Red Poppy | Pink Peony

Oh Hi, 3rd Tri

2018-11-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

"To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and distressingly inhabited. Soul and spirit are stretched -- along with body -- making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginnings."

(Anne Christian Buchanan)

My previous post covered this current pregnancy from the beginning through 24 weeks ("More Than Half-Baked and It's A Boy!"); and the timing of that update also coincided with Lila's 2nd birthday. This time, Ava just turned 4 and I'm somehow feeling the urge to post another update to cover weeks 25 through 32.

I love pregnancy, but pregnancy hasn't loved me much this time around. Now that I only have about 7 weeks left, I'm just trying to soak in the moments and memories. I'm looking forward to being pregnant through the end of fall into winter, and over the holidays -- Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even New Year's Eve (which I'm sure will be spent on my sofa) -- because it's such a rich time for family, traditions, and of course food. Oddly, I haven't truly had any cravings. I've always gravitated towards carbs and sweets, so that's nothing new, but in my earlier pregnancies there were definite hankerings for certain foods throughout.

Bucket list of things to do this fall

When I was pregnant with Ava and Lila, I shared the names we chose for them at the end of 2nd trimester. I'm already 6 weeks behind schedule, although it's baby number 3, what can I say? But we have a name: Noel Yehan Son.

Noel is of French origin, derived from Noël, meaning "Christmas," which may come from the Old French nael or Latin natalis, meaning "birth." It was traditionally given to male babies born during the Christmas season. My due date is January 7, 2019, which is just after Christmas; the 1st day of Christmas being on December 25, the 12th day on January 5 -- when Sam was born, so there's a chance they will have the same birthday -- and the Epiphany, also called Three Kings Day, on January 6. Yehan is his middle and Korean name.

I was not at all conflicted about girls' names, but this one, including the Korean middle name, has been the hardest to decide. There aren't as many boy names that are short and simple -- the way Ava and Lila are as girl names -- that hold meaning to me, and that aren't too common or already used by friends. Interestingly, Noel is unintentionally almost a mix of the names Joel and Nolan. If Lila had been a boy, we would have named her Joel, and Sam also liked the name Nolan for our son. And fun fact: If I didn't go the short and simple route, I would have liked long names such as Josephine, Susanna, and Zachary.

25 Weeks

Baby is the size of a cauliflower.
Sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and he knows which way is up and which is down; also growing more fat and more hair.
Symptoms: Dizzy with spotty vision; pinched nerve issues; bad leg cramp (though after regularly eating bananas daily, and trying to drink more water, I haven't had another one); painful abdominal cramping and spasms.
We celebrated Lila's birthday with family at the end of this week.

26 Weeks, 2/3 of the way there

Baby is the size of a bunch of kale.
His eyes will soon start to open, and his eyelashes are now grown too; he's getting his immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up my antibodies; and he's taking breaths of amniotic fluid.
Symptoms: Started feeling movement closer to the surface of skin; feels harder at the surface when baby moves.

27 Weeks, 3rd Trimester

Appointment at 27w2d: Drank glucola beverage for 1-hour glucose test. Prenatal appointment followed, which included having urine sample, weight, and blood pressure taken, then met with NP. Blood was drawn back at the lab afterwards. Then I went to the perinatal MD for an ultrasound. She took measurements, said baby looks great and is measuring in the middle of the growth curve; still breech.
Baby is the size of a head of lettuce.
Lungs are going through major developments, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling.
Symptoms: Sciatic nerve pains.
Started drinking raspberry leaf pregnancy tea.
Only prenatal massage during this pregnancy (so far) at 27w6d.

27w0d baby bump

Bottoms up!

Ultrasound at 27w2d

28 Weeks

Baby is the size of an eggplant.
Is breathing and showing brain activity, lungs are maturing, and skin is still pretty wrinkly (from living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.
3D ultrasound at 28w3d.
Received a voice message (which was left the day after my 1-hour test, but I had missed it) saying that I failed the 1-hour glucose tolerance test and had to take the 3-hour test.
Symptoms: Nerve issues; terrible abdominal cramping and spasm (lasted all night from 28w4d to 28w5d).

Looking much larger than corn or eggplant at 28w0d

Pregnancy pillow situation

3D ultrasound at 28w3d

29 Weeks

3-hour glucose test at 29w2d: This was pretty dreadful, not just because of the fasting and all the blood draws, but because I had Lila with me the whole time.
Baby is the size of an acorn squash.
His energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath the skin, and he's growing fast (weight will triple before birth).
Symptoms: Congestion, insomnia starting up again; heartburn/reflux; vivid dreams.

4 blood draws in 3 hours

The "after" on 1 side

Picking and smuggling pumpkins at 29w6d

30 Weeks, 3/4 of the way there

I found out that I passed the 3-hour glucose test! Just in time for Halloween.
Appointment at 30w2d: Urine sample, weight, and blood pressure taken. Tdap vaccine given. OB checked baby's heart rate, measured my abdomen (said baby is measuring perfectly; still breech).
Baby is the size of a zucchini.
He is moving a lot and plumping up; skin is smoothing out; increased surface area of grooves and indentations in his brain making more room for essential brain tissue; his grip is strong enough to grasp a finger.
Symptoms: Very congested; on the verge of abdominal cramping and spasms; heartburn/reflux.
I celebrated Halloween with the girls, who dressed up as a bumblebee and ladybug and went trick-or-treating for the 1st time.
Ava and Lila got their flu shots this week, and Lila had her very belated 2-year well visit.

My appointment buddy

Ava and Lila on Halloween!

Sweater weather and red cup season at 30w6d

31 Weeks

Baby is the size of a bunch of asparagus.
Going through major brain and nerve development; eye development, as irises now react to light; and all 5 senses are in working order.
Symptoms: Continued congestion, abdominal muscle discomfort.
Video clips of movement at 31w0d and 31w5d.

32 Weeks

Baby is the size of a squash.
He's getting ready to emerge, and has even less space as he tries to fit in my increasingly cramped womb and prepare for his eventual descent.
Symptoms: Congestion and insomnia; vivid dreams; abdominal pain; heartburn/reflux.
Our firstborn Ava turned 4 years old!

Ava's 4th birthday on November 12, 2018 (when I was 32w0d pregnant)

This week, we took some family photos, celebrated Ava's birthday, and should start to put together the baby's room, which is currently a storage space and Lila's nap room. I haven't had many nesting instincts yet, but must gather items to have at home so we don't run out of postpartum necessities or basic toiletries and household supplies after I deliver. I should also pack my hospital bag, because I have no idea when or if I'll go into labor. I was induced for both Ava and Lila, but it's too early to tell if I'll need to be induced again. On one hand, induction is tough, but on the other hand, at least I'll know when I have to go to the hospital and won't be caught off-guard. We'll find out in a matter of weeks! Next week is when my OB appointments really ramp-up.

More Than Half-Baked and It's A Boy!

2018-09-24T22:46:00.003-04:00

"Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever-fresh and radiant possibility."

(Kate Douglas Wiggin)

This is my 1st time posting the news on the blog, but most people know that I'm pregnant again and expecting baby #3... And to our surprise, it's a boy! I'm due on January 7, 2019. We really assumed we would have a 3rd girl, since that seemed to be the trend for us, but of course we're happy and excited to be expanding our family, and somewhat evening out the sexes. Also a trend, apparently: Not updating until I have a huge post to write/read.

I have been highly negligent this time around in documenting the weeks and and now months of growing our baby boy. I've been too preoccupied with life -- raising Ava and Lila, moving from one place to another, settling into our new apartment and community, changing medical practices and everything else, adjusting to Ava's new schedule in preschool and the many challenges that have come along with it -- and just being so tired and uncomfortable through it all. My worst week physically was at 22 weeks, and that didn't even really have much to do with typical pregnancy symptoms or ailments, but because I broke my toe and also had some major abdominal cramping and spasms that were incredibly painful. Thankfully, things have been getting better and I'm just praying they continue to improve. I haven't been as congested during this pregnancy as I was with Ava and Lila, and I haven't been as much of an insomniac, but of course I could always use more sleep!

4 Weeks

Baby is the size of a poppyseed.
Ball of cells is splitting into the embryo and placenta; neural tube is already formed; and amniotic sac and fluid are forming into protective cushioning.
We took a short road trip to Michigan to see family and friends.

Reluctant family photo in Michigan at 4w5d

5 Weeks

Baby is the size of an appleseed.
Starting to form major organs (heart, stomach, liver, kidneys) and systems (digestive, circulatory, nervous).
Symptoms: Started feeling nauseated on Mother's Day at 5w6d.

6 Weeks

Baby is the size of a sweet pea.
Circulating blood; starting to sprout a nose, eyes, ears, chin, and cheeks.
Symptoms: Started feeling hot/cold extremes in body temperature, very fatigued, queasy (nausea and food aversions). Started spotting at 6w3d; slowed down by the next day, but on the 3rd day, became heavier and darker with clotting and cramping. Called emergency overnight line; doctor called me back and said if it got worse to let her know, and to come to the office if possible. On Monday, the office called me. I said going in on Tuesday was better (Sam was post-call).
Cravings: Pad Thai or pad see ew.

7 Weeks

Appointment at 7w1d due to bleeding/cramping and previous experiences with implantation issues and miscarriages: Filled out forms; had 1st ultrasound where I saw baby and heart beating (140 bpm); had weight and blood pressure taken. Met with OB to discuss bleeding, which had almost completely stopped, future visits, and address any questions. No definitive answer on the bleeding, but could have been subchorionic hemorrhage (hematoma) that resolved itself. OB said to take it easy, no strenuous activity or heavy lifting. Cancelled my previously scheduled appointment for that Friday.
Baby is the size of a blueberry.
Generating about 100 new brain cells each minute; developing a permanent set of kidneys; arm and leg joints are forming.
Symptoms: Nausea and food aversions; still only interested in eating carbs, but wanting more sweets too (bread, brownies, cereal).

1st ultrasound at 7w1d

Before our 6th anniversary dinner at 7w5d

8 Weeks

Appointment at 8w4d: Weight and blood pressure taken; nurse history (Ava had an epic meltdown); urine sample; physical exam with nurse practitioner (breast exam, abdomen check, cervix check, etc. No pap smear since it was done when I was pregnant with Lila). Bloodwork. Explained different screening test options; I opted for non-invasive prenatal screening, aka NIPS (after 10 weeks) and 1st trimester screen/ultrasound (after 12 weeks). Scheduled appointment with genetic counselor for NIPS, and scheduled 1st trimester screen/ultrasound.
Baby is the size of a raspberry.
Taste buds are forming.
Symptoms: Nausea worse in evenings; headaches; dizzy spell at the beginning of Sam's graduation party; skin breaking out in chin area.

1st bloodwork at 8w4d

9 Weeks

Baby is the size of a cherry.
Is now a fetus, and developing more distinct facial features.
Symptoms: Nausea especially after 3 PM, constipation.

Strawberry picking at 9w6d

10 Weeks, 25% There!

Appointment with genetic counselor at 10w3d: Detailed personal, partner, and extended family history taken, family trees drawn out; explained the differences among NIPS, 1st trimester screen, CVS, and amniocentesis, including accuracy, rates of false positives, risks, and which tests are better at screening for or diagnosing which chromosomal abnormalities; asked and answered questions. Blood drawn for NIPS, and should get results in approximately 10 days, including baby's sex. Everything came back negative, and baby is a boy!
Baby is the size of a strawberry.
Vital organs are fully developed and starting to function; swallowing and kicking.
Symptoms: Queasiness in evening; food aversions; hot/cold extremes in body temperature; congestion and insomnia; headaches; constipation; feels like my baby bump has started to pop out this week.

11 Weeks

Baby is the size of a lime.
Tooth buds, nail beds, and hair follicles are forming.
Symptoms: Queasiness all day, and still a lot of food aversions; very fatigued; headaches; stomach aches, especially in evenings; memorable dreams.

Farmers market-ing & picnicking at 11w4d

12 Weeks

Appointment at 12w2d for 1st trimester screen: Ultrasound showed active baby with heart rate of 149 bpm. Also took many other measurements (e.g. CRL, nuchal translucency, which I think was 1.3mm, ovary and uterus size, etc.). Bloodwork. Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken. No real weight gain during 1st trimester. Met with male OB, who said everything looked great. Explained that since I had already done NIPS, the ultrasound was the important part of the 1st trimester screen. Said that my next appointment at 16 weeks will be bloodwork for spina bifida and another ultrasound.
Baby is the size of a plum.
Developing reflexes; opening and closing fingers, and curling toes.
Symptoms: Still queasy and fatigued; starting to get very congested and unable to breathe easily at night; headaches.

13 Weeks

Baby is the size of a lemon.
Forming vocal chords and teeth, and already has fingerprints.
Symptoms: Headaches.
After we found out the sex of the baby, we told family and a few friends, but shared the news more widely a couple of weeks later.

Pregnancy announcement at 13w0d

Cereal was one of the things I wanted, or at least tolerated, at 13w4d

14 Weeks, 2nd Trimester

Baby is the size of a peach.
Sucking thumb and wiggling toes; breathing amniotic fluid; kidneys are making urine, and liver and spleen are doing their jobs.
Symptoms: Headaches, still queasy.

Beach day at 14w0d

Blueberry picking at 14w3d

Sesame Place at 14w4d (they didn't want to stand still)

15 Weeks

Baby is the size of a navel orange.
Squirming, wiggling, and hiccuping inside, and joints and limbs can all move.
Felt baby kick once at 15w0d.
This week, we moved from NJ, where we had been during Sam's residency, back to NY.

16 Weeks

Felt baby kick once at 16w1d.
Appointment at 16w2d: Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken; saw NP, who checked heart rate with doppler (150s); bloodwork for neural tube defects.
Baby is the size of an avocado.
Is listening to our voices, and growing hair, lashes, and eyebrows; tiny bones are forming in the ears and eyebrows.
Symptoms: Vivid dreams, exhausted and sore (but most likely from moving), queasiness lessening.
This week, I went to see Britney Spears in concert at Radio City Music Hall.

17 Weeks

Baby is the size of a pomegranate.
Skeleton is hardening as cartilage turns to bone; umbilical cord is getting stronger and thicker; baby is putting on fat; and fingers and toes are now defined with one-of-a-kind prints.
Symptoms: Seems like queasiness is gone, but feeling extra fatigued; congestion worsening; not sleeping well, and waking up very early in the morning; skin breaking out; feeling more movement; noticed stretch marks on sides; on the verge of leg cramps a couple of times.

Celebrating my birthday at 17w2d on August 1, 2018

18 Weeks

Baby is the size of an artichoke.
Yawns, hiccups, rolls, kicks, punches, sucks, twists, and swallows.
Symptoms: Congestion getting worse again, especially in the early morning; backaches.

Looking down at 18w0d

19 Weeks

Baby is the size of a mango.
Vernix caseosa coats baby's skin, shielding it from amniotic fluid.

20 Weeks, 50% There!

Appointment at 20w4d (1st appointment with new OB practice): Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken. Good heart rate, measuring well.
Baby is the size of a banana.
Gulping down amniotic fluid for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting; taste buds are working.
Symptoms: Some abdominal area pain (20w1d) lasting from late afternoon until bedtime; on the verge of very bad leg (calf) cramps.

Finally using one of my milestone cards at 20w0d

At 20w4d, my 1st time at a movie theater in almost 4 years

21 Weeks

Level 2 ultrasound/anatomy scan at 21w4d: Sonographer did a detailed ultrasound to take many measurements and view all parts of the baby. Heart rate of 149 bpm; checked cervix and placenta; confirmed it's a boy, and said he has a "very gorgeous" heart; checked brain, facial features, arms, stomach, kidneys, legs, feet, hands, and fingers. Approximate weight of 1 lb. Moving around a lot, flexing arms, and hands and fingers were pointing in a #1 position. Currently breech (but hoping he doesn't end up that way in the last weeks, like Ava).
Baby is the size of an endive.
As digestive system preps for the outside world, baby is manufacturing meconium.
Symptoms: Belly feeling very tight and full.
Ava had a pediatric appointment for a physical exam needed before starting preschool. She also got her 1st haircut!

Anatomy scan at 21w4d

Ava's 1st haircut, when I was 21w5d pregnant

22 Weeks

Baby is the size of a coconut.
Is sleeping in cycles, about 12-14 hours a day; has more developed eyes and lips, looking even more like a newborn.
Symptoms: Visible movement, physical difficulties (broken toe and other toe issues, and pain from abdominal cramping and spasms), skin breaking out, nails and hair getting brittle.
Ava started preschool -- currently half-days, 3 days/week -- her 1st time ever being away from home, and me.

Oddly looking up at something Ava asked about on Labor Day at 22w0d

Ava's 1st day of preschool when I was 22w1d pregnant

23 Weeks

Baby is the size of a grapefruit.
Face is fully formed; forming nipples; listening to our voices, my heartbeat, and loud outside sounds.

Apple picking at 23w5d (I know, we do a lot of fruit-picking!)

24 Weeks, V-Day

Appointment at 24w4d: Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken; baby's heart rate of 150 bpm, measuring perfectly; I got a flu shot, and scheduled my glucose test and next OB appointment.
Baby is the size of a cantaloupe.
Baby is almost a foot long; skin is becoming more opaque, and has a new pink glow from the small capillaries that have recently formed.
Symptoms: Horrible leg cramp overnight (24w3d), the worse and longest lasting one I've ever had; vivid bad dream; increasing back pain.
Our baby girl Lila turned 2 years old this week!

Lila's 2nd birthday on September 22, 2018 (when I was 24w5d pregnant)

Only a couple of weeks to go before I'm in my 3rd trimester already. One of the items on my fall bucket list, which I just put together, is to simply take time to enjoy and focus on the rest of this pregnancy, which has proven to be harder than it seems. Ava was born in November and Lila was born in September, and this will be the 1st time I'll be pregnant during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, so that will be fun!

Final Weeks of Pregnancy and Lila's Birth

2018-06-30T23:08:00.002-04:00

"By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before."

(Edwin Elliot)

It's been over 21 months since Lila was born; even longer since my last update. After Ava was born, it took me almost 7 months to write a post ("Final Weeks of Pregnancy and Ava's Birth"), and I thought that was a long time!

Here are my previous updates on this pregnancy:

Now Lila is a walking, talking toddler, and just an all-around adorable daughter and little sister! And a handful -- no luck on the thought that our 2nd would be easier. Being a writer and documenter, I'm glad that I kept notes throughout pregnancy and even during labor and after delivery, otherwise I doubt I would remember much since it's been a blur. I won't even attempt to recap her more than 1.5 years, but without further ado, please see below for weeks 37, 38, and 39 of pregnancy, and Lila's birth on September 22, 2016.

