Ribs

Usually if I was going to discuss ribs I would talk about the delicious Korean grilled ribs I love to eat! Unfortunately this time, it's my own ribs that are not delicious and causing the worse pain ever. So with all my continuous coughing and blowing of my nose I pulled a muscle and misaligned my right lower ribs. Every time I coughed I would get a stabbing pain on my right lower back. Yesterday was so bad that it brought tears to my eyes and made me cry out in pain several times. After scaring Gio and nonstop discomforting coughing, I couldn't take it, I called my midwife. I had previously told them about my sickness at my last appointment but shortly after it got worse in these past 5 days. This was no allergies, by now this is an upper respiratory infection. I called and left a message and if they didn't get back to me I was going to go to my nearby rediclinic with Gio tagging along. Thankfully they called me back in time and I described my pain and symptoms. They said do you want to still do natural or medicine. I said no more natural I tried it and a month later I can't take this anymore. I really can't take much because of my pregnancy but they prescribed antibiotics (finally hallelujah !) and over the counter mucinex or sudafed. I went with the mucinex because its chest congestion and cough. I waited for Gio to wake up from his nap then drove us to chick fil a picked up a snack and then to Heb for my meds. While there I did some grocery shopping and then headed home. I was in pain but wanted supplies for chicken noodle soup for tomorrow. I put everything away and quickly made dinner. I followed a recipe for copycat la madeliene tomato basil soup and turkey grilled cheese sandwiches. The soup was great and I ate it up. Gio picked at his dinner, I was so exhausted I didn't argue. I got Gio ready for bed and snuck out. I stayed up till hubby came home from flag football and immediately asked for an adjustment. My hips are finally stabilizing and then he got to my ribs and said two were sticking out and he had never seen that on me. The adjustment was painful but felt a lot better afterwards. I'm still sore but with my antibiotics and mucinex in my system I slept a lot better. I warmed up a rice sock and used it as a hot compress. Here's hoping of all this yuckiness to go away, ASAP!
On brighter happier news, my friend Angelica delivered her baby girl Emily yesterday. Congrats to Salinas/Reyes family on their cute little cherub baby. I can't wait to see her but waiting to be germ free. Two more babies to be delivered and then Alexander. It's going to be an interesting 8 weeks with baby boom delivery!

Eight Months

Mr. Alexander, welcome to eight months kiddo. Baby Center describes you as a large jicama (3.75 lbs) and about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my uterus. So I will now be gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to you, perfect. You should gain a third to half or your birth weight during the next seven weeks to fatten up for survival outside the womb. This should also explain why you are not as active as before, you are getting to big to flip around like you have been. Although I cannot tell you how much my ribs hurt from your lovely stretching, im sure the continuous coughing isn't helping either. I opened all the windows today to let the fresh air come in and take the yuckies away. Your big brother and I chilled this morning until I finally got us ready to go out for some fresh air and sunlight! I drove us to nearby Hershey Park, where Gio biked and I walked alongside him. Woah, I was out of breath quickly, I need to get out more! I think I mentioned my stomach is huge, popped out more overnight and there might be some waddling involved. I picked up lunch at Jason's Deli and then attempted to put Gio down for a nap. It was late past our usual naptime, but I know it was important to rest. He fought it, climbed out of bed, cried, whined...more than the usual. An hour later..quiet..I joined a passed out Gio who claimed he was not tired. We woke up 2 hours later, he said hi mommy and then pinched me hard, I had to slap his hand away because he wouldn't stop. Oh yes, Giovanni has a pinching issue and we are trying to curb it, he likes to hug and pinch arm fat. I got out of bed and went into the kitchen to start on dinner. Gio was crying and yelling for me, I had to ignore him, because I did not want to give into his screaming..oh wait let me correct myself...banchee screaming! I had to breathe slowly and stay calm. He finally walked out, breathing hard and crying. I got down to his eye level and told him that I would not respond to ugly crying or yelling ever. I continued preparing dinner while he caught his breath. He said but I love you mommy. I told him I loved him too but I would not accept that sort of behavior. He stayed quiet as I prepared dinner. I finally picked him up and told him that I always love him but it is not nice to scream, yell or pinch, that he was a good boy and no need to be ugly. He apologized and hugged me back. I sat with him for a couple of minutes, then he said he would go play while I cooked. Thank you kiddo. Hubby arrived shortly and Gio attacked him with play requests. I made a squashetti veggie bake, pinterest inspiration, of course. It was delicious although, hubby suggested some meat might be nice next time. I have not been good about putting in veggies in our diet lately, so it was definitely time. I was craving ice cream afterwards and snuck out to Marble Slab for ice cream. Gio refused all ice cream offered when I returned, he was to busy playing with Daddy. Hubby thankfully adjusted me and then I took a nice hot bath. Hubby and Gio played with his cars for another hour and then bedtime. I am so dehydrated after my bath, but so relaxed. My ribs still hurt but I can breathe. Eight weeks to go kiddo, cant wait to meet you!

