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!