Post Partum...No not post partum depression Lexie! =)

Ok, Natalie arrived all of 5lbs13 oz of pure joy! I was doing good. My arms felt very shakey and it was weird to hold her. I preferred Marcos holding her for me and I looking at her. They were about to coach me on breastfeeding aka nursing when I got really weak. I remember feeling like I was literally going to go to sleep that moment. I told the nurse, "I'm going to sleep" She said, "I'm sure you feel like that you just gave birth" it was at that moment my secret angel spoke up.

The day before my best friend from childhood called to ask if I had wanted her mother, Jennifer, to be there for the delivery. She was there for my sister and I remember her being such a great coach. She has known me since I was little. I told her I would love for her to come if she was available. On the day of the delivery I called her and she was driving from the Coast all the way to make it on time. Well, she arrived right when I pushing so she wasn't really able to help - that is what I thought atleast. I felt bad that she had driven all the way down only not able to be in the delivery. Remember, my delivery went VERY fast.

So, the angel, Jennifer, spoke and said look her blood pressure is dropping and then Jennifer, who doesn't work at the hospital immediately pulled back the sheets and well that is when they realized there was a problem. She ran out of the room and told all the nurses who were gathered in the hallway that I was hemmoraging and was needed ASAP. Jennifer is a labor and delivery nurse and used to work at River Oaks. Everyone ran in and started pushing on my stomach. I just remember feeling all the stuff coming out of me. But the more the pushed the more I was feeling a little better. If they hadn't caught and "let me go to sleep" I could have hemmoraged to death. I had lost all my color and my lips were as white as my skin. My Dr. arrived all shooken up ready to step in but by then it was to late, they had everything in control. It was pretty scarey.

To give you an idea of how serious it could have been, I'll ask you this question. Has your OBGYN ever shown up at your door? Well, mine did! =) Not only did she show up but she brought us chicken salad from NEWKS and iron pills. Talk about a guilty conscience and not wanting a lawsuit. My mom was pretty upset with her but I look at it as a mistake and everyone makes mistakes and hopefully it was a lesson well learned for her. She is young and she is all about buisness. She delivered Natalie assumed I was small and baby was small and there wasn't much blood and didn't take the time to get everythng out. She was probably in the delivery room for a total of 7mins.

After all that drama, things were better. I was really weak and lost a lot of blood so I needed my blood levels to build back up which can take over a month. I've dizzy and lighthead and it hasn't been very fun. The iron pills are suppose to help and they have helped some.

Natalie is a breastfeeding champ. Talk about a girl who knows what she is doing. She latched on so easily on one side and the other has been a challenge but she can do it. I read a lot of nursing and breastfeeding books. Jeane who works at River Oaks is a God sent too! She was really calm and postive with everything. I don't thnk I could have done it without her encouragement and such praise of what a great job I was doing as a new mom. That really helps. My friends mom, Jane, is a lactation nurse in TX and she was able to help with questions as well. She described the one side Natalie wasn't latching on to well as an apple. It's hard to bob for apples right? The are round and firm. Well, since I was so full and firm it's hard to grasp. So expressing some before will soften things up and allow her to do what she needs to do. Ding! A light went off. That made perfect since and well that worked! =)

We had many friends and family come and visit. My in-laws from Brazil arrived the day after the delivery and my father-in-law stayed a week and then left. My mother-in-law has been here ever since and will be leaving in August. This has been another whole experience that has it's up and downs for me. I'll go into detail of that in my next post about the month or first 4 weeks with Natalie. This should be interesting! =) Stay Tuned

Natalie Kate Rodrigues!

There is so much to talk about now that Natalie has arrived. I want to first talk about the whole childbirth expereince... my experience and the funny things that happened up until she arrived. We will start at where I left off... 39 weeks!

39 Weeks!

Natalie was born at 39 weeks and 3 days. I was expecting her to be atleast 7.5lbs but to my surprise she was very little.

June 16, 2010
For my last meal I really wanted to eat Jason's Deli chicken alfredo and ceasar salad! It wasn't M's favorite, but it wasn't about what he wanted to eat - right?! It was really good and just what I wanted. =) Marcos and I spent Wednesday night preparing last minute things for the Dr.'s appointment the following morning. We made Tshirts for the Grandparents and him. Proud Grandaddy, Proud Nonnie, Vovo^, Vovo' and then Marcos' shirt that read his new saying, "Dude to Dad 2010". It was about 11pm the time we finished and I was exhausted. I took a shower and volumized my hair and blow dried it so it would be perfect in the AM and I wouldn't have to spend to much time on it since I had to be at the Dr's at 830.

June 17, 2010
We got up at 730AM and start loading the car and I started getting ready. I wasn't really nervous but anxious wondering what the day would be like and how long all this would take. Marcos and I had hoped to eat breakfast together but time didn't allow which not knowingly would be a good thing for me in the future.
We arrived a little after 830 and waited to see the Dr. We went to our normal appointment where she check to see how much progress I had made. Well, I was still at 4 centimeters and she was ok... Today is the day. Did you bring your stuff - we are going to admit you. She immediately got on her Blackberry called and said, "I need a room set up for Jana Rodrigues and she has requested to have an epidural right away so please put the order in". I was relieved to hear her say that b/c that meant business and I thought I wouldn't have to wait long for it.

