Registry

My sister and my friend Michelle gave me a deadline of August 1st to register for my baby shower.  To most people this probably doesn't sound that bad but keep in mind....I do not like to shop, talk to people and I know nothing about what a baby needs.  So I procrastinated and stressed about it for three weeks.  My mom sent me a great registry checklist to get started.  After a few hours on the internet I found a registry website and had registered for two items....a thermometer and a Christmas outfit.  I was getting nervous I would never get it done...but after lunch I was finally on a roll and got 75% of the "easier" things added. (clothes, baths stuff, wine...oh wait no that is not on the list:).  I did research on the main items...stroller, car seat and after a little sticker shock have an idea of what we should get but want to check them out in the store.  It is amazing how much stuff one little person needs.

Prenatal Yoga

A friend suggested I take prenatal yoga to meet other women.  It is also supposed to help prepare your body to give birth. I found a place called Motherhood.  They offer yoga, massages, babysitters, everything a new mom would need.  The class was great...I had no idea my hips were so tight. 

It was also a little scary.  There are some women who were taking the class who are giving birth next it week. They looked great and I impressed they were doing yoga.  I try not to think about giving birth...just hoping it goes quick and I forget all about when I see Peanut:)  It also made me really appreciate my mom...thanks mom for carrying me for 9 months and for hours of labor. 

 

 

Here I am in my yoga outfit at 22 weeks

How Could I Resist

A friend told me about a new and used kids clothing store in Houston. They also sell maternity clothes.  The place is awesome.  Of course I had to give in a buy a few things...

20 Week Ultra Sound

Today we had our 20 week ultra sound.  The doctor said everything looks great.  Here are a few pictures.

 

It is hard to see in this picture but she has her hand in front of her eyes

 

Looks like she is rubbing her eye. So cute.  Look at those lips.

 

She has her hands up by her head.  So amazing.

This is one of her feet

Monkey

I am sure you are wondering how Monkey is taking the news of the baby.  She is taking in stride...it has not effected her sleep:)

 

Enjoying her bed

 

 

 Monkey loves the sun

 

 

She is keeping an eye on things

First Kick

Peanut started kicking on July 2, 2014 at 3am.  It was such a blessing that we were both up to experience her kicking together.  Ok...not really a blessing we were awake but that is part of being pregnant.  I am tired in the evening but don't sleep through the night.  Allen usually wakes up and rubs my back.  I am pretty lucky.

She usually kicks a bit when I first get into bed. We think she is getting into position to sleep for the night.  I usually feel her again around 5-6am when Allen is waking up for work.  Nice way for him to start his day. 

First Maternity Clothing Purchase

I found out I was pregnant on April 30, 2014.  Allen arrived in Las Vegas on May 1, 2014 to attend my going away party at work.  We got a hotel room at MGM and planned a fun weekend on the strip.  Obviously things changed a bit:)  We spent a lot of time looking at the ultra sound video and pictures and looking up what to do now that I was pregnant.  On our first night in the hotel room I noticed the new P.J.'s I packed for the trip were a bit snug.  I had to buy something more comfortable pretty quick.  So my first maternity clothing purchase was a pair of sweatpants from NY, NY Hotel.

Announcement

We were so lucky my mom was visiting us right after we found out I was pregnant. We got to tell her in person.  We got her a Happy Grandmother's Day, Mother's Day card.  We put in a picture of Monkey and one of the ultrasound of Peanut. We thought it would take her a minute or two to get it...but she didn't even finish the front of the card and started crying asking if she is going to be a Grandma.  It was very special. 

 

Allen & Nancy Celebrating

 

Nancy & Jessica. First picture with hand on Peanut

 

We were very excited to share the news with family and friends.  We found some creative announcement ideas on the Internet. Below is the one we sent out to people .  Wish we could see their face. I got a lot of "OMG" texts from people who didn't even make it into the house from the mailbox:)

 

New York Trip

We spent a week in New York to celebrate my cousin Karen's wedding.  We spent two days in the city and the rest on Long Island.   Allen and I enjoyed dinner with Danielle and Karim on Wednesday night.  Then late night drinks with Maryann and Jack. Then late, late night pizza. Nothing like NY pizza at midnight.

