Independence + 9 Months

Hello 9 Months! Alexander we are so close! Will you come early or on time, who knows, can't wait to find out. My baby bump is nice and round and extremely out there, in it's own zip code. This week I have not been able to keep my breakfast down, maybe it's not your cup of tea, but I am techinically hungry but nauseous at the same time. Alexander you definitely like Dinner, let me tell you! Well kind of, I did enjoy a nice girl's night with Melissa at Shiva's Indian Food. I started the meal nauseous because I had taken my vitamins previously, not smart then dinner started and I got sick. After excusing myself, I was finally able to eat and enjoy, delicious food. On the way home, I felt overstuffed and extremely thirsty. Once home, I had full on heartburn, lol, maybe I overdid it. I was up till 3 am with insomnia and heartburn. Oh lordy! I also had my appointment this week, and now switched to weekly appts with the midwife. All so far is good, I think they might check me for dilation at the 37 week appt, not fun! My iron levels are still low and I was given a liquid sample to take, which I have started, not bad. You are still moving about especially if I am up late, otherwise you are quiet through the day. Daddy keeps saying how big my bump has gotten and your tita swears there are two of you in there! Jeez... make a girl feel good, mom. Tita also wants to make sure you and Gio are the last kiddos coming out. She needs to give it a rest and calm down, can I please have Alexander first!Giovanni, is Mr. Independent now that he feels better. He still has a clear runny nose and occasional cough, but he is back to normal talkative 100% energizer bunny, who wants you to play with him at all times of the day. When I instructed him to brush his teetch, he said, "Ok, but I am going to do it all by myself and you are not going to help!" Hello, sure kid. It's not exactly how I would do it, but I have to stand back and let him grow. He also surprised me by going into the RR, I didn't follow him, he came out and said I went potty. I said you did, well that's awesome, great job! Wow, Thanks kid! He is defnitely growing up. During some playtime, I sneaked in some cuddle time and asked him if he was my son. He responded, "No, the sun is high up in the sky and clouds." I said yes that is called the sun, are you my Son? He said no in the sky, I am Gio, Giovanni Nguyen. LOL I couldn't help to laugh and went into the difference of sun and son, but he could careless. It's fun talking to a three year old. Daddy and Tita were both off early yesterday and we all got together and drove to Galveston for some family time. Tita and I are both working Easter Sunday, so we had a nice relaxing dinner in Galveston for Good Friday. We did not expect the cold strong breeze that welcomed us when we arrived, but defnitely enjoyed some walking time. I do have to admit, my hips are hurting and I am probably not walking as fast as I usually do... some may call it waddling...hmm. The first restaurant sat us outside on their patio, we thought we would be ok, but I was freezing and did not like that Gio was out there in the cold, so we left. We ended up driving to the strand and had a delicios meal at Fisherman's Wharf. Great choice and food was delicious. After dinner we headed back home, Gio proclaimed he was not sleepy as he kept yawning over and over. He instantly fell asleep and slept the whole night. Little man was exhuasted. Gio and I also met up with my friend Terry who gave me cute homemade burp cloths, baby towels and mommy TLC baths and salts. Thanks Terry. We also finally met Baby Emily who is just gorgeous and chatted with big Sister Lauren and mommy Angelica. Gio and Lauren played while we caught up, he was very sad to leave his good friend Lauren. I am so happy to see him interacting with other kids, hopefully he will have that same attitute when he starts school this fall. Kid is growing up, mommy has to keep quiet and let it happen, tear....=p I might be a tid bit overbearing. but who isn't? he is my first born. Oh the life of a mom of boys! =p

Doubts...