Incline heaven

So I have been sleeping at a big incline on my back and then eventually will turn on my side once I'm knocked out. I have to sleep at an incline so I can breathe. So today Mr Alexander has not been as active which got me worried but I have persistent ache and pain throughout my stomach. FYI my stomach is huge! Ill take a pic tomorrow, not really feeling bloated so can't blame it on that, my stomach just popped out even more. Work was same ol same old routine. Students are anxious because they are at the end of their program and ready to be done, as am I for maternity leave. 6 weeks to go, we can do it Alexander, although you have 8 more weeks to cook. Well I used my free time at work to start on my felt name craft, I cut out all the letters...now to sew and stuff. Hubby and Gio stayed home all day and organized/played. After work I picked them up and we headed to Babies R Us to register since I have yet to do and shower invites are out. Daddy and Gio went to go play with the cars and bikes while I added items to the registry. I heard a familiar voice and there goes my son driving a Thomas the train tricycle up and down the aisles. He has great control of it and I was definitely impressed! He followed me and was content to be riding a bike...maybe I should bring his tricycle along to every outing, lol. We then ate dinner at Dodos Chicken a Colombian diner. Afterwards it was still early so we headed to target and finished up the registry there as well. Hubby thinks that Alexander is finally comfortable in my stomach with my hips opening up more with my adjustments, I think he might be right. Although it feels like he is spread eagle in my tummy pushing out at all angles, mommy is definitely aching! Gio was eager for bedtime which is weird but I am not complaining! He instantly fell asleep this night. His persistent coughing is probably taking a toll on his body as it is mine. I was going to head to doctor tomorrow morning, but my physician coworker told me they wouldn't give me anything because of pregnancy so here we go with waiting it out. This is going to be a great week and we are going to feel great!!!! FYI Alexander is currently moving all about, thanks for the reassurance kiddo! Love ya!

Breath taking

I just finished watching the movie The Impossible. What a horrific tragedy and yet moving story. It is based on a family of 5 while vacationing in Thailand during the tsunami. It was so hard to watch but I couldn't stop. It makes me value my life and the ones of my boys and family so much. As a parent there is always a fear of loss or pain or ill harm that you never want your children to experience. Well that's me, not being negative just always aware of Gios safety or as others would say a worrisome overprotective mom. I can honestly say I have taken Gio for granted and my husband by being busy with work, school or whatever else. That is definitely stopping. I feel a guilt that I should be working more to provide for my family but have chosen to stay home these last couple of months to spend with Gio. But this past week with us being sick back and forth I can't say I've been the best mom. I am my own worst critique and put the worst mommy guilt on myself. I can't tell you how last year my boy went from two to three in a blink of the eye. When I started school everything went so fast and so did his growth. Gio mommy has never stopped loving you and I am sorry if I was not always present. That's the thing with kids, they are so forgiving yet we are so oblivious to their kindness. I want Gio to be raised with kindness and gratitude and sometime I force that to much and my mom reminds me that he is a kid and he is only this young once. It's a hard job this so called parenting. I finally slept today and woke up somewhat refreshed. I drove to work when I felt my car was acting weird. I stopped twice because it sounded like a flat tire but it was fine. I was running late and hopped on the beltway and the car started shaking violently I tried to pull over but the car was out of control. I managed to slow down and get to the side. I was so scared and kept thinking of my boys. I checked on the tire again, still fine. I got back in and drove 25 miles an hour all the way to work. Called Luan to pick up car and take to umer to get checked out. I can't say I was nice about getting it checked out, we have had the worst luck with cars lately and I was fed up, not to mention scared. Hubby picked up the car while Gio stayed with my mom. I worked while they played outdoors, good for them. I got pictures of Gio driving his fire truck with Louie along for the ride. I got permission to leave work early to go to a rapid Mediclinic. When I arrived they had already met their quota for their last customer and I was turned away. I felt so helpless and fatigued from this blasted cold I cried all the way home, probably needed the stress release. I crawled into bed and instantly fell asleep. I woke up and my boys were still not home. They stayed at my moms to give me time to rest, but I missed them. Crazy when u want peace in quiet and you finally have it, you want your missing noise. I was on the couch when I heard from outside Mommy I am home! Love that voice. Opened the door to a wild Gio who came racing in with a balloon around his Elmo. He was so active and would not stop playing, he sounded hoarse and stuffed up, great just great. I gave him some homeopaths and finally got hubby to give him a bath. I read him his bedtime stories and laid in bed with him for a bit. He must have instantly fell asleep because it has been quiet ever since. I watched the movie and cried the whole time. What a waste my angst are when those families lost everything and loved ones. Need to Keep things in perspective. Slow it down and live life. Lesson learned, thank you!
By the way the tire was fine, a screw in the holding broke and making the tire wobbly and unstable, scary!