Marcos and I went upstairs about 915AM and filled out some paperwork and next thing I knew I was in THE ROOM! My nurse was named, Lauren who was pregnant as well and having her second son in 10weeks. Marcos left to get the stuff from out of the car while I got prepped w/ Iv's and blood taken. I asked to wear my Maternity gown and they let me wear it! I was styling and happy now. By this time it was 945AM and my Dr. had come back to the room. I was still be poked and prodded and didn't know what she was doing until I heard her say, "And here comes the WATER" OMG! She BROKE my water! I wasn't prepared at all for this. Where was my epidural? Why didnt' she tell me what she was doing? Then she just walked out of the room. I sat there in shock not understand all what happened, expect that now it was 10AM and my water was already broken!!! I got on the phone and called everyone ASAP telling them they broke my water. Everyone said, "Ohh well you will have her around the evening about 3 or 4 cause you are still just 4 centimeters". People were planning to stop by and say Hey during their lunch hour. Which was fine for me... so I thought!?

1030AM - I'm feeling crampy. Really crampy and I want my epidural. Where is it?! I decided to be a baby and cry. So the tears start flowing as I tell Marcos please go find out where my epidural is. My sweet hubby frantically left the room to inform them I was crying and wanted my epidural. No sooner than that Mr Epidural man arrived. He was SOOO sweet and funny. I loved him. I was having contractions that were uncomfortable but not horrible - I felt the contractions more in my back which wasn't fun. I was nervous about having a contraction while getting the epidural but I learned that right have I had a contraction it gave me enough time to breathe and relax. So we started the epi. after the contraction. It took forever to get it put in but the epi. didn't hurt at all. I think it took like 20mins. I could still feel the contraction but it didn't hurt. I just felt pressure. It was nothing like I had expected. I had imagined I'd feel nothing. Feeling the pressure wasn't bad and was actually good because it would soon tell me when it was time to push!

11:15AM I felt like I had to go to tinkle. So they put a catheter in which was not fun. With every contraction now it was very uncomfortable. I told my nurse and she was trying to figure out what I was talking about. By 11:45AM she had the Epidural man come back in and they figured out that my epidural was working on the right side but not on the left side. So I laid on my side for the meds to flow over that way. During this my nurse Lauren check me I was 6 centimeters. I was having a contraction and she said push with the contraction while she was checking me. Well, what ever she did I went from 6 centimeters to 8 centimeters to almost fully dilated. She got up and told me that we'd probably have a baby soon. I wasn't sure what that meant.

It was 12pm and everyone had shown up because they were taking a lunch break. Grant it, I had just been checked was almost fully dilated whatever that meant. Well, let me tell you what that meant. I held on to the bars and starts crying - I am going to POOP!! Please, someone help. I am going to POOP! =) Yes! I couldn't care less who was in the room - All I knew was that it felt like was goign to POOP all over the table. The nurses came in and said, "Ohh baby you don't have to it's probably the position of your baby". I'm begging them to please let me get up and sit on the potty! My nurse couldn't help me so another nurse came in. She reassured me I wasn't goign to poop but if I needed to then poop on the table. I cried harder! NOO! I don't want to poop on the table I want to PooP in toilet!! My tears came harder and she decided to see what was going on. She checked me and said, "OH LORD, This BABY is coming NOW". Then everyone started running in! The nurse informed me that I would feel better if I pushed and that if I laid on my back and pushed the pain would go away. Well, PRAISE GOD. That was so much better. Why didn't some tell me that when it started! Everyone was in teh room and I started practice pushing around 1230PM. The Dr. arrived at 1245PM and said, "Let's have a baby!" And so we did. With about 6 pushes a tiny tiney baby arrived. The love of my life!

12:57PM Natalie Kate Rodrigues with 5lbs 13oz and 19 1/4inches long. She was perfect!

-- I'll post pictures later and update up on the AFTER birth - It was scarey - I hemmoraghed.

38 doing Great!

I've made it half way through 38 weeks and things are looking great.

We've been very busy cleaning aka nesting and getting everything prepared for Natalie's arrival. Today I was quite nervous about my Dr. appointment because last week I was at 3 centimeters and I was afraid my dr. would be "induced happy mode" and would want me to have her today. I prayed this morning for God's timing and His will to be continued through this entire pregnancy and for Him to give Dr. wisdom and knowledge of what should be done.

Praise God! I had a great appointment. I am now 4 centimeters... which means I can have epidural ASAP! =) I am 70% effaced which means I should have a pretty easy delivery the time she is ready to get here..only 30% left and I'm sure I can work on that this weekend and before next Thursday - June 17th. I am -2 station which means Natalie has lowered more and is getting is game mode. This is all such exciting news. I was very pleased and relieved the dr. didn't try to rush anything. She thinks I'll have her before Thursday but if not I will most definitley have her at my next appointment 39 weeks and 3 days on June 17th. My appointment is set for 9AM so I should have her by that evening. We are looking forward to her arrival. =) YeaY!

Weeks 34-37 - A Girl w/ Her own Agenda!

Week 34

Child birth Classes begin! (Well, they began while we were in Florida so we started on the second class). It was fun - very informative. We learned about dilating and the stages of labor.

We had an uneventful Dr. appointments. I was tested for Strep B or something and it came back Negative so no worries for when baby is born and having to take antibotics. My husband was worried I'd have Natalie soon therefore when Dr. asked if there were any questions my heart starts racing because I never know what will come out of my husbands mouth. Well, this time it was, "How do you know Jana isn't going to have this baby tomorrow" Well, my Dr. says, "Lets just see" Next thing I know - I'm being checked! OMG. Seriously, M?! Ha. Dr. says, "This baby isn't coming today or tomorrow!" I was closed up and doing just fine. So, thanks baby!

Week 35

Child birth class was about how to relieve pain - using medicine or natural remedies. Well, that night I had a dream I was in extreme pain. Lower back pain, mentrual cramps it was horrible and I was begging for an epidural. Well, I woke up from the dream and was in that real pain. It was horrible. I swore I was in labor. After many trips to the bathroom, I layed back down and said if I go back to sleep and it doesn't stop we are goign to the dr. Well, I woke up the next morning and I was fine. So, I wasn't sure what that was!