i was visiting my friend lucy and her new baby at the hospital. I was getting the 411 on her birthstory while holding little precious mateo! she asked me are you ready for your turn, you are next? I said yes, but I am getting nervous! She said her doctor said the first delivery moms are in that ignorance is bliss mentality, you don't know what to expect so all is good. The second-time moms know whats coming and are more nervous. OMG so true, we laughed, until I realized my time is coming soon. With Gio's birth everyone had their doubts, concerns and fears...I tried my best to keep mine under control. So now with Alexander on the way, I am getting the same questions again...why would you go to a birth center when you have hospital facilities and drugs available??? Why would you do it old school and place yourself in harm's way? Aren't you scared?
Jeez, when you put it that way, I'm terrfied. When I was under the extreme pain of having cold/allergy junk and my ribs were bruised, I knew I could not push a baby out, no way, no mam! Now that I can breathe again and my ribs are back to normal, I am back on board. Although an epidural does sound good, lol! Lucy also commented, you are the only one I know who is not getting induced. She also has alot of friends who are pregnant around the same time. Now that comment made me think, isn't it weird now that we can plan our baby's due date around our schedule, instead of letting baby come when they are ready? C-sections are optional when they were used as an internvention due to a complication. Times have definitely changed. Now if for some reason, my baby is way overdue, or I come early or I have a complication..A hospital is within a 3-5 min diriving distance from my birth center. My midwife would also intervene and know when it''s best to make that call. I have the upmost faith in her and hope that she is the one delivering Alexander. My midwife is expanding her business and has hired a new midwife who is delivering as well. I have been seen by her a couple of times and she is very nice, but I am just not 100% with her just yet. I am sure that I will be in great hands either way, no matter what I am doing the majority of the work. I I am curious if this birth will be as long as Gio's, supposedly your subsequent birthe are faster, ill let you know.
My doubt and anxieties are just like anyone else...will my baby be ok, 10 fingers, 10 toes...will he look like mommy, lol! I am concerned with if I will be at home by myself with Giovanni and can't get a hold of Luan or my mom. What if my water breaks, gio is napping, I am by myself and can't reach anybody. Should I wait till Gio wakes up, should I clean it up, should I take a shower or hop in the car? Hmmm, now that is what preoccupies my mind. I haven't started packing yet either or washed any of the clothing. I need to stock up on diapers. I made a list of what I need for Alexander and myself. I just have not gone to the store to acquire these things just yet...yea I am working on it. I'm waiting for a big sale or something or just putting things off. I keep telling myself that I have 4 weeks, I have the time, but who knows when Alexander will come. OMG I am starting to freak out, ok woosah! see ppl keep ur fears to yourself, you should know me by now, I am stressful ball of nerves! Hmmm wonder if my water will break this time, didn't with Gio. Now why am I having this baby at a birthing center....well because I can and it is an option that we researched and we felt comfortable with. We wanted a natural birth and a birthing center is a great place for that option. No big stance, no big movement for rights.... We are and we will. Gio was born there and now Alexander will to, God willing as my dad used to say. I pray daily for the health of my boys and for a safe pregnancy and delivery.
Ok on to other stuff, my lil man is back and roaring to go at 100%! He is back to being mouthy, playing and just all over close to 100% energizer Gio! Thank the heavens, although I did do one more egg cleanse, hey whatever works, Today is the last day of antibiotics and hope my baby stays healthy!

Daddy crafting

Forgot to mention high props to the hubby who made a dragon for Gio. Gio helped daddy with the taping of the scales. I had mentioned of doing a dragon craft with Gio, but never as extravagant as his creation. Daddy did try to fly it as a kite, but way too heavy. Dragon is now hanging in Gios' room. Daddy also took Gio kite flying this past weekend and he loved it. Thanks awesome daddy!