Friday zzzz's!

Guess who didn't sleep last night? oh yea that's me with both hands in the air....why oh yes... i couldn't breathe or stop coughing. i had to escape at night to the other room, i just kept thinking i am getting gio sick over and over again. I slept maybe a total of 2-3 hours off and on. Gio woke me up with a bright smile and no matter how much I wanted to crawl under the covers, I forced myself out of bed. We got ready and headed over to my mom's because I had to take my car to get evaluated by Umer and an oil change. My mom took us to breakfast at IHOP after we dropped the car off. As we were waiting for our bill, I glanced out the window and saw flashing cop cars and flags....hmm what is that.. it was a trail ride. Gio and I raced out and waved to all the cowboys/girls. He was so surprised and in shock, then he couldn't stop talking about how he saw cowboys and dragon parade. We got in the car and followed them, parked and waved once again as they passed us by. He was so sad to see them go and then insisted on a dragon parade. I needed to pick up some supplies at the dollar store and he picked out some hula hoops that he insisted he would pay for. I asked for his money but that never happened, =p. On our way home, Gio fell asleep and I thanked God! I took him inside and we both fell asleep for 2.5 hours. My damn stuffy nose woke me up and there went naptime, cause Gio rolled out with me. We ate a late lunch and then did a craft project. We made an early Easter basket for Tita, it was so cute! Gio had more fun placing the chocolates in the eggs then crafting, but he did the majority of the work, while mommy worked on the face. Gio was over craft time soon enough so we went outside to play, Gio ran wild with Louie right behind him. He then got his Mater out and insisted we take him out for a walk on the sidewalk. We took Mater and Louie out for a walk until I was freezing and insisted we go inside. The Lion King was on and we watched it until my mom called for us to go to dinner at Kim Son. Gio was so well behaved all day and then during dinner he wanted to play and not be stuck in a restaurant, totally understand kid. I couldn't stop coughing and my runny nose didn't help the situation. I excused us, said our goodbyes and headed home. Hubby soon joined us and finished nighttime routine with books while I soaked in the tub in a pinterest inspired detox soak. Thirty minutes later I was very relaxed and ready to get out. I asked Hubby for a much needed adjustment, specifically a Webster technique. Webster technique helps with sacral alignment and Breech positioning. Did I tell you that I feel PREGNANT!!!! I am waddling, bad hot flashes, no sleep, peeing every 30 minutes and my back hurts, I feel PREGNANT!!! My nose is still congested and cough is still present, but my back feels 100% better. I am ready for some sleep tonight! Please bless me with sleep and bless this house with no more cough/sniffles!!!

Soccer day

I think I looked forward to this evening activity as much as Gio. He was so excited to go to class, he talked about it all day. We did not have a restful night, Gio kept waking up and randomly talking. He woke up and announced that he was hungry. Daddy woke up and cared for Gio! I was so slow this morning, not feeling it all. Finally made breakfast: oatmeal, boiled egg and toast. Gio then played and requested art time. I brought out the paints and colors. We then ran to the bank to make a deposit and after being stir crazy inside this week, I was ready to get out. I drove us to Memorial City Mall and told Gio we were power walking. He sat in his stroller for a while then wanted to walk. He was so happy and patiently went with me on my power walk. After 45 minutes we headed back out with him skipping alongside me. A happy but exhausted Gio fell asleep on the way home and I carried him up. He woke up right on time and we headed to soccer. He is so cute in his class and I can't keep from laughing with his giddiness. He gets so exited when he makes a GOAL! He makes sure I am watching, of course I am! He followed instruction alot more today and waited his turn most of the time. I took us to Cafe Express for dinner and then headed home. My hips are aching and I finally popped in Prenatal Yoga. Gio decided he was going to exercise with me and distracted me throughout but I finally got to a walk and yoga day! Woohoo! Gio went to sleep early today and woke up an hour later screaming. If he could get past that first to two hours he would sleep the whole night. Here's to a restful night for all!