Pregnancy from 8-39 weeks, and holding Lila at 40 weeks

Lila at the hospital, FOB (fresh out the belly)

37 Weeks

Baby is the size of romaine lettuce.
She is full-term, gaining about 1/2 ounce a day, and getting her first meconium ready; she's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, blinking, and gripping.
Appointment at 37w0d: Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken. OB measured me and checked baby's heart rate (138 bpm); said Group B strep test was negative; said I needed to stay for an ultrasound because they wanted to take a growth scan since baby seemed small. I had an ultrasound with many measurements taken (heart rate of 146 bpm during ultrasound). Met with OB again, who said that baby was small at approximately 4 lbs. 15 oz. (under 5th percentile; should be average of 6 lbs. now). He said I need to go for Doppler studies with a high-risk doctor at the hospital within the next 2 days and come back for a non-stress test. If baby seems fine, just small, I'll continue to be tested/monitored twice a week; otherwise they recommend immediate delivery.
Appointment at hospital with high-risk doctor (37w1d): Ultrasound; said baby looked fine.
Appointment at 37w3d: Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken. Non-stress test for approximately 30 minutes. OB said I would get a call to schedule induction for 39 weeks.
Symptoms: Congestion, insomnia, increased pressure noticeable especially when walking or moving from a still position.

Snacking on rainbow cookies at 37w2d

38 Weeks

Baby is the size of a winter melon.
She is slowly shedding vernix caseosa and lanugo; her head is about the same circumference as her abdomen, and may have an inch or so of hair.
Appointment at 38w0d: Ultrasound to check measurements, growth, heart rate (133 bpm), intrauterine environment. Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken. Met with OB very briefly to reconfirm final non-stress test and induction date.
38w2d: Sam and I got flu shots, and Ava got hers the next day.
Appointment at 38w3d: Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken. Non-stress test for approximately 30 minutes; said baby looked good. NP checked my cervix, which was not dilated, and said baby's head was really low; gave me paperwork to bring to the hospital for induction -- scheduled to arrive at 8:30 PM, have Cervidil administered around 9:30, and Pitocin at approximately 6:00 AM.
38w4d: My mother-in-law arrived. She had planned to come later but fortunately was able to change her ticket when we found out I would be induced 1 week before my due date.
Symptoms: Congestion, insomnia, acid reflux, pressure from baby being so low, on the verge of leg cramps.
Cravings: Brownies.

Pack 'n Play temporarily set-up for Lila in Ava's room (which they now share)

Ava kissing my 38w2d belly

Brownie craving fulfilled at 38w3d

Packing for the hospital at 38w6d, the day before being admitted

39 Weeks, Induction Time!

Baby is the size of a pumpkin.
Her brain is still rapidly developing; her skin has taken on a paler shade thanks to a thicker layer of fat around the blood vessels; she can now flex her limbs; and her nails might extend past her fingertips.
Symptoms: Episode of dizziness/light-headedness/difficulty focusing eyes/headache.

Labor and Delivery

I gave birth to Lila Yena Son on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 2:53 AM. She weighed 6 lbs. 1.5 oz. and measured 19 inches long. I had arrived at the hospital on the evening of September 20, so the whole process took a very long time. Still, this experience was like night and day compared to my experience when Ava was born. No drama in the delivery room, no repeated drops in baby's heart rate (last time, it could have been due to the fact that Ava was born with the umbilical cord around her neck), and yes, an epidural! I highly recommend one, now that I know what it's like. I also had problems during my healing after Ava was born, but this time around was much more normal. And breastfeeding -- which I was successful with for over 15 months with Ava, being determined to exclusively breastfeed even though the first few months were very difficult (for common reasons, as well as that Ava was tongue-tied) -- was so much easier. My milk does not fully come in until after 5 days or so, which is longer than most, but I knew not to stress out about it, and I never had even a clogged milk duct over the 15 months I exclusively nursed Lila.

But back to September 20-22. Disclaimer: The birth story below is long and boring. I'm sharing it since I took notes and want to preserve the memories. Read if you're interested in what it might be like to be induced, the 2nd time for me. (Read Ava's if you want more excitement.)

September 20, 2016: We got to the hospital, and waited a while before being admitted and given wrist tags. I undressed, changed into a hospital gown, and was hooked up to a fetal heart rate monitor and contraction monitor (Lila's heart rate ranged from 120s-150s). I was asked multiple questions, and then the nurse took my blood and put in an IV around 10 PM. She came back with the OB at 11:20 to talk about the induction, check for dilation (2 cm), and insert Cervidil.

September 21, 2016: Another nurse came in at 12:50 AM to have me move to the side, off of my back, and take a set of vitals. She asked if I had any cramping, to which I answered no, but afterwards I realized I might. I stayed on my left side with the finger mitt on. She returned with a technician around 12:45 to draw more blood. At 3:15, the machine started beeping and a nurse came, and she checked the machine and changed the paper. I went to the bathroom for the 2nd time after getting the IV. At 4:40, the machine started beeping again, and another nurse came to change my IV bag and check my blood pressure. Around 6:45, I had another blood draw and went to the bathroom. A little after 7:40, another nurse came to take my vitals, and explained the timeline of Cervidil and Pitocin. Sam went home around 8 AM to check-in on Ava and his mom, take a shower, and pick-up some sweets for the L&D nurses. The nurse came back at 9:17 to check if I needed anything. Just after 9:40, the next OB on call came in to let me know they would take the Cervidil out in a few hours and let me shower or wash up, as long as I wasn't too far progressed. Cramping/contractions intensified. Another nurse came in just after 10:20 and said that she would check with the doctor if I can eat or drink anything, and put a "fall risk" wristband on me. She came back at 11 to adjust my fetal heart rate and contraction monitors, and the OB took out the Cervidil, which was a little painful, and checked for dilation (3 cm, also painful). She said I could order food, shower or wash up, eat, and then they would start with doses of oral Cytotec. The nurse returned at noon to remove my monitors, disconnect my IV, and cover it with plastic. I went to the bathroom. After lunch (an egg white omelet with veggies and cheese, berry yogurt parfait, coffee, and water), I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and changed my gown. A little after 1:45 PM, another nurse came to reconnect me to the IV drip and monitors, take my vitals, and change the IV bag. She said she would check the orders for Cytotec. At 2, she gave me 1 dose of Cytotec. She came back at 2:23 and 2:54 to check on me. A nurse came in again to check on me around 3:50, and yet another nurse came at 4 to take my vitals and give me the 2nd dose of Cytotec. I went to the bathroom around 4:15. I talked to Ava on the phone at 4:30. A nurse came in a little after 5:40, saying she would give me another dose of Cytotec at 6. She returned at 6 to give me the 3rd dose, then I went to the bathroom, and the doctor stopped by to check on me. The nurse came back at 6:53 to check on me. My parents visited around 7:15. After the shift change, another nurse came at 7:50 to introduce herself, and returned at 8 to give me the 4th dose of Cytotec. She also gave me graham crackers and cranberry juice as a snack. At 8:40, I called for a nurse because my contractions were getting stronger, closer, and more painful. She came in at 8:53, took my vitals, and I went to the bathroom. She said I could try waiting until 10, when the doctor would be in to check on me. At 10:05, she asked if I wanted the epidural then, and I said yes. The OB came back at 10:15 to check for dilation (4 cm, -2 station). The anesthesiologist -- who was very experienced and skilled, and even showed Sam her techniques -- came to give me the epidural around 10:25. The nurse placed the blood pressure cuff on my right arm, which remained until delivery and went off every 15 minutes. Then she inserted a foley catheter at 10:50, and said that the OB would be in to break my water.

September 22, 2016: The OB came in around 12:05 AM to break my water. At 12:23, the nurse came to shift me from my left side to my right side, wedging a pillow underneath me, because my contractions were dipping (every 4-5 minutes apart). She returned at around 1:30 to reposition me on the left side with a peanut ball between my legs, and took my temperature. She said to call her if I felt any pressure to go to the bathroom. I called for a nurse around 1:55. She came to check and asked if I wanted to start pushing or if I wanted to wait about half an hour until the pressure increased. My contractions were between 2-5 minutes and I was fully dilated, at +1 station, but it would be best if I were at +2 station, so she said she would come back after 2:30 unless the urge to push became too strong before then. She changed my position to more of an upright, seated position (without the peanut ball).

I started pushing around 2:43 AM. I pushed through 3.5 contractions for just over 10 minutes. I saw Lila's head emerging in the mirror. Immediately after she was born, she was placed on me for skin-to-skin contact. The placenta came out at 2:57. Lila had her umbilical cord cut, her weight checked, and her vitals checked. Like Ava, she scored 9/10, 9/10 Apgars.

The nurse had another delivery, and there was a delay in the nursery coming to get Lila to do additional checks on her, so Lila stayed in the L&D room with us for a while, starting to breastfeed, and had her vitals checked again. My epidural was removed at 4:55. I had my vitals checked and uterus massaged. A catheter was inserted at 5 to empty my bladder to make room for my uterus to shift. I changed my ice pack, pads, and mesh underwear. The nursery came to take Lila and Sam at 5:20. I was wheeled to the postpartum recovery room, and had my blood pressure taken by a technician while a nurse checked my uterus and bleeding, and reviewed paperwork and other information. It was 6 AM by the time we were all done and ready to rest, but I ate a fig bar and drank some pineapple juice. And believe it or not, I have many more notes on my hospital stay all the way until I was discharged a couple of days later, but I'll spare those details and wrap this up with some photos.

Spending quality time with my baby kangaroo

Babies always look so bruised up after birth. They go through a lot too!

She cleaned up nicely

Getting ready to go home (nurse cutting off tags)

Nursing Lila in my hospital room before we left

Going Home

I was discharged from the hospital on Saturday, 2 days after Lila was born. Sam and I drove our new baby girl home, where 22-month-old Ava was waiting with my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law stayed for several weeks, helping us a great deal. We didn't have to worry about meals that entire time, which as a new mom is one of the best gifts you can receive. It allowed me to focus all of my energy and attention on Lila, and also on Ava and my recovery.

Baby's 1st car ride

Welcome home, baby girl!

Colostrum/milk-drunk

Daddy, big sister & new baby sister

Having a toddler and a newborn -- who are now 2 very active and demanding little girls -- has been exhausting always, crazy often, and wonderful overall. The nights and days... and weeks and months... feel like an eternity sometimes, but that little baby is now 3 months away from turning 2 years old, and her big sister is less than 5 months away from turning 4!

That's my very lengthy but long-overdue account of the end of my pregnancy with Lila and her birth. So much has happened since then -- and I haven't even touched on any details of her infancy or toddler life or milestones -- but if you follow me on Instagram I post about Lila and Ava there quite often. I'm not sure when it will happen but I have plans to revamp my blog in the future, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, we're moving in a couple of weeks and I am not ready!

Our Maternity/Family Photo Session at Liberty State Park

2016-09-14T14:53:00.001-04:00

"Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat."

(Laura Ingalls Wilder)

A few weeks ago, we did a maternity/family photo shoot overlooking the NYC skyline at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ with Nelson Lee Photography. It was originally scheduled to take place 2 weeks earlier, but the weather was stormy and hard to predict, and we couldn't be sure that it wasn't going to be a total wash-out so our photographer wanted to reschedule. The day we all met at Liberty State Park, it looked cloudy and ominous in various areas nearby, but the clouds ended up adding dimension to the photos; and even though it was a very hot and sticky August afternoon, it was also very windy since we were right by the water, and that cooled us down a bit (even if it completely messed up my hair).

We each wore 2 outfits. I wore: 1) a short-sleeve black lace PinkBlush Maternity dress with a brown braided leather bow belt, which I believe I purchased at Anthropologie a few years back, and 2) a pale pink striped lace neckline top from PinkBlush Maternity with Jessica Simpson for Motherhood Maternity jeans; along with different shoes and jewelry. Ava wore: 1) a Pale Cloud studded silk tank top with a tutu skirt and headband from Target, and 2) a pale pink crochet-top chiffon dress from Victoria Kids with one of her many headbands; along with nude and pink fringe moccasins from Monkey Feet. To coordinate, Sam wore a dressier outfit and then changed into a more casual one.

I had also brought along the ivory lace maternity gown I wore when I was pregnant with Ava 2 years ago, with a different floral maternity sash, but after our shoot got underway I didn't feel like changing outfits again, plus I wasn't comfortable with so many people around. (For previous pictures, please see "Our Maternity Photo Session at Heritage Park.")

Even though this isn't my 1st pregnancy, I still feel that each pregnancy should be celebrated, and I would definitely recommend having professional photos taken to commemorate such an important and life-changing time. It was so much more challenging having Ava there this time around -- since she's such a spirited little girl that cannot be tamed! -- but the photo session was also a way to capture precious family moments with her before her life officially changes forever.

Full-Term Update with Baby Girl #2

2016-09-08T00:35:00.002-04:00

"Don't count the days. Make the days count."

(Muhammad Ali)

I'm already 37 weeks plus a couple days pregnant now, which means that baby girl is full-term and may come at any time now. There have been some recent concerns about her growth, but we're trusting in God's plan and timing. As prepared as we would like to be, whatever needs to happen and when, we'll just have to make it work! (Here is my previous post from this point during my pregnancy with Ava: "Full-Term Update, Plus Great Things About Being Due in November.")

27 Weeks, 3rd Trimester

Baby is the size of a head of lettuce.
Lungs are going through major developments, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means she's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling.
Started drinking raspberry leaf pregnancy tea.
Symptoms: Nighttime congestion returned this week; also started feeling sharp pains (like a pulled muscle or bruised rib) when overeating, probably due to less space.
Cravings: Not many specific cravings, but felt very hungry all day even though I'm eating a lot.

27w3d baby bump with Starbucks secret purple drink

27w6d with Ava on the 4th of July

28 Weeks

Appointment on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 (28w0d): Drank glucola beverage shortly before 9 AM, got to OB office by 9:30 AM, had blood drawn by 10 AM. Weight, blood pressure, urine sample taken. NP measured me and checked baby's heart rate (155 bpm); told me to return in 4 weeks, which will be my last monthly visit.
3D ultrasound on Saturday, July 9, 2016 (28w4d): Based on measurements, baby weighs around 2 lbs. 8 oz.; heart rate of 143 bpm.
Received phone call on Monday, July 11, 2016 (28w6d; missed initial call on Thursday) saying that I failed the 1-hour glucose tolerance test and had to take the 3-hour test.
Baby is the size of an eggplant.
Is breathing and showing brain activity, lungs are maturing, and skin is still pretty wrinkly (from living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.
Symptoms: Congestion.
Cravings: Chocolate (hot cocoa, ice cream, croissants).

1-hour glucose tolerance test at 28w0d

3D ultrasound at 28w4d (looks like her daddy!)

29 Weeks

Appointment on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 (29w1d): Went in at 7:45 AM, had 1st blood draw at 7:50 AM; drank glucola beverage around 7:55 AM; 2nd blood draw at 8:55 AM; 3rd blood draw at 9:55 AM; 4th blood draw at 10:55 AM.
Received call the next day saying that my results were normal.
Started using pregnancy wedge pillow at night.
Baby is the size of an acorn squash.
Her energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath the skin, and she's growing fast (weight will triple before birth).

3-hour glucose tolerance test at 29w1d

Ouch

Squeezing into a non-maternity dress at 29w4d

30 Weeks, 3/4 of the way there

Baby is the size of a zucchini.
She is moving a lot and plumping up; skin is smoothing out; increased surface area of grooves and indentations in her brain making more room for essential brain tissue; her grip is strong enough to grasp a finger.
Symptoms: Nighttime congestion started up again after being almost congestion-free for June and half of July.

Cucumber (or zucchini) baby bump at 30w2d

31 Weeks

Video clip of movement at 31w1d.
Baby is the size of a bunch of asparagus.
Going through major brain and nerve development; eye development, as irises now react to light; and all 5 senses are in working order.
Symptoms: Congestion, back aches at night, baby dropping and causing more pressure, feeling stronger movements and kicks on right side.

Polka dots with my mini-me at 31w6d (on my birthday)

32 Weeks

Appointment on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 (32w0d): Weight, blood pressure, urine sample taken. OB (male) measured me and checked baby's heart rate (144 bpm); said she was head-down; estimated that she will weigh 6.5-7 lbs. at birth.
Baby is the size of a squash.
She's getting ready to emerge, and has even less space as she tries to fit in my increasingly cramped womb and prepare for her eventual descent.
Symptoms: Congestion, feeling kicks much stronger and closer to surface, on the verge of leg cramps.

Looking large at 32w4d!

33 Weeks

Baby is the size of a bunch of celery.
She may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and is going through more major brain development; soon, she'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing; her bones are hardening, and she has started to keep her eyes open when awake.
Symptoms: Congestion; a lot of baby movement; feeling overheated at night; on the verge of leg cramps; nose bleeds; itchiness of skin around left hip.
My sister and a few close girlfriends celebrated with a lovely baby sprinkle at Bosie Tea Parlor in NYC.

Afternoon tea baby sprinkle at 33w4d

(Image: Leslie Y.)

Invitation, favors, and thank you card

34 Weeks

Appointment on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 (34w0d): Weight, blood pressure, urine sample taken. OB (male) checked baby's heart rate (155 bpm); said she was head-down; estimated that she will weigh a little more than Ava did at birth. Next appointment in 2 weeks, which will be my last biweekly visit.
Maternity photo session at 34w4d in Liberty State Park: I'll do a separate post with more photos.
Baby is the size of a butternut squash.
She can recognize and react to simple songs, and may find them soothing after birth; also urinates about 1 pint per day.
Symptoms: Episode of dizziness/light-headedness/difficulty focusing eyes; increased lower body pressure and discomfort; overheating at night; congestion; acid reflux.
Cravings: Fall flavors (like pumpkin), Thai food.

Maternity/family photo shoot outfits for me and Ava

35 Weeks

Baby is the size of a pineapple.
She won't get much longer, but will put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth; her hearing is totally developed, and she responds best to high-pitched noises.
Video clip of movement at 35w5d.
Symptoms: Congestion; cold/allergy symptoms; insomnia; overheating; on verge of leg cramp (right calf); abdominal tightness; acid reflux.

35w5d before dinner for my niece's 4th birthday

Video of movement at 35w5d

36 Weeks

Appointment on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 (36w0d): Weight, blood pressure, urine sample taken. NP measured me and checked baby's heart rate (150 bpm); took Group B strep culture; had blood drawn for hemoglobin.
Baby is the size of a papaya.
Her skin is getting smooth and soft, gums are rigid, liver and kidneys are in working order, and circulation and immune system are good to go, and she's getting closer to being able to breathe on her own.
Symptoms: Congestion, insomnia, acid reflux, leg cramp (left shin area).

Our last pool day of the summer at 36w0d

Ava's smile gets bigger and bigger :D

Trying the new chile mocha drink on Labor Day at 36w6d

I can't believe we're almost at the end of this part of the journey! I need to have the new car seat installed, pack my hospital bag, organize some baby clothes, clean and de-clutter the apartment... The list goes on and on. So much to do, so little time.

Bye-Bye, 2nd Tri {PinkBlush Giveaway}

2016-06-28T22:36:00.000-04:00

"Life is short. Wear your party pants!"

(Loretta Laroche)

Or your pretty PinkBlush lace and pleated chiffon maxi dress! Learn more and enter my giveaway of $75 to PinkBlush -- maternity and non-maternity apparel, including plus sizes -- at the end of this post. (You'll also see 2 other PinkBlush maternity pieces, which were part of a purchase I made right after I found out I was pregnant, in other photos below.)

