19 weeks

19 weeks

Oh, boy!

Thanksgiving Day

We joined my In-Laws for Thanksgiving Lunch and had a wonderful time...

Mihoko basting her amazing, tender, moist turkey

Eddie and Jazzy bonding..

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Maple Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Streusel (a BIG hit!!)

Apple Cranberry Crisp

The boys (Roger and Sumo) enjoying the couch

(photo courtesy of my father-in-law)

Raymond and Roger bonding... (while Raymond checks work email)

A test-shot that makes me laugh really, really hard. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Photos from Jody's Visit...

Jody and Owen stopped by on Tuesday night for a lovely visit. Owen really enjoyed playing with Jazzy. I think the feelings were mutual.

Uncle Carl decided to get in on the fun with Owen. They loved each other. It was so wonderful to see my once baby-phobic husband get down and goofy with Owen. Owen thought he was pretty entertaining and I think Jody and I will cherish these photos for years to come. Owen's due date was late April, as well, so Jody and I will have little boys almost exactly a year apart! So much fun...

 

It's a....

Here are two pictures from our anatomy ultrasound today. Our u/s tech was kind of impatient, so the pictures aren't awesome, but still nice!

Introducing...

August Cruz

Profile shot

Sorta creepy 3D image

It's a boy!

Belly Pic

18 weeks

This little pup is squirming around! I can feel it!

On bellies and babies...

This is me last Sunday, looking ridiculously pregnant.

17 weeks

Well - while the clothed photo makes me look really pregnant, the belly shot, if you compare to last week, isn't that much bigger. From the front, I've definitely got more of a pointy belly but if you didn't know, I'd just look fat. :)

Last night I was sleeping on my right side for a while and then moved to my back. When I checked the bump (I swear it feels so much bigger when I'm on my back), it was protruding on the right side. Carl reached over and touched my belly and noticed the bulge on the right side. I could tell because he kinda rubbed his hand over it, pushed on it a little and then sort of patted it gently, like he was saying, "Hey there!" Pretty darn cool. I can't wait until I have a proper baby belly and he can feel the kicks.

Speaking of movement... the little darling has (I think) been making itself known. People describe it as "butterflies" or "bubbles" but I have no idea what that means. I've never had insects or air bubbles in my uterus, so it's a little hard to compare. What I'm feeling is more like muscle twinges. You know, that totally strange feeling when one of your muscles contracts without your permission? Just like that. Today, while I was sitting in the car, I felt something about an inch below and to the left of my belly button that felt JUST like what I imagine a kick (or punch) to feel like. It reminded me of a reversed version of feeling a baby kick from the outside. I've had the pleasure of feeling a baby move inside several friends' bellies. They don't just kick or punch, they slide. It felt just like that, except instead of feeling it on my hand (like when you're touching a pregnant belly), I felt it in my lower abdomen! I guess I'll never really know if it was the baby, but it sure feels like it.

The Crib

After a slightly stressful, mostly fun day at Lullaby Lane with Mihoko (Carl's mom), I now have a crib. We went to the warehouse sale, the clearance room, the showroom - the same crib kept calling to me. Unfortunately, after nearly 4 hours (I'm not kidding) of thinking and staring and talking about it I picked my crib only to discover that it would take 8-12 weeks to deliver because the store was out of stock. They had it in another color but NO, I wanted THIS color, dangit. Here's another reason why I totally ♥ the iPhone. I searched for it, found it on CSN baby for the same price (Free Shipping! unlike Babies RUS) and thought, "Hmmmm.... same price, deliver in 5-10 days - yes, I think I'll buy it online."

The best part: when I got home to order it, I did a quick search for "CSN baby coupon" and found a 10% off code. So the crib was tax free AND 10% off. I saved $80!! Yahoo!

For the record, I was totally set to buy a used crib on craigslist until the MIL pitched a fit. She feels strongly about buying a new crib, so I went along with it. So we paid nearly double for the (almost exact) same crib, but everyone is happy.

Now, for the unveil..........

 

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Tah Dah!!!!

I know it's not everyone's style but here are the reasons why I love it:

It's espresso, like most of our furniture.

It's versatile, good for boy or girl.

I can buy white furniture to match which is usually cheaper and MUCH easier to match. Since I hated (I really mean that) the matching dresser/changer, it would have been really hard to match the espresso color from a different brand. This way, I can get the dresser I want and not worry about clashing shades of espresso.

It has clean, simple lines. I can pair it with modern or shabby chic and it will still look great!!

Unfortunately, this lovely will sit in a box for a few months until we have our office painted and move our bedroom over. Until then, I can stare at the box and get excited about decorating a baby room.

Tagged by Laura

♥ What are your middle names?

Anthony and Seaton (recently added)

♥How long have you been together?

Together nearly 7 years and married 3 1/2

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?

Ummm... a month?

♥ Who asked who out?
He did. First to a group Valentine's dinner and then (at that dinner) he told me he had reservations for a few weeks later to a favorite restaurant of mine. The rest, as we say, is history.

