Taking Some Time to Bond

I went back to work right after Alejandro turned two months. That choice has gutted me because I felt like I missed out on bonding with him. I mean, I spent 8+ hours at work and when I got home my baby was fast asleep. So slowly we've been tweaking his schedule, so that I may spend more quality time with him. So far so good. It's been tricky, but we've been able to bond more and more as he's getting older and can stay up longer. It is always a joy to come home to my sweet smiling baby. However, I realized that I do qualify for bonding time through FMLA during his first year which means I get to spend more of the holidays with my little munchkin. It's hard leaving work, but I know it's a good choice because he'll only be this little for a little while. He is growing up sooooo fast!. For example right this moment he's going through the end of a growth spurt... and just as it shows on the chart, he's a little fussy, but he's doing so well handling those changes. Not to mention yesterday was his six month checkup in which all was good til the needles went in. Oh my goodness these were the worst thus far. He looked at me with such pain as if he felt betrayed by me for letting them do that to him. I absolutely hate shots! :( I even asked the nurse how he felt giving shots and he said he absolutely hated it. Poor guy... the doctors get all the credit and he gets to poke the kiddos :( Speaking of, according to doctor, Alejandro is growing beautifully. He's as healthy as can be and that makes me happy to hear. Next appointment will be in 3 months when lil man will be NINE months! OMG time please pause for a lil bit!

Any who, don't know if I'll be on between now and Christmas, so Merry Christmas to All! Enjoy!

Mary

Spending Quality Time with the Nieces

I have such a strong bond with my nieces.... they absolutely mean everything to me. But since having Alejandro it has gotten a wee bit harder to spend time with them. So every so often I search Pinterest for cool activities to do with them and found this one after my boss told me about it. It was fun watching them create something from scratch that will hopefully last a long time. After the big(ger) girls were done making them we had the little one year old give it a go. So adorable watching her doing her ornament as well. I can't wait for Alejandro to be big enough to participate in these activities. :)

The Invites

First time I ever create something like this from scratch. Took my time selecting every element of them and ultimately am  absolutely in love with how they turned out. A whole lot of work, but even more love! 

Can't wait to share them with my guests :)

I'm Thankful for Days Like Today

Alejandro.... Newborn to Five Months

I am a mother

It feels like just yesterday little Alejandro was only a dream. But now he is here. He is a reality. And every piece of me is happy and complete. He truly is my dream come true.

I can't believe that in a about a week and a half my little man will be five months old! How time has flown.

I've learned so much already and it baffles me to know that still it isn't much.

Let me tell you a little about him.

• He is such a calm soul.
• Often he gazes out at the world with such an endearing look I can't help but wish he could talk and tell me how much he loves what he is looking at.
• He has the most contagious laughter.
• His baby talk is serious business.
• He loves to sleep on his belly, but just recently in the last week or so has fallen asleep on his back.
• He loves to nap.
• He wishes he could walk.
• Laying down bores him.
• He chows down on his chubby little hands almost always.
• He's a drool machine. 
• He kicks his chair for attention.
• He is fascinated with his Lamaze Kitty.
• He often falls asleep caressing the sheet.
• He loves to touch soft materials.
• He feels safe in daddy's arms.
• He has the most beautiful penetrating eyes. 
• He cries when he's tired and done for the moment.
• He loves when mommy does funny faces.
• He loves getting his diaper changed.
• He enjoys being naked.
• He's learning to enjoy bath time.
• He loves when mommy gives him a coconut oil massage.
• He can almost put his feet in his mouth.
• He's practicing how to sit.
• He loves to eat.
• He knows that night time is sleep time.
• He can sleep through the night.
• He likes the "nose frida."
• He loves being worn.

Truly being a mother is great, but being a mother to Alejandro is amazing!

