33 Weeks/Shower

This past week has been great as I imagined, but also very busy. We were able to see the proofs from our maternity session and I think they came out great! My baby shower was this past Sunday and it turned out so beautiful. My mom, sister, and mother-in-law did such a great job with the beautiful decorations, delicious food, and awesome dessert bar my sister put together. Not to mention the tons of gifts we received from all our friends and family. We feel truly blessed. I had such a great time spending time with my friends and family, overall it was more than I would have expected! Here are a few photos:

Flower arrangements made by Mom and Karina


Yummy dessert bar


33 Weeks

With my beautiful Sister


Amanda and I


With Melissa and Jill


Dawn measring the belly


Tons of gifts


One of my favorite gifts from my aunt Liz


The furniture is in and we picked it up but there was a little problem. The crib headboard had a dint on it so we are getting it swapped for another one, ugh. I really wish everything was in and put up but oh well. Nunie and his dad did put up the dresser and hutch and it looks so good in there. Now I have to organize, wash, and nest for the next couple of weeks before I go back to work. Nonetheless, I will be very busy. I have a doctor's appointment on Friday and they're doing a growth ultrasound. This will ensure if baby is measuring big or not. Umm, I officially feel huge and I'm sportin a double chin...sexy:)So I have seven more weeks to get bigger and sexier, ha or not!

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 25 yikes
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None so far but yucky linea negra
Sleep: Can't complain could be worse, I just need help getting up:)
Best moment this week: having my wonderful baby shower and starting to organize her nursery
Movement: Kicks are stronger
Food cravings: Apple juice
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Not labor signs, but Braxton Hicks definitely have started
Belly Button in or out? Its as "out" as its going to get I think. i would call it flat
What I miss: Normal cute clothes, ugh
Milestones: Baby shower

32 Weeks

I'm happy to say that I only have eight more weeks to go. Things are starting to get pretty uncomfortable-everywhere! I won't go into details, but there's just some things people don't tell you about pregnancy-ha:)This past week was great....started off pretty uneventful but Saturday we went to my good friend Terri's wedding at the beautiful Tevisio Restaurant in the Medical Center. I was able to still rock my heels-Woot Woot!

I haven't had any swelling yet, despite the horrible 100+ degree weather, but today my feet must have looked a little "fatter". We were driving home and I had my feet propped up (I had been on my feet all day running errands, cleaning house etc.), Nunie tells me in a very nice not trying to hurt my feelings way "Umm, your feet are gaining a little weight too, huh?" I thought it was hilarious, and I just had to explain that it was yet another pregnancy symptom, ahh...
On another note, the floors finally came in, Oscar and Nunie started working on them and should be finished with the last minute touches by this weekend. Once that's all in place we'll go pick up the furniture-I cannot wait! On Wednesday we go see our pictures from our maternity session. Oh and Sunday is my friends and family shower so I'm very excited for that as well. This week is full of fun stuff-yay:)

How far along? 32 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 23
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: Sleep is still pretty good with my body pillow!
Best moment this week: Going to a friend's wedding and feeling great!
Movement: I feel her all day long!
Food cravings: None this week
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Not labor signs, but Braxton Hicks definitely have started
Belly Button in or out? Its as "out" as its going to get I think. i would call it flat
What I miss: I miss being comfortable:)
Milestones: Braxton Hicks

Dr's. Appointment Update

We had our 31 week dr. appointment yesterday and as usual my fundal height is measuring more than it should. I mentioned to my doctor that at the 3D/4D ultrasound they told us that the baby is measuring right on time, so she decided to have another ultrasound to make sure (this will take place until the 24th). My weight is still right on target of the recommended 25-35lbs I should gain. I've gained 23lbs up to my 31 weeks. She also talked to me about the things I need to start preparing for. It seems like there are tons of things to do starting from now on:

-Register for birthing classes
-Register for breastfeeding classes
-Pre-register with the hospital
-Find a pediatrician
-Start looking into daycare centers
-Start seeing my OB every two weeks

It seems like this is unraveling really quickly-yikes!

