27 weeks and counting

I am in the last week of my 2nd trimester and it's hard to believe I'll be starting the last few weeks before baby is here. I don't know that I'm quite ready yet - still need to clear out baby's room and prepare... Guess it's good that I've still got some energy in me and will need to take care of it in the next 2 weeks. My parents ordered our nursery furniture for us at Babies "R" Us - thank you! It's Baby Cache and cherry wood - John picked out the snazziest stuff he could for our little one. The part that got me (I'm usually the cheapo) is that we can convert into a full size bed and can be used well into the kiddo's teenage years.

Thanksgiving holiday was a huge success. We had John's family and my family celebrate with us at our house this year. The only person missing was his dad because he had to work, but we hope to catch him for Christmas or next Thanksgiving. The food was delicious, we all had a good time and John's mom and I ventured out to Black Friday shopping together at 4 am - a true bonding experience. My parents were busy moving into a new home during Thanksgiving week so we didn't get to spend as much time together as I'd have liked just because they were exhausted. I don't think I've ever seen my dad so tired!

To prepare for our guests, John and I decided to spice our house up a little - it's about time, we've only been here since 2004...

John surprising me with a trip to Home Depot and us deciding what color we wanted to go with. We ended up staying with the same color sample but creating a low VOC mix.

The finished project. For the longest time it had just been a blob of Cattle Drive on our wall.

This week has been exciting to say the least. Scooter mauled my leg thinking it was part of the bed and last night John and I went to our first Dallas Mavericks game against the Timberwolves. He scored some great platinum level tickets for us on Groupon! We had such a fun time and Baby V would stop kicking after 'Bust a Move' played. Baby has continued to dance all day in my belly, it's quite fun!

The view from our Platinum Level seats. MAVS WIN!

John and I. He rocked the mustache for the month of November and beyond to spread awareness of prostate cancer for Movember.

26 weeks, 1 day

I can't believe time is just flying by! We are wrapping up the year and I'm about to enter into my third trimester. Less than 100 days until we have a new addition to the family and we are far from being ready.

We're celebrating Thanksgiving for the first time at our house so we'll have John's family and aunt/uncle coming in from out of town and my family will join us. We finished our grocery shopping last night and hope we didn't forget anything after spending 2 hours shopping at the closest H-E-B (40 minutes 1 way). I know we're crazy, but there is nothing like a free turkey coupon and butterflake rolls to make you jump in your car for the drive faster.

We spent all weekend cleaning - really cleaning (not shoving stuff into closets/cabinets like we're used to) and still have a way to go but things should shape up pretty nicely by Thanksgiving... this will finally give us the motivation to get Baby V's room ready. Grandma and Grandpa H have generously offered to purchase baby's crib, and Babies R Us is running a 20% off promo until 11/24.

Baby Cache Oxford Lifetime Crib, Cherry
(Don't mind BRU's terrible Photoshop skills)

Our friends, Amy and Kevin also dropped off a glider and ottoman for us yesterday. I was so excited to see them and to have our first piece of baby furniture coming from them. I may recover the cushions (they're currently blue) just in case we have a little girl coming our way and to better match the other decor I've envisioned for the nursery. I am so excited!

Babies"R"Us - Baby Registry

Babies"R"Us - Baby Registry

It's been a while!

I've been so wrapped up in work among other things that I haven't had a moment to update about Baby V. Baby is now 23 weeks, 1 day and I can finally feel the kicks, AKA flutters! It is the most amazing feeling and I can't wait for John to feel it. So far, we've been successful when he's put his hands on my belly or ear up to my belly to try and hear or feel baby. I know it's just a matter of time until he feels our little miracle!

John and I are celebrating our 2nd year of marriage today and 6 years of being together. Time flies so quickly. I can hardly believe how fate brought us into each other's lives and now we have a little one on the way!

We went to a wedding over the weekend to celebrate the nuptials of Eva and Calvin and it was a beautiful celebration! I couldn't help with my hormones and being a naturally emotional person but cry during their ceremony and the toasts. Congratulations to you both! It was great to celebrate with them and see our friends at the same time.

We still haven't figured out any names or done anything with the nursery. I've completed the Target registry, but want to head to a BRU store to complete our registry. When we try for the registries online, it typically just lists things that are 'online only.' What a pain for our friends and family...

Here's a cute rocker and the bedding I'd like to get for Baby's room.

