1st Christmas

Here are some photos of Elena's first Christmas with the family.  We enjoyed a nice holiday at home! Sorry one of the pictures wouldn't flip accordingly, but it was too cute not to include!!

Elena is 1 month old!

Today marks one of Elena's first milestones...she is 1 month old today!  It is really hard for Juan and I to believe that an entire month has gone by already.  She is growing and changing so much everyday.  Yesterday I came to the realization that she is growing out of her newborn outfits and onesies.  I attempted to put on a onesie yesterday that she hadn't worn yet and I couldn't get it over her head.  I decided to quit trying and put something else on her.  It made me kind of sad knowing she won't be able to wear the cute itty-bitty clothes anymore; but on the flip side, I am SO happy that she continues to be one great eater meaning she is growing and healthy.  Elena continues to marvel all who come and visit her.  She is one amazing girl.  She is getting so strong too.  When on her tummy, she can lift her head up by herself and hold it there for quite some time.  She has strong legs for kicking and her grip is getting good too.  She makes us laugh when she is trying to focus on something and her eyes get crossed.  It is just the cutest thing.

We wish everyone a Happy New Year and the Diaz family is looking forward to all the wonderful things coming in 2012.  We already got the coolest gift in 2011, now we get to enjoy her for years to come.  Happy 1 month, Elena!

This is how she celebrated this afternoon...a nap in mom's arms!!

Homer loves his little sister...I just had to put this with her one month photos!!

3 Weeks Old!

I am 3 whole weeks now!  I like to look at everything!

Me and grandpa fell asleep.

Peyton came to meet me! 

Snuggling with Aunt Michelle

Me and daddy fell asleep!

Elena has graced us with her presence for 3 weeks now.  Life has definitely changed, but boy is she one beautiful change!!  I just wanted to post some pictures of her from the last couple of weeks.  WE LOVE HER!!!!

We've made it 2 weeks!!

I'm 2 whole weeks!  Sorry about the dirty onesie...

Elena Elizabeth turned two weeks old this past Wednesday.  It's hard to believe that two whole weeks have gone by.  She is just the most incredible thing.  We just love her so very much!!  It's been quite the adjustment coming home with her and having a few sleepless nights, but what a blessing she has been to our family.  Juan and I are so thankful that the grandmas and grandpas have been coming over so much to help out or just give us a few hours for a nap. We have gotten so much food from family and friends over the last few weeks that we haven't even had to think about dinner plans.  Let me tell you, that has been wonderful since we've been so busy trying to figure things out around the house!  I TOTALLY thought I had this house ready to go for a newborn, but it's amazing how when you bring one home, things get turned upside down again! I wouldn't trade it for the world.  Elena is our everything.  Below are pictures from right before heading to the hospital to an afternoon nap.  Enjoy!!

An afternoon nap...so peaceful!

I'm going home!

All packed up and ready to go home!

Right before we left for the hospital!

Elena Elizabeth Diaz

 I'm so pretty that I made my Aunt Michelle and Aunt Erin cry when they came to meet me!!