♥ Who made the first move?

Me. I pulled the old, "My hands are cold" line to get him to sit closer and hold my hand and then later (during the Jazz concert) leaned in for the kiss. That's how I roll.

♥ How old are each of you?

I’m in my 20’s, he’s in his 30’s.

♥ Did you go to the same school?
Briefly. He went to Cal State East Bay for undergrad, I went to UC Davis. I say briefly because we took classes at College of Marin a few times.

♥ Are you from the same home town?

Nope. I'm a California mutt and he's an Airforce brat.

♥ Who is the smartest?

I'm the book-smart one, I think he'd agree. I get giddy thinking about cellular reactions and physiologic processes. Now, ask me to find my way out of a paper bag -- I usually rely on him. We have a different way of doing things, mine is usually expensive, time-consuming and messy. His is direct, cheap, and quick.

I majored in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. Carl majored in Liberal Studies with an option in Kinesiology.

♥ Who is the most sensitive?

Me. Way.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?

Baja Fresh?

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?

Together? Hmmmm... Downieville?

♥ Who has the worst temper?

I have a shorter temper, but Carl is scarier when he's mad. Probably because he's always so quiet and calm.

♥ How many children do you want?

I think 3 or 4 sounds great. I'd like to birth two and adopt a couple. We'll see how it goes.

♥ Who does the cooking?

The employees at Baja Fresh? Does that count?  I bake, but kinda suck in the cooking department. Takes WAY too much planning for a gal that takes a bus to work and only drives on the weekends. So, we usually eat out or make sometime like Papa Murphy's for dinner. We go through cycles and soon enough, we'll be sick of eating out and want home cooked food again.

♥ Who is more social?

Me me me!!

♥ Who is the neat-freak?

Carl. Psycho is more like it.

♥ Who is the most stubborn?

Me, all the way. This is how I get what I want most of the time. When it comes to habits, Carl is the more stubborn. If a behavior lasts long enough to become habit, he'll keep it to his dying day. For example: scary deep-breathing right before bed. He can lay down to take a nap and doesn't do it, but if we're within 2 feet of the bed and have nothing....exciting....planned, watch out. He sounds like he's gasping for air. Habit.

♥ Who wakes up earlier?

Depends on the life stage. For almost two years, I got up between 4:30-5:30 every morning. Now Carl gets up 20 minutes before I do and I wonder how I *ever* managed to crawl out of a warm bed with a warm cuddly husband to drive 2 hours in the dark to sit in class. Every. Stinking. Morning.

♥ Where was your first date?

Group date: Ted's in San Anselmo. Alone date: Yoshi's in Oakland. The funny story: We made the date for Yoshi's almost 2 weeks in advance. In the meantime, Carl got notice that he passed his personal training certification test and suggested we grab dinner and a movie at the Emeryville Public Market (this was before Baystreet, people). I totally thought it was a date (wouldn't you?). I think I ended up paying for my own food. I was DYING for him to hold my hand during the movie (a romantic comdey, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) and he was glued to the screen. It was like watching a movie with my dad (except less interesting. Dad and I are perfect movie-buddies. We love pointing out the same things). I went that night home thinking, "Jeez. I guess I'm not his type. Next week's date should be awkward." - He still claims dinner and a movie don't "count" as a date. So, officially, our first date was Yoshi's.

♥ Who has the bigger family?

We are both one of two children. I'm the older in mine and he's the younger in his. He has a HUGE extended family though. Tons of aunts and uncles and cousins. I, on the other hand, struggle to name 10 relatives, living or dead.

♥ Do you get flowers often?

Once in awhile. He used to do it more often, but honestly? I'm not much of a flower type. They're pretty and I enjoy the gift, but they die. It's depressing. I'd rather have him make dinner (Japanese Curry!!) or take me for a walk. 

♥ How do you spend the holidays?

Usually at his parents. They're local and low-key. Just my type of Christmas. A pretty, very classic tree. A big dinner. Opening presents together wearing fuzzy socks and listening to Christmas music. It's great.

♥ Who is more jealous?

Hmmmm... I don't think either of us are too jealous. I have more of an issue with his exes, but that probably because he has several and I only have one.

♥ How long did it take to get serious?

A month? We started a "relationship" pretty fast. Neither of us knew "where it was going" for a long time. In fact, the lack of direction in the relationship led to a breakup which caused up to totally reprioritize. The moment we were back together, marriage was the goal. A year later, he proposed. 

♥ Who eats more?

Dear Lord. HIM! The man can EASILY put down a pint of ice cream in a sitting. His bottomless pit of a stomach has always amazed me. 

♥ What do you do for a living?

Currently, I'm a medical assistant. I'm applying to medical school.

Him: currently, a personal trainer. He's in school to be a surgical tech.

♥ Who does the laundry?

Him. He doesn't trust me with it. It works out for both of us. 

♥ Who’s better with the computer?

Me.

♥ Who drives when you are together?