31 Weeks

Please excuse the dirty mirror-oops:p
It was a pretty fun week! We started it off by going to our maternity photo session at True Expressions Photography in Old Town Spring. They do beautiful work and the photographer is awesome! You can visit their website at www.trueexpresionsphotography.com. We get to see them until the 15th, cannot wait. I also promised myself a funel cake when we go back to see the photos, so another thing to looks forward to, hehe. We headed for Conroe to spend the 4th of July weekend and it was very relaxing. It gave me a chance to relax in the pool,(first time in 7 1/2 months that I feel so lightweight) so it was great! We grilled out, swam, and Nunie took the boat out.

In baby news, it feels like I've (baby) have grown in the last couple of days-I feel my belly getting much much bigger. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow so I'm curious to find out how much bigger we have actually gotten. I still (knock on wood ) have not had any heartburn, and I continue to eat spicy and citrus foods, which have been my biggest cravings. I hope this continues. She's definitely moving all over the place now and can feel her all throughout the day. This is definitely one thing I am going to miss about being pregnant:)We 9 more weeks to go-WOW!

How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 22(will know for sure tomorrow)
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: Sleep is still prtty good with my body pillow!
Best moment this week: maternity Photo Session
Movement: I feel her all day long!
Food cravings: Pina Colada, couldn't have one though...:(
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still not completley out, but its coming
What I miss: I really missed a coctail this weekend.
Milestones: Floors will be installed

30 Weeks

One more week gone and 10 more go to....:) As you can see this past week was an exciting one since we got to see our baby through a 3D/4D ultrasound, that was really cool. Third trimester is starting to slow me down. Good thing I'm home for the summer because I need a nap everyday to survive! I can't imagine how my first couple of weeks of school(work) will be like at 37 weeks pregnant when I return, yikes! Oh well I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. For now I'm having a very laxed summer, a little too relaxed for my taste but in 105 degree weather and huge, I can barely stand to go outside. Unless of course I had a swimming pool, I'd be in at every moment.

In nursery news, the floors finally arrived and were going to be installed until we read that you have to let them sit out for 96 hours to get accustomed to the room temperature, ugh! Well this weekend is out because we'll be in Conroe for 4th of July, maybe we'll get around to it some day, ha.

For now, I'm off to get a pedi and haircut since we have our maternity photo session tomorrow. I'm so excited about this, I can hardly wait!

How far along? 30 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 21
Maternity clothes? Most but not all
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: I've actually had pretty good sleep this past week, yay!
Best moment this week: 3D/4D Ultrasound
Movement: Very active little girl
Food cravings: Chocolate Frosty from Wendy's
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Its definitely coming!
What I miss: Having energy
Milestones: Maternity Photos

Our Bambina

We went to have a 3D/4D ultrasound yesterday and we got some great shots of our Bambina! The two grandmas and my sister Karina went. Let me just say that we have a little gymnast in the family:) She had her feet and toes all the way up by her head. At first we didn't think she was going to let us peek at her face, but after turning, tapping, and coughing she moved them slightly over.

She's definitely daddy's girl. She has his lips and defined chin line, what can I say she's beautiful in our eyes. They indicated that she is measuring right on time, so no huge baby like we thought-yay for mommy! Overall it was a great experience. My eyes filled up with tears as soon as I saw what's growing inside of me- I can't wait to meet her, hold her, and kiss her!
Here are a few shots-Enjoy!

Our Bambina!

Getting some ZZZ's

Smiling at the camera! This would've been perfect but the umbilical cord was covering her right eye.

Notice her foot right by her face!

29 Weeks

I've started my 29th week-so far so good. I'm still not getting any heartburn/indigestion which I'm very glad because that sounds horrible. I just hope it doesn't catch up with me towards the end. I am feeling huge these days, but I can't let that bother me too much because I still have 11 more weeks to grow! I've been feeling the baby kick more and have picked up on her schedule. Everyday I get woken up by her kicks at 6am on the dot. It's like she's ready to get fed or something, lol. Oh and Nunie started reading to the baby/belly every night. Sometimes I'm ready to go to sleep and he insists on reading to Gabriella. She tends to like her daddy's voice because she starts kicking in response-so cute.