Hump day/bump day

Oooh what a fabulous day to stay home! It was overcast, windy and sprinkling all day. Gio and I cozied up on the couch, had breakfast then played in his room all day long. He woke up fever free thankfully, although he did have a spike last night and calmed down with a quick dose of ibuprofen. After that we all slept so good! While I was In his room I went through all the cards I have kept from baby shower, welcome home, baptism, and birthdays. So cute to keep all that. I'm not sure if he will care, but I love it all. I found the felt letters I made for his room that I never hung up. I have so much stuff to put up definitely going to keep busy these next couple of weeks, decorating on a budget! Nap time rolled around, Gio of course protested but eventually succumbed to a wonderful nap. I ate lunch then joined him for the second hour. My mom stopped by with dinner! Tha k u so much! She brought our favorite caldo de res and salvadorean tamales, yummy! Daddy finally arrived and enjoyed dinner. Gio really ate up all the spoiling he was getting from his Tita. After dinner Daddy and Gio played for an hour! He was breathing so hard from all their playing and covered in sweat, which meant it was time for bath time! All of a sudden with bedtime in the horizon he announced he was not feeling well and for Tita to sleep with him. I read him his three bedtime stories, my mom was on the verge of staying because he kept complaining and crying that he didn't feel well. I told her I would stay with him till he slept and she finally went home. No fever thankfully and he probably didn't feel well from all the jumping and running he did after dinner with daddy. A now sleeping Gio, hoping you get a good nights rest and onto healthier times in this house! A great lazy day here's to another one tomorrow, although I probably will add laundry somewhere in there and cooking lol. Debating whether to take Gio to his soccer class or not? Playing it by ear!

Check-up Tuesday

Morning started off ok, Gio and I headed off to Tita's early because I had a check-up at 9am. Gio is usually mr talkative, singing, pointing out every bus or heavy machinery nearby. He was very quiet and I just put it off to he was still sleepy. We arrived at my moms late due to traffic and he refused to walk and was very clingy. He went into my mom's arms and I hurried out. I waited an hour plus to be seen, there was a mom in the other room, who thought she was in labor, but false alarm...so we all got pushed around. Hey, no complains here, I want that attention when it is my turn. Alexander was busy as usual my little bumblebee at work in my belly. He is measuring at 33 weeks and heartbeat good as ever! FYI-I am only 31 weeks. Ultrasound scan came back all WNL. I called my mom during my wait and she said Gio didn't want to eat, but she got him to eat some toast and a hard boiled egg. umm mom that is breakfast..lol. I finally headed home, I had previously planned to run some errands...but something just told me to get home. I walk in Gio is in my mom's arms cuddling. Is that a normal, definitely yes! But he didn't look his normal happy toddler energetic self...then mom said he was running a fever and refuses to snack or play. We have had fever but with a long month of cough and runny nose, I was over it. I have been vigilant about listening to his breathing and making sure his ears are ok, but with fever of 101.9, I was going to the doctor. I probably knew it was viral, but I wanted everything checked out, because this is a month in. We were getting better, but it finally hit hubby last week hard and I think Gio and I got it again. The pediatrician squeezed me in, all clear..probably viral. I explained his symptoms month long, she thought maybe allergies but allergies don't include fever..so more than likely cold. No antibiotics...just monitor that fever. I passed by Chick-fil-a for some chicken soup, lemonade and ice cream. I offered it all to gio, I just wanted him to eat something...he refused it all..got him to take a couple of bites of his ice cream...then he gave it back. Yep kid was not up to anything. My mom and I ate quickly while Gio rested at her house, then we hopped back into the car to head home. Gio finally fell asleep and I carried him up to his bed. He slept on and off for two hours, he would wake up crying as if in pain and he was extremely warm. I held him tight and rocked him till he slept again. We finally woke up and I coaxed him to drink his lemonade and drink his soup with his favorite Netflix shows. He was talkative and ate all his soup, finally kid was eating and drinking again. Temp now 99.0, I think he broke his fever during his nap. I started looking up all natural remedies and remembered my lavender mixture for cleaning the house. Hubby came home with Durian smoothies for Gio and himself. I cannot stand the smell of Durian, but it is a natural fever reducer, saw it on Dr. OZ, told hubby and it has been downhill since then, because it is his favorite! Coaxed Gio to drink some. I ran to the store to get some supplies:Juice, onions, kleenex (we have been going thru boxes like crazy this whole month) and some supplements. I came home to a playful and normal temp Gio. I made my concoction of water with 20 drops of lavender and rosemary each. This solution is good for cleaning and spraying the house down when people are sick. I used to use this to clean last year, but then went back to my old products due to laziness. Yep getting back on the green cleaning bandwagon as much as I can. I cut up some onions and placed them in a bowl under our bed, since we co-sleep. Now listen, I do use medicine when needed, especially with fever and would have given ibuprofen this evening if needed, but his fever is down and not going to give it unnecessarily. I do believe that fever is our body's natural way to fight disease, but when my kid is lethargic and not eating I will supplement when needed. I finally found my bottle of doTerra Breathe essential oil and rubbed some on everyone's chest and back. After spraying the house down and wiping counters, I now have a headache...maybe too many essential oils, lol. I was going to clean each toy in his room, but I sprayed everything and letting it air dry. Tomorrow I will go back and wipe everything down and run washable toys through the dishwasher. Some of gio's furry friends are currently being laundered and ready for him to play with tomorrow. Oh what a day...and i thought I was done cleaning. hmmm...kids will keep you on your toes! Once again, I am exhausted, nite!

