bump request

i logged on to facebook this morning and cousin katy and aunt diane were requesting a belly picture of the baby bump. due to the fact that my professional photographer (scott) is still out of town, it's quite difficult for me to snap a picture of myself.

but i went with my camera into the bathroom in the mirror and was able to snap a quick photo of my baby bump. i feel some days she lays certain ways to make my belly 'pop' more, and others it seems like she is hiding more inside!

my un-professional belly pic!

the ideas are beginning

Since Scott is not here, it is a bit difficult to get my belly pics taken, and they just don't come out the same way when I do it!

22 weeks with the little princess

she's rolling around in that belly!

I ordered the nursery furniture and bedding, a HUGE, LONG lengthy process that I probably put in way too many hours over. So, if anyone is looking for a particular pattern, color or design, let me know and I can direct you in the right place, since I have looked at every possible thing and exhausted all the options! But I am SO SO excited for the furniture to arrive and to get it together!

I have begun to think of paint colors in the nursery. So many choices! But the room we were originally going to use as the nursery, I decided to make the guest room. So the room that was originally the guest room (which Scott had painted a shade of yellow-ish!) is now the nursery. So first step is getting the wall back to white and have a clean slate. I feel the paint store calling me....

I am so happy, inside and out. Even though I am lonely at times, I always feel like I have someone with me (inside me) and with me everywhere, every minute I go. Oh, I can't wait for her to get here!

Our little papaya peanut!

Is she the size of a sweet pea or an avocado?

Found a great site which details the 'size' of the baby and it's so cute!

http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/articles/how-big-is-baby.aspx

This week, baby is the size of a papaya. Wow, it doesn't look like I have a papaya in my belly yet!

The average fetus at this age weighs 12.7 to 20.8 oz. Also, from reading, I discovered that our little baby is now able to hear outside the womb and recognize noise. Maybe she moves around so much from my horrible singing! Her face is fully formed, just not much fat on it yet, and she is starting to sleep about 12-14 hours a day. Oh I get more and more excited everyday for her arrival!

"Baby in the tummy, it's all up to mommy,
But once the baby's had, it's bragging rights for Dad"

miss you, mom!

Today mom had to go back to Florida- and I am sad and miss her already!

It felt like she was only here for a day, but she got here Friday and we were busy the entire time!

We went to my OB-GYN doctor and see little baby on the ultrasound, my mom loved it, and so did I. The doctor said that I am right on schedule- due June 21st-22nd, and in the 22nd week. I feel good, the baby is healthy and moving around like crazy. She already loves to dance!

We did lots and lots of shopping, and on Saturday we went to 3 different malls in search for baby furniture and bedding. We had no luck, except for eliminating many, many stores. We stopped by a store that had a small selection of furniture and both mom and I liked one set they had. So we returned there again today to have another peek. They had gotten rid of one of the shelving pieces but still had the crib, so I am going to get it this week. Still trying to decide on the bedding- I want something plain, something beautiful, not frilly, just classic and adorable. Easier said than done!

Lots of wonderful thanks to my wonderful parents for giving Scott and I the crib for a baby gift. What an incredible gift, thanks so much and we can't wait to put our princess inside it!

While my mom was here, we were also able to get some decorating ideas. My mom is one of the most talented, unique and creative people in the world, and her sense of color and design is amazing. Having her help this weekend was wonderful.

Being that I had just moved to Panama, it was an adventurous weekend, finding new places and learning where to get certain things. or not get things. It was crazy and hectic, but having my best friend here made it incredible. We had fun, we laughed, we got frustrated, we had a fantastic relaxing massage, and we attempted to speak Spanish.

I miss you mom, Panama welcomes you anytime, and can't wait for you to return!

I can't wait until next month and I head home to Florida for my baby showers, and then in June when she becomes Mimi to our daughter. What a wonderful time!

shop til we drop.

walking around cosco viego (old town)

yay!

I've been feeling good, although with Scott gone, we really miss him.

My mom Michele is coming tomorrow to Panama. We can get started on the nursery, pick out furniture and do some shopping. (and hopefully try some good Panamanian food) I can't wait for her to get here and have some fun! We're going to the doctors tomorrow afternoon to get a baby checkup and hopefully have an ultrasound and see the little princess! :-)

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on."

yummy yummy in my tummy

I was curious to know the biggest cravings women get while they are pregnant.

I have heard everything from McDonald's (evie), Banana Cream Pie (sarah) to Good N Plenty Candy (mom) and a bunch more very bizarre things.

The biggest cravings from all the preggos are sugary cravings, dairy products, spicy foods, sour fruit and salty snacks. That explains a lot then...

What were your biggest cravings during pregnancy? Any 'I must have it now' moments?