Looking back on "2nd Half of 2nd Trimester in My Build-A-Baby Workshop" from my pregnancy with Ava in 2014, I can see many differences between that pregnancy and this current one. For starters, we're back on the east coast. Life is not quite the same now, with a highly spirited 19-month-old toddler I have to keep alive. There are no prenatal yoga classes or massages happening, I haven't purchased anything for the new baby girl yet, and we aren't planning any type of mini babymoon. But all is good. As of today, I'm starting my 3rd trimester already, and everything is moving along so quickly.

And we're sharing her name! Lila Yena Son. With our firstborn, I chose the first name (Ava) and Sam chose the middle name (Yejin), and with our soon-to-be secondborn, Sam chose the first name (Lila) and I chose the middle name (Yena). If we were having a boy, we planned to name him Joel.

I like the name Lila for similar reasons that I like the name Ava. It's short and sweet, simple yet feminine, and works well for an adorable baby girl as well as a mature woman. Its origins are debated, but according to various sources, can mean "beauty" in Sanskrit, "dark-haired" in Arabic, "night," "playful or amusing," or refer to the lilac flower or the color lilac.

Yena is her Korean name. As in Yejin, ye refers to Jesus and also to "art" or "talent and ability," and na can mean "elegant, graceful, delicate."

21 Weeks

Baby is the size of an endive.
As digestive system preps for the outside world, baby is manufacturing meconium; baby girl's womb is already stocked up with a lifetime supply of 6 million eggs (will drop to around 1 million by birth).
We traveled to Michigan for the weekend to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday and see other relatives. I also felt like I expanded a lot this week, and began to feel more movement.
Symptoms: Became more uncomfortable lying down at night; back pain.

In Michigan with Ava and the gorgeous peonies at 21w4d

At church in Michigan at 21w5d {PinkBlush sweater}

22 Weeks

Baby is the size of a coconut.
Is sleeping in cycles, about 12-14 hours a day; has more developed eyes and lips, looking even more like a newborn.
I started to feel kicks/punches, and my congestion started to improve greatly after we returned from Michigan.

Photo booth at Sam's residency event at 22w4d

Outside the American Museum of Natural History at 22w6d {PinkBlush sweater}

23 Weeks

Baby is the size of a grapefruit.
Face is fully formed; forming nipples; listening to our voices, my heartbeat, and loud outside noises.
Sam was able to feel kicks externally.
Symptoms: Leg cramp (left calf), vivid dreams, aching back when sleeping.

Picking strawberries at 23w4d

24 Weeks, V-Day

Appointment on June 7, 2016 (24w0d): Weight, blood pressure, urine sample taken. NP measured me and checked baby's heart rate (163 bpm); gave me bottle of lemon-lime drink to take before next appointment, when blood test will check for glucose, hemoglobin, and HIV.
Baby is the size of a cantaloupe.
Is almost a foot long; skin is becoming more opaque, and has a new pink glow from the small capillaries that have recently formed.
Symptoms: Increased back discomfort at night.
This week, I went to see Beyoncé in concert, and also took a day trip to Philadelphia with Sam and Ava.

24w3d at Rutgers Gardens (Ava's hand down my shirt)

Rocky Balboa statue in Philly at 24w6d

25 Weeks

Baby is the size of a cauliflower.
Sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and she knows which way is up and which is down; also growing more fat and more hair.
Able to see movement outside of belly.
Symptoms: Leg cramp (right calf), much more frequent trips to the bathroom.
Cravings: Brownies, honey mustard and onion pretzels, cookie dough.

Hope Hill Lavender Farm at 25w3d (my paleness!)

26 Weeks, 2/3 of the way there

Baby is the size of a bunch of kale.
Her eyes will soon start to open, and her eyelashes are now grown too; she's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up my antibodies; and she's taking breaths of amniotic fluid.
Photos from the last day of my 2nd trimester are below, followed by information on the PinkBlush giveaway! (Please excuse the fact that I obviously only know 1 pregnant lady pose, which is the requisite hands-on-belly position.)

PinkBlush Giveaway Details and Rules

To celebrate this milestone of reaching the 3rd trimester, I'm giving away a $75 gift card to PinkBlush -- and you don't have to be pregnant to enter, because PinkBlush has affordable maternity and non-maternity women's fashions in all sizes! I discovered PinkBlush on Instagram several months ago, and as mentioned at the beginning of this post, I ordered a whole bunch of tops and dresses from them when I first found out I was pregnant.

2 ways to enter:

Comment on this blog post below -- or --
Visit my Instagram and follow @redpoppypinkpeony -- since changed to @simplysharonson -- like the posted photo, and leave any comment, or tag a friend for an extra entry.

Bonus entry if you enter on both the blog and Instagram. That's all!

The giveaway is open for the next 7 days, until the end of next Tuesday. The winner will be contacted by Wednesday morning. Please note: If you have won a PinkBlush giveaway within the last 3 months, you will not be eligible. Good luck!

Half-Baked... and It's Another Girl!

2016-05-19T22:29:00.001-04:00

(Anne Christian Buchanan)

Half-baked! Unlike last time, it's hard to see my Ben & Jerry's pint.

Even though my blog updates have been severely lacking -- I've been averaging about 2 posts per year since Ava was born, and she's 18 months old now -- my family, friends, and most of my social network know that I'm 21 weeks pregnant and expecting baby #2... and it's another girl! My due date is September 27, 2016. I shared an update at the halfway point during my last pregnancy ("Half-Baked and It's a Girl!"), and an earlier update at the end of 1st trimester of that pregnancy ("Bye-Bye, 1st Tri"), but it's been different so far this time around.

Last time, I was fortunate not to have any morning sickness, beyond slight queasiness on occasion; this time, my entire 1st trimester was one long, continuous nausea-fest and I only ate sweet carbs to the point that my husband and sister were convinced I would get gestational diabetes. Last time, I didn't start wearing any maternity clothes until I was almost 6 months pregnant; this time, I thought, "Why wait?" at 17 weeks. Last time, I don't remember having bad nighttime nasal congestion and insomnia until the 2nd half of pregnancy; this time, it's been a constant from the beginning.

Last time, I was given extra ultrasounds, was on progesterone throughout 1st trimester and baby aspirin until 37 weeks, and had an at-home fetal doppler due to concerns from previous losses; this time, I've had none of that, which was very nerve-wracking at first. Last time, my doctors were concerned about uterine fibroids causing issues with a vaginal birth; this time, they don't appear to be a problem. Last time, Ava was breech so I did everything in my power to get her to turn, which she did in the end, right before I was to schedule a C-section; this time, I hope I don't have to deal with that stress. Last time, I didn't allow myself to worry about labor and delivery for the most part, believing that I could trust my primal instincts and the strength of my own mind and body; this time, I'm the most scared of labor and delivery because of my previous experiences.

And of course, last time, I was working, commuting, and packed up and moved from NY to MI, but I didn't have an outside baby to take care of; this time, I'm home in NJ with Ava and it's somehow much more exhausting! Case in point: It's like pulling my own teeth to write an update even just once in 6 months.

4 Weeks

Appointment at 4w3d: Bloodwork to confirm pregnancy and check hormone levels, particularly for progesterone. Progesterone was fine but hCG was low, so I went back for more bloodwork at 4w6d.
Baby is the size of a poppyseed.
Ball of cells is splitting into the embryo and placenta; neural tube is already formed; and amniotic sac and fluid are forming into protective cushioning.
Symptoms: Implantation spotting and cramps.

Positive test at 4w4d

5 Weeks

At 5w0d, I received a call from my OB office saying my hCG went from 100 to 536.5, and progesterone was good at 25. After I asked, the nurse said they usually tell pregnant breastfeeding moms to wean, as it can inhibit hormone production. Made appointment for 1st ultrasound for 7w6d.
Baby is the size of an appleseed.
Starting to form major organs (heart, stomach, liver, kidneys) and systems (digestive, circulatory, nervous).
Symptoms: Very fatigued; waking up very early in the morning; very congested and unable to breathe well at night; eating anything and everything in sight.

6 Weeks

Baby is the size of a sweet pea.
Circulating blood; starting to sprout a nose, eyes, ears, chin, and cheeks.
Symptoms: Very fatigued; waking up in the middle of the night for an extended period of time; up/down body temperatures; queasiness (slight nausea and food aversions); skin breaking out.

7 Weeks

Appointment at 7w6d: 1st ultrasound (saw baby and heart beating at 144 bpm); weight and blood pressure taken; met with doctor and then a nurse to discuss future visits and address any questions.
Baby is the size of a blueberry.
Generating about 100 new brain cells each minute; developing a permanent set of kidneys; arm and leg joints are forming.
Symptoms: Queasiness all day (nausea and food aversions) -- only things I could eat were fig bars, PB&J sandwiches, and soup; very fatigued; up/down body temperatures; skin breaking out.

Little peanut at 7w6d

8 Weeks

Appointment at 8w6d: Weight and blood pressure taken; urine sample and physical exam (including pap smear and breast exam); bloodwork; explained different screening test options.
Baby is the size of a raspberry.
Taste buds are forming.
Symptoms: Queasiness all day (nausea and food aversions) -- can only eat sweet carbs; very fatigued; up/down body temperatures.

9 Weeks

Baby is the size of a cherry.
Is now a fetus, and developing more distinct facial features.
Symptoms: Queasiness all day (nausea and food aversions); very fatigued; up/down body temperatures; cramping; headaches; vivid and memorable dreams.

10 Weeks, 25% There!

Baby is the size of a strawberry.
Vital organs are fully developed and starting to function; swallowing and kicking.
Symptoms: Queasiness all day (nausea and food aversions); headaches, stomach aches, especially in evening; very fatigued but unable to sleep through the night (insomnia).

11 Weeks

Baby is the size of a lime.
Tooth buds, nail beds, and hair follicles are forming.
Symptoms: Queasiness all day (nausea starting to lessen, but more food aversions still there); very fatigued; headaches; stomach aches, especially in evening.

12 Weeks

1st trimester screen at 12w6d: Ultrasound showed active baby with heart rate of 152 bpm; also took many other measurements (e.g. CRL, nuchal translucency, ovary and uterus size, etc.). Bloodwork taken (results for likelihood of Down syndrome and Trisomy 13 and 18 came back negative); weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken; explained procedures, and asked and answered questions.
Baby is the size of a plum.
Developing reflexes; opening and closing fingers, and curling toes.
Symptoms: Queasiness and fatigue improving; very congested and unable to breath easily at night; headaches; felt like my baby bump popped out this week.

Our baby at 12w6d

13 Weeks

Baby is the size of a lemon.
Forming vocal chords and teeth, and already has fingerprints.
Throughout 1st trimester, I drank ginger tea to help with nausea, and I mostly avoided coffee and caffeine, but I also didn't have much of a choice because coffee made me queasy. Although I couldn't think about food and could barely step foot into a grocery store -- we did a lot of take-out and restaurant dining for several weeks -- I was definitely eating a lot, but I don't think I gained any weight during 1st trimester (but I never lost the baby weight from Ava so I started out heavier).
Our families and some close friends already knew about the pregnancy, but we made it more public at the end of this week.

Big sister-to-be Ava helped with our pregnancy announcement on Good Friday (13w3d)

14 Weeks, 2nd Trimester

Baby is the size of a peach.
Sucking thumb and wiggling toes; breathing amniotic fluid; kidneys are making urine, and liver and spleen are doing their jobs.
Symptoms: Abdominal pain and sharp cramping; headaches; very congested and unable to breathe easily at night; having to go to the bathroom more frequently.

15 Weeks

Baby is the size of a navel orange.
Squirming, wiggling, and hiccuping inside, and joints and limbs can all move.
Symptoms: Very prolonged, almost 24-hour headache at 15w6d; congestion; frequent bathroom trips.

Wearing 3 sweaters (it was cold!) at 15w3d

16 Weeks

Appointment at 16w6d: Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken; NP measured me and checked baby's heart rate (147 bpm); bloodwork taken to test for spina bifida (results came back negative).
Baby is the size of an avocado.
Is listening to our voices, and growing hair, lashes, and eyebrows; tiny bones are forming in the ears and eyebrows.

17 Weeks

Baby is the size of a pomegranate.
Skeleton is hardening as cartilage turns to bone; umbilical cord is getting stronger and thicker; baby is putting on fat; and fingers and toes are now defined with one-of-a-kind prints.
Symptoms: Nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches, frequent bathroom trips.
Started wearing maternity clothes (belly protruding much more at this point than during previous pregnancy).

Just 1 sweater at 17w4d

18 Weeks

Baby is the size of an artichoke.
Yawns, hiccups, rolls, kicks, punches, sucks, twists, and swallows.
Started to feel little movements.

19 Weeks

Level 2 ultrasound/anatomy scan at 19w6d: Sonographer did a detailed ultrasound to take many measurements and view all parts (including arms, legs, brain, heart, kidneys, stomach, face, bladder, spine, etc.) of the baby -- a girl! -- whose heart rate was 153 bpm. Weight, blood pressure, and urine sample taken; met with doctor afterwards. OB said that the ultrasound detected echogenic intracranial focus in the heart, which can mean a risk for Down Syndrome, but because everything else was normal, and all other tests were negative, it most likely will not be an issue. We chose not to do additional blood tests or ultrasounds.
Baby is the size of a mango.
Vernix caseosa coats baby's skin, shielding it from amniotic fluid.

Wedding guests at 19w4d

Almost 18 weeks with Ava (June 2014) / Almost 20 weeks with Baby Girl #2 (May 2016)

Cute profile at 19w6d

Lil' baby feets

20 Weeks, 50% There!

Baby is the size of a banana.
Gulping down amniotic fluid for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting; taste buds are working.
Symptoms: All the usual ones (especially congestion), plus I had a cold this week.

20w1d with my spirit animal

I enjoy and fully appreciate being pregnant, feel very blessed and honored to house another Build-A-Baby Workshop and to keep Baby Girl #2 cozy and safe, and I don't want it to go by too quickly, even though I'm excited to see how everything unfolds in the future. I'll post more photos and updates. Thank you for your love and support, and we would always appreciate if you kept us in your thoughts and prayers!

Ava's "You Are My Sunshine" 1st Birthday Party

2016-01-07T14:15:00.003-05:00

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you."
(Walt Whitman)

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You'll never know, dear, how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away.

Happy new year! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. We're about a week into 2016, and just a few days ago I received the photos from Ava's dol or doljanchi (Korean 1st birthday celebration), which took place on Saturday, November 14, 2015 in Central NJ. My husband and I didn't take our own pictures, partly because we were so busy, but also because we had a photographer, so right after the day came and went there truly wasn't much to show for it. Below, I'm finally sharing photos; I hope you like them! There were many cute shots of kids playing at the party too, which I will probably post more of on my personal Facebook.

I chose a "You Are My Sunshine" theme for Ava's 1st birthday party, because we've always sang that song to her before her naps and bedtime, and I wanted it to have a child-like tone, with a cute and cheerful look and feel. Also, since it was a DIY event that I planned and executed, I didn't want to attempt anything too fancy or lady-like. The colors were pink and yellow, with some white and pink ombré details, and minor touches of grey. Ava wore a Marmellata Classics pale yellow lace dress with yellow rosette detail, and a pink and yellow floral crown headband I made, for the first half of the party; and a pink and light yellow hanbok (traditional Korean dress, with matching headpiece), with multicolored striped sleeves and butterfly appliqués for the traditional aspects of the dol. I wore a berry-hued Catherine Malandrino dress with shoulder cut-out and twist drape detail, and Sam wore a light grey suit, blue and white striped shirt, and pink patterned tie.

We held the party at Pierre's of South Brunswick, an event venue and catering hall near our current home. It took place in the early afternoon, so we served lunch -- rigatoni vodka, farfalle with chicken alfredo, eggplant parmesan, and chicken marsala, with salad and rolls -- as well as beverages, including wine and beer, and of course birthday cake. We also had dduk (Korean rice cakes), and I made Fruity Pebbles treats and Golden Oreo pops with birthday cake filling.

Aside from the guest tables and food and drink tables, we had 4 additional table set-ups: 1) the welcome table, 2) the dolsang (traditional birthday table), 3) the doljabi table (doljabi is a fun custom where the baby is presented with various objects, and whichever one is chosen symbolically represent his or her future), and 4) the sweets table. More details on all of this below.

All images by Mark Chaird of Chaird|Photo, except for the invitation by AbbyReeseDesign.

Some highlights, including the "Soak Up Our Sunshine * Ava is One"-labeled white sunglasses

Us with my parents, sister, nephew, and niece

Ava's so sunshine-y, we need to wear shades!

Dolsang (Traditional Birthday Table)

The main table for Ava's dol consisted of a long table, with a small table placed in front of it for additional surface area. I used a backdrop stand to hang sheer yellow, white, and pink panels (the pink was ruffled), and hung a "happy birthday" banner -- with a photo of Ava wearing the outfit that her cousin Ellie wore over 2 years ago at her 1st birthday party -- across the panels, and Ava's hanbok on the side. I kept the larger table simple, with the tiered pink ombré and yellow flowers cake elevated in the center, and flanked by a painted wooden name sign I made; framed "You are my sunshine" and "You make me happy when skies are grey" prints; tiered servers holding dduk and Fruity Pebbles treats; and shorter then taller flower arrangements I made with faux flowers and fruits in clear glass hurricane vases. The smaller table displayed the doljabi items -- bow and arrow, thread, medallion, pouch, brush, and scrolls -- dduk cake, and dol goim (pillars or towers) -- with chuk dol (happy 1st birthday), a baby horse to symbolize Ava being born in the year of the horse, and Yejin, her Korean name -- which I also made. It was important to me to include traditional Korean elements -- such as the rice cakes, fruit, doljabi items, dol towers, and hanbok -- not only in the party overall, but also in the main table.

Dolsang with lots of yellow, pink ombré, white, and traditional Korean elements

Rice cakes and Fruity Pebbles treats (because there wasn't enough dduk to fill the servers)

Yellow and pink ombré painted wooden sign with white flowers

Little guests checking out the dolsang

Doljabi items and dduk cake

Dol towers, handmade with black and white beans, yellow and pink felt, and bright pink flowers

Ava's lovely little hanbok

Centerpieces

Thank goodness for my MIL, who helped me put together the guest table centerpieces on the night, as well as immediately, before the party. I used white hydrangea, yellow poms, light pink spray roses, and pink alstroemeria, and arranged them in pint-sized mason jars fitted with flower frog lids. I used pink ombré paper lanterns to hold the arrangements, and hidden inside were wooden chopsticks which kept the paper lanterns from falling down. Unfortunately, I forgot to split the stems of the hydrangea, so they were already wilting during the party. I also didn't have enough flowers to make full arrangements, so each centerpiece definitely had a front and a back. But for a last minute, money-saving DIY project, I was happy with how the centerpieces turned out.

Yellow, pink, and white flowers in pink ombré paper lanterns

Welcome Table

The welcome table was decorated with a pale pink paper parasol, various light pink, bright pink, and yellow chevron paper lanterns, a yellow pom pom garland, and a silver "welcome" banner. The right side of the table was closest to the entrance of the room, so the first thing that guests saw was the basket of white sunglasses, and the sign that stated, "Please take a pair of sunglasses and get ready to soak up our sunshine!" Next to that was a chalkboard-style poster with highlights of Ava's 1st year, a collage of monthly photos, and a collage of "the many faces of Ava," including happy, sleepy, cranky, giggly, messy, ornery, silly, surprised, and perfect.