Can't wait to see him grow into the man God has intended him to be. <3 div="">

Dear Four Month Old Alejandro,

You have made me so happy. Your calm nature is just what this lady here had been looking for all her life. I love gazing into your eyes and seeing your innocence. I love it when you're falling asleep and you slowly caress my hand with your tiny little chubby warm and soft hand. I feel so blessed to call you my son. Not a single day goes by in which I don't think or talk about you. Because honey, you are truly my dream come true.

Love you papi.

Newborn Must-Have's

Alejandro has been with us a whole month! Yay!

As a new mommy, it can be overwhelming figuring out how to care for our new little bundle of joy and on top of that figuring out what items we need to provide the best care. So, I've decided to create a post with my must have items. 

Here they are in no particular order:

1. 

   Summer sleep sack... baby is free to move, but is also kept warm to wear at night or on cool days.

   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Britax B-Safe Infant Carrier.... I really thought I wouldn't need an infant carrier, as I had received one of those other car seats that are good from day one, but trust me this has been a life saver... baby hates being strapped down, but it's for his own safety :)

   
   

   

   Dr. Brown's bottle...these are anti-colic, so that is the main reason why I chose them. My son got lots of gas with another type of bottle, so we switched. So far so good. A little hard to clean the vent, but anything to make things better for the baby.

   
   

   

   Ergo carrier... I love this thing! A friend gave me the infantino and within minutes my back was hurting. With this baby right here I was able to carry baby all day and no back pain. Just an FYI... this is for babies 12lbs and heavier. For lighter babies I recommend adding the ergo infant insert.
   

   

   Ergo Infant Insert... I didn't want to buy this. BUT I ended up having to buy it because it was much more comfier for baby once he was in the carrier. I had seen some youtube videos on how to use the carrier without this insert, but my baby hated that. He didn't feel supported I guess. five minutes in this baby and he was out. It also did provide a lot of added head and neck support.
   

   

   Enfamil Premium Infant Ready to Use Cans... What a time saver! I hated using the powdered formula. It just got too messy. So when I discovered the premade cans I jumped at the chance. What I do is once I open the can I poured the formula onto a sealed tumblr and kept it in the fridge. Please note that once a can is opened it must be used within 48hours. 

   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Kirkland Diapers Size 1-2... pretty good diapers for a super cheap price :) 

   
   

   

   Huggies Natural Care Wipes...I love these wipes. They're not overly scented or smell like bleach like the kirkland ones. I also think they're thick enough. Love 'em!
   
   

   
   

   Of course, there are a million other baby must have items, but these are truly my faves. How about you? Anything I'm missing?

Dear Alejandro-Month 1

Hi Papito,

What can I tell you baby? Your daddy and I are so happy that you are here. We had been waiting for your arrival for nine long months. And to be honest, there were times in which I was so scared that I thought you'd never get here. In fact, you were 4 days late.

But!

You're here!

My Big Girl

My nice just turned 10! I'm so happy for her, but so scared at the same time. She's now in the pre-teen years and if I remember correctly, changes are coming! eeeek!

My sis threw a little family get-together in her honor. Hubby and I went over to celebrate, but having a newborn is difficult. I felt so paranoid that it was either too hot outside or too cold. Not my usual self, but at least we were there for her. 

Any who, wishing this lil mama all the best as she grows into a beautiful young lady. May God keep her out of harms way and never let her lose that innocence. Love her!

Three Weeks

Wow... time is zipping on by...

My boy is now three weeks old. And just like I thought he had definitely gone thru his first growth spurt. I've actually noticed him soooo calm since yesterday. Still gets fussy at times, but a big difference from the previous week(s ?)

Alejandro now looks, like seriously looks at me and pays attention to my voice and presence. As opposed to just a couple days ago in which he saw me, but didn't really look at me... if that even makes sense.

He's also more alert now and doesn't sleep all day. He takes naps and all, but he has very alert sessions in which we can now play together :).

I'm totally enjoying him even more now that he's not screaming his little lungs out. Totally in love!

