Hi Friends and Family! It's vacation time!
Joe & I both get two full weeks off for the holidays because of the mandatory furloughs for the UC system. My parents are renting a place near the ocean in Santa Cruz for a month, so we'll get to spend the holidays with them! My pregnancy is finally starting to go a little faster. Only 9 more weeks to go! All of a sudden, it seems like there's a lot to do before Little Buddy's arrival. Joe and I are going to spend some time over the holidays working on transforming our den into Little Buddy's room. We also plan to take a Childbirth Education class in early February. I am feeling mostly great! Every once in a while I'll have an "off" day where I haven't slept well. Sleeping is somewhat challenging, but as long as I'm exercising, I can usually sleep pretty well. When I do sleep soundly, Joe says he has to wear earplugs because of my snoring! (He has a few recordings of my snoring -- not sure if he's going to post those, or not!)
It's interesting to feel the baby kicking and moving around when I'm trying to sleep!
Prenatal yoga helps a lot -- stretches everything out and gets the energy moving. I also recently started swimming, which is very fun! And, I don't even have to kick when I'm swimming freestyle because Little Buddy and the amniotic sac serve as a flotation device!
I'm beginning to see my doctor every two weeks now. At 36 weeks, I'll start going in every week! Pregnancy involves lots of doctors visits, poking and prodding -- I'm not used to that. But, I love our doctor -- she is great! She is a family medicine doctor who is also an OB. The great part about that is -- she will also be Little Buddy's pediatrician! Enjoy the holidays, everyone! :o)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Some Random Pics
The trees outside our apartment give us a little FALL Color.
Our Ugly Doll, Wage, doesn't know what to think of the new addition to the family.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Beginning of Third Trimester!
Hi Everyone!
It's hard to believe that I'm beginning my third trimester. Actually, I still don't really understand how the weeks work -- this is the beginning of my 28th week, but I won't actually be a full 28 weeks pregnant until next week. So, do I start my third trimester this week or next week? It's confusing. But anyway -- my belly and Little Buddy are growing bigger everyday! Little Buddy is also kicking up a storm recently -- kickboxing, yoga... who knows what activities are going on in there! The conscious sensation of feeling a little person inside your body is absolutely unreal -- and awesome!!
Joe and I decided not to drive down to L.A. for our usual Thanksgiving ritual with my family, so we celebrated at home instead. We made a yummy Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, and then spent the rest of the weekend enjoying the incredible Santa Cruz weather. We also purchased our first major baby item at a garage sale -- a glider rocking chair with ottoman. It is very comfy and I've heard it's essential for breastfeeding.
While time has been going somewhat slow for me during my pregnancy, I can tell that it's going to start passing much more quickly now. Suddenly it seems that there's so much to do!
My parents will be coming to visit over the holidays, so it will be great to have them here! :o)
Happy almost-December!
It's hard to believe that I'm beginning my third trimester. Actually, I still don't really understand how the weeks work -- this is the beginning of my 28th week, but I won't actually be a full 28 weeks pregnant until next week. So, do I start my third trimester this week or next week? It's confusing. But anyway -- my belly and Little Buddy are growing bigger everyday! Little Buddy is also kicking up a storm recently -- kickboxing, yoga... who knows what activities are going on in there! The conscious sensation of feeling a little person inside your body is absolutely unreal -- and awesome!!
Joe and I decided not to drive down to L.A. for our usual Thanksgiving ritual with my family, so we celebrated at home instead. We made a yummy Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, and then spent the rest of the weekend enjoying the incredible Santa Cruz weather. We also purchased our first major baby item at a garage sale -- a glider rocking chair with ottoman. It is very comfy and I've heard it's essential for breastfeeding.
While time has been going somewhat slow for me during my pregnancy, I can tell that it's going to start passing much more quickly now. Suddenly it seems that there's so much to do!
My parents will be coming to visit over the holidays, so it will be great to have them here! :o)
Happy almost-December!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
26th Week!
Sometimes it doesn't feel like my belly is getting too much bigger, but the pictures really show how big I'm getting! So many people tell me that I look small, but every pregnant body is different.
The baby is kicking a lot more now, which is fun! I like feeling Little Buddy moving around inside my belly. So far, I've had 2 dreams that Little Buddy is a boy, and 2 dreams that Little Buddy is a girl. We'll see!
Joe and I picked a doula to assist with Little Buddy's birth - very exciting! Her name is Natasha, and both Joe and I were very impressed by her experience, knowledge, and overall awesome-ness. A number of my friends had a doula at their birth, and were glad they did! It's nice to have someone present during labor & birth (all of it - no matter how many hours!) who is 100% focused on you & your partner rather than on hospital procedures, etc.
