37 weeks pregnant: bittersweet

Christmas day marked my 37th week of pregnancy! I was thrilled to reach the full term point, but now as I am realizing that it will soon be over I am feeling several different emotions. I'm nervous, excited, kinda sad but yet super happy to meet my little boy Nicolas. I'm nervous because this is my first pregnancy & I don't know what to expect as far as labor/delivery or getting him home...I've been reading a lot of articles and asking my mama friends for advice to prepare. I'm excited to meet my son and start this new chapter of life with my family. I am sad because I'll miss this pregnant silhouette...yeah, I said it. I'll miss feeling his movements and I'll miss leaning over my belly to speak to him, miss hugging the bump for mom when she texts me saying "hug Nicolas", I'll miss carrying him with me wherever I go. On the flipside, I am so thrilled to think I'll finally get to see him face to face and kiss his sweet little face. YAY!

As my pregnancy wraps up, I wanted to extend some advice to future mamas out there:

1) Savor every moment! Nausea, illness, loss of balance and weight gain are all trumped by the first feeling of movement, the little hiccup episodes, the "Wave" babies do in the belly haha and the fascinating transformation your body takes. Take pictures of your growing belly, write down your thoughts, take warm bubble baths, eat chocolate haha and healthy things too of course - just savor it all!!!

2) Take people's opinions with a grain of salt. I can't tell you how many sweet compliments I've gotten with my growing bump but of course there's always the few sour comments that I seem to put too much value on. "You're so big!" "I don't think you're going to make it full term!" "Are you sure you're not having twins?" "You look so tired" HAHAHA....Now I can look back and chuckle, but at the time some comments really sent me to the bathroom checking my reflection, regretting eating that Hershey bar and even crying. Maybe those negative comments really prepare us for what lies ahead? People will ALWAYS have opinions about our appearances, our attitude and I'm realizing that I will have to deal with people's judgement on my parenting too as Nicolas and I grow up together. So, all I can say is SCREW IT (for lack of better words). I seriously could care less what people think anymore. This is my body, my experience, my baby and my life. Anyone who doesn't approve can realize it's their problem, not mine.

3) Be comfy: For work and for trips out I always tried to wear jeggings, leggings or yoga pants that were stretchy but paired it with cute tops and accessorized with scarves, jewelry, cute hair do, etc. It's very important to be comfortable & part of that for me is feeling confident! I will never use being a mom as an excuse to be lazy or "not care". Becoming a mom has reinforced for me the importance of feeling good, feeling confident and still feeling like ME. Of course I have makeup less days and I run to the store in my Colts hoodie and some sweats, but overall I know I won't let myself go because being a mom may be a big role but it's not the only role I have.

4) Stretch: I did yoga through out my entire pregnancy. I made sure in the beginning it was lower level intensity & as Nicolas has grown, I've transitioned to prenatal yoga. I am not one to run to Tylenol for pain relief, I'd rather not mask the problem but really remedy it with exercise. Back pain is a sure thing so stretching/yoga exercises really helped me & the mental benefits are amazing as well. Yoga is a true gift to the human body/mind.

5) Escape: I had one weekend getaway with my mom to Ohio and a couple to visit my aunt & uncle in Southern IN. I'm telling you it's SO nice to escape the routine and get away. All of those weekend trips were very much needed.

6) Accept help/donations: I didn't realize how much stuff babies needed & when it started kicking in, I got majorly stressed out............to say the least. I was lucky to get donated lots of maternity clothes but we were also donated the CRIB, baby's bathtub, nursing gear & a high chair. I receieved lots of gifts for Nicolas at his shower too, a carrier, another high chair, a swing, a pumpkin seat and lotssss of clothes. My son is set!

7) Don't WORRY. This is my final piece of advice. This pregnancy has taught me from DAY 1 that
I am not in control. God is in control. I've always been the one to try to manage things and keep things the way I want them but with pregnancy, it's not that way at all. My first trimester was agonic and so slow because I spent every single day worrying. I was worried I'd lose my son. I had to keep myself off the internet reading awful things about miscarrying and eptopic pregnancies, etc. Whatever happens will happen...I had to let go and let GOD. He spoke to me at one point. I heard him say "Be still and know that I am God." Amen! He has carried me through this experience and showed me in his gentle, loving way that HE is the one who provides, He is the one who set pregnancy in motion. My body is just doing what God designed it to do. I will be okay. Nicolas will be okay. You will be okay. God is in control, do not fear.

8) Okay, I fibbed - one more piece of advice. Reach out to others! I don't know what I would've done without my precious mom. I stressed her out I'm sure with so many questions and worries and complaints but she has been my angel. During pregnancy, it's VERY important to feel supported. Reach out to other people who care for you and your baby. Let them guide you and comfort you as your experience this baffling miracle. Don't let yourself feel alone or afraid. Don't be afraid to let people love you and help you.

