New roles

Giovanni and Alexander, when and if you read this one day, I hope that you are not offended or mad at mommy's portrayal of our lives. I write this blog for memory sake, mostly mine lol, but for you to treasure as you get older too. If I made mistakes which I most certainly have, it has been trial and error, for daddy and I as we discovered parenthood as I hope you both one day will, but not anytime soon or before you finish graduate school! If anything we are overprotective and love y'all unconditionally and everything we did was always with great intentions.
So as our family of three became four two weeks ago, we all were assigned new roles. Giovanni our superstar became a big brother and now has to share the spotlight. Daddy and I became parents of two beautiful boys and learning to cope in our new roles. Grandparents trying to share time with both boys and not favor one or the other. Giovanni loves Alexander and comes to him every morning and rubs his head. He is ready to carry him and hold him but we are right next to him. Gio is a ball of energy and I have to make sure that as he comes running at me full speed that Alexander is not a target. Lol! Most of the time I am on the couch nursing Alexander and Giovanni is playing all around us and warned not to throw his toys around over and over. Two things that he has commented on left me very sad and my heart felt like it was breaking. On day three, on the way to moms he said no one is going to love me anymore. Wow talk about heartbreaking. I asked him to repeat it but he acted as if he didn't say it, we explained to him that mommy and daddy have two babies and love them equally. Now he tells us daily that we have two babies now and we tell him yes and that we love both of our babies equally! Then while watching a video of Alexander, Gio asked about his videos. I played him a slideshow that my friend Lisa made for us and he started crying and asked to be a baby again because mommy carried him everywhere like Alexander. Well tears all around, we tried our best to comfort him and stressed all the big boy things he could do since he was three that Alexander can't. He wants me to pick him up, but I am not supposed to, I'm still trying to heal and when I do, I end up hurting myself. My midwife reminded me that I have a big internal wound and need to give myself time to heal properly, if I did too much I would take longer to heal. How do I go from carrying my baby Gio all the time to nothing. I am still trying to find a balance between both boys. Alexander cluster feeds every 1-3 hours, he liked the swing now can't stand it and wants to be with mommy 24/7. Gio is curious and wants to be next to his brother touching and squeezing...and at first I would shoo him away when it got out of hand or reminded him to let's be quiet when he would yell or scream loudly but that made him more aggressive, Now we make it a point that Gio helps at every opportunity because he loves to be mommy and daddy's big helper. The first week Gio didn't want anything to do with me because he was so busy with daddy and his grandparents! I was so hurt but then realized I was so busy with Alexander and needed to keep still and rest. Once daddy went back to work and visits stopped he was all about mommy and I had to balance time with a nursing boy and over active toddler. Gios behavior was out of control and I tried so hard to be calm and breathe because I know he wanted a reaction, but it didn't always work. By the time daddy got home it was time for them to go to the park so mommy could have a break. Poor daddy he was dealing with three babies, both boys and me! He was making sure I was healing with my baths, feeding and attending to Gio as much as he could. Daddy was exhausted from work and then got right to work when he got home. We all got a break by heading to Tita's, for some outdoor fun in the backyard! I normally would not want to take the baby out so early but it was heaven being at my moms in the backyard, Gio could play and Alexander could get some sun!!! We went over there for a week and we all felt somewhat normal again! Gio is calming down and I am putting Alexander in the carrier and I can share my time with both boys. Not really strong enough to take the boys out all by myself so I keep us busy during the day and make sure we take naps together!!!! Family naps=mommy survival!!! Slowly we are all finding ourselves with our new family member and discovering new family memories!