Another SHOWER! My sweet Aunt Gigi gave me the sweetest shower! It was just perfect, words couldn't describe how great it was to be apart of a feel good shower!! This shower was mostly my family and my mom's bunco group. The ladies that have been around since I was just a baby. I got some awesome things, like a bathtime spa tub for Natalie, the little lamb craddle swing (the one Kendra & Kourtney both have) and some really exquisite dresses and blankets. Marcos came to this shower and was in charge of taking pictures. He did an OK job, lol - considering his photos focused on everyone who was at the shower and what they were doing.

Week 36

                                                            3 Year Anniversary!!!

Marcos and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary early on Tuesday instead of Thursday because I wanted to eat at the Melting Pot for our anniversary and it is located in New Orleans. Once again, we were back in New Orleans for our anniversary. Ergh, I must say I am getting tired for celebrating in New Orleans but his job is like clock work and there we were back in New Orleans cause he had WORK. But this time, I was goign to plan better and choose a place I wanted to go to really bad- the Melting Pot. Ever since I saw photos of it, I knew I had to go.

It started off great the rough then great. Ha. We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal...that was a plus! BUT I spent all evening at my house figuring out what I wanted to wear on our 3yr anniversary being pregnant and all and what Marcos was going to wear. I finally came out with something and had it laid out. We got to the hotel and I asked, where are the clothes that were on the hanger. Marcos was puzzled. OMG! We left the clothes at the house. I was so irritated. Totally sulked and pouted and acted like a brat and laid on the bed not wanting to go the Melting Pot. I finally got over my funk but I didn't take time to do my hair or makeup because I was mad.

We arrived at the Melting Pot and all my madness left. It was awesome. More the I expected. I had only wished then that I had taken time to do my makeup and hair instead of pouting. But oh well. The food was fabulous and my smile came back on my face and Marcos and I had a great time.

                                                       36 Week Appointment

My weekly Dr. appointments begin. I was really excited about my weekly appointment. I was bracing myself for being checked because now she checks you weekly for progress. Well, I was just check at week 34 because of my darling husband's concerns and there was no progress. This time it was different. Dr. says, "Wow, I can feel the head" and "You are dilated 1 centimeter!" I couldn't believe. I was really excited. But, I know you can stay at 1 centimeter forever and it didn't really mean anything. However, I have been praying that when I go into labor I want to be atleast 4 centimeters, so I can get an epidural ASAP.

Last Child birth class that night was after birth and how to take care of your body and what to expect.

Week 37

                             Holy Moly - 3 Centimeters!

We had our Dr. appointment Thursday and to our surprise, I was now at 3 centimeters. Again, PRAISE the Lord! I'm determined to have a "pain free" childbirth and by doing that I'm counting on the Lord to get me to 4 centimeters or more with out feeling and then once the water breaks I go in and get my epidural and be one happy, free from pain momma! =) So far... so good!

The Dr. talked about inducing and Marcos and I have mixed feelings about this. I really believe at the rate I am going at she will come on her own. Dr. had given us the dates June 15,16 or 17. I had mentioned the 20th but that was a Sunday (Father's Day) and she said No, but the 22nd.

Marcos' parents leave Brazil on the 17th and arrive here on Friday the 18th at 945AM. I had really wanted his mom to be apart of the whole birthing experience. In Brazil, C-sections are the norm. Everyone has C-sections. His parents are reminded every day they I am not scheduled for a C-section on the 21st. They seem to forget this every day. Ha.

So, we've decided to tell the Dr. we will be induced on the 22nd if she has not made it on her own by then. This way she either comes on her own before the Rodrigues' get her or she could come on the 20th Father's Day if she chooses. But for sure she will be her on the 22nd and if is induced on that day I will be 40 weeks and she should be ready come anyways. The Rodrigues' will be apart of it too! How exciting. So as of right now, Marcos has me on bed rest. LoL. He doesn't want me lifting a finger or walking because he wants Natalie to sit tight a little longer. We shall see...

Weeks 29-33 - Ohh Time is FLYING by!

Ok! So, I'm trying to back track and figure out the weeks I missed. The last time I blogged Easter had ended and I had just finished my 28th week. I was gearing up for MY FIRST baby Shower on April 18 and for my 32 week sonogram!

Week 29
On April 10 - Marcos had his first DREAM about Natalie. =) He woke up so excited to tell me all about his first dream and how it seemed so real. This was fun, considering Marcos dreams alot because I can hear him talk in his dreams at night, sometimes in Portuguese and sometimes in English but when I ask him about it he never remembers what he dreamt about!

Week 30
I had visited my DR. for my 30 week appointment the Wednesday, April 14 before the shower and told her about the emotional rollercoaster I was on over the whole drama that came about. My DR. really put things in perspective for me (she didn't seem to think it was my hormones) but told me to focus on what I knew was true and that this would be my FIRST shower for my FIRST baby and everyone who was going to the shower was going for ME and how awesome was that! She was really amazing. Kinda took me back at first because she was so forward with questions like, "Who said it" "What did they say to you" "Why did you allow this person to have such power over you" "Was this person even noteworthy of their words" ect. It was kinda humorous. But, she did help alot! So, thanks Dr.!

Week 31

My FIRST shower. It was just fabulous! All the wonderful people who I care so deeply about showed up and it was such an overwhelming feeling know that all these people cared for Natalie and she hadn't even made it here yet. Sure, that was major drama leading up to the whole shower but it ended up being great. I got some really fun and unique gifts. I just love really thought out gifts, so sweet! And of course the practical and well needed things were - well- just what I needed and that's great!