Well, it's been over a week since I've had a chance to actually sit down and write a few words about Juan and I's newest addition to our family.  Elena Elizabeth was born last Wednesday, November 30th at 2:38 pm.  She weighed 7lbs and 15 oz...exactly my birth weight too!  Elena was 20.5 inches long and has a healthy set of lungs for crying!  It was music to our ears when we heard her cry for the first time.  She is truly our little miracle.
I went into the hospital last Wednesday at about 7am.  A nurse called me at about 4:50am to ask if I could come in a little late since the Labor and Delivery floor was SUPER busy already that morning.  Of course we were OK with that and got a little extra rest before heading in to have Elena.  When we arrived at the hospital, Juan and I went straight into a delivery room where I spent most of the day.  My nurse, Maggie, who was just AMAZING got me all hooked up right away.  Juan and I just sat together for awhile as I got some IV fluids in my before being hooked up to Pitocin.  Because I was already dialated 4 cm when I arrived, I was put on a low dose of Pitocin at first.  I didn't have but just a few contractions, so Maggie increased the dosage...not by much, though, because I was making progress.  Finally, my contractions were coming frequently and boy were they intense.  I clenched my fists and held Juan's hand so tightly every time I had one.  I did lots of breathing and tried to relax as much as possible.  It wasn't long before one of my favorite people, the anesthesiologist, came in to give me my epidural.  It was not as scary as I initially thought.  Having contractions while getting the epidural was such a distraction to what he was doing.  But, he made me feel so much better.  My legs and feet got all tingly and I could not feel the contractions anymore.  I really did feel like a new woman.  I highly recommend the epidural to anyone debating on whether or not to get one.  I don't think I could have done all of this without it.  It made the birth process much more doable.  I eventually made it to 10 cm dialated and was ready to push.  Maggie, my nurse, did most of the work until my doctor could come over to finish delivering the baby.  I pushed for about 40 minutes and finally we had a baby girl!!  It was one of the most amazing moments of our lives.  I feel so lucky to have been able to share it not only with my husband, but my mom and mother in law too...all three of these people were so helpful during labor...especially towards the end when I felt like I had no more juice in me to push.  All in all, 11/30/11 will always be one of the most special days in our lives.  Welcome to the world, Elena Elizabeth!!

Possible Elena Plans...

This afternoon I was able to talk with Dr. Boulicault on the phone about our plans for Elena.  Since we were able to chat over the phone, I won't need to go in tomorrow for my weekly Tuesday appointment.  Tomorrow is Elena's official due date.  She has been very cozy in my belly for several weeks now, but according to the doctor, has been ready to be born anytime.  As of last appointment, I was dialated to 3 cm, so I'm progressing for sure.  I think maybe Elena is just being polite and arriving when she's supposed to on the 29th.  :)
After talking with the doctor today, we decided that if she's not here tomorrow, then I will be induced on Wednesday morning. I will have to arrive at the hospital at 5:30am.  Usually the doctors wait a week before inducing, but we decided that because my body has been so favorable for delivery for several weeks now and Elena is a good size and we've been healthy this entire pregnancy, it will be just fine for her to come on Wednesday. She's running out of room quickly and having her out will be safe for her.  Please keep us all in your prayers as we make our way into official parenthood by the middle of the week and that Elena arrives healthy and happy!  We'll be in touch with everyone as things move along!

One Day to Go!

So, here I am at home on maternity leave with no child to take care of yet!  I can't believe it.  I really did think she would be here by now knowing how much things had progressed over the last few weeks.  I can't say that I'm complaining too much because it has been nice this morning cleaning a few things up and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.  Elena is moving around a lot this morning, so I'm wondering if she's getting herself ready for a grand entrance anytime soon.  Only time will tell.  Juan made his way back to school this morning and I'm glad he was able to go back today since it's the first day back after a long holiday weekend.  Having to start off with a substitute can be hard not only on the kids, but the teacher too!  I know he's super anxious about the baby's arrival just as I am.  It's so hard now since she could be here ANYTIME!!
Last night was the first night I had some trouble sleeping.  My stomach felt like a huge solid basketball throughout the night.  That is what kept me up so much.  Moving positions didn't help, so I got up a few times to walk around or check my e-mail since I had to sit up to do that.  I feel like I tossed and turned from side to side (because those are the only 2 positions I can sleep in now) all night.  I think I saw every hour on the clock.  I don't feel tired today, but I think it's because I didn't have to get up and be somewhere at a specific time.  I could just relax in bed for awhile. 
I'm going to go enjoy the rest of the day getting little things done here and there, but more than anything, I want this baby girl here healthy and safely so mom and dad can cuddle on her forever!!  We'll be sure to keep you posted with any new happenings!  1 DAY TO GO!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Here is my last November picture chronicaling my pregnancy since month 1! Sorry for the "no makeup picture", but it was late and we had just finished dinner...  It's hard to believe that we're here at month 9 already, but here we are!  As of today, Juan and I are just patiently waiting for Ms. Elena to arrive.  She is not due for a few more days, but we are so anxious to meet her.  Because she can come at anytime, Juan and I stayed put for Thanksgiving and had our own little feast last night here at home, just us.  It was quite nice.  Because neither one of us really knows how to make a turkey, and we didn't even want to entertain the idea because Elena could come whenever, we decided the next best thing would be our favorite deli meat brand of turkey-Boar's Head.  Let me tell you, it was SO delicious.  We hadn't had it in a very long time...it's rather expensive stuff, but when you want the best, you gotta pay the price.  We brought it home, warmed it up, and had that along with all the regular Thanksgiving sides-stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, and of course sparkling apple juice. It will definitely be a Thanksgiving to remember. 
Juan and I have also been taking advantage of naps the last few days too.  Since we've been off school since Wednesday, we've made it a point to take a nap each afternoon.  I've heard from so many people to get lots of rest now, and it has felt good to be able to take advantage.  We've been getting lots of little things done around the house too-decluttering this and that, making sure we're ready to go at a moment's notice.  My mom and dad are going to come this weekend to bring a rocking chair for Elena's room.  We are really looking forward to having it next to her crib to sleep or read books.  We just love that her room is a mixture of old and new...the rocking chair was the chair my mom used when I was a baby...hope to pass it down to Elena one day too.
Well, I'm staying home for the rest of the day...no shopping for this mommy...I'm totally intrigued by all the people who actually go out shopping on this day, but it's never been for me!  I'm sure I'll find something else around here to organize or declutter...more nesting, huh?!  :)

