People say the strangest things when you are pregnant. I have pretty much gotten used to the steady stream of comments that I recieve from co-workers and strangers. I realize that people are excited to see a pregnant woman and want to comment on it, but a degree of filtration would be appreciated.
For example, earlier today I was at Walmart looking for a mirror for the entranceway downstairs. As I am walking through the store, I realize that people are looking at me but I ignore their stares. That was until a woman approached me and asked me how far along I was. I said that I was 35 weeks. The woman then asked how many months that was (I guess not understanding that 35 weeks/4 equals 8 and 3/4 months). I told her that I would be starting my 9th month next week, so I am almost a full 8 months. She then proceeded to tell me that I am looking very big and wondered if this was my first. I told her that the baby was indeed my first. She once again exclaimed that I didn't look as big as other women, but I was sure looking big. I didn't say thank you, but just kind of half smiled and made a quick right down the bread aisle.
Before the comments I would recieve from my co-workers would annoy me. I understand they mean well, but it became annoying pretty early on. Nothing against my Filopino co-workers, but some of their superstitions and beliefs are a little strange.
Such as:
Co-worker: Are you sure that you are having a boy?
Me: Yes, it has been confirmed twice now through ultrasound.
Co-worker: We thought that you were having a girl because you became more beautiful.
Hmm.. would I become ugly if I was having a boy?
This was last week:
Co-worker: Can you still drive?
Me: Yeah, I don't have any difficulty driving.
Co-worker: Your stomach isn't touching the steering wheel?
Only if I drove with the steering wheel up to my chin!
Then of course the usual weekly comments that I am getting so big. I can't help that Christopher is gaining weight and growing. However, I know that I am getting bigger, so I am used to hearing that comment. It's just annoying to hear it multiple times everytime I work (from the same people).
Perhaps it's a cultural thing, but can't people follow the old saying of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"?
On a more positive note, most people are very polite and helpful. When I am out in public, I do recieve a lot of attention. While at the store, I have gotten into several conversations with women my age on raising children. Also, my patients and family members are very supportive and interested in hearing about my pregnancy. And I can't forget my dear husband, who continuously tells me how beautiful I look no matter how I feel. My family and friends have been amazing as well; supporting me through phone calls, emails, and words of understanding.
Thank you everyone!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Christopher has a middle name!
We have come full circle on this matter- we have finally chosen a middle name for Christopher. Choosing the first name was very easy for us, I think Alfonso liked it because Christopher means bearer of Christ. However, the middle name has taken quite a bit longer. Last night Alfonso called me from work, and during our conversation he mentioned that he would like the baby to be called Christopher Alfonso. Finally, after months and months of deliberation we have settled on a name that we both like. I originally wanted the baby to be called Christopher Alfonso back in December, and this was before we had found out that we were having a boy! I even mention it from my December 10th blog post "So we might have a little Christopher Alfonso after all. :)" This was in reference to wondering if we were having a boy or a girl. At the time I had a feeling that it would be a boy.
yaaay! :)
yaaay! :)
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Week 34
We are getting closer and closer to our due date. I can officially tell people that I am due next month! I have another 5 shifts left at St Joe's and then I am going on maternity leave. I can't wait to leave work- it's starting to become too much with all the moving around that I have to do. Not to mention I am extremely clumsy and always dropping stuff on the floor. My patients and family members (along with my co-workers) have been very understanding.
We are having our baby shower on Sunday, May 20th. It will be at the clubhouse in our neighborhood. The baby shower will be informal with BBQ and a dish to pass. There will be seating indoors and outdoors (it will likely be very warm). Brandy and Julie are helping out as well, so I feel better about that.
Today we were expecting our bookcase (currently we have all of the books in the baby's room) but we were unable to pick it up at the store. The stock room had too much stuff in the way, and there was no way to pull out the bookcase without removing the other items. Also, the store did not have anyone to help Alfonso with moving the items (the only employee there was a woman) so we are going to have it delivered it to us next week for free. We were both disappointed, since we were expecting to have it arrive today and then we were going to put the baby furniture together. I guess it will have to wait until next week.
