Introducing Maia June Colmer

The Birth of Maia June Colmer

On Sunday morning, April 29th (41 weeks and 1 day pregnant) at around 6am I was laying in bed feeling a cramp. I didn't think much of it but it woke me up enough to head to the bathroom to pee. I went back to bed after and the cramp returned. I turned once or twice and then suddenly heard this faint "pop" sound. I immediately remember my sister describing her water breaking as a "pop" sound or a "vagina fart" and my first reaction was "no way"...and "really?!" I got up and touched my pajama pants and noticed they were wet. I honestly still couldn't believe it, and rushed to the toilet. As soon as I sat down a flood of water gushed into the toilet. It was around 6.15am at that time. I knew then and there that my water had indeed broken...and my first thought was..."HOLY COW..this is really happening!!" When I looked at my underwear and the color of the water I noticed it was a little yellowish and I was immediately alarmed. I looked outside and it was raining like a monsoon. I called for Brad as he was still sleeping and when I said my water broke he couldn't quite fathom it.

I think we were both waiting for so long for the day to come for me to go into labor that when it actually did happen we were taken by surprise. The night before we checked out this new restaurant blue water grill right by our house and had a nice quiet evening out. I had no signs of going into labor and I was doubtful the day would ever come. I was nervous I wasn't going to have my baby before my doctor went out of town the following week and I was scheduled to be induced the day before he left (Wednesday May 2). I had all these thoughts running through my mind of what I should do and I had met with my doula to discuss possibly doing an enema the day before induction to naturally induce labor. However, looking back now that Saturday (the day before my water broke) I had gone on a very long walk. I felt physically and emotionally drained from my pregnancy and internally knew that I couldn't go on much longer. I walked and walked until I sweated and was at a point of exhaustion. That afternoon I went to my third acupuncture treatment of the week and fell asleep as he had me laying on the tables for longer than usual. When I left I felt so tired. I went to get a pedicure next door and painted my toe nails a baby blue pink..in honor of my baby girl that was set to arrive...soon. The lady doing my nails noticed how pregnant I was and laughingly said that she has a client who's come to her twice now right before she's due and both times she went into labor after getting her nails done by her. I laughed and thought to myself.. yeah right lady I'm sure you don't have that kind of magical touch...little did I know ;)

The morning my water broke, I then immediately texted my doula stating what had happened and that I was worried about the color. She had me send her a picture and said it looked like light meconium and that I could either wait it out or head to the hospital and get checked out. I was also a bit worried because I was feeling no contractions at all. I remember when my sister's water broke (I was there) her contractions began to start within minutes of her water breaking. I was confused and getting anxious. My stomach was upset and I kept running to the bathroom and wasn't sure if it was from the food I ate at blue water grill the night before or if it was just from my being nervous knowing my labor had begun. The weather was so bad outside and we knew we had to take out lucky before we left and that he would refuse to walk, which of course he did. We finished packing our bags, I took a shower, made the bed, cleaned up, ate an english muffin and drank some OJ...and off we went. When we got to the hospital I was admitted to triage where they checked me and told me I was 2-3cm's dilated. I still wasn't feeling any contractions. I asked if my doctor was going to be here soon and they told me he was not on call and that Dr. Basard was there to cover. I wanted to cry when I heard that and said I wanted to speak with my doctor immediately and have him notified that I was in labor and at the hospital. They said they would text him and he'd be in touch. When I asked if I could leave the hospital and return when my contractions began they told me I couldn't. Once the water is broken and you get admitted to the hospital, you have to stay. Then they told me they wanted to start me on pitocin immediately because typically my labor shouldn't be over 12 hours since the time my water broke. I couldn't believe all these rules and I was getting more upset by the minute as nothing was going as I had hoped. And my doctor wasn't there, which was the most upsetting news. I was firm with them and told them that I didn't want to do pitocin and that I wanted to wait it out as long as possible to see if my contractions would start naturally. I think they could already tell that I was not going to follow their protocol so easily. The new doctor came in to introduce himself and I again said I wanted my doctor here. My doctor then called and spoke with Dr. Basard and they agreed for me to wait until 1pm for pitocin to be used. It was about 9:30 then. And my doctor would be in later on they told me. Thank god. I was then transferred into my labor room where I was able to wait it out until 1pm hoping that my contractions would start. I asked for an enema, hoping that would help get my contractions started. The enema was so weak and didn't do anything for me. At around 12pm my doctor walked into my room (Brad went home quick to bring Lucky over to our friends Ryan and Jake). He kind of gave me an earful, trying to talk sense into me that the pitocin was required since my contractions weren't coming and my water had broken and I had meconium. OK, I got it then. I had no choice and would have to take pitocin much to my dislike as I knew from others that it's very powerful and having a natural birth with no drugs is very difficult at that point. At 1pm the pitocin was given to me, and it started kicking in pretty fast. It was very manageable in the beginning. Once they got worse, I told Brad to call Michelle and have her come over. It was time for my doula to arrive to help me manage some of my pain. When she got to the hospital around 4pm, I was in pretty bad pain but it was still OK. And so for the next hours until 11pm (a total of 10 hours) I was on pitocin with no epidural. My pitocin level was at a 12 and it was so painful I thought I was going to die. The contractions were coming on fast and hard, every three minutes and lasting longer and longer - almost a minute at a time. I was getting so exhausted and I could feel my energy levels depleting. My dilation was initially progressing very nicely but then at some point between 3-5cm it took forever and I was using up a lot of energy. By 10:30pm I was 6.5cm's dilated but at the point of exhaustion. My doctor had ordered the nurse earlier on to put a contraction tracking device in my vagina to monitor my contractions probably because he wanted to know how strong my contractions were given I was on pitocin and didn't have an epidural at that point. Apparently the results showed that my contractions were strong but I still had ways to go. The nurse thought that my cervix wasn't dilating anymore because I was not relaxed enough in between the contractions. The contractions were so painful that I couldn't get my body to shut down and take breaks. I think she was right about that and it was right about then that I caved and urged for an epidural. It was just too much and I knew that if I wanted to avoid a c-section I had to start playing along with the doctors orders.