Week 39!

Here we are at Week 39...ONE more to go and it's Elena's official due date.  I don't know if we'll actually make it to next Tuesday, but we shall see.  I went for my weekly doctor's appointment this afternoon and Elena is doing just fine, as usual!!  I'm dialated 3cm and Dr. Boulicault said her head is still down right where it needs to be.  The doctor continues to tell me Elena could come at any time, but she should arrive within the next week.  I still made a regular weekly appointment for next week...we'll see if I'll need to show up for it or not!  What do you think?!  Elena has been moving around a lot the last few days and the pressure is really building, though.  I haven't had any contractions as of yet, so I know once those start, it will be "go time"!  She is definitely running out of room-as I mentioned last week, her movements are not so smooth anymore...they are really strong and at times just plain uncomfortable.  I know she's got to be getting uncomfortable in there too packing on those lbs! I think I'm stretched to the max now, so she really doesn't have a lot of choices on where to move.  I'll try to get a November picture up here over this Thanksgiving holiday and then another one when we're on our way to the hospital.  We'll see how it all turns out.  All I know is that I'm glad Elena let mommy work these last two days to get everything prepared at school for maternity leave.  It still hasn't hit me that I don't go back to school again until February.  I know it will be strange not heading back to school on Monday...especially if she hasn't arrived yet, but I know the time will be cherished...either getting more things organized around the house or loving on our new baby girl.  We have so much to be thankful for this week and the miracle that is our daughter Elena is at the top of our list.  God has been so good to us and for that we are most thankful.  Juan and I appreciate all the continued support and prayers as we bring Elena into the world for everyone to meet...Here we go onto week 40!

38 Weeks!

Well, we made it another week!  Elena must be enjoying herself in my warm belly. I'm currently 2.5 cm dialated and 80% effaced. She is moving around a lot, as usual, but her jabs to my stomach are not so welcome all the time.  She packs quite the punch now that she's running out of room and growing fatter by the day!  Speaking of getting larger, I must be there too because I've never gotten so many stares at the stores lately.  I mean seriously, have these people never seen a super preggo woman before or do I just look that huge now that we're THAT close?  I guess I look at myself in the mirror everyday, so I don't see the drastic changes until I look back at previous month's pictures.  I know I've gotten larger, but I guess I don't feel it.  I will be happy to lose the weight around my midsection, though, once Elena comes because I'd love to put on tennis shoes or get up off the floor without it becoming an ordeal each time.  Ah, the life of a nine month pregnant woman. 
Things continue to go well, though.  I have my bag packed, snacks for Juan, and a ride to Columbia should my water break while at school. I believe we are as prepared for now as we can be.  There will always be things to do or get done, but Elena has a bed to lay in and lots of people who already love her, so I think she's set!  We go back to the doctor next Tuesday, November 22nd.  That will be my official last day of school to begin my maternity leave if Elena doesn't come before then.  I just can't believe it's already a week away.  It will be very strange being away from my students, but what a blessing to be able to stay home and get to know one of the greatest miracles of our lives.  Here we go onto week 39!  I wonder if we'll make it....

