{9 Months Cami} ♥

On Christmas Day my Cami turned 9 months. 

{Yes, this post is 7 days late but that doesn't matter I have to do it.}

Camila Isabel {9 Months}

My Cami is....

Love

Girly

Tough

Patience

Smiles

FAITH

HOPE

Sunshine

Laughter

Sweetness

Peace

Softness 

Squeezable

Hug-able

Kissable

a Blessing

Our Cami is an amazing little fireball made of sugar and spice with a hint of cinnamon, no really she loves syrup and is sticky..lots. Ha. She is definitely my little sidekick she wakes up early with me, with a HUGE smile on her face, ready to start our day. She sits patiently as I click away on the keyboard and eats her breakfast as if she knows not to make noise for the boys. She is my beautiful little lady who loves playing dress up and doesn't mind Momma's camera in her face. She is the new love in our lives... Santi, Ricardo and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect fit to this little family of FOUR! Making me the happiest most Blessed Momma of Dos ever. Camila, you will learn that your brother pushes you, punches you and LOVES you all at once. Your Daddy melts every.single.time he sees you. He will cry the day he walks you down the aisle. I am so Blessed to know what it's like to have a daughter. You are Blessed to be a part of this family. We are NOT perfect. We are Loud. But we LOVE one another more than life! Don't forget that when people fail you...God will NEVER leave your side. Lean on His words, His grace and His power all the days of your life and you can never go wrong. Being a girl is tough, we must stick together, grow up fast, learn everything at once and do it all in under 20 seconds, if you have patience life will treat you well, be slow to anger and even slower to respond to anything spoken against you. God knows your heart and with that your heart will be complete. Know that we love you so much and that you are the BEST person to have come into our lives in 2011. We can't wait for the days to come.... 

You will be ONE in 3 short months... I can't believe that! 

A Vast Sea of Emotions?

One thing that I am is EMOTION. I feel. I feel a lot. In a most sincere and loving way.

That said...

This weekend I was ill. Very ill. So ill. By Saturday morning I was sitting in the ER with a nurse and doctor at my side. I needed pain medication. Pain medication so strong that the doctor's first question was, "Is there any possibility you could be pregnant?" My answer left the nurse in limbo and a pregnancy test was in order.

For an hour. A whole 60 minutes. My Husband's heart.... and mine, swam, in a VAST sea of emotions.

We know that we want to have ONE more child. But, we also know that Santi and Cami came so quickly that we now want to enjoy each, individually for at least 2 or 3 more years. Therefore we sat there; worried wondering and praying. We are not ready for a 3rd child but Dear Lord, let be it be your will not mine, I repeated in my head. Ricardo started thinking finances and school and calculating when the baby would be born {breath everyone...breath}; to which I told him, calm down, there is no YES, just yet! 

An hour had passed and my pain increased. I needed a confirmation and some medication. Ricardo was just anxious to hear an answer. At this time, an x-ray technician came into the room to take me away to x-rays, Ricardo asked so the pregnancy test was negative? The tech said. "Oh they haven't told you?"...."Yes..it was negative." After we both started breathing again...my pain medication was administered and I was taken to x-rays. I am better now.

But, for that brief moment ....we had no idea what God would do with us. It just places A LOT into perspective! A Blessed moment? I think so.

SO, How was your weekend?! {Ha.}

As you can tell, mine did NOT go according to plan... {Ha.} The is no Vlog today.... {Ugh.}

What is it about Monday's that makes you want to sink your face deeper into your pillow and say...UGH...MONDAY! As opposed to jumping out of bed and saying...YEAYUH!!! MONDAY! {Ha.Ha.} 

Camila ♥ Month ONE {Yes already}

Emotions:

Depending on the day, I will tell you that, it's either AMAZING...or really realllllly difficult. I've had a much closer tab this time around on my emotional state than when I had Santiago. 

Some days are GREAT filled with amazing Blessed moments. And others, I want to sit and cry and feel like a total failure as Mother. 