Once they gave me the epidural, I couldn't believe the difference. It was almost scary. I was trapped to the bed, had no feelings in my legs and did not feel a single contraction. I couldn't believe it. And not necessarily in a good way, I just couldn't believe how strong the epidural is that it takes away pretty much any pain you could feel during labor. OK, so the epidural took away the pain and I was able to relax. My doctor came in and said that everyone should go to sleep and rest for a while until I am fully dilated..which could take hours. My parents had arrived shortly before I was given the epidural and somehow managed to gain access into the delivery room. Strange, but I didn't care that point. They stayed until after the epidural and left around 11:30 saying they'd be back in the morning. Shortly after that my baby's heart beat dropped and so many nurses came running into the room moving me from one side to the next, changing my monitors etc. It was so scary I wanted to cry. I had no idea what was going on, felt so weak and depleted I couldn't even speak. They handed me an oxygen mask to wear which made me feel even more sick and weak. I had to wear it for most of the time since apparently without it the baby was in a little distress. When I was on the epidural the nurses were so happy because they were in total control of the situation, walking in and out of the room doing their thing, with me just laying there not being able to do a single thing. They had to adjust my position multiple times because Maia didn't like when I was laying a certain way. t think I was causing them such distress before because I refused to be on the bed, wanted to walk around and constantly disrupted the stupid monitors that were hooked to my body. It just goes to show how the medical profession has such an agenda and natural births are simply not encouraged in a hospital setting.