Week 37!

Here we are at week 37...We just can't believe it!  So many things to still do, but feeling like we've accomplished so much already as well.  Elena's room has come together and it's absolutely beautiful.  We have gotten her swing put up, car seat and stroller together, and a pack and play up next to our bed.  Lots of clothes are washed and mom's bag is mostly packed.  There are boxes everywhere still, but those will quickly be gone once Juan and I get to breaking them down.  Mittens and Homer have been SO clingy lately wanting to be all over my belly and laying by me.  I guess they know a baby sister is coming soon.
I went to the doctor again yesterday for my weekly visit and she said everything is looking great.  She checked Elena to make sure her head was still in the right position and all is good there.  I am dialated 2 cm...up from 1 cm a week ago.  I have not felt any different than I did a week ago except that I gained about 3 lbs.  YIKES.  I'm hoping to keep her cooking in my belly until Thanksgiving break...I know that is wishful thinking, but it would be SO nice to go into the holiday ready for baby girl.  Week 38, HERE WE COME!!!

P.S. Happy Birthday Aunt Erin!!

Elena's Room

 This is the design above her bed.

 A better look at the crib and designs!

 Closet and wall decor...will add more to this!

 Her custom made book shelf and huge window...curtains to come soon!

 Dresser/changing table...this was my dresser when I was young and my sister refinished it with an antique look.  I absolutely love it.

SO many people have been asking to see some pictures of Elena's nursery, so now that it's almost complete, I figured it was time to put some up.  My sister Michelle did the design and my dad did the painting, etc.  We still need to get up some curtains, which will be brown and make the room really "pop".  We will also have a rocking chair that my mom used when my sisters and I were little.  My parents will be bringing that very soon too.  I feel like her room will always be a work in progress.  Always something to add.  But, for now, it looks absolutely amazing and who knew that pink could be so gorgeous.  I've never been big on pink, but it has totally grown on me with good accent colors.  Juan and I just can't seem to stay out of her room!  :)

Childbirth in a Day!

Juan and I spent our Saturday learning all about childbirth and how to care for a newborn.  It was a class that lasted all day (9am-5pm), but we got some good information out of the class.  For me, one of the greatest parts was being able to go visit Labor and Delivery as well as post-pardum. Knowing what the rooms looked like and what to expect when delievering the baby helped me become more informed about the whole process and a bit more relaxed.  I know it's going to be an uncomfortable experience, but being "in the know" about what will happen makes me feel more comfortable about everything.  Just being there made me realize how I just cannot wait for our bundle of joy to come.  There is going to be a lot of crying when she gets here!  I don't know how Juan and I are going to be able to control ourselves.  She is going to be SO loved.  At the end of our class yesterday, we watched an awesome video on how to help your baby stop crying.  Juan and I absolutely loved this part of the day.  We got VALUABLE information about what your baby needs and how to meet its needs when the baby is unhappy.  The 5 S's are sure to help your baby calm down: swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking.  We have our handout on the refridgerator for future reference! 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone!!  We had a great Halloween night full of trick or treaters.  We, as usual, ran out of candy.  I had to turn our light off a little after 8:00.  Bummer.  The pictures above are of Homer with his wizard hat on and me giving it a try as well.  When I saw the picture of me, I realized how huge I was!  Geez!  Good thing I was back and forth all night handing out candy to get my exercise.  It was fun to think that next year we'll have our own little one to dress up.  We can't wait!
Juan and I had another doctor's appointment on Tuesday, November 1st.  The doctor checked Elena's heartbeat and it sounded strong.  Dr. Boulicault checked to see if she was still head down and she definitely is!  She's been like that for awhile now.  The doctor also checked me to see if I was dialated at all and it turns out I'm 1 cm!  I know this can mean that she's on her way or I may stay at 1cm for weeks.  I guess since this is my first pregnancy, we'll just have to sit back and wait to see what Elena wants to do.  I don't know if she's going to want to wait all the way until the 29th!  I haven't felt any contractions yet, so I'm just enjoying my last month of pregnancy.  What a journey it's been.
Tonight, Juan and I put together our bouncer/swing combo.  It was so comforting to put it together.  Just knowing we're in the home stretch is exciting.  I absolutely love the swing and can't wait to put baby girl in for a ride.  It plays music and everything!  I'm in love already.  I hope she loves the swing because I want her to spend lots of time in it...apparently when I was a baby, I LOVED the swing, so hopefully mom will rub off on daughter.
So, here we are at week 36...I wonder how many more she'll spend in my belly.  I am really going to miss having her in there.  It's been just the coolest experience.  Having her to hold in our arms will be a dream come true for both Juan and I.  We'll be sure to keep you posted on any progress...back to the doctor on Tuesday!