Welcome table

Doljabi Table

The doljabi table was decorated with a pale pink parasol, various light pink, bright pink, and yellow chevron lanterns, a yellow pom pom garland, and a silver "doljabi" banner. It held 7 mason jars for each doljabi item, handmade flower pens and tags, and a "little pail of sunshine" prize for the winner of the simple raffle. The pail was chock-full of cheerful yellow/lemony/sunshine-y goodies, including cookies, candy, and sprinkles. Our little buddy Noah won!

Doljabi table

Doljabi raffle instructions

Handmade flower pens and tags

Mason jars to hold tags with guesses

Doljabi Event

The doljabi, when the baby chooses an item that is said to influence his or her future, is the main event at most Korean 1st birthday parties. Suprisingly, Ava didn't aggressively reach for any of the items, which were randomly placed on the traditional floor mat; the kids surrounding us were much more excited than she was! The first thing she eventually picked up was the bow and arrow set, which symbolizes a warrior's courage and strength -- very fitting for our little Katniss Everdeen's personality. She also went for the thread and the brush, which symbolize long life and being artistic.

So hard to move in a hanbok, and the headpiece kept falling over her eyes

This was after the bow and arrow, when she went for the thread

Smiling up at Daddy

Cake Cutting

Ava's birthday cake was a 3-tiered pink ombré buttercream-frosted one, decorated with yellow icing flowers, and embellished by me with a yellow glittered "You are my sunshine" pick, yellow "1" candle, and handpainted wooden peg doll of Ava in her hanbok (to add to the bride and groom cake toppers I made for our wedding, which I used here to cover up a frosting-stained spot on the white tablecloth). The cake flavor was half-vanilla/half-chocolate, with a strawberry cream filling. Pierre's bakery did a great job.

Family photo

Ava did well with the photography, or maybe our photographer was just able to share good shots!

A taste of frosting

Cake toppers

Full cake with our wedding toppers to the side

We're just warming up this spot on the table (actually, covering up a pink frosting stain!)

More Adorableness

Ava's cousins Christina, Ellie, Peter, Isaiah, and Micah had their own mini photo shoot using their white sunglasses as props, and I love how the shots turned out! (We tried including Ava but she just sat there wailing.) Also, my friend Brian kindly offered up his balloon-making services, which of course the kids loved.

Peace!

How cute is little Micah on the right?

Mesmerized by Brian's balloon skills

Sweets Table

The sweets table was decorated with a pale pink parasol, various light pink, bright pink, and yellow chevron lanterns, a yellow pom pom garland, and a silver "sweets" banner. As I mentioned above, I made Fruity Pebbles treats, which I dipped in melted yellow and pink candy, and I also made Oreo pops using Golden Oreos with birthday cake filling, which I dipped in melted white candy and drizzled with yellow and pink icing. Finally, I wrapped large Hershey chocolate bars with paper that coordinated with Ava's invitation, birthday banner, and favor tags.

Sweets table

Golden Oreo pops

Thank you sign

Thanks to all for sharing in Ava's 1st birthday, whether in person or by catching up on the blog! If I can get around to it, I may do a more detailed post on the items I made, as I've already received requests for instructions. There are so many Ava updates I had thought I would be posting over the last year, but it has been beyond challenging to keep up ever since Ava actually came to town -- I don't know what I was thinking, or how other people do it -- and even this update has been difficult to finish! Ava is already almost 14 months old, and her baby days are starting to be behind her. Yesterday, I was doing some organizing around the house, and I decided that I was officially done pumping. Even though I rarely pump, and am still nursing, it felt nice to put those pump parts away!

I don't usually make new year's resolutions, but one of my existing and long-term goals continues to be to take time to, in the words of Becky Higgins, cultivate a good life and record it. Besides serving as a much-welcome creative outlet for me, I want to document our life for posterity.

Finally, here are some fun facts having to do with Ava's birthday, November 12, 2014, according to 1happybirthday.com:

She was born on a Wednesday.
She is a Scorpio, and Asian year of the horse.
Her birth flower is the chrysanthemum, which symbolizes cheerfulness, friendship, and abundance. Hello, sunshine!
Her birthstone is citrine (or topaz). Also sunny!
The estimated population growth in the world during her lifetime is 146,351,959 people.
The Billboard top songs at the beginning of her birth year were "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry (pop), "Happy" by Pharrell Williams (hip hop/blues), and "Stay" by Florida Georgia Line (country).
The Billboard top songs at the end of the year she was born were "All of Me" by John Legend (pop), "Happy" by Pharrell Williams (hip hop/blues), and "This is How We Roll" by Florida Georgia Line (country).
The winners of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 were Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi. Malala Yousafzai also had the best selling nonfiction book in the US, I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban.

Please feel free to comment below or let me know if there is anything specific you would like more information on, and best wishes for the new year!

{Ava's party dress: Marmellata Classics / Ava's floral crown headband: Handmade with supplies from PrettyInPinkSupply via Etsy / Ava's hanbok: Gift from Korea / Invitation, sunshine printables & chalkboard poster: AbbyReeseDesign via Etsy / Personalized sunglasses: Beau-coup / Pink baskets: Michaels / Small stand frames: Michaels / Parasols, paper lanterns & pom pom garlands: Beau-coup / Backdrop stand: Fancier Studio / Sheer panels: Amazon / Faux flowers: Michaels / Faux fruit: Amazon / Glass hurricane vases: Libbey / Tiered servers: Crate & Barrel / Dduk: Yedang / Wooden name sign: Handpainted and assembled with supplies from Michaels / Wooden peg doll: Handpainted with supplies from GooseGreaseUndone via Etsy / "You Are My Sunshine" cake topper: ConfettiCrownDesign via Etsy / "1" candle: Target / Doljabi items: Rented from EventAccessoriesByMJ via Etsy/ Paper tags: Amazon / Flower & ribbon embellishments: Michaels / Flowers for centerpieces: ShopRite of North Brunswick / Mason jars & flower frog lid inserts: Ball Canning / Photography: Chaird|Photo / Venue, cake & catering: Pierre's of South Brunswick}

Fall/Winter/Spring 2014/2015 Michigan Eats

2015-07-02T13:45:00.001-04:00

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."

(Mother Teresa)

Ever since we lived in Brooklyn, I've posted recipes and restaurants I've tried by season, but I skipped the past 3 seasons in Michigan ("Summer 2014 Michigan Eats" was the last such post) because I was on an unintentional blogging hiatus after I became a mom in November. Although I'm back, I'm still catching up -- now, not just on updates, but on life, since we moved! We left Michigan last Wednesday, stopped for the night in Youngstown, OH, and arrived at our new apartment in North Brunswick, NJ 1 week ago. More on that to come.

We were truly blessed to live with my mother-in-law, who prepared almost all of our dinners -- especially after Ava was born -- so that I could focus on breastfeeding and taking care of our new handful of a baby. The handful of recipes below were mostly from the end of my pregnancy, with the exception of the lactation cookies, which I baked a couple of months ago. Many of the places listed below were also visited towards the end of my pregnancy.

Just a Few Recipes

In early fall, new neighbors moved into the house on the left of us. They came from Germany -- father, mother, and 3 kids -- and with the dad taking a job with Daimler, naturally they had 3 different white Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs. I baked banana bread and Sam and I went over to their house to welcome them to the neighborhood. In the summer, I had baked zucchini bread for our other next-door neighbors on the right, who have been there forever.

Swirly cinnamon banana bread prep

Swirly cinnamon banana bread

Being a Trader Joe's fan, I discovered a website called Cooking with Trader Joe's, which posts recipes using items sold at the store. I've tried a couple, including the soup below, as well as a veggie lasagna with grilled vegetables, artichoke hearts, and spinach that I posted from last summer. Another Trader Joe's blog I read is called What's Good at Trader Joe's, which posts detailed product reviews.

Shrimp and black bean chimichurri soup prep

Shrimp and black bean chimichurri soup

For another easy recipe, I used rotisserie chicken from the grocery store for pulled chicken tacos, along with a very simple tomato-bean salsa. We normally go for soft tortillas, but I was in the mood for crunchy taco shells.

Pulled chicken tacos with chili salsa prep

Pulled chicken tacos with chili salsa

Last but not least, some recipes for sweets. The brownie crackles were made with a boxed brownie mix and tasted like perfectly fudgy bites, and the lactation cookies were also delicious, containing oats, brewer's yeast, and flaxseed meal (galactogogues that are fine and very healthy for non-lactating people, too).

Brownie crackles prep

Brownie crackles

Oatmeal chocolate chip lactation cookies prep

Oatmeal chocolate chip lactation cookies, with a side of strawberries

Fall, Winter, Spring Meals by Local Eateries

Since I didn't have a lot of homemade food pics to show above, below are lots and lots of non-homemade food pics for your viewing pleasure.

American: J. Alexander's, Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, Sweet Lorraine's Cafe & Bar, The Stand Gastro Bistro, Townhouse, Vinsetta Garage, Zehnder's of Frankenmuth (Frankenmuth)

J. Alexander's at the Somerset Collection in Troy, MI

Sweet Lorraine's Cafe & Bar in Southfield, MI

Valentine's Day dinner at The Stand Gastro Bistro in Birmingham, MI

Brunch at Townhouse in Birmingham, MI

Those chicken tikka masala fries at Vinsetta Garage in Berkley, MI

Zehnder's famous fried chicken meals in Frankenmuth, MI

American/Bars & Breweries: Clubhouse BFD, One-Eyed Betty's, Rochester Mills Beer Co., Royal Oak Brewery

Hankering for grilled cheese at One-Eyed Betty's in Ferndale, MI

American/Burgers: Redcoat Tavern

I got my chicken pot pie fix at Red Coat Tavern in Royal Oak, MI

Apple Cider/Donuts: Franklin Cider Mill

Hot cider donuts are the best at Franklin Cider Mill

Bagels: The Bagel Factory
Bakeries: Great Harvest Bread Co.

Great Harvest Bread Co. was right next to my OB's office in Birmingham, MI

Banquets/Conferences: Petruzzello's Banquet and Conference Center
Barbeque: Lockhart's BBQ, Slows Bar-B-Q, Union Woodshop

Had lots of BBQ when I was pregnant, including Lockhart's in Royal Oak, MI...

...Slows in Detroit, one of the most prominent BBQ joints

...and Union Woodshop in Clarkston, MI, which was our favorite (best mac and cheese)

Breakfast & Brunch: Rochester Brunch House

Saturday brunch at Rochester Brunch House

Coffee & Tea: Biggby Coffee

Sweet and simple hot chocolate art at Biggby Coffee in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Donuts: Knapp's Donuts

Knapp's pumpkin donut on the far right, the winner of my pregnancy craving pumpkin donut taste-test

Indian: Touch of India

Good Indian food at Touch of India in Birmingham, MI

Mac & Cheese: Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Cheez!

Sweet Lorraine's Fabulous Mac n' Cheez at the Somerset Collection

Mediterranean/Middle Eastern: La Marsa, Shish Kabob Express
Pie: Dangerously Delicious Pies

Detroit's Dangerously Delicious Pies on Pi Day (3.14.15)

Pizza: Buddy's Pizza, Hungry Howie's, Jet's Pizza, PizzaPapalis

More pizza places, including Buddy's Pizza...

...Hungry Howie's

...and Jet's Pizza (I had to try all the local pizza options)

Seafood/Steak: Eddie Merlot's, Ocean Prime, Streetside Seafood, Wolfgang Puck Steak

Wonderful dinner and dining experience at Ocean Prime in Troy

Dinner for Sam's birthday at Wolfgang Puck Steak at MGM Grand Detroit

Thai: No Thai! (Ann Arbor), Thai Taste To Go
Arenas: Joe Louis Arena, The Palace of Auburn Hills

Sports-watching food at The Palace of Auburn Hills (Pistons v. Spurs)

Now that we're settling into our new place in NJ, I'm starting to wonder how I'm going to juggle a demanding baby and cooking again. I'm still in the process of washing and organizing all of my kitchen supplies, and we've been subsisting on take-out and some Korean food from our mothers for the past several days. Time to scour my Pinterest recipe boards and do some meal planning!

Our Family Photo Session in Birmingham, MI

2015-06-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future."

(Proverbs 31:25)

On Tuesday, May 26, 2015, Sam, Ava, and I had photos taken by Lisa of Turtle Street Photography, who also shot our maternity session back in September. It was to commemorate Ava at 6 months -- she's more than halfway to 1 now! -- but also to document that moment in time for Sam and me, who celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary that day, and wrap up our family's past year in Michigan.

It has rained a lot in Michigan this spring, and the day of the photo shoot was hot and humid, bookended by stormy weather but very bright and sunny as we walked around downtown Birmingham at noon. We each had 2 outfits, the 1st being dressier with a fruity peach/watermelon palette, and the 2nd more casual with a blue/green, down-home denim vibe. I wore: 1) a peach pleated dress by Mossimo from Target, and 2) a white lace panel kimono top and a pale jade sleeveless ruffle blouse from Kohl's (I mentioned on Instagram how I randomly bought those at the last minute because I hadn't had time to plan what to wear), with Adriano Goldschmied jeans. I subtly accessorized with meaningful jewelry, including my stacking birthstone rings to represent each of us, the citrine "A" white gold pendant necklace Sam gave me when Ava was born, and the tricolor gold linked circle pendant necklace he gave me and Ava for Valentine's Day. Ava wore a vivid pink and white tutu dress from Koala Baby with a white flower headband from Koala Kids (both via Babies "R" Us), and later, an ivory tulle and denim jumperall dress from OshKosh B'gosh and a light lime green floral onesie from Carter's, with an off-white top knot headband from BabyBeetsDesign (via Etsy). Sam coordinated with a dressier outfit and then a more casual one.

Ava was more subdued than usual during the photo session, but that was fine. It would be misleading to have only photos of her laughing and smiling; after all, she is quite a complex little girl! Some of her many nicknames thus far include Ava Monster, Avacado, Avalanche, Crazy, Chucky, Chompers, Doberman Pincher, Ms. Nurples, Droolia Child, Eatie Falco, and Tiger (that one's from my mother-in-law). An easy baby she is not, but we wouldn't trade her for the world.

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there! Especially to the best, my husband Sam and my father back in NY. Tomorrow is also the first day of summer. It's hard to believe that 4 whole seasons have passed since we moved from Brooklyn to Michigan. Now we only have 4 more days in the Mitten State before we hit the road for NJ, where we'll make our home for the next chapter of our life. It's going to be a period of many transitions and lots of adjustment. I hope we'll actually have time in the midst of it all to enjoy some of the summer!

Final Weeks of Pregnancy and Ava's Birth

2015-05-30T17:18:00.000-04:00

I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
(The Temptations)

Since my last update 7 months ago, our daughter Ava was born, and she's already over 6.5 months old! I've been wanting to share about the end of my pregnancy, her birth, and her first few months for several months now, but haven't had much of an opportunity or the energy. The past half-year has simultaneously been the longest, hardest time of my life, but also such a blur. Having a baby truly changes everything. The difference between pregnancy and motherhood was quite a shock to the system, and it makes me feel a little guilty that I sometimes miss the ease of waddling around with a giant belly in comparison. And there was absolutely no amount of reading, breathing, meditations, or mantras I could have done to prepare for childbirth, or recovery, for that matter.

I've been posting photos of Ava on Instagram and Facebook, and will eventually get the blog more up-to-date, but for now, please see below for weeks 37, 38, 39, and 40 of my pregnancy, and Ava's birth on November 12, 2014.

37 Weeks

Baby is the size of a winter melon.
She is full-term, gaining about 1/2 ounce a day, and getting her first meconium ready; she's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, blinking, and gripping.
Chiropractic appointment at 37w0d: Used Webster Technique for adjustment.
Appointment at 37w0d: Urine screen, weight, and blood pressure taken. My OB measured me, checked baby's heart rate, and performed ultrasound, which showed that baby was head-down (butt on left side, legs on right side), and cervical check. Even though baby was no longer breech, I still had to see an ultrasound specialist for other reasons, primarily to check on my uterine fibroid. She checked baby's heart rhythm and rate (approximately 134 bpm), took various measurements, checked level of amniotic fluid, and determined location and current size of fibroid; they said they won't know if it will present a problem until I'm in labor.
37w2d: Prenatal massage.
37w5d: Sam and I went to Crittenton Hospital's annual Baby Fair. I found out later that I won a newborn photography session, but it would have taken place at Crittenton, which is not where I delivered, and it didn't make sense for me to bring Ava there after the fact. Plus, in hindsight, considering how hard the adjustment was for me, it never would have happened.
Symptoms: Increased discomfort at night, pressure against right ribcage, acid reflux.

Ava's profile at 37w0d

Pouty lips

Post-brunch, pre-baby fair at 37w5d
(I didn't know that I would match our brunch spot!)

Info and goodies gained from Crittenton Hospital's Baby Fair

38 Weeks

Baby is the size of a pumpkin.
She is slowly shedding vernix caseosa and lanugo; her head is about the same circumference as her abdomen, and may have an inch or so of hair.
Appointment at 38w1d: Urine screen, weight, and blood pressure taken. NP measured me, checked heart rate (approximately 130 bpm), felt to confirm baby was still head-down, and performed cervical check.
38w2d: Sam's coworkers threw him a surprise man baby shower at Rochester Mills Beer Co.
38w4d: We went to a Halloween party at Main Street Billiards.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions.
Cravings: Everything bagel with veggie cream cheese, thin crust pizza.

Tiara, feather boa, Glenlivet, and U of M baby clothes

My Halloween "costume," a moon to Sam's sun, at 38w4d

Pumpkin patch following a corn maze at 38w5d

39 Weeks

Baby is the size of a watermelon.
Her brain is still rapidly developing; her skin has taken on a paler shade thanks to a thicker layer of fat around the blood vessels; she can now flex her limbs; and her nails might extend past her fingertips.
Appointment at 39w0d: Urine screen, weight, and blood pressure taken. OB measured me, checked heart rate, felt to confirm baby is still head-down. Performed cervical check which showed that I was 1-1.5 cm dilated and cervix was softening. Performed ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels, and took measurements to estimate baby's weight at 6 lbs. 10 oz. I was put on fetal monitors for about 45 minutes because my OB was concerned about heart rate deceleration. Baby was very active and heart rate ranged from 130s-170s.
39w1d: I took an adult, child, and infant CPR class.
39w2d: Prenatal massage.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions and pre-labor contractions; acid reflux; extra fatigued despite finally getting longer, less interrupted sleep at night; increased trips to bathroom.
Cravings: Carrot cake.

