Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right. ~Henry Ford

The mind is a powerful thing!  I really love this quote, because it is so true.  You have to believe in yourself and trust that you can do what you set your mind on.  Just some food for thought.
Another day; another dollar. Or in this case, another week; another dollar. Hehe.  Really can’t believe August is almost over, but am really happy that it’s starting to cool down.  Makes a big difference with my energy level and comfort. Bring on my favorite time of the year: Fall/Winter!  It’s kinda silly, but when Rob and I talk about baby Sofia being here…I get really excited thinking about how she will arrive at the best time. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Can’t wait to get in the holiday spirit and dress her all cute-like. Ohemgeeee!

It’s been a great week. I finally got the nursery organized and looking good.  I’m sure it will change when she is actually here, but I needed some sort of order in there. It was crazy overwhelming. Rob and I had an awesome time on our mini staycation.  Nice change of scenery, prenatal massage, and pool time. Oh man, you better believe our next house will have a pool when we decide to have baby #2.  It was so nice to take the pressure off my back and other achy parts of my body.
Sooo the other day when I was talking to Rob about his “pregnancy craving” of bean & cheese burritos, he says, “At this rate, I’ll be gaining a pound per week!”  I guess we are truly in this together, since I’m supposed to also gain a pound per week.  Let me just say that, not only is pregnancy challenging for the mother, but it can take a toll on the father too!  I have to give Rob a lot of credit for rolling with the punches these last 6 months (when symptoms began).  From the 94 days of all day nausea every.single.day, where he encouraged me on a daily basis and made sure I was eating when I couldn’t or bringing me water when I was unable to stumble out of bed, most recently, making sure I’m always comfortable, giving me massages, and brewing my pregnancy tea.  He has truly been whatever was needed of him: a cook, nurse, maid, therapist, husband, best friend, and advocate.  I feel so honored and blessed that he will be by my side when D-day comes. I could go on about this man, really. But all the sentimental, mushy stuff will probably make you gag (or cry)! Hehe. Aaaand I need to save some for later, of course.

Just a quick note:  Wrist guards really do help the numbness and stiffness in my fingers at night, whodathunkit?! Baby is really adjusting her position.  Her butt has been backing up under my ribs, so it’s a little uncomfortable sitting up straight.  I think her entire body is on my right side; it looks crazy!  Lastly, this is the 2^nd week I’ve been drinking a pregnancy tea (from my OB and highly recommended by my doula) about 3x per day.  Just preparing my body and giving it an extra boost to take on this med-free birth. I’ll talk more deets (details) on another post.  Time for the fun preggers facts!
How far along: 33 weeks 3 days
Baby is the size of a: pineapple! (17 inches and approx 4.25 lbs)
Total weight gain: 38 lbs
Maternity clothes: non-maternity comfy skirts and comfy tank tops.
Stretch marks? Just a few, I’ve been lucky considering!
Sleep: Not bad. Many potty breaks and I’ve broken in the wrist guards and they really help the carpal tunnel. Hallelujah
Best moment this week: Hangin in the wave pool/lazy river @ AZ Grand Resort. felt soo nice!
Miss Anything? Just feeling like myself, hard to explain unless you’ve been there. Am I right ladies?
Movement: Yes! It’s different lately. Instead of hard mini kicks, I feel bigger movements, like she is trying to get comfy and adjust herself. Her butt gets backed up into my ribs sometimes, yowza!
Food cravings: Pizza (duh) Nature Valley Granola Bars. Does Pita Jungle count?
Anything making you queasy or sick: not in particular, some mornings I feel icky. Not as bad lately
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope, but a really full bladder feels like a damn Braxton Hick (WTH?!)
Symptoms: the usual: back aches, arm/leg cramps, pelvic pressure(ow!), carpal tunnel, a little tummy ickiness, burps and fatigue. More and more fatigue. zzzz
Belly Button in or out? Kinda flat, almost out?
Wedding rings on or off? Off. don't remind me! hehe
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!
Looking forward to: cooler weather, pretty please? Rob coming home from his man trip on Sunday. getting through the home stretch and holding our little babe!
Here's to hoping this week goes by quick! Even though Beyonce would be proud of this independent woman, I still know I'm gonna miss my mans. Hmmph!