Monday laziness...Not

My Weekends are now M-F and workdays are Sat-Sun! Not a bad deal. I could probably add on to my weekday schedule, but I am going to take advantage of this time to be with Gio and get our house ready for baby Alexander. All last week, I shuffled Gio to my mom's while I studied and crammed. Valentine's day was the day before my test and all I asked for was pizza and a sweetheart cake from ooh la la dessert boutique. Hubby also surprised me with a gorgeous flower arrangement, thanks love!

Gio also started soccer classes again.

I cancelled his Art classes because, as much as he had fun, I can do the same at home. Therefore Soccer is back on our schedule and swimming will be too once, we are finally over the sniffles. I took my test on Friday, barely slept the night before and felt deflated afterwards. I felt so 50/50 after the test, so who knows...we will find out in 4-6 weeks. I treated myself to a mani/pedi afterwards and then picked up the boys for dinner at BerryHills for fish tacos. I suggested to walking around afterwards, but exhaustion caught up to me and we headed home. I plopped myself on the couch and caught up on my shows. So this weekend after two ten-hour shifts, I was extremely exhausted. Saturday I suggested date nite, so the hubby and I went to our favorite place, Bluefish. I was craving their lobster roll, so yummy. It is all cooked..preggo safe.

I planned out our menu for the week and dragged the boys to HEB for groceries, Sunday night. I came under budget and was so excited!!! Monday morning, I slept in till I could and then gio announced he was hungry. I made eggs in a hole for breakfast and caught up on more shows. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and got to cleaning. I cleaned the whole house, once I was done, it was lunchtime. Gio and I ate leftovers and then it was naptime. I cannot start to explain the exhaustion that overtook me, I instantly fell asleep while Gio tossed and turned. It started raining outside, it was nice and cool, perfect sleeping weather. I think I put in 2.5 hours while gio logged an hour because he fought it. I did not want to wake up. I made us a snack afterwards and then thought to myself hmm whats for dinner...oh wait I have to cook dinner since I am back to normal schedule. I pulled out my menu and made Poverty Dinner.

Hate the name but it is very budget friendly and Delicious. While I was cooking dinner, I also made Blueberry Breakfast Crumble for tomorrow.

I have been looking at budget menu planning and found a mom who shops for her family of 6 for $60 a week. I got some recipes from her site and used others that I have previously pinned. So my goal is to have a meat, pasta, soup and veggie dinner entree and Friday dinner out. For Breakfast options: oatmeal, spinach power smoothie or homemade muffins. Lunch will be leftovers. So far so good, well it is only Monday. Dinner was a 10/10, so delicious and I might have sampled breakfast...so delicious! I had planned on going to Babies R Us to finalize my registry but exhaustion has won me over. I am waddling...agghh! I am definitely going to step up my game with the stretching and walking now that I have the time. I have a check-up tomorrow, dropping off gio with tita, then afterwards going to the park for fun! I have lots of crafts to do in the next two weeks for the shower and Alexander's nursery, I cannot wait! time for bed, bc this momma is tired!