I think this was at 39w5d

40 Weeks, Baby's Coming!

Baby is the size of a jackfruit.
Her hair and nails continue to grow, and her lungs keep developing.
Appointment at 40w0d (my due date): Urine screen, weight, and blood pressure taken. OB measured me, checked heart rate, performed cervical check with showed that I was around 2 cm dilated and cervix was softening, and stripped membranes a little to keep things moving along. Performed ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels, which were good, but told me that baby had not grown in the past few weeks and was measuring small (said it could be that I just won't have big babies, or possibly that my fibroid was keeping her from getting bigger). I was put on the fetal monitors for about 25 minutes (baby's heart rate ranged from 130s-150s) and had a contraction halfway through. Later that day, I received a call from the office to schedule me for an induction at 40w3d; a little later that evening, I received another call, telling me that after my OB reviewed an earlier ultrasound, she wanted me to get induced even sooner, at 40w1d, which was the next day.
Symptoms: Pre/early labor contractions; bloody show at 40w1d (induction date).

40w1d, at the hospital a day after my due date

"Pregnancy is like training your body for the biggest marathon of your life.
Your body could not ask more of you than this."
(Prenatal yoga class)

"The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything.
It's your mind you have to convince."

(Vince Lombardi)

Labor and Delivery

Pregnancy and childbirth are ancient, primal, and sacred, and at the same time, utterly commonplace. Every single one of us was birthed by a woman. Our bodies were built for this, right? When I was pregnant, I didn't worry or stress about labor and delivery, and I thought, "If this random lady at the grocery store could give birth to 3 kids, surely I can do it. I got this."

I gave birth to Ava Yejin Son on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 6:39 PM. She weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. and measured 20 inches long. She received very high Apgar scores (9/10, 9/10), which was a little surprising considered some of the drama that took place in the labor and delivery room. I've been unsure of how to share the story of Ava's birth without coming across as too negative or dramatic, especially since I'm sure my experience is similar to many others. It was fairly traumatizing to me at the time, as I had imagined a different experience, but I've accepted that this is how my daughter was meant to come into the world. Just like parenting books can't prepare you for parenthood, reading up on labor and delivery ultimately doesn't help much, if at all. I had always considered my birth plan to be very fluid and flexible, and good thing, because it went out the window. I still wish I had not had a scheduled induction -- since I believe all signs pointed towards me going into labor naturally that week -- but because my OB had serious concerns, I went to the hospital to be induced on Tuesday, November 11, the day after my due date.

Below is some of what happened during the 22 hours at the hospital before Ava was born:
I received IV fluids and Pitocin. My body does not do well with IVs. I'd rather have a spinal injection any day, seriously. / Ava's heart rate repeatedly dropped or stopped registering on the fetal monitors, and all of the medical staff on the floor rushed in like a Grey's Anatomy episode. After I moved to my hands and knees -- extremely difficult for a full-term pregnant woman in labor -- had the Pitocin drip stopped, and was given an oxygen mask to breathe, they had to reach in to stimulate Ava's head, and ended up screwing in a metal eletronic monitor into her scalp. When her heart rate went back up, they started the Pitocin again. / This entire scenario happened 3 separate times. / Each time, after everything was stabilized, the oxygen mask was kept on me for 20 minutes or so and the Pitocin was increased slowly to avoid distressing the baby. / My doctor and one of the nurses got into an argument about the levels of Pitocin I was getting, and later on we were told that the nurse had to go home because "she hurt her back," but of course we knew the truth. / I got an epidural about 10 hours in, but it did not really work to dull the pressure or pain, of which I felt a great deal. / Sam says it was incredible that I gave birth vaginally, because my Bishop score indicated that I would most likely require an emergency C-section, which I did not know. / Ava came out with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, which I also was not told until later. Thank God the nuchal cord didn't cause any injuries, or worse. / Though the epidural did not succeed in blocking pain, the entire left side of my body was completely numb and I could not move, stand, or walk on my own for almost 2 days, and remained partially numb for around 6 months (I only recently noticed that the numbness is gone). At my 6 week postpartum appointment, my OB had said it must be a nerve issue. I found out later that it was likely lumbosacral plexopathy, nerve injuries to the spine and lower extremities.

Despite all this, I was actually very calm during my whole labor and delivery, as the doctors and nurses noted. What can I say, I guess I'm just a mellow person. I'm grateful to the medical staff for doing their best to keep me and Ava healthy while also managing to help me deliver her without surgery, knowing that was unlikely. I won't even go into detail about my recovery, which was very slow-going and in some ways more traumatizing. I know every mother has a different and unique experience -- some wonderful and beautiful and some not so much so -- but I feel it's important to keep it real and be honest with mine. Was it worth it? Absolutely; I've always wanted to be a mom and I love Ava like crazy. Would I do it all again? If you had asked me then, I might have said maybe not. But the more time that passes, and the more I am enjoying the end result, I have to say that I definitely want at least 1 more baby.

Labor and delivery room

Fresh from the womb. Poor baby went through a lot!

Baby Girl Son

After her antibiotic eye drops

Spending time with Mommy

Hi Daddy

She was so quiet that 1st night...
My how things have changed!

Close-ups of her little feet, ears, hands, nose, mouth.
She has as much hair now as she did then, maybe less!

Going Home

I was discharged from the hospital on Friday, and Sam and I took our little baby bundle home. My parents flew in from NY the day after I delivered, and my sister flew in the day I was discharged. They couldn't stay long, but I'm glad they all got to meet Ava right after she was born. They saw her again in February when we went to visit NY.

Going home from the hospital

Note and drawing from Peter, my nephew

For at least a month after Ava was born, my mother-in-law had me eating traditional Korean postpartum foods everyday like seaweed soup, red bean rice porridge, pumpkin porridge with and without rice dumplings, and high-protein foods like hard-boiled eggs. I didn't strictly follow all of the Korean postpartum recovery rituals, but I did stay inside for 1 month -- aside from pediatric visits -- and avoided spicy, hard, or cold foods and beverages, including ice, for longer. I couldn't wear socks for a week because my feet were too swollen, but after the swelling went down, I kept my feet warm and covered. I did not intentionally limit activity or showers, but it was really difficult for me to do much of either for a while.

The only foods I really missed eating during pregnancy were runny eggs (poached or fried, like Benedict or sunny-side up) and smoked salmon (on bagels), and I also craved raw cookie dough. I'm happy to report that I've enjoyed all of the above in the past months since Ava's birth.

Seaweed soup with chicken, red bean rice porridge, eggs, and pumpkin porridge

Lactation cookies and Mother's Milk tea

I continue to eat a lot -- I always have and probably always will -- and I have to because I'm exclusively breastfeeding. I think the notion that you lose weight quickly or easily if you breastfeed is misleading. You definitely burn a lot of calories, but you need to take in a lot more. I was weighed at my 6 week postpartum appointment, and at that point I had lost about 20 of the 30 pounds I gained, but since then I think I've gained back a few. Losing weight is the last thing on my mind right now. It takes 9 months to gain the weight, I figure it can take at least the same to lose it, especially when your focus is on having the energy and milk supply to feed your baby and keep her healthy. When I scarf down too much pizza and cookies, or shovel protein bars into my mouth in the middle of the night, I say, "This is for you, Ava."

Breastfeeding has been really important to me, but it's also been the hardest and most demanding job I've ever had. If being a mom is a full-time job, and being a stay-at-home-mom is a full-time job on top of that, then being an exclusively breastfeeding mom is yet another full-time job on top of that! Literally; the first few months I spent 8 hours a day nursing Ava. Like labor, like childbirth, like parenthood, breastfeeding is something you really don't understand until you experience it yourself. I could write a dedicated blog post about our breastfeeding journey, which has been full of ups and downs -- nothing with this child has been easy, let me tell you -- but I'm proud of how far we've come, that we've surpassed 6 months, and I hope to be able to continue for at least another 6 months.

There you have it, the end of my pregnancy through the very beginning of Ava's life, in a nutshell. We just took family photos to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary, Ava's 1/2 birthday outside the womb, and our final month in Michigan before we move back to the east coast. Stay tuned, because there is so much more to say. And there is so much to do over the next few weeks!

Getting Ready for Baby

2014-10-29T12:26:00.000-04:00

"One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving."

(Paulo Coelho)

To give a brief update to my last post, I have good news: My OB said that whatever I had been doing worked because Ava, who was full-term breech, turned and is now head-down, so thank you for your thoughts and prayers! I was very conflicted about having an external cephalic version (ECV) -- which would require an epidural and other medications, is only 50% effective, and can have serious risks -- and wanted to avoid additional medical interventions, so I did everything I could to get the baby in a vertex position: inversions, shoulder stands, and yoga cat/cow/downward dog poses; using music and light, and ice and heat; praying; talking to her; manually trying to move her; and finally visiting a chiropractor for the Webster Technique. The chiropractor -- who I'm planning to see again before birth and then again several weeks afterwards -- was the one who told me she thought Ava might have flipped so until I could get ultrasound confirmation I should hold off on continuing the various techniques. My OB performed an ultrasound confirming that my chiropractor was right. But anything can happen between now and my due date, and I still needed to see an ultrasound specialist because there is another issue that could present a problem during birth, but we won't know until I'm in labor so I'm not worrying about it now.

So here we are, and my due date is rapidly approaching! By this point, most pregnant women feel that time is dragging on. I'm very excited to meet our baby girl, but to me it's all still going by so quickly.

In just the past several days, I was able to pull together the baby room, though she probably won't actually stay in there for a while. My mother-in-law's church friend passed along a crib to us, which I wasn't expecting -- I hadn't planned on having any real nursery furniture (e.g. crib, chair, changing table, dresser, etc.), and was only going to use our Graco Pack 'n Play Day2Night Sleep System, which we ended up putting in our bedroom -- and finally, after months of consideration, I decided to buy a swivel glider/recliner chair from Overstock.com when it was on sale, which arrived on Friday. Please see below for photos of my recent progress preparing for our baby's arrival.

Our Bedroom Baby Station

The Graco Pack 'n Play with bassinet, napper, and changing station is in our bedroom, since we put the crib in the baby room. It's stocked with newborn-size Honest Company diapers, Size 1 Pampers, 99.9% pure WaterWipes, Boogie Wipes, tissues, Desitin and A&D cream, Vaseline, Aquaphor, and hand sanitizer. We also have Huggies diapers and Kirkland wipes that my mother-in-law picked up at Costco, so I'll have to see which brands works best for our little one. I've heard good things about Target's up&up diapers, so we'll try those too at some point.

Portable Pack 'n Play Sleep System

Bassinet

Side view... shoved in by the glass doors

Diapers and more underneath changing table

Adorable diapers in a basket I crocheted

Other Baby Supplies

I bought a 2-tiered non-skid turntable to hold baby bath, body, and health supplies, which are now in the bathroom. A good friend gifted me with a 3-month bundle subscription to The Honest Company, hence all the great Honest supplies.

Bath, body, and health supplies

Some of my Honest Company stash

More baby-care items

Gender Neutral-ish Nursery

The baby room is decorated in mostly grey, white, and aqua to complement the seafoam-colored walls. I wanted it to be on the more gender neutral side, but it's still pretty girlie after all, with the pink accents. I transitioned the room from my brother-in-law's old bedroom, to my home office after moving here, and now to a baby girl's room. I moved the twin bed to the other side of the room, and originally was going to paint the headboard shelving white, but would have had to detach it from the bed frame, which seemed like too much work. Then we were given the crib -- which came with the teddy bear mobile -- from my mother-in-law's friends, so I decided I would definitely not bother painting anything.

Grey, white, and aqua with seafoam-colored walls

Crib holding my collection of Boppy pregnancy pillows

Walls decals I arranged

Comfy swivel rocker/recliner, grey striped rug, and bed

Headboard with books, blocks, and baby crafts

I'll try to post about baby crafts separately

Grey and white memo board with maternity photos

Girlfriend has a bigger and more colorful wardrobe than I do

Some of her cute little shoes, socks, bibs, etc.

Closet dividers to organize clothing by months

PJs, bear suits, leggings, swaddlers, blankets, and more

Hooded towels hanging on inside of room door

Door latch stoppers in cute prints

Hospital Bags

I packed up a couple of bags for the hospital, including the baby bag and my bag. The baby bag contains hats, socks, a couple of simple sack-style one-pieces, receiving blankets, her going home outfit, baby book cards for footprints, nursing pillow cover (my sister is sending me the pillow), Itzbeen Pocket Nanny Baby Care Timer, hand sanitizer, large zip-top bag, a "0" candle, and a little crocheted garland.

Baby bag items to bring to hospital

Newborn hat, outfits, and socks

Variety of cards for baby book, "0" candle, and baby-care tracker

Monogrammed going home outfit with hat, converter gown, and blanket

My mom bag contains a pillow, maternity gown, PJs, tops, yoga pants and leggings, undergarments, Belly Bandit, socks, on-sale Crocs flip flops and clogs to easily clean after being in the hospital, hair and body towels, toiletries, vitamins, and an extra zip-top bag. The hospital will provide other supplies, but I have stocked up on lots of postpartum products.

Items in my bag to bring to hospital

PJs and comfortable clothing

Towels, undergarments, footwear, and socks

Toiletries and vitamins

We still need to pack up the tech gear, general supplies, snacks, drinks, candy, and mints, nurses gifts, documents and records, plus my husband's things... and install the car seat!

List of remaining items to pack for hospital

Finally, below are links to 2 videos I've watched and enjoyed:

This is really cute and makes me cry every time!

"I'm So Pregnant" Iggy Azalea Parody.

Full-Term Update, Plus Great Things About Being Due in November

2014-10-20T08:55:00.001-04:00

"In case you ever foolishly forget; I am never not thinking of you."
(Virginia Woolf)

I'm 37 weeks along today, which means that baby girl is full-term now, but we have about 3 more weeks to go before she should really make her debut. The past week has been the most difficult for me of this otherwise great pregnancy. We're in good health -- I'm fine, the baby is fine -- but she's breech, so I have some decisions to make very quickly. There is a lot to take in and potentially let go of. In the meantime, I have been practicing various techniques and hoping that she turns. Only 3-4% of babies are breech at this point. Prayers welcome for me and my little troublemaker.

33 Weeks

Baby is the size of a durian.
She may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and is going through more major brain development; soon, she'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing; her bones are hardening, and she has started to keep her eyes open when awake.
33w1d: Heart rate of approximately 138 bpm.
Hospital obstetrical unit tour at 33w2d: It was very helpful to take an advanced trip to the hospital where I'll be delivering (and where my husband and his siblings were born), walk through the entire process, meet some of the staff, and have my questions answered. Compared to the major hospitals in NYC, this one is so nice, and has all private LDRs and postpartum rooms, which is a bonus. They are also opening a natural birth center soon.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, acid reflux, unusual dreams.

In Frankenmuth, Michigan's Little Bavaria, at 33w2d

My list of questions for the maternity ward tour

34 Weeks

Baby is the size of a butternut squash.
She can recognize and react to simple songs, and may find them soothing after birth; also urinates about 1 pint per day.
Appointment at 34w1d: Urine screen, weight, and blood pressure taken. Baby's heart rate approximately 140 bpm; measuring perfectly.
34w2d: Prenatal massage.
Childbirth class at 34w5d: We took a childbirth preparation class at the home of a longtime L&D nurse who has worked at my hospital for around 35 years, has been teaching private classes for almost 30 years, and is highly recommended by my OB. Neither of them approve of the hospital-run childbirth classes, which staff outsiders who don't always know or give correct information.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, increased pelvic pressure for the past couple of weeks.
Cravings: Cheese, biscuits, scones, pumpkin donuts.

With my fwends at the liberry at 34w5d

35 Weeks

Baby is the size of a coconut.
She won't get much longer, but will put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth; her hearing is totally developed, and she responds best to high-pitched noises.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, with a couple of stronger ones; acid reflux.
Cravings: Indian food, warm pastries.

In Detroit for dinner at 35w5d

36 Weeks

Baby is the size of a honeydew.
Her skin is getting smooth and soft, gums are rigid, liver and kidneys are in working order, and circulation and immune system are good to go; and she's getting closer to being able to breathe on her own.
Began eating a few Medjool dates per day and continued drinking pregnancy tea.
Appointment at 36w1d: Urine screen, Group Beta Strep test, weight, and blood pressure taken. Baby is measuring perfectly; heart rate of approximately 147 bpm. Received a phone call at the end of the day, asking to come in the next day for an ultrasound.
Appointment at 36w2d: Blood pressure taken. OB performed an ultrasound and confirmed that baby is in a frank breech position, with head up on the left, spine towards the left, butt on the bottom, and legs towards the right. October 15 is also annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, with some stronger cramping; hip and leg soreness overnight.

Chilly autumn evening at 36w5d

Great Things About Being Due in November

To end on a positive note, below is my list of reasons to look forward to having a November or autumn baby:

Fall maternity photos.
Apple and pumpkin flavors, comfort food, fall everything.
Not having the last few months of pregnancy during the hottest time of the year.
Lots of time to wear roomy, thick clothes, and oversized sweaters.
Sharing the holiday season with a newborn.
Something amazing to be thankful for.
Baby's 1st Thanksgiving.
Baby's 1st Christmas.
Baby's 1st Christmas ornament.
Christmas cards doubling as birth announcements.
Staying home for the holidays, rather than running around for travel, shopping, etc.
Being able to hibernate and be less social/stressed.
Enjoying holiday coffee drinks, New Year's Eve champagne.
Cozy newborn and family snuggles during the cold winter months.
Not overheating when babywearing.
Not working during the holidays.
2014 tax deduction.
Being in Michigan this year, it will be nice to have things quieter and slower paced and be able to do what we want.
Baby will be big/old enough to enjoy spring/summer outings, swimming, etc. when the weather gets warm.

Our Maternity Photo Session at Heritage Park

2014-10-08T13:14:00.000-04:00

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."
(Audrey Hepburn)

We recently did a maternity photo shoot at Heritage Park in Farmington Hills, MI with Lisa of Turtle Street Photography. We were lucky that the weather was ideal for September -- not too warm, chilly, or windy, with late-day sun -- and Lisa made us feel very comfortable, even though I was definitely out of my comfort zone. And, it turns out that her husband went to middle school with my husband! That night, they looked each other up in their old yearbooks.

We did everything quickly, within an hour or so, including 3 outfits for me and 2 for Sam. I wore: 1) a royal blue one-shoulder Mark & James by Badgley Mischka dress, 2) an ivory lace maternity gown from SilkFairies with a floral maternity sash from PaisleysPretties (both via Etsy), and 3) a sheer burgundy printed open cardigan and solid tank top from Motherhood Maternity with Old Navy jeans; all with different shoes and jewelry, though I ended up kicking off my shoes in the 2nd segment. To coordinate, Sam wore a dressier outfit and then changed into a more casual one.

Interestingly, I was most comfortable with the photos taken in the maternity gown, which I had thought would feel unnatural, given that it's not my usual style of dress/undress. I felt literally close to the earth though, and didn't focus on smiling or posing or even interacting with Sam, but was able to stand/sit/lay there and just be for a short while.

Huge as I may be, I'm happy to have some nice images to commemorate the near-end of my pregnancy. Not much longer before we meet our baby girl, the silent star of these photos!

3rd Trimester: 27 to 32 Weeks, Including My Baby Shower

2014-09-20T12:13:00.000-04:00

"Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch."

(E.B. White, Charlotte's Web)

I've said this before, but it's astounding how quickly this pregnancy has moved along. I'm at almost 33 weeks now, so there are only 4 more weeks until I'm considered full-term!