I feel lucky, too because my OB doc will definitely be at Little Buddy's birth (unless she's sick or trapped under something heavy). A number of the OB/GYN doctors in town are on a hospital rotation, so their patients never know who will attend their birth. Since my OB is also a family practice doctor, she doesn't have as many pregnant patients, so she can attend all of her patients' births. Pretty cool.
It is definitely Fall in Santa Cruz -- beautiful crisp days. I've been walking, doing yoga, and working out at the gym once per week. I definitely have a lot more energy now than I did during the first trimester, but my belly is getting a bit more uncomfortable for working out - not too bad, though.
Can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving! Happy Fall!
The baby is kicking a lot more now, which is fun! I like feeling Little Buddy moving around inside my belly. So far, I've had 2 dreams that Little Buddy is a boy, and 2 dreams that Little Buddy is a girl. We'll see!
Joe and I picked a doula to assist with Little Buddy's birth - very exciting! Her name is Natasha, and both Joe and I were very impressed by her experience, knowledge, and overall awesome-ness. A number of my friends had a doula at their birth, and were glad they did! It's nice to have someone present during labor & birth (all of it - no matter how many hours!) who is 100% focused on you & your partner rather than on hospital procedures, etc.
I feel lucky, too because my OB doc will definitely be at Little Buddy's birth (unless she's sick or trapped under something heavy). A number of the OB/GYN doctors in town are on a hospital rotation, so their patients never know who will attend their birth. Since my OB is also a family practice doctor, she doesn't have as many pregnant patients, so she can attend all of her patients' births. Pretty cool.
It is definitely Fall in Santa Cruz -- beautiful crisp days. I've been walking, doing yoga, and working out at the gym once per week. I definitely have a lot more energy now than I did during the first trimester, but my belly is getting a bit more uncomfortable for working out - not too bad, though.
Can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving! Happy Fall!
Friday, November 6, 2009
24 Weeks!
Yes, it's true. I ate a bratwurst.
For those of you who know me as a strict vegetarian, I have definitely become less strict since I've been pregnant. I've had a few fish sandwiches, 4 BLTs with avocado, and now - a NYC bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard! How could I resist?
We had a wonderful trip to NYC. Joe was awesome in the marathon!! Little Buddy and I were so proud! It was fun to travel around the city to see Joe and Brian at different points during the marathon. I was able to see Joe at Mile 7, Mile 16, and at Mile 24.
I am definitely feeling the baby kick and move a lot more now. It's so fun! And, I'm finally wearing maternity pants -- which are the most comfortable pants EVER. I'm totally going to wear them even after I'm pregnant. Who needs zippers and buttons?
Today is my & Joe's 7-year anniversary! So we are very happy to be able to celebrate with Little Buddy in my belly!
Hope everyone is well! :)
hugs,
*joy
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Little Buddy Baby Pool
Little Buddy has had a lot of firsts in the last couple of weeks:
- First Airplane ride
- first bus ride
- first subway ride
- first time in NYC
- watched her/his first marathon
- first slice of New York pizza
- first Bratwurst (more on that later)
- and I'm sure many many more
- and finally this is Little Buddy's first gambling experience Enter the Little Buddy Baby Pool (prizes to be named later)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ultrasound Pics and Video
Video can be seen in two places: HERE(need Quicktime) and HERE(youtube Version)
Pictures can be found HERE!
Pictures can be found HERE!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
21 Weeks!
Hi Everyone!
Little Buddy and I had our 20-week ultrasound on Friday, which was very exciting! (Joe will post the sonogram images soon!) It was amazing to see Little Buddy's spine, head, legs, feet, stomach and heart! Joe and I could even see Little Buddy's mouth moving as the doctor was scanning his/her body. The doctor was SHOCKED that we didn't want to find out Little Buddy's sex. She says many people can't wait to find out and think that's the main reason for the 20-week ultrasound (which it isn't). We want to keep Little Buddy's sex a mystery - at least for now!
The doctor said that Little Buddy is measuring big (oh boy!) At first she said s/he was in the 94th percentile in terms of size, but then she backed it down to the 89th percentile. But still! We might have a big baby on our hands! Although, the doctor said it's hard to tell this early.
I am feeling great! My belly (and boobs) are getting bigger all the time. I finally look undeniably pregnant (unless I'm wearing a big baggy sweatshirt), so that is fun. Joe is taking excellent care of me and Little Buddy. He is very sweet and will get me whatever I want, which is usually burritos! We talk to Little Buddy a little bit everyday, and I am enjoying feeling his/her little movements in the womb.
