Pregnancy #2: The First Trimester

I know I have a lot of catching up to do on this pregnancy thing, kinda dropped a bomb on you guys! I am thankful that the first trimester is stowed nicely in the back of my mind and slowly phasing itself out of my memory. It was not the most fun. So, let's start at the beginning.

I found out I was pregnant the Friday we left for Ohio, and I did something I never thought I would do, took the test in secret. I not only never thought I would do that, I didn't really understand when other women did it, but now I do. Because, A: I knew I could handle the news either way, and B: I thought Nick might think I was crazy and try to stop me from taking it, because it seemed unlikely that it would be positive. Anyway, so I took it (in secret) and saw a faint line. I actually kept the secret the whole day until that evening right before we went to sleep. I think I said something along the lines of, "Want to hear something crazy?" And I spilled the beans. In an ideal world, I wanted to wait and test again when we got back and then tell him, but I couldn't stand it. I did, however take 2 more, one a different brand, which is another thing I surprised myself by doing, because I know that a positive is a positive, but I guess you just do it to convince yourself.

So, it was confirmed with a blood test at my doctor's office and in keeping with the theme of secret-keeping, we held the news pretty close for a while.

The very first symptom I noticed occurred before the actually + sign, and it was hunger. I felt really hungry and wanted fried chicken. Somehow it felt different. Anyway, that went away pretty fast and the fatigue and nausea hit at around 6 and 1/2 weeks. The nausea was bad, it was the kind of nausea that is not relieved by anything. I even woke up in the middle of the night a few times with it. I never got sick, but it was definitely worse than with Z. Nick bought me some ginger pills from whole foods (Morning Sickness Bliss or something like that), and that actually took the edge off a little. I was really worried because we were going to Nashville in the height of my sickness. Somehow, though it got a lot better on that trip and never really returned at least not with the vengeance it had carried before (if you're calculating that's about 2 and 1/2 weeks of sickness, which I'm thankful for because I know it could have lasted much longer).

The other symptom that comes to mind is indigestion/reflux. Not much to say about that except, man it sucked is still going. Sometimes it has been so intense that it makes me feel nauseated. THAT I do NOT remember having with Z.

I had a little progesterone level scare in the very beginning, so I had to get blood drawn quite frequently. That meant lots of excuses for why I needed help with Z appointments. I'm super thankful that that's all over, and everything is looking good now (that's an understatement)!

Here are the pics from first trimester

The second picture is about 9 weeks.

Stay tuned, there's more to come.

Christmas

 I haven't had a chance to upload all my pics, but I managed to get this one up of Z and what was possibly his favorite (albeit, a last minute surprise from Santa Gaxiola) toy that he received this year!

Hope everyone had a great one! We sure did, and the fun is just beginning!

Happy Everything!

From The Gaxiola's!

Christmas Break Part 1

So, we've had some excitement around here the past few days, I'm not even sure where to start! I was supposed to have my big gender reveal ultrasound next Tuesday, but my dad used his connections to get me one in Sylacauga. I mean I've waited long enough already! So, Nick and I both took Thursday off and drove down, and we arrived just in time to have (a big) lunch at the hospital with dad. Then we went to the house, put Z down and drove back into town (in the pouring rain) for the ultrasound. The doctor's office was closed, so we were the only ones in there, VIP style.

I had decided to make 2 sets of cake balls for the reveal, one blue on the inside and one pink and have the tech place the picture in the corresponding bag and seal it up. I wanted us to all find out at the same time. So, after a full hour of looking at our little sweetie, we headed home with our cake balls. We all got one out, took a bite, and they were PINK!

*excuse the roughness, that would be due to aforementioned pouring rain

I am first and foremost so thankful that the little bean is growing normally and healthily, and THRILLED it's a girl! After all, I have been suppressing my desire to look at hair bows and dresses for over 2 years now!

The funny thing is that I am in disbelief that it really is a girl. I tried to buy her a little dress for Christmas next year, and I couldn't do it, because I couldn't see a child of mine wearing a dress. I'm sure I will get over that soon!

We spent the night and had a nice big breakfast, came home rested and headed to Zoolight Safari! It was really nice, and Z was darting off in different directions the whole time. It was kind of exhausting, but I'm glad we did it. 