I'm barely at the stage where I've been thinking about actual labor and childbirth and bringing home baby, so I need to get up to speed, but I don't want to fill my head with too many perspectives or negative experiences. Oftentimes, our minds get in the way of our bodies, but we have to remember that our bodies are designed for this. My prenatal yoga instructor is a doula and childbirth educator, and she said that some of the "easiest" or least complicated birth stories involve either very young moms who haven't really done much research, or moms with mental challenges who can't or don't overthink the process. I want to be well-informed, but not overly so, so that I can have my own unique experience. I'll have a basic birth plan, but will ultimately go with the flow and do what is best for my baby and myself, not being too adamant about sticking to any pre-set ideas.

Aside from backaches and major issues sleeping -- which I'll chalk up to God getting me used to sleepless nights -- this pregnancy has been quite uneventful in a good way. Still, I have fears and anxieties that haven't gone away, and probably won't until at least after I give birth. I sometimes worry about her movements stopping and her heart ceasing to beat. I'm nervous to get the room we're going to use for her ready, and to unpack all of the lovely and generous gifts we've received and items we've purchased because I'm afraid something bad will happen and we'll have to return them. Overall, however, I'm happy and excited and I think I just need to de-clutter and organize and that might give me a little peace. Over the next few weeks, you'll find me nesting and preparing to welcome our baby girl. I've been working on some baby crafts, which I plan to post about soon.

Below are some details and photos from the beginning of my 3rd trimester until now.

27 Weeks, Start of 3rd Trimester

Baby is the size of a rutabaga.
Her lungs are going through major developments, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means she's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling.
I started drinking organic pregnancy tea -- containing red raspberry leaf, strawberry leaf, stinging nettle leaf, and a blend of spearmint leaf, bitter fennel fruit, rose hip, alfalfa leaf, and lemon verbena leaf -- which is suppose to help to support pregnancy and prepare the womb for childbirth; and reading my one book on pregnancy, labor, and childbirth that I've had for a while now, Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.
27w4d: Heart rate of approximately 147 bpm. I also noticed movement on the outside of my belly today, which felt like little people doing the wave, or hot tub jets, and turned me into a real shape-shifter.
Symptoms: Acid reflux with mild, brief nausea when getting up from lying down position; series of memorable dreams.
Cravings: Grilled or fried cheese (sandwiches, mozzarella sticks); candy (gummy/sour gummy candies are my favorite); chocolate (I'm pretty much always in the mood for cookies 'n cream ice cream or cookie dough flavors).

27w1d during our mini babymoon to Mackinac Island

Pregnancy tea and book

28 Weeks

Baby is the size of an eggplant.
She is breathing and showing brain activity, lungs are maturing, and skin is still pretty wrinkly (from living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.
Gestational diabetes screen at 28w2d: Drank fruit punch-flavored glucola beverage at home and then went into the office; weight, urine screen, blood pressure taken, and 2 tubes of blood drawn. OB answered some questions about the flu shot, Tdap vaccine, and pediatricians, and then measured my fundal height and checked baby's heart rate, which was 156 bpm (a little higher than usual because of the glucose drink), and told me to return in 2 weeks. After the appointment, Sam and I got our flu shots at CVS.
This was the first week I had strangers ask about and congratulate me on my pregnancy, and store employees ask if I needed help taking groceries to the car.
Symptoms: Round ligament pain, insomnia, heartburn/acid reflux at night.

Glucose drink for screening at 28w2d

Post-bagel outing in downtown Detroit at 28w5d

29 Weeks

Baby is the size of an acorn squash.
Her energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath the skin, and she's growing fast (weight will triple before birth).
3D ultrasound at 29w0d: Note that dark areas in the photos below are shadows from fluid, or areas where she was pressed up against the placenta or my hip bone, which she was snuggling and wouldn't budge from! I used to think 3D ultrasounds were a little creepy because the babies often looked alien-like, but I'm so glad we got an early look at our baby.
29w6d: Heart rate of approximately 143 bpm.
Cravings: Animal crackers, chocolate Teddy Grahams.

I already think she's the cutest!

Outside of a Toledo, OH mall at 29w2d

30 Weeks, 75% There!

Baby is the size of a cucumber.
She is moving a lot and plumping up; skin is smoothing out; increased surface area of grooves and indentations in her brain making more room for essential brain tissue; and her grip is strong enough to grasp a finger.
Appointment at 30w1d: Weight, urine screen, and blood pressure taken; Tdap vaccine received. Nurse practitioner checked baby's heart rate, which was approximately 138-140 bpm, and measured my fundal height. She said that the main concern in pregnancy at this point is preterm labor: If my belly gets tight and hard and cramping occurs, increase water intake, get off feet, lie down on left side, check for movement; and if tightening/cramping occurs 5-6 times or more in an hour, call the office or go to the hospital.
30w2d: Prenatal massage.
Symptoms: Tightening pain, most likely Braxton Hicks contractions.
We went to NY at the end of this week for our friends' wedding as well as my baby shower, which my sister and sister-in-law hosted at Francois Payard's FP Patisserie on Manhattan's Upper East Side. I also got to meet my friend Angela's brand new baby girl, and have dinner with my family before I returned to Michigan.

Sunglasses to protect eyes from the glare of my pasty legs at 30w2d

30w5d, dressed up for the wedding and looking huge!

My Baby Shower

I need to figure out how to use my camera settings for better photos, but please see below for several shots from my baby shower at Francois Payard Patisserie 2 weeks ago. The "Ready to Pop" theme was carried out in the invitations, the prizes (mini Pommery Pink Pop Rosé Champagne and Essie Poppy Art Pink nail polish), and the popcorn favors.

Ready to Pop invite from Le Partie Sugar

Me with the hostesses, Grace and Maureen

Table setting with wish cards and menus

A handful of the handwritten wish cards

Unsure of our answers during one of the games

Baby headband-making station

So many flowers, embellishments, and colors

Some of the ladies' adorable creations

Speaking of adorable, how cute is this?

Beautiful flowers, tea, and mini pastries

More food, including scones, tea sandwiches, and macaron ice cream sandwiches!

3 delicious favor flavors from Popcorn Palace

Parting gifts from FP Patisserie: a box of macarons and orange peel breakfast brioche

31 Weeks

Baby is the size of a pineapple.
She is going through major brain and nerve development; eye development, as irises now react to light; and all 5 senses are in working order.
Consultation appointment with prospective pediatric specialists at 31w2d: Spoke with a couple of medical staff members and saw the office and patient areas.
31w4d: Heart rate of approximately 149 bpm.
Symptoms: Backaches; Braxton Hicks contractions; some discomfort from lots of movement that felt different (starting the evening of 31w1d) -- the best way I can describe the feeling is that it is like when you try to twist an inflated balloon, but you meet resistance and aren't sure it will twist successfully -- since baby is running out of space and trying to get comfy herself.
Cravings: With the drop in temperatures, apple cider donuts and hot chocolate, as well as grilled cheese and brownies.

31w5d at Trader Joe's... Yikes, baby is the size of a pineapple?

32 Weeks

Baby is the size of a squash.
She is getting ready to emerge, and has even less space as she tries to fit in my increasingly cramped womb and prepare for her eventual descent.
Appointment at 32w0d: Urine screen, weight, and blood pressure taken. OB measured my fundal height, and checked baby's heart rate, which was 150 bpm, and told me that this is usually the time when things get more uncomfortable.
32w0d: I took a short video clip of her movement (which I'll try to post here when I get the chance).
32w2d: We had professional maternity photos taken this week by Lisa of Turtle Street Photography. I'm always uncomfortable in front of a camera, but I hope we managed to get some nice photos to remember this special time.
Symptoms: Back aches, Braxton Hicks contractions, series of memorable dreams.

32w4d and enjoying the beautiful transitional weather

I look back on previous pregnancy posts, when I couldn't imagine how I could possibly get larger, but the expansion keeps happening... It's like Manifest Destiny within my body.

Coming up, we'll be taking a tour of the obstetrical unit, since I've never been to the hospital where I'm going to deliver, and a day-long childbirth class with an experienced L&D nurse, and I want to schedule an infant and child CPR class as well. And I need to pack our hospital bags: one for me (L&D/recovery), one for Sam (personal items/tech bag), and one for Ava (baby bag).

Thanks for reading if you made it this far with me!

Summer 2014 Michigan Eats

2014-09-10T16:28:00.000-04:00

"Shedding late-summer tears for the end of cherry season. Patiently and hopefully waiting for pumpkin pie season."

(Terri Guillemets)

Summer in Michigan has passed so quickly. I didn't do much cooking, but we ate at home a lot, and also went out to a good number of local and regional restaurants, which we probably won't get many chances to do later this fall and winter. Please see below for photos and links.

Summer Home Cooking

Chicken yakisoba (used soba noodles) and honey-ginger baked salmon (which I first made almost 2 years ago)

Cherry walnut chicken salad via Delish.com

Cherry lime galette prep

Cherry lime galette via Delish.com

Chopped Italian salad prep

Chopped Italian salad (minus salami and pasta)

No-prep veggie lasagna with grilled eggplant, zucchini, artichoke hearts, and spinach

Veggie lasagna (I'm like Garfield... I love lasagna!)

Southern peach and cinnamon cobbler prep

Peach and cinnamon cobbler

Blueberry coffee cake prep

Blueberry coffee cake

Buffalo chicken pizza with shaved celery salad prep

Buffalo chicken pizza with shaved celery salad

Frozen pink lemonade pie prep

Pink lemonade pie

"Better than Augusta egg salad" prep

Egg salad

Tuna salad and cheese roll-ups prep

Tuna salad and cheese roll-ups

"The Best Zucchini Bread" recipe with orange zest and cinnamon

Zucchini bread

Summer Meals by Local and Regional Restaurants, Chains, and Food Trucks

American: Ashley's (Ann Arbor), Bubba's Restaurant & Bar (Traverse City), Coach Insignia, Comerica Park, Friends with Food (Traverse City), Griffin Claw Brewing Company, Kruse & Muer on Wilshire, Oakland Hills Country Club, Social Kitchen & Bar, Toast

Fried lobster corn dogs at Coach Insignia

Comerica Park treats, including maple bacon-on-a-stick, elephant ear, and Tiger Traxx ice cream cone

Faygo Rock & Rye at Griffin Claw Brewing Company

Yummy meal at Social Kitchen & Bar, ending with banana pudding

Asian Fusion: BD's Mongolian Grill, Tomokun Noodle Bar (Ann Arbor)

Cold hiyashi soba and pho ramen at Tomukun Noodle Bar

Bagels: Detroit Institute of Bagels

Bagels and more at Detroit Institute of Bagels

Bakeries: Grand Traverse Pie Company (Traverse City)
Barbeque: Pigs Eatin' Ribs (Traverse City)
Burgers: Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern
Coffee & Tea: Bubble Island (Ann Arbor), Teahaus (Ann Arbor)

Scone plate and refreshing iced teas at Teahaus

Cookies: Insomnia Cookies (Ann Arbor)
Cupcakes: Cupcake Station (Ann Arbor)
Delis: CityScape Deli, Maize and Blue Deli (Ann Arbor), Steve's Deli, Zingerman's Delicatessen (Ann Arbor)

Delicious sandwiches and sides at Zingerman's Delicatessen

Diners: Kerby's Koney Island, Leo's Coney Island
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt: Stroh's Ice Cream Parlour, Sweet Earth

Superman ice cream cone at Stroh's Ice Cream Parlour

Various frozen yogurt flavors and toppings at Sweet Earth

Japanese/Sushi: Ajishin, Saica (Ann Arbor)

Long lines but worth the wait at Ajishin

Korean: New Seoul Garden
Mediterranean: Elie's Mediterranean Grill & Bar
Mexican: Huerto Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Mex, Rojo Mexican Bistro

Mexican meal at Mex, ending with avocado icebox pie

Sandwiches: Olga's Kitchen

Wraps, fries, and three cheese bites at Olga's Kitchen

Thai: New Bangkok Thai Bistro, Sy Thai Cafe

Tasty Thai at New Bangkok Thai Bistro

Though not limited to Michigan, I've also been to Arby's, Jimmy John's, and Little Caesars here (pizza pizza!). You don't really see those in the NY area, at least where I used to be.

Pizza and crazy bread from Little Caesars

To take a look at my past 2 years of food in Brooklyn, check back on previous posts:
Summer 2012 Brooklyn Eats, Fall 2012 Brooklyn Eat, Winter 2012/2013 Brooklyn Eats, Spring 2013 Brooklyn Eats, Summer 2013 Brooklyn Eats, Fall 2013 Brooklyn Eats, Winter 2013/2014 Brooklyn Eats, Spring 2014 Brooklyn Eats

Now that we've gotten all of the above out of the way, bring on everything pumpkin!

Mackinac Island Mini Babymoon and More Midwest Summer Trips

2014-08-30T00:31:00.002-04:00

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."

(John Steinbeck)

I know it's still summer, but autumn and then winter will come quickly, so before the baby arrives and the Michigan snow falls, we've been trying to take quick but fun nearby trips here and there. We visited family in the Chicago area over 4th of July weekend, went to Traverse City, Michigan the weekend after that, and just came back from a quick trip to Toledo, Ohio where my husband took a 2-day exam and I explored local activities.

I'm due in November but we already had a mini babymoon too, our last little getaway before our family of 2 becomes of family of 3. September and October will be very busy and we couldn't find the time to do anything then, so almost 3 weeks ago -- at the start of my 3rd trimester -- we drove upstate to Mackinaw City and took the ferry over to Mackinac Island (pronounced MAK-in-aw).

I was originally going to break these up into 2 posts, but please see below for lots of photos from our regional trips and then from Mackinac Island. I shared a couple of bump photos from Chicago and Traverse City in my last post, "2nd Half of 2nd Trimester in My Build-A-Baby Workshop", and I'm also reposting some Instagram photos. Since it's so photo-heavy, I won't add any commentary other than basic captions.

Chicago over 4th of July Weekend

Sam with Micah and Christina

Isaiah

Pool party at my sister-in-law Grace's friend's house

Blackened tofu, BBQ chicken, and sesame-chili shrimp Korean tacos at Del Seoul

Traverse City, Michigan

Our hotel was right next to downtown Traverse City

Food truck dinner included my cherry BBQ pulled chicken sandwich

Traverse City is the cherry capital of the world

Enjoying the annual National Cherry Festival and cherry pie a la mode

Lots of cherry goodies, including cherry peanut butter

National Cherry Festival Parade

Picking sweet cherries at Rennie Orchards

We picked and bought 9 lbs. of cherries

Visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

After a sandy hike up the 110 ft.+ high Dune Climb

Toledo, Ohio

Toledo Museum of Art

The Art of Video Games, a current exhibition

Fun & Games: The Pursuit of Leisure, a current exhibition

Some of TMA's collection highlights (Glass Pavilion was closed)

Museum Cafe was really good, and QQ Kitchen take-out was tasty

Toledo Botanical Garden's beautiful grounds

Lovely Globe Centaurea

Stunning dahlias

More vibrant dahlias

Pretty roses

Vegetable garden

Polar bears, seals, hippos, and African penguins at the Toledo Zoo

Giraffes and zebras

Elephants

Zoo graffiti

Mackinac Island Mini Babymoon

Mackinac Island in Lake Huron

On the ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island

Round Island Lighthouse

Approaching the island

Lots of horses and bicycles, and no motorized vehicles

Cute bicycle planter

#mackinacisland #michiganlife #puremichigan

Mission Point Resort, where we stayed

Lakefront mini golf, and a not-so-super supermoon

About to embark on a 2-hour-long bike ride along the shoreline of the island

Bumping on a bike (carefully, of course)

Rock cairns along the coast

Me and Sam

Arch Rock

Fudge and sweet treats at Sanders, Ryba's, May's, Murdick's, and Joann's

Joann's won my own taste test, so I bought dark chocolate nut fudge to take home

Food we ate at Mission Point Resort

S'mores, carrot cake cheesecake, "coffee and donuts," and a giant cookie and brownie

The 2nd day, when we left, was very rainy but I wanted to go out on the lawn

Historic churches/chapels on Mackinac Island

Horse-drawn carriage with Fort Mackinac in background

Visit to Fort Mackinac

View of Mackinac Island marina

My belly is getting huge!

Sam at Fort Mackinac

Ferry back to Mackinaw City

As excited as I am to get closer to meeting my baby girl, I am not feeling ready. In the meantime, I'm trying to soak in these last moments of summer, and hope that time will go by slowly. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

2nd Half of 2nd Trimester in My Build-A-Baby Workshop

2014-08-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

"Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be."

(Carrie Fisher)

Or, from a different perspective:

"A ship under sail and a big-bellied woman,

Are the handsomest two things that can be seen common."

(Benjamin Franklin)

Too bad I'm just a staff of 1, because my Build-A-Baby Workshop is expanding and operating overtime.

I'm still getting used to this ever-growing belly, and it's still hard for me to believe that I'm this pregnant. Nearly 26 weeks down and 14 or less to go means hello, 3rd trimester! The summer is flying by -- I've been in Michigan for almost 8 weeks already -- and I'm trying my best to really be present during this time and savor all of the memories: the good, the bad, and the sometimes not so pretty.

Before I break it down week-by-week, below is a summary of some updates from the past 6 weeks following the halfway mark of my pregnancy:

I started using the Boppy Contoured Pregnancy Wedge, a mini pregnancy pillow, which helps to keep me from tossing and turning at night. It would be great if it were made of memory foam, since it's a little hard and unyielding, but it's portable and less expensive than those large pregnancy body pillows.
I began doing prenatal yoga at Karma Yoga. The classes are calming and peaceful -- and a nice way to connect mind and body with baby -- and involve poses to increase flexibility, lower body stretches and hip-opening movements, and plenty of breathing and relaxation meditations.
I joined the Member Benefits Program at LaVida Massage, which offers discounts that my husband has taken advantage of too, since he gets occasional back spasms. 9 reasons pregnancy massage is good during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, according to Fit Pregnancy:

Enhances the circulation of blood.
Calms nervous system.
Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures.
Stabilizes hormones.
Decreases blood pressure for both mother and baby.
Increases blood flow to uterus, placenta, and heart.
Enhances proper posture and alignment.
Alleviates common pregnancy physical complaints and ailments.
Time of self-nurturing.

I feel lots of great little kicks and jabs, and periodically listen to my baby girl's heartbeat on a borrowed BabyBeat fetal doppler, since I went longer than usual between appointments after moving from NY to Michigan and needing to find a new doctor, and it took me a while to figure out if the baby's movements were actually movements. I realized I started feeling slight flutters around 16 weeks, but it wasn't until 20 weeks that I was sure enough it was the baby.
I couldn't resist, and have been buying baby clothes and accessories -- even though I've said that I don't want to buy her any new clothing and she can just wear hand-me-downs as an infant -- and also sorted through and selected some gently worn baby clothes from my sister and sister-in-law.
I finally broke into my maternity wardrobe. As I've mentioned in earlier posts ("Spring Things..." and "Half-Baked and It's a Girl!"), most of my maternity clothes are casual, from Gap, Old Navy, and Target, but I've added some items from ASOS and Motherhood Maternity, as well as a few hand-me-downs from my sister and sister-in-law.
I saw The Book of Mormon at the Detroit Opera House, spent 4th of July weekend in Chicago, picked cherries and enjoyed other fun things in and around Traverse City, MI, and traveled to NY for my friend Angela's baby shower and my nephew Peter's birthday party (the subject of my last post, "July Celebrations in NY/NJ").
After a month and a half with no doctor -- and also a period without health insurance, since I went part-time before we moved out of NY -- I met my new Michigan OB and had my first appointment with her.
Sam and I celebrated my birthday with dinner at Coach Insignia at the top of the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit.
I continued working remotely for my NYC nonprofit organizations, but just officially ended my employment, which is bittersweet.