We are in Santa Barbara for the weekend, as I am continuing my 200-hour yoga teacher training program. This weekend I'm doing a module on teaching yoga to children - perfect, huh?
We'll post more pics when we get back to Santa Cruz!
hugs to all of you!
love,
*joe, joy and little buddy
--
"Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care."
(Buddha)
Little Buddy and I had our 20-week ultrasound on Friday, which was very exciting! (Joe will post the sonogram images soon!) It was amazing to see Little Buddy's spine, head, legs, feet, stomach and heart! Joe and I could even see Little Buddy's mouth moving as the doctor was scanning his/her body. The doctor was SHOCKED that we didn't want to find out Little Buddy's sex. She says many people can't wait to find out and think that's the main reason for the 20-week ultrasound (which it isn't). We want to keep Little Buddy's sex a mystery - at least for now!
The doctor said that Little Buddy is measuring big (oh boy!) At first she said s/he was in the 94th percentile in terms of size, but then she backed it down to the 89th percentile. But still! We might have a big baby on our hands! Although, the doctor said it's hard to tell this early.
I am feeling great! My belly (and boobs) are getting bigger all the time. I finally look undeniably pregnant (unless I'm wearing a big baggy sweatshirt), so that is fun. Joe is taking excellent care of me and Little Buddy. He is very sweet and will get me whatever I want, which is usually burritos! We talk to Little Buddy a little bit everyday, and I am enjoying feeling his/her little movements in the womb.
We are in Santa Barbara for the weekend, as I am continuing my 200-hour yoga teacher training program. This weekend I'm doing a module on teaching yoga to children - perfect, huh?
We'll post more pics when we get back to Santa Cruz!
hugs to all of you!
love,
*joe, joy and little buddy
--
"Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care."
(Buddha)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
October 15th Heartbeat
Another Little Buddy Heartbeat recording. Click Here
Joy has gained a whole 8 lbs. and tomorrow we get to see little buddy on an ultrasound. We are very excited!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Little Buddy's First Wedding!
Little Buddy had the pleasure of attending the wedding of his/her Aunt Tara and Uncle Jon in Laguna Beach on October 4th. Little Buddy even made his/her presence known during the ceremony, as I was performing the wedding. While I was talking, my belly kept bumping the microphone -- Little Buddy was trying to say "hello!"
It was a beautiful, fun-filled weekend. We are so happy for my brother and Tara, who are now in Aruba on their honeymoon. Congratulations!!
In belly news, my belly is definitely growing and I'm starting to feel little kicks! Sometimes it's hard to know if it's the baby kicking, or if it's just gas. But, I'm pretty sure I feel it every once in a while. It kinda feels like bubbles or a goldfish swimming around in there. A very interesting sensation, for sure! People keep telling me that it will get even more and more pronounced - to the point where I'll see a foot or an elbow jabbing out of my belly! Wow!
Joe and I will post more belly pictures this weekend. I'm at the halfway point - 20 weeks! I can hardly believe it.
Hugs to all of you! :)
--
"Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care."
(Buddha)
It was a beautiful, fun-filled weekend. We are so happy for my brother and Tara, who are now in Aruba on their honeymoon. Congratulations!!
In belly news, my belly is definitely growing and I'm starting to feel little kicks! Sometimes it's hard to know if it's the baby kicking, or if it's just gas. But, I'm pretty sure I feel it every once in a while. It kinda feels like bubbles or a goldfish swimming around in there. A very interesting sensation, for sure! People keep telling me that it will get even more and more pronounced - to the point where I'll see a foot or an elbow jabbing out of my belly! Wow!
Joe and I will post more belly pictures this weekend. I'm at the halfway point - 20 weeks! I can hardly believe it.
Hugs to all of you! :)
--
"Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care."
(Buddha)
Friday, October 9, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
A Pregnant Lady's Ode to Coffee and Beer
Oh, coffee and beer
How I miss thee (sigh!)
Now let me tell you
All the reasons why
How I miss thee (sigh!)
Now let me tell you
All the reasons why
Coffee, you are so warm and rich
And sometimes I like the way you make me twitch
Dark and strong with a little bit of cream
Mmm, delicious… I feel myself beam!
And beer, oh beer, I might miss you most
Baseball games, hot days, and dinners at the coast
Light and dark, pale ale and stout
I'd drink them all, for sure, no doubt
I miss you both, but do not fret
I'm not done with you quite yet
Just give me a year and I'll be back
Who wants to buy my first post-baby six pack?
love,
*joy
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Little Buddy -- 16 1/2 Weeks!
