011

Zach, Uncle Ceej, Athena, Aunt Heather, Tatum and Owen
at Oak Creek Crossing



25 weeks, 5 days

Phew!  It has been a crazy fun week - my brother-in-law’s kids came out and visited us at the Canyon for a whole week….I have never spent a week of my life with a 15, 13 and 9 year old and, let me tell you, it was memorable.  A taster of what is to come?  Perhaps.  An adventure with the youth of America?  Definitely.  And all with a broken dishwasher.  How ‘bout them apples?



From an IMAX and condor show to monsoons to hikes to swims to rock climbing to bowling to a multitude of intense games of “Blokus”, it was 6 days excitement.   I even made them write their very first postcards.  I am an evil aunt, I know.  Their highlight was climbing in Oak Creek – and finishing the climb in the rain.  Uncle Ceeej, the perpetual teacher, was incredible.  Athena and Zach got to rappel down the climb and all 3 kids made it to their “goal” spots on the climb.  I loved seeing their faces as they dipped their hands into the bag of chalk for the first time ever.  



My highlight?  Standing back and taking pictures as my husband and the 3 kids “blokused” the waterfalls in the creek and swung off of rope swings.  And then sprinted to shore for an occasional brownie or handful of chips. Owen meanwhile either swimming eagerly between the kids and checking up on them after each jump or busying himself in the shallows as he attempted to dig up a hidden stick from beneath the mud.  I couldn’t help but chuckle as the other families eluded to us as a “family”.  Which we are.  But not in the “Mom-Dad”  sort of way.  How young do you think we started?!

I am, however, incredibly thankful that we are starting with one child.  And working our way upward from there -ease me into the whole “parenting” thing. 



I did all this while carrying an eggplant in my belly!  Yes, Baby is over 13.5 inches long now and weighing over 1.5 lbs.  And Baby is quite the active little dude.  Several times during the day, Baby will kick so hard that I produce a squeal- something to the effect of “Eeeep!”.  My fellow employees or my husband will look at me startled: I usually start laughing and blame it on Baby.  It is just such a trippy feeling.  This little alien thing poking from the inside out.  I LOVE it!  



I had another baby dream the other night.  Again, a beautiful baby boy.  This time it was just born and the most precious thing you ever did see.  Dark hair, eyes just like CJ.  The odd thing?  (There is always something odd when it comes to my dreams…) Baby’s skin was a beautiful deep tan.  Weird, yes.  These dreams serve one purpose- the make me extremely curious as to what Baby is and what Baby looks like!  Just under 15 weeks….

Fun Baby Fact:  Baby is inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs.  The second trimester is coming to a close....



Fun Pregnancy Fact: I have officially outgrown several of my scrub tops.  With a nice sized bosom and a blossoming belly, the non-stretch cotton fabric is not forgiving.  Anybody have any hand me downs?  I refuse to buy a few tops for 3 more months.  I would much rather have the money for Baby…  Pregnancy hormones?  Forget those light, occasional cries.  I love the full emotional breakdowns.  They can be so cleansing (and draining…). My sweet, sweet husband.

My 23-week belly!

July 20, 2011

22 weeks, 6 days

As I write this, Baby is playing away inside my uterus.  Kicking, prodding, poking, dancing….enough for CJ to feel when he puts his ear to my belly and whispers, “Baby?  It’s your Papa…I love you!”  I think it is one of the most wondrous feelings I have ever experienced.  I am truly blessed!

What is even more incredible?!  Baby is officially a pound this week.  A POUND!  Wild.  And about 8 inches long, from crown to rump.  I am still in awe over the growth that this new human has to overcome in just a mere 40 weeks….and now to gain another 6-7 pounds in 17 weeks?!  I will naturally be gaining that as well plus the necessary additional blood volume, fat stores, etc to support Baby.  Phew!


We took our first big family off-road trip to Colorado last week (first with Baby onboard, that is!).  We joined CJ’s sister, Julie, and family and embarked on an adventure from the North Rim to Durango to Silverton to Ouray to Telluride.  What magnificent country!  We explored peaks and passes and relished in the color green.  Southwest Colorado just seems to be exploding with color!  From fields of luscious green grass to paintbrushes, columbines, and blue bells…oh my!  We off-roaded to silver and gold mines and camped in the high mountains next to mountain streams (which were quite chilly!) and snow fields not yet melted.  Thunderstorms rocked the evening skies, somehow managing to hold off just long enough for dinner and s’mores.  My nieces asked me nightly, “Does the baby like s’mores?!”  And my reply? Of course! Maybe a little too much ;-)

High Camp, San Juan Mountains outside of Silverton, CO

I will admit, however, that driving bumpy roads 22 weeks preggie is not the best decision I have ever made.  I eventually managed to determine the best method: pillow braced to the belly and seat tilted as far back as possible.  Relaxation is key.  Sightseeing consists strictly of viewing those things window level and above.  But it works wonders!  

We are set for girl names. We are in a search for some rad boy names.  We’ve got some goodies in the running but we always appreciate input.  Maybe I’ll bake you cookies if we choose the name you give us!  I make a mean oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip….

Fun Baby Fact:  My nieces nicknamed Baby “Mayo” on the trip…I had a rather fitting mayonnaise container that was determined to be the size of the said babe this week.  And approximate weight.  Although, the picture of a large jar of mayo in my belly is a bit disturbing…. Baby’s inner ear is developed – giving him his own sense of balance.  We’ll make a climber out of Baby yet.