Until next week,
lex

PS
I almost forgot! Baby girl got the hiccups for the 1st time (that I could feel) this week.  They are way below my belly button, which is a good sign. It is the oddest, but coolest feeling. A little distracting when you're trying to fall asleep though, hehe.  Rob was able to feel them too, even though they are pretty faint. le sigh, i'm gonna miss her being in my belly.

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"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." ~Cynthia Ozick

Oooh weeee, what a week it has been! And look at me, updating a day earlier than last week :::pat myself on the back::: don't mind if i do. So to all you Monday-Friday'ers: Happy Happy Hump Day!
I have to be honest, I'm still trying to figure out how to use this website.  I kinda wish i would have put more thought into which blog website to use. I see a lot of bloggers (via pinterest) that use blogspot, which is through google/gmail.  I just may hafta transition over one day.  Especially since I have gotten some feedback that comments are not working. Hmmph.  Any recommendations from any bloggers? Eh, whatev

So this weekend was pretty awesome.  The baby shower was a success and Michelle did an amazing job.  A HUGE shout out to her and anyone who helped her put it together.  We feel so blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.  I had so much fun celebrating Sofia's upcoming arrival with so many great people.  We were spoiled with lotsa baby stuff and so many cute outfits! I can't wait to play dress up, that's why we have girls right? Hehe. Sunday, we had our maternity photo shoot with Monique Hessler Photography (check her out!). For realsies: best. photo. session. ever.  I really don't like taking professional pics, I feel like a dork and awkward 95% of the time.  This was the first time I actually relaxed and had fun! That means a lot to me when I'm already feeling like the 7 month pregnant lady that I am (uncomfortable and swollen! haha)  I made a gallery on here, but have no clue how to display it.  It's a work in progress, so until then here are a few of my faves:




I can't even express how happy I am that we did these professionally, and especially with Monique. It makes me that much more stoked about the hospital shoot and even more so for newborn pics!
So far this week, my time has been consumed with how to organize all the baby stuff. Boy oh boy, it is overwhelming! Especially when I'm so tired, blah...can someone give me some extra energy? mmkthanks! I really need to up my yoga, haha.  I need to up my "A" game in general.  We just got done with our first prenatal appointment with our doula, Amanda and it went awesome!  I wasn't sure how we were gonna make 2 hours go by, but it just flew by talking about so many things.  It's amazing that just by feeling more knowledgeable, it can instill this confidence and empowerment.  I get really excited talking about D-day because no matter what happens; we get to finally see, hold, and love on our baby Sofia Rose!

Ok, so just like any other challenge in life, I decided to set some mini goals in order to achieve my ultimate goal.
1. Yoga or stretching every day (even if it's for 15 min)
2. Drink pregnancy tea (from my doc's office) 2-3 times a day
3. Drink 1 juice a day
4. Read positive affirmations every day (maybe stick on the mirror?)

I think that's a good start, we shall see how it goes!  It's time for some belly stats. I didn't do a picture with my handy, dandy dry erase board.  The maternity pics were taken at exactly 32 weeks 1 day.

How far along: 32 weeks 1 day
Baby is the size of a: large jicama (dang, now i want some jicama with chamoy)
Total weight gain: 37 lbs (major growth spurt the last 2 weeks-ish)
Maternity clothes: non-maternity comfy skirts and comfy tank tops.
Stretch marks? still the same duo
Sleep: seriously, this carpal tunnel is messing with my zzz's. luckily, i started to wear those wrist thingy-majiggy's
Best moment this week: Baby Shower & Maternity pics! Such a great weekend ♥
Miss Anything? having energy, it's depleting. help!

Movement: Yes, yes, yes! love it
Food cravings: Pizza, i swear every commercial or show on TV is featuring pizza...haha
Anything making you queasy or sick: still can't figure it out, but in the morning i feel a little icky after breakfast
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope, we need more cookin' time!
Symptoms: the usual: back aches, leg cramps, pelvic pressure, carpal tunnel, a little tummy ickiness, burps and fatigue. did i mention fatigue? oh geeez
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? off. tried to put it on for maternity pics...that was funny and pathetic at the same time. SMH, haha
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy happy! a little emotional, but i kinda blame the fatigue making me a little cranky
Looking forward to: Besides the obvious: our little love finally arriving. looking forward to some R&R this weekend on our staycation, a prenatal massage (Thanks again Scott & Jess!), and lounging by the pool with Rob. only 2 more days!

"Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be." ~Grandma Moses

TGIT! Another week is flying by, and even though i didn't update on Tuesday or Wednesday...at least it's a day earlier than normal. Hehe, gotta give me some credit.

This week has been so great! Rob and I decided to hire Amanda, the doula we met with on Sunday, to be a part of our birth experience.  We meshed with her really well and are so happy we chose her.  I'm excited about our first prenatal appointment. I've been trying to make time for friends before my energy source is almost depleted and I become the dreaded grumpy-pregnant-lady-about-ready-to-pop-and-so-ready-to-get-this-baby-out! Haha.  I recently found out my good ol' friend Huy is moving across the world! (well the country), so we hung out like old times.  Had ourselves a raspado (i don't think i've ever had one, and apparently was deducted some mexican points). Talk about delicious! It's shaved ice with icecream and real fruit.  Thanks Claudia Cisneros for recommending Oasis Raspados. Can't wait to take Robbie. Had me some much needed shanlex time and got my pizza fix. Treated myself to a mani/pedi for this weekend's festivities and squeezed in some AH squared time with Ashleigh.  Can't believe how big Ellie is getting, she is such a little doll face! Finally baked some cookies today and brought some to my LBS (Latina Booty Sista) Paulina. Poor thing is recovering from getting her appendix removed. Phew! And now it's almost the weekend.
Ohhh aand todayyyyy, after I got my yoga on with Tanicka, i met up with Rob for what i thought was a typical lunch date.  I was surprised with a mini baby shower! Must do a shoutout to Christine, Kristina(& Becca), Krista, Ben, Chad(& Pamela), & Luke for making me feel special, even if I looked like a hot mess in my gym clothes sans makeup (yikes!) Hehe.  Rob and I are truly blessed to have such awesome people.  Not even considering today, I am so thankful that Rob has a core group of genuine people to work with.  It makes all the difference!

So the dreaded day has come...dun dun dun. I earned my first two "tiger stripes" aka stretch marks on my belly.  I personally think one looks like harry potter's lightning scar, which is way cool.  I have been doing my best to rub bio oil and lotion on a daily basis, and I think it has made a huge difference. But alas, it was inevitable.  I'm actually really surprised that getting stretch marks and gaining more weight that anticipated hasn't bummed me out (i have my moments!).  I guess because 1. It's all worth it to have this miracle baby and 2. I'm pretty motivated and know I will get back in shape.  More like, get back to my lifestyle. Boy do I miss it, but am enjoying the ride.  It also doesn't hurt having a sweet husband that loves me no matter what, and doesn't forget to tell me.  Le sigh, how did i get so lucky? How bout some baby stats?!
Total weight gain: 35 lbs

Maternity clothes: not as much lately. the tank tops I wear are from target or nordstrom rack and just a few sizes bigger. most skirts I wear are also non-maternity. whatever is comfy!
Stretch marks? it's an epic moment. i have earned not only 1, but 2 on my lower belly. i think i had a growth spurt in the last 2 weeks.
Sleep: Can't complain. That dang "carpal tunnel" is really annoying though!
Best moment this week: Feeling Sofia kick when she hears Rob's voice, it's so awesome! Aaaaand offically picking our doula
Miss Anything? Having more energy, blahhhhhh

Movement: Yes, getting stronger.
Food cravings: Pizzaaaaa. Shaved Ice.  Greek yogurt with Blue Agave, strawberries, and granola. Nature Valley Granola Bars
Anything making you queasy or sick: like last week, a few days I have felt a little icky after eating. not sure what foods, it's random!
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope, some tightness here and there. I’m guessing those are Braxton Hicks
Symptoms: the usual: back aches, leg cramps, pelvic pressure, carpal tunnel, a little tummy ickiness, burps and fatigue
Belly Button in or out? somehow I missed this detail in the last few posts. mostly in, still.
Wedding rings on or off? off.
Happy or Moody most of the time: ecstatic! I only got emotional once this week. I'm really surprised I haven't been as emotional throughout it all (i think Rob is thanking the Gods, haha)
Looking forward to: This weekend! Baby Shower on Saturday and Maternity Pics on Sunday, gonna be busy..but fun! And of course, meeting my little love Sofia Rose! I'm getting ancy and can't wait!
Less than 60 days to go, woo hoo! Can't wait for it to cool down, this week has been rough....throw me a freakin bone here.

