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!