So, from 11pm until 4am I was resting for the most part in my bed while Brad and Michelle slept. I slept very little. I got the shakes and chills from the epidural. It was very strange but my body would not stop shaking. My paternal grandmother told me she had the same thing happen to her so maybe it's a genetic thing. But it was scary and uncomfortable and didn't allow me to rest well. Then, the IV in my arm (which had to be redone 3 times during my labor!) suddenly stopped working or fell out and the fluid was going straight into my arm. By the time I realized it my arm and hand were so swollen it was three times the size it normally is. It even freaked out the nurses and my doctor didn't seem happy about it that the nurses didn't catch this sooner. So my arm was in a lot of pain and the swelling didn't go down until two days after my labor. When the nurse came to check me the last time at around 4am she said I was 10cm dilated and about ready to push. When I started pushing around 4:30am I couldn't feel a single thing. My legs were jello and I couldn't tell or feel where my vagina was. It was my biggest nightmare come true, yup. They kept giving me instructions on how to push and it didn't do anything. Finally Dr. Basard came in and checked me and said the baby's head is still very high up and that I am not making much progress. What he was really saying is that if the baby's head doesn't drop ASAP a c-section will happen. I felt under pressure and was pissed that my doctor hadn't returned for my pushing. The nurses kept working with me and I was slowly making some progress but Maia was very uncooperative. Her head wasn't straight in my pelvis and she was completely on one side of my belly. She did not want to budge. The nurses were all saying what a stubborn little girl she was and that they were going to pinch her when she came out LOL. The pushing was very hard. I had three nurses, my doula and Brad around the table helping me in every way possible. They made me pull on a towel and do all kinds of things to help with bringing Maia's head down through the pelvis. My nurses finally turned off the epidural so I would begin to feel my legs and vagina again. It just wasn't working with the epidural. Everyone decided to take a quick break and my doula suggested I lay in a side ways position where she adjusted my legs in a way that would do the trick and bring the baby's head down. Well thanks to her it did and when Dr. Basard came back in to check he said the head dropped significantly and I'd be ready to seriously start pushing  soon. My doctor finally came in after that and was going to take over. Phew. At around 6am I started pushing hard again and the epidural had worn out significantly at that point. I could feel my contractions again which I needed to in order to know when to push. It made a huge difference although the pain was excruciating. And again, after 24 hours of labor I was at my end. Since Maia wasn't positioned quite right all the pushing I did still didn't quite get her out. She was crowning but I couldn't get her completely out. My doctor said he was going to help me in every way possible but needed my help as well. He promised it would only be a few more pushes. He ended up using the vacuum to suction out her head which helped so much! He had to do a small episiotomy which was better than having me rip really badly. He did such a great job and I am so thankful to have him as my doctor. Any other doctor in South Florida would not have allowed me to be in labor for 26 hours, I would have been forced to do a c-section a while back. The  nurses kept saying that he must really like me because this is not standard (which in my opinion is crazy that it isn't but again that's the medical model of birthing) My doula was also fantastic. She was a tremendous help and I am so, so, so glad I hired her for my birth.

As soon as my doctor used the vacuum, and I pushed a few more times...Maia finally arrived. I couldn't believe it when I saw her be pulled out of me. I couldn't believe that my labor after 26 hours was finally over and Maia June Colmer was born on April 30th, at 7:47AM. I was also in sooooooo much pain that I couldn't quite enjoy the moment and kept screaming for pain meds. My doctor still had to sow me up and take out my placenta. I was in such agony. The nurses were doing their thing with Maia on the table and Brad was taking pictures and got to cut the umbilical cord. Finally they brought Maia over to me and put her on my chest. I burst out in tears, I just couldn't hold it in anymore. My miracle was born, here on this earth and I was over joyed. I thought of my mom, life gone and life born, and just couldn't hold back the tears. Maia is soooo cute, she is everything and more I dreamed of. I couldn't believe when she found her way to my nipple and started nursing! She wasn't phased at all by my difficult labor and was doing great. She nursed for a good ten minutes. We bonded some more..Brad, Maia and I until they finally came to take her to the nursery. I was also relieved in a way as I was still in soooo much pain and incredibly thirsty and hungry. For 26 hours all I got was ice chips and no food. Miserable. But honestly every second of pain was worth it. The outcome outweighs any pain and misery I went through. I would do it again. Just like that if I had to (although I hope my second labor won't be this difficult), because it was so worth it. I am so in love with my little Maia. It was love at first sight.

How far along? 40 weeks

Total weight gain? 38lbs

Body changes? Not much different from last week. Perhaps more pressure on my bladder. No weight gain probably because I've been more active. 

Sleep: Not great but ok. Waking up a lot to go to the bathroom and sleeping on sides gets uncomfortable after a while. I sleep on average 5-6 hours, although last night I slept almost 7 hours. 

Best moment this week: Relaxing at the house and taking naps. 

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Still craving ice cream and cereal but eating a bit healthier. 

What I miss? Going out for drinks with friends...

Symptoms: Tired and tightness in back. Slight cramping in the middle of the night. 

Movement: Yes. She's been active but definitely running out of space it seems...

What I am looking forward to? LABOR

Milestones: Going on a diet lol

Thought of the week: Please, please, please come out little girl!! I can't wait to meet you!! 

The waiting game...