Projects

Crafting fun! I love crafts, especially hand projects. I have been out of the loop lately due to my program and studying for that awful exam I just took, God I hoped I passed, because it was horrible! Anywhoo back to one of my favorite past-times crafts. This is just a review of some that I have recently completed. I linked up to some of the tutorials that I used. Well I have tons of friends pregnant all at the same time. Trying to concentrate on studying while I had three showers and family events mixed in, such bad timing. I did the best I could. I found so much inspiration on Pinterest. I opened up an Etsy shop but trying to focus on what I want to sell...not sure...maybe baby shower items... we will see! Cupcake onsies! 4 onsies and 4 cute little socks included for the mommy to be!

Gio's Birthday Tee! I found a similar tee on Etsy, the shirt was $30. I made this shirt for $10. I found the shirt on clearance at kohls for $5 and then bought fabric pieces and some extra Heatnbond, that I had run out of with coupons. I love making tops like this. The problem I am having is that when I wash the tops later, the fabric rolls up. The directions do suggest to wash fabric prior to bonding, but I am always doing things last minute, so next time definitely doing that and seeing if that makes a difference. I also used this same technique for turkey tops, I found on etsy. I love Etsy for inspiration. I would love to buy everything on there, but its alot cheaper to do it at home. I made these tops for little loved ones in our lives. I used their first name initial and added eyes, beak and the little wattle. OMG they were so cute! Loved it! I am going to make holiday tops probably forever, my hubby doesn't mind, I hope the boys will be as cooperative.

Motorcycle diaper cake I have made this before for cousin Susan, but this one is for special baby Mateo. I even included a Texas License plate with due date. I had so much fun making this and I kind of didn't want to give it up, loved it so much, lol!

2013 Hand Calendar by Giovanni! Gio is awesome, he loves painting and I love hand print art. I used this to my advantage and when thinking of family xmas presents, I found this great idea on Pinterest. Thankfully I found a tutorial that included calendar and poems, thank you so much! We made three original calendars, including 39 pages. There were prints everywhere, Gio thankfully cooperated. Towards the end he just wanted to paint freely without instructions from Mommy! We completed the majority of the work in one day and then on the second went back and added detail. I loved the completed project. I only added birthdays to our copy and that is it. I will laminate it at the end of the year and treasure it forever!

Fall Wreaths I found all the wreaths at the dollar store and bought a box of glitter pumpkins at Ross. I hotglued the pumpkins on and love my fall wreath. I made one for my mom and I. I also made a snowman christmas wreath but I forgot to take a pic, can you believe it. Will do this year.

ABC I LOVE U I found a similar print on etsy or pinterest, not sure, loved the print, the pdf file was $25. Yea so one day at work, I whipped this up, so easy. I am going to print out two for the boys room to frame and place over their bed.

Subway Baby Detail Art On Etsy of course, there are so many variations of this, love all, don't care for the price tag. I found baby diy gift ideas and this print was included. Once again during computer time, I whipped this up. Love it. I wish I had more access to different clipart.

Handprint Canvas I was inspired by this ModPodge Rocks. I changed it up and put all the hands on one canvas so that it takes up less space. I have lots of years to put on the wall. I need to add Year 3, ASAP! Hubby wonders how long I can keep this up, or if Gio will cooperate. I hope so. Gio was not happy in his first year to let me work with his hands, otherwise I would have gotten some more in. I am def going to get as many as I can from Baby Alexander.

TGIF

A day full of things to do but instead Gio and I had a Friday Funday date. We had a relaxed breakfast then I rushed us out of the house for Art Class at Gymboree. After two weeks of drippy nose and nasty cough and missing class, we were finally back. The focus of class was the letter C. They cut out a C, glued, painted, played with dough and danced to some Cajun music. A fun hour long class. The night before I told Gio that we would go see a huge water fountain. He woke up asking about the huge water fountain and made sure to tell all around him that he was going to see one. So I drove to the galleria to park and then we walked to the Post Oak Water Wall. He of course had to bring his Monkey along for the adventure. Friday was a gorgeous day and he was so excited. I let him walk up to the wall by himself and he stared up in awe of its power. He could not stop smiling and staring . I tried to get some posed pictures yep not happening, he was too excited to stay still. He held my hand as we got closer and then told me to stop because he didn't want to get closer. Lunch was next and he did not want to leave, note to self bring picnic next time. We met up my mom at Saltgrass for a yummy lunch. On our way home Gio fell asleep and I carried him up the stairs exhausted! Nap time was much needed for both of us! Daddy came home and found us in bed! Ha! Whoops! We ran some errands and ate a very late dinner. Can't wait to get this test out of the way to focus on fun activities and not running around. Definitely taking advantage of this precious free time during the week.

