cry baby.

As always...the moosh that I am I get all emotional around the holidays, and it doesn't help this year that my hormones are doing some wacky things. I can't help but think of how truly blessed I am to have such wonderful family and friends. A life that is pretty close to perfect for only being 25 years old. A husband who works so hard for our future, a beautiful house that we have now been in for almost four years, our koda and mikki who show us so much love, two businesses that have taught us a lot, a daughter on the way, and family that would do anything for us. My life is filled with such great memories and it is a blessing.
As time is creeping up on Laila's arrival, I can't help but think of how wonderful life is going to be. Yea...maybe a little crazy at first, but we are going to have our own little creation and person to take care of. That will look up to us and show us unconditional love. I can't wait to hear her first cry and hold her in my arms for the first time. Only a little over 6 weeks to go, and its down to crunch time. Now we just have the finishing touches to be done on her room. Even though we are still awaiting her crib, I am trying not to stress. Only two more weeks of work and I will have more time to do more of my nesting. That's if I can get some energy back...I have been in some pain due to her hiding out in my ribs and being a little kicking monster. It's causing really bad side and backpains. I get sharp pains near my sternum. My tummy hurts a lot lately, try using the bathroom, and it's just gas. This part is just so uncomfortable and causes a lot of discomfort. I woke up one night with such bad stomach pains, I thought I could possibly be having contractions. Nope...just more gas! How much fiber do I have to take in order for a proper bm to come out? For so long I have been saying that I can wait, I'm not ready yet...but days of pain like that, I keep saying...let's just get her out already.

doctors, pediatricians, and ultrasound techs...oh my!

We have hit that 33 week mark and this week has been filled with appointments. Once again I had my bi-weekly check with the doc. Everything went smoothly...except I put on 5 lbs in a matter of 2 weeks. I have had a little swelling in my ankles and feet, so the nurse said that could have something to do with it. I have now gained a total of 26 lbs. I was told to put my feet up every chance I get to help reduce the swelling (try telling someone that who always has to be on her feet doing something). I think I am listening this time...because surprise surprise...it seems to help. My kankles are almost back to normal.
We got to sit down with Laila's pediatrician, Dr. Alvarez. We have met him before and just knew we would go with him since he is part of Laila's papou's practice. He asked our concerns and informed us on the normal things that will happen when she arrives. Again...like I say everytime...it was so surreal. I got a little teary eyed as always. I got into thinking about in less then 2 months we will be changing her stinky, wet diapers and holding her in our arms. And soon, our lives will do a total turn and our creation will be here. We can't wait!
Today was our sonogram day. We have been so lucky to get to see Laila so much with all the sonograms we have had. This one was to check her weight and make sure everything was still on schedule since my bump was measuring 3 weeks early. There is no worries...I am still on schedule for january 16th and will go full term just as long as everything stays like it is. Our sonotech Rhonda told us by tomorrow we will have a 5 lb turkey roasting for thanksgiving! Laila weighs as of today 4.93 lbs. and is in the 70th percentile. I have extra fluid in my belly and that is leaving her so much room to wiggle around, which is why I can feel her so much. Her heart rate was great and she is content and happy as can be. She has the perfect little head, a precious smile, and daddy's lips. Rhonda looked at me and said you have nothing to worry about, you will have an easy labor. Somehow when she kept saying the word perfect it made me feel so much better. She is fantastic! The extra fluid in my belly will help me go right back down to size after the birth. I am greatful as it is that I have no stretch marks (knock on wood). It's amazing how the techs can give you an approximate weight of the baby at birth. She told us 7 lbs 11, 12, 13 oz....around there. I think I can handle that! We are just so greatful for her being healthy and can't wait for our beautiful girl to be here.

think pink pepto.

Laila's room is finally painted! We absolutely love it! It's bright and fabulous. Here is just a sneak peek...but you will have to wait to see the rest. We are still waiting on some furniture to come. I still have yet to figure out were we will be sitting when we have those late night feedings. The search has begun on for a rug and I think I found the perfect one. We are working on a special Laila wall hanging. But it's all fun from here. The decorating is my specialty. I want everything to be completed before she arrives, which now from my last blog you probably realized could be sooner then later. But no worries...she will be in our room for a good month or so before she even uses her room. Stay tuned for the finishing product because this is all your going to get for now.

Hubbie painting away!

Almost complete after a long day.

Our little man was so confused...he got paint on his ear.

Laila will never get a tummy ache.

wow!

Today was a big day...Laila had her photoshoot. Well the one she will remember. Last week she was sleeping the entire time we went. It was a good thing the dvd player decided not to work. So we got to go back and experience it all over again. This time I prepared myself. I made sure to have a cup of caffienated coffee to wake her up a bit, and did it work. It was amazing seeing her in action. She was yawning, had the hiccups, and was enjoying mama and dada watching her. Of course the emotional mush I am I started crying when I first saw her and they turned on the sappy daughter music. It's an indescribable feeling.

Now for a bit of a shock...I had a check today with Dr. Marks. My blood pressure was fine, gained another pound which is normal. Now I have gained a total of 21 lbs. I am now measuring 3 weeks earlier then my due date! Which could possibly mean a Christmas baby. Oh no! I was SO not ready for that. The doctor set me up for an ultrasound the day before Thanksgiving to check the weight. I get in my car, call hubbie, and start crying. I was a little freaked out because there is so much we have left to do (at least I get to blame it on the hormones) Our childbirth class is scheduled for December 14th! If i'm 3 weeks early then expected that means we could possibly have Laila 2 weeks after our class...ahh! Good thing we did our hospital tour month's back because seeing the beautiful rooms really helps calm you down. Let's just hope Laila won't be so big were I have to have a c-section. I was 6 lbs 8 oz. and Jason was 10 lbs. Let's just hope she will be in between that and she is healthy. She is in perfect position. Keep you posted on the appointment I have in 2 weeks. I need a little feng shui in my life.

Enjoy Laila Gianna's snapshots!

celebrating my belliness.

Laila's shower was so beautiful! My sister did an amazing job. I can not believe the assembly line of gifts that I had to open. She is already so blessed and loved by so many. Our family and friends make us feel so blessed! Laila's room is fully covered and her closet is so full. Everyone brought a book instead of a card so we have her book collection started. We have already started reading to her in utero and she is loving it! Now that the shower is over...we have many projects to work on. So stay tuned for Laila's photoshoot and nursery pictures!


Thanks for everyone who made our shower so special! We couldn't ask for better friends and family. xoxo!

the Laila in a pod cake.

Kris, the mama, and Marisa.

games and more games!

Laila's first pair of heels.

The alphabet quilt Aunt Joan made (I still have the one she made me when I was a kid). She will put Laila's name and birthday on it once she arrives.

The great grandmas, the grandmas, and the aunties.

Laila left a little something for everyone.

Cousin Jordan can't wait to meet Laila.

mama and dada after a long day!