Days 1-12

Phew, where did the time go? Days 1-3 went by like a blur! You slept alot the first day and Bernadette had told us that it was important for you to sleep on your first day and ensure great breastfeeding day 2 and on. I still tried to latch you on as much as I could, but you were in a snooze mood. Day 2 you woke up refreshed and hungry, your mouth is alot smaller than gio's and latching was painful. I finally looked up some breastfeeding videos to refresh my memory and worked on making sure you opened up wide enough to latch properly. I called in to the birthing center for a followup and they reminded me to take my mother's milk tea, which hubby thankfully went out to get with lil Gio! I drank two cups that evening and by 2 am, I was engorged, my milk came in fast and strong, woohoo! I was so used to interrupted sleep thanks to my bladder, that waking up every 2-3 hours was not an issue. Bad habits started early because I don't think we put you down for the first three days, lol. You were in someone's arms, mostly mine, the whole time! I just couldn't bear to be away from you and Daddy joked that he was going to sell the crib because it was just taking up space, although he was just as bad as I was. Tita stayed over the first two nights to settle Gio in and that helped out alot. She cooked us delicious meals and brought over tons of groceries. I was on the verge of going grocery shopping that Tuesday, lol. Hubby ensured that I stay hydrated, fed and soaked twice a day in the herbal sitz baths. I can't tell you enough how nice it was to stay home with my three boys for a full week. Day three was check-up day. We had decided to stay with Bernadette not only for my care but Alexander's as well and then transfer over to the Pediatrician afterwards. We dropped off Gio at my mom's so that he could play and then headed to the birthing center. Jaime treated us and informed us that Alexander was B positive blood type and I was O positive blood type, which made us Coomb's positive. I instantly recognized the term but could not recollect the significance of the test. I thought it was Rhogam positive, but Jaime quickly told us it was not that. Due to our incompatibility of blood, Alexander was more prone to jaundice than other newborns. Gio was O positive like me and although he was jaundiced, it was not as bad. I had noticed yellowing around Alexander's face and eyes, but didn't realize it was bad down to his belly. Jaime assured us that this was normal but that we had to be more cautious because it could spread quickly. They got blood samples for PKU and Bilirubin. Otherwise little man was in great shape and gained 7 ounces, lol! Breastfeeding Champ number 2! I asked for help regarding breastfeeding because latch was still hurting, but I think it also had to do with getting used to the whole process again. I have had a year and half break from the last breastfeeding champ. Jaime told us the best remedy for jaundice is breastfeeding and sunlight. We needed to place Alexander near the window for thirty minutes, twice a day or as much as we could for indirect light. Aware of our hospital friendly pediatrician, she knew they would suggest going to hospital for sunlamps, but she would suggest that once blood results returned and if they were high. I was checked out as well and all was fine. We then headed to our pedi appt but were running late so we rescheduled for later in the afternoon. Having some free time we headed to toys r us for gios' present from Alexander that we were going to get that day anyways expecting Alexander the following Monday. We walked in and out with our present and headed to my moms. Gio was busy playing and Alexander kept sleeping. Gio opened his present and was excited to get a leappad 2 although we told him it was a baby iPad like his Ong Noi's. The Marquez family arrived just as we were leaving to the pedi and Gio was once again entertained. Pedi appt was quick and same info regarding jaundice. Jaime called in with our bilirubin results at 14.2 which was medium to high risk. We would test the next day to check if levels steadily rising or increasing frantically, if it reached 25 could be severely harmful. We went home and I immediately took Alexander into the backyard into direct sunlight for 30 mini. It was a beautiful day and the wind had calmed down. I was not going to take my baby to the hospital to be put in the NICU to be placed under UV lamps if I didn't have to. Been there done that not going back! Giovanni was having a blast with cousin Samantha, madrina and uncle. Eventually it was time to head home, it was a busy day and as much as I loved being at my moms, I needed to rest