Good news about the nursery furniture! Baby's 1st Furniture called and said all the furniture was in and ready to be picked up. That was quite a surprise since they had given us an 8-10 weeks estimated time for arrival, so that's great. We are however still waiting on the wood floors that haven't arrived, so the furniture will have to wait to be picked up until the floor is in and laid.

We are going to go get a 3D/4D ultrasound this Friday. I'll be sure to post the pictures ASAP! For now you can see how Gabriella (and mommy) are obviously growing.






I got Nunie a few surprises for Father's Day since he has like 2/3 until he is one. I included this bib that says "Daddy's Little Sweetie"

How far along? 29 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 19 1/2
Maternity clothes? Most but not all- I got a super cute non-maternity top at Old Navy this weekend. I just had to get a size medium.
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: It varies, sometimes I sleep great sometimes not at all. I had really bad hip pain on Saturday. I feel like a 90 year old woman:( However I'm not sure if I should blame that on pregnancy or my extracurricular activities, lol....probably a little of both!
Best moment this week: Father's Day
Movement: I get woken up everyday by her little kicks
Food cravings: none
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Its definitely coming!
What I miss: Not feeling huge!
Milestones: 3D/4D ultrasound on Friday...yiiiipee:)

June 17, 2005

Yesterday Nunie and I made 4 years of being married. We first got married on this date before he was returning to his duty station after his accident. Although it was only through the Justice of the Peace and not our "official" religious ceremony,we still like to acknowledge this day.

We spent a very nice and relaxing day out on the river. We took our niece, nephew, and my sister out on the boat and we were really careful to ensure my doctor's recommendations. I missed being out there so much! It was Gabriella's "first time" swimming in the river-she'll be out in the water with us in no time. It was a great day!

I will try to find the picture of us getting hitched-we were so young, aww!

28 Weeks/3rd Trimester Here I Come

28 Weeks, baby!! I'm officially in my third trimester, woohoo:) I know, I know, I say this all the time...but time is passing by so fast and we will be meeting our baby girl so soon. Just to think about it makes me anxious. Anyhow, its been a good week being at home on my first week of vacation. I've started on several projects that were on my to-do list for this summer and am continuing to finish them. I also intend to study for my GRE and take it this summer-notice that I said intend:) I'm pretty good at clearing out my pending goals, so we'll see.

Karina spent the night on Thursday and she came with us to register at Babiesrus. It was pretty fun, Nunie got a little too excited scanning all sorts of things that I had to come home and delete:P....but he's well aware of it. We went bowling on Friday with Jesse and Amanda and although I would get a little pressure in my belly...I still did pretty good and made sure not to overdo it!

This morning Karina and I started painting some DIY wood letters for Gabriella's room after having Nunie's yummy pancakes, eggs, and sausage patties. I will post pictures as soon as we're all finished.

I will start my kick counts this week, but that shouldn't be a problem because I've got an active little one! Oh and I passed my Gestational Diabetes test I took, yay:) Although I eat pretty healthy for the most part, I've heard that many women get it while pregnant. I'm thankful I passed!

How far along? 28 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 19 1/2
Maternity clothes? Most of my blouses I wear are maternity but I can still wear my size small t-shirts-no problem. All my pants are maternity although my jeans still fit with my bella band...but who wears pants in this hot weather!
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: My body pillow is my new best friend, sleep is better on some nights but that too bad.
Best moment this week: Passed my 1-hour gd test
Movement: I love seeing my little Gabriella moving all over my belly
Food cravings: pancakes (had some this morning)
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still in but its coming
What I miss: Boating, sunbathing, vacationing, (cute)bathing suits
Milestones: Start kick counts and begin 3rd trimester

27 Weeks

I'm a little late on posting my 27 week post, today is actually 27.2 weeks. Nothing much to report on during my 26 weeks, other than it being the last day of school and I will not be returing until August-yay!
I did however have a doctor's appointment today and as always it went great. Gabriella is still measuring 4 weeks ahead, which I was hoping would have changed but as long as she's healthy I'm happy. I'm holding steady at 18 lbs total weight gain up to date. My gestational diabetes test also went well, but I won't get the results until later this week. All in all it was a good apointment!