We also have a name! Ava Yejin Son. We've actually known both the first name and middle name for a while, assuming we were having a girl, but wanted to confirm the sex before deciding.

I like the name Ava because it's simple and strong, but still feminine, and will work well in adulthood; and as my friend Vivien pointed out, it will be easy for her to learn how to spell, since a lot of kids switch their letters around. It is of different origins and uncertain meaning, but according to various sources, can mean "living one" in English (as a variant of the Hebrew name Eve), "desired" in German, "voice or sound" in Persian, or "like a bird" in Latin.

Yejin is her Korean name, which my mother-in-law already calls her. Ye refers to Jesus, and jin can mean "treasure or jewel," "truth," or "bright and beautiful," so she can signify a treasure or jewel and the bright and beautiful truth of Jesus.

21 Weeks

Baby is the size of a pomegranate.
As her digestive system preps for the outside world, she is manufacturing meconium, and her womb is already stocked up with a lifetime supply of 6 million eggs (which will drop to around 1 million by birth).
Symptoms: Heartburn.
Cravings: BBQ potato chips, cookie dough, cherries, watermelon.
Started using the pregnancy wedge pillow.
1st prenatal yoga class and prenatal massage at 21w1d.
21w5d: Heart rate of approximately 150 bpm (varying from around 148-153); recorded audio clip.

21w4d on the 4th of July in Hinsdale, IL

22 Weeks

Baby is the size of a papaya.
Is sleeping in cycles, about 12-14 hours a day; has more developed eyes and lips, looking even more like a newborn.
22w0d: Heart rate of 143-147 bpm.
Symptoms: Short-lived but sharp stomach pain (while at a Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park); belly feeling big and stretched out; shortness of breath when hiking up a sand dune at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Cravings: Cookies 'n cream ice cream, Starbucks Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappucino (I hadn't desired or ordered a frappucino in years).
Started wearing maternity clothes, as my regular clothing options were dwindling.
Sam was able to feel baby's kicks externally.

Picking cherries in Traverse City, MI at 22w5d

23 Weeks

Baby is the size of a grapefruit.
Face is fully formed; forming nipples; listening to our voices, my heartbeat, and loud outside sounds.
23w2d: Heart rate of approximately 145 bpm.
Symptoms: Aching back when trying to sleep.
Cravings: Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts.

Leaving for the airport to fly to NY at 23w3d

24 Weeks, V-Day!

Viability Day: Baby has higher chances of surviving outside the uterus if born prematurely at this point.
1st appointment with my new OB at 24w2d: Handed in pre-filled paperwork and past prenatal records, and filled out a risk assessment for Lynch Syndrome and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, and family genetic illness questionnaire; urine screen, weight and blood pressure taken; chatted with doctor, who then checked my lungs and heart, measured my belly (fundal height), checked baby's heartbeat (heart rate of approximately 152 bpm), and explained the glucose screen test at my next appointment, and the form for pre-registering at the hospital where I will deliver. Assistant gave me a choice of fruit punch or orange oral glucose tolerance beverages (50 g), or a bag of 20 large jelly beans, to take home -- I chose the fruit punch-flavored drink -- as well as the doctor's own Obstetrical Handbook for patients, then I filled out the hospital form and scheduled my appointment.
Baby is the size of a cantaloupe.
Almost a foot long; skin is becoming more opaque, and has a new pink glow from the small capillaries that have recently formed.
Symptoms: Tired and extra congested at night, maybe from the hectic traveling schedule over the weekend.

24w5d, smuggling a large melon

25 Weeks

Baby is the size of a cauliflower.
Sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and she knows which way is up and which is down; also growing more fat and more hair.
25w2d: Heart rate of approximately 145 bpm.
Symptoms: Short but sharp stomach pain (while walking into the public library) -- not as strong as at 22 weeks -- which is likely to be round ligament pain; heartburn.
Cravings: Cookie dough, brownies, caramel apples.

Birthday dinner overlooking the Detroit Riverfront at 25w5d

26 Weeks, 2/3 Done!

Baby is the size of a head of lettuce.
Her eyes will soon start to open, and eyelashes are now grown too; she's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up my antibodies; and she's taking breaths of amniotic fluid.
Started to feel small, firm lumps around the surface of my belly -- a tiny little foot, knee, fist, elbow, head, or bottom here and there -- which means there's less space for baby who is pushing against my uterus more, since she keeps getting bigger (currently 13.6 to 14.8 inches long). If I gently rub the area a little, she repositions.
26w2d: Prenatal massage; heart rate of approximately 148 bpm.

Evening stroll at 26w2d

Some moms or moms-to-be might disagree, but I wish things weren't moving along so quickly. I'm certainly not one of those mystical/mythical glowing pregnant women, but I think I'll be a little sad when it's over. I really have no complaints; I'm feeling good overall and so blessed and thankful for this experience.

At this point, I don't have any pregnancy stretch marks or linea nigra yet, and my belly button is still an "innie," but I know a lot can change now that I'm starting my 3rd trimester. I'm not a weigher and never have been, but most prenatal appointments include stepping on the scale, so I know I gained about 3-4 lbs. in my 1st trimester and around 11-12 lbs. in my 2nd trimester, for a total of approximately 15 lbs. so far. While I'm a non-exercising carb fiend with a daily ice cream habit, at least it seems like I should be on track for the average recommended weight gain of 25-35 lbs. overall. As long as the baby and I are healthy, that's all that matters.

I would love to take a tropical beach babymoon, but because of work and money, we're staying fairly local and will spend a couple of nights on Mackinac Island along Lake Huron in northern Michigan. We'll be lodging at Mission Point Resort, a bigger hotel than a bed-and-breakfast but still friendly and casual. I hope Baby A is safe, warm and cozy, well-fed and taken care of, and happy in her own little B&B, aka my belly! More to come...

July Celebrations in NY/NJ

2014-07-28T17:17:00.002-04:00

"My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones."

(Agnetha Faltskog)

Last weekend, I flew from Michigan to NY from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning to celebrate my friend Angela's baby shower and my nephew Peter's 5th birthday (see below for some photos). I had a hectic schedule but a great time, despite the fact that I stayed at 4 different places over 4 nights and didn't get much sleep at any one of them! It was nice spending time with my family and some friends, and next time I'm back I hope to see more people.

Angela's Monkey-Themed Baby Shower

Angela and I have been friends since 6th grade, and we're both pregnant now, expecting little girls! Of course I was thrilled to help Michelle, Angela's sister, co-host and plan the baby shower, even though it was mostly from afar. Many thanks to Leslie for making the tissue paper poms that were hung from the ceiling! (If the venue looks familiar, it's because it's where Angela and my other bridesmaids threw my bridal shower over 2 years ago.)

DIY elements transported from MI to put together in NY

Adorable diaper cake with monkey topper and infant outfit

Fabric poms (we ran out of fabric -- and time -- to make more than 2!)

Some eats and sweets (food from Carmine's, cake from Riviera Bakehouse)

Candy buffet favors, gift bags/tags, and flowers

Gifts, DIY onesie station, and some more decor

{Personalized monkey girl baby shower themed banner: Beau-coup Favors / Personalized monkey girl baby shower themed flags with straws: Beau-coup Favors / Pink girl monkey baby shower favor tag printables: adlyowlinvitations via Etsy / Diaper cake: 1.5" monkey ribbon from Offray; 7/8" Oh baby it's a girl! ribbon from Offray; pink mesh gem floral dimensional stickers from Jolee's Boutique; 12" pink damask cake boards from Wilton / Fabric poms: Printed pink and green fabrics from Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts; 4.5" white paper lanterns from Oriental Trading; hot pink bakers twine from Oriental Trading / DIY onesie decorating station: Assorted baby girl iron-on appliques from DianasCraftyCreation via Etsy; pink mini clothespins from Oriental Trading; white onesies from Gerber; white bibs from Koala Baby / Catering: Carmine's / Cake: Riviera Bakehouse / Additional food, sweets, and candy buffet items and servers: Stew Leonard's; Party City}

Peter's Star Wars-Themed Birthday Party

My precious nephew Peter turned 5! He's growing up so fast. Fortunately, I was in town during his birthday party and was able to see him run around and have fun with his little sister Ellie and his friends and cousins. He has lots of interests, but right now he is a big fan of Star Wars, Lego Star Wars, and Star Wars Angry Birds. My sister and brother-in-law held his party at Screamin' Parties in Paramus, NJ for the 2nd year, which made it really easy for them to sit back and do little to no planning or prep, besides sending out invitations and putting together awesome goody bags, and all of the kids had a great time.

One of the many activities at Screamin' Parties

Star Wars ice cream cake

Star Wars goody bags

Ellie, my niece, is already turning 2 in just over a month, and our niece Christina is turning 4 in a couple of weeks. Stop growing up, everybody!

I've been working at the Bloomfield Township Public Library all day because we lost power over 24 hours ago during a brief but crazy storm. Hopefully the power will be back before tomorrow morning.

Half-Baked and It's a Girl!

2014-06-30T12:47:00.000-04:00

"Pregnancy is a process that invites you to surrender to the unseen force behind all life."

(Judy Ford)

Yes, we're having a girl! According to some of the old wives tales and methods of determining the sex of the baby -- e.g. the Chinese gender predictor charts on TheBump and BabyCenter, and Parenting.com's "Am I Having A Boy or Girl? Fun Ways to Tell!" or JustMommies.com's "Girl or Boy: 9 Fun Ways to Predict Your Baby's Gender" (little to no morning sickness) -- we were supposed to have a boy, but we're both overjoyed and had a feeling we were having a little girl.

At 21 weeks, I'm now in the 2nd half of my pregnancy and more than halfway through my 2nd trimester, but as you'll see further below, I don't have many "bump watch"-type photos to share at the moment (but you can take a look at my last post for more photos of me during this time). Going forward, as my belly grows more, I'll do my best to keep up!

At this point, I feel like I've "popped" enough for strangers to at least notice that I have something going on in my midsection, but it still varies depending on what I'm wearing. I haven't dipped into my maternity wardrobe yet. I have some BellaBands, t-shirts, tanks, jeans, pants, and maxi dresses, but fortunately, my usual wardrobe consists of many stretchy clothes or long, loose cardigans, and most of my more casual warm-weather dresses can probably accommodate a 9-months-pregnant belly, so I should be good for the rest of the pregnancy with a mix of regular and maternity clothing.

I also haven't really had any significant cravings lately. I pretty much eat all the food, all the time. I admit that with all of my good intentions, I have not been very active yet, and now being out in the suburbs in Michigan while working from home it's even more challenging, but it's a goal of mine to get moving and eat healthier. At least I've gotten good at drinking plenty of water.

I would also love to get some prenatal pampering while I can! I know it's a luxury, but I wonder why for many of us, often the only times in our lives that we allow ourselves that luxury of massages, facials, or other spa services are when we are getting ready to get married or getting ready to have a baby. I've had the rare opportunity in the last couple of months to have a facial at Asanda Aveda Spa Lounge in Soho (using a Yelp coupon that Sam bought), a prenatal massage at Exhale Atlantic City (during our 2nd anniversary trip), and a mani/pedi at Bliss 49 at the W New York on Lexington Avenue (for my friend Jeannie's baby sprinkle).

But I'm not a stickler for fancy or expensive skincare products. I still use most of the same items as I did pre-pregnancy, and Sam and I continue to share our simple Neutrogena face wash and moisturizer. I'm not using a special stretch mark cream, but just my usual Shea Body Butter (mentioned in a previous post from last winter) -- ultimately, if I'm going to get stretch marks, there's not much I can do to prevent them -- and to spot-treat blemishes, I use tea tree oil products, also from The Body Shop.

14 Weeks, 2nd Trimester

2nd trimester officially began, though there are various ways to calculate trimesters (as mentioned in my "Bye-Bye, 1st Tri" post). It was at this time that I shared the pregnancy news more widely, and started drinking 1 cup of half-caff coffee from my Keurig machine each morning.
Baby is the size of a lemon.
Sucking thumb and wiggling toes, breathing amniotic fluid, while kidneys are making urine, and liver and spleen are doing their jobs.
After a visit to the Brooklyn Museum (mentioned along with a photo in my "Spring Things..." post), Sam and I went to the New York Baby Show with Angela, my mama-to-be friend, at the end of this week, just to take a look at various vendors, see what was out there, and get some free samples and tote bags.

Outside the Brooklyn Museum at 14w6d

Some nice products spotted at the New York Baby Show on May 18, 2014

15 Weeks

Baby is the size of a navel orange.
Squirming, wiggling, and hiccuping inside, and joints and limbs can all move.

16 Weeks

Baby is the size of an avocado.
Is listening to our voices, and growing hair, lashes, and eyebrows; tiny bones are forming in the ears and eyebrows.

17 Weeks

2nd trimester screen at 17w0d: 1 tube of blood drawn to test for neural tube defects; blood pressure taken, weight, heartbeat check. Referral to get Level 2 ultrasound/anatomy scan right before moving out of NYC, to check that baby is growing and developing properly, and to assess brain, face, heart, spine, and other major organs, and the placenta and umbilical cord.
Baby is the size of an onion.
Skeleton is hardening as cartilage turns to bone, umbilical cord is getting stronger and thicker, baby is putting on fat, and fingers and toes are now defined with one-of-a-kind prints.
Symptoms: Starting to feel more uncomfortable when trying to sleep at night, leg cramp (left calf), mild headaches.

18 Weeks

Level 2 ultrasound/anatomy scan at 18w4d: Took so many different measurements, too much to catch and remember. All I recall from memory is that everything looked good, baby had a heart rate of 147 bpm, and she is a girl!
I was given a copy of the results and a report -- as well as all records from this pregnancy, since I have to see a new doctor in Michigan -- and according to the report, "The contour of the fetal calvarium appeared normal in shape without identifiable defects. Intracranial structures were evaluated including a normal appearing choroid plexus and lateral ventricles. Normal size and shape of the cerebellum and cisterna magna, normal thalami and no deviation of the midline falx were noted. There was no evidence of excess nuchal fold thickness, cleft lip, or facial anomalies. Normal intra-abdominal anatomy was noted including stomach, diaphragm, umbilical cord insertion and an intact abdominal wall. Both kidneys and bladder were seen and appeared normal. Three vessels were documented in the umbilical cord. The anatomy of the fetal thorax appeared appropriate. Four symmetric cardiac chambers, LVOT, RVOT and Aortic Arch were identified. Cardiac rhythm was regular." EFW (estimated fetal weight) of 234 g or 0' 8".
Baby is the size of a sweet potato.
Yawns, hiccups, rolls, kicks, punches, sucks, twists, and swallows.
Symptoms: Minor leg cramp (left calf), feeling bigger.

Hands up by the face, like I sometimes sleep, at 18w4d

Here's a little foot

19 Weeks

Baby is the size of a mango.
Vernix caseosa coats baby's skin, shielding it from amniotic fluid.
Symptoms: Minor leg cramp (left calf).
Cravings: Ice cream, candy.
We moved from Brooklyn to Michigan this week, just 3 days after my anatomy scan. I'm glad I was able to have it done before leaving NYC.

20 Weeks, 50% There!

Baby is the size of a banana.
Gulping down amniotic fluid for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting; taste buds are working.
Symptoms: Foot cramp (right foot).
At the end of this week, we went to Ann Arbor to visit the University of Michigan, Sam's alma mater. We bought 2 maize-colored yellow onesies -- one with a little Hello Kitty on it, and one that looks like a football -- and a pair of polka-dotted baby socks.

My bun in the oven is half-baked at 20w1d

Visiting U of M in Ann Arbor at 20w5d

It's halfway through my pregnancy, as well as halfway through the year. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a human being can be created when things go right. 3 weeks from now will be 24 weeks, the point at which a fetus is officially considered viable outside the womb, and that is also when I have my first appointment with an OB in Michigan. Praying for our baby girl's continued health and well-being!

Spring Things, Including our 2nd Anniversary, Sam's Graduation, and Leaving Brooklyn

2014-06-21T12:54:00.000-04:00

"It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on infinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad."

(C.S. Lewis)

The past month, and the year to come, has and will be full of changes for my husband and me, as I've mentioned earlier. Change is good, but moving is the worst; not specifically leaving NY (though I can hardly believe it's been 2 years since we moved to Brooklyn), or coming to Michigan, but just the act of moving. We'll most likely have to relocate at least a couple more times before we settle into what will hopefully be our permanent home, and even though we just got to Michigan this week and still have a lot of unpacking to do, I'm already dreading the next move a year from now because we'll have everything we just shipped or drove out here, plus everything we stored in NY, plus whatever we pick up along the way this year, plus baby gear and clothes... oh, and plus a baby! To keep from stressing, I think I'm just going to try to avoid thinking about it for the next several months at least.

Today is the first day of summer -- and the longest day of the year -- so I wanted to post a spring update now while I still have some time. I haven't finished uploading and looking through some of the more recent photos on my older camera, but please see below for some highlights from the last few months.

Spring Occasions

We flew to Chicago over the first weekend in April to celebrate our nephew Micah's 1st birthday. We made M&M and jelly bean candy pillars -- I did the one for the year of the snake, and Sam did the ones on the side -- which we took as our carry-on. (The ones Sam made got a little battered and started falling apart... just saying...)

Happy birthday, Micah! (Image: Frenzi Visuals)

My sister-in-law Grace did an amazing job with the superhero theme

Back in NYC, we went to the Party Rental Ltd. Spring Open House in mid-April to check out their newer products and get some refreshments before dinner. There was a lot of food -- and a donut table! -- so had we known, we probably would have just stayed there and snacked for a couple of hours.

When you work on events with strict budgets, it's hard to get fancy rentals

Mmmm... donuts, drinks, and more food

My father bought us tickets to see La Bohème at the Metropolitan Opera, which we finally had the chance to do in April. I'm glad we were able to see this, Tosca, and The Magic Flute this past season.

La vie Bohème

The day before Mother's Day, some of my good friends and I went to Ladurée in Soho for brunch, afternoon tea, and French macarons. Thanks again, ladies, for a lovely time!

I ate literally everything

Our friends Julienne and Elliot invited us to the Queens Museum Gala in early June, which was a lot of fun. How could it not be, with an Andy Warhol-inspired photo booth and cotton candy for dessert? Elliot's father was honored at the event.

With our recently engaged friends

Cotton candy

We also went to the Hope For New York Spring Benefit, which was a nice event in support of the poor and marginalized in NYC, held at Hudson Common in the Hudson Hotel.

In addition to family and friends' birthdays, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, spring was also a time for baby showers (Heather and Jeannie), and a bridal shower and wedding (Emily). Congratulations, everyone! It was an honor to be part of your special days.