Usually him. I would but I'm afriad if I screw up, he'll get upset. I'd rather have him screw up. :)

♥ What is “your” song?
We danced to "Push" by Sarah McLachlan at our wedding. Love that song. Some Erasure songs have a special place in my heart though because when we were first dating he'd lipsynch them to me in the care. I knew he must love me if he was willing to look so foolish in front of me.

Some random thoughts and pictures

First, a belly shot (these things seem to be popular). Please forgive the ugly red mark across the belly. My PJ's aren't a comfortable as they used to be.

16 weeks

Okay, now to other random thoughts. I have some current obsessions.

The smell of these cookies is absolutely amazing. They're a little too sweet for me, but the smell. Oh, Lord.

This is a photo I took in NYC two months ago. I live on Spring Street, and I loved the mosaic. Isn't it lovely?

Aren't they awesome? Sumo (L) and Roger (R)

(Don't mind the dirty couch)

Jazzy and her freakish tongue on Halloween

I really like this crib

And there you have it. I sense a big growth spurt about to happen. Expect next week's photo to show a much bigger belly. I can feel it.

Oh, and I got an interview to UCSF. *squee!!*

Creepy

Am I the only one that finds the floating, inanimate fetus on the sidebar a bit disturbing? Anyone have a better suggestion?

Time to Vote!

Check out the poll on the right side of the screen. Place your bets! We'll know on the 25th!

Ava's Rule

A darling woman named Sheye Rosemeyer lost her little girl almost three years ago. Please distribute this image far and wide. Visit http://www.avasrule.com

New pictures!

Here are some new pictures of the little one. Unfortunately, the u/s machine at work isn't awesome, so the pictures are a bit grainy.

Face profile, see the lips and nose?

Foot

Arm and hand

In other news, there has been a swine flu outbreak at work. Awesome. A co-worker tested positive for H1N1 after coming to work sick two days in a row. We haven't received the vaccine (not that I was planning on getting it) so I'm on prophylactic Tamiflu.

Also, I've started telling people at work. An outbreak of a potentially lethal virus seemed like a good time to warn people that I was now in a high-risk group. :) People are taking it well and being very nice about it.

I'm trying to find someone to sew very basic baby bedding. I just can't handle the horrid stuff they sell at Babies R Us. It's hideous. I want a simple but nice pattern with coordinating colors - of course I'd like to be the one to pick those patterns/colors. Does anyone know how to sew?

Finally posting...

I've been meaning to post for weeks. I've been trying to think of a cute new blog title because I couldn't figure out how to remove the automatic import setting to Facebook. Not everyone needs to see my blog in their news feed, you know? I finally figured out how to fix the problem.

Anyway, I'm sure everyone reading this already knows the big news: I'm pregnant. We're due late April/early May. I'm not a fan of due dates. It's really a due month. If you already know my actual due date and can remember this far in advance: please, please don't call me every 12 minutes on my due date and the day after to find out if the baby is here. I've seen too many women feel rushed and like a failure if their baby is "overdue" - Thanks, but no thanks. I'll announce it via blog and Facebook the moment the little darling has arrived. Until then, only call if you have a reason. Otherwise you'll get a cranky, tired preggo explaining that no, the baby isn't here yet. Thanks for asking.

If you haven't gathered, pregnancy has only heightened my own worst character features. I'm snarkier, bolder, and less patient than usual. I'm sure you can gather how much fun this is for Carl. He's overjoyed. Last night I (apparently) attempted to whollop my husband in my sleep. Unfortunately (for me, not him) I happened to be facing the bedside table and punched it instead. My hand hurts and I have a lovely white crescent on my fingernail to document the injury. I suppose it's for the best...

To answer the burning questions:

• Yes, I really am pregnant.
• Yes, I'm still going to be a doctor.
• No, I'm not crazy.

Now that those are out of the way, let's move on to the more typical pregnancy related questions:

• I'm due the end of April.
• I feel great so far. No morning sickness - just general food aversion.
  
• I have gained -5lb. I say -5 because I've lost 5lb thanks to the aforementioned food aversion.
• I'm not showing yet (see photos). Anyone who claims that I am forgets that I started 15lb fluffier than normal and my stomach is just squishy. Yay.
• We will be finding out the gender. Despite previous statements, we actually don't have a preference in gender anymore. Boys are awesome, so are girls. We'd be happy with either as long as it's happy and alive. We will know the gender sometime after Thanksgiving, as long as the little squirt cooperates.
  
• We have names. They are not up for debate. I don't care if your childhood drug-addict neighbor had that name, you'll have to get used to it. Opinions are not welcome. (See, I told you I was snarkier than usual) - I apologize to all friends that previously received my unsolicited opinion on baby names. I get it now. Please forgive me.
  

If you have any others, please feel free to ask. I'll post them up here for all to see.

So, on to the pictures.

9 weeks

14 weeks

Our Love Story from AuroraC on Vimeo.

11.5 weeks

Arm and abdomen at 12 weeks

Face at 12 weeks (see the eyeball?!)

That's it for now... I'll update with some Halloween photos soon.