I will say that having TWO children is just beyond my expectations and beyond the Blessings I thought I would have by the age of 30! 

Camila is a sweet and gentle contrast to our Super Boy Santi. She is definitely all that we will need to balance out this almost all boy home.

Recovery has been tough, but with her in my arms day in and day out...all I can say is Thank You God and this life is so worth it! 

Having another human being as my most loved responsibility, sounds scary and overwhelming, it can be, but to know that God has entrusted ME to watch over 2 of his little Angels, just blows my mind! I am reminded again that this selfish life that I once led is NO longer about me! It hasn't been for almost 2 years now. I can't even remember my selfish and self-centered stubborn ways, who has time to be so into themselves, I think this now. That's what having a child does to us, it's a constant reminder of maturity and how we used to be. 

They say that having a baby changes EVERYTHING. If you don't have children of your own, you have no idea {trust me, I know}, and when you do, you will remember me. If you do have children, then you know exactly what I am talking about! 

The responsibility. The Love. The commitment. The sleep-less nights. The Faith. The smiles. The hugs. The tiny beating hearts. The Blessing. The hope. 

It's all God given. 

I do complain. I am human. Again some days ARE REALLY DIFFICULT. But, that is just life in general. I wouldn't change any of my God given Blessings for the world. My husband, my children, their health, our love, our faith, our family, our friends, and the fact that we can share it all. 

Camila came unexpected yet so expected. She has truly completed our little family of 4. She has Blessed us in so many ways. She is a Blessing. And, we can't stop Thanking God for her and for Santiago. They are who we have waited for our whole lives to love. Thank You Jesus. You are good.

Highlights:

Hmmmm....where to start?

Camila is Camila. 

• She is very strong. 
• She is very loud! 
• She is very much Miss. Attitude according to her dad who swears she rolled her eyes at him at her birth when he announced that he was her dad!  If you know my husband. You know he is a riot! 
• She has definitely established ownership over her Momma. 
• She is growing very fast. 
• She is resting and gaining energy to keep up with her brother!  
• She is a night owl. 
• She loves to be held. 
• She loves to just look. 

Discoveries:

• I think by now she has discovered that older brothers can be mean..but they love sooo much! {Santi has slapped her 3 times...but after 3 time outs..he's is doing sooo much better!}

• I think she knows that her Daddy can't let her cry...so she cries extra loud when he is around. 

• I think she's discovered that when you sleep no one bothers you....HA. 

• She is just getting to know the world around her but I know the next month will literally be an eye opener for her!   

Momma Challenges:

• Recovering from my C-section.
• Coping emotionally with not being able to be around my son for about a week or so. 
• Coping with having to take care of TWO children; one who is SUPER active and the other who is completely dependent right now. 
• Recovering from my C-section...did I mention that..I am still NOT fully recovered..but praying EVERYDAY for healing. 
• Dealing with minimal sleep.
• Returning to horrible sleep patterns. 
• Having to take care of TWO children almost completely on my own after only a week and half of having had my C-section. {My husband wasn't working or in school when Santi was born..which was a HUGE help} 

Baby Challenges:

Adjusting to her new loud and busy home, her new brother, the Houston heat, and this world as a whole... 



Height:  As of her last Dr's visit she was 21 and 3/4 she was 20 inches at birth. 

Weight: As of her last Dr's visit she was 9lbs 2 oz she was 8lbs 14oz at birth.

Next doctor’s visit: May for her 2 Month check up.

 
What we are looking forward to: 

• Her personality to continue to shine through
• Her new discoveries
• How she starts growing and adjusting to life
• How she will interact with her brother
• For her to be a bit more alert, active and awake..ha. 
• EVERYTHING right now!

 

Camila Isabel's Journey ♥

Today is day 12! 

Yes, Camila Isabel, as we decided on, has been in our arms for 12 days now! 

Meaning that my adventure as a "Momma of Dos" has officially begun! If it wasn't "official" already...ha. It's been... a journey....one that at this point...I wouldn't change for the world... 