Week 32
SONOGRAM! April 29, Again, FAVOR from the Lord. I prayed all morning... Lord, please send me an Angel in disguise! Show me favor this Dr. appointment and let me see this baby girl in 3D again! =) Praise God, I've got a friend in HIGH places.

We were the first appointment in the books. The nurse called my name and I knew, this is her again - My angel in disguise! I lay on the table and she starts measuring Natalie. We are talking and the whole time I'm praying, Ohh please do a 3d! And then she says, lets take a peak at this sweet little girl! My heart was elated. She switches the screen to 3D and I can't thank her enough. Marcos starts in on Natalie's nose and how it looks so big. LoL. Well, this gets the Nurse laughing so hard that she is determined to show Marcos that the baby's nose is not so big and it just the screen. So, we spend forever looking at her at different angles in 3D, during all the laughing and Marcos' smart comments Natalie starts laughing.

 She snapped a picture of it! Of course, I am her momma, but I swear this was the most beautiful sonogram photo I've ever seen! LoL - HAHA!

Week 33

We left for the beach on May 5- Mother's day weekend!

We spent our time at the Eden condominiums, the same place Marcos and I went to last year the same weekend but with friends. This time we went with Family. My parents, sister & Audrey and brother & Kendle and Caleb. We had lots of fun! This was the first time I got into a bathing suit, and yeah, I totally flaunted it! =) Ha.

 I didn't eat the fish just because I didn't want to take any chances do to the oil spill. Walking on the sand was challenging considering I'm carrying so much weight as it is and then my feets sinking far into the sand making it hard to pull back up. Ha. The weather was so great the first time day that I chilled out under an umbrella but somehow missed some spots with sunscreen (my left leg especially) and burned myself so bad! It ruined the second day for us. Marcos was really sweet about it. I knew he wanted to stay and play at the beach and pool but he put on a big act and said that he wanted to spend the trip with me and if I couldnt' get back in the sun that he'd take me shopping if I felt up to it. Well, as much as it hurt like heck to walk on my legs, I couldn't pass up the outlet mall. I also thought walking my be good for my swallon huge leg. So we shopped and shopped! =) By the next day I was better - and spent the day at the beach but just kept my leg covered up really good and Marcos saturated me with sunscreen not missing one spot this time. We got some really cute maternity beach pics taken around the hotel. The trip was just what we needed!

Peacemaker

“Peacemakers who sow in peace RAISE a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18)

Praise God that horrible Thursday passed! I made peace and I forgave and asked for forgiveness of myself. I actually learned a lot through the whole emotional rollercoaster of Thursday. I would have loved to have opted out of that whole lesson however, God is molding me each day and without this experience I wouldn't be who I am right now, at this moment.

Praise God I have some awesome spiritual women in my life. One who was able to help me to see past things in a different light and allow me to see how the enemy was at work. We were able to pray about it over the phone and it really brought me great comfort and peace in that moment.

My other friend, Mayaba called and left me a voice mail on Monday. Well, I've still been emotional over everything and waited and called her back today because I felt better. She is an AMAZING woman of God. She has a book you MUST read called, "“Delivered From the Bondage of Witchcraft.” and comes to a prayer group I am in on Tuesday nights. I haven't been in months due to the fact that I am teaching evening classes. She has NEVER called me before and she called. I felt like I needed to return her call. When I called she explained the holy spirit had really layed me on her heart to pray. She had even planned a trip to Columbus but canceled her trip to stay home for a week to pray and fast (not just for me, other things too). She asked how the baby and I were doing and that she had been praying for us. I told her that her phone call couldn't have been more timely because of the stress and heartache I have felt over the past week. She started praying for me and said the Lord wanted me to know, "I AM." She repeated the several times. We prayed some more and I listened to what she had to say. I told her I knew exactly what the Lord was saying because I've been searching for my Prince of PEACE, my Comforter and I as much as I know HE is that, he seemed so far from me at the moment. But I know HE is listening and saying to me just that, "I AM your Prince of Peace, I AM your Comforter, I AM your Strength when you are weak, I AM the solid Rock..." It was just amazing. I thank God for such an obedient woman in the Lord and for God speaking to her about me.

Later on tonight after teaching I was on my way home and the song, "I Will Not Be Moved" by Natalie Grant came on. Wow, again the holy spirit was strong and these words were stronger and louder, I heard them clear as day, "I will make mistakes, I will have heartaches, BUT I will NOT be Moved, for Christ the solid Rock is which I stand AND all other ground is sinking Sand!" Again, I was reminded of who I am in Christ! No matter what problems arrive in my life, I will always turn to the God of Grace and Mercy, the one who will bring me the Peace, Comfort, Strength, Love ect when I need it the most and I will not be Moved.

UNGRATEFUL

What is the meaning of this word: "ungrateful". I hadn't ever thought about this word, it's not really in my vocabulary, I've never needed this word and I've never called anyone this word so I needed to know what this meant when I was called this about 100xs yesterday over the phone where I wasn't given an explantation on why this person thought this of me.

Ungrateful: adj.

1.Not feeling or exhibiting gratitude, thanks, or appreciation.

 

Gosh, this is pretty harsh. It's hits you hard especially when the definition doesn't fall in line with who you are. I'm more than thankful, appreciative and grateful of everything in my life big and small. I've never taken anythng for granted and try to go above and beyond to show appreciation to people.

 

After balling my eyes, and being just really torn up yesterday, all day to the point where I couldn't breathe, I called my daddy and he was filled with words of wisdom. He listened to the whole situation and even challenged my thinking. I can't imagine ever having to go through this again without having my dad around for his advice. Without his advice yesterday, I'm sure I wouldn't have survived. Still thinking about this gets me all teary eyed and emotional  (yes, I know I am pregnant).