I am five days away from my due date and anxiously waiting for any signs that I will go into labor. I've now had a few days of braxton hicks contractions but nothing severe that makes me think it's going to happen soon. I feel pretty good on my feet and have a decent amount of energy, which makes me wonder am I still far away from giving birth? I power walked yesterday, did squats and jumping jacks hoping that it might trigger something that might put me into labor. I saw my old neighbor at a restaurant on Saturday night and she happens to be pregnant as well (her due date is two days after mine!). She's been so aggravated with pregnancy and is at her end, doing everything possible to help jump start her labor but she said nothing is working. She's to the point that she scheduled an appointment to be induced three days before or her due date!! I am pretty over pregnancy as well but definitely not to the point that I would schedule an induction before my due date! I am desperately trying to avoid being induced and hoping that if she doesn't come before my due date that she will shortly after. I have until May 2nd to go into labor before I need to be induced. My doctor is leaving May 3rd until the 6th and I do not want to go into labor when he is not here. I am praying it will happen before and I think it will. I just have to continue to walk and be active. My back has been a real pain in the butt. Sleeping is almost annoying at this point. I go to bed later now, reading as long as I can to stay awake and getting up early in the mornings. It's incredible how tight my back gets after a night's sleep.

I am so excited and nervous about giving birth! I want it to happen and keep thinking about how I will know when I go into labor. Waiting for those first real contractions...where will I be? Will it happen in the middle of the night..morning...soo many thoughts are going through my mind. I can't wait to meet her and see what she looks like. I've had such a great pregnancy. I am so thankful. I enjoyed my pregnancy, I really did. But I'm glad it's coming to an end now. I'm ready to be a mom, get my body back and finally be able to use the nursery I so thoughtfully put together :)

Until I feel the first signs of labor I am taking it easy as much as possible. Enjoying the last moments of peace in my home, reading the trilogy of 50 shades, working on my dissertation and doing things around the house that I know I won't have time for once she arrives.

I'm counting the days...hours...minutes...until I go into labor!

weekly Belly Picture - Week 39

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain? 38lbs

Body changes? 1cm effaced but still closed. Belly is sinking and pushing more on uterus.

Can't stand my legs anymore. Out of anything in my pregnancy, my legs are what bother me

the most. Since I work out a lot and have been an athlete for almost my entire life, and naturally have muscular legs, not working out for sooo long has made my legs like jelly. Cellulite is visible and any pounds I gain, seem to go into my legs. It's going to take a lot

running and squats to get them back into shape. Ugh.

Sleep: Still not great. I can't really sleep longer than 6 or seven hours because my back gets very tight and becomes uncomfortable to sleep. Though the six to seven hours I do get are good except the constant waking up to go to the bathroom. I take almost daily naps now between 20 to 40 minutes.

Best moment this week: This morning. Waking up at 7am to feed the animals, reading the paper and then deciding to go back to bed because it was pouring outside. It rained all morning and Brad, Lucky and I slept until 10am. It was great. We then had breakfast and have been lounging in our house on this rainy day. Perfection.

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Nothing. Everything tastes good. I noticed yesterday at the grocery store that I've been buying the same things in the last couple of weeks or months

that I eat a lot of. For example, cereal, pita chips, yoghurt, apples, ice cream, welch's fruit

snacks, peanut butter, salads and avocados. It's been my routine of eating habits...

What I miss? Not carrying around such a big belly...

Symptoms: Tired and tightness in back. Other than that I feel very good but ready to go into labor...

Movement: Yes. She's been very active the last few days.

What I am looking forward to? Experiencing my fist signs of labor...

Milestones: Going on a diet lol

Thought of the week: When is it going to happen siigghhhh!!!

Weekly Belly Picture - Week 38

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain? 37lbs

Body changes? My feet are a little swollen. Sensitive nipples. belly getting bigger by the day. According to the doctor, my cervix is thinning and I'm about 50% away from being 1cm dilated. I'm moving in the right direction...

Sleep: Not so good. I'm waking up a lot during the night, tossing and turning. My dreams

are very vivid but it's like I dream and I'm half awake. My back is more tight again making

sleep difficult.

Best moment this week: The entire week has been good - relaxing, doing edits on my paper and taking naps.

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Nothing in particular except ice cream.

What I miss? Running and working out. Sushi and wine.

Symptoms: Tired in afternoons. Back pain. My face is getting more bloated.

Movement: Yes. Funny that when I eat sugar, for example, ice cream or drink a coca

cola, she starts moving right after.

What I am looking forward to? The birth of Maia!

Milestones: Going on a diet lol

Thought of the week: I'm sooo excited to meet my baby girl!