As usual my children do not wait FOR ANYONE! (Kinda like their parents....)

Camila was SUPPOSE to arrive last week, March 30th,only 2 weeks early, via scheduled c-Section. Now let me clarify. I have Gestational Diabetes and my children will never be able to wait the usual 40 weeks or until their "due date" they have their own "due date". I tend to be very much in the know about what my body and more importantly what my children want. Therefore, Camila came into this world 3 weeks "early", or before her "due date". 

Now, her arrival, was not "as" prolonged or "painful" as Santiago's where being that he was my first child my doctor decided to induce my labor to attempt a "natural labor"; which as you may know was FAR from natural from the beginning due to so many complications. Which looking back now, I think came to be because of my nerves as a first timer! 

Camila's journey begins on a Thursday morning {March 10th}, at my 35 week fetal/maternal monitoring and ultrasound, which as of my 30th week I was receiving on a weekly basis. Again, let me clarify, because of my Gestational Diabetes (or HIGH BLOOD SUGAR levels) I was monitored during my last 2 months to assure that number one my baby was continuously moving (there is a high rate of stillbirth gestation due to high uncontrolled blood sugar levels in pregnancy's like mine) and secondly to assure that she wasn't growing too big, too fast, which she was. 

But, things were "under control". 

Well at this visit the doctor said to me "Are you feeling contractions?" To which I replied.... "No...", well it wasn't long after, that Sunday as a matter of fact, that I actually started feeling contractions but they were not too bad and I was able to withstand them. 

For the next 2 weeks I would feel contractions on and off, some worse than others but "bearable". Come the 2-week mark with contractions {March 24th}, I was feeling weary and very cautious of what I think the doctor should be doing...again..I know what my body and my children want... it's my body and they are my children...right?! 

I had called my doctor for 2 weeks, saw my doctor for 2 weeks and every time she told me "Oh yeah, that's natural, you're going to feel them, you're ok...see you on March 30th!" 

Thursday; March 24th:

After numerous complaints to my doctors office, much frustration and at this point, doubts of my choice in physician..which will remain un-named...I was angry, tired, in pain and ready to have my baby. Regardless of who else was ready! That morning I went in for my usual weekly monitoring. My blood pressure through the roof and the contractions about 8 to 9 minutes apart and mildly painful at times. Well I was so tired and done with my doctor's office that they could have told me to move or the bus would run me over and JUST to see them squirm, I would have stood there, stared them straight in the face and said "NO, you move." Angry and tired. I was determined to have things MY WAY. The doctor in fetal medicine a much more understanding and gentle but affirming woman of medicine, decided that she wasn't going to let me go one more day like this. She called my doctor, who at this point I think had, had it with my complaining...I couldn't have possibly been her worse patient, my husband claims I could have been....he thinks, I know too much...for my own good. So that day, I think she simply complied with the fetal medicine doctor's second opinion, just to shut me up. 

Oh that's not all I think she did but we will get there....

So, 4pm Thursday the fetal medicine doctor stated that "my doctor"  thought I should go to the hospital for further monitoring. Well at this point, I had asked for my doctor to see me in a more serious light, and so when she finally did, I wasn't having it. I headed home and proceeded to get ready for what I thought would be my last day home. I didn't arrive to the hospital until 7pm, after which they told me that my doctor had waited 2 hours for me, well I had been waiting for 2 weeks for her. So boo-hoo. 

The monitoring and extreme checkup's continued throughout the evening and we were discharged, yes discharged at around midnight. All I could think was, "great". I have to go another week and then some in pain and anxiety. We went home. With antibiotics. Apparently my pain was due to an infection, whatever. 

Friday; March 25th:

I had an 11 am appointment with my doctor. I went to it with NO expectations what-so-ever that, that would be the day....would you after 2 weeks!? I even left my hospital bags at home and my son at a nearby Aunt's house. Thinking I'd be right back. The whirlwind of events happened and I was not prepared for things to come at me so fast.... 