 

Was it not that I wasn't grateful but this person needed me to show more appreciation. In the end after talking to my dad, I apologized to this person; "I'm sorry for making you feel like I am not grateful for what you are doing - I never meant to do or say anything to make you feel this way." Really that is all I could say. Because to be honest, I still have no clue what they were talking about or what they needed from me and like my dad said, I didn't need to try and get an answer on why they thought I was ungrateful - just like when Christ was called names He didn't demand to know why they were calling Him that. I guess in my thinking was that if I could get why they thought I was ungrateful I could know what I needed to change or to do or to say. I probably should have returned back to my Child like faith and attitude.

 

It brings me back to Elementary school when the teacher left the room and had a boy take names. Well this boy wrote my name on the board. I hadn't done anything wrong. When the teacher came in and saw my name on the board she was rather shocked. She said, "Jana! Why is your name on the board?" I responded, "I do not know." She asked the boy, "Did Jana talk or get up" the boy responded, "Yes". I was really calm and not bothered by his response. The teacher goes on, "Jana, he said you did do one of the two" My response, "Well, I didn't and I don't care what he says because God and I know I didn't do anything." Immediately the teacher erased my name from the board and apologized.

 

Instead of getting so upset and bothered by everything mean this person was saying and not know why they were saying all these things to me, I should have calmly and immediately apologized and reminded myself that I know what  my heart feels, I know I've never shown any ungratefulness towards anyone and ended the conversation.

 

For this word to have such a big impact on me, God has really revealed the power of words. I've always known that words have power, and I try daily to choose my words wisely and I'm actually really good at it. I feel really numb still today and I have tried super hard not think about yesterday. My husband was so upset with what happened yesterday that of course it tore him up that I had "allowed" someone get me so upset that he ended up taking off the rest of the day. There was really nothing he could do for me though. He didn't want me answering the phone talking or calling anyone. He took me to a comedy movie to get me to laugh and afterwards we ate dinner and were both out asleep by 8pm.

 

I have not spoken to this person even though I have forgiven this person. It's just something in my spirit is not at ease at the moment with this person. I feel like there is more to what this person is feeling and there is nothing I can do to help this person until they ask help for themselves. 

 

Ending this blog with a few things I feel gratitude, thanks and appreciation for...

Jesus (without him I'd still be a basketcase)

Marcos (without him I wouldn't have anyone to turn my frown upside down)

Dad (without him I wouldn't recieve the words of wisdom when I need it the most)

Family (they've shown me who i want to be and not want to be)

My: Education

  House

Food

Water

Clothes

Being able to stay home during the day

Evening job (spanish and english)

This baby - Natalie

Kind words

Kind acts

Travels

 

All downhill now... right?!

27 Weeks

So we left off at 26 weeks and  I had failed my glucouse test. Well, don't worry week 27 turned out to be the charm and I passed. I should have known considering the fact that the number 27 is my favorite number. =) Marcos and I met April 27 (double decker in Oxford) and we married on May 27th and hopefully Natalie will be born on June 27th instead of the 21st. Hey, it could happen... right?! =)

Also speaking about the 27th we could say Marcos purchased our first family car that day in March, techincally it wasn't but I'll just round up 7 days, it sounds better that way. We had been looking for cars forever! I had to buy the "perfect AND affordable" car for our family. With that being said, Toyotas 0% financing for 60mos. was definitely a helper in making a decision. We went with the brand new 2010 Toyota Highlander and I must say I love. It accomdates all my needs. It fits up to 7 people but that is with NO trunk space. With trunk space we eliminate the 3rd row and we have a 5 seater and a huge trunk.

We went to the parade that weekend and it was lots of fun. I made a shirt that said, "What's Kick'n" and it seemed to have been a hit because I recieved a ton of compliments on it. I didn't realize how big I looked in it though. Looking at myself in the mirror I don't look big (well atleast to me) my stomach sticks straight out and no where else. But it's one big stomach in the photos. Ha.

That following Tuesday we went and had our maternity pics done. I'm not sure how they will turn out. I worked so hard on my hair that morning we drove over an HOUR to this girls house and well, I was kinda disappointed. She is super sweet and nice but she didn't seem to understand the kind of photos I was looking for. I felt VERY rushed and I think that shows poorly on a photographer. I don't think you should feel rushed when you are paying someone to take your pictures. I felt like the entire time she had somewhere to be. She didn't seem to be as creative as it portrayed on her website photos either. And she didn't give ANY directions. How do I put my hand, does my arm look fat? what about my hair? I felt like I was just standing there helpless like OMG what do I look like and she never once said anything and just would start snapping. When Marcos and I went to change clothes Marcos informed me that my face looked very irriated. I felt bad, I was irriated, I told her like a billion times what i wanted and she didn't really do it. I didn't want her to know that I was irriated b/c I wanted her to try her best with me and help me out. So I tried extra hard to put on a smiley face and to hide my irriation. At the end of the shoot she was done, why I don't know, I had't gotten what I came for so I just said, listen, ATLEAST get a photo of us in our Rebel attire. She says, "oh yes of course, I totally forgot". Of course, because you obvisiously have somewhere to be and your trying to get me in and out as fast a possible. I guess no photographer yet can compare to my wedding photographer, Mitsy Miotto. She was so fabulous. Full of energy, never made us feel like she was in a hurry, and directed us in everything and would even show us on her camera what they were looking like, to inspire us and let us see what we were doing right or wrong. Then again, like one friend said, you get what you pay for and her prices and her cd of photo option was a selling point for me, super reasonable. I have rationalized the whole situation with the fact that she DOES (praying hard) take better BABY photos and I do want to some super cute baby photos and how can any photographer screw up baby pics? We shall see. =)

