18 Weeks #Bumpdate (caution: massive amount of photos ahead)

How far along? 18w+1d or 4.5 months

Baby is the size of a sweet potato, 5.6 inches and 6.7 ounces.

What's new for baby? Yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing are part of his/her daily routine. Also, he/she is busy twisting, rolling, punching (punching your mommy is okay, for now, little one) and kicking, too...

Total weight gain/measurements: 1.1lb, for a total weight of 115.5lbs! I think this is where I start to gain weight...

Maternity clothes: I am curvy and petite (like super petite, 5-ft), so I still fit in 99% of my clothes... But (here comes my excuse), hubby and I have an important event on April 3rd and I wanted to look really good so I got two new dresses from the amazing ASOS (maternity)  website. They have tons of clothes to die for and prices are affordable, specially if you take a look at the sale section. One of the dresses is in berry color and the other one is in blush -pinkish-. Hopefully they'll fit me and I'll be able to wear them for the event.

Stretch marks? Not yet! We'll see.

Sleep: Like a bear. My advantage is that I can get up and pee in a semi asleep state.

Best moment this week:  I can think of two: Hubby Jay kissing my belly and telling baby 'I love you'. The second one just happened some minutes ago: I put my iphone on top of my belly and played some of my favorite indie tracks and I could feel stronger flutters and small movements. I think baby got all happy with the music. I'll try to do this more often.

Miss anything? Drinking whiskey. Sometimes by the end of the day, I just want to have a whiskey (some Lagavulin, Oban or Glenlivet...)

Movement: Yes, stronger flutters!

Food cravings: bagels with cream cheese, bananas and iced tea.

Anything making you queasy or sick? strong coffee smell...

Gender: We do not know yet. At this point, my main concern is baby's healthy development. He/she will be endlessly loved by all of us. Only 8 more days to know it for sure.

Symptoms: sore breasts and increase appetite.

Belly button in or out? In. I do not think it will ever be out.

Wedding rings on or off? On, my fingers are still the same. Yay!

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy lol

Looking forward to: next ultrasound.

xx,
Raque.

17 Weeks #Bumpdate

How far along? 17 weeks

Baby is the size of a pear, 5.1 inches and 5.9 ounces.

Total weight gain/measurements: None. I still weight 114.4lbs.

Maternity clothes: None yet. My mum got three new dresses for me but they are all junior size M -slightly bigger and stretchy-.

Stretch marks? Not yet! I am using body lotion at twice a day.

Sleep: I have been sleeping really good, with the exception of some nightmares and my urgent need to get up and pee.

Best moment this week:  Cooking for my family and seeing them enjoying the food. Also, eating red velvet cupcakes, haha.

Miss anything? My kitty-cat. Oh you furry, big eyed face.

Movement: tiny little flutters here and there. I want to feel a Real Kick -Pow! Bam!-

Food cravings: berries, toasts and water.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Axe deodorants, ew.

Gender: We do not know yet. We have guesses but I am starting to think that maybe I have been wrong all this time. Only TWO MORE WEEKS. Yay.

Symptoms: twinges, sentimentalism & joy.

Belly button in or out? In. I do not think it will ever be out.

Wedding rings on or off? On, my fingers are still the same.

Happy or moody most of the time: Still a little bit emotional, like a teenage girl. 

Looking forward to: Finding out baby's sex so we can write down names and start planning our baby shower.

What mommy has been eating... (Part Two)

Sometimes all I can think about when I wake up is food. I don't care too much about the calorie content anymore. Now, it's all about nutrition: protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, iron... And whenever I can, I choose the organic stuff or less processed option. But I do eat bad stuff once in a while like cheeseburgers and ice cream, but my portions aren't so massive.

Anyways, I'm not health guru here. I am just a mom to be that is concerned about the development and growing of my little baby. 

Here is some of the food I have been eating lately...

Breakfast: scrambled eggs with spinach and a toast with butter. 

Kombucha (this is so good for your digestion) and tuna sandwich with cilantro.

I got this sandwich at Starbucks and I liked it (except for the bacon). It's like a chicken salad between two slices of bread.