ASAP! We picked up drinks on the way and the boys picked up dinner. Alexander woke up from a huge siesta ready to eat! We all ate dinner and the kids played. Love seeing Gio and Sam interact so cute! They got really wild towards the end and then it was time for the Marquez family to go back to San Antonio. Sleep was needed all around, but Alexander was hungry and stayed up for the next two hours eating off and on. I was exhausted, didn't even have time to soak. Sleep finally took over but by 230-330 it was feeding time again. Saturday we woke up early, dropped of Gio at my moms once again and then headed to birthing center for another heel stick for bilirubin. They were having a party at the center, but Jaime attended to us quickly. She commented had she seen Alexander that day for the first time she wouldn't have had an issue with his Jaundice because it didnt look as severe as the day prior. She assured us that they would send it out Stat and call us later in the afternoon. By 4pm no response so I called in and guess what results 12.9, thank u God! Numbers down instead of up, huge improvement and headed in the right direction, continue with breastfeeding and indirect sunlight. That time spent in the sun the evening before greatly helped! Yep no breastfeeding schedules here, not when health is in question! Thank god for my milk and the ability to breastfeed, lots of pee and poop diapers getting rid of that excess bilirubin. Dee our NP was happy to hear the results as well and wished us a relaxing weekend, yea we are doing good! Sunday was heavenly spent at home just the four of us. Daddy and Gio went out for park time while Alexander and I chilled at home. We finally swaddled you and attempted crib time for the first time, 20 min later u had enough! Lol! Daddy put together the swing Danette let us borrow and u liked that more. Uncle Toan came to visit and carried you for a while. OngBaNoi came to visit as well and played with Gio too. Monday daddy had to go back to work and that was sad! Gio, you and I played on the sofa in the morning and then ate breakfast. My mom arrived around lunchtime and then put Gio down for a nap and I successfully put you in the crib for an hour and half, woohoo! I enjoyed a nice nap as well. The rest of the week was the same routine: wakeup, feed by the window and sit in the sun, breakfast for Gio and I, swing time for u. Playtime for Gio while u feed or sleep. Lunchtime then naps for all, then playtime, daddy arrives and it's off to the park for a walk, Alexander and I join them or head downstairs for a walk in the parking lot then dinner time, shower for Gio, books and bedtime. Alexander you definitely like to feed during meals, 6-8pm nap, 9pm feed nap then 11/12 huge feed, nap 230/3 feed then sleep till 730/8am. Not bad. Everyday you sleep once in swing and other times in crib or with me in the bed. Wednesday I hit a wall and exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks. A sleepless night for me and slight insomnia that I asked daddy to take Gio to Tita's for the day. He was tired of being cooped up inside and I needed some sleep desperately. I was able to take two naps and was so refreshed by the evening once Gio arrived, thank u Tita. Wednesday night I swaddled Alexander and placed him next to me and nursed him laying down during his feeds then sitting in the rocking chair and guess what we all slept better!!!!! I have been doing that since and feel normal and sane in the morning. Staying up for an hour at each feed, burp, feed, swaddled and then trying to get you back to sleep was draining on both of us. Did I mention Gio has been in his room but by 2am he wakes up crying and daddy calms him down and falls asleep with him, so it's been just you and me kiddo. Our friend Melissa came to visit and brought treats On Wednesday, Friday BaNoi brought us dinner, Saturday Gio went to soccer with daddy and then we planned to go out but it was naptime so we planned to go afterwards but it became a rainy stormy afternoon. Naptime included me and my two boys, it was heaven! We spent the evening talking and playing, it was perfect! We put the boys to sleep and enjoyed movie night for mommy and daddy but Alexander woke up and joined us on the couch. Sunday, woke up to a gorgeous sunny day and we headed out. We enjoyed a quiet brunch at dim sum before the rush, picked up yummy drinks, quick errand to Target and then home for naps. Cousins Uyen, Olivia and Ethan came by to meet you, but you were busy eating and eating to notice since u slept practically the whole morning. Too much activity around you couldn't fall asleep or focus on eating. You are currently napping on me while mommy