Oh So Animated

Happy Girl

 The one good thing about having a baby in your forties is that you have more ultra sounds.  I just had our 32 week ultra sound which was amazing.  I could have stayed in the room all day watching my baby girl kick, open her eyes, and suck her fingers. She was wide awake and moving all around during the process.

 

Pouting

The ultra sound tech was fascinated by her expressions that she took a total of 15 pictures for us to keep rather than the 3 or 4 that most people receive. 

Everything measured perfect, she had plenty of fluid between her and the uterus and her heartbeat was nice and strong.  My Doctor said she had no reason to believe I would have any difficulties in the coming weeks and that I should be able to have a successful vaginal birth.  

Sucking Fingers

When she was done with all of the measurements, she estimated that our baby was approximately 4 pounds, 4 ounces.  Assuming at this point that the babies grows 1/2 pound every week, she estimated that our baby would be about 7 1/2 pounds at birth, give or take a half a pound.  I was so relieved to hear that.

Our next ultra sound is at the end of May and then we get to have one every week thereafter until I deliver. This helps my Doctor confirm that the baby is growing on track and to confirm that there are no issues with the placenta. 

Eyes Open

 

Sweet Smile

I wish you could see my facial expressions as I sit here and think about the fact that we only have seven weeks to go...

Showered with Love and Friendship!

7 1/2 months

This past weekend was one I will look back on and remember always. I spent a weekend in San Diego with the most amazing friends a person can have. Friday started with a quick visit to see my friend Cindy who just recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I am so glad I had time to sit with her and get her insight and recommendations on taking care of a newborn. Then I was off to my old job (which I loved) TD Ameritrade to have lunch with a couple of my previous co-workers.

 

I have only great things to say about this company and only amazing things to say about the people who work there. I truly miss them!  Upon my arrival, I was escorted to the lunch room to find a large group of ladies who took time out of their crazy schedules to shower me and my baby with love. 

Sally Sotelo

What a wonderful surprise and it meant so much for me to be able to spend a little time with a great group of women. I loved all the gifts and truly value my friendships with each of these ladies. My dear friend Sally Sotelo planned this surprise event and it really made me feel special.  

Friday night, I had dinner with my amazing nephew Steven. He is working for TD Ameritrade and at 21 is making a great salary and making great strides to becoming a leader. I’m so proud of him and what he has accomplished in such a short time. 

Saturday was the main event and I couldn’t wait for it to get here. My sweet, and dearest friend Kim, went above and beyond to throw me a beautiful baby shower. She asked me months ago if I would be interested in having a baby shower in San Diego since most of my long-time friends lived there. I couldn’t agree more. And what a baby shower it was! I was blessed abundantly in so many ways. It was such a blessing to be able to share this occasion with women I admire and cherish.  What remarkable women you are and I am honored you call me friend.

Sherri & her daughter Lexi

Ana

 

Vera & Tanya

Tiffany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen

Kim

 I can’t thank Kim enough for hosting the shower, for her hospitality and for being my rock throughout the last five years. She is a great mother and I hope I can be as patient and loving as she is to her beautiful daughter Taylor.      

Kim & Taylor-smiling

Sunday, I met up with two very brilliant ladies for brunch. It was so great to catch up and reminisce about the old times and to discuss future possibilities. Thank you, Angela and Tanya.

I then made my way to Ana and Craig’s house for a “family” BBQ. This is where I spent many days, nights, and weekends when I lived in San Diego. Ana and Craig have always been there for me and everyone. Anyone who enters their house is considered family. I cherish the many memories –trips to Cabo, Palm Springs, Vegas, LA, San Francisco, and those many summer nights walking down to the beach to watch the sunset.

And here we were, all of us together having a BBQ to celebrate a new addition to the family. We played Baby Pictionary  - guys versus the girls -  and as I always do; I laughed the entire day. 
 

I cannot event imagine where I would be today were it not for my friends. Through life’s ups and downs, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, celebrated life’s milestones; and of course, gathered together to enjoy good company and wine.  Our baby girl is very blessed to have so many people who already love her so much. 

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” - Elizabeth Foley

What's in a Name?

A name is how you identify yourself, and how others identify you. It can have a very strong impact on how you are perceived and how you act. Many people look for names that have meanings special to themselves or their loved ones. 

When we were researching names for our baby girl, we wanted a name that would signify the greatness of the Wolf name itself and demonstrate our affinity towards the animal. 

Wolves were an important part of medieval Germany imagination, known for their fierceness and tenacity. Contrary to public perceptions, they are friendly, social, and highly intelligent. Their sense of family is strong and loyal, and they live by carefully defined rules and rituals.

After having looked at the meaning of countless names, and to not outdo any of this year’s celebrity baby names, we are proud to announce that our girl’s name is:  

SPIRIT SAGE WOLF

Before you start forming your opinions and drafting your comments, please keep in mind that today is one of the most light-hearted days of the year. Although its origins are uncertain, this foolish day is known as April Fools’ Day; and I hope that I GOTCHA.

Please note that our baby girl’s name will be revealed upon her arrival.