My favorite fruit salad: banana, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries.

... And I made this yesterday: red velvet cupcakes. They were so much better than the ones they have at Costco or Safeway. Plus I did not add so much sugar and butter to them. Yum.

That's all for this week!

Xx,

Raque 

Pregnancy Vlog - 16 weeks Update

16 Weeks #Bumpdate - Four months with this jelly bean...

How far along? 16 weeks

Baby is the size of an avocado, 4.6 inches and 3.5 oz 

Total weight gain/measurements: zero weight gain. I still weight 114.4lbs.

Maternity clothes: None yet. I'm thinking that maybe I'll be able to get away with regular clothes for most of my pregnancy since I'm petite.

Stretch marks? Not yet! I have been using vitamin E oil and Palmer's Cocoa Butter  Spray Lotion.

Sleep: Lots of sleep. It's embarrassing.

Best moment this week:  Cuddling with my hubby and looking at him talking to our little jelly bean.

Miss anything? Not this week.

Movement: tiny little flutters here and there.

Food cravings: green salads, grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit...

Anything making you queasy or sick? Axe deodorants and pork.

Gender: Unknown. Just 3 more weeks.

Symptoms: twinges, tiredness and sometimes dizziness.

Belly button in or out? In. I do not think it will ever be out.

Wedding rings on or off? On, my fingers are still the same.

Happy or moody most of the time: Emotional and maybe irrational. I just start crying for no reason (I am very sorry, hubby). It's just my hormones being nasty.

Looking forward to: Today's appointment. I'll try to record it for my next pregnancy vlog.

16 Old Wives Tales & Their Results

Let's try these myths just because they are fun and totally unreliable. Here we go...

Old Wives’ Tale #1 – Linea Nigra

The old wives tale is this – if you get a línea nigra and it runs from your pubic area to your belly button only, it’s a girl, and if it goes all the way up from your pubic area to the bottom-most part of you rib cage, then it’s a boy. RESULT: NONE ( I do not have a linea negra)

Old Wives’ Tale #2 – Carrying High or Low?

If you are carrying low, it’s a boy, or if you’re carrying high it’s a girl. We wont tell them that the way the baby is carried is actually a reflection of your own body shape, muscle, baby’s position and other physical factors. RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #3 – What’s Baby’s Heart rate?

They say that if you’re carrying a girl, your baby’s heart rate will be above 140bpm (beats per minute). A boy is said to have a heart rate under 140bpm. However, a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine (1996) has dismissed this theory, as has other research. Your baby’s heart rate will change often during a pregnancy, depending on the baby’s age and it’s movement. Anything from 120-160bpm is normal for an unborn baby. RESULT: GIRL!

Old Wives’ Tale #4 – Your Flowing Locks

Has your hair become thinner and dull? Or full-bodied and glossy? Thin and dull says you’re having a girl, gorgeous and glossy says a boy. RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #5 – Where Are You Carrying Extra Weight?

Even those extra pregnancy kilos are said to provide an insight into your baby’s gender! If you are carrying extra weight at the front, then you’re having a boy… but if you are carrying extra weight on your bum and hips, then you have been carrying a girl. What about dad-to-be? If he’s gaining weight with you, apparently you’re having a girl. If he’s put on no weight, a boy for you! RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #6 – Numbers…

If you combine your age at the time of conception with the number of the month you conceived and the resulting number is odd – then it’s a girl on the way. If the resulting number is even, then it’s a boy for you. RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #7 – Sweet, Salty or Sour?

Another well known old wives tale! Are you craving sweet foods like juice, fruits and chocolate? if so, old wives say that you could be having a girl. But if you’re craving sour or salty foods, then you could be having a boy. It’s also said that if you are having a boy, you will crave protein like meat and dairy. I have trouble believing this one because I think by now we’d be overrun with a population of females – chocolate, yum! RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #8 – Wedding Ring Test (AKA Needle Or Pin Test)

Get your wedding ring (or other ring / a needle / a pin) and attach it with a strand of your hair or some string. Lie down and dangle the ring over your belly. If it starts moving in circles, you are having a boy, or if it moves like a pendulum from side to side, then you are having a girl. RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #9 – How About Those Cold Feet?