rests too. Thank you to everyone for the visits, kind messages and love, we greatly appreciate it! Thanks to my mom for all the visits, delicious meals and help with the boys, once again forever thankful. OngBaNoi thanks for the groceries and dinner! Alexander you are very calm and not fussy at all. oh wait, you hated diaper changes and let everyone know but once u are dry and changed, little happy camper you are. I have failed to mention that you have peed on me almost everyday till i finally covered you with a towel so that i wouldn't get attacked, lol. Your meconium poop only lasted three days and it was bf poop from here on, those are good signs people. You soaked three times with me in my herbal sitz bath and we finally gave you your first tub bath on Friday, which you enjoyed and no tears. Your umbilical cord fell off in four days thanks to the herbal drops that quickly dried it out. In the mornings you enjoy some quiet time in the crib while mommy picks up or jumps in the shower, once u are done, I'm notified by a small yelp or two, no big cry unless i take forever to respond. Breastfeeding we have found a rhythm and you are staying ip long enough to finish one side, fall asleep, burp, change diaper, wake up and finish the other side. I did try a pacifier on day 3 after a two hour marathon of eating and sleeping, but quickly nixed it after reading that we should wait a month till proper breastfeeding has been established. Gio was not a fan of the pacifier but you have a strong rooting need that I am sure you wont have trouble with a pacifier if introduced later, because if I am busy you have quickly found your thumb if its not covered and go to it! Skin is currently shedding which is normal and I'm trying hard to keep lathering you in lotions which makes it worse or can give you a rash. Jaundice remains in the face which is the last to go and slightly in the eyes but no longer in the torso, we have a checkup in four days so we will see. It has been a great two weeks so far and working on somewhat of a routine for our new family!

Alexander The Nguyen

Well I soaked Monday night and went straight to bed. I went to bed praying that all would be fine and that Alexander would come on Tuesday. I woke up at 3:30 am with awful cramps and overall discomfort. I kept getting up to use the rr and tried to breathe through the cramps. The cramps continued and then I felt as if my water broke but it didn't. I woke up Luan and told him that I thought this was it and I am finally in labor. The cramps went from 5-7 min apart to 3-5 min apart. At 6 am I could not take it and got ready, we were leaving at 7 am anyways. I let the boys sleep till 640 am and had our bags packed by the door. Thankfully, Luan had brought home togo food the night before and I packed that just in case we needed something for lunch. Poor Gio was not a happy camper, but eventually he got some cars and was Mr. talkative all the way to Tita's. My contractions were now getting overwhelming and breathing was not helping. Gio was excited to be at Tita's and didn't even realize that we were leaving and probably bringing his little brother home. I gave him a big hug and kiss and waddled to the car. My mom brought Gio out to say goodbye as she waved I could see tears in her eyes, Gio was happily waving bye. I couldn't believe our lives were about to change.
I tried to nap on our way to the birthing center in between the contractions but being still was not helpful. I told Luan that Alexander was our last baby because I couldn't believe I was doing this again without drugs, the contractions were rough! We finally arrived (8am) I sent off Luan for coffee and breakfast because I know they would want me to be eating. I was quickly sent to an exam room and checked out. Bernadette was surprised I was having contractions and measured me at 4 cm dilated, now in active labor. She walked me back to the the birthing rooms and let me choose one. I told Bernadette that Alexander would be here by lunch time, she laughed and told me to tell him that! I just kept pacing back and forth and then she sent me off outside with water to do curb walking bc baby was rotating and need to finish. The weather was overcast but with some wind, it was perfect. I walked the parking lot which helped control the pain and just stopped during really hard contractions. I talked to Alexander during my walk, told him that he would arrive by lunchtime and that I couldn't wait to hold him in my arms. I started to get worried because Luan hadn't returned yet. Bernadette checked baby's heartbeat again and made sure I was drinking and eating. Called Luan and he had got turned around and finally made