I went in to see the doctor, completely forgetting that they had asked me not to eat "in case my doctor wanted to do my c-section that day"....."yeah right.", I thought and ate breakfast. I saw my doctor, who for a moment seemed un-happy with me, uncomfortable with my pain. Funny. I was her nightmare patient. How sad for her and what a disappointment for me. The appointment took about 15 minutes it was about 11:30am when she asked me how long it would take me to get from her office to the hospital? Apparently "my blood pressure was too high". I was only about 10 minutes away from the hospital. Well she decided right there and then to end my "complaining" for good! She said that even though I had breakfast she was doing my c-section and sent me off to the hospital to get prepped. I know I am just one more number in her bank account and that at that point she is on her schedule not mine or my child's, so I felt very little pity for her and was even angered by her demeanor, how dare she! 

But, before I could even get mad...my adventure began...

12:00pm- Arrived and checked in to the hospital for the next hour my body (and mind) would be prepped. Probed and poked, asked too many questions. A quick call from my husband allowed my mindset to prepare..he simply said "Connie. I will be there. Relax. Remain calm." That's all it took...30 minutes seemed eternal. He was on his way. I should do as he said..he is my husband after all. The keeper of my heart, the Father of my children, the person God has chosen to share my life, soul, dreams and Faith with. I took his advice. Despite all the questions; me completely naked under a gown being totally stripped of what I call, my body. I remained as my husband told me to, "calm". Deep breath in, deep breath out. Another needle stick. Some blood drawn, an IV line running and still only 30 minutes had gone by. 

12:30pm- My husband arrived. Thank God. A huge deep sigh of relief. He was here. I was not alone. AT NO time was I ever, alone. I know this, but God has given me strength in Him and with Him but also through him..my husband. He is my rock. I knew he'd be praying all the way to the hospital and that I should remain calm so that I too could pray and that our prayers as parents could be heard. We were not alone. This I knew. 

For the next 30 minutes, 4 nurses, yes, 4 nurses running around in a frenzy would complete registration and medical preparation for a surgical procedure. As "the doctor" was already waiting for us! It was like a scene from a movie. To the O.R. STAT! No really the surgery should happen at 1pm or so because my doctor had to get to her lunch break and the rest of clinical day as soon as possible. Time is money you know. I know I am being very un-fair and judgmental about my doctor and her stance, but this is how I felt. 

1:00pm- Anesthesia walks in and introduces herself. Still calm. Now with  my husband by my side. Nothing else mattered. At that time they asked me to take my wedding band and engagement ring off, something I don't do often, I handed them to my husband and he put them away. At around 1:05pm, I was reeled into the O.R., all I heard was "Connie"...and my husband came running after me, he gave me a kiss as I was taken into the OR. One last breath. The next hour was difficult. 

I was taken into the O.R. and given my epidural. At that time, everything was numbed from the chest down. I was laid out on a table in that same white plain O.R. room that you see in movies right before the patient closes his eyes and all you hear is a flat-line. Yup. It was that scary. I had been here before but for some reason this time seemed un-real. I was then told that several procedures would be done. A catheter would be placed, not a happy time, my belly would be poked with a sharp object "just to test all was numb", and I would start to feel pressure and touch but no pain. Like a roasted chicken and experimental hamster all at once.....

Hmmmm. 

Crazy out of body experience, I think so. 