 

 

Allen enjoying the "deal" he got us on our pizza.

 

 

 

Thursday we walked to Freedom Tower and viewed the 9/11 Memorial. 

It was very moving and very sad. 

We then decided to walk to Little Italy. According to GPS is should only be a mile.  Let's just say directionally challenged runs in my family.  Over 2 1/2 miles later we finally made it.  Pizza and cannoli's never tasted so good. This is a picture of Allen and I in some park on the way that we thought was pretty.

Thursday night my friend Regine met us for dinner and drinks.  It was so great to catch up with her.  We met Arizona working at the Four Seasons. We were friends for a month before I moved.  15 years later we are still friends...amazing.

Maryann, Jack & Regine

Friday was a BBQ at Melanie's house.  She has such a great place.  It was so great to see all of our family and friends.

Saturday was the wedding.  Here is the beautiful bride and her parents.  The wedding was amazing.  They thought of everything to make the day so memorable. 

 

Allen and Jessica

 

Allen, Jessica (Peanut), Nancy, Trevor, Danielle & Karim

 

 

Danielle, Karim, Allen and Jessica having some fun

Jessica & Maryann looking "hot" 

Action shot of Danielle throwing the ball.  Melanie and Matt are looking on in amazement.

 



Sunday we had brunch at the hotel. The lunch/dinner at my aunts.  We had plenty of left overs from the wedding to eat.  My favorite were the NY pretzels and mustard. 

 

 

 Monday a bunch of us went to the beach.  There is nothing like Robert Moses Beach. So beautiful and relaxing.

 

 Such a memorable and fun trip. Too short as always. 

Growing Up

May 25, 2014 I took out my bellybutton ring.  When I was 18 I was in Myrtle Beach and got the ring with a friend.  I had to take it out twice.  Once for an x-ray for my back and the second for foot surgery. I did some research and I could keep it in during pregnancy but it would be uncomfortable. I opted not to be a 37 year old pregnant lady with a ring in her stomach. 

Peanut

 

On April 30, 2014 we found out I was pregnant with Peanut (our nickname until we finalize on a name).  She is a happy surprise for us.  This is her ultrasound picture at two months and video of her moving around.

 

We were able to share with our family and friends the following week.  Face Time and Skype are awesome.  I loved seeing everyone's expression.  I think we shocked a few people:) 

 

Our first doctor appointment in Houston was funny.  Since we have NO IDEA what we are doing we had a list of 15 questions to ask the doctor.  She said I should "just do what is natural". Do what is natural...I was not going to have kids...nothing feels natural.  It took a few weeks and some trial and error to figure out what to eat, what to avoid, what to wear etc.  My doctor in Las Vegas told me to drink a gallon of water...I didn't think I probably don't need as much in Houston so I counted my water everyday and drank a gallon for almost two weeks. I couldn't leave the house I had to pee all the time.  Then I figured out I could drink about half and be fine. 

About Us

After dating for three years we were married in Scottsdale, Arizona on March 20, 2004.  Our wedding was a great day--spring in Arizona is beautiful and we were surrounded by our family and friends.  We prefer to conquer as many life changing events at once whenever possible.  We got married during spring break from graduate school. We were not able to take a honeymoon until August when we had our next break in school where we spent a week in Mexico.  The year we got married we were both working full time, went to USC full time in the evenings (getting our MBA's), Jessica changed jobs, we relocated to Redondo Beach and moved Allen's mom.  We like to stay busy:)

We have had the opportunity to live in Bakersfield, CA, Redondo Beach, CA, Irvine, CA, Henderson, NV and now we are in Houston, TX. We have made many friends along the way and have enjoyed our travels. We are looking forward to making Houston our home for awhile.