Pregnancy update!

Things are moving right along now as I'm at 31 weeks. Sometimes, it is hard to believe that in less than 10 weeks we will have a new addition to the family and be a family of four!

Last week I had another midwife appointment/check-up, which are now occurring every 2 weeks. I've gained 25 lbs so far (awesome considering how much I gained by this point with Alison!) and baby measured right at 30 weeks. While I was there I had to do the 1 hour glucose test and also get a TB screen (something that they require for everyone considering labor in the birthing center). Later that day my midwife gave me a ring with my test results. I passed my one-hour glucose but turns out I'm very anemic. Not a big surprise to me given that I'm slightly anemic even when I'm not pregnant. So, now I just take two extra pills a day for the anemia.

I also had my 30 week ultrasound last week which is something that was scheduled when they saw a bit of extra fluid on baby's right kidney at my standard 18 week ultrasound. It was considered a very "soft marker" but, thankfully, I haven't given it much consideration or worry since that time. The hope was that the fluid would diminish and, based on my ultrasound last week, that is exactly what has happened. It is now considered in the "normal" range and there are no issues where that was concerned anymore.

Baby girl is measuring right on target for my due date and the sonographer said she was weighing at about 3 lbs 8 oz at this point.

So, given all of these things, hopefully the remainder of my pregnancy will remain pretty status quo and I will not have to go in for more ultrasounds and the next time we see her will be when we meet her on her birthday! :)

David and I also went to the birthing center (and the hospital where the birthing center is located) for a "meet the midwives" meeting. Before we went I was picturing a small group like we had when we attended the UNC meet the Midwives in North Carolina. Turns out that this was a pretty big event held in the hospital's auditorium and there probably close to 50 couples in attendance. It was very informative and nice to see faces of all of the midwives since I have only met three of them so far at my appointments (there are 12 total) and I could get any one of them depending on who is on call when I go into labor, so it was cool to put faces and personalities to names!

After the question/answer session, we got into groups and were able to tour the birthing center and see the birthing rooms. We also went to another area of the hospital where labor and delivery is (just in case we end up delivering there instead). Overall, I feel very good about UCSD's reputation, both in the birthing center and labor and delivery part of hospital. It's also a nationally recognized and awarded as "baby friendly" hospital (one of only 52 U.S hospitals distinguished with this recognition). I love the fact that they are so baby friendly and that the midwives work in such collaboration with the doctors and nurses. They all support each other, and that is unique because sometimes you get the feeling at other hospitals/offices that they don't necessarily always agree with the other's philosophy. Plus, all babies room-in with parents and never leave your side post labor (unless baby has to go to the NICU).

David and I also met with a Doula last week. (If you are unfamiliar with what a doula is and are curious, you can read this link on the DONA Int'l website which briefly describes.) After my birth with Alison, one thing I had wished in retrospect was that I had hired a doula to assist and support us through the labor/delivery process. Also, since that time I've had various friends that had doula assisted births with their children who have nothing but rave reviews regarding this. So, considering I'm anxious about labor again, (as crazy as it sounds I have even more apprehension about labor/delivery this time even after having been through it all before), so I thought it would be an awesome idea. As much as my midwives are great they are only there for a short period, and I feel like we could benefit by a great female source of strength while I labor, no matter how I end up laboring!

We only interviewed one doula -lucky for us- she was a perfect match. She had all of the qualities we really were seeking and just a wonderful presence. Her name is Kayti and we will be meeting with her a few times prior to labor to go over things (basically a refresher of the birthing class we too and then some!) and she will be on call for us 24 hrs a day as my due date draws closer and will stay with us during my entire labor, no matter how long it takes! (or doesn't!?). Kayti was excited when we told her we were birthing at UCSD's birthing center/hospital, she said it is by far her favorite place to assist in the San Diego area and had nothing but great things to say about it.

By meeting and choosing our doula and touring the birthing center, I'm feeling a bit more mentally prepared now. Things are starting to come together, I think. We re-arranged the rooms of our house in order to free up and make a bit to make more room for Alison. She now has the bigger of the second/third bedrooms which is a combined room and play area, and baby girl has her own closet and storage area in the guest room for clothes/toys, etc..(We figure baby girl wont really need an official room of her own for another year or two, so until then our guest room is kind of a transition room until she needs it.)
I've also started to dig out some of Alison's old onesies and newborn things, and of course I can't help buying a few new clothes too. A little girl simply cannot have a wardrobe solely consisting of hand-me-downs now, can she?? ;) And, I've gotten a couple of slings/wraps so that I can babywear more often with this one. But, overall, I have to admit, it is kind of nice to not having to buy absolutely everything brand new this time around.