Being that I have read all the books and worked in the medical field, I am very VERY vocal about what I am feeling, how I am feeling and what I FEEL is going wrong. The anesthesiologist, told me I would get the shivers and feel sleepy. That I did. Soon, I felt a tightening in my chest, and shallow slow breaths. ALL I COULD THINK WAS... REMAIN, CALM! Not allowing my brain to panic, I took slow deep breaths, continuously, as the anesthesiologist recommend. I soon saw dark spots before my eyes. And a sudden urge to sleep. But, was too scared. I didn't want to sleep and couldn't close my eyes. I felt that if I did, I may just take my last breath and never see my new baby girl. I started praying and held back tears. All the while the doctor is asking if "I feel ok?", and "is everything ok?", I kept talking to her and talked to myself to ease the anxiety. By this time my husband had entered the room and I knew he would panic if I did. I kept reaching out for his hand and kept looking over for his reassuring smile. Both there EVERY time. At around 1:50pm the first gurgle and attempt to cry of a baby girl....then for minutes, pushing and pulling and tugging apparently my uterus was also upset at the doctor and she didn't want to give Camila up! All the while. My brain and my heart are racing and I remained calm. No panic here, no sir!  I couldn't close my eyes. All those bad thoughts of leaving this world and my children and husband on their own, gone. At 1:58pm. "WOW, She's a BIG baby, LOTS of hair!" My husband face. Glee. True love. A Blessing. A HUGE sigh of relief, for several minutes shuffling. The doctors assuring me all was well and that this would be over soon. "8lbs 13oz!" Big baby...the doctor stating "yeah..she's a Diabetic"....my husband came over to me several times to make sure all was well. All the while assuring that baby was ok too. At first glance we both said "She looks like Santiago!" 

At that moment it was "HELLO CAMILA!" nothing else felt so right, nothing else felt better.... tears filled  my eyes. I could hear the commotion as they prepared her to take her to the nursery. My husband rushed back and forth from her area to mine and then brought her over for me to kiss her..over and over again...

She was here. Thank You Jesus. Thank God. She is HERE! Oh BOY is she here! 

In full effect...Little bitty Mama not only has an attitude according to her daddy but also a GREAT set of lungs! 

The hours to follow...the days that came after her arrival....all of the emotions of having a beautiful baby girl as a new addition to our already beautiful baby boy....is in the works...

TO BE CONTINUED....

Camila Update ♥

{Pregnancy Updates}

How Far Along: 36 Weeks

Size of baby: According to my doctor, Camila is measuring about 2 more than my actual gestation. Her current ESTIMATED weight is 7lbs 13oz. Big Baby! Ha. But, I am praying that she will remain healthy and active. And that I can carry her until the 38^th week, NOT MUCH LONGER LEFT! Only 1 week and 3 days…

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained between 10 and 11  lbs (Some weeks I lose it, not sure how! The weight not my brain…that I lose everyday…HA!)

Maternity Clothes: As of 30 weeks I was wearing my old maternity clothes { mostly jeans and pants and some shirts~} and no more regular clothes. My doctor was amazed that I was able to get away with regular clothes for that long! But I am in that place where I wear the same clothes week after week... and my shoes...well lets just say Thank God it's "spring" time in Houston..or I'd look ridiculous in flip-flops and sandals every where all the time...or maybe NOT this is Houston!

Gender: It's a girl!!! We already know this....and her name will be Camila.

Movement: She is still VERY active,Thank God, DAY AND NIGHT..I love it and feel very happy every time she karate chops me! Everyone loves staring at the belly as it moves and jumps with Camila’s movements.

Sleep: Sleep? What’s that? No really I am that point…where sleep is a wonderful luxury….even though I am not as big as I was Santi at this time …I am very uncomfortable and finding my goodnight spot is very difficult….but I manage…..

What I miss: My ENERGY for sure, my agility and the ability to bend over! As well as being able to eat like the guy from Man vs Food and not feeling like I may die or give birth! I also miss being able to blow my nose without gagging EVERY time and thinking that everything I ate the night before will end up on my shoe making me late for work...HA!

Cravings: Hmmm…. This week…. HAMBURGERS again! And Oooohhhh Enchiladas de mole...mmmmmm.... 

Symptoms: Exhausted. Inability to breath due to how big Cami is and that she is pushing all of my vital organs into my neck! In total waddle mode, lower back pain and yes...I have even started feeling contractions.....it's true. Around this time with my son I had what I like to call "contraction envy"..but not these days..now I am worried that I will go into labor at any minute..which is a bit nerve wrecking!