Two Week Check-Up

So after the past trying week we've been experiencing, I was so looking forward to this doctor's appointment. And Alejandro did very well. Contrary to all my worries thinking something had to be wrong because of his screaming and crying, Alejandro is just a normal baby. He passed his check up with flying colors. Mommy and daddy sure felt proud. He grew an inch and gained almost two whole pounds! I knew he grew! I saw this before my eyes! LOL.

I asked the doctor a gazillion questions and she agreed that it may be either a growth spurt or colic, but she said it's temporary and he'll outgrow it soon enough. She said that as newborns so much is happening too fast that it's overwhelming for the baby as well. She recommended that we continue to nurture him by spending as much skin to skin contact, making sure he feels loved and protected.

So we're just glad it's nothing serious. Baby boy is 100% healthy and loved :)

In the meantime, time to keep up the hugs and kisses with lots of love and PATIENCE. :)

Two Weeks (Growth Spurt?)

Hubby went back to work today and my goodness do I miss him!

Truly it appears that my little angel is not happy at all. And obviously if baby ain't happy, mommy certainly can't be either.

It's been such a trying time. Honestly. I think I even want to curl up in a corner and cry my little eyes out. It certainly doesn't help that no one has even bothered to offer some sort of help. Feels like I can't even use the restroom without my little one screaming his little lung away and screaming bloody murder! It's funny and it's not :(

So of course being the paranoid tech freak turned mommy that I am, I've turned to google and found out about growth spurts. Now, he's only two weeks, but I think he's hit his first one. He's showing all the signs. Such as:

• crying uncontrollably for no reason
• wanting to be held 24/7
• Non-stop eating 

I'm also noticing great physical growth overnight... 

So it's either a growth spurt or colic or worst BOTH! Aaaargh! lol

Now, as overwhelming as this week has been, I'm still in love. It feels amazing to hold him and carry him in my arms. As a mother, you gotta love those bad times too! LOL. Just wish someone would had warned me about these severe mood swings... (I know, I know... babies are temperamental, but I was so not prepared of little Hulk! lol)

So here's to hoping we storm through this episode onto a more calming one soon. Wish me luck! 

I'm a week old!

One week old

Time is flying and I can't help but panic at the thought of him growing up already. I mean where has time gone?!? 

Some things I learned from him this week are:

• He doesn't believe in letting mommy sleep. However, ....
• Alejandro can sleep for hours on end...
• I have the best hubby every! He gets up with me at every change and feed :)

Alejandro

At exactly 6:09 a.m. on June 21st my son Alejandro was born. To my surprise, he looked nothing like I imagined! He was, if at all possible even more gorgeous. Alejandro weighed 6 pounds 13.3 ounces and measured 19 inches. Perfect in every way.

His skin, nothing like mine because he has a very milky white complexion. He has to have gotten that from his dad. But I can definitely claim those perfect little lips and eyebrows (lack of). Everything else, he's all daddy.

He's healthy and has got some lungs on him. Boy, are they a good pair! LOL

So, after 11 years of infertility and a year after my miscarriage, I now hold this little rainbow baby in my arms. I couldn't be happier!

Labor

It all started around 3a.m. June 19th.

I woke up to contractions every 10 minutes that lasted for about a minute apart. Funny because all I could think was that he waited till after his daddy's birthday to start his big appearance. LOL.

Any who, I was excited and scared all at once. I knew this was it and that by the weekend our little Alejandro would  be here. I sat in bed and emailed my sister and brother so that they'd be prepared and then rolled over and bared it out.

Before I knew it, it was morning. I went to the restroom and got what people call "bloody show." Basically, my mucus plug had come loose and again, was another sign of labor. I remembered this perfectly from last year. Only that last year I knew that there would be no baby in the end.

The whole day came and went and I got contractions throughout but nothing to drive to the hospital for.  Besides, on Thursday, the 20th I had a Dr's appointment, so I wasn't too worried.