it. He made me eat and I quickly got nauseous. Bernadette walked in on my nausea and quickly spread peppermint oil on my chest and ears and wiped me down with cold compresses. She asked if I wanted an IV to hydrate and I said no. She warned me that if I became nauseous again or refused to eat she would come back and start one. The cold air from a fan started to help and I slowly ate. We went back outside to walk for a bit and then I decided I needed to rest. I sat on a yoga ball and bounced but the contractions started coming every 1-2 min. Luan supported me through the contractions and then reminded me Bernie was coming soon to check up on me. Elizabeth started the water in the tub even though I insisted I wasn't ready bc I wanted to be at least 8 cm before getting in, didn't want the water to slow down my labor like last time. She said she was just going to get it ready just in case. Bernie walked in and tried to check me but I had two back to back long contractions and I now had to urge to use the rr. She said number two I said yes. She said no that's the head. I said no I have to go, she quickly laid me down and checked me I was 8 cm dilated, it was 1030 am. They got me in the tub quickly and told me to start pushing when I felt I needed to. I wasn't quite relaxed as last time, the next thirty minutes were a blur. I felt out of control and exhausted, I wanted Alexander out quickly. Bernadette checked me and said the head was there and she assisted by holding the anterior lip back. I tried to push but kept thinking I was going use the rr and I couldn't get a good balance since I was in the water, my breathing was irregular, just felt so out of it. I was a ball of emotions from crying to hyperventilating to insisting this was it, no more kids, lol Luan had the camera set up because they kept saying the head was there and I didn't believe them, he confirmed it. I kept thinking they were just saying that to encourage me through the process. Luan stayed by my side the whole time and just kept encouraging me and trying to keep me balanced. Bernadette told me to reach down and feel the head, but I couldn't it. I just couldn't believe that we were so close to birthing, I needed to hold on to something and kept my hands on the edge of the tub. Finally clarity hit me, I could breathe, two pushes later and just like that my baby came out (11:03am). He just slid out and I could see him in Bernadette's hands as she took care of him. The pain completely vanished and I thanked God for my baby. Bernadette suctioned him out while I kept saying breathe Alexander, breathe and then for the second time in my life I hear the most beautiful cry from my baby's mouth. Oh thank you God over and over is all I could say as Alexander was placed in my arms and cleaned up. I was in such awe and admiration, I couldn't believe it. I asked if my water ever broke and Bernadette informed me that it broke as he came out and that the cord was not around his neck. I just cried and finally got my breath back, Alexander was finally here and in my arms. Water birth was amazing, so thankful to have experienced it my second time around. Alexander cried and moved about while I held on to him. I was alarmed to see he had skin marks on his wrists that looked like he was bleeding but I was quickly told they were suction blisters from his sucking inside the womb and they would heal quickly. His left wrist was worst then his right, Bernadette said little guy must have been hungry. I felt awful this last month I could not eat as well as I had earlier in the pregnancy. They slowly drained the tub and my placenta finally came out. They wrapped it up and covered Alexander in new warm towels and he was handed to Luan. Bernadette and Elizabeth cleaned me off and transferred me to the bed to check for any bleeding or tears. I was sore of course but thankfully no tears, woohoo! Alexander was back in my arms and quickly latched on with no hesitation. He ate and ate steady for an hour. He was so alert and looking up at me the whole time, yep in love with the third man in my life. Luan called my mom and his parents with Alexander's arrival. We sat and enjoyed some quiet time and then they I was asked to start eating and drinking fluids, needed my energy levels to come back up. Time just lapsed by, Luan and I just sat there and cuddled our little man. Elizabeth had prepared a herbal sitz bath for me and I returned to the tub to soak. They finally decided to cut the cord and Luan finally got his chance. Bernadette returned and did the baby exam. Alexander was not happy to be out of arms and we heard wonderful strong lungs, lol! Mom and Gio finally arrived, woohoo. Gio had