Dwell Dot Fun Crib Bedding, $79

Ikea Poang Rocker, $139

Keeping it a Surprise!

I went to complete the 2nd part of my bloodwork and should get my final results for the NT scan in a week.

Over the weekend, John and I went to go look at baby furniture (a huge step for him!) at Target and Babies R Us. We're not planning on purchasing anytime soon, but it's nice to do some homework. We've also decided that we will hold off on finding out baby's gender since we've made it this far (and still don't know). What's a few more weeks? We're excited to find out at baby's delivery!

Pics from Nuchal Translucency, Week 13

Our next monthly appointment is this Friday. According to my BabyCenter.com update, we have a shot at finding out baby's gender this week if we have a sonogram. Let's see what happens!

Enjoy the pics below from our recent NT screening. 

Side profile of baby. Fingers are all there. :)

Baby V waving "hi mom and dad!"

Nuchal Translucency Screening

The doctor's office called me on Monday and the results are in! 1:10,000 chance for down syndrome and 1:10,000 chance for trisomy 18. I think this means baby is looking pretty healthy!

I'll go in for a follow up blood draw in a few weeks to receive detailed and conclusive results. So far, so good... :-)

Hot Dog!

Ever since I learned I can no longer indulge in hot dogs, sausages and bacon, I've been devastated. I knew finding the "mommy-to-be" version was going to be a battle. Over the weekend, I had a taste for hot dogs and knew I had to have some since my mission to find some at Whole Foods went bad several days earlier.

My sister and I were at Target (our usually sisterly bonding time is spent here) and what did I find?! I was the happiest girl at this point and they are delicious! The Vlasic pickles were only ehh. I'll have to remember that when I run out and need to buy more. Their pickle juice tastes weird.

By the way, baby is 14 weeks along now. Happy 2nd trimester! So glad our chances for miscarriage is very slim now. Can't wait for baby to continue growing and hope to meet you soon!

Hubby came home late last night from his boy's trip to Vegas - couldn't be happier. Looking forward to having him home with me again. I didn't think I'd miss him so badly since I was able to hold up for 3 months, but nope!

'Sex Party' to reveal baby's gender!

Click to read: MSNBC Article: It’s a party! ‘Sex parties’ reveal baby’s gender

What a fun idea and you can eat cake?!

Hubby

...And hubby is off to Vegas for a Bachelor Party. Guess that means party time for me and baby! ;-)

Oh, and here are some cute wooden mobiles I would love for inspiration for baby's room from The Modern Baby Co. $40 is kind of expensive though, I'm sure I could find something similar on Etsy for cheaper.

Baby Nursery Inspiration

Ikea Somnat Crib

Ikea Anes

Ikea Brimness

Ikea Mandal Dresser

Vinnie Craddle Chair (Eames Knock-off)

Mid-century Rocker Chair - Robin's Egg or Peridot

13 weeks, 1 day

Eva, my sister-in-law when we visited Austin over the weekend.

Wow, it's been too long since my update! John and I just returned from Austin last week to visit his parents (our first visit since baby's announcement). It was so nice to see them and spend some time with them which never happens as often as we'd like. I'm looking forward to going back in a little over a month for ACL Fest!

I had my 12 week visit recently and got to hear baby's heartbeat. I was bummed to not see any imaging equipment, but the heartbeat satisfied me... To know baby is doing well considering I'm having minimal signs of pregnancy symptoms. It's nice to have the reassurance that baby is still hanging out in my tummy. I'm scheduled for an appointment on Wednesday to conduct the Nuchal Translucency testing for Down Syndrome. My fingers are crossed for the best results... and some hope to find out baby's gender (or have a good idea anyways).

John received a promotion a week and a half ago, but we had to keep it under wraps. I am so proud and happy for him! He has worked so hard over the last few years to get himself to this kind of role. I can see him being happy with his company for years to come - with God's guidance and blessings of course.

The first weekend of August, I traveled with my girl friends to Las Vegas to celebrate Eva's Bachelorette Party. What a great time and a much needed break from reality! I'm surprised I had as much energy as I did and the ladies were so kind to take good care of me. Lots of great memories, good food, and best of all - great company! Can't wait to see Eva and Cal walk down the aisle... just a few more months. And a day later... John and I will celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary and 6 year dating anniversary.

Time for me and baby to get some sleep. I'm wishing for good news soon, so I can update again. Good night and sweet dreams!