After chasing after Z seeing the sights, we were pretty hungry, so we went to Brio for dinner. Besides Z tossing a couple of crayons and pieces of chicken across the restaurant, it was a successful dinner venture. I saw that Santa was upstairs at Brookwood Mall, so we went in to give it a shot. Z was stuck to Nick for a bit, but he was okay, until we suggested he go see Santa, then he ran away screaming "noooo!" We figured, best not to push it.

 This morning, we let him open one of his presents from Nana and Tata (a.k.a. Santa) an Elmo guitar. He loves it!

Can't wait to see him in the morning when he opens all of his presents and sees his stocking!

It's a...

The Signs

Well, some of you may have seen the signs, but in case you haven't, here is a clear one!

Yes, we are expecting! Due May 24, 2012!

Stay tuned for more details and pretty much all you ever wanted to know and everything you don't want to hear about too.

Atlanta Anniversary

This weekend we went to Atlanta for our 5th anniversary, which was on December 16. Nana and Tata graciously came to watch Z, so we could have the weekend to ourselves. We left Friday morning and went straight to our hotel where we found this.

 Hmm... What happened here? I guess it's just proof that you can never really leave your child. There will always be something there to remind you. Of course, the bedding here is pink, which still left me confused. After profuse apologies and about 3 nice people, the baby bed (and accoutrements were removed) and we were back to our adults only weekend.

The first thing I did was take a nap, and Nick worked out. That night had a wonderful dinner at Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse where waiters bring endless supplies of delicious meat along with a fresh salad bar with veggies and cheeses. It was fantastic. Then we went to The Nutcracker at the Fox Theater, which was great but also littered with small children. 

The next day was all about shopping. Well, really browsing, because we didn't end up getting that much. We had some great salespeople who were giving us restaurant recommendations and cracking jokes with us, and we had some weird ones, like the guy who asked Nick "Why would you spray cologne on your clothes?" Obviously, we didn't buy any cologne from him...

That night we had Thai food at this great little local spot call Little Bangkok and went to a movie. I ate so much, I got a little ill, but it was worth it.

It was so nice to get away 'just because.' I am so grateful to Nick's parents for keeping Z so we could enjoy some time together. Sometimes it seems like we only talk about family or work, and it gave us a chance to talk about everything and nothing. I know, that sounds crazy, but I appreciated that.

Z had a big time back home with Nana and Tata. He got to open some of his presents early, including a basketball hoop that Aunt Talia got him. I know I am clearly a biased parent, but he was good with that thing. He already impressed us with his dribbling skills when we got him a basketball in Nashville, but with the hoop, he was shooting and scoring repeatedly, with good form. I'm just saying...

Doesn't he look relaxed?? He doesn't have a care in the world!

Overdue Update

So, what have we been up to these days? Well, we are drinking out of a cup pretty regularly (at least with meals).

 Having some fun with accessories

And talking up a storm! Z is very curious and asks, "what's that?" quite regularly. When you tell him, he usually repeats it pretty well and also remembers it the next time you ask. For example, Nick taught him  "money" one morning and by the end of the day when he asked what it was Z knew.

We are definitely in a holding pattern routine when it comes to Z. He wakes up between 7 and 7:30 gets dressed and eats a little breakfast, usually dry cereal or a waffle. He sits in his booster and watches stuff on the iPad. Nick takes him to school and I pick him up. On the way to school, they usually listen to toddler tunes, and on the way home we look for "peece cars, ambances, fiyer trucks," and any other interesting vehicle that might be driving down 280. When we get home, he's back in the booster with the iPad eating some combination of chicken nuggets, fish sticks, cheese, yogurt, raisins, Chef Boyardee (a recent addition), and occasionally finishes the meal off with fruit snacks (nacks).

Then we play a little. The other night we put Wipeout on for him. He loves that show! And, the past few nights we "toss around the football." I know my child is 2, and I'm totally ridiculous biased but the kid has an arm on him! We have also begun a tradition where we read a book while he's in bed, then sing Itsy Bitsy Spider while doing the hand motions with his Winnies (yes, there are 2 now) and he sings along. He usually picks up one of his 2 elmos (one is miniature) and does the hand motions with us.

On the weekend, we'll take him to the park, out to eat, and spend time "dow-stairs," which is where his train table is located. He loves playing downstairs!

 

There are so many things that have happened lately that I have wanted to document that I can't even think of them all. He is so lovable and free with the kisses and hugs. He even kisses the phone during facetime with grandparents (believe me, I take full advantage of that). We feel so blessed and thankful to have such a precious little boy in our lives!