D. Family Coffee Break

Happy 27 weeks and 1 day to this baby girl.  Although I haven’t noticed much, apparently I’ve changed A LOT in one week. Commonly heard phrases of the week from coworkers: “Hey, I thought I just saw you last week.  You look really pregnant.” “Hey…didn’t I just see you last week?”  (Look of awe at my belly.) “Wow, you’re pregnant?  I didn’t even know until this week.”                I don't think I realized how much I've actually grown until Wyatt took this photo last night.  Boy I mean...Girl, is my belly pronounced! Resting my swollen legs and feet while Daddy takes a really attractive photo of me. This morning we decided to capture THE belly.  (We'll keep these pics small so no one gets overwhelmed---uh hem...me, every time I see this page of my blog.) Outrageous.   If you look closely (or not so closely) you might be able to see some stretch marks.  (However, I don't ...

Now that I'm entering week 27 (a.k.a leaving behind the second trimester and entering the third), I've been feeling really overwhelmed with the changes my body has undergone just in the past month alone.  If you know me, this means there have been lots of tears, all of which were pretty much unexplained.  (A BIG thank you to Wyatt for always, always, always being so supportive and making me feel better.) I was lucky enough to only gain 4 pounds in the first two trimesters.  At last week's doctor's appointment, I was not only hit with the news that I've gained 2 more pounds (making my total 6), but I could now feel it too.  I can now feel the swollen feet and the heavy belly more than ever.  Argh.  Quote from my sister:  "You're right.  Your feet are swollen."   :P On Mother's Day I spent the day with Mama and the rest of my family eating LOTS of Italian food and shopping for maternity clothes.  Up until this week, I could get away w...

Well, I'll officially hit 26 weeks tomorrow.  I can hardly believe it's only been 26 weeks.  This baby is kicking away and rotating constantly inside my belly.  How do I know this?  I know because whenever I feel her kicking and punching, they're now coming from different locations on my belly every single time .  My baby-know-it-all newsletter says that Ella should be practicing her blinking.  You know what that means, Grandparents- she's ready to win you over with her beautiful eyes.  Sneaky kid.  :) Now, how have I been feeling?  Pretty good...with the exception of leg cramps.  I woke up at 2:30am this morning with  THE WORST leg cramp in my right leg.  I swear it lasted a good 5 minutes!  Now my right leg feels very heavy and sore. :(    Now I know I'm complaining, so I should reiterate how thankful I am that this pregnancy has been A LOT easier than most people I know....

Our lives are currently being run by all of these save-the-dates, invitations, and reminders for weddings, birthdays, and of course, baby Ella. 2011 is one busy year (in the best way possible!). ...oh yeah...and also by  these... This year, Wyatt and I have 7 weddings (bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, etc.), and a baby to prepare for! Sometimes we (and by "we" I mean baby Ella) get a few surprises in the mail from friends who live out of town.  (Thank you, Sam and Rachel in Denver, but soon-to-be Boston, and Adam and Laura in Lafayette, CA.  We miss you guys!)  We will be saving these for diaper purchases. :) On Sunday we went to my cousin's baby, Sophia's baptism.  :)  She is so tiny and so cute!  I'm so lucky she's my Goddaughter! My family outside the church. Mama with baby Sophia. <3 Oh yeah...we're gonna be great parents. :) Cousins God Bless, Kat 

This must be a record.  How many blogs have I done this week?!!?  Well, that just tells you there's A LOT going on these days, which means that baby Ella is making A LOT of progress, and Mommy is growing at a rapid rate.  Happy 25 weeks and 1 day!  Hooray!  The other night I discovered a brand new view while laying in bed and watching TV.  I discovered that while laying in bed, I can no longer see anything above my knees because of baby Ella. Hello, feet that now look like bear paws.  Nice to see you!  (Since I can't see you while I'm standing.)    Who knew my legs could even look this tiny. I guess when you see them below what feels like a gigantic belly, it can slim 'em down a bit! Nope, it doesn't look any better or less shocking in black and white. Take it in.  These might be the only bare belly shots you get...especially now that I know what they look like! Who needs a side profile shot of my belly when...

Last night while watching Dancing with the Stars (and eating an Eggo waffle) in bed, I felt what I thought was a "rumbling in my tummy" (as Winnie the Pooh would say).  After a few minutes of this, I looked down at my tummy and saw baby Ella punching the bottom left side of my tummy and kicking the upper right side...AT THE SAME TIME!  I quickly called Wyatt, who waited patiently with his video camera, filming my bare tummy, waiting to see what I had described.  After a few minutes, baby Ella did it again.  I can't say it enough, but this was such a strange feeling and another frightening moment watching Ella kick and punch for a few straight moments.  As the show continued and the music kept playing, baby Ella continued to move.  Could it be?  Did this baby inherit Daddy's dance moves?  (We all know it's not from me!)  MAAAAAYYYYBEEE!  This could be what our future holds... That's right, she's Asian. :) The possibilities of what th...

The other day I got home from work and a package had arrived from the Dressler family in Atlanta.  Yes, baby Ella got more clothes from Uncle Jason, Auntie Mary, cousin Addison (and of course, their dog, Jessie).  THIS is why girls love clothes. They begin to get them before they've come out of the womb! :) Thank you to the Dresslers for contributing to our unborn daughter's wardrobe! :) Easter weekend, we were able to catch up with some good friends.  This was the first time baby Ella was able to hear the voices of her soon-to-be Tita Ingrid, Tita Nara, and Tito Peter (China). :) (This was also the first time I was able to wear my "real" maternity shirt.  Go me!) Gotta get a picture with Daddy!  (One of very few together during this pregnancy.) Mommy even had some time to catch up on some sleepless nights, with a nap before Easter Vigil mass on Saturday, while the greatest husband/Daddy was folding laundry.  First born McKayla joined in on i...