Speaking of photography, we are purchasing a heavy duty camera for me to so I can practice my photography skills. I'm hoping to take photos for a living too. Maternity, engagement, newborn... basic things. Nothing like a wedding or sort because someone's wedding day is so incredibly special that I would want a true photographer who studied and knows what they are doing to be responsible for that. You can never redo someones wedding. I'm really excited because I've been really inspired by other friend photographers and I myself can take a really good photo, I just need a better lens. I'm creative and I am patient. I am looking forward to taking tons of photos of Natalie. =)

Week 28

Sweet Caroline! Sweet Caroline who already has a one year old and I preggers again made Natalie the sweetest blanket, mittens and hat. When the box arrived and opened I was filled with tears. So special to me and so special is the fact that she took the time to crochet/knit something for my sweet little girl. We will cherish the set forever and ever! And Caroline, I'll be your maternity and newborn photographer, you just tell me when and where I  will be there. =)

I semi finished the crib skirt, only one part left. It looks fabulous. I mod podged her letters in her room and now I just need to find the perfect ribbon. We are waiting for the glider it should arrive in 3 weeks. I can't wait. I am now in search for curtains and draperies for her room. We shall see what I come up with.

I had my 28 week Dr. appointment now that I have ENTERED my 3rd TRIMESTER! I go to the doctor ever 2 weeks until the last month and then I will go weekly. =) I can't believe I am already here. It is so exciting. And what is more exciting is that I get ONE last sonogram of Natalie - week 32 before she gets here. I am counting down the weeks for that one.

We celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Christ and that was such an awesome Sunday. I just can't imagine my child having to go through the things that Christ did, the price he paid for us was so HUGE and yet we still live a life taken for granted. I want Natalie to understand the price Christ paid for us, for her and for others. I pray daily that the Love of Christ will shine ever so brightly through Natalie and the she is filled with a Holy Ghost smile that could light up a room. I want to be be so hard that Godly example that I try to display on daily basis. Hopefully she will be better at it then me.

Oh the JoY's!

Oh the Joys!

Oh the joys of my sweet husband. I wanted to quote something he said that was so sweet. We were in the car heading to the Coast and some how our conversation got on the topic of wolves. Then I asked him if he had ever heard of the saying, "Crying Wolf". He said no. Well, I said let me tell you about the boy who cried wolf. I finished the story and said, "So the moral of the story is not to cry wolf unless there is one, because if you cry wolf to many times when there isn't really a wolf and then when one finally does comes no one will be there." Then, out of the sincerity of his brazilian heart he looks to me and says, "No matter how many times you cry wolf, I'll always be there." Ahh, my heart melted. I guess it was the way he said, it was so serious so full of passion. And that is why I married my man. He always surprises me with the things he says.

Week 25

Oh the JoY's of a dog in heat! My gosh - a dog in heat is one horn dog. I mean seriously, last week during my 25th week of pregnancy w/ Natalie things were going smoothly but with Sophi, well she has broken mine and M's heart, our little girl is no longer a little girl. We pray she isn't pregnant b/c if she is we might be having babies at the same time. Ohh yes, this could be possible. Sophi escaped every morning last week. She knocks down the fence we keep fixing and she digs holes to get out. Her lover is named, Mahgwah?! He is a very big German Shepard who cried for her constantly last week. It was so overwhelming for his owners they didn't know what to do, Sophi was Mahgwah's first and well, being separated from her just killed him. He's a lot better this week thank the lord.

Oh the JoY's of looking for a car that is family friendly. My camaro is not family friendly. Trying to put a car seat in my car is just not working. And on top of that I really thought my car was on the verge of dying b/c the gages have been all messed up. So all last week I sat inside of my house and did nothing b/c I couldn't use my car. Marcos drove me to Spanish classes at night and picked me up. It was kinda fun. Ha. On Friday I got so frustrated that I decided I'd run into an Auto Shop store and see what they could do. The nice people told me to buy coolant and that they'd put the coolant in for me and wah lah! It worked. My car is running much better and I have no more worries of being stranded on the side of the road. So, we are still looking for me a car but just not as crazy car shopping as we were when we thought it would break down any day. On another note the man putting the coolant in my car showed me a RAT that was under the hood of my car. I will post a pic of that!

Week 26

Ohh the JoY that Natalie brings! Natalie has been moving constantly. It's a very cool feeling. Sometimes her movements are super strong and sometimes they are just constant and smooth. I've been extremely curious of what she is going to look like; what traits of mine and of marcos that she will have. I dream about her all the time. This week I had to gear for my big appointment A.) we would get to see Natalie again to see if my placenta had moved out of the way and B.) gestational diabetes test. I couldn't eat or drink after midnight and when I woke up I had to drink a lemon lime drink exactly one hour before my appointment to get my finger pricked. I did just that at 715AM. I could barely sleep b/c I've felt like I've lost my mind just recently. I can't remember anythng. I was so afraid I was going to miss the appoinment or eat or drink water in the middle of the night. I had excitment that I was goign to get to see Natalie. It was just all a really overwhelming 24hrs.

Marcos met me at Dr. at 815AM the triage nurse (she loves me--Marcos and I crack her up) pricked my finger in which it caught me off guard and my legs flung into the air startling Marcos and her. It was funny. But the prick thing she used made a loud blow sound, it scared the bee out of me. She squeezed my finger (now I have a little bruise and it hurts like heck on it) and got my results instantly. Well, I FAILED! I was so irritated. My Dr. said that it was ok though b/c my number was 160 and that number could have gone either way. And since it was so close that she wanted to retest me and so on Monday I will do a 3 hour test. They will prick my finger at 8AM 9AM and 10AM. I am really nervous about the pain b/c my finger still hurts and I can't imagine every finger being bruised and hurt. I told Marcos if that happens he will have to wash my hair for me b/c it was very difficult with just one finger being hurt but more then one. Oh my!