Weekly Belly Picture - Week 37

How far along? 37 and full term yay!

Total weight gain? 36lbs

Body changes? Just getting bigger overall. Skin is better. Sensitive nipples.

Sleep: Better. Sleeping ok, just waking up a lot to go to the bathroom. I had two nights last week where I felt cramps in the middle of the night but they went away really quickly. It's harder to switch over in bed especially if I've been in one position for a while. I have to do it very slowly otherwise it hurts a little.

Best moment this week: Defending my dissertation proposal and passing! Wohooo!

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Craving ice cream, cereal, and peanut butter. Slight aversion to meat. I had my first tuna salad sandwich in 9.5 months and it was delicious!!! Can't wait for my next one.

What I miss? Having a lot of energy. Sushi, tuna tartare, and wine.

Symptoms: Squatting is becoming harder. More pressure on my bladder. Tired.

Movement: Yes. It used to be more when I laid down, now it's any time really, often

when I'm hungry or after I've eaten.

What I am looking forward to? Completing my edits and IRB, and of course the birth of my girl!

Milestones: Getting back in shape and eating less sweets!

Thought of the week: I love my family!

21 days to go until my due date!

It's crazy to think that in less than one month our baby girl will be born. I'm truly in the home stretch now. I feel surprisingly good but definitely more tired in the afternoons now. Though last weekend I spent the entire day outside at the Ericsson Open watching tennis and it was so much fun. I thought I would only make it an hour or so because it was so hot but we ended up staying all day, watching great matches. We tried to be in the shade as much as possible and hydrate drinking lots of water. The next two days I was exhausted. My feet and legs felt heavy. I was also drained because I presented my dissertation proposal two days after and passed! It's such an amazing feeling knowing that I'm half way there to my Ph.D and that I got a big chunk out of my way. After my presentation I took a few days off, ran lots of errands, did some shopping and lots of naps :). Today we went to Christina and Corey's engagement party which was wonderful. The food was delicious and the people so nice. We had a really good time. When we got back, the biggest storm hit us and brad, lucky and I snuggled up on the couch and took a long nap. Wonderful. I know those days are coming to an end soon. Naps won't be happening too much so I'm trying to get in as many as possible now. I have three more weeks until my date, possibly four if she's late. I will try to do as many edits as I can on my first three chapters and get my IRB in shape before I go into labor. It will be good, I can stay at home, don't have to walk too much and just focus on my computer. It would be great to get as much done as possible so I can enjoy the next couple of months without having to worry about my dissertation. So lets see what my little baby girl has in store for us...in terms of when she wants to make her presence known! I'm so curious to know how I will go into labor. Will it be in the middle of the night when I'm sleeping..or during the day? Will my water break? How much is it going to hurt? Ohhhh I can't wait to find out. I haven't had any braxton hicks contractions yet though there were two nights last week where I woke up with some cramping in my lower abdomen. I wasn't sure what it was, it worried me for a second but then in the morning I realized her but was sticking out pretty strongly and she had moved around a bit. Her foot was kicking me in my upper rib cage for almost the entire day - it was not comfortable. Right now she's in a good position and it feels comfortable again (except the constant pushing on my bladder). Phew. So you know ever, I just can't wait to find out how it's all going to go down. Brad thinks she is going to come a week early and I think she will come the week after my due date. Until then I will continue to enjoy the daily kicks, the kind words from everyone, and eating without watching my calories haha!

Ultrasound at 36 Weeks!

weekly Belly Picture - Week 36

How far along? 36 weeks.

Total weight gain? 33

Body changes? Still feeling numbness and tickling sensation between breasts.

Sleep: Terrible. Cannot get comfortable. Constantly waking up and tossing and turning. Peeing a lot during the night.

Best moment this week: Having my last ultra sound and seeing our little munchkin in 3D. Also so happy knowing everything is ok and that she is head down and in the right position

getting closer to labor.

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Craving ice cream and sweets. No aversions really although I've been staying away from meats lately.

What I miss? Good sleep!!

Symptoms: Breasts changing form, getting pointier. Belly is bigger. Veins are showing more on belly and breasts. Feeling heavy, can't move around so well. Squatting is becoming more and more uncomfortable. I also have a cold so I'm not feeling great at all.

Movement: Yes. At times I can tell she's a bit crowded in there and she'll move around like crazy!