At this moment, Christopher is moving like crazy. He is normally quite active, but today he has been especially busy. Here is an update on Christopher's development:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is probably almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her central nervous system is still maturing and her lungs are well developed by now. If you've been nervous about going into preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that 99 percent of babies this age can survive outside the womb — and most have no major long-term problems related to prematurity. (This is according to babycenter.com)
We are having our baby shower on Sunday, May 20th. It will be at the clubhouse in our neighborhood. The baby shower will be informal with BBQ and a dish to pass. There will be seating indoors and outdoors (it will likely be very warm). Brandy and Julie are helping out as well, so I feel better about that.
Today we were expecting our bookcase (currently we have all of the books in the baby's room) but we were unable to pick it up at the store. The stock room had too much stuff in the way, and there was no way to pull out the bookcase without removing the other items. Also, the store did not have anyone to help Alfonso with moving the items (the only employee there was a woman) so we are going to have it delivered it to us next week for free. We were both disappointed, since we were expecting to have it arrive today and then we were going to put the baby furniture together. I guess it will have to wait until next week.
At this moment, Christopher is moving like crazy. He is normally quite active, but today he has been especially busy. Here is an update on Christopher's development:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is probably almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her central nervous system is still maturing and her lungs are well developed by now. If you've been nervous about going into preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that 99 percent of babies this age can survive outside the womb — and most have no major long-term problems related to prematurity. (This is according to babycenter.com)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
33 weeks
We've been quite busy these last two weeks. It seems like we have something going on everyday; between doctors appointments, baby classes, house stuff and preparing for our wedding.
We officially married last week on Thursday, April 19th. We had our good friends Brandy, Dennis, Diego, and Julie attend the ceremony. The ceremony was in Beverly Hills at the courthouse and afterwards we celebrated at a spanish restaurant called La Paella. The ceremony itself was quite short (but sweet) and afterwards we took photos.
The day before the wedding, we bought our rings in the jewelry district in Los Angeles. A couple of days before the wedding, I bought a new dress at Motherhood Maternity and had my nails done as well. I also bought new silver sandles from Aldo, since all of my dressy shoes have heels.
I am still waiting for the official marriage certificate to come in the mail, so I have not changed my name. I am thinking about keeping my maiden name, but having it as my middle name. I would have two middle names and then Valencia as my last name.
Here are some photos from our wedding:
Alfonso and Diego
Exchange of rings
Us with Diego and Julie
Myself with Brandy and Julie
We recieved a beautiful vase from Diego and Julie, along with a photo scrapbook of our wedding made by Julie. The scrapbook is really nice, and I look at it at least once a day. My parents sent us flowers along with a card. The flowers are in the new vase and it looks really beautiful. We also recieved a card and money from our good friend Ro and his wife, and then the other day we got a card and money from my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Mike.
This weekend my good friends Lenny and Luba are driving down from San Francisco to come visit us. I am so excited to see them! I haven't seen them since September, and this will be the first time that Luba and Alfonso will meet.
I have another three weeks of work left (6 shifts) and I am literally counting down the days. Work has been fairly decent, but I am experiencing quite a bit of back and joint pain. Alfonso is helpful with easing the lower back pain with his massages. I have also been taking baths to help ease some of the muscle tension. Generally I feel large and clumsy. I am still sleeping well, so I am thankful for that.
The other day I had a doctors visit, and she confirmed through ultrasound that the baby is head down. Hopefully he will stay that way and not flip back over. My OB doctor told me that I look great and so far everything is looking normal. She prescribed me iron tablets to help with anemia, especially after the delivery.
How your baby's growing:This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and measures 17.2 inches from the top of his head to his heels. His skin is becoming less red and wrinkled, and while most of his bones are hardening, his skull is quite pliable and not completely joined. This will help him ease out of your relatively narrow birth canal.