On a brighter note we got to see Natalie. And not only did we get to see Natalie but we have friends in HIGH places. And we got to see Natalie in 4D! It was such an incredible moment. I got see her sweet little face. Her lips which the sonogram lady says, "Wow, she has such full lips". I look a M instantly b/c he has the full lips, not me. She looked just perfect, of course. So perfect, my heart melted. This has been the first time in 26 weeks that my heart actually melts over Natalie. Of course, I've been elated and happy that she is coming and that she is a girl and getting to see her in sonograms but seeing her in 4D was a whole other thing. It really gave me a sense of who she is and looks like. I am really ready for her arrival now.

I've been working on things in her room. Next week I will make the crib skirt to her bed. It's going to be super shabby chic cute. I just finished making some really unique hanging letters of her name. I didn't paint them, I'm not a painter. But I saw some letters done with paper in Oxford selling 14.99 a letter and I knew I could make them myself. And well, I did and they look even better than the ones that I even considered buying.

It's St. Paddy's day weekend and we will be heading to Hal & Mal's Parade in Jackson. I'm looking forward to that. I've gotten a better self image of myself being pregnant which is good, I don't feel fat but I feel pregnant. Ha.

Next week, I start back teaching Mon-Thursday nights from 5-7pm. We are taking Maternity pics on Tuesday. The next two weeks will go by fast. And before I know it will be in April! =) I can't believe it. Getting closer.

It's MARCH -- March Madness!

It is MARCH!

March Madness for sure! It've gotten through week 23 w/o Marcos while he was in Brazil. My hormones seems to be back on track and no more crying spells! According to Babycenter I have entered the 6th month until week 27 and then I will begin my 3rd trimester!

Marcos came back with a TON of baby stuff for Natalie. Some of the things are so special because it's from Brazil and handmade. I will take pics and post them soon!

We are starting to PAINT the nursery this week!! I can't wait! I am over and beyond filled with excitement. The walls will be PINK and it will be fit for a PRINCESS. Duuh. Ha. Things have been going great these 2 weeks in comparison to the past 2 weeks.

Here are some of the few things Marcos bought for Natalie while in Brazil. The dresses on hangers and the shoes were all his doings. The dresses on the floor were from his friend and family and Daisy Stelling's mother made the two bibs. I just love them! They are so special to me! There are some fancy little bloomers, Marcos just loved and bought. And then the onies were from friends. =)

Then began the NURSERY! Painting! Here is how it started...

And here it is the finished painted product. There is still so much to do. I have to figure out what color I am goign to paint the inside of the shelves next to the window. I need to pick out the curtains, roller shades, and some curtains to go in front of the roller shade (similar to the one used in the photos..that was just a prop curtain, it has to return to the living room). And of course wall art and stuff. I have a Crystal chandlier we will hang in the far right corner of the room next to the window. Under that will be the Swivel/Glider/Rocking chair we purchased from Playpen and will be arriving in 6 weeks. I am so happy to see the transformation. It officially looks like a baby girl's room.

Bah Humbug! Emotional!

After my wonderful week at the Beau Rivage celebrating our "Halfway" mark, I've been totally emotional the past 2 weeks!

Week 21 -

Let's Cry on Valentine's Day Date Night, February 11th!

It was a great Valentine's week because my husband is so awesome and made it so special. He made reservations at a restaurant called, "Ely's" in Ridgeland. It was delicous. Maybe it was because I was hungry or maybe it was really good. All I know is that the seafood dip is now something I will use as a crutch "I'm craving, seafood dip from Ely's" a lot now, honey. =) And I am 100% sure I will get it too.

The morning of the big date night I went on a mission to find a hot red dress. Well, that was a mistake. I started picking up dress sizes I could normally wear. I marched into the dressing room and couldn't get half these dresses of my newly blossomed watermelons. I was really upset. In my mind, I kept thinking I looked fine, I hadn't gained to much weight, I'm still the same size. Well girls (never been preggo girls, like me until now), let me tell you -your body does change, I mean, of course you get a stomach and of course your chest gets bigger, but with all those little changes you have now gone up atleast 3 or 4 sizes just to accomadate them. It's shocking to say the least.

I finally found a dress that seemed to flatter my new figure. I got home and started getting ready. The whole time I kept crying. Crying crying crying.... one big cry baby. It was really ridiculous, I'd tell myself, stop crying you look fine but it didn't help. Marcos got home ready and excited for our date only to find me crying. I explain to him I went and tried on all these dresses and no of them fit me, and that it just wasn't fun. He just laughed and kept telling me I was being silly and that I looked "beautiful" of course. So, I finally got a grip of myself and tried to focus on my sweet husband, who had made plans for the night and that I needed to enjoy it, so I did.

February 12 - The snow storm!

It was so incredible to wake up to a white winter wonderland! That is exactly what it was! I put on my snow boots and made a day of it outside. It was great! I was feeling a lot better about the new me - maybe that was because I had a big ole jacket on and I really didn't care about what I looked like. =) That day didn't last long.

February 13 - A cry baby doesn't deserve to go to Chuck E Cheese -

My friend, Sara, had a birthday party planned for her little girl, Eden. She is the sweetest little girl ever! M and I just love her. During the weeks Sara and I hang out and I bring Audrey, my niece along, who is 4, to play and entertain Eden. They have a blast. Well, Friday night Audrey had told Marcos that she bought a barbie for Eden and wanted HIM to pick her up and take her to the Birthday party.