Yesterday I receieved some wall art that I had ordered from Etsy (all the way from France)-they're adorable. Take a look.




How far along? 27 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 18
Maternity clothes? Yes most of it, I still use my bella band for jeans and work slacks
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: Its gotten a little better with my body pillow and walking every night
Best moment this week: Finished all the painting and crown moulding in her room
Movement: Lots and lots of movement, especially at night
Food cravings: Watermelon and bagels with cream cheese
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Still in but its coming
What I miss: Not feeling so heavy
Milestones: GD test

P.S. I have not forgottent to post pictures. I will be downloading them from my camera soon:P. I have belly and nursery progress pics....to come!

Bittersweet

Today is the last day of school, and although I'm very excited for my long summer break, its also a bittersweet day because this is the last day I will spend with my students, as my students.
As a teacher I've spent eight hours a day just about every day for nine months with them. Its only natural to grow an attchment with each one fo them for their own individual reason. Every year my class is "special" for different reasons. Last year it was my first year teaching and therefore, they held a special place in my heart. This year though, my students experienced my pregnancy with me and from the day they found out they have been so excited. Every time they see me eat they say the baby is hungry, they rub my belly,showered me with gifts, draw pictures of me with my growing belly and always chose to do their morning writings about me on Fridays-when it was free choice:)

Its such an awarding feeling to watch them bloom at the end of the year and to remember how young and ripe they came to me. Not knowing how to add or subtract, read or write, and now they know all of those things. My work has left a footprint in their lives as I've had the opportunity to be their teacher.

I will miss you.....
Love,
Mrs. Collazo

26 Weeks

I'm 26 weeks which also means that I'm in the single digits of days left before Gabirella gets here! That is so exciting:) We did a lot of progress again in the nursery this weekend. As you saw the posts below we ordered her nursery furniture and bedding. Nunie and Oscar started on the chair rail and crown moulding this weekend also. So as they were working I was shopping online.

I have my next appointment next week, where I'm also going to take the GD test-not looking forward to that. I'm curious to know if Gabriella is still measuring big or its leveled off.

This is the last week of school and I am so ready to be out on vacation. There are lots of little projects I need to get done around the house and also enjoy my much needed rest from the classroom:)

How far along? 26 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 18
Maternity clothes? Yes most of it, I still use my bella band for jeans and work slacks
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: Its gotten a little better with my body pillow and walking every night
Best moment this week: Bought her nursery furniture
Movement: Lots and lots of movement, especially at night
Food cravings: None, really
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? In but much more noticeable
What I miss: Cute summer clothes
Milestones: Bought nursery furniture and bedding

Big Nursery Weekend!

We purchased our furniture this weekend and after a lot of debate and compromise we decided to go with the Cacoon 4000 series convertible crib in Espresso along with the combo dresser and hutch. Nunie likes the more clean and "sleek" look , while I like more traditional heirloom pieces. So we found something that incorporated both. Here is the nursery furniture and its absolutely beautiful!




I also ordered the bedding this weekend, and umm yeah I changed my mind again. Although I liked the Restoration Hardware bedding I decided on this one so we can incorporate more colors in the room and not get bored. Its the Raspberry Truffle bedding by Bannafish.

Letter To My Daughter

Gabriella Elise,

As I sit here writing this, I can feel your little hands and feet punching and kicking away at my belly. I love that feeling. It's so strange to think how close you really are to me and I love that. You're getting so much stronger these days. Sometimes, I can see you kicking at my belly. Daddy and I love staring at my belly before we go to bed to see if we can see you move. You're about 1-2 pounds already and getting bigger every day! You must be growing a lot in there little girl because mommy's belly gets bigger every day!