Best Moments so far:  My first fav moment was the day we found out we were having a girl, and now every time I go in for my weekly ultrasound they remind me that yep, she is a girl! It's so exciting every time....Also, I am not sure how much he actually knows what is going on in  my growing belly but I tell Santi to say Hi to the momma, he comes over, lifts my shirt {no matter where we are!} and kisses my belly! I love it!!!  Of course he also comes over to the belly smells it and with a wave of his hand over his face and his very distinct "stinky face" declares that momma and baby are yes..."stinky", it's HILARIOUS! My husband loves seeing my baby move around under my shirt everyday more and more..I think she is anxious to be here…we are ANXIOUS to meet her as well!!! He then yells in pain for me; "TELL HER TO STOP!"....as if I can flip a switch..HA.  

Updates about this week: This week is super prep week…Doctor is ready, I am ready…my house I pray will be ready for Cami’s arrival… overall..this week is just readiness…I  had my Baby shower this weekend that was lots of fun and a TRUE BLESSING!!!!

Also, I had  contractions for about a week and half now..... that I am now slowly but surly feeling. So, we shall seeeeee.

Momma Perks: Not having to worry too much about anything really…my husband does a good job despite having to work 30+hours a week and going to school full-time..he doesn’t allow me to stress too too much… I love people coming over and helping me out with Santi while I get things done around the house..and I love that I have had so much help for my baby shower from Ricardo’s sis and cousin (Thank You Ale and Erica! I would have lost my brains without you! And had been in tears the last month or so!) ..they have really really been GREAT! :D Not to mention my regular helpers; Nanielle, her sidekick Meagan and Mrs. MaryAnn, who loves to come over and not only stress me out about when I will go into labor but also does a great job at making sure Santi and I are ok! I love that my Mother-in-Law watches Santi for me cause some nights when I pick him up she has dinner cooked and ready to share with us!

I hope that we can finally start on Camila's nursery this week!!! I HAVE SAID THAT EVEN IF IT’S NOT COMPLETE BY MARCH 30^TH..I WILL NOT WORRY!

CAMILA Update ♥

I AM…..CAN YOU BELIEVE IT….32 WEEKS!!!

{Pregnancy Updates}

·         How Far Along: 32 Weeks

·         Size of baby: According to my doctor, Camila is 5 lbs and 3 oz, about 2 ½ lbs larger than she should be. But, I am praying that she will remain healthy and active. And that I can carry her until the 38^th week, when she is currently scheduled to arrive. There are too many possible complications if she is born before, BUT it will be God’s will and NOT mine, ultimately..He will know when she is ready to arrive.

·         Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained between 7 and 9  lbs (Some weeks I lose it, not sure how! The weight not my brain…that I lose everyday…HA!)

·         Maternity Clothes: I am as of 30 weeks wearing my old maternity clothes { mostly jeans and pants and some shirts~} and some of my old regular clothes. My doctor was amazed that I was able to get away with regular clothes for this long!

·         Gender: It's a girl!!! We already know this....and I love the name Camila Isabel { and I said that “That's what I am sticking to!” but have recently had a change of heart…we shall see..no change on the Camila just on the middle name. I like my new change, LOTS, very meaningful….}

·         Movement: She is VERY active now, DAY AND NIGHT..I love it and feel very happy every time she karate chops me! Brings tears to my eyes just to think about it as I write and as I see her foot or knee move about in my belly… she is VERY visible now…

·         Sleep: Sleep? What’s that? No really I am that point…where sleep is a wonderful luxury….even though I am not as big as I was Santi at this time and the heartburn has NOT yet set in…I am very uncomfortable and finding my goodnight spot is very difficult….but I manage…..

·         What I miss: Other than my ENERGY, maybe my agility and the ability to bend over!  HA!

·         Cravings: Hmmm…. Enchiladas, BBQ, and uhm……Jello!

·         Symptoms: Mostly TIREDNESS and lack of energy, in total waddle mode now, back pain, leg pain, some nauseous-ness, and just tired most days.