just woken up from a nap and was not interested in his little brother just yet. He was in my mom's arms and kept looking at Alexander and then back at me. He asked why I was in the tub and if I was ok, I assured him all was fine and that his little brother was excited to meet him. He finally relaxed and said hi to Alexander, then was more interested in the yoga ball in the room. I was cleaned off again and dressed, then back to bed I went. Luan heated up lunch and we all ate on the bed as Alexander was cuddled by my mom, luan or me. Gio snuggled up next to me and we let him watch Cars on the Ipad while we hung out. I finally had my energy back and was ready to go home. Bernadette checked me out again, gave us home care instructions, made sure Alexander was buckled in correctly and off we went (3:45 PM) I was so sad not be able to sit in the back with him, like I had done with Giovanni. My mom took Giovanni back with her so he could enjoy some playtime while we rested. I wanted Gio to come with us, but I knew I did not have the energy to play with him once we got home. Alexander did great, of course, on his first car ride. I quickly took him out of his carseat, nursed him, and then we all went to bed for a long nap. Well Alexander napped, Daddy and I couldn't keep our eyes off of him. We just stared and admired our new little prince and somewhere in all that loving we dozed off. OngBaNoi came over to visit our little man and fell in love with him as well. While they were here, Gio and my mom finally arrived and it was a party. I ate dinner while I had the chance and watched my growing family interact. My mom spent the night and helped introduce Gio to his bed. Gio was so happy to have Tita over for the night, he just dismissed us as we said good night! We finally got in bed ourselves, but as Alexander slept we talked and stared at our little one again. I can't get over the miracle of birth and life! Luan and I are still shocked to have Gio in our lives, us parents, we made him? I know 3.5 years later, we are still surprised and now baby number 2. Blessed doesn't even cover it, but we are more than anything Thankful! Alexander my little prince, you are so loved and cherished! Mommy and Daddy's family and friends sent out lots of love, positive energy and encouragement throughout the whole process. Your labor from start to finish was about 7 hours, I think you were as excited as I was to be in my arms. I can't keep my eyes off of you and treasure each moment I have you in my arms. I loved you from the moment I surprisingly found out I was pregnant to every kick I felt, to every heartbeat I heard, I love you so much! I am so proud to be your mommy and thank God for the blessing of having you in our lives. Daddy and I will work hard to provide a loving and supportive home to Giovanni and you, our beloved! Alexander The Nguyen born at 11:03 AM, April 16th, 2013. Weight: 7 lbs, 7 oz. Length: 20 7/8", Head: 13 3/4', Chest: 13 7/8"...Perfect!

Piggy Toes

Well I have mentioned off and on that my feet have been swollen but the last two days it's been really bad. I am now in my crocs bc my sandals hurt my feet. So yesterday at work I was fine till I got really exhausted and nauseated. My coworker took over my last student and I went home to rest. I immediately went to sleep while the boys went to the park. Two hours later I woke up refreshed and my feet were still swollen especially my left foot. It's so swollen that it hurts to bend my toes, Luan did some acupuncture treatments but this time it did not take. So Monday just chilling around the house, I called to check up on Lucy who wasn't feeling well. She was having pain in her gallbladder and possible removal is in her future. She later called and asked if I would go sit with her in the ER till her hubby could come, of course I would! My mom thankfully watched Gio and I picked up Lucy. The ER was empty and she was quickly attended to, she commented on my legs and I said its getting pretty bad. Three hours later her hubby showed up and I went home to get Gio. I could feel my leg burning but didn't think anything else of it. We all went to eat at Luby's and then headed home. I checked my foot and it was huge and really burning. Called midwife, she wants to see me tomorrow morning at 8. Usually I am ok with the edema but this time it just doesn't feel normal. Luan started acupuncture treatment, then I have to get adjusted and then soak for 30 min with Epsom salt per instruction. Tonight I have to sleep like a triangle, feet and back elevated. Thankfully little man is moving about and Braxton hicks have slowed down. Ill update tomorrow. These piggy toes are going for a soak.