We officially married last week on Thursday, April 19th. We had our good friends Brandy, Dennis, Diego, and Julie attend the ceremony. The ceremony was in Beverly Hills at the courthouse and afterwards we celebrated at a spanish restaurant called La Paella. The ceremony itself was quite short (but sweet) and afterwards we took photos.
The day before the wedding, we bought our rings in the jewelry district in Los Angeles. A couple of days before the wedding, I bought a new dress at Motherhood Maternity and had my nails done as well. I also bought new silver sandles from Aldo, since all of my dressy shoes have heels.
I am still waiting for the official marriage certificate to come in the mail, so I have not changed my name. I am thinking about keeping my maiden name, but having it as my middle name. I would have two middle names and then Valencia as my last name.
Here are some photos from our wedding:
Alfonso and Diego
Exchange of rings
Us with Diego and Julie
Myself with Brandy and Julie
We recieved a beautiful vase from Diego and Julie, along with a photo scrapbook of our wedding made by Julie. The scrapbook is really nice, and I look at it at least once a day. My parents sent us flowers along with a card. The flowers are in the new vase and it looks really beautiful. We also recieved a card and money from our good friend Ro and his wife, and then the other day we got a card and money from my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Mike.
This weekend my good friends Lenny and Luba are driving down from San Francisco to come visit us. I am so excited to see them! I haven't seen them since September, and this will be the first time that Luba and Alfonso will meet.
I have another three weeks of work left (6 shifts) and I am literally counting down the days. Work has been fairly decent, but I am experiencing quite a bit of back and joint pain. Alfonso is helpful with easing the lower back pain with his massages. I have also been taking baths to help ease some of the muscle tension. Generally I feel large and clumsy. I am still sleeping well, so I am thankful for that.
The other day I had a doctors visit, and she confirmed through ultrasound that the baby is head down. Hopefully he will stay that way and not flip back over. My OB doctor told me that I look great and so far everything is looking normal. She prescribed me iron tablets to help with anemia, especially after the delivery.
How your baby's growing:This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and measures 17.2 inches from the top of his head to his heels. His skin is becoming less red and wrinkled, and while most of his bones are hardening, his skull is quite pliable and not completely joined. This will help him ease out of your relatively narrow birth canal.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tomorrow I will be starting my 31st week. I can hardly believe that we are almost to the end. In some ways this pregnancy has gone by quickly, but in other ways it has been slow. I've been feeling pretty good lately. I've been having some mid back pain, but this week I have felt better. I went to go see my OB doctor on Tuesday. She said everything looked good and that whatever I am doing to keep doing. Now I will be going every two weeks X3, then every week until the baby is delivered.
My blood count from last month looked normal, but she wrote me a prescription for iron tablets because women generally become more anemic in the 3rd trimester and I will loose blood during the delivery. I asked her if she could tell where the baby was positioned due to the movements I have been feeling lately. When she palpated my abdomen, she thought that he was lying head down but couldn't really tell because he is still pretty small. I think that he has his head down, because occasionally I will feel his head turn from one side to the other in my pelvic region, especially when I am sitting upright. Also, when he is super active, he will kick and I can see two different sides of my upper abdomen going up and down. Christopher's waking hours seem to be in the evening when I am watching television, at night when I am trying to fall asleep or in the morning when I am finished with breakfast.
I am still waiting for my desk to arrive from Pottery Barn. It was supposed to come on Tuesday, but they had to reorder it because it had been damaged during the delivery. So, we are still typing on our laps, and the printer remains on the floor in the guest room. This weekend Alfonso is going to paint the guest bedroom. I hope it turns out ok. We chose a light green in hopes that it will look nice with the cream/white colored carpet. We still need to buy a bookcase for all of our books, but it's not a big priority at this moment.