I'm thankful for a new day! Even if I am snowed in...lol I choose to praise God on this day and I hope you will too.

XO

Reflections

      As 2012 draws quickly to a close, I've been thinking about how much has changed for me in the past year. I got engaged, pregnant & married. I have a place of my own now with my husband which we share with my stepson Cristian. I have made & lost a few friends through out the year. I have also taken a new job which was offered to me at 35 weeks pregonant! Overall, I am immensely blessed.
     Juan and I found a home church last month. I am incredibly grateful for that...I had been seeking a home church for several years since leaving my home town.
     I am 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I was told by many that it would fly by and they were soooo right. I can say that my first trimester was agony for me...it went soooo slow! My second and third trimesters have zoomed right by. My body has undergone so many changes, it's amazing and crazy all at once! First trimester is a lot of physical/mental changes, second seemed to be mostly hormonal/mental and this third trimester has been way better hormonally but physically it's overwhelming! Pregnancy is a beautiful and overwhelming journey. I am thankful for this experience but I can truthfully say I am ready to meet my son, hold him and begin this new journey together!
     Christmas is 3 days away. I can't wait to go to church to celebrate Jesus' birth, to sing and to reflect on this amazing year. I hope all of you have a blessed Christmas with your friends/family and that we all remember the true meaning of this magical season: Christ!

Christmas Spirit Reign!

Christmas is so special to me. I always had wonderful Christmas experiences growing up. My parents, especially my mom, were wonderful at incorporating enough of the magic to make me a believer in Santa and his reindeer but they never let me forget the TRUE reason for Christmas...Christ's birth! I can't imagine how Christmas is in other households who don't celebrate the true reason for the season.

I am blogging today to share some of the ways I am letting the Christmas spirit reign!

#1: Christmas music at work! Let the K-Love Christmas Music Player get you in the Spirit. Beautiful, cheery music that keeps us happy and reminds of why this season is the "most wonderful time of the year!"

#2: Celebrating with Cloffer! Cristian named his Elf on the Shelf "Cloffer" lol. That child has come up with some interesting names. He wanted my husband and me to name our son "Makanuki" LOL!! Anyways, the first day he received Cloffer we read the book & named him. The second day, we found Cloffer in the kitchen where he had made a snowman out of marshmallows. The third day, Cloffer was found in the bathroom with a toothbrush to remind little Cristian the importance of brushing his teeth. Cloffer has gone with Cristian to stay with his mom until Cristian comes back so I hope they're enjoying their time with him ^_^

#3: Baking plans/Party: My mom is hosting a Christmas cookie swap this weekend. I am excited to try every kind of cookie! I can't wait to take my cookies. I don't want to give away my recipes yet, but I will post some pictures of some ideas I've had for the exchange.

#4: I plan to bake a "Rosca de Reyes" for the first time this year! This is a cake pastry traditionally eaten on January 6th on the "Dia de Reyes" (Day of the Kings). The Kings referring to the arrival of the three wisemen who arrived late to celebrate Christ's birth. The tradition of placing a trinket (figurine of the Christ Child) in the cake is very old. The baby Jesus, when hidden in the bread, represents the flight of Jesus, fleeing from King Herod's evil plan to kill all babies that could be the prophesied messiah. Whoever finds the baby Jesus figurine is blessed and must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2, Candlemas Day (Día de la Candelaria). In the Mexican culture, this person also has to throw a party and provide tamales and atole to the guests. *credit to Wikipedia*

Rosca de Reyes

I hope everyone has a ~*magical*~ Christmas season & remembers the reason for season! XO

Elf on the Shelf *~

Good morning world! Today is the last day of November. I can't believe how quickly Halloween & Thanksgiving have come & gone. We are now moving into the Christmas spirit in our house! Today is the first day of our weekend with my stepson. He arrived this morning ill, poor baby. I am so thrilled to introduce him to "Jasper", our first elf on the shelf! My friend Ashley and I have been discussing our elfies with each other and she's just as excited (if not more) than me. She has two little ones & I can't wait to hear how her her introduction to this tradition goes! Ashley directed me to Pinterest for different ideas of things to do with our elf. My plan is to have my husband and I walk Cristian over to the office at our complex and have the employees there announce that a package from the North Pole has arrived for him.

I have really been slacking with posting about my pregnancy. I am now 33 weeks and 3 days. Nicolas is moving very often. I love when I lay down and he starts swimming around in there haha! I have gotten a few good videos of his activity. I have been told by my friends that I will miss feeling him after he's born. I am ready for him to be here though. I am definitely more uncomfortable. Walking is a chore, breathing is more difficult, I've earned my "stripes" (stretch marks) lol and the fatigue has set back in! Overall, however, I have had a great pregnancy & I am blessed to have this experience. I've always dreamt of becoming a mommy and I am so excited to meet my little prince. 