We don't have a first name chosen for her yet- though we do have a few strong possibilities, but don't plan on sharing them until she is born when we make the final decision regarding her first name. However, we are set with her middle name (Claire-named after my paternal Grandmother)  :)

Thanks for checking in!

Alison proudly showing off the toy she picked out for her little sister.

oh the things she says!

Seriously loving the things that come out of Alison's mouth these days (Well, definitely not always) but, it is funny what a chatterbox she has become, considering the delayed speech she once had. Oh she is making up for lost time now! our house is never ever quiet, she is ALWAYS talking!

So, just to share a few random Alison-ism's heard this past week:

"That is AWESOME!!" (this is pretty basic but it sounds so cute when she describes everything as so AWESOME)

"When will baby sissy get here?? it is taking TOO long!!"

"Come on Mom, let's hit the road!"

"Thank you for making dinner Dad" ((Hug)) (Kiss)

"What are you doing Mom??" (I answer) ..then..2 seconds later.. "What are you doing NOW mom?!?" (then go ahead and repeat about 600 times during any given day)

"Do you think baby sissy will like donuts like I do?"

"DAD, Don't you know, Dogs CAN'T talk!"

And, While driving in my car on the way to preschool one morning ...

Alison: I wish I was driving. I wish I was old enough to drive. I want to drive like these people
Me: Well, One day when you are older you will be able to drive too.
Alison: I want to drive that car mom (pointing to a red sports coupe next to us on the road)
Me: Oh, ok? you like the red car?
Alison: yes, I do. I want to drive it. Will you buy it for me??
me: Uuhhh... Maybe when you are old enough to drive. We will think about it in 13 years or so, Ok?..
Alison: Oh, thank you Mommy!!! Yaaaaay Alison!! Whoo hoo!


Yeahh..Why is it that I seriously feel like I am going to regret having THAT conversation?!?



A few photos from the past month while David has been on leave. We have all enjoyed the break. And even though we have had a few colds, started preschool, and had a week of unusual (for San Diego) rainy weather, we still managed to do some fun family activities (ie: Zoo, Science musueum, trips to playground, etc..) and of course just hanging around the house playing. Having him home for a full month has been too good to be true- but now he has to return to work and begin his new job tomorrow. ;(


one daddy/daughter moment






































































































And, just for fun, two short videos! Sorry that they are sideways, I can't figure out how to change that for a blog posting!

Performance time. She has a little book that has a little electronic keyboard in it with various kid songs and she loves to routinely put on "shows" for us. Usually she ends the show saying "thank you, thank you" to go along with the bow too :)


teaching Alison "I love you" in German.

First day of Preschool for Alison!

Last week was an important week in our household as Alison attended her first day of Preschool!

We knew that the time was now right and she was ready for some socialization in a preschool setting. And, even though she will be attending just two mornings each week, I know that when baby girl #2 arrives it will be nice to have some cherished alone time (ie:just newborn and mommy), for a few hours on those Tuesday/Thursday mornings.

David and I dropped her off on her first day of school last Tuesday and, although I was sick as a dog (bad cold) and had to drag myself out of bed, it was great to be able to have the chance for all of us to go together since David is currently on leave. When we dropped her off, I was prepared for anything and everything--tears, crying, holding on to our legs, begging us not to leave..etc....BUT, nothing like that happened!! When we said our goodbye's that morning, she gave us a hug, and a kiss and then she sat down next to a couple of other kids in her class and started coloring. I was thinking..Hey now, that was almost tooo easy! ;)

When we picked her up a few hours later, her teacher had only great things to say. :) Apparently, shortly after we dropped her off at 9am, they introduced Alison formally to her class (of 2.5-3.5 year olds) and asked her if she would like to come up to the front of the class and tell them something about herself. Well, apparently she was not shy about this, and she chose to walk to the front of the class share something about herself. Want to know what that one thing was? She announced very proudly, "I LIKE PINK!" :)

Since her first day, her teachers have had nothing but great things to say. Every time we pick her up from school they tell us how great she has adjusted, and what a joy they think she is. In fact, the real tough part of it all is getting Alison to willingly LEAVE when it is pick up time! Not kidding! When we arrive she is usually playing outside with some of the older preschool kids (4 year olds) as most of the children in her class leave at Noon. (FYI: I specifically chose the 1pm pick up time because, a) that gives me an extra hour and, b) those that stay past Noon are served lunch and I really wanted to see if this would give Alison to try foods that she doesn't normally at home!)
So far when we pick her up from preschool she will see us and then just turn away, tell us that she is not ready to leave, and then continue to play with the kids! I kind of wish there was a more organized "pick up" routine to help with this, but, hopefully that transition part will get easier in time. hehe :)