Hi Everyone!
Life is very exciting these days -- we are expecting a little one!
You might be wondering where the nickname "Little Buddy" came from...
Early on in my pregnancy (when it's hard to believe that it's even happening!), I used to point at my belly and ask Joe, "Who's in there?" And he would answer, "A little buddy." He calls me "buddy" a lot, so I think that's where the nickname comes from. And it stuck! We've decided not to find out the sex until birth, so "little buddy" it is for now!
I had a pretty smooth 1st trimester. I feel very lucky because I have a number of girlfriends who were VERY SICK during the first trimester. I often felt nauseous in the middle of the night, but it was never accompanied by trips to the bathroom. Most of the time it just meant that I needed to eat something, so I'd get up at 3 or 4 in the morning and eat cheese sticks or yogurt or crackers. Sort of a weird ritual, but it worked! I was also pretty anxious in the beginning, but I'm much more relaxed now. My advice to any women during their first pregnancy -- don't read too much information (especially from the internet!) There is WAY TOO MUCH out there, and some of it is unnecessarily detailed and nerve-wracking. All you can really do is keep yourself healthy (body, mind & spirit), and trust your body to do what it's supposed to do. It's pretty amazing!!
I'm about 16 1/2 weeks right now, and I'm feeling great. I'm really starting to enjoy being a pregnant lady! I have my energy back and am still working out with my personal trainer (in a modified way), walking a lot, and doing yoga. I get tired pretty easily, and Joe says I'm snoring more. ha!
Joe is posting the baby's heartbeat from our appointment today. It is such an emotional rush to hear it! Sometimes I wish I had the little Doppler machine at home, but then I'd end up listening to the heartbeat every hour, which probably wouldn't be the most healthy thing to do.
We are both incredibly happy and excited! My due date is Feb. 28th, but my prenatal yoga teacher (who is also a doula) says she thinks pregnant women should be given "due months" instead of "due dates." She says normal gestation is anywhere from 38-43 weeks, so who knows when "little buddy" will make his/her presence in the world?
Love to all of you! And THANK YOU for all of the warm wishes of congratulations!
hugs,
*joy & joe & little buddy
Life is very exciting these days -- we are expecting a little one!
You might be wondering where the nickname "Little Buddy" came from...
Early on in my pregnancy (when it's hard to believe that it's even happening!), I used to point at my belly and ask Joe, "Who's in there?" And he would answer, "A little buddy." He calls me "buddy" a lot, so I think that's where the nickname comes from. And it stuck! We've decided not to find out the sex until birth, so "little buddy" it is for now!
I had a pretty smooth 1st trimester. I feel very lucky because I have a number of girlfriends who were VERY SICK during the first trimester. I often felt nauseous in the middle of the night, but it was never accompanied by trips to the bathroom. Most of the time it just meant that I needed to eat something, so I'd get up at 3 or 4 in the morning and eat cheese sticks or yogurt or crackers. Sort of a weird ritual, but it worked! I was also pretty anxious in the beginning, but I'm much more relaxed now. My advice to any women during their first pregnancy -- don't read too much information (especially from the internet!) There is WAY TOO MUCH out there, and some of it is unnecessarily detailed and nerve-wracking. All you can really do is keep yourself healthy (body, mind & spirit), and trust your body to do what it's supposed to do. It's pretty amazing!!
I'm about 16 1/2 weeks right now, and I'm feeling great. I'm really starting to enjoy being a pregnant lady! I have my energy back and am still working out with my personal trainer (in a modified way), walking a lot, and doing yoga. I get tired pretty easily, and Joe says I'm snoring more. ha!
Joe is posting the baby's heartbeat from our appointment today. It is such an emotional rush to hear it! Sometimes I wish I had the little Doppler machine at home, but then I'd end up listening to the heartbeat every hour, which probably wouldn't be the most healthy thing to do.
We are both incredibly happy and excited! My due date is Feb. 28th, but my prenatal yoga teacher (who is also a doula) says she thinks pregnant women should be given "due months" instead of "due dates." She says normal gestation is anywhere from 38-43 weeks, so who knows when "little buddy" will make his/her presence in the world?
Love to all of you! And THANK YOU for all of the warm wishes of congratulations!
hugs,
*joy & joe & little buddy
Little Buddy's heartbeat.
Went to the doctor today. Joy has gained 2 whole pounds.
Got a new recording of the heartbeat. TAKE A LISTEN
Got a new recording of the heartbeat. TAKE A LISTEN
Monday, September 14, 2009
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