I can't tell you how much I love you already. Daddy and I talk about you all the time. We daydream about the day we'll meet you. Today I went into your unfinished nursery and just stared at the beautifully painted walls daddy painted for you. I hope you enjoy your room. You couldn't be coming into a more loving family, little girl. You have great-grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course Mommy and Daddy who are anxiously awaiting your arrival. From the moment I found out you were coming into the world, I wondered about you. Who will you look like? Daddy? Me? A good mixture of us? Who knows, you may not look like either of us! What will you grow up to become? Maybe a teacher like mommy? Maybe you'll save lives with medicine. Maybe you'll grow up to be a mom. I hope so. I hope you get to experience this feeling one day. I think to myself constantly how amazed I am that I can love someone so much who I've never even met. Then I think about the day you'll be born and try to imagine how much more I'll love you then...but no imagination can tell. It will be infinite and unconditional. I feel like it already is, but I know most mothers tell me that nothing will compare to the love I'll have for you after you get here. I hope I'm as great of a mother to you as my mother is to me. You'll be one lucky little girl if I can live up to your Nana's standards!

Daddy has been so wonderful to us the past six months. He likes to fall asleep with his hand on my belly just in case you decide to kick. His eyes light up every time he feels you move. He loves you so much already. He is going to be such a good daddy to you. A good Daddy is one of God's most precious gifts. I'm so glad you'll get to experience that, too.

You'll be here in just 15 short weeks. In a way that seems like ages away. To think that it's all the way in September makes it seem so long. Since May is pretty much over, I've only got June, July, & August left. I can't believe time has flown so quickly...but I'm glad it has. As much as I want to see your face right this instant, I want you to stay in there and keep growing for as long as you possibly can!

We love you, Gabriella. I think about you every minute of every day.

Love,
Mommy

Work Shower/ Name Revealed!

Yesterday the kindergarten team hosted a beautiful shower for me and it went great!They decorated beautifully and had delicious food:) My co-workers were so generous and giving! We feel truly blessed. Some of the things we received included a bouncer, a boppy, two bumbos, a sling rider, three handmade blankets (including one made by my sister), receiving blankets,bibs, onesies, and some gift cards! Her closet is starting to fill up and she's not even here yet.
Here are some pics-enjoy!








Mom and I





Thank you ladies!

The beautiful blanket my sister made for baby


The back of the blanket with her name on it-Gabriella!

25 Weeks/ Nursery Progress

I'm in my 25th week of pregnancy as of yesterday, WOW! It seems like that is how I feel every week as I'm amazed at how fast this is going by. In about 15 weeks I will meet my sweet little girl! Still pretty good, with the occasional backaches but that is to be expected. I haven't had any heartburn/indigestion and maybe I shouldn't be typing this because I'm only going to jinxed myself, so I'll enjoy it for now.

We celebrated Memorial Day on Saturday with a bunch of friends and we had a blast! We took our boat out, but I unfortunately couldn't ride. When we went to the doctor last Tuesday, Nunie happened to ask her if it was still ok for me to be boating and she said "Absolutely Not"....oops. Good thing Nunie asked because I wouldn't have a clue. She said its very dangerous and not good for the placenta. I still enjoyed myself very much though!

And last but not least the nursery!! Its coming along just great-I love it. Thanks to my "handy-man" he's done such a great job! Here are some pics of the room so far.




Logan and Dora helping out in the nursery:)





We used Sherwin Williams-Kilm Beige for the bottom and cream stripes, Valspar-Rosetti Pink, and Valspar-Boston Legacy. I'm still trying to decide if I want to leave the bottom the cream color or paint it. I don't want to do the brown because the floors are a dark espresso color so that would be too much and I don't think I can handle that much pink. We also ordered the laminate wood floors yesterday at Lowe's and they were running a promotion of 20% off on all special orders-yay! We went with the Pergo-Thoroughbred Oak. Chair rail will also be installed with the wood floors.

Here's the new tile flooring that was installed in the dinning room, kitchen, living room, breakfast nook, and halls. Nice, huh?




Newly painted fireplace and rearranged artwork and accessories.

How far along? 25 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: + 18
Maternity clothes? Yes most all my clothes but still wear some pre preg shirts once in a while.
Stretch marks? None so far
Sleep: Not what it used to be but my body pillow has helped
Best moment this week: finishing the stripes in the nursery and ordering the floor
Movement:I feel her all day long-I love it.
Food cravings: Fruit mainly pineapple and watermelon, snowcones
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? In but more noticeable
What I miss: Having a drink on a hot summer day and riding the boat
What I am looking forward to: My work shower tomorrow
Milestones: Accomplished a lot in the nursery!