·         Best Moments so far:  Every time I tell Santi to say Hi to the Mama, he comes over, lifts my shirt {no matter where we are!} and kisses my belly! I love it!!!  And of course seeing my baby every week in our weekly monitoring and ultrasounds…seeing her move around under my shirt everyday more and more..I think she is anxious to be here…we are ANXIOUS to meet her as well!!!

·         Updates about this week: This week at our weekly monitoring we discovered that she is bigger than she is supposed to be and may have to arrive sooner than March the 30^th which is when is scheduled to be here… via C-section. Just waiting and praying that all goes well.

·         Momma Perks: Same as 6 weeks ago… Ha. Because I've been so sick my husband hasn't even asked one night why dinner isn't cooked {instead he runs out and gets us take out!} or why I am laying in the middle of a pile of dirty clothes. And, because I have started to feel sooo pregnant, I don't care that my house looks like a robber came in specifically to mess everything up and take nothing! lol! That plus the fact that I have a 17 month old leaves me with little worry for what my house does or doesn't look like at this moment! Love it!

Over all, I feel Happy. Some days sad and overwhelmed but BLESSED nonetheless! I am waiting….we are all waiting and God is watching over us and taking us through each step to reach our next goal….for His purpose….NOT OURS! I HAVE FAITH. Lots.

Camila HAS ALREADY STARTED BUILDING A WARDROBE Thanks to her Auntie Jess {My sis} and Kathy {One of my Besties!}

I still have not started working on Camila's nursery! You see, we are STILL trying to finish up remodeling our kitchen, once that nightmare is over, I can start on my DREAM....of PINKS AND LILAC and butterflies all over! I love it!

{Blog-cation will be over soonnnnn, I hope..hehehehe :D }

Baby Update ♥

I am now 24 weeks! {6 Months and counting}

It's hard to believe that  it's been that long already. Because of my job, I had been very very busy and oh yeah not to mention that I have a wild and out 15 month old now!

When I was pregnant with my son, I had no life, Ha. I would go home, eat and sleep for 9 months...it dragged and seemed like I was pregnant for years! Plus, during the time that I was pregnant with my son the first couple of months at work were pretty laid back and non-stressful, which was not the case this time around! Needless to say, it's been very different! I was sick and never really thought about it and I was tired and had no time to rest. Now things have slowed down and I have gotten to enjoy and realize that, WOW, I am PREGNANT!!! Ha.

I think the most tiring part has been the fact that I have Santi. He is a non-stop little man. He usually wakes up between 7:30 and 8am, if I am lucky and doesn't go to sleep until about 10 pm! So, my days are long.... Not to mention the last 4 months my husband was not only a full-time intern but a full-time student as well! Therefore the 20 hour days with non-stop madness belong to me and me alone. The last 2 or 3 weeks have been great though, we are staying at my 'In-Law's house since our home has, well, "issues", they are hopefully fixed now and we should return back to reality in about 2 days! Also, my husband finished off his semester and will be home after work everyday to ease the madness at least until January 19th when he starts school back up again! He is a HUGE help when it's just us two and little man... God has seen me through many trying times and these are just a test...I will come out a live. I have made it the last 15 months... I will make it through 15 more...

My favorite part of all of this is Lil'Man's reaction to my growing belly. I think it happened over night and so one morning I woke up to his hand on my belly and his face full of amazement! Almost like "What is this? And why is it here?" Now we tell him that's your sister and he hugs my belly, kisses it and puts his ear up to it to see if he can hear anything! I love it. I have a feeling he will be very loving with his sister. I hope that he is not jealous and that he can realize at this young age that we love them both just the same! 

Aside from the growing belly, hospitalization, occasional nausea and light headed-ness and oh yes the being tired part; overall it's been a very different pregnancy and somewhat easier. I have only gained about 3 to 5 pounds on and off, meaning I gain and loose, mainly due to my diet and plus I stay somewhat busy with Santiago. 