The day came and went and before I knew it I was at the doctor's. He checked me and verified what I thought. He said "oh yeah... you're in labor... I wouldn't be surprised if you had your baby between now and Saturday."

The news wasn't a shocker because  I KNEW that was IT! Ha! At that moment he said I was somewhere between 3 1/2 and 4 cm dilated. This is when he swept my membranes in order to "speed" up the process, gave me kudos, and sent me home to wait it out.

Hubby and I left and stopped by my sis's house to give her the news. She was excited as were my nieces. While with her the contractions became stronger, but again... nothing to go in for.

Hubby and I went home and I went straight to bed. It had now been about 36 hours of no sleep and off and on contractions. Then at around 3:30p.m., Thursday, the 20th the contractions came every 5 minutes each around a minute long. I knew that was a sign to head in to the hospital.

My mom drove me and hubby to my sister's who's in route to hospital. I remember feeling every single bump on the road. It was painful! Then my sister drove me in to the hospital. As soon as I came in I was greeted by friendly nurses who took me in and tied me up to machines to check on both baby and I.

To my surprise... or maybe out of nervousness, my contractions literally STOPPED when I was being checked! I couldn't believe it! However, being that I was 4 days overdue the doctor on call decided to take me in.

They checked me into a beautiful room with an amazing view of the mountains. Now, this is nice, but when you're in labor, you're not really paying attention to the view! LOL.

Now normally feeling good is a good thing, but the on call doctor wanted to see me dilate. She checked me again and nothing had changed from earlier. I was 4cm dilated. Still long way to go. She recommended I take picotin to induce contractions and therefore help me dilate.  She recommended I take the epidural along with the picotin so that I would be able to handle the pain. Which I opted in to do.

So late that night around 9p.m. the anesthesiologist came in and started me on the epidural. I was so scared. I was shaking. I couldn't stop myself. I seriously had no control over my body. Luckily everything went good and before I knew it I didn't feel a thing waist down. Soon after, they started me on picotin.

Now, everyone recommended I sleep because I was going to need all the energy the following morning. I tried and tried and nothing. I couldn't do it. I was dead scared. Now all this time my hubby is there, but even he couldn't help me.

Now I have to mention that while I was literally a vegetable I was proded with a bunch of medical instruments to check on both baby and I. Under normal circumstances, this would have been a NO, NO!, but I was so out of it that I just let the doctors do their thing.

After several hours my body was much too heavy. I managed to move myself a bit to the other side... when the nurses came in and said that the baby didn't like that. They said his heart beat did not react positively when I laid on my left side. So again they positioned me on the right.

By then I wasn't necessarily in pain as more in severe discomfort. I didn't feel the contractions, but I felt the heaviness of every piece of me. No one ever mentioned that to me. Then I realized the epi was wearing off. I started to feel the contractions and the panic set in again. Then at 5:30 a.m. the doctor on call came in and checked me. I had not dilated past what I had the previous night. Then they went over the baby report and showed me how he reacted negatively to every contraction that I got. He was stressed out and that could possess some sort of negative impact if we continued trying for vaginal delivery.

I was heartbroken. I remember praying to God and telling him that I left everything in his hands. Now I could've pushed for a vaginal delivery, but so many things could go wrong and I wasn't willing to risk my  babies life for it. So before I knew it I would be giving birth via c-section.

I was wheeled in to the OR and soon the surgery began. I gotta say, I didn't feel pain. I felt kicked and punched over and over again in my gut. Sort of like a big bowl of jello. Only the jello was me :/

The surgery took no more than 45 minutes beginning to end. And although drugged up, I cried when I heard his scream.

At exactly 6:09 a.m. on June 21st my son Alejandro was born. To my surprise, he looked nothing like I imagined! He was, if at all possible even more gorgeous. Alejandro weighed 6 pounds 13.3 ounces and measured 19 inches. Perfect in every way.