Her teachers have made note to us a few times already how they are surprised that she hasn't been in a preschool setting before or that she doesn't have siblings because of the fact that she has adjusted so quickly and is so social. They think it is pretty cool how she can play easily with kids of all ages, and that she fits in perfect and like she has been attending all year. They tell us we should be proud. And, of course, we definitely are :)

Here are a few photos. I didn't take a ton of first-day-of-school pictures because I wanted to make the morning seem as normal as possible, and, being sick I just didn't have a lot of motivation! I was lucky I got myself out of bed that morning. But, here are a few nontheless; The first one is at home just before leaving to go to school. And, another as Alison and her daddy walked from the parking lot on her way into school.
Also, I dressed her practically for her first day rather than dressed up cute in a first day outfit. Although months ago I was imagining Alison might wear a dress on her first day of preschool, her school really stresses that parents dress their kids in play clothes only as they spend lots of time using their imaginations and getting very dirty in the sand/dirt/paints, etc..etc..And, thankfully I have followed their directions well as her clothes are often dirty and stained when we pick her up! It's great though, I know she is exploring, learning, and having fun! Just what preschool should be about!

holiday wrap up and happy 2010!

Just thought I'd share a few pics, and give ya the latest:

David returned home on the 18th of December, and he has been enjoying some R&R ever since. And, lots of daddy/daughter time! :) It is much needed for him. When I hear about the months he spent on the ship working his butt off and only getting 10-12 hours of broken sleep per week, I definitely feel for him. Such an amazing, hard worker he is!

Alison and I picked him up from the airport (he flew home from Panama where his ship was in port for a quick stop) And Alison, of course, was beyond thrilled to know that her daddy was returning home from Sea.
We arrived at the airport a little earlier than expected and decided to sit down and wait for him to arrive in the baggage claim area. Alison could simply not contain herself no matter how much she tried and would stand up from the chair to look every 5 seconds and ask me, "is daddy coming now??", "is daddy coming NOW??" :)
When his plane did arrive and was de-boarded we could spot him walking toward the baggage claim area from the gate area and then Alison got SUPER excited! As soon as she saw him walking from afar she started to yell, "THAT'S MY DADDY!! THAT'S MY DADDY!!!!" and was jumping UP and DOWN. Soooo cute. When he stepped off of the escalator, she RAN to him and jumped in his arms! (Are you picturing a Hallmark commercial moment here?? I'm not over-exaggerting a bit, it was exactly one of those.)

She gave him a really tight hug and didn't let go for at least a good minute. I think we all had tears in our eyes. I'm still kicking myself that I did not bring my camera, thus I have no photos (or video) of all of this. It would have been pretty awesome. Oh well. Instead I got to truly enjoy the moment and will just have to rely on the memories :)

We had a nice and quiet and relaxing holiday/Christmas!
David cooked a huge Turkey dinner for the three (and a half) of us on Christmas Eve. It came out soo great! He is really perfecting my mom's/grandmother's family recipes. Alison absolutely loved decorating our Christmas tree this year. In fact, one of her favorite things to do was take off all of the ornaments that were within her reach and re-organize them. Over and over again. She was also truly excited for Santa Claus for the first time. Although she is still a bit shy to go sit on Santa's lap in person, she loves the idea of him bringing her lots of presents.
On Christmas Eve she wanted to be sure to leave cookies for Santa (and a treat for his Reindeer too- completely HER idea) and was thrilled to see that Santa left her a "thank you" note on Christmas morning :) She was so excited for Christmas morning to arrive that she couldn't go to sleep easily but actually asked us to leave her room (instead of reading books to get her to sleep like normal) and also requested that we shut her door so that Santa Claus CANNOT SEE her sleeping when he comes in the house overnight. Ha Ha!
Ironically, when she woke up early the next morning and came to our room to cuddle in bed, she had completely forgotten that it was Christmas morning! Once we reminded her- she was super excited again! :) She loooves tearing into all those presents left by Santa, as all kids do :) And, we get such joy as parents to watch it all unfold.

Here are a few post holiday pics- I'm just now entering my third trimester, and as you will see my tummy has grown. Lots to do /plan/think about in the next few weeks to get ready!

Happy 2010 to everyone!

Holiday Greetings

To everyone that reads and checks in on our blog, thank you for being a part of a our lives and keeping up to date on the progress and health of our beautiful daughter, Alison. We have much to be thankful for. We hope that you and yours have a wonderful holiday and fabulous 2010!

Most recent updates:
Things are going well and I'm feeling good! I'm 24 weeks along in pregnancy and at my most recent midwife appointment I was measuring exactly on schedule and baby's heartbeat was great. One thing is for sure, baby girlie #2 is a mover and shaker! I get LOTS of kicks lately from this child. Way more than I ever experienced with Alison! But, I kind of like knowing that she is active and doing well - her kicks are my reminders!

David returns from deployment later this week and Alison and I are thrilled for obvious reasons. And, once he returns we can really start planning and thinking about baby #2's arrival. Right now, we are probably a bit behind in the game. We haven't attended one of the standard "meet the midwives" events at my hospital, or begun to discuss possible names yet. Poor kid! Being on a ship doesn't allow much chance for phone calls and it just seems like a weird thing to discuss over email for us. Oddly, I also think that baby #2 may arrive early. Or earlier than that expected due date, anyway. I don't know why? Call it mother's intuition. Or, maybe mother's wishful thinking. More likely the latter as I do not want to ever feel the Pitocin induced contractions that I did with Alison again. EVER. So, if this baby has not made an appearance by week 40 I'll be doing every old wives tale known to man to bring labor on myself and make it happen, thank you very much!

On the fairly- close- to- miracle side of life, I've finished ALL of the Christmas shopping that I am going to be doing, all packages and Christmas cards are in the mail, and -aside from the tree (which I'm not even attempting to dig out from the garage until David returns no matter how close to Christmas that is!)-- I have decorated the house with holiday decorations. One more thing, still have to decide on Christmas dinner though. That is going to be my husband's job!

Alison is doing well and each day is quite an adventure with her. She keeps me going whether I like it or not, and well entertained. I laugh. A LOT! She is all personality and attitude! She is quite mischievous, opinionated, and funny. Sometimes when she is having a classic 3 year old moment and is mad at me, she will stick out her bottom lip, cross her arms, and sternly say to me "Mommy, go away! --alone!" Once or twice I've asked her just where she wants me to go alone ? and both times she replied with " to Hawaii!!" (uhmm kiddo, like that would be a bad thing?? hehe)

Yes, many times I have to hold back my laughter :) Where does she come up with these things??! Actually, she talks about our trip to Hawaii a LOT. It amazes me that she has such vivid memories of our trip there; apparently our vacation made quite an impact on her as she talks about our time spent there this summer (and her desire to go back!) on an almost daily basis! Crazy!

She has also entered the classic stage in which she wants to do everything by herself. Oh yes, even if it means it takes double (or triple) the amount of time or effort in doing so. Sometimes it means it will never get finished. Oh, what a great lesson in patience for a mama! If I try to help her out even just a little bit I get the "Nooo mama, let ME do it!" Well, this until she gets completely frustrated and becomes close to losing it- then she sometimes allows me to intervene! ;)

I cannot wait to see the look on her face when she sees David later this week. And, I also cannot wait to see the look on David's face and hear how much she has changed through his eyes in just these 2.5 short months (because she has!).
And, due to the new position that he begins in early February ( USS Ronald Reagan based out of Coronado) it also means that he has a few weeks off in between jobs- so there will be LOTS of opportunity for family and Daddy/daughter bonding time!. Subsequently, this means Mommy time for myself as well. Yay! -

Anyone who knows me knows that I am horribly indecisive. Ugh. Sometimes I'll do something crazy gutsy -(ya know, like selling off everything I own, packing a few suitcases and moving to a new city where I barely know a soul). Most of the time in the day to day of life though, I'm not such a fabulous decision maker.

This makes many decisions involving my family (esp Alison), even more difficult. Some things just come naturally to a family of course; for instance, something like co-sleeping with Alison as a baby and extended nursing. These choices are not for everyone, but for us it was the most natural and adaptive choice for Alison and our family. And, there were no decisions to make or ponder in these cases because we did what was natural and intuitive for us.

When it comes to selecting a Preschool for Alison, however, I have had major decision issues!!!! Yes, the idea of Alison enrolling in part-time preschool has been on my mind for the past 6 months or so now. Not wanting to rush into anything, I've done a good bit of research and made sure that I felt the timing was right for Alison and our family. I've researched different preschool philosophy, I've asked other local moms for references/thoughts/advice, I've joined local mama websites to get the inside scoop on good preschools in the area. And, I narrowed down those opinions and recommendations and visited/toured 3 of these preschools closest in proximity to us -- and yet, coming to a definite decision has still been tough for me. Yup, I feel a bit like one of THOSE moms. Ugh. I mean, I don't typically over analyze or stress over things regarding Alison too much (even though some people might think I have reason to regarding her health/medical). So, it is all a just little bit ironic..
However, like any mom, I just want the best for my child. And, I know that Alison's first years in a school setting are likely the groundwork for her future. So, really, it's kind of an important decision, right? I've also learned that when choosing a preschool you have to prioritize and decide what is most important to you. And, I know that I want a preschool that will emphasis creativity and compassion first and foremost; along with great socialization and overall preparedness for Kindergarten.

So, as of right now, (and until/if I change my mind again-;) she has been accepted into the preschool that I got the best feeling from and that we applied to. It is a local preschool called Community Congregational Preschool (warning: their website lacks a bit), and although it is adjacent to the Congregational Church in Chula Vista it is not religious based or taught. However, it does support an Emergent curriculum (and, in case you are familiar or have any interest in this, is based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy). It's pretty close by (just a 7 mile drive) and I liked that they were flexible in what days/times A could attend. Another thing that really impressed me about this particular preschool is that they have a great student/teacher ratio and that there is hardly any turnover amongst the teachers; most of the teachers have been there for 10 years, and a few over 20 years! (including the Director) That is pretty darn impressive for a preschool I think!

The goal is to start Alison part-time, two mornings a week, beginning on January 5th when they return from winter break. I take Alison to the preschool tomorrow to briefly meet her teachers and visit before the holiday break begins. Let's hope it goes well!

Hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday season thus far. Until next time!





Alison displaying a bit of her humor.. ;)

3rd birthday

Alison recently turned THREE!

Initially she was not so keen on this turning 3 idea, she kept saying, " No, I do not want to turn 3, I want to stay 2 for a whole, LONG time!" haha!... I guess 2 was a good year!:)
But, she enjoyed a small birthday party I planned for her on the Sunday prior to her birthday, and then we enjoyed a nice day on her actual birthday, too. We offered to take her to Sea World on her actual Birthday (a place that she normally looves to go to) but she turned it down, saying that instead she wanted to go to our local playground and to the farmer's market to jump in the kids bouncy house that is there. Hmm..OK, well, whatever B'day girl wants, B'day girl gets!

It was a bit of a last-minute decision of mine to host a party with invited guests this year(in addition to family). I went back and forth, and back and forth on this idea. I was a little anxious about hosting it alone and the extra work that may go into it. But, in the end, I knew that what Alison would enjoy most is exactly what I should do! And, truly, it was probably the first year in which she was old enough to appreciate anything like this anyway.

I hosted the party at a local Chuck-E-Cheese. Yes, you know, the traditionally loud and sometimes overwhelming party places for kids that we've all been to at least once- if not for our own birthday (I had my 9th birthday there!?) then for someone else's? Initially, I wondered if Alison might be too young for Chuck-E-cheese. And, I also felt a little guilty about choosing to hold the party there at all. I worried myself thinking I was taking the easy way out and not being creative enough when it came to party-planning. I also wondered if she might be too young yet for the games and activities there. But, I guess that when you are pregnant with baby #2 and your husband has been away at sea for two months, you just don't have a lot of creativity or energy left over so I decided that Chuck-E it was going to be!!

And,.. it was wonderful! Better than I could have hoped! Alison had a total blast; I had no reason to be worried about her young age as they had a small children's area designed specifically for her age group so that she was not run over by the older kids or adults, with age appropriate games and rides. And, of course pizza. And the whole ChuckE stage show. I don't think she stopped smiling the entire time we were there. And, everyone told us how much they enjoyed it, too. Heck, we may have to do this again sometime.
Although we don't have a lot of friends here, we had a nice small group of people attending and those friends and family that did join us made it memorable and we are so very appreciative of them. It made the day that much special. David was definitely missed of course, :( but the day could not have gone any better otherwise. Alison's smiling face, joy, and laughter were proof! :)

Happy 3rd birthday girl!










































Alison with her friend, Isabella. She is 6 years old and Alison absolutely adores her! They are soo sweet together!

















The party crew kiddos enjoying pizza









Yummy birthday cake- not a great pic but this cake was dee-lish! I had it custom made from a local bakery and there is a piece in the freezer for David so that he can enjoy a slice when he gets home :)
p.s. four candles-yes- one for good luck!
























Blowing out her bday candles, with a little much needed help from Bella!












Chocolate ganache cake= yummo!













opening one of her presents, Minnie Golf club set, aww how cool!


















At home on her birthday- :)