I love feeling my Lil'Momma kick and thump around inside the belly and every doctor's visit I look forward to hearing her strong beating heart! At 28 weeks I will begin fetal monitoring and stress test due to my Gestational Diabetes and history of  Pre-eclampsia . Which thank goodness I have not at all started to swell up! With Santiago at this time I was the Goodyear Blimp, no joke. My feet look like small pillows and I was retaining fluid like he was playing in an indoor belly water park! This time around that has not happened. I am praying for a better c-section and overall delivery experience!  

I will post some belly pics soon, I have not taken one lately!

This is my last one at 19 weeks...I AM MUCH BIGGER NOW! HA.

And, here is Camila at around the same time...

Hospitalized. Baby Update. And then some?

Most of you know. I am 23 weeks pregnant with my second baby, a little Girl! (Or as we like to call her "Lil'Momma" a perfect addition for our Lil' Daddy!)  At this point. We have almost finalized our decision on her name...we think maybe...Camila Isabel. I am writing it and it looks perfect. So, we shall see! Most of my friends have told me..have several names and wait until they are born to decide...but I didn't do that with Santi. We had a name picked and stuck to it, and now Santiago, is the best name for our perfect Lil'Man, and it fits him JUST WELL!

Well in all baby is doing great. She is quite the gymnast and growing according to His plan. I love to feel the bump and jump in my belly. She is very active. Just as much as Santiago was around this time. I love knowing that she will be here soon, God willing everything will be great!

Yes. I was hospitalized for a couple of days reason why I have been MIA. I had an infection. Now hopefully gone. After some IV fluids and antibiotics not to mention some pain meds. I am almost as good as new. Normally. Pain comes and goes. But, with me being pregnant, I worry a million times over and NEVER hesitate with seeing an ER or two.

The first day, I felt lonely. Like I had no one. I admitted myself into the hospital and was there for hours..alone. Things got very overwhelming. Praying. Telling myself things would be OK. I quickly felt better. My husband was at work and crazily enough....completing his FINALS! Which we pray he got all "A's", he is such a nerd, is incredibly and naturally smart, don't tell him I said that, so I know he did. He always does. Even with all the pressures of having to be a WONDERFUL and LOVING Hubby for, a GREAT and LOVING Dad to Santiago, and a DEDICATED provider for our home, he manages, he does, and he ACCOMPLISHES!!! Always! God has Blessed me. I know this.

Then came the loneliness from not being with my son... for almost 3 days!!! I was devastated to say the least. I hated being in the hospital. Alone. Without  my Little Man. To think. And then. "HELLO. MOM. HERE I AM!" It gave me such rest and peace for 3 days that I had the BEST and most wonderful alone time with my daughter. This new little pitter-patter on my heart! This wonderful new Blessing in ma' belly! Ha. There she was...dancing around in my belly, reminding me that God has given me MANY Blessings and MANY reasons to NEVER again feel lonely, a son...and now a daughter. I didn't mind that the cold, dark room was just me and her. I didn't mind that my cell phone was dead and my hospital phone never rang. I didn't mind that the nurse was my only company with the exception of nights when my Mom was there. I didn't mind the silence because it helped me focus on her. It helped hear Him. I loved it. Yes. Can you imagine. I learned. I LOVED. And I moved on. In many aspects. Being hospitalized. I read some, watch TV some and slept some. It was OK. 

[ DON'T GET ME WRONG. I was texting the first day with two of my girlfriends, whom I really wouldn't have bugged or said anything to until now, just because I don't like to bother people. I know, I am sick and pregnant. But, most others have their own hectic lives to deal with and I feel like I can deal with most my ailments. My mom was there after a while. I was also communicating with my Mother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law both very concerned and since they were watching Santi, I wanted to keep them updated.  I also had to tell my job so my co-workers were on the phone as well. And my husband was texting and calling as much as he could. All until my phone went dead. I guess as a human being, I am used to human contact, HA. Go figure. And not being able to have my husband there with me the whole time, was different and well...made everything feel lonely.]

In the end. I am OK. I am back at work today. To which my boss joked.... "You still work here?!"

Yes. Yes. I do.