29 weeks

Oh Mr Alexander you are currently the size of a butternut squash. According to baby center you now weigh about 2 1/2 lbs and a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and your baby's head is growing bigger to make room for that developing brain.
This past weekend you and I went to a conference in San Antonio while the boys stayed home. It was a very long seminar and you kicked and moved around a lot. I don't think you appreciated the long hours of sitting. My stomach was popping out at random areas thanks to your stretching, but thank you for keeping me up! I'm not sure if you like sugar or not but I ate a blueberry tart during a break, 15 min later and my belly was dancing, it was hilarious. We had to go take a nap and eat an early lunch because I started to feel nauseous and exhaustion won over. I'm not sure how much sleep you are getting because you are very active!!! According to timelines you should be head down by now, but as active as I was this weekend with frequent bathroom breaks, I feel your little toes dancing on my bladder. We snuck out early from the seminar and enjoyed a nice dinner with your cousin Samantha, Tio Danny and Tia Denise. But we had to say goodbye early because we were very sleepy. Thankfully Sunday evening we were home resting with your daddy and big brother. When Giovanni is around, you are very alert and active! I can't wait to see your brotherhood blossom. We are currently at our 29 week appt and I just realized we are 11 weeks away kiddo! Time is flying by! Appointment went well, heartbeat sounds good! I asked for a Tdap vaccine so I can start getting pertussis immunity for you. Daddy and tita will get it as well to increase immunity for you and Giovanni! I also reminded the midwife that we needed an update on ultrasound scan because you wouldn't move around enough for them to accurately visualize your heart. So they made an appointment for two and I took us to Gringo's for lunch while we waited. Gringos had a very long wait time so we ate at the bar. I was tortured by the bartender preparing margaritas right in front of me as I sipped on a cool lemonade. I would never ingest anything to harm you kiddo, but doesn't mean mommy wouldn't like a margarita lol, not happening anytime soon. Finally it was time for our appointment and you were not happy to be disturbed by the sonographer. You are currently sitting on my right side, head up, booty down facing the left with your arms and legs curled in. The sonographer was able to get better pictures of your fast paced heart, although you were not helpful at all. You kicked and jabbed at every opportunity you got, feisty little boy. Oh yes Boy, confirmed once again, didn't want to get a surprise 11 weeks from now. Measurements: 30 weeks and 5 days vs the scheduled time 29 weeks 1 day; current weight 3.7 lbs...yikes another big boy in the process! time to really start that yoga and stretch these legs for pushing! Forgot to mention that i saw your face and according to my observation you were smiling as you kicked and jabbed, I fell in love all over again! i couldnt help to laugh, the sonographer was getting frustrated amd i just laughed to myself! I am debating whether or not to get a 4d ultrasound, if I want it have to do it soon because uou are getting too big. After our appointment I joined a classmate for a study group and then picked up your brother who did not nap and is now in bed for an early sleep schedule, he is not happy. Be wise kid sleep when you can! Shower updates: Auntie Dannette is helping Tita plan your baby shower and she ordered really cute invites. You will definitely see all this in your baby book one day soon! Mommy is trying to focus on her studies for the next two weeks and then it's baby craft bonanza! Can't wait to hold you in my arms. 11 weeks is really not that long away. Sweet dreams kiddo!

Side note: Giovanni was the 230th baby born at Rite of Passage birthing center, they are close to 500 deliveries now, I wonder what you will be!!

Sound the Alarm, Giovanni is Three!

Right after his second birthday I knew we were going to do a fire truck theme for his third birthday and the Fire Museum of Houston would be our spot. I randomly took Gio there one day and he loved it. I of course plan ahead, reserved the place in July, collected ideas on Pinterest and scoured the Internet for deals. Early December, I ordered his invites, plates and party favors. Christmas season was in full swing and I had to get in before the big rush, because I did not want to risk delays come January. I had hiccups along the way with shipping regarding some items but two weeks prior to the big party, Everything finally arrived. Gio discovered his party favors and said I love it, thank you! I think I might have been more excited than he was. I enlisted Daddy's artistic help for drawing out a fire truck that I was using for his birthday top. I found inspiration from an Etsy vendor, which I love but budget in mind, it was more affordable to make things on my own and to be honest...I really love our end product. Daddy loved the top so much he started adding details.
I ordered food and cupcake cake from Krogers, nuggets for kiddos from chick-fil-a and mnm cookies from Heb for thank u bags. On the big day we got up and lounged around the house because I had prepared everything we were taking the night before. I finally got up, ran to Heb to pick up some balloons, while Daddy got Gio ready. Car was packed, boys were going to go with OngBaNoi and I took off to get food. My mom met me at Krogers, picked up food and then we headed to Musuem. For the first time in our lives we were early and I warned all nearby that it might freeze over, so we took pictures.