False Alarm

I do not want to be the girl who cried wolf, so I hope Alexander gives me clear warning of his arrival. LOL. I have been having severe menstrual cramps since Friday Morning till Saturday night. I also had lots of stomach chruning and hip stretching aches which reminded me of Gio's labor that somehow I have forgotten. Ignorance is bliss, or maybe I have blocked it out, for good measure. Regardless, I called my midwife to just give her a heads up, she said until pains got closer together to give her another call. Well after work yesterday, the boys were at the grandparents because our carpet had finally been cleaned and it was still wet. So I took it upon myself to run some last minute errands and to get a manipedi. Hot Neon Pink Toes later, I drove home and waited for Luan to pick me up for dinner with the family. We went to B10 to enjoy another taste of Steak and Eggs, yummy! I didn't quite finish my meal because I started having really bad cramps again. Was it gas or labor pains? Gio was excited to see me and he was a filthy mess. Daddy reported they had quite the active day. They spent two hours at the park prior to carpet cleaning, then after naptime spent the rest of the afternoon playing football, basketball and riding bikes in the neighborhood. I was so happy to hear of their active day. Gio was still energized from the day, but I knew he would crash soon. We finally headed home after a yummy dinner and my pains got worse, every bump was rough. The carpet was still wet earlier when I had entered the house and I told hubby we should go to my moms and let it dry overnight, because I did not want to be walking around at night on wet carpet, you know because of my bathroom breaks. When we arrived home, I waddled upstairs to pack things and realized the only place wet was the dining area, which was the last place they cleaned, I told hubby nix going to moms, lets stay home. Thank God, I was exhausted. Hubby, thankfully, got gio ready for bed and off to snooze land we went, and so did Alexander because the cramps finally subsided. I woke up well rested and relaxed. I do not know how to describe it, but while showering or using the RR, I feel little stretches and opening of my lower region. I do not remember that with Gio. What I do remember is having awful hip soreness/pain and I could not sleep because my stomach ached so much from all the churning, which I now know is Labor Contractions. LOL! On my way to work today, I started having the menstrual cramps and keep having them off and on through the morning. I am headed to my moms for lunch to rest for a bit then finish off my day at work, so I can go and lay down. Overall, I still have extreme fatigue today, so here is hoping to another good night's rest. Little Alexander is now in the center of my stomach instead of his usual right side, where he has been all pregnancy long. I can feel you making room kiddo, just give me clear warning, I do not want to have you in the back of the car or at work, ok... love you! (he just kicked me as I typed it, maybe he agrees!)

Taking Care of Mommy

I used to be a shoppaholic! I would spend my weekends and any free time at the mall, marshalls and ross, just browsing, sometimes purchasing but mostly browsing. It got really bad when we moved to Dallas and explored the city endlessly through the stores, lol. Well once Baby No 1 came into the picture, things got real, budgets tightened and priorities changed. My shopping days were not over but they were no longer a priority and oh we still window shopped because my husband loves to go to the mall, but if I was looking for a deal, it was for Gio. My clothes, gym habits and interests were put aside and Gio was my main focus and all the cute things for him! Little by little I would look and make a couple of splurges for myself but my clothes and accessories are not to par as they used to be. So this time around, I made sure to get cute preggo clothing (all on clearance) that would go through maternity and postpartum. I have some nice flowly tops that are going to be great for breastfeeding. I also made sure to buy essentials: nursing bras, sleeping bras, nursing tanks, new cotton undies (they are your friends in the first couple of weeks of recovery, robes and pjs. I also bought two comfy dresses to wear on the go. Seriously, the first month goes by so fast and I wanted to make sure I was not running around trying to buy essentials like I did after Gio was born. My friend suggested I not invest in nursing bras and just wear sport bras. Which is fine most of the time, but you lose alot of support and hard to pump. This time I bought some nice nursing brasfrom JcPenny, used a coupon, that fit nicely and will not constrict. I am plus-size so the ones from Target and Walmart are not Tanya friendly. It has been three years since I have had Gio and I still wear those bras, undies, pjs and etc. So yea probably not what you wanted to read kids, but it is time mommy got some new