4D ultrasound

Meet Aubriella Joy! From what we saw, she has the cutest little nose, very defined pouty lips, and chubby cheeks! The technician also said she can tell she has hair (no surprise there!). Just like I imagine her to be based on her kicks, she is laid back and peaceful. She seems to like to cuddle my placenta and stick close to the uterine wall (she just likes being close to her mama!). We actually got to go twice because the first time she had the umbilical cord in front of her face (which is why the picture is slightly distorted) and had her hand on her head. Since she kept cuddling up against the uterus, there wasn't many very clean shots. We were happy with what we saw, but the tech said she would like to try again. So the next week we returned, only to find Baby Ellie folded up like a pretzel! She had her hands and feet in her face, and seemed to be content staying in a tight little ball. We still had a great time "seeing" her and it has made us even more anxious to meet her in 4-9 weeks (I know a big range!).

32 weeks!

I can't believe that this week makes us 6-10 weeks from delivery day! She can come so soon!

We were so blessed to have a work baby shower this week! Aubriella is already so spoiled! Our coworkers really made it nice, and it was very touching to see how much effort they put in to it to make it beautiful!

I know I'm a nester at heart, but lately I feel even more motivated to get things done. I have been helping run a Christmas gift operation for all our foster children. It has taken a lot more (work)time than I thought it would, but it has been very rewarding. I am amazed at the generosity of some people and their willingness to help out kids in need! It is so fun wrapping these gifts and arranging for sponsors, and thinking of the children who are going to get to open these presents on Christmas day.

I'm getting teased at work, because even after working on the gift drive, I am coordinating a cookie exchange between coworkers-yum! Someone asked how I have so much energy for this, and I really don't know. I just know that I LOVE Christmas and planning, and hosting, and parties.... it is so fun! (By the way Jose and I are trying to plan a game night/Christmas party at our house so let me know if you want to come!).

This week also marks the transformation of our home! Christmas decorations have hit in full force! Jose has been so great helping me hang wreaths and decorations, decorate the tree, spray paint everything that doesn't move silver, and he is putting lights up this week! I can't wait to share pictures of all our projects! Even Aubriella's room got a few projects of its own. Jose and Rigo hung up her chandelier and installed a dimmer switch! It is getting closer to being complete!

And finally this week we had our 4D ultrasound! We got some great shots of her little round face. She has perfectly defined little lips, and a little round nose! She likes to get cozy against the placenta, and cover her face with her hands, so the technician is letting us come back this weekend for some hopefully clearer shots.

Thanksgiving and 31 weeks!

After our great Colorado trip, we woke up Thanksgiving morning. We headed to my parent's house to help my mom with preparation, then had our first meal at Jose's grandparents. Even though everyone gets together for dinner once a week, it is more exciting and special for the Holidays!

After stuffing ourselves for the first time, we headed back to my parent's for Thanksgiving dinner with my cousins! The little butterball inside me makes it difficult to fit in much food!

At 31 weeks I am feeling well. Aubriella made it easy on the plane, at high altitude, and in general. I surprised myself at how well I felt even after such a busy busy week.

So much to update!

Disclaimer: the pictures of the Colorado trip contained in this post reflect what happens to pregnant ladies when they fly. Can we say swelling?!

Whew! I don't know where to begin! The past 10 days have been amazing to say the least.

Friday, November 20th began with helping my friend Sonya at her wedding rehearsal. I had the privilege of telling the wedding party when to walk down the aisle. That night our friends the House's and Lamb's spent the night and we stayed up way too late talking and catching up.

Saturday I woke up early to do Sonya's make-up (she looked beautiful!) and later on we enjoyed the wedding! Sonya and Isaiah both looked so happy, and it was a beautiful ceremony. The weather was crisp and chilly, but I thought it fit well with the fall theme (plus who am I to complain about cold weddings ;-).

Another late night with our visiting friends, 2 hours of sleep, and on the road we were to LAX! We arrived with plenty of time for our flight and had fun spotting others in Denver or Charger gear who were flying with us. We arrived to the FREEZING weather in Denver, and had a great breakfast at Sams. Walking around downtown Denver we saw equal amounts of Charger and Denver fans. We had fun high fiving and cheering with other Charger fans. We got to the game and just happened to have a few other Charger fans sitting next to us in the sea of Orange. I had been a little nervous wearing our Charger colors in the South end Zone, but it turned out even the harassing Denver fans were nice to us. The first Charger touchdown, Jose and I instinctively jumped out of our chairs, and were soon yelled at to sit down. After the Chargers started dominating the Broncos, no one said anything when we got more and more obnoxious in our cheering! The wimpy Broncos fans started clearing out of the stadium when the 4th quarter started, and we were able to move to the front row of the end zone. By the end of the game, the only remaining people in the stands were Charger fans!