Here is a picture of my bump at 32 weeks! We're growing! 

Back to the Christmas stuff*~

I wanted to share some of my Christmas decor in pictures!!

Enjoy!

Little Miss Ginger & my Christmas pillows and throw on the couch.

Christmas decor on the bookshelf

Colorful Christmas lights around the kitchen window!

Easy Mexican Recipes for weeknights

Hey guys! If you're as tired as me after working 8 hours, the LAST thing you want to do is slave away in the kitchen... I LOVE to cook and on the weekends I can easily cook up breakfast, lunch and dinner but the week nights are a different story.

Sooo I am here to share some ideas of easy Mexican recipes to make through the week. All of these recipes were suggested to me by my Mexican friends & you'll have plenty for leftovers for next day's lunch. I'd also like to note that the first and third recipes are vegetarian and the second can certainly be adjusted to be vegetarian.

The first recipe I want to share is from "Nathan's comida blog", Platano Frito (< click for recipe).

Platano Frito is cooked by Mexicans but I have Puerto Rican and Cuban friends who also cook them and call them different names, although it's the same food ;) ENJOY!

This second recipe is a new plate called "gorditas" I just tried these  for the first time this past Sunday.

OMG...I wish I would've known about these sooner. They are amazing and very filling. I looked up several recipes and girlichef (< click for recipe) had the best one with great step by step pictures. Delicious!

Last, but certainly not least are "molletes". This is a vegetarian dish but very filling.

I was actually taught how to make these by my husband but I'll provide a great tutorial link below. We make them A LOT. They literally take 15 minutes to make. I am linking you guys to the "The other side of the tortilla" blog for the recipe for a great step by step tutorial with photos!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'd love feedback of easy recipe ideas you all have. Please comment if you would like to share! ^_^

Take care. xo.

Baby Shower Review

Hello loves! I have been delayed in writing a post BUT I'm back and have some fun pictures and news to share! ^_^

My baby shower was last Saturday. My mom and her friend Kelli planned everything. The theme was "Love you to the moon and back" and they incorporated my love for elephants into it also! I was so excited. This was my first baby shower and it's comparable to your birthday haha, yet soooo much more exciting! Celebrating my little prince is the best.

Ashley, me and Tiff - Amber and Maddi in the background! Love these girls!

Gifts, gifts and more gifts! We are so blessed.

The amazing cake!!! Loved it! Definitely one of my favorite parts!

I hope you enjoyed seeing the photos from my shower. I plan to take pics of some of his clothes (he got soooo many) as well as his other gifts soon. Blessings to you all! Thank you for reading.

Halloween review and 4D ultrasound pictures!

Happy Sunday! Hope everyone remembered to turn their clocks back! This is a super quick post. I just wanted to reveal the costume I decided to go with this year :) Here are a couple of pictures from my Halloween 2012 as well as a picture of baby Nicolas from the 4D ultrasound we had November 1st.

Baby Nicolas! 29 weeks and 2 days.

My sister in law Melissa, my girl Tiffany and me (and baby Nicolas) haha

La Catrina inspired face paint ^_^

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween Extravaganza

I lovvvvve Halloween. This Halloween is interesting for me since I'm pregnant...lol. I have had such a difficult time deciding what costume to wear. I usually attend more than one festivity, so that makes it even more difficult to choose. I reached out on Facebook asking for suggestions for pregnant costume ideas but none inspired me unfortunately. My mom mentioned mother Earth or Diana, the Roman Goddess of the moon and birth. The best part of Halloween, for me, is being able to go all out with makeup. I decided to go to my favorite YouTube channel for makeup tutorials. Klaire has STUNNING makeup tutorials. I discovered her channel two years ago when I dressed up as Odile, from the Black Swan ballet/movie. The videos she posted that inspired me this year are: Arabic Makeup Dusk , Arwen Makeup Tutorial & Snow Queen tutorial.
As I mentioned I will be attending two Halloween parties this year. One tonight and on Halloween. I had already bought bunny ears and tail for the 31st and I'm thinking some really peachy, glittery makeup for that. I thought being a bunny would be kind of humorous since I'm pregnant and bunnies reproduce pretty often. Tonight I am thinking of doing a sugar skull look, the Arabic dusk makeup, Arwen or the Snow Queen....ugh! I can't decide. Helpppppppp.
I guess I will post pictures when I have made up my mind and have the finished product for you to see! I may even do a tutorial of my own. Have a great day everyone and Happy Halloweening!