things! I think when you get pregnany you focus on all the things baby needs, that we forget mommy's body will be changing and needing new things to help. I thankfully did not gain alot of weight this time around and hope to continue to lose weight after delivery. I want to be able to walk with the boys as much as possible and stay active. I have confined myself these last months and weeks to very little activity from just straight up laziness or exhaustion. I need activity in my life for myself and so that I can be a better momma! Getting back on track is important and I will be more proactive to taking care of me! I need to make a concious effort to put on some makeup, brush my hair and get dressed for the day. Sounds pathetic doesn't it, but I am going to be good this time around. I am writing this so I can read it on my weak days and keep myself motivated. Mommy Get To It! I have a pedicure and some last minute things on my list before Baby! =p

38 weeks

Hello Lil Alexander and Gio! This week we have been somewhat active. Tuesday I had my checkup, Tita and Gio joined us. I was extremely curious to see how dilated I was and upon check up....1cm. Hmmmphh, well there goes that and to think I thought you were coming early. After our checkup we headed to Lake Jackson and visited the Texas Sea Center. Really cute and small aquarium with a touch tank. Gio was very curious but not willing to touch the little water creatures. A fun and short visit later we drove home and enjoyed a nice long nap. Wednesday Gio and I met Baby Lyla Mathews, oh she is just precious and I had a great time holding her while new mom Eileen took a break. Gio watched cartoons while we visited and not really interested in the baby, so makes me wonder how he will be when Alexander shows up 24/7. Thursday Gio and I headed to Titas again because our water was off in our complex for repairs and we hung out there until soccer time. I love Thursdays! Gio had a great time as usual, just realized I'm going to be taking both of y'all to soccer classes eventually, woohoo Soccer Mom, yea can't wait! Thursday was also a great day because Tita Lety Lopez completed and passed her Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. She was so nervous and anxious. She has always wanted to go back to school and has worked as a private home care assistant for the past 8-10 years and now is finally certified. I am happy that I was able to take off the burden of babysitting Gio and she was able to sign up for her program. You know I have faith but honestly in these last few months, God really has a plan for us and lays out our paths, we just have to find them or allow them to be seen with faith. My mom was crying from excitement and told me that she just wanted to complete her program so we could be proud of her. Mom we already were proud of you, but her determination to complete this program with all that she has on her plate these last two months, was outstanding! Great job Mom! Friday, Gio and I took Tita to lunch to celebrate and had a great time. Gio and I finished off the day with a train ride and duck feeding at Hermann Park. During the train ride, i sat back and watched Gio's excitement, i hope you don't lose that joy from a simple train ride, its so contagious! He found a friend at the playground and was very upset with me when we had to leave. He has been saying I don't like u or I don't love u when he gets corrected or doesn't get his way. Daddy and I are making sure those words do not come out again because that is not acceptable behavior and he will not speak to us in that manner. He has picked up whimpering when these situations occur, that is also being corrected. We dont expect perfection, but our boys will be respectful and loving. Even though we had a few bumps in behavior, Friday evening was gorgeous at the park and we had a great time overall! We joined daddy for dinner and at a Vietnamese place my friend recommended for a traditional dish of steak and eggs, so yummy! Gio and I were exhausted from our afternoon fun and little man has been going to bed all week without any arguments. Daddy and I watched Iron Man 2 and then reminisced with pics of gios babyhood. This little man is our light and although he is a tough cookie right now with behavior and talking back, he is our sunshine just as Alexander will be. So as we finally rested together, the realization hit me, this little boy is not leaving our bed, lol. For now, we are just fine with that.
On another note, Alexander you are making your presence known. I woke up Friday morning with bad menstrual cramp pain and a feeling of my hips aching. The pain lasted all throughout the day and night. Today Saturday the pain has finally subsided for moments and did notice that i lost my mucus plug, sorry for the TMI. I am making sure to walk on my breaks and to stay really hydrated. I am trying to be patient and enjoy my time with my boys instead of over analyzing your arrival lol. Love u Lil one, see you soon!