Ushering, with my friend Leslie as receptionist

I snuck in for a moment to capture Sam singing his solo for the bride and groom

More photo booth fun

Our 2nd Anniversary

On May 26, 2014, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary. We decided to go to Atlantic City, since it was close enough to drive to easily, but still felt different and far away enough from the city to get away for a couple of nights. We stayed at Revel, which is one of the newest casino resorts in AC, and enjoyed some great meals, a relaxing stroll down the boardwalk, and a windy afternoon at the pool. I also spent some time at the wonderful Exhale Spa. Neither of us really gambles, but I found my game: the Sex and The City slot machine! I won $40.01.

Views of the hotel and our room

Seafood overlooking the beach at Azure by Allegretti

Relaxing at the pool and spa, which had more pools and a salt room

Yummy tapas and huge squid ink paella at Amada

The day we returned to NYC, we had a reservation at The NoMad, which capped off our anniversary celebration. If you haven't been there for dinner, the whole-roasted chicken for two and the milk & honey dessert -- their signature dishes -- were delicious.

Rich and decadent dinner at The NoMad

Brooklyn Bucket List

Before we left Brooklyn, I had somewhat of a bucket list in my mind of things to do, since we likely will never live in there again. Some -- such as Smorgasburg, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's cherry blossom festival, and the Brooklyn Museum -- I've experienced before but wanted to go to again. Others -- including a few local restaurants we had not gotten around to trying, BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge -- were done for the first time.

Smorgasburg 2 weekends in a row! So much food to try...

Too many vendors to re-list here (check out my Instagram for more info)

Sakura matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Eating at Grand Army Plaza food trucks outside Prospect Park

Ai Wei Wei and Swoon exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum until August

Dinner at Marco's, a trattoria from the Franny's team, right across Flatbush Avenue

Dinner at al di la, another trattoria just down 5th Avenue

Checking out BAM and the DanceAfrica Bazaar before ice cream

More iced creamy goodness at L'Abero dei Gelati in Park Slope

My 1st time walking across the Brooklyn Bridge

Sam's Medical School Commencement

On Saturday, June 14, my husband and my brother-in-law both graduated from medical school! The St. George's University commencement took place in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, and the weather that day was perfect for gathering outside by the fountain afterwards and taking photos.
Sam's sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and niece were able to make it to NY for the occasion (after terrible flight delays and a cancellation the day before), and it was great to be able to celebrate with them as well as with my side of the family. After the ceremony, we had dinner at IchiUmi, and then met up with friends for drinks at The Archive.

So proud of Sam for being 1 of 26 in the Gold Humanism Honor Society

Being hooded by my father on stage before receiving his symbolic diploma

The Son siblings

Me, Sam, and Baby

A little graduation/Father's Day gift for Sam

The Move to Michigan

We were able to get a lot of things packed, shipped, and stored before graduation, but by the time we were supposed to leave on Monday, there was still a lot to do, and Sam was the one who had to do all the heavy lifting. Somehow, we had the apartment cleaned, got everything out, packed up our car with no room to spare, and hit the road. We stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn Express in Clearfield, PA to break up the trip, and arrived at our destination in Michigan on Tuesday evening.

This isn't a picture of the car packed up, but here's Greg, our Honda CR-V

A bottle of bubbly for our new tenants who moved in on Tuesday

Lunch at Sheetz in Hermitage, PA

Since we're staying with my mother-in-law, we don't have any of our furniture here and won't need to buy much, which is fine with me because like I said, I'm already concerned about how we're going to move back! But we did buy a couple of inexpensive nightstands at IKEA the other day, and I got a cute glass lamp to place on top of mine. I also needed more hangers, so I got 2 boxes of Real Simple clothing hangers. I own the slimline hangers in Stone but left them in storage in NY, and the Bed Bath & Beyond we went to here only had the bulk boxes in Peacock or Pink, so I decided to be colorful and went with the Peacock. Plus, it better complements the seafoam-colored wall paint in the house.

{IKEA: LYKTA table lamp, OLTEDAL white nightstand, BRIMNES white nightstand}

Bright hangers holding tops, cardigans, skirts, dresses, and blazers

T-shirts, sweaters, jeans, pants, and more

I have a number of inexpensive maternity clothing basics -- mostly t-shirts, tank tops, and jeans or casual pants from Gap, Old Navy, and Target (on the 2nd shelf in the photo above, plus a few maxi dresses on hangers) -- which I haven't started wearing yet. Today I'm at 19 weeks and 5 days, and as of now I can still wear my regular clothes, but I'm sure I'll be transitioning to some maternity clothes in the next few weeks.

I'll post a pregnancy update separately. Thank you for reading and sharing in our lives!

Spring 2014 Brooklyn Eats

2014-06-12T23:32:00.000-04:00

"Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie."

(Jim Davis)

Since we are moving to Michigan on Monday, this is my final installment of "Brooklyn Eats." Right now, our apartment is a mess with boxes everywhere, even though earlier today we shipped off 5 large boxes containing coats, scarves, clothing, shoes, CDs, DVDs, and the DVD player. We have a very busy weekend coming up -- with relatives flying in, a friend's birthday dinner, Sam's graduation from medical school, dinner with family, drinks with friends, church, and Father's Day -- so I hope we get everything done in time.

I didn't do much cooking or baking over the past few months. I felt so fatigued most days that I didn't have the energy to think about meal planning. But that doesn't mean that I wasn't still preoccupied with food! And while I haven't really had any aversions so far, I wouldn't say that I ever craved vegetables, or even protein (unless animal crackers count). Most of my pregnancy cravings have involved carbs -- no carb left behind! -- although tonight I did have mac and cheese with mushrooms, spinach, and shallots... plus another order of mac and cheese with tomatoes and avocado.

Below are some of the meals I did make, including cookies that didn't quite turn out the way I had hoped, but they still tasted good. Sam also made a few great dinners, including chicken salad with avocado, and turkey ragu with polenta. The very last thing I made was a key lime pie for my coworkers, 2 nights ago, right before we packed up all of the kitchen equipment.

Spring Homemade Meals

Damn Delicious' loaded vegetarian nachos

Rachael Ray's black and white chicken chili

Rachael Ray's meatloaf muffins with barbecue sauce

Ina Garten's capellini with tomatoes and basil

Oprah's favorite grilled cheese by Oh, Sweet Basil

Daring Gourmet's peanut butter sandwich cookies with Nutella marshmallow cream cheese filling

Last Local Restaurants

Beer/Sandwiches: Bierkraft
Cheese/Sandwiches: Meltkraft
Chinese: Szechuan Delight
Coffee & Tea: Prospect Perk Café, Sit & Wonder
Gelato: L'Abero dei Gelati
Ice Pops: People's Pops
Indian: Sanskriti
Italian: al di la, Marco's
Mac & Cheese: Elbow Room
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern: Pita Pan
Thai: Song

I'm sad to be leaving Brooklyn and NYC, and my family and friends, but I'm looking forward to all of the changes that life will bring in Michigan. After I settle in, I'll post some spring highlights, including our 2nd anniversary and my Brooklyn bucket list. I'll miss you, Brooklyn!

Bye-Bye, 1st Tri

2014-05-14T08:35:00.002-04:00

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me

were written in your book before one of them came to be."

(Psalm 139:13-16)

Not only am I leaving my job, and will be packing up to move to Michigan for a year after my husband graduates from medical school next month, but Sam and I are expecting a baby, due November 10, 2014. Lots of big changes! I recently graduated from 1st trimester, a huge milestone for me, and am now in what is supposed to be the best trimester with the most energy and an eventual obvious baby bump, rather than chronic fatigue and an awkward bloated belly/food baby.

I've discovered that there are many ways to document a pregnancy: weekly "bump watch" photos, chalkboard updates, fruit size comparisons, pregnancy planners and journals, letters or emails written to the baby to presumably read at some point, pregnancy websites or blogs, scrapbooks, and maternity photo sessions, just to list some options. Since I don't like any of the pregnancy journals I've seen (besides maybe the Rag & Bone Baby Book, which is actually nice and has lots of not-too-cutesy cover design options), and I already have a blog, I decided to post some general updates that aren't too personal.

It's definitely out of my comfort zone to be writing this, and I'm sure I will remain cautious until I actually give birth to a healthy baby, but I'm allowing myself to be excited and to trust that everything will happen according to God's plan. Maybe for any future children, I'll do something a little more creative to document the pregnancy. Or I'll be like every other parent out there that has a million photos of their first child, and 5 of their second!

4 Weeks

Baby is the size of a poppyseed.
Neural tube (the building block of spine, brain, and backbone) is already formed, amniotic sac and fluid are forming into protective cushioning.

Testing (and testing camera) at 4w6d

5 Weeks

Appointment at 5w2d: Blood pressure taken, blood drawn, weight taken, and ultrasound.
Baby is the size of an appleseed.
Starting to form major organs (heart, stomach, liver, kidneys) and systems (digestive, circulatory, nervous).

6 Weeks

Appointment at 6w1d: Ultrasound.
Baby is the size of a sweet pea.
Circulating blood, starting to sprout a nose, eyes, ears, chin, and cheeks.
Symptoms: Soreness, increased appetite (especially for carbs, e.g. pancakes, Thai noodles, bread), moments of mild nausea, skin breaking out.

7 Weeks

Appointment at 7w1d: Ultrasound. Heart rate of 114 bpm. CRL (length of embryo) of 1.04 cm.
Appointment at 7w3d: Blood drawn.
Baby is the size of a blueberry.
Generating about 100 new brain cells each minute, developing a permanent set of kidneys, and arm and leg joints are forming.
Cravings: Animal crackers, Wheat Thins, nachos, French toast.

Jelly belly bean at 7w1d

8 Weeks

Baby is the size of a raspberry.
Taste buds are forming.
During my 7th and 8th weeks, I had a very bad cold or flu, starting late Monday night after a big work event, and lasting 2 weeks. I had fever, chills, headaches, congestion, runny and stuff nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and fatigue, so any pregnancy-related symptoms I might have felt during these weeks were completely overshadowed.

9 Weeks

Appointment at 9w3d: Ultrasound, blood pressure taken, and 7 tubes of blood drawn for genetic screening.
Baby is the size of a green olive.
Is now a fetus, and developing more distinct facial features.
Cravings: Mexican food, pizza, bagels with cream cheese.

Yogi gummy bear at 9w3d

10 Weeks, 25% There!

Baby is the size of a prune.
Vital organs are fully developed and starting to function; swallowing and kicking.
Symptoms: Bloating, swelling, starting to feel large and uncomfortable, even if no one else noticed.
Cravings: Fall foods, like pumpkin-flavored baked goods and Thanksgiving leftovers sandwiches (which I kept talking about, so Sam actually made some a week or so later).

Homemade Thanksgiving leftovers sandwiches!

Feeling very bloated at 10w5d

11 Weeks

1st trimester screen at 11w4d: Ultrasound, NT scan, and finger stick blood test for Down syndrome, Trisomy and other chromosomal disorders, as well as congenital heart defects. Heart rate of 174 bpm. CRL of 4.57 cm. NT measurement of 1.25 mm.
Baby is the size of a lime.
Tooth buds, nail beds, and hair follicles are forming.
We told our families at the end of this week. The only ones we saw in person were my sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and niece. I made them a chocolate chunk cookie cake, wrote "hey baby" on it with white icing, decorated it with rainbow sprinkles, and boxed it up with pastel baker's twine, a tag I stamped "get chunky with me" (get it? I haven't found that on Pinterest yet, so I think it's an original!) and some cute milk and cookie images I printed.

Looks more like a baby at 11w4d

Added dark chocolate chunks to recipe for chocolate chip cookie cake

Let's all get chunky together!

12 Weeks

Baby is the size of a plum.
Developing reflexes, opening and closing fingers, and curling toes.
Symptoms: Breakouts, fatigue, mild nausea.
Cravings: Feeling like Joey Tribbiani, with a love for sandwiches (e.g. grilled cheese, panini, AB&J, ice cream sandwiches). The best, most delicious almond butter is Almond Naturally More, which is fortified with roasted flax seeds and other nutrients for additional protein and Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids, and is all natural, with no cholesterol or trans fat.

Admiring cherry blossoms at 12w6d

13 Weeks

Appointment at 13w1d: Weight taken, blood pressure taken, heartbeat check. Received good results from 1st trimester screen.
Baby is the size of a peach.
Forming vocal chords and teeth, and already has fingerprints.
Symptoms: Bloating, swelling, overeating then feeling uncomfortably full and lethargic for hours, and chacne (what Tina Fey calls chin acne).
Mother's Day was the eve of the definitive start of my 2nd trimester, though there are lots of ways to calculate trimesters, depending on development, gestation, or conception. Our families and some of our friends already knew about the pregnancy, but that night I posted a photo on Instagram and Facebook, and was seriously sweating before hitting the final button! But I thought it was so sweet that Sam got me flowers and a gift, and my nephew picked out tulips for me.

#mothersday #mommytobe #novemberbaby

Fortunately, I didn't really experience morning (or all day) sickness, just some brief, mild nausea once in a while. I've been eating a lot, and often, because I get hungry really quickly. Most of my cravings have been for carbs, some very specific but nothing too strange yet. My total 1st trimester weight gain has been around 3 or 4 lbs.

Throughout 1st trimester, I had appointments at least every other week due to previous losses, and those did not even include any additional or optional tests, which I'm not interested in and my OB has not requested me to take. But I'm nervous that my next appointment isn't until almost 3 weeks from now, since I'm so used to going more often. Later in June, hopefully before we move out of Brooklyn and I have to find a new doctor in Michigan, we should find out the baby's sex.

I realized I'm not really a big pregnancy reading kind of person; the only books I've purchased are the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy and The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions, which I haven't opened yet but I hope they cover everything. I've been following a few pregnancy blogs, including The Stir, Pregnant Chicken, My Green and Natural Pregnancy, Giving Birth with Confidence, and The Shape of a Mother, and some baby-related blogs like Project Nursery, Lay Baby Lay, and Homemade Mommy. If you have other other suggestions, or advice in general, please let me know in the comments!

Finally, if you have not seen this video on baby Zion, who had Trisomy 18 and only lived 10 days after birth, please click and watch now. Warning: It's a tear-jerker, but so special and beautiful.

Viva Las Vegas and Britney Spears

2014-05-07T07:33:00.002-04:00

"A little bit of this town goes a long way."

(Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas)

It's been 2.5 months since our very brief trip to Las Vegas, but I'm finally posting some photos. I had been there 3 times previously, but it was Sam's first and only time, so we'll have to go back at some point.

I'll come back and add some more details... and video clips from the Britney concert!

Winter 2013/2014 Brooklyn Eats

2014-03-29T19:47:00.002-04:00

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

(Anne Bradstreet)

It's been a long winter with so... much... snow... and though it's officially spring, it has yet to really feel like it. This time of year is always really busy for me, but I'm finally trying to catch up on some small tasks around the apartment, and on photos from the past few months, especially ones of first-time tested recipes. Please see below for photos and new recipes links on 1) eggs, 2) soup, 3) salad, 4) quinoa, 5) chicken, 6) stuffed shells and pizza, 7) lasagna, and 8) salmon.

Eggs

Egg dishes are tasty and satisfying any time of day, not just for breakfast. I think I made The Naked Kitchen's Asparagus Frittata for breakfast one day -- I decided to try this recipe because it was simple, and it didn't call for broiling at the end (my broiler is a little extreme) -- and the Fitness Magazine's Mushroom-and-Kale Ragout with Poached Eggs for dinner on another day.

Asparagus frittata

Mushroom-and-kale ragout with poached eggs

Soup

I really enjoyed the following 2 soup recipes: Silky Butternut Squash and Cauliflower Soup from Sweet Potato Soul, a vegan food blog, and the Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten's Italian Wedding Soup. They take a few steps, but were definitely worth it.

Silky butternut squash and cauliflower soup

Italian wedding soup

Salad

Both of the salads below have oranges in common: Fit Foodie Le's Orange Sesame Kale Salad uses orange juice as an ingredient for the dressing, and the Fennel Salad with Oranges, Arugula, and Shaved Parmesan from page 72 of Williams-Sonoma's Bride & Groom Entertaining cookbook calls for 4 blood or navel oranges sliced over and around the salad (similar recipe; I can't find the exact one online).

Orange sesame kale salad

Fennel salad with oranges, arugula, and shaved Parmesan

Quinoa

I tried 3 new quinoa salad and side dish recipes: Family Spice's Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad, Bethenny Frankel's Mediterranean Quinoa, and Martha Stewart's Quinoa and Almond Pilaf.

Cranberry orange quinoa salad

Mediterranean quinoa

Quinoa and almond pilaf

Chicken

I go through phases of pinning only certain kinds of recipes, for example, slow cooker meals, French toast, cookies, pizza, lasagna (you'll see some of the latter 2, further below), and for some reason, for the first time, this past season I kept looking at variations of chicken lettuce wraps. They just seem like a good combination of hot and flavorful wrapped in cool and crunchy. Before I made Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps by She Wears Many Hats, I also made Women's Health Magazine's Low-Fat Chicken Marsala, and Martha Stewart's Curried Chicken Salad.

Chicken marsala

Curried chicken salad

Chicken cashew lettuce wraps

Stuffed Shells and Pizza

I'm always drawn to pasta and pizza; who isn't? Stuffed shells are always satisfying to make and eat -- Butternut Squash, Ricotta & Spinach Stuffed Shells were no exception -- and though I've made pizza dough from scratch before, lately I'm more into finding yummy recipes for toppings. The one shown below, Simple Tomato Margherita Pizza, was just that: very simple and basic, with only a few ingredients needed.

Butternut squash, ricotta & spinach stuffed shells

Simple tomato margherita pizza

Lasagna

I'm a little obsessed with lasagna (kind of like stuffed shells), and there are so many recipes I want to try. Below are 2 recent ones: Slow Cooker Spinach Lasagna, and Annie's Eats' Spicy Kale Lasagna. The best thing about lasagna is that it always tastes and looks better the next day!

Slow cooker spinach lasagna

Spicy kale lasagna

Salmon

The last photo and recipe link I'll post from winter is of Quick and Easy Balsamic Salmon from a blog called Eating Bird Food. It's a clean and simple recipe, which I paired with the quinoa and almond pilaf from earlier.

Quick and easy balsamic salmon

Winter Meals from Local Restaurants

The list of restaurants in our neighborhood that we haven't tried yet is getting smaller, but over the winter we did get a chance to try some that were new to us.

American: Pure Bistro
Beer/Sandwiches: Bierkraft
Burgers: Bareburger
Café & Wine Bar: Café Dada
Diner: Purity Diner, Z-7 Classic Diner
Japanese/Sushi: Sushi Katsuei
Mexican: Haab, Rachel's Taqueria
New Zealand: Kiwiana
Peruvian: Coco Roco
Soup: The Soup Bowl of Park Slope
Thai: Mee Thai, Rice Thai Kitchen
Vegan/Latin American: The V Spot

If I ever get around to it, I would still like to post photos from our quick trip to Las Vegas in late February, plus some video clips from the Britney: Piece of Me concert. Those should be up next. Happy spring!