One month to go!

Here we are...October 29, 2011...Exactly ONE month until baby Elena is due.  Will she be early?  Will she be late?  Or...will she make her grand entrance on time?  I'm sure everyone has their predictions.  What's mine?  I just think she'll be a November baby...I have no hunch on early or late.  Juan definitely thinks she'll be here to see us earlier than expected.  He's been right about her all along, so she'll probably come early just to see her daddy.  I have been feeling good, just rather large and a bit lethargic lately.  Strangers that I see at the stores are asking me how much longer I have to go and when I tell them about a month, I usually get a gasp of, "Wow, you look wonderful for only having one month to go" or "When I had only about a month to go, I was a swelled up mess!"  or "You just look like you have a basketball hiding under your shirt!"  I have taken all of these as a compliment.  I am not swollen, YET, which has been wonderful.  I have put on the lbs, but nothing that the doctor has made any comment about, so all has been OK in that department too.  We go to the doctor again on Tuesday for a check up.  Then, it's on to WEEKLY appointments until her arrival.  I just can't believe we've made it here already.  In March when we read the pregnancy test, November seemed so far away and here we are.  It's been one hell of a journey and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  The feeling of a human being moving around in my belly has been nothing short of a miracle.  It's amazing what the human body can do...and I know I'll learn that even more in just a few more weeks when I have to deliver!  Attached is my October belly picture...no makeup, but it will do ;)  My November picture will hopefully be the one I get Juan to take before we head to the hospital...I hope I can get one...even if it is in the middle of the night and I look like ****.  :) Keep checking back for updates as I will do my best to post when I can after we see the doctor over the next few weeks.  Looking forward to a final baby shower tomorrow and to put the finishing touches on all of our baby stuff around the house.  Thank you for all the prayers and just continue praying that Elena comes to us a healthy and happy baby girl!!

Week 35 Clumsiness

Earlier this week when I got up from the couch, I apparently wasn't paying much attention when I was walking because I totally hooked my pinky toe on the coffee table.  Let me tell you, it hurt SO bad.  I mean, profanity was just spilling out of my mouth!  I couldn't help it.  The stinging sensation that followed the "hooking" was almost bad enough to bring a tear to my eye.  Needless to say, it turned purple right away and I sat for most of the rest of the night with my foot up on ice.  When I woke up the next day, my foot looked like a purple sausage.  It was so swollen.  I was limping around school all day...I figured everyone would just start wondering if my limping was me just waddling around at this point since the belly is a bit out of control these days.  I showed my foot to our school nurse and she taped me up.  I've been keeping it taped up throughout the last few days and it's finally feeling better.  It was never broken, but boy was it bruised.  I attached a picture of my foot from the other day...enjoy!!  :)

34 Weeks!

Sorry I have been a bit behind on my posts lately, but October has been a VERY busy month!  I'm currently sitting here at Parent-Teacher Conferences since I have some time between talking with parents. 
I made it to the doctor again yesterday and the trend continues...Elena is doing just fine.  My stomach is measuring on point and her heartbeat sounds strong and healthy.  All music to Juan and I's ears.  It's hard to believe that she'll be here next month.  This pregnancy has gone by so fast and I thank God everyday for this miracle. 
A little over a week ago, my friend Meagan Dalton from True Life Images took some maternity pictures of Juan and I.  I was able to attach some of them.  She did an amazing job and I cannot wait to have her take Elena's newborn photos too.
I will post my October belly photo this weekend if I can remember to make time to take the picture!!