After FREEZING our tails off at the game, we headed to Colorado Springs to see Amy Jo! I am so sad that we didn't get a single picture together! How did I do that?!? Pictures or no pictures, the time I got to spend with her was great. It amazes me that every time I see or talk to a Focus Institute friend, it feels like no time has passed and we can pick up where we left off.

Monday Morning I looked out the window at about 6 am and was sad to see the weather forecast was wrong and there was no snow. When I looked out again at 8 it was snowing! By the time we got ready the snow had stopped falling but there was a blanket of white everywhere. Perfect for us Californians! We had expected weather in the 50's and 60's, (not FREEZING!) so our first stop was Target to buy long sleeves and sweaters.



We had a great time walking around Garden of the Gods (or what I prefer to call God's Garden), driving through Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, downtown, and Helen Hunt waterfall. Up at the waterfall, the temperature dropped (below freezing) and it started snowing! Our final stop was The Broadmoor Hotel. I LOVE the Broadmoor and always dreamed of staying there. For fun, Jose and I asked if there was availability. While the front desk lady looked up rates, I glance at a flier that stated off season lowest rates was more than $300, and thought my dreams were over. However, she surprised (more like shocked) us with a deal I couldn't pass up, and added, " I hope you don't mind I've given you a view of the lake and mountains." I literally had to pull my jaw closed, and said, "I'd prefer a view of the street." When I assured her that I was joking, she handed us the keys to our room! What a perfect place to stay on our anniversary eve!


That night after dinner with Amy Jo and Esther (again no pictures!!!), we headed back to the hotel. We were walking around when a staff member told us to check out the Golden Bee Pub. We were shuttled to an off site Broadmoor restaurant complete with a piano man and a fun dinner crowd. Through rounds of singing show tunes, fight songs and classics we got to know the bar tender who suggested we drive through the Rockies on our way back to Denver the following day.

On Tuesday, our anniversary, we talked to the concierge about ideas of things to do. Our first plan was the Coors Brewery tour, but we learned that it was closed on Tuesdays! The concierge mapped out a three hour trip through the Rockies to get to Denver (instead of 1 hour straight through not so pretty). We are so glad we chose this option! It was beautiful. We pulled over at least 5 times to take pictures of the scenery. We stopped in Breckenridge and walked through the charming town. I love this town, even though we were freezing! They had the coziest Starbucks I've seen, great cookies, and beautiful views.

We made it in to Denver right before dinner and checked into our hotel. We stayed at the Curtis right down town. We walked 1/2 a block to our dinner at La Fondue, and another 2 blocks to Comedy Works. We finished the night with a stroll down 16th St. Mall! A PERFECT 2nd anniversary.

Wednesday we woke up, had another great meal at The Delectable Egg, peopled watched at the 16th St. Mall, and went model home hunting. Can I just say that I am VERY disappointed that California homes do not offer basements! For what we can sell our home for, we could by a 5000 square foot home with upgrades. Not fair!


Our flight and drive home went well, but by the time we arrived home we were starving! Thanks to a surprise from Silvia and Savannah we had food, sparkling juice, flowers and dessert waiting for us! Again a perfect ending to a perfect week!

Can you believe it?!?!

I can't! 3/4 of the way there! 10 weeks to go! Final stretch! Almost in the single digits! Dr. visits every other week! AGHHH!!! YEAH!!!!


Before we know it, Aubriella will be here! This week started rough. My grandpa is in the hospital and he wasn't doing well. They have no idea what is causing it, but his memory comes and goes. His health is declining, and he doesn't have much strength to walk around. I really wanted to go see him as the next chance of going out of town wasn't for over a month, and honestly I didn't (don't) know if he will still be here then. I was torn though because one possible diagnosis was spinal meningitis, and visitors and nursers were wearing protective masks. After talking to my doctor, and my grandpa's nurse, I was highly recommended to not come in contact. Long story short. On Saturday we learned that was ruled out, and that evening Jose and I packed in 30 minutes and did a 24 hour trip to San Bernardino. He is doing a lot better than I was expecting, and I'm very glad we went. But 8 hours in the car wore me out!