We could only setup 25 min prior to party and they were wrapping up a party prior to ours. Kids trickled out with their parents saying how much they loved the museum and how it was one of their favorite parties. I was so excited to share this with our family. I noticed a car similar to mine, filled with fire truck balloons park behind us. My mom said oh look they r having a party here too, I said no mom we were scheduled for the last party of the day, there is only one room. I walked inside and told the coordinator can you check the schedule because I think we are double booked. She said no that's never happened. She got the reservation book and checked it guess what, there was another party scheduled and it was not mine. Thankfully I had email notification and receipts to prove my reservation from July. I spoke to the other mother and told her the news, we waited patienty for the coordinator to return. The coordinator finally came out apologizing profusely and told us we would get all our money back, get family membership to musuem and have the room for as long as we wanted but we would have to share. Thankfully we both had a small amount of kids but alot of adults, . There were two three year old boys who loved fire trucks and we were definitely going forward with our parties! Danette arrived early with her family and they pitched in to organize and setup everything in our corner table. Let me tell you, the museum had a lot of rules,limited time and guests but that all went out the window. So thankful we had extra time but we were all crammed. The beautiful table display I wanted to prepare was just not going to happen, so we crammed as much as we could.

Gio arrived and he could care less. He was in play mode and off he went.

Guests trickled in and they loved the room, because no one had ever been there. The kidroom has a firetruck front that the kids can go and drive, a fireman pole, hoses, costumes for 16 kids and a miniature house kids could play in.

Everybody was cordial and no kid breakdowns. It was stressful and my organized plan didn't go as scheduled but everybody had a good time. Danette and hubby made me sit down to eat because I was in ft host mode and finally took a break. I sat back, observed the room and the kids were having a blast especially my birthday boy.

We crowded around to sing Happy Birthday and he loved it. He didn't care to eat any cake because he wanted his nuggets and Cheetos. Lol, three year old priorities. Have I mentioned Gio will most likely take a bite or lick the frosting and he is done, not really cake happy. He definitely didn't get that from me. But I didn't even have cake, I was eating and people were leaving and I stared handing out goody bags and cookie thank you bags. My friends and family all pitched in to help, thanks everyone. We had lots of cake leftover and one sandwich tray, not bad. Two hours later we packed it up and the birthday boy was tired although he wouldn't admit it.

Stressful start for mommy but happy guests and birthday boy, I think we had party success. The kids went home with firefighter hats, a fire hydrant shaped cup, and goody bags filled with jelly beans, popcorn balls, fire truck tattoos and fruit jello.

The parents were given thank you bags with MnM cookies.
Gio's birthday didn't stop there we went home and cousin Sam and Gio took over the toys, played till it was time to go to sleep. Samantha helped Gio open all his presents, he was very appreciative and loves all his new goodies.

Sunday we went to Kemah with our MarquezFamily. The kids rode all the kiddy rides with the daddy's and enjoyed a beautiful day outside.

Monday we all headed to IHOP for a pancake birthday breakfast. The servers gave Gio an icecream sundae while they sang Happy Birthday. He stared at them and then said I don't like it. I think he was shocked. We said thank you and corrected his behavior. We then went to my moms where the kids played in the backyard till it was nap time. Denise and I took the break to go shopping and have mommy time. Dinner was at our family favorite BerryHills, fish tacos. My birthday boy refused a nap so of course he slept through dinner. We all went back to our home and let the kids play before the Marquez family had to get on the road back to San Antonio. Samantha and Gio don't see each other on a regular basis but so very in tune to each other. They play so well and like any kiddos have their disagreements, but I love their relationship, reminds me of my close relationship to her daddy, when we were little.

After a long weekend of birthday celebration, everyone was exhausted. Gio and I got sick for a week but you couldn't tell any difference in his activity level. He tells us he is three and if he sees cake he starts singing Happy birthday, too cute! Giovanni, Daddy and I wish you an awesome year full of learning, adventures and growth. We are so proud of you and love you very much. I can't stop saying this but once again, we are still shocked that we our parents and very blessed you are our baby boy!

***I will add links to all my items in a separate entry***