Us + 1

Any Day Now...Please!

2009-02-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Can I look anymore ready?!

40 weeks and 4 days, I never thought I would be pregnant this long. Oh well, she will come out when she's ready, right?

In the meantime, Curt and I have been walking like it's going out of style and I'll just have to endure this view while we wait...

She's Coming!

2009-01-13T13:37:00.001-08:00

When? If I had to guess, I would say in the next week. I'm thinking January 20th. Ah, wishful thinking... Although it has been a wonderful almost 38 weeks, I am ready to give birth to Coral and hold her in my arms. I am finally getting tired. Friday was my last day of work!!! I went out that night my my friends, Cristina and Helena and of course my ever amazing husband and Marye. We met at the Crab Landing (I recommend it, by the way). It was fun to get out and about, but it surely wore me out the rest of the weekend. Not a big deal considering I don't have much to do these days. I have been reading (a lot!), writing, watching movies, stuffing my face with chocolate and sandwich's (oh, and an abundance of water...can't get enough), and basically doing nothing. I haven't been getting good sleep, but no matter because I can take naps during the day. Ah, what a life it has been the last few days.

It's weird, I never thought I would actually miss being pregnant. I think about this journey and everything in between and as much as I have wanted to just have her (as I do now more than ever), I will miss the fact that I never felt bad about anything I ate (except a few tuna sandwich's...mercury), and I never worried about looking fat in my clothes or that my clothes were unflattering. It didn't matter, I'm pregnant! What did I have to worry about those silly things for? I hope that I can take that confidence into this next phase of my life. I have long worried about my appearance and obsessively focused on my weight. These last nine months has been a relief (even though I gained 24 pounds) and a much needed course in patience. Thank you Coral!!!

We have our next appointment on Thursday the 15th and Friday will officially be 38th weeks!!!

Jibb's Finest Bronco Moments

2008-12-29T15:21:00.001-08:00

35 Weeks at Montara

2008-12-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

Thoughts

2008-12-22T15:37:00.000-08:00

When people would ask me 'how's being pregnant?' I would usually answer with, 'I don't know how women have more than one child!' I didn't think pregnancy was necessarily fun. My body has been taking on another form, one that is foreign to the one I have always known. I have felt less attractive with Curt and I can't see everything I once was able to see, if you know what I mean.

However, I have finally realized why exactly we are given 40 weeks to create and build a little human. Of course there are all the physical reasons. Coral needs to grow and have a brain with a little body to match. There is also the need to prepare with all the material things: crib, stroller, clothes, blankets, etc. But, most importantly, God gives us the time to prepare mentally and emotionally. I never thought I would feel so confident and ready to receive our daughter. Even a month ago I was overwhelmed with the responsibility of being a parent; But, now I have done a complete 180 and I can't wait to be a Mommy. I can't wait to hold Coral and see what she looks like. I can't wait to bring her home and show her what we have ready and waiting for her. I can't wait to take her to all our favorite places.

I am still a bit scared of labor (the unknown), but I am so eager for that moment when they pass her into my arms and tell me 'here's your baby girl.'

I am so happy to have a wonderful man like Curt to be my husband and the father of my child. I know he will do such a great job as a Father and a teacher, I love him so much.

Plus the best part about being pregnant is I never feel bad about all the cookies I eat...each day!

Christmas Tree Hunt 2008

2008-12-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

The dogs were too in search for the perfect Christmas Tree...
Our Christmas Tree, heroically cut down by my husband (he's still out of breath, ha).

Tess is larger than life. Jibby found a tree he liked too!

I Am So Excited About Everything We Recieved!!!

2008-12-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

By the way I am 32 weeks and 1 day!

Updates

2008-12-09T15:05:00.001-08:00

Thursday, December 4th we had out last appointment. Surprisingly, I only gained two pounds!!! With the Thanksgiving weekend prior, I thought for sure I would have put on at least five pounds.

Everything is good and very normal. I am growing by the day now, but I can still run around the house and clean like a mad woman! Everyday Curt tells me, "Sonia, chill out." I simply can't stop.

Our next appointment is December 18th. We have now moved from an appointment every four weeks to every two weeks and soon we will be visiting the Doctor once a week starting January.

On Saturday, December 6th, I was thrown a baby shower by my cousin, Eugenia and my sister, Erika. I had a wonderful time and I was so happy and thankful for all those who came.

It's funny, I never thought I would want to have a baby shower with all the silly games and the corny "Awws" when I open gifts; but, as it turned out, that was everything I wanted. My belly was measured (Emily was correct), everyone took guesses at what characteristics I chose for Coral, Erika put together a fun candy bar prized memory game (I was 4 for 4!) and Cristina and Helena won the 'Guess that celebrity's baby' game.

I received a multitude of gifts and they are all fantastic! Thank you to everyone. This morning, I began putting things in their temporary place. This weekend we're setting up our room for Coral. I want to say, we are setting up Coral's room, but it is more like, 'Coral's Corner.' Nonetheless, I am more than keyed up about it. My Mom is coming over to paint the walls (and the hallway too). We have to move the furniture around and trade our dresser for one that takes up less wall space.

Erika painted block letters, that read C-O-R-A-L, in purple and lime green that will hang above her crib and Kris gave Coral a large plush, pink bunny that I am eager to place inside.

When Curt and I first found out about Coral we were bombarded with thoughts of how we were going to make it. We are blessed to have the family and friends we have and all your generosity. You have made our experience, thus far, easy to enjoy what is yet to come. Thank you everyone for all the outstanding gifts we are going to delight in with our daughter Coral, now and in the future.

28 Weeks, 3 Days

2008-11-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

For Our Coral

2008-11-11T16:27:00.001-08:00

Coral, no matter what happens, we will always be there for you. We will always be there to take care of you, love you, rub your head, cook your meals, sing and read to you. We promise to give you all that we have and all the love we can possibly give, and then some.

You are perfect, in every possible way and we can't even see you. We have faith that you are going to be wonderful and beautiful. You are going to give us many joys throughout our lifetimes, that no matter what goes wrong, nothing bad will last. You are everything we want and need in our lives. We want to give you so much. We have a strong love for you and can't wait to share that with you. We know that you will turn out spectacular and brilliant.

We've just begun to build our lives, ready for your arrