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!

First Day of School!

Today was the first day of school for both Juan and I.  I began another year at Thorpe Gordon Elementary as a Reading Specialist and Juan began his new career as a Social Studies teacher right here in Columbia.  He is thrilled to be working with high school students everyday now.  What a blessing to have him in a classroom of his own.  I did not take a photo of us today, but not much has changed in our looks since a few weeks ago on vacation.  I figured I'd take a school picture one of these mornings when we're not running late!  All in all, it was a fantastic day for both of us and even better that it is already Friday tomorrow.  I'll be ready for the weekend and to start fresh next week.  For now, it's time to just relax after a crazy first day!!

August Belly

Earlier this week I went to my monthly doctor's appointment and my doctor told me again that all is looking great.  She measured my stomach and told me it was just the right size.  I felt so much better knowing my size is on point.  I only gained 2 pounds since my last appointment, which is much better than the 10 I gained last time!  Ha!  I definitely have a much bigger appetite these days, but I try hard to eat frequently throughout the day and pick good stuff to eat.  Water is also a necessity!  I keep a bottle or cup with me all the time.  The only downside=frequent bathroom trips...annoying for somebody like me who stays busy all the time!

The doctor also found Elena's heartbeat quickly right below my bellybutton and it was super loud!  It was at 163 this time.  She's been busy throughout each day kicking and poking me.  Sometimes I can see my stomach move up and down when she does this.  It's really the neatest thing.

I'm also OFFICIALLY done with regular pants/shorts.  I have totally moved into the maternity, which really helps me flex that stomach.  I feel so much better being able to just let it all "hang out".  I think Elena appreciates the roomier pant choices too.  I can still wear several regular shirts, but I know those days will soon be dwindling too...

Next month, I'll begin my bi-monthly doctors appointments.  I have to do the good ol' glucose test when I go at the beginning of September.  I have already been prepared for this event and even brought home my drink for the appointment.  I'll keep you posted next month on how easily I end up getting the drink down.  I've heard it can taste pretty bad.  We'll see...

Vacation 2011

We took a trip with mom, dad, and Erin to the beautiful city of Orange Beach, Alabama last week.  Juan and I met the family in Alabama on Tuesday as Juan had some beginning of the year school meetings.  Once we were on our way down south, Juan and I decided it would be great to stop in Memphis, TN at a BBQ place that was on one of our favorite shows, Diner's, Drive-In's, and Dives.  The 1st picture is of Juan with his book after we ate at Marlows, which just so happens to be across the street from Graceland.  Needless to say, Elvis was everywhere!!  We were even entertained at dinner by a singer, who happened to be excellent.  The BBQ was some of the best we ever had and would love to get back to eat more someday!

  It was a wonderful getaway to the beach spending time doing nothing but getting some sun, eating great food, and relaxing in the white sand.  It couldn't have been a better time.  Well, I suppose if I could have had a frozen margarita it would have been a TINY bit better, but what a memory to be pregnant on vacation this year and being able to show off my 23 week belly!  Above are just a few pictures of our trip.  There are SO many more, but I just chose a few for the blog.  August belly picture to come soon!

July Belly

Well, Elena continues to grow each month and so does my belly.  I am really starting to feel the growth now!  My stomach is starting to poke out further and further, it's getting very firm, and I have found that stretch capris are now my best clothing friend.  They are SO comfortable!  I can't believe in less than a month I have to start actually looking nice again, including wearing make-up, each day for school. Thank goodness for my cousin and her tubs and tubs of maternity clothes full of things I'll soon be wearing...it will really help me ease into having to wear "school-worthy" clothes yet again.  As you can see in my photo above, on these lazy summer days, the hair goes up and make-up is sparse.  I LOVE summer!!

I have been feeling Elena moving several times a day.  She was most active in the evenings for awhile, but now she's not on any kind of schedule.  I just get a jab every now and then.  We've been reading to her and I know Juan's hoping to turn her into a Harry Potter fan right away. I wouldn't mind...they are amazing books!

I've also realized that when I'm on the floor playing with the pets that it's not so easy to get back up right away.  I have to be more careful with my movements.  I have to remind myself of this everyday! I'm not used to not being able to shoot right back up after playing on the floor.

My sleep habits have gotten weirder as well.  I REALLY miss sleeping on my stomach, but sleeping on my sides has become an OK alternative.  I haven't slept through the night in a VERY long time due to my bladder waking me up at least ever 2-3 hours.  I suppose it's my body's way of getting me ready for what's to come, huh?!!

Well, the next doctor's appointment isn't until the middle of August, but it will just be a typical visit to check on the heartbeat and that my growth is progressing normally.  I know I'm gaining weight now, but it's all for that baby girl!!

Diaz Generations!

Juan's grandmother is here from Mexico for the summer.  His mom and dad brought her to our house for a visit on Sunday, July 17th. Had to have a picture with grandma and great grandma!

July Belly

This was my photo the morning we found out we were having our little girl-20 weeks pregnant!  I still need to get a photo up with my white tank top that I've taken each month since we found out we were having a baby.  Photo coming soon!