Lately I've been checking out craig's list for baby items. There are some items that I do not need brand new since the baby will grow out of it so quickly. The other day I bought a Baby Bjorn carrier and Snugglenest for $65 total from this woman in Marina del Rey. Brand new, these items would have cost $180. Now I am looking at a second infant car seat base that normally costs $40, but a family in Van Nuys is selling it for $10. Next I have my eyes set on mini co-sleeper (it's like a bassinet that is connected to the side of the bed) that normally runs $120, but is being sold for $60 by a family in Chatsworth. After I have bought my mini co-sleeper, I think I am set for now. My parents bought us our car seat and stroller (which I prefer to have new and we can also use it for another child later on) and I am waiting for it to be delivered.
I am still working by two days a week (24 hrs), but I will be taking maternity leave at 36 weeks. Work is really exhausting for me, not only are the night hours are hard on me, but the running around is getting to be difficult. Alfonso has been working a lot lately, so that we are prepared for when the baby comes. He worked extra last night and is going to be working extra tonight.
Overall we are doing well. :) Until next time.
Love, Becky
My blood count from last month looked normal, but she wrote me a prescription for iron tablets because women generally become more anemic in the 3rd trimester and I will loose blood during the delivery. I asked her if she could tell where the baby was positioned due to the movements I have been feeling lately. When she palpated my abdomen, she thought that he was lying head down but couldn't really tell because he is still pretty small. I think that he has his head down, because occasionally I will feel his head turn from one side to the other in my pelvic region, especially when I am sitting upright. Also, when he is super active, he will kick and I can see two different sides of my upper abdomen going up and down. Christopher's waking hours seem to be in the evening when I am watching television, at night when I am trying to fall asleep or in the morning when I am finished with breakfast.
I am still waiting for my desk to arrive from Pottery Barn. It was supposed to come on Tuesday, but they had to reorder it because it had been damaged during the delivery. So, we are still typing on our laps, and the printer remains on the floor in the guest room. This weekend Alfonso is going to paint the guest bedroom. I hope it turns out ok. We chose a light green in hopes that it will look nice with the cream/white colored carpet. We still need to buy a bookcase for all of our books, but it's not a big priority at this moment.
Lately I've been checking out craig's list for baby items. There are some items that I do not need brand new since the baby will grow out of it so quickly. The other day I bought a Baby Bjorn carrier and Snugglenest for $65 total from this woman in Marina del Rey. Brand new, these items would have cost $180. Now I am looking at a second infant car seat base that normally costs $40, but a family in Van Nuys is selling it for $10. Next I have my eyes set on mini co-sleeper (it's like a bassinet that is connected to the side of the bed) that normally runs $120, but is being sold for $60 by a family in Chatsworth. After I have bought my mini co-sleeper, I think I am set for now. My parents bought us our car seat and stroller (which I prefer to have new and we can also use it for another child later on) and I am waiting for it to be delivered.
I am still working by two days a week (24 hrs), but I will be taking maternity leave at 36 weeks. Work is really exhausting for me, not only are the night hours are hard on me, but the running around is getting to be difficult. Alfonso has been working a lot lately, so that we are prepared for when the baby comes. He worked extra last night and is going to be working extra tonight.
Overall we are doing well. :) Until next time.
Love, Becky
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Our weekend together
I started to feel kind of punky last week and ended up getting sick over the weekend. I just had a lot of sinus congestion, sore throat, fever and body achiness. I called off from work Friday and Saturday and spent my time resting and with Alfonso. Alfonso painted the baby's room this weekend, so it was quite productive. We are both really excited and happy with the finished product and hope to start decorating it in the next month or two. Hopefully our baby furniture will arrive in the next couple of weeks.