32 Weeks Strong!

This week marks week 32 for baby girl.  We made it to the doctor again this morning for a quick check up!  I'm still at a healthy weight and Elena is measuring on target and has a healthy heartbeat.  I asked the doctor today if she could tell what position the baby is in and Dr. Boulicault really dug into my stomach to check on how she was laying.  Great news was that Elena's head was down where it needed to be meaning all those pokes and large bulges coming out my side are her little butt and legs.  She really does like to remind me that she's in there ALL THE TIME.  Having to count kicks has never been a problem for us!  I have found that the right side of my back gets a pain sometimes and I feel like it's due to her sitting on my right side most often, making it heavier, meaning I'm leaning in ways I wasn't before.  I have to change positions often whether I'm sitting, laying down, or standing.  It seems like I need to be in motion more than still.  I shouldn't complain, though.  I need to keep moving!  I have not had any swelling...yet.  I hope that phase stays away for awhile. 

Juan reminded me last night before we fell asleep that this is the last month of "just the 2 of us".  When he said this, it really hit me that we are going to be a family.  I mean, I knew the day we found out I was pregnant that we were going to be a family of three, but it is getting all too real now.  In less than two months, we'll be a mom and dad taking care of something bigger and more wonderful than either of us can ever understand at this point.  We get more and more excited each day.

I also had my first baby shower on Monday, October 3rd with the JC reading teachers.  I feel so blessed to work with such caring people.  I don't think I'll ever be able to say thank you enough for the gifts and kind words.  Elena is already spoiled!!

Week 33...here we come!

September Belly

My September belly is looking large these days.  It looks so big in the picture, but I don't feel like it's that big already!  I still have 2 months to go!  According to the doctor, I am measuring just fine and my weight is good.  Baby is doing well and moves around all the time.  Her heartbeat is at a good pace, so we're SO happy about that.  Hoping baby girl continues to grow just like her momma and daddy want her to.  Elena has always been sitting so low in my stomach, but I think since she's starting to grow even bigger and at a faster pace these days, she's moving towards my ribs.  I find myself needing to adjust more often now when I've been sitting for a long period of time.  No complaints, though!  She's been very good to me this entire pregnancy. 
Pregnancy has been a wonderful experience for me and I've learned many things about myself so far...especially when it comes to food...as most of you know, I am not an adventurous eater, but I'm doing my best to eat a variety for baby...I am hungry quite often, but have to eat smaller portions as I don't have a lot of room to put all the food I want to eat!! 
I have realized: I DO have a taste for Chef-Boy-Ardee mini-ravioli, S'mores have never tasted SO good, bagels with peanut butter are a great snack, I can eat a pound of steamed asparagus and not think twice about it, even though the thought of Chinese food during the first trimester made me gag, I have found my love for it again, bacon is and will always be delicious at anytime of the day, raspberry yogurt is the best, canned pears are one of my favorite fruits, I'm addicted to fresh fruit-raspberries, strawberries, apples, midnight grapes, and Carnation Instant Breakfast is perfect for my weekday mornings!!
I just can't believe we're on our way to week 31...it's incredible how fast the weeks go by.  She'll be here before we know it! 

A few more 3D Ultrasound pictures:

 Oh, mom and dad, please stop taking my picture!

 OK, I'll smile for you, but just this once.

I'm tired now and will just sit here and look cute.

3D Ultrasound

Juan and I made an ultrasound appointment to see baby Elena on Monday, September 19th, 2011 in 3D.  At first, we weren't going to be able to get in for awhile because I left this until the last minute, but the wonderful people at the ultrasound center were able to get us in and Juan and I were both able to leave school a bit early take the appointment.  According to the doctors, the best time for this kind of ultrasound is between 26-30 weeks and I was just entering week 30 when we got to see her.  I'm so glad we were able to get this opportunity because I know she's going to start running out of room to move about freely as the weeks continue to fly by. 
This video above is just one of many that Juan and I got to bring home on a CD.  I think this one is just wonderful because she sticks out her tongue at us for a bit...she's a comedian already!