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  According to my daily email from “What To Expect”, babies of moms who exercise throughout pregnancy score higher, on average, on general intelligence tests by age five.  If that’s not motivation to get my groove on, I don’t know what is!

Half Way There!!!

Family time at Glorietta Bay in SD

July 2, 2011
20 weeks, 3 days

We have officially hit the halfway point!  So exciting....We had our ultrasound on Tuesday and Baby weighed in at a whoppin' 11 ounces.  CJ remarked, "It still has a lot of growing to do!"  Yes, yes it does.  And apaprently so do I! 

From our ultrasound, we ventured south to San Diego for a quick few days...Baby got its first boat ride (although I opted out of tubing off the back of the boat....)!  As I was laying in the bathtub later that night, Baby was going crazy.  One kick even made my belly rise!

You may be wondering, "What do we look forward to now that the 20 week ultrasound is over?"  I was asking myself the same question.  And then I realized, "The REAL deal, people!"  Hehe.  We are starting to collect our things and have spent many an hour talking over names and plotting the best way to cram baby stuff into our little home.

Here are a few shots from Tuesday of our precious little dumpling:

Baby chillin' out in utero



A fabulous 3-D shot of our photogenic Baby


Fun Baby Fact: Baby's uterus is fully formed....or its testicles are dropping from the abdomen!  Exciting times....

Fun Pregnancy Fact: I learned something new about my husband - he eats watermelon with a spoon scooping out circles from the bottom up!  How did I never know this?  I have officially recovered from my gnarly attack of The Canyon Bug (aka coming out both ends....) and have regained the lost 4 pounds with diligence ;-)

Movin' & Shakin'



@ a SAR training, early June

 June 18, 2011
18 weeks, 3 days

I know, I know.  I have been a slacker in the blog writing the past few weeks.  I suppose it isn't the worst thing in the world that I have been too busy doing other fun activities though, right?  Between fun activities and working double what I normally do (savin' up the money for baby!), my evenings have consisted of doing, well, absolutely nothing.  By nothing I mean reading, cleaning, cooking....so my nothing really is something.  Either way, the blog was not top priority.  But we (as in Baby and I) are back in the game.

Some parents-to-be come up with cute nicknames for their little one.  Over the past week I have determined that I too have a nickname.  Albiet not the most original name in town, I feel a wonderful attachment to it and it reminds me of what is happening to my body: Baby.  Yes, I am serious.  I call it Baby.  And I have a good feeling it is gonna stick.  I like it- simple, to the point, no questions asked.  It also goes quite nicely with the new little tune I like to sing and hum as I do "nothing"; There's a Baby in my belly, dear Liza, dear Liza.  There's a Baby in my belly, dear Liza, a Baby. 

The big news since I last wrote:  I have officially felt Baby move!  The first time it felt like a "bla-dup" in my belly (also could be described as a tiny somersault-like feeling).  I knew instantly it had to be Baby getting crazy in my belly because it was the oddest, most wonderful sensation.  I have felt Baby several times since then - ocassional teeny-weeny jabs and the "bla-dups".  In the beginning it is more sporadic when the mother feels the babe, but as time goes on I will start feeling it more and more.  I am sure the cute "bla-dups" will turn into "BLA-DUPS" in no time.

And the much longed for Baby belly photo!!!

18 weeks, 3 days; Owen is getting curious...
Oh, and please excuse the laundry in the background!

Fun Baby Fact: By 19 weeks Baby is 6 inches long and weighs about 1/2 pound!  Pretty much the size of a mango....And I really love mangoes.  I bought 8 of them the other day.  Oh so good.

Fun Pregnancy Fact:  In the past week or so, I have noticed that I tend to get super lightheaded and see stars when I get up too quickly.  It is a weird sensation which keeps me grabbing for the nearest chair or wall while I wait for the blinky stars to fade away.

16 weeks and counting....

June 7, 2011
16 weeks, 5 days

Wow.  Time is flying by!  And now I am getting super excited for the 20-week ultrasound.  To save you all the suspense, we will NOT be finding out the sex of the baby.  My entire life I have wanted to wait and let it be a surprise - why should I change that now?  There is something beautiful and "old school" about waiting until the lower half of the baby's body comes sliding out to hear those magical words: "It's a .....!!!"  Plus, I really like yellows.

A conversation from earlier this week:

Heather, "Our baby can hear this week!"

CJ, "Really?  Hi, Baby!  Your Mama's beautiful!"

I love my husband.

My body continues to change and do most magical things.  For instance, I only pee once a night now.  And, I don't feel the need to nap any more.  Two truly wonderful things.  I do notice my heavy breathing as I go for hikes - making me feel like I am incredibly out of shape.  But then I reach down and give my buddha belly a little rub-ski and all is well again in the world. 

I heard the heartbeat with a doppler at my appointment last week - 155 and strong!  And, yes, I teared up.  How can you not?!  There is a little tiny heartbeat inside of me ticking away.  And to think the baby is soothed by my own heartbeat day in and day out.  Pretty rad.  So, according to legend, a heartbeat greater than 140 means it is a girl.  However, this is also only said to be true a full term....



Owen and I sunbathing in Sedona after an afternoon swim



Fun Baby Fact: Baby is the size of my palm, with a crown-to-rump length of 5 inches.  It weighs more than 5 ounces.  And, apparently the baby will squirm if you poke my belly (which CJ has been testing out diligently...)  I can't feel the movement yet, though- usually between 18 - 22 weeks.

Fun Pregnancy Fact: I am learning to celebrate my new and beautiful pregnancy shape!  With lots of love and kisses from my adoring husband, how could I not?!