Monday morning when I woke up at home, I didn't feel the usual kicks and punches Ellie is so fond of waking me up with. I got pretty nervous because even after putting syrup and whip cream on my waffles (hey, give me a break I was trying to wake her up!) and drinking orange juice I wasn't feeling movement. I actually think I would have called the doctor for the first time if I didn't already have an appointment.

The appointment went great and we got lots of good news, and one not so good news. Bad news is that I gained WAAAAAY to much weight last month. So much that I had to re-weigh myself to make sure there wasn't a mistake. There wasn't. Aside from that we heard a very strong, healthy heartbeat, and the midwife (and Jose!) were able to feel Aubrie's butt and head. She is head down already! Good little girl is already getting into position! It explains why the last few days I feel pressure on my bladder when I stand up, and it also explains why a little foot is constantly getting stuck under my ribs!

The end is drawing near, and I'm getting more and more excited. This week Jose's cousin Veronica had her baby Gulianna, and my friend Lacey had her baby Maggie! A couple more November babies to look forward to, then January is our show time (unless she decides to take her time and we roll over to February)!

29 weeks!

29 weeks seems like we are so close to delivery day! For the first time I started feeling a little overwhelmed with all that needs to happen between now and Ellie's arrival. I've been praying for the time to go by fast- and it is-but it may be a little too fast! A couple of nights ago I could not fall back to sleep and my mind was going crazy with a "to do list". Landscape the backyard, finish the garage, find and install a chandelier, paint......I literally tossed and turned for at least an hour, but somehow in the morning the list didn't seem so intimidating. There are lots of projects to do, but I'm semi confident we can get it all done. I can't believe all that will happen between now and January 29th! A wedding to attend next weekend, our Colorado trip, Thanksgiving, baby showers, Christmas, New Years.....yeah! So much fun stuff to make the time go by faster!

This week we enjoyed our midweek Holiday. Having a day off in the middle of the week really helped make this week fly by. On Wednesday we took our tour of French Hospital, and I am more convinced then ever that this is a great hospital. The educator/nurse who took us around answered all my questions before I asked them. She seemed to really understand our desire for a natural delivery. I didn't even tell Jose yet, but when I walked into the hospital, straight into the birthing center, my stomach kind of dropped and for a couple of seconds I had this overwhelming moment of "This is real." The feeling bordered on fear, but was mostly excitement. After the tour though, I was much more relaxed and excited. The one thing that I'm really sad about is that they are not allowing children under the age of 16 in the hospital due to flu season! My brother Jasen has to be able to visit! They are also limiting guests to 2 at a time which isn't a big deal to me as I don't really want many guests while in the hospital.

My stomach grew a little more this week. One day it felt all soft and flabby and the next day it seemed a little bigger and tight again. I still don't have any stretch marks, and my belly button is still an innie for now! I think I got mild heartburn twice this week. It was annoying but not very painful, and eating actually made it feel better! Backaches are bearable, but always present, and sleep still comes easy.

Picture of my growing belly to follow!

12 weeks to go!

We are at 28 weeks! Ellie should be about 17 inches and 3 pounds! She is close to the her birth length, but has quite a bit of weight to put on!

This week I had my glucose test. Not fun, but definitely not as bad as everyone says. I basically drank sugar in the form of a super sweet orange drink, watched a movie in the office for an hour, then had a blood test. The drink reminded me of McDonalds orange drink with waaay to much syrup. I assume I passed the test and do not have diabetes, because I was told they would call me in 2 days if there was a problem. One week later and I never got a call!

I amaze myself at how well I handle shots and blood tests when I know that it is for my baby. Up until 28 weeks ago, I had a very juvenile fear of needles. I knew in my head it wouldn't hurt much, but that didn't help. I literally got teary eyed everytime I was about to get shots- as recently as 2 years ago! But since finding out I was pregnant, I have had two blood test and two shots and barely flinched. I think it really is a testament to the natural maternal instinct God has placed in women.

I'm getting nervous that my belly buttom may pop out. I really don't want that to happen, though I know it comes with the pregnancy territory. It has been getting very shallow, and I'm afraid it may only have a couple of weeks before it becomes a gross outie.