What I am looking forward to? Getting my dissertation proposal done next week and submitting my IRB before baby girl arrives.

Milestones: Getting back in shape and eating less sweets!

Thought of the week: I need a good nights rest!

weekly Belly Picture - Week 35

How far along? 35 weeks.

Total weight gain? 29lbs

Body changes? numbness and tickling feeling between breasts (I think from baby pushing into my rib cage). Slightly swollen fingers but not ankles.

Sleep: Better. Back is suddenly not bothering me at night anymore. Thank goodness.

Best moment this week: Spending the day with Brad at the mall getting my bday present, push and in replacement of a baby moon present..all in one.

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Still craving ice cream! And pretty much anything sweet. I just love sweetness! I also have an enormous appetite when I eat. Food is delicious! Also loving

yoghurt, apples, bread, and pizza!

What I miss? My old body! Working out and sweating. Certain foods and to be able to do stuff around the house that I just can't do now (getting handy around the house, lots of gardening etc.)

Symptoms: Feeling great! Occasional tiredness in afternoon...a 20 minute nap does wonders! Thirsty a lot.

Movement: Yes. But she seems quite comfortable in my belly. For some reason I think she

is laying sideways right now...I will find out more next Friday at my last ultra sound. So curious to see where she's at and how things are progressing.

What I am looking forward to? Getting my dissertation proposal done and getting my IRB completed. Meeting my baby girl!

Milestones: Getting back in shape and eating less sweets!

Thought of the week: Trying to fully take in my last few weeks of freedom and life that revolves around "just" me....big changes ahead!

Nursery Complete!

weekly Belly Picture - Week 34

How far along? 34 weeks.

Total weight gain? 29lbs

Body changes? growing belly! A little swelling in fingers..with the weather getting warmer, I decided to put my wedding ring in our safe for the time being. Nice thick hair.

Sleep: Still not good. I've now gotten used to waking up with a very tight and sore back pretty much every day. I got a massage yesterday but my back was hurting in the middle of the night again and it was tight for the first 15 minutes after waking up. During the day I'm always fine, no back pain at all, but at night it's a different story.

Best moment this week: Getting approval from my committee and planning to set a date for my dissertation proposal defense..looks like it's going to be March 27th or April 2.

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: ICE CREAM GALORE! I just can't get enough of ice cream. I crave it every night. Last night we went to art walk but all the food trucks were spread out

instead of on the usual lot all together because of permitting issues. So, I was so bummed

when we couldn't find a dessert truck. We looked everywhere and my feet were getting so sore

and I was getting cranky. When we left, I made Brad go to Wendy's so I could get my ice

cream fix. haha. No aversions or other cravings...

What I miss? Tuna tartare with avocado. Wine and a cold beer. Being able to put on socks without feeling like I'm going to pull out my back or squash my girl in my belly.

Symptoms: Lower and middle back pain, and strange dreams. Feeling pretty good otherwise!

Movement: Yes. But I have to say she's pretty chill. I wouldn't say she's a crazy kicker. She has her moments and when she kicks a lot during one day it's like a party...the next day she's

tired and more quiet.

What I am looking forward to? Getting my dissertation proposal over with and getting my IRB completed.

Milestones: Getting back in shape...especially my legs are going to need some major work.

Thought of the week: Enjoy every moment.

My Baby Shower 2/25/2012

The day after my 31st birthday last week I had my second baby shower! It was amazing. It was so wonderful to have so many of my friends and family there. Beryl Leifer along with my step mom Linda hosted the shower at her apartment in Miami Beach. Her home is especially special to me because it is where I lived when I first moved to Miami in 2004. I lived in her and Roger's apartment for over 3 months, studying for my real estate license and looking for my own place to live. South Beach and Miami in general were so foreign and big to me after coming from little St. Augustine. But it grew on me so quickly and I began to love life in my new city. The Leifer's home was also the first time I (re)met one of my favorite girls in the world..Nicole from Switzerland. I invited her over for a drink before we headed to sushi samba and we just hit off from the first minute. She was my side kick for 3 or 4 years before she moved back to Switzerland. Then in 2010 Beryl and Roger hosted a wedding cocktail party for Brad and I. So it's been a special place for me since the beginning so it was the perfect place to have my baby shower.