Saturday morning at 830AM, I get a phone call and it is Audrey, "I'm waiting for Marcos". Ha. So, we get up and get ready to take her to the party.

I tried to find something to wear which begins the crying session all over again. I cry and cry uncontrolably about how I have nothing to wear, I hate the cold and I feel like a giant marshmellow. Once again, M laughs at me and tells me I look super cute and he loves the pink shirt. I could care less about his opinion at this point because I am an official marshmellow. I put my makeup on crying. I walked to the car crying. M finally says, he'll take me to buy a shirt that that will make me not feel like a marshmellow. This news distracts and I start focusing on what it is that I would like to buy. We pick Audrey up and take her to Chuck E Cheese. M and Audrey had a blast. Actually M had the most fun winning 850 tickets for Audrey playing one game over and over again. My afternoon got better as I had forgotten about the whole morning and was hungry and ready for lunch and then what I'd eat for dinner. =) I never got a shirt that day, I had forgotten about it all.

Week 22 - Leaving a on a Jet Plane

Sunday and Monday I basically spent the entire day crying because my husband was leaving to Brazil. I couldn't sleep Sunday night, woke up at 4AM and sat in the living room crying as Sophi starred at me. It was ridiculous, I just can't help the crying. I seriously tried hard to breathe and not think about anything and smile, but it just keeps coming.

 Monday, M hated seeing me so upset, he even said he wouldn't go. But, I explained to him I was fine and that it was ok to go and I couldn't control my crying and he'd have to just ignore it that I would cry the entire way to the airport. And I did.

I'm not sure when the cyring spells will end, maybe it is that time of the month for me or something and that is why I acting so irrational. But, I do hope it goes away because my eyes are super tired and they've been burning now for like 4 days.

I've got a Dr. appointment tomorrow - Wednesday. I'm excited to hear Natalies, heart beat. Even though I feel her constantly and M got to feel her alot Sunday night before he left. He was excited about that.

I'm looking forward to week 23/24 hoping the tears will be away and my hubby will be back home!

Above is a photo of the "winnie

the pooh" room. It's been like that

since we moved in. We will be getting

rid of the pooh room and turning it

PINK!

Big News!

On Tuesday during the day I noticed that Natalie's movements were stronger. I decided I'd lay down a bit and see if I can see the movement from the outside. You see, I have been feeling her move since like 14 weeks but nothing strong or noticeable to the eye or able to feel.

To my surprise, I could see the movement. I was so excited, I even turned to the left of me as if M was laying next to me to share in the excitement. Well, he was at work. But I was so excited. I texted him immediately to inform him of the big movement. He was excited but skeptical because in the past I've tried to let him see if he can feel her and he hasn't, only I have been able to feel her (I mean, she is inside of me, LoL).

So, last night we layed in bed and I watched TV while M played a game on the laptop. All of sudden she started moving. I tried to stay quiet so she wouldn't hear me because sometimes she gets quiet if I start talking. I tapped him hard and pointed to my stomach trying not to move a muscle. Then BAMN! M's hand flew off me and he screams, "Whooa! I really felt that!" Haha. Yep, he sure did. He was so excited and I was even more excited for him. It was a really cool moment.

She has continued to be stronger and I feel her easier and easier. I think this last 20 weeks should be fun!

On an OFF note, Marcos has decided to visit his family in Brazil. Am I ok with it? Well, it's his family he has to see them, just think his family shouldn't be pushing him to visit but telling him to stay w/ me and they should be visiting us. But, that is another story. He will be leaving on Monday.

19 - 20 Weeks!

The 19th week was just pure bliss. All day long I thought about girl things. Girl accesories, girl colors, girly girl girl things! I want my nursery to fit a "Princess" because that is exactly what she is - Our Princess! We are going for something elegant and pink. I battled a while on what to do: bright, bold, funky, cool, but then the more I thought about it for me, that wasn't it. This is my first baby! My first baby GIRL! And with that being said, I wanted her to be a baby, a sweet, innocent princess. I will have her whole life to go bold, bright, cool or funky but right now, it will be sweet. It's be fun! What is really fun is my husband, M. He is all about it. It is so cute, when we go shopping now he is the first to find the frilliest, girliest, pink thing and say, "Ohh we got to get her this!" LoL. I love it!

20 weeks and HALFWAY there!

Marcos and I decided to celebrate our HALFWAY point. We booked a night at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS. We went to the outlet mall where we shopped and shopped! It was so fun. We got Natalie the cutest little booties and a diaper bag with her name on it. Marcos found a teeny tiny swimsuit that he just had to get Natalie. ;)

That evening we had a couples massage booked at the Beau Rivage Spa. It was awesome. Just like on TV when they have couple massages however, they are usually talking to each other the entire time but for Marcos and I, no talking was needed. It was so quiet. We were so relaxed there was not one thing I had to say to him, I just wanted to enjoy it. And that is what we did!

After the massage, we went up to our rooms and took a little nap. Got up and dressed for the BIG SUPER Bowl! We walked down to hotel Casino to find a place to watch and it but it was really smoke in there and I just couldn't bare it. So, we left the Casino and went to Beef O Brady's. The food was HORRIBLE! I can see why they shut down the one in Madison. But, the atmosphere was GREAT! Saint fans everywhere- hooting and hollaring. It really made the game experience so exciting. But what toped it off was that the SAINT Won! I just knew they were going to win though, they had to win. We were celebrating our HALFWAY point, 20 weeks and what better memory of the Beau Rivage then the Saints winning on our trip! It was the best little trip we've taken thus far. Marcos wants to do it all more often, and I won't complain.