Mommy's Bag of TLC

Well just when I thought we were in the clear, Mr Fever came right back and kicked me in the butt. Wedneday Gio woke up fine, little clingy but just ok. He started coughing, I cleaned up while he lounged...fyi my kid doesn't lounge. He complained of his belly and legs hurting again..hmm. this is weird. Right about lunch time yep hello low grade fever and he got very lethargic. That's just not my son. I called my pediatrician, they said low grade fever normal but the leg pain could possibly be toxic synovitis, that occours during infection, administer some ibuprofen and if needed be come in for a follow-up. I asked about the almost going on two weeks of ibuprofen, she assured me it was ok and so I administered some, little man perked up. I also called a fellow physician friend, for second opinion, he assured me the low grade fever was ok, leg pain could be what doctor claimed. Leg pain worried me, but I just had to keep monitoring Gio the next couple of days. Thursday, cough got worse, around lunch time again fever this time to 102.3. Gio followed me around the house, I organized Alexander's things on the bed while Gio watched and played with some little rattles that came with blankets. He later claimed his new buddy an elephant rattle as his...sorry Alexander, but he promised he would share. I decided it was time for a nap, no complaints, within 5 min, a sleeping gio. I got up to finish cleaning, checked in on him, he was covered in sweat and running a fever still. Hubby came home early so that I could run some errands and I administered Ibuprofen again. When I got home Gio was up and running around, he had eaten and daddy had given him a lukewarm bath. Gio was in great spirits but I was still not convinced. I put on toystory and chilled on the couch with my little man. I again not a big person in meds but will use when required, now losing faith in this damn antibiotic and refusing to keep my kid on ibuprofren for the next week, looked elsewhere. I have spoken about weird superstitions before and here I go again. After following doctors orders and seeing my kid lethargic for the last two days, I made a followup appointment for Friday morning and before putting Gio down to sleep, I did the egg cleanse...what did u say? I did the egg cleanse on Gio for mal de Ojo. I know, i know, do I believe it, I'm not sure but what did it hurt? Friday morning, I woke up Gio and took him to doctor. He cleared everything, except for some wheezing and fluid in his lungs, doctor said lets do a nebulizer treatment and see if it clears up otherwise could be broncho pneumonia. Sure thing, they finished the treatment in the office, while Gio and I read some Dr. Seuss books. Doctor listened again, and determined it cleared up so just need some bronchodilation aid. She perscribed three days of nebulizer treatment and to followup, wanted to make sure that junk doesnt stay in the lungs and make things worse. Gio and I met up my mom for breakfast, he was in great spirits and kept asking for his Tita. I told him we could go hang out at Tita's but not go outside, he said that was fine. Doctor told me to make sure Gio rested and to not get him too worked up and heated while he recovered. Gio and Tita watched a movie and played with his toys. He was so excited to be over there, I felt bad we havent visited but both grandparents had been sick too and now everyone is on the road to recovery. I left at naptime with Gio and sure enough he slept the whole way home and an extra hour with me. He was doing good. At bedtime, I performed another egg cleanse, this morning looked completely different from the previous night. I'm not sure of the mechanics, whether its the antibiotics kicking in, the nebulizer or maybe the egg or my faith kicked in overgear, but he is feeling better and in great spirits. Hey whatever works in Mommy's Bag of TLC. Gio is currently with Daddy who reports all good, little man in back, just making sure he gets liquids, good and lots of rest. His other grandparents came to visit him today and took them to lunch. His excitement over both grandparents is overwhelming, the smile that covers his whole face is beautiful, amazed at the love seen on a three year old face. I'm happy my little one is surrounded by so much love and hope that we are out of the junky crap now. Another great set of news is the arrival of two babies into our lives. Baby Mateo Gael Acevedo was born Wednesday, March 20th and is Mr. Cutie Pie. I have been able to see him twice now and he is just mr. handsome cutie pie. Also Baby Mathews made her grand entrance yesterday evening and she is just gorgeous, can't wait to meet her! OMG Congrats to the Acevedo and Mathews Families. We are four weeks away from our due date, lets see if we last that long. Can't wait to meet baby Emily Salinas once Gio is in the clear so we can visit and for Mr. Alexander to join the 2013 babies!

35 weeks

Alexander you will hopefully be in my arms within the next 5 weeks, omg how exciting! Gio and I went to your checkup and you are perfectly positioned head down! Mommy has maintained minimal weight gain but you are growing very well. Heart rate and movements are good! Mommy made a list of things to do to prepare for your arrival. I'm hoping you will be right on time because I have scheduled daddy to put ur crib together two weeks prior or maybe the week prior. Mommy has some crafts she want to complete for your section of our room and hang things up in gios room as well. We won't be painting the room this time but there will definitely be color for u to focus on. Your big brother woke up today fever free and mommy is ecstatic! Hopefully a couple more days of antibiotics and we will be in the clear. Mommy has cleaned the house again and again, trying to get to get rid of any remaining germs. Gio and I are playing and eating lunch at a fire truck park. Can't wait to bring you here with Gio! There is alot of shade we can sit under while your big brother plays. Mommy and daddy can't wait to meet you and thank our blessings daily that you will join our family. Daddy reminds me that we may not have monetary riches but we are the wealthiest loving family with Giovanni and you in our lives! I couldn't agree more, what a way to keep things in perspective. Love you Alexander and Giovanni, our two loves!