 

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The Hope of Spring

When my young energy was bountiful every room, nook and cranny received a deep cleaning during spring. With less energy and mobility, I made it a point to get the nursery together last weekend so I can start working on the yard - weeding, planting and trimming. I love being outside and this is just the therapy I need to start my third trimester. 

I've read that many women experience "nesting" right before going into labor. I am looking forward to feeling that bountiful energy so that I may clean, sterilize and organize like a champ.

Spring also brings the wonders of new life. It brings the promise of longer and brighter days, new fragrant blossoms, and it is the the time I celebrate the most important aspect of my faith; the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the celebration of His life and gift of eternal life to me. Did you know that rabbits are a powerful symbol of fertility and new life? That is why they are used to represent Easter but that is not the reason we celebrate Easter.

Scripture tells of Jesus Christ's death and his resurrection and how it symbolizes faith and hope in new life. Just as scripture tells us of the renewal Easter means in the Christian world, we can see evidence of it all round us as we celebrate this joyous season. 

Happy Easter!

 

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My Body is Being Invaded By...

Oh the Many Unpleasant Symptoms of Pregnancy! 

     

According to Wikipedia, a Geographic tongue is an inflammatory condition of the tongue affecting approximately 3% of as 2012. It is characterized by discolored regions of taste buds or sometimes even cracks in the surface of the tongue. The condition is usually chronic, and frequently manifests after eating any of a range of exacerbating foods, or during times of stress, illness, or hormonal surges mainly in women.

Foods that sometimes cause irritation, burning or slight swelling of the tongue include tomato, eggplant, walnuts, sharp cheeses, spicy foods, sour foods, mint, candy and citrus. 

Of all the symptoms of pregnancy, this one is not on the list. I developed it a few weeks ago and it continues to cause a burning sensation whenever I eat. I try to ignore the fact that my tongue looks like a road map of New York City and I continue to eat what I like which are all the aforementioned foods above however the burning sensation seems to be getting worse.  Although treatment is usually unnecessary, I believe I might have to find an antihistamine to try and relieve the burning.

If you are aware of the many symptoms of pregnancy, well, I’ve have and continue to experience many of them including: chronic back pain, an incessant urge to use the bathroom, bleeding gums, bloody nose, leg cramps, and of course nausea. 

About a month ago, my husband looked at me inquisitively and asked, “Have you always had that mole on your face?” All I could do was laugh, it literally appeared overnight and has been growing with my belly ever since (due to the extra hormones). If it continues to rise beyond the surface and demand that everyone acknowledge it, I should give it a name, but all the names I can think of are rather inappropriate.  If it does not disappear (as the doctor suspects it will) the mole will be the first thing to go after delivery.

With my baby lying so low in my belly, she had been using my bladder as her pillow. Every time she moves, I waddle as fast as I can to empty my bladder before it empties itself (which I heard is just another symptom in the latter part of pregnancy). 

With three and a half more months to go, I can only imagine what else might evolve.  Even with all these unpleasant symptoms and strange ailments, I am beaming with joy and I continue to give thanks to God for every day of my pregnancy.

 

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The 6 Month Mark

I can't believe I'm already at six months. This month is another milestone for expectant mothers-to-be. At 24 weeks, the baby has the potential to survive outside the uterus if it happened to be born now.

How wonderful to know that even at 1.32 pounds, modern medicine has made it possible for a baby to survive. Even with that said, I would not want her to come early unless it was an absolute emergency.

Admittedly, I have started to get extremely excited for her arrival. We've started shopping for her crib and bedding; and I started reading every book on birth and newborns that I can get my hands on.

Some of you have kindly asked about my registry. I am registered at amazon.com and target.com. I did some serious research on pricing and both Amazon and Target were cheaper than Babies-R-Us. And the items that I have on Amazon were cheaper or about the same price as Target.

I am baffled as to how many things one really needs for a newborn baby. Both rich and I were laughing about this when we started the registry because we really had no idea what to buy. Thankfully some of my experienced friends provided some guidance.

We signed up for a birthing class and a newborn care class in April - hopefully this will calm some of the jitters we both share about being first time parents.

 

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Kapow!

Last night we were lying in bed when I felt our baby girl kick me. This wasn't her normal movements that I've felt for the last month; it felt like she was kick boxing a punching bag which in essence was me. Her first kick was so strong that it startled me so much that I sprang right out of bed. I could  imagine her saying ...

It happened a few more time that my husband had the pleasure of feeling her kick his hand. What an extraordinary, yet strange feeling but one that is so intensely satisfying and joyous. It was the same exact feeling that your hands get when holding a bag with a goldfish inside -brushes, bumps and wiggles - just inside your stomach.

What's even weirder is watching my stomach move. I've noticed that she is more active after I eat. Last night I had lasagna, so perhaps she wast trying to tell me she didn't like it or maybe that it was too spicy. 

I feel so much happiness knowing that there is an active life living inside of me.  To know that such a miracle is growing nestled deep in my womb, well, it brings tears to my eyes every time I think of it.   To know that God trusted me to be a part of something so holy, so grand, is just unimaginable.

If God can give her such strength in the womb, I believe he will continue to give her inner-strength so that she can conquer life's obstacles with the same intent...Kapow! 

 

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