His skin, nothing like mine because he has a very milky white complexion. He has to have gotten that from his dad. But I can definitely claim those perfect little lips and eyebrows (lack of). Everything else, he's all daddy.

It's supposed to be your first father's day!

So.

Today is supposed to be my due date. June 16th, 2013. However, chubster obviously has no intention of showing up today. I feel a tad bit crampy and tired, but I'm not in labor, so I think it's safe to say... "he's not coming today."

40 weeks!

But.
Today is also Father's Day! So although not officially Officially Officially a daddy, hubby and I still celebrated by making ourselves some bomb carne asada dinner. We stayed home and just relaxed. I mean after our late night out yesterday, we needed the time out. Just he and I.

Father's Day Dinner

So.
Although baby isn't here we're now hoping he comes on hubby's birthday... which is Tuesday, June 18th. I hope so. It would mean so much to my hubby. I can see it in his eyes whenever he says it. So (talking to baby bump) please come on Tuesday.... daddy and mommy really want to meet ya already!

In the meantime.
It's still father's day and I haven't been able to stop thinking of the two men that were always there for me from day one. My father and my grandfather. Lord knows I would not be whom I am today without those two. I so thank God for placing them in my life because unlike many, I know what a true father is because they never failed me. Amen to these wonderful men. Hubby included :)

My daddy-o and I.... waaaaaaay back!

My viejito Alejandro :) Miss him dearly!

Hubby and I

A Movie Out in the Open

So hubby and I can't really go anywhere at this point in my pregnancy. I mean, I'll be 40 weeks tomorrow! LOL so we decided to take it one day at a time and look for nice little things to do around the city. One of the things we found was Eat.See.Hear. Basically they bring movies out to open aired spaces along with food trucks, a DJ, and a band. Tickets are only $10 (pre-sale), so not a big dent in the pocket.

We decided to go check out "Fight Club" which was being held at the Los Angeles Historic Park. Since it was our very first time, we showed up early to get a good spot. We packed the car with blankets and took some fruit and home made salads to eat while there.

His and Hers Salads some fruit and water :)

It truly was such a good time. I guess nothing beats being out in the open and hanging out with someone you truly care about. Although there would be food trucks there, I wasn't really expecting to get anything, but after smelling some real good hotdogs, I said whatevers and went for it. To my surprise though... the wait was much too long. I guess I wasn't the only one craving hot dogs! LOL. So sadly I didn't get to eat one because the movie started and I didn't want to miss it.

I forgot to mention we ended up getting some Cuban sandwiches, but although good were overpriced.

Truth is, I had never seen "Fight Club." I don't know why!?! LOL... but I ended up really liking it and was shocked to find out that he imagined Brad Pitt's character all along! Cray Cray! LOL.

Here's baby Alejandro aka The Bump waiting for the movie to start :)

The night was chilly, but overall perfect. Just gotta invest in buying some low beach chairs to be more comfy, but other than that it's all good.

Fight Club under the starz with DTLA as the background

Any who, if you're interested in checking out one of their summer screenings check out eatseehear.com

Enjoy!

Sunny Days

Lately the weather here in Los Angeles has been a little muggy... definitely see the "june gloom." But yesterday, to our surprise, was a nice sunny day... so sunny and warm out that we were able to head out to the beach. Not necessarily to swim, but to walk the Santa Monica Pier. It was amazing. Perfect. and just plain one of my most favorite outings since I've been pregnant. The weather wasn't uncomfortable at all.

Hubby and I just strolled the pier, took lots of pictures, enjoyed the breeze, and people watched. I could tell even the baby loved it because he was nice and calm throughout the entire time. Definitely good times. :)

View of Santa Monica Beach from the Pier

The Pacific Ferris on the Pier aka Pacific Park

Not a good selfie, but had to include a 39 week shot

My hubby overlooking the ocean

The three of us

The chubster on the Pier...lol