If your feet get colder than they used to pre-pregnancy, it’s a sign you have a boy on the way. If your feet are the same, then it’s a girl! RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #10 – How Do You Look?

Do you look better than ever while pregnant? Or has the pregnancy done your looks no favours? As it goes, if you look great during pregnancy, then you are carrying a boy. If you don’t look too flash, you’re having a girl, because she’s stolen all your good looks! RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #11 – The Breast Test!

If you look in the mirror at your breasts, which one is larger? If it’s the right one, you’re carrying a boy and for a larger left breast, then it’s a girl. Which only leaves one question… if your breasts are both the same size, does that mean one of each? I’ll leave you with that to ponder!  RESULT: NONE ( I think they look the same)

Old Wives’ Tale #12 – Are You A Lefty or a Righty?

When you sleep, do you sleep on your left? Because if you do, then it’s a boy for you! On your right, a girl is in sight. RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #13 – Check Out Your Wee!

Okay…. now apparently if you have bright yellow urine, then you’re carrying a boy, but if it’s dull / clear, then you’re carrying a girl.  RESULT: BOY!

Old Wives’ Tale #14 – Hairy Legs?

Has the hair on your legs grown faster than normal? Or has it grown just like normal? Because if it’s growing faster than it did pre-pregnancy, then you’re said to be having a boy.  RESULT: GIRL!

Old Wives’ Tale #15 – Baking soda test

Mix your urine with baking soda. If it fizzles, it means you're having a boy. If it doesn't, it's a girl.  RESULT: GIRL!

Old Wives’ Tale #16 – Chinese Calendar

RESULT: BOY!

Final Results: IT MIGHT BE A BOY

69% BOY

19% GIRL

12% N/A

My final verdict: I do not believe these 'tales'. They're just guesses. If my baby is a boy or a girl, I'll be extremely happy. I am more concern of his/her health.

Read more about these old wives tales.

Let's get naked...

Not literally, of course. But let's talk about how much your body changes during pregnancy.
A few weeks after I found out that there is a tiny new resident in my belly, I could feel my body activating all those 'mom to be' controls.

My breasts were -and still are- sore and got heavier. Before, I could get into a cup B or C -depending on the brand-, now I am full cup C. Sometimes it's difficult to find the 'right position' in order to fall asleep. Clothes fit differently. I never gave a thought on how important breasts are. Since day one, they start getting ready to accomplish their supreme function: breast-feeding.

In the mid time, you'll need to get 2 or 3 super cozy bras. I found the perfect ones: affordable, good quality & cute. I said goodbye to wires and irritating straps.

Warner's has amazing bras. That's all I wear right now and their price varies from $12-$18. Choose the wire free ones. You might find useful to get them in nude, white, black and/or gray.

Another thing that happens when you are expecting is that you get bloated, like when you had too much ice cream and candy at midnight. Your underwear might feel very tight. And even though, the bloating might go away, your belly will keep growing the next months -that's a fact!-. So you might want to invest in good undies.

Victoria's Secret has pretty boyshorts & hipsters. They are soft and stretchy.

Just get comfortable but there's no need to say 'au revoir' to your femininity.

XX,
Raque.

How I ended up in the ER

Yesterday was a long day. I was not feeling good at all. But as the day went on my stomach -and all abdomen- increased its pain. By 5pm, the pain was really bad. I started crying and called my midwife. She said: 'go to the ER'. That got me even more worried.

My husband took me to the hospital. They checked my bloods pressure, temperature, urine. Everything seemed to be okay. But still my mind couldn't stop thinking on Baby J. 'Is he okay?' 'Will he be fine?''What if this is something serious?'...

My mind found its peace the minute we saw him in the ultrasound. His heart was beating fast and he was moving a lot, putting his fingers in his mouth. So beautiful! I felt like I could breath again and so does my husband.

After it, they did a cervix exam to make sure my cervix was closed. And yes it was...