Way past my bed time, until next week!

la la lexxxxx


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"The road leading to a goal does not separate you from the destination; it is essentially a part of it." ~Charles DeLint

Happy Friday friends and family! Hokayyy, so I'm slacking a bit on updating on Mondays as I initially intended. Pregnancy brain is a b*tch! haha.  I kept myself pretty busy this week, which is always a blessing and makes the time go by quick! The Childbirth Education and Breathwork classes we took were really awesome.  Both Rob & I feel even more confident about our med-free birth plan and are really excited for D-day!  We officially decided to include a doula in our birth plan.  The easiest way to explain a doula (though, i don't think they prefer the description) would be: birth coach.  They provide the knowledge we will need to make the best decision(s) for our family. Most importantly, they provide emotional & physical support. I think this will allow us to better enjoy our experience & focus on having a calm, positive environment to bring our little love into. We both felt relieved after making this decision.  I researched many a doula, and found one we like.  We meet with her on Sunday to make sure she is a good fit. Keeping my fingers crossed!

We also decided to have Monique Hessler Photography do a "hospital photo shoot" and ultimately, a maternity photo session.  We already wanted her to do our newborn pictures & have been trying to be frugal with our baby purchases (aka do our own maternity and hospital pics) But, I don't think you can put a price on memories. So so excited!
Man oh man, am I glad this week is over.  Rob came back with a vengeance and exceeded his quota, phew! It was a pretty rough month for all the infusionites. Onto bigger and better things.  I've also noticed this week that I'm feeling a wee bit icky after eating. I really hope that the nausea monster has laid it's ugly head to rest this pregnancy. 94 days of all day sickness will suffice, thank you very much. Wait, I stand corrected. I don't feel icky after visiting Bahama Bucks, hehe.  Cheers for a refreshing treat as a craving. On the right is half Mango/Sour Watermelon with creme AND 1 scoop of vanilla icecream. o.m.g.so.delish.
Le sigh.


Alrighty then, time for some belly stats:

How far along: 30 weeks 5 days
Baby is the size of a: head of a cabbage
Total weight gain: 34 lbs (spoke to soon!)
Maternity clothes: yup. same ol, same ol. gotta stay comfy! except the shirt in this picture is not maternity, i think it's time to put it with my other clothes in storage. haha
Stretch marks? belly is free and clear still, keeping my fingers crossed!
Sleep: Sleeping pretty decent. Starting to really get annoyed with my hands cramping up and falling asleep so easily. Is this what arthritis feels like??
Best moment this week: At my OB appointment, baby girl was moving around and kicking while we tried to get the heartbeat. It was the cutest thing. She really is a stinker!
Miss Anything? My abs of steel! Haha jk
Movement: Yes, and it's still the best feeling. ever. le sigh
Food cravings: Bahama Bucks! I have not been there in years (I'm talking like, 8 years.) and I went 2 days in a row. Thank you Bre for taking a detour with me yesterday! hehe. Oh. And pizza; that's a given.
Anything making you queasy or sick: this week was a little rough. my tummy has been sensitive and I'm getting flashbacks from the nausea monster. Please don't ever come back! I'm seriously traumatized. haha
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope, some tightness here and there. I'm guessing those are Braxton Hicks? oy vey
Symptoms: same ol shtufff: back aches, leg cramps, stupid hands get stiff and fall asleep. wth! oh, and tummy ickiness.
Wedding rings on or off? off.
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, happy, happy! can't wait til she is here ♥
Looking forward to: Baby shower next Saturday and maternity photo session on Sunday. Staycation the weekend after. August is a busy month!

I just can't believe we are 2 months away. Is it weird that it feels like it has gone by fast, but also slow at the same time? I just knew 2o12 was going to be a great year.  I feel so blessed.
Time to spend time with Roberto. We are watching UP and lounging around with our pups, c'est la vie.

Until next time (hopefully Monday-ish, possibly Tuesday-ish)

Baby Mama Lex!