Glucose Test #2

I survived glucose test #2 and all test results came back normal.  I was SO thankful that there were no complications in this department.  I had never had trouble with this before, so I was so surprised when my numbers came back elevated the first time.  Thank you for all the prayers and concern as I made my way through the three hour test.  Being a teacher and all, I had plenty of things to keep me busy for three hours while I sat in the waiting room.  It really wasn't so bad.  Not only was I kept busy by my own work, but the comedy show I got from all of the elderly folks coming in to have their blood drawn was wonderful.  They would chat me up in a heartbeat asking about the baby and the weather.  I hadn't been so entertained in a long time in a waiting room!  It was a joy to talk to some of them and just observe while they spoke to others as well.  Many couples taking care of one another in their fragile states too...reminded me of what love really means.  So beautiful.

The Drink

It's been awhile since my last post, but my days have been jammed packed with school, tutoring, and Juan and I thinking about baby!  I try to get to bed at a reasonable time, too, so I'm not a zombie when I wake up in the mornings.  I can't complain too much, though, because things have continued to go well.  Elena is growing just fine according to the doctor and she's moving around all the time.  Sometimes her acrobatics freak me out a bit, but then she calms down and just gives me a poke to remind me she just needed to change positions.  Love her so much!
So, onto "the drink".  I went to the doctor on September 6th for my monthly checkup and had to have my blood drawn after drinking the glucose drink.  I was thinking it was going to be this nasty, terrible liquid that I was going to have to hold my nose to get down.  But, I just put a straw into the bottle and got going fast.  It wasn't that bad tasting at all...just SUPER sweet.  It tasted like flat Sprite as I had lemon-lime flavor.  I got it down easily and headed to the doctor's office.  They took my blood and checked everything else that is baby and then off to school I went.  I didn't have any worries.
Two days later I got a call from my doctor's office that I needed to come back to do another glucose test...a 3 HOUR glucose test because my numbers were elevated a bit.  Needless to say, I was not a happy person to hear that I was going to have to do this.  I think I just wanted to keep this clean slate that I've had all pregnancy of no major issues and now I have to go back for more glucose testing.  The doctor reassured me this happens quite often and I shouldn't get myself too alarmed.  She made me feel better about having to come back...now my only issue is that I have to take a half day off school to go do this!  I'm trying to save up as many days as possible right now, people!!
Anyway, that's where we are right now.  I'll be going back this coming week to do this test.  Please pray that all numbers come back the way they're supposed to.  Baby girl has been doing so good so far, I want to keep this going!  September belly picture will be coming soon among others, I'm sure.  We're about 2 1/2 months away from meeting this precious girl and I am getting more and more excited by the day.  Week 30 here we come!

August Belly-Part 2

I've been taking a photo every month of me in my stretchy white tank top...looks like this shirt is getting a little too small for me now, but I will continue to take a photo in it every month just to see the progress we've made since the beginning!  It really is amazing how much she continues to grow.  This past week I got an e-mail update that she is the size of a head of cauliflower and about 2 pounds.  I think I'm starting to feel those 2 pounds just hanging out in my stomach...I can only imagine how I'll feel in another month or two when I'm really packing on the lbs!!  

Everything continues to go well and I have another doctor's appointment on Tuesday which is when I'll "drink the drink".  I'm sure another blog will follow on that whole experience.  Stay tuned...

Elena is really starting to pack a punch too.  She moves around A LOT.  I sit a lot now teaching students and if I sit for too long, boy does she let me know that I need to get up.  She sits very low in my belly so it seems as though her movements are exponentially harder and "squirmier".  Yes, I just made up that word, but it's the best word I could think of to describe the feeling!  She lets me know when I should eat something and gives me the "thank you" kicks after I eat too.  She's one active little critter.

Now onto our long Labor Day weekend together...looking forward to getting some things done and still having an extra day to relax! 

More Vacation 2011

Here are just a few more of the great pictures we got on vacation a few weeks ago...Thanks, mom, for sharing them with us!