13 weeks, 1 day

Up close shot of the belly - still not hard yet.

10 weeks, 4 days - Still feeling good!

Preggo at 10 weeks, 4 days.

9 weeks, 4 days

Baby V is now 9 weeks, 4 days along and the size of a green olive! How exciting! Baby is now a fetus, has eyelids, his/her little heart has developed the 4 chambers of the heart, and no longer has a tadpole like tail.

I'm still feeling pretty good at this point, minimal symptoms aside from the increased progesterone which makes me feel terribly groggy and tired all the time (especially in the afternoons). Other small symptoms include a gag reflex when I brush my teeth and when I smell certain things. I haven't had a taste for much of anything except for Asian cuisine which is pretty surprising. I cringe at the sight of tomato sauce after cooking pasta a few weeks back and not being able to stomach more than a fork full.

I've also turned into somewhat of a paranoid mommy, protecting my belly when I walk around the office so that no one will bump me, I'll grab the stair railing even though I won't need it... My boss also advised me to not buy produce that isn't organic because of the pesticides that I may ingest into my body and affect my developing jelly bean. So... I went to Whole Foods last night and spent $10 on a small bag of organic cherries among a few other items, totaling just shy of $60. I am painfully mourning the loss of white, steamed rice from my diet and am not adjusting well to brown rice - even though I found jasmine brown rice last night. It is still horrid.

2 more weeks until my next doctor visit... I am looking forward to my little jelly bean growing and seeing how the little one is doing. 1 more week until Vegas with the girlies - I can't wait for a vacation and some pampering!

Oh, and more news, hubby interviewed for a position several weeks ago and we are keeping our fingers crossed for him. It is with the same company, but more in line with his interests and the increased pay bracket isn't bad either!

Bundle of Joy

On Thursday, July 8, 2010 - I found out John and I's lives would be forever changed. We are expecting our first little one and couldn't be more excited! We both talked of waiting a few more years originally to add some little ones to the Valadez clan, but who can refuse what God's intentions for us as a family are.

As of today, I am 8 weeks 5 days along with Baby V. We visited the OBGYN for the first time last Friday and were able to hear baby's heart beat and capture images of the little peanut growing inside of my belly. It was the most surreal experience! My pap came back good and doctor advised me to lay off of yeasts (white bread), so I will sadly say goodbye to white rice as well.

I've already ordered maternity dresses online since my work clothes were so uncomfortable around my growing belly. I learned pretty quickly to not even waste my steps going into stores in search of maternity clothes. They are few and far inbetween and when I find a store that sells maternity clothes, it's completely overpriced. I haven't gained any weight, however, my weight has all shifted to my breasts and belly. Funny how that works.

Change.

I had the best birthday celebration. I really had no expectations and my family and husband exceeded anything I could've imagined!

My first vacation since our honeymoon in late 2008 is booked. I am so excited for a girls trip to Vegas in August.

28.

I celebrated my 28th birthday yesterday with my family and it was fantastic. My family surprised me with a Mexican fest, complete with a pinata, sombreros, a huge tres leches cake and party balloons. I'm in awe of the food and great set up and then out pops hubby from the pantry. I'm really surprised at this point considering he was supposed to be at work! I wanted to celebrate at home, with my grandparents as they're nearing their 90s and I want to make the most of the time I have with them.

Christmas is around the corner!

Wow - I've gotten really lazy, haven't I?

Life is great at the new job and this week has been slooooow mostly due to the fact that it's a holiday week and #2, I'm here by myself. We'll be heading to visit the inlaws for Christmas - I can't wait! This means we will FINALLY get to load up on some homemade, authentic tamales and squeeze in some family time.

Everything else is pretty much the same, no complaints and hubby is happy & healthy. Cheers to 2010!

Time Flies

I can't believe it. J and I are almost at the 1 year mark of marriage. It went by so fast and it's hard to believe we were stressing about last minute details this time last year. Our first year has been so good and for those who say your first year is the most difficult, I hope it's true! If it were up to me, I would think the most difficult year of marriage would be when I carry my first child. I can't imagine myself being the happiest camper.

I'm not sure what we're doing to celebrate yet, but I know I can't work from home Friday and he will be at work Sunday... so that leaves us Friday night and Saturday to be creative. Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been supportive of us and thank you for your love!

Stacy's Surprise B-Day Party!

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