Here are some photos of my past costumes from 2010, 2011.

Zebra, 2011

Zebra, 2011

Baby Doll from "Sucker Punch", 2011

Odile from Black Swan, 2010

Pregnancy Week 26 in review

Week: 26 (currently in 27th week but reviewing 26th week)
Weight gain: 20lbs! Went back to OB ahhhhh lol I wasn't happy about this but it's mostly belly and chest weight. I am struggling with this part of the pregnancy.
Belly measurement: N/A
Stretch marks: Still none! I am still applying cocoa butter often.
What's going on in that belly?!: His movements are visible now LOL, so sweet and fun to watch.
Diet: Consuming lots of apples, bananas, peanut butter sandwiches and chocolate still. I crave chocolate so much!

Physical: Occasional ligament pains but nothing awful. I am very lethargic...

Sleep: Very very very sleepy. I sleep well still.
Mental: Still having extreme lows, depressing states. Crying. Illogical. I am ready for this part to end! I have started sewing again to help. I also painted a bit and those activities do relax and distract me.

Week Highlight(s): Drive in movie theater date with my hubby. He had never been before so I was excited to take him :) We ate Rally's and watched Taken 2. I also loved the day at the Covered Bridge Festival with my mom. She spoiled me a lot. I felt bad because I don't walk as quickly as I used to so she had to wait on me to catch my breathe a lot. We enjoyed yummy corn dogs and sweet tea! We also went to Burlington where she spoiled me with more maternity clothes and we ate at a Mexican restaurant. My mom is precious and I love time with her.

Check out my vlog for DIY Brown Sugar & Coconut Oil Scrub and Mini Maternity Hall, recorded today!

Week in Photos:

Hubby with Luna, our chinchilla

Photos from the covered bridge festival. The scenery was beautiful. Mom and I enjoyed kettle corn while we listened to a local man sing gospel songs. I really enjoyed that day!

Mom gave Juan and I this beautiful gift, along with two other figurines. I decided to post this particular figure because it made me cry! So sweet.

My first batch of caldo de camaron (shrimp/vegetable soup) It's spicy!

My husband doesn't like caldo de camaron so I made him salmon on a bed of rice with black beans and hush puppies.

 

25th week pregnancy in review

Week: 25
Weight gain: 11 lbs as of doctor appointment from 9/13.
Belly measurement: N/A
Stretch marks: Still none! I am still applying cocoa butter.
What's going on in that belly?!: I feel lots of movement when I am sedentary. I love it!
Diet: I did better diet wise this week. I ate A LOT of apples. I also drank a lot of apple cider. I lovvve Fall. I indulged in some hot chocolate, french toast and I ate sopes with my hubby this week at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. 

My bump and I enjoying coffee with peppermint creamer.

My Thursday evening meal: steak sopes and rice

Agua de Jamaica: Hibiscus Tea...my drink of choice Thursday evening

Learn more about this delicious drink here

Physical: I am still suffering from the pain behind the navel. I met a massage therapist this weekend who told me to just rub in a circle wherever I experience the pain to help ease it. I have also had to take some Tylenol the past few days to help.

Sleep: I am doing normal in the sleep department. I still experience wacky dreams! Still loving my body pillow.
Mental: I've had a hormonal 25th week!! I said that last week too...I am ready for this part to go away. Hormones are exceptionally difficult to deal with. Crying for no reason, super emotional and depression are all things I've experienced. I know I am not the easiest person to live with right now.
Week Highlight(s): Bonfire with my family last Sunday evening. Trip to southern Ohio to visit Amish country was relaxing and gorgeous! Pillow talk with my mom during our mini vaca to Ohio was especially nice also. I love her so much. We talked about my brothers, my late mamaw, my son and just life in general... I also enjoyed the super sweet compliment a stranger gave me during my mini vaca to Ohio. She asked me how far along I was. I replied "6 months" She made my pregnancy when she exclaimed "really?! You look awesome!! You're sexy! You're a sexy pregnant lady. Good for you!" Lol...when you feel like a beached whale it's nice to be reminded you still look human lol. Shopping this afternoon at Burlington with my hubby. He spoiled me. I was excited about my new maternity clothes and the baby's fuzzy warm outfit to bring him home in!!! I am blessed.

My week in pictures:

Me and my pumpkin bump in Amish Country Ohio. They were shooting pumpkins out of a cannon and it was so loud, it scared me every time lol.

Mom posing with the old buggy outside the antique barn.

Gorgeous country farm we visited in Southern Ohio.

Babe was happy when I came home and to be reunited with baby bump!

New cowboy boots mom bought for the baby!

New maternity items: bra, prenatal gummies, cardigan, top and jeans

My baby boy's new outfits and blanket!