Strep Rodeo

So this week has been off and on, why well let me tell you. After a wonderful shower wknd, Monday we woke up and Gio was warm but not actually feverish just warm all over. He refused to eat and wanted to be in my lap all day long. I went with it and made sure he stayed hydrated. Kept it cool all day and let him enjoy a long bath time with his dinosaurs. We read some bedtime stories and as I kissed him goodnight I felt him warm again but now it was 100 degrees, low grade fever. I was all out of meds so I ran to the store, for some ibuprofen and came home. Thankfully Gio slept through the night. Tuesday we woke up all good, mister energizer was back and ready to play. Appetite was back no more complains of stomach pain and no warmness. We played around the house and then headed to my moms for outdoor fun. Wednesday we took him to the Rodeo. We went around nap time because of course we were running late and didn't get out the house in time. Gio wanted to be in the stroller and loved seeing all the attractions. He rode the pony, went on a kids farm activity trail and took pics with Elsie the cow. omg gio was so cute on the pony, he wasn't scared and enjoyed it, not like his fearful mommy at his age, great job kiddo! We spent about three hours there and then headed home, thankfully Gio fell asleep and napped. When I got him out of the car he was warm. We rested up took warm baths and the laid down to sleep, because even I was exhausted from a fun day at the Houston Rodeo. Checked Gios temp and 102, well that was it, ibuprofen do your job. Thankfully we had a restful sleep/ Thursday woke up great, Lucy and Iliana came over and we ate brunch at Cracker Barrel. Lucy is so close to the home stretch and baby Mateo should be here soon! Gio and I knocked out after brunch and woke up late because we had soccer!!! Whoops Gio felt fine so we headed out. Soccer was fun and we picked up dinner on the way home. As I got him ready for sleep, he felt warm again, wth? Is going on? This is a week of off and on low grade fever, what is his body trying to fight off probably something viral. Friday after a restless night from lack of sleep, Gio was not feeling good I decided it was enough and pedi here we come. We saw our favorite NP Dee and she checked him out, no yuckiness in chest or ears, probably viral. I did mention he complained of some stomach pain on mon and we'd she said hmm that could be strep but not common in his age, I said well we have come in contact with people who have had it or were getting over it. They did a throat culture and sure enough positive. Can I tell you how I relieved I am. I am not into overmedicating Gio or myself but after a month of nastiness I'm done. When I got my antibiotics I wanted some for Gio, but he didn't warrant any although he was mucous and coughy like me. So to finally get something for Gio who has been suffering right along with me, was such a blessing. Strep in 3 yr olds is not common but we have been in crazy nasty bug for a month, who knows where he got it. He had a fever of 102.2 at the appt and she said as long as he was active and not complaining not to medicate him. So we drove home picked up his meds and took a nap. I ate lunch while Gio slept bc I have been so concerned for him mommy was not taking care of me and Alexander was kicking me to remind me, sorry kiddos when Gio woke up I got him to eat and he chilled on the couch watching all his favorite shows. He was still warm but alert then he started slumping over and coughing, just pitiful, nope time for ibuprofen. Not even 45 min later kid was up and playing with his cars and running a menace. He was in pain and didn't tell me. Ugh I am all about waiting it out but this was enough, I just want my kid back and I want all nastiness out of house. Daddy arrived and Gio played with him, while I ran to the store for groceries * had made baked potatoes and chicken soup. He was eating and playing and that's what was important. We had a great nights sleep and happy to hear Gio is doing great today with daddy while mommy is at work. Oh please lord bless us with health and clean all this nastiness out of our home! I know kids get sick but we aren't even in school yet, maybe we are just building a healthy immune syst, here is to hoping and praying. Good health vibes come our way!