My cravings are for sour and sweet, especially candy like Sweet Tarts and jelly beans and also lots of purple grapes (guess i am still getting my dose of red wine!) I usually drink a lot of water, and what pregnant woman doesn't, but I now have been wanting Diet Root Beer and Cream Soda. Something a little different! And anything flavored with carbonation, without the sugar and caffeine. Flavored seltzers are great. And the biggest one, cereal. I consume it by the box. ahh, it's that sweet spot for me. atleast for today.

I've been doing more research on baby shower items. Since we'll be having the baby in Panama, many of the items I will need to get here, because of size- and many things will be great to get while I am home. Clothes, clothes and more clothes. :-) As I have been out and about in Panama, I have noticed some very cute baby stores, baby clothes, and baby items. But it will be great to get many of the items and bring some back. I can't wait for my mom to come visit on Friday. It will be her first trip to Panama, we can look for baby stuff and have some fun girl time!

I am not a fan of clothes shopping while being pregnant, atleast not trying the clothes on. Your body changes so much during pregnancy, and although I am not huge or popping at the seams (yet...) it is still not fun trying on items and having nothing (repeat: nothing) fit. Whether it's the ribs, the boobs, the belly or just plain uncomfortable, my new shopping philosophy is to just buy it. I can try it on once it's home and if it doesn't fit, where it later on or after baby, but it's very difficult to go shopping. Maybe once I find a maternity store, then I can find some items that are made for emotional, hormonal, big bellied women!

valentine's day

"Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end."

Valentine's Day is today. The day of love.

Every day is the day of love in my book.

Although Scott is away in Florida, I had a wonderful relaxing day with our little fetus daughter and my trusty sidekick Toby. We walked down for ice cream and relaxed on the couch.

I am sending love to friends, family and of course, that handsome stud husband of mine.

Before Scott left, he took some belly pics....

22 weeks tomorrow!

"A hundred hearts would be too few, To carry all my love for you."

Banana Baby

Week 21 of pregnancy means that baby is approximately the size of a banana.

Good thing that this week is almost over, because everyone knows my huge dislike for this oddly shaped fruit. But, weighing at almost 12 ounces and about 10.5 inches long, she is moving around like crazy.

Friends Sarah, Hilt and Baby Sophia brought by a fun device for us tonight- a digital fetal heartbeat monitor, so we can hear her heartbeat at home, not just at the doctors! What a fun experience, and a great way for Scott to get it on the action, too!

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."

Growing, growing, growing!

I'm getting big!!

129 days before my due date and the little angel makes her entrance into our world!

Based on our baby's due date, she will start kindergarten in 2015, be old enough to drive a car in 2026, finish high school in 2028, and she will graduate from college with the class of 2032, give or take a year. WOW! Now I know what my parents said when they felt they were getting old!

21 weeks...

I am a happy, lucky, wonderful pregnant lady!

The entire process so far has been incredible, and to know that I have a tiny little girl inside of me is such a indescribable feeling.

I have never in my life seen so many pregnant women as I have since we have been in Panama. Everywhere we have been, there seems to be tons of pregnant women around. It is nuts, but also nice because there are a lot of baby stores and places that cater to children.

I'm at 21 weeks and I've never felt healthier, except my back and feet are killing me. It'll all be worth it when I hold my baby for the first time.

it must be in the water

Over the past couple months, I have found out so many friends, old and new, are also expecting babies in the near future. It is a wonderful time for everyone, and for all of our friends who are pregnant or know someone that is, congratulations on the wonderful experience and blessing they are given.

It's wonderful talking to expecting parents, as well as new parents, getting insights and great information about becoming parents and what we need to know.

"Who will you look like,
How will you be?
Will you look like Daddy or me?
Ten little fingers and ten little toes,
A wrinkled up forehead and a cute button nose.
You will be crying with that first cold touch,
And so will I because I love you so much."

so in love!

We've been having a wonderful time in Panama, an updated belly shot, although it doesn't show much of the belly growing inside.

The little lady is getting ready for Superbowl Sunday!

Bienvenido Panama!

Our baby already loves to travel and once she arrives we can't wait to take her around the globe with us!

We arrived in Panama City on Tuesday and have been busy, busy, busy getting situated.

Unpacking boxes, painting, organizing our house... it's been a hectic week!

Once we get settled I am going to do some shopping around for nursery furniture and check out some of the baby stores around the city. I have already seen a lot and know they have a good selection. With this many people in the city, there is bound to be a huge selection. It's no Target or Babies r Us, but it'll be great and I can't wait!

I've been feeling great and enjoying every minute we've been here!

And it was great... the grocery store had oranges. I stocked up today!

20 weeks and counting

Baby is the size of a cantaloupe, according to my pregnancy updates.

Although my belly does not look like I am carrying around a cantaloupe yet, the weight gain has just begun and the belly is looking good.
I had a great time in Florida and am looking forward to our big move to Panama, getting to meet with the doctors and setting up for the new baby to arrive!

baby is 20 weeks along!