They couldn't tell me what caused the pain. But they assured us that it was nothing to be worried. 'Just rest and relax, it seems to be related to your pregnancy'...

We went home and I felt asleep cuddling with my husband; and even though I still had a little bit of pain, I rested because I knew that our munchkin was doing well.

We will remodel our bathroom...

This is a project that has been pending since we got married. So we finally decided it was time to make it happen.

Here's some of our 'inspiration' photos...

My skilled hubby will kill himself during the weekend in order to transform the bathroom. I am really excited to see the finished result.

I'll keep you posted with the before and after result!

What mommy has been eating...

My eating habits have changed a little bit ever since I found out we are expecting.

I am eating for two! That means that baby will also eat what I eat. He needs good nutrients and plenty of water to grow strong and healthy. And I need those too. 'You are what you eat'. 

Wholewheat toast with bananas and nutella & strawberry smoothie.

Bowl from Taco Bell, it has rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, chicken, sour cream and guacamole.... yum!

Another breakfast: Honey bunches cereal with bananas and strawberries and organic lactose free milk.

Spinach and cheese raviolis & kale salad!

Thai Curry with chicken. Extra spicy!

I must say that I like my body more now that I'm carrying my baby inside of me. I'm still a little bit sensitive about my body image. I hate when people point out how BIG my hips, my butt or my legs look! I hate it. A part of me cries a little bit when I hear those words. But, putting all that behind me, I feel blessed and beautiful to witness and experience -as close as possible- such an amazing miracle. It makes me feel femenine, strong and capable of almost anything. 

Week 15 #Bumpdate (almost 4 months and no weight gain yet...)

How far along? 15 weeks

Baby is the size of an apple, 4 inches and 2.5 oz (the apple of my eye!)

Total weight gain/measurements: no weight gain yet. I am still weighting 114.4lbs (which is supposed to be 'healthy' for my tiny height). I think 'Baby J' is absorbing all those extra pounds I packed in the last year. I am pretty sure baby is okay; so maybe this means that it will be easier to lose the baby weight after he/she is born.

Maternity clothes: None yet, but maybe in a couple weeks I'll get some basic pieces so I can mix and match them with no fuss.

Stretch marks? Not yet! I have been using vitamin E oil and Palmer's Cocoa Butter  Spray Lotion.

Sleep: Its been okay. I just feel like I moved a lot during the night because I can feel pressure in my abdomen.

Best moment this week:  Realizing I am one week away of being four months. This jelly bean is growing so fast.

Miss anything? I miss somebody: my brother and London -my cat-... How I wish I could spend some time with them.

Movement: I think I felt him last saturday. I know that soon his movements will be more noticeable.

Food cravings: wine, burgers and green salads. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? the smell of any 'Axe' deodorant, eww...

Gender: We will know on April 7th. My next appointment will be next week, so I hope they give me a little hint. My guts keep telling me it's a boy. It's hard to explain, I'd love a mini me as well, but I kinda 'sense' -mere intuition based- that my little tummy inhabitant is a mini version of my hubby. We'll see if I am wrong or right.

Symptoms: I get dizzy and light headed, specially after walking around Walmart or Lowes for an hour. Sometimes I need to crouch and deeply breath... and heck no, I'm not embarrassed to do so in front of other people.

Belly button in or out? In. I do not think it will ever be out.

Wedding rings on or off? On, my fingers are still the same.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy and emotional. I saw a photo of my cat and started crying because I missed smelling him and kissing his head... haha

My husband gave me this card months ago. It mades me feel better whenever hormones strike.

Looking forward to: Next week so I can see Baby J and making sure he's growing and healthy.

NOT Looking forward to: Summer. I think I'll die -not really-. Just picture myself with 20lbs in my belly in a 95F weather (screaming, desperately)

My skin looks better now. Had a little bit of acne but it seems to be gone (for now...)

 This is the teddy bear they gave me when I was born. I am planning to get baby J his own teddy bear too.

And that's all for now, folks. Sorry for the massive amount of photos but I can't stop thinking how this is a moment can not be reproduced.

xx, 

Raque.