We went to Costco on Saturday and bought $300 worth of toilet paper, diaper wipes, zip lock baggies, dish washing soap, dish pads, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotion, razor blades, gum, and other sorts of items. We also bought two lbs of crab meat that was $10/pound. We had quite a feast Saturday night; this was the most crab that we had ever eaten. It was literally coming off in chunks. It was sooo good. Here are some photos of our crab feast:
At night time I like to light candles on top of the mantle. My sister gave me a little statue of a pregnant woman for my birthday that I have sitting on the mantle. When I light the candles, the pregnant woman statue creates a shadow on the wall. It looks really cool. Here is a photo of her:
We went to Costco on Saturday and bought $300 worth of toilet paper, diaper wipes, zip lock baggies, dish washing soap, dish pads, toothbrushes, shampoo, lotion, razor blades, gum, and other sorts of items. We also bought two lbs of crab meat that was $10/pound. We had quite a feast Saturday night; this was the most crab that we had ever eaten. It was literally coming off in chunks. It was sooo good. Here are some photos of our crab feast:
At night time I like to light candles on top of the mantle. My sister gave me a little statue of a pregnant woman for my birthday that I have sitting on the mantle. When I light the candles, the pregnant woman statue creates a shadow on the wall. It looks really cool. Here is a photo of her:
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
28 weeks and counting
We are officially into our third trimester! Yaaaay! However, I am starting to experience some aches and pains that I didn't have before. Since last week, I've been having quite a bit of lower back pain. I think it's due to my expanding belly and the stretching of my abdominal and pelvic muscles. These muscles no longer support my back as well as they used to. I've been taking Tylenol, (which does not help at all) warm baths, and wearing my belly/back brace for support. I have another 8-9 weeks left of work, and I just want to make it to the end.
I chose some paint samples for the babies room last week. I am thinking of a neutral/sandy tone to go with the dark cherry color of the furniture. Our crib and dresser should be arriving in mid-April. I've been researching glider chairs, and I am going to check out a couple more today.
Last week was my 28th birthday. My parents sent us newborn and 3 month t-shirts, 2 bath towels with hoods, and baby socks. We also recieved a hand made quilt from my mom's sister Sue. The quilt is amazing- with designs inprinted from the baby cards that my mom had when she was born. Along the pink border is an inscription that reads "To the most precious baby in the whole world. You are loved. From your great aunt Sue." The quilt is very sturdy and will be able to withstand washings and other forms of use.
This is what is going on with the baby developmentally:
Your baby's head is in proportion with body now. He appears more like a newborn each and every day! Fat continues to accumulate under the skin -- only now preparing for entering the *real world*. Your baby's brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures. His eyes can move in their sockets. Soon he will be able to follow a blinking light. Your baby is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell! Various studies show that your baby may indicate preferences (or disdain) for particular tastes or odors at this stage. He is also moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, he will move to the head down birthing position. At times you may feel as if he is performing somersaults for a circus act! Her length is now approximately 15.2 inches (38.6cm) and weight is 2.54 pounds (1153gm)
At 18 weeks and 28 weeks. What will 38 weeks look like?
I chose some paint samples for the babies room last week. I am thinking of a neutral/sandy tone to go with the dark cherry color of the furniture. Our crib and dresser should be arriving in mid-April. I've been researching glider chairs, and I am going to check out a couple more today.
Last week was my 28th birthday. My parents sent us newborn and 3 month t-shirts, 2 bath towels with hoods, and baby socks. We also recieved a hand made quilt from my mom's sister Sue. The quilt is amazing- with designs inprinted from the baby cards that my mom had when she was born. Along the pink border is an inscription that reads "To the most precious baby in the whole world. You are loved. From your great aunt Sue." The quilt is very sturdy and will be able to withstand washings and other forms of use.
This is what is going on with the baby developmentally:
Your baby's head is in proportion with body now. He appears more like a newborn each and every day! Fat continues to accumulate under the skin -- only now preparing for entering the *real world*. Your baby's brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures. His eyes can move in their sockets. Soon he will be able to follow a blinking light. Your baby is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell! Various studies show that your baby may indicate preferences (or disdain) for particular tastes or odors at this stage. He is also moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, he will move to the head down birthing position. At times you may feel as if he is performing somersaults for a circus act! Her length is now approximately 15.2 inches (38.6cm) and weight is 2.54 pounds (1153gm)
At 18 weeks and 28 weeks. What will 38 weeks look like?
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