Not much of anything new has been going on in my life... which is a good thing. Between working full-time, managing Christopher and baby girl, doctors appointments, balancing the house (cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, maintaining our budget) life has been fairly busy. Long gone are the days when I would go to the mall and buy a new outfit, or share an evening with Alfonso that included movie and sushi for dinner. The focus of my life has shifted to my family instead of me, myself and I.

I wonder how much of our lives will change with a new baby in the house. I remember those first few months of Christopher's life, when he required our complete attention. I fear that I will not be able to serve my duties as a wife; keeping the house in order, making sure Alfonso and Christopher are managing well, along with taking care of the baby. I can't even imagine going grocery shopping and running errands with a 1 year old and an infant. I will have to keep Christopher strapped into a grocery cart, and the baby strapped to my chest in a carrier. Thankfully we have our niece here, so she will be able to help us out.

On a lighter note, Christopher will be 9 months this Wednesday, March 19th. I will be turning 29 on the same day. Christopher is doing quite a bit of scooting around the floor. He has this funny little scoot where he rolls onto his right shoulder and pushes off the floor with his feet. He reminds of a wounded soldier crossing a battlefield. He now has four teeth, and will happily put any objects into his mouth and chew on them. He really enjoys walking around with the assistance of Alfonso, and complains when we cannot walk him around the house 24/7. He has filled out quite a bit these three months, so we are curious to see how much he weighs at his 9 month appointment. Baby girl is moving quite a bit, and is growing to be very big. I hope that I don't have another 8 1/2 pounder, but we will see!

Until next time!

23 weeks and counting

Today I had my OB appointment with my doctor. Overall it went well (usually the appointments are brief and to the point). According to my ultrasound with the perinatologist, my due date is June 30th instead of July 4th. It's not much of a difference between due dates, but I really do believe that this baby will be born in June!

I've been having quite a bit of leg discomfort, especially in my thighs. I think I may be starting to have varicose veins, so tomorrow I am going to the pharmacy for Teds stockings. Working on my feet 12 hrs a day, three times a week definitely has it's toll on my body.

Christopher is doing well as usual. He now has three teeth (two on the bottom and one on top). He enjoys playing on the floor with his toys, and is starting to scooch around a bit with his arms. He also enjoys walking (with assistance) around the house and really enjoys his exersauser. With all of this activity, he is very tired and takes a morning and afternoon nap. We are so lucky that he sleeps so well. I am holding my breath for the next baby, but I don't think that we will be as lucky!

Here are a few pics from this weekend. Last Saturday we went downtown and watched part of the LA Marathon and then went to eat Birria (goat) at a Mexican restaurant. Yum!

Stroller advice!

Question to those moms out there with children that are close in age.. What kind of stroller do you recommend? Since Christopher will be turning a year when the baby is born, I am going to need a stroller that will carry both babies. Preferably the tandem kind (I can't imagine navigating an extra-wide double stroller through doorways and store aisles). I have seen the Graco duo-glider, but what other brands are out there? Also, I would like to be able to have the infant seat snap into the stroller, so I wouldn't have to wake a sleeping baby!

Ultrasound!

Yesterday we had our ultrasound with the perinatologist. The baby is healthy.. and we are having a girl! The doctor seemd quite sure of himself, so hopefully we will not be mistaken.

We are so happy to be having a son and a daughter. I am already checking out the little girl clothes!

Mama!

Christopher has learned how to say mama! It's very exciting and cool. He has said it a few times now, mostly when he wants my attention (like when he wants to be picked up). He is getting better at taking his naps in the crib. Before, he was used to being fed and then being held while he napped. We quickly broke him of that habit and now we lay him down in his crib when he starts to get cranky. He will play with his toys for a few minutes and then fall asleep. Usually he sleeps for 30-60 minutes, in the morning and afternoon. Overall, he is a very good baby.

Next week we are going to the perinatologist for the big ultrasound. We should be able to see the sex by then. I can't wait! Ultrasounds are always a lot of fun. :)

Here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure:

Little shark tooth

Christopher is cutting his first tooth! I realized it the other day after seeing a white speck on his lower gum line. I had him suck (chew rather) on my pinkie finger and I felt a sharp little tooth gnawing on me. He has been chewing on everything for the last month, but this week has been especially bad! He enjoys chewing on furniture and the plastic on his carseat. I guess whatever works to alleviate the pain!

I've had so much fun with him these last few days. Today we went to the Farmer's Market down the street with Ilsa and Carla. We also took a nice, long walk in the CA sunshine (it's in the 60's here) and tried out new carseats at Babies. Tomorrow is open with the exception of me cleaning the living room and upstairs bathroom. Otherwise, more walks and smiles! :)

Just like old times...

Alfonso left yesterday to take his mom back to Georgia. So, it's just me and Christopher at home now. It's been an enjoyable two days; we've gone to the mall with our friends Elsa and Carla (Carla is Elsa's daughter), went on walks in the stroller, and today we went to Trader Joe's for groceries. Tonight we have an invitation to join Elsa and Carla for dinner in their new apartment, so it should be fun.

I enjoy spending my days with Christopher. He has grown so much in these few months! He can now sit up by himself and occupy himself with his toys. It's been such a joy to watch him grow and change. He currently has a fascination with my hair, he loves pulling on it and putting it into his mouth. I caught him the other day trying to pull himself up to standing position while he was in the crib, so we'll be lowering the crib soon. Still saying lots of dada's and baba's, but still no mama's!

I still wake up during the night "looking" for him in my sleep. I do better when he is upstairs with me in bed. It seems that I sleep better when he is nearby; I guess it's my motherly instincts kicking in.

Baby #2 is doing well. We are seeing the perinatologist next month for an ultrasound, so we hope to find out the sex then! Till next time...