Blissfull ZZZzzzzz's

Comfort, rest, happiness, calmness are some things that come to mind when I think our our sleeping arrangement. We are still co-sleeping in this Casa and proud of it. Every time we think of stopping either I or hubby come up with something. Lol. I think this family is needy of each other and love the co-sleeping to be honest. We both come from co-sleeping backgrounds and swore up and down we wouldn't do the same....ha suckers we were baby trapped! Alexander's crib will be in our room just like Gios and our goal will be to keep him In there as long as possible. No hard rules here let's face it these kids take over and as much as we complain we love it. Hubby would be mortified to read this but he loves cuddling with Gio. He will deny it but he loves it. I do too until I became a human pacifier. Things are better now and we all get a good nights rest. Hubby said we are doing things different this time around but I'm going to go with the flow of what makes me feel comfortable. Not going to read books or follow some strict schedule unless we are both on board and feel good about it. I want to be relaxed and stress free because I am my own anxiety ball of nerves don't want too add more on top of it. Oh well just random thoughts as I was cuddling Gio, lol!
On another note my maternity leave wasn't approved till a week later than what I wanted so, an extra week of work won't hurt anyone, I suppose lol. Blah! Ready to be home with my boys, well u know on the weekends! :)

Alexander's Superhero Baby Shower

Well we have been busy preparing for little man's baby shower. Gio and I are finally kicking whatever bug we had and getting out into the open air. Last week during Gio's nap time I crafted! I made superhero pops as centerpieces, diaper wreath and cupcake toppers. Hubby also helped out and created an awesome banner because my creative idea was not as authentic enough to the superhero theme. Friday, Gio's godfather Jeremy and Auntie Lindsay came into town to party! We had a delicious lunch then split up to run errands. A great afternoon of just hanging out with friends can be so refreshing, wish we could see them more often! Thanks guys for an awesome Friday!
Saturday we woke up and got ready because we had a family/maternity pictures with our friend Lisa, can't get enough of her great work. It was a beautiful day and we headed out to a nearby park. Gio was good for the most part but mostly distracted by a nearby playground. We ended up the session at playground so he can get some sliding time. Denise, Samantha and Alice arrived into town as we were headed home and it was perfect timing. Gio had his favorite cousin to play with. I enlisted Denise and Alice for last minute prep before the shower, thank u ladies! Hubby offered to take the kids to the park while we went to party, thanks love!
We arrived at La Madeleine just in time to set up, thanks to everyone who helped set up. I was starving and headed to order food. Friends and family trickled in, so nice to see everyone! Everything kind of sped on by: games by Eileen, socializing, opening presents and then goodbyes! Games included a questionnaire that guests had to match my answers, wacky celebrity names, superhero crossword puzzle and superhero word search. We had yummy desserts as well: cake balls by Dawn, cupcakes that Eileen ordered and then cookies that I forgot to pass out whoops. We had alot of leftover desserts. I am so thankful to everyone who showered my little Alexander with wonderful gifts and love. Thanks to my Mom, Danette and Eileen who hosted my shower, y'all did an amazing job! Also great thanks to my superhero Hubby who took the kids to the park, lunch and put them down for nap time together. What an amazing day, so much fun for everyone!
We are greatly blessed and can't wait to share the big news of Alexander's arrival next month.

Zoo day and Family fun!

The Houston Zoo is always a fun family attraction and even better when it's free! The first Tuesday of each month from 2-close is free and we try to take advantage of this great offer as much as possible. It's not as crowded as most think and perfect timing after nap for afternoon fun. My mom joined Gio and I at the zoo. We casually walked and fit in lots of the exhibits. I do have to say I might have waddled here and there, yikes but the afternoon walk was much needed. We also enjoyed soccer this week and park time. Godfather Jeremy took Gio to toysrus and gave him free reign of whatever he wanted. My little boy came home with fun goodies: monster trucks, tball set and a two headed dragon. He is obsessed with dragons since he saw the dragon dance during Chinese New Year. Hubby is prepping Gio for next years tball season, lol

Family/Maternity Session

Amazing photography by Lisa Perez Photography! Thank you Lisa for the wonderful captures memories! She gave us a sneak peak last night and I can't help share. I can't wait to print these out!