The food at the shower was delicious! Linda found the most amazing caterer and he showered us with waffles and an omelette station, along with burratta, quiches, tarts, cakes, muffins, croissants etc. I wish I could have eaten more food but I was so busy talking to everyone that the food fell a bit short for me. Though more importantly I hope everyone else enjoyed it, which I think they all did. I received soooo many wonderful gifts, I was blown away! The cards were so meaningful and after I was done opening all the gifts I was overwhelmed and exhausted. Even people that couldn't make it to the shower sent me wonderful gifts. My baby girl is one lucky fish receiving so many gifts. She will definitely be the cutest dressed girl ever - the clothes she got are just too sweet. Noelle planned some fun games and kept the energy going throughout the shower. It was great! I felt so lucky and simply had the best day.

My whole weekend was amazing. My birthday was the day before my shower and I spent it with my mother in law Deb and my sister. We had brunch at the Raleigh, then did some shopping on Lincoln and ended the afternoon with Mani/Pedis. Then we had a big family dinner at Michaels that was delicious. By the time the weekend was over I was utterly exhausted. The evening after my shower, I couldn't even make it out anymore, I just wanted to relax on the couch. That's pregnancy for ya I guess!

The nursery is pretty much completed and I am only waiting for a few more items to be delivered that I ordered. I feel such a relief and much more prepared than I did weeks ago. Now I can relax and count the days, weeks until my little munchkin arrives. I still can't believe my due date is next month..only 7 weeks away..wow!

weekly Belly Picture - Week 33

How far along? 33 weeks.

Total weight gain? not sure maybe 29 pounds.

Body changes? Belly popped even more! I am officially very pregnant haha.

Sleep: Not good at all. My back is tight and I get very uncomfortable being in one position for too long. I am constantly tossing and turning and wake up many times throughout the night.

Best moment this week: Getting all my errands done and pretty much completing the nursery. Only a few things are left to do and purchase.

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Craving ice cream and pizza. I've forgotten to mention in all my past entries that pizza is actually something I've eaten ALOT of throughout my pregnancy. Also, because it's easy to order in (and requires no cooking time - which I love these days) and we have a great pizza place right by our house.

What I miss? My body pre pregnancy. Last week I looked at my honeymoon photos and wondered/dreamed if I will ever look like that again haha!

Symptoms: lack of energy, lower and middle back pain, and strange dreams. Yesterday I got a bad sun burn from laying out at the pool. I haven't been in the sun in forever and I was annoyed with being so pale so I didn't put much sunscreen on and boom I got burnt (see pics). I wasn't out for long but the sun was so strong it didn't matter. I've been putting on cooling aloe gel which is helping and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. Argghhh...

Movement: Yes. Definitely feeling her kick and move around more and more...

What I am looking forward to? Meeting my baby girl!

Milestones: Yup still the same...losing all the weight I've gained and getting back into shape.

Thought of the week: Enjoy every moment.

weekly Belly Picture - Week 32

How far along? 32 weeks.

Total weight gain? 27 pounds.

Body changes? Belly grew a lot within days it seems. Areola are bigger.

Sleep: Pretty good. Lots of dreams. Waking up a little earlier in the morning.

Best moment this week: My baby shower and birthday celebration!

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Craving ice cream and bread with butter. No aversions.

What I miss?

Symptoms:

Movement: Yes. This week mostly when I go to bed and lay on my sides.

What I am looking forward to? Going through all my baby shower presents and finishing up the nursery.

Milestones: Losing all the weight I've gained LOL

Thought of the week: I feel very blessed and thankful.

weekly Belly Picture - Week 31

How far along? 31 weeks.

Total weight gain? 24 pounds.

Body changes? Just getting bigger LOL. Breaking on my chin.

Sleep: Good. Crazy dreams. Last night I dreamt that I saw my baby girl. She was already a few months old and looked just like Brad. She had brown hair (not as curly as I hoped) and had brown eyes. Her eyes were just like Brad's. As I was trying to figure out what traits she had of mine...I woke up haha. Overall my dreams are very strange and vivid.

Best moment this week: Simply enjoying the beautiful South Florida weather.

Gender: GIRL :)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Still craving ice cream, apples, bread and butter. Coca Cola. No aversions. Although I made gazpacho today (one of my favorite dishes) for some reason it didn't taste the way it usually does. I didn't do anything different and Brad liked it, so I'm not sure if my taste buds are reacting differently to it because I am pregnant. I will try again tomorrow, maybe it will taste better to me.

What I miss? Wine!

Symptoms: Lack of energy. Otherwise pretty much a symptom free week except last night my little girl switched her position and started pressing down on my bladder and lower right side of my abdomen. It was quite uncomfortable and I had to pee a lot because of it. I swear I could feel her heart beat when I watched the lower right side of my belly because I could feel the beat and see my belly move to it. She's still hanging out on that lower right side because she's been kicking a lot there. Another symptom I have quite often are these cramps on the middle right side of my back. It happens when I drive for a while or sit in the same position for a period of time. It's very annoying and when Brad is around he massages the tight spot but when I'm alone I have to toughen it out.

Movement: Still the same.. some days she's very active on others she's more quiet.

What I am looking forward to? My Birthday, my baby shower and seeing my family and friends.

Milestones: this 3rd trimester seems to be going slow ;)

Thought of the week: I have to laugh at myself but I get very excited when I see a bird fly up to my bird feeder. I love watching these little colorful birdies twerp and twitter!

Nesting, nesting, nesting...

In the last week (or two) I've had this urge to nest and get the nursery as ready as possible. I was so glad that all my furniture arrived by now. The glider was the last thing to come in and it's great to finally have a chair in that room to sit in. It gives me time to relax and imagine what it will be like to have our baby girl in here soon. I also feel like doing as much as possible now that I still have energy. I want to enjoy and take it all in peacefully. I'd hate to rush in the end and do it all when I'm so pregnant and exhausted. I also have a break right now with writing because I am waiting for my chair to review my first three chapters.

After my shower in Atlanta, I decided to organize all the clothes I got including the many I had from my sister Noelle. As soon as I started washing them, another big box arrived from my sister Julie with the most adorable baby girls clothes! I was thrilled. I washed everything and began to organize all the clothes in categories. It took me a while to do that there is so much. I can definitely say I have plenty of clothes unit she is at least 6 months old. It's a great feeling and the closet looks so cute with all the clothes hanging from the little pink and white baby hangers! I washed and ironed the bedskirt and crib sheet and put up the crib mobile as well. Brad was out of town last week so I was so anxious to have the glider in the room that I somehow managed to get it out of the car and set it up together. Yeah crazy, 7.5 months pregnant carrying around heavy chairs and putting screws in. I had to laugh myself but I felt so accomplished when I got it done. After everything I have so far was set up, put away, organized, and washed I felt such a relief. The final project was to begin decorating the walls in the room. A while back I purchased this big tree wall decal with birds on it and a squirl. When I got in the mail and read the instructions I thought to myself of course I pick one of the more difficult decals (a tree with lots of branches and tons of leaves) so for the longest time I doubted how I was going to get that thing up on the wall. I thought for sure brad and I would have to do it together and even that would be a challenge. Should I hire someone to do it? So this weekend in my feverish nesting mode I took on the challenge myself. Brad has been incredibly busy these past couple of weeks and is traveling a lot. He's leaving again next week and the week after. Working all weekends, I am also making him edit my massive dissertation. He's over his head. The last thing I want to do is stress him about some tree decal that, let's be honest, could wait to be put up. I still have 69 days left until my due date. But then again, there is this intense need to nest and get things done (and as I so often can't wait to do things, I'll often end up doing them myself) I couldn't wait but to at least try to do it. I watched several videos online on how to best apply one of these decals and felt pretty confident. Needless to say I managed to do it all by myself. Although it took me five hours without a break I got it done. And I actually really enjoyed doing it. I had to cut out different parts of the tree and every single leaf. That took forever. Then they all had to be applied to the wall individually. When I was done I was so happy and Brad was amazed as to how I did it. He was worried in the beginning when he helped me tape up the base of the tree. It was difficult and we were afraid we ruined one of the branches. But we didn't and it turned out beautiful. I'm a big fan of wall decals now. I think there a fairly inexpensive and creative way to decorate a kids room. I also went to buy buy baby in Miami to check out the store and buy a few items. I realized how much I still but hopefully I'll get some nice gifts at my shower and the rest we will have to take care of after. But at least I can say the nursery is coming together and I feel a lot better as I did last week. I was getting a little nervous being almost 30 weeks pregnant and not having the nursery fully set up yet. I'm also getting so excited to soon meet our baby girl. It's really becoming more and more of a reality that we will be parents soon. I've been dreaming a lot about babies and being a mom. I also think more and more about the labour process, imagining what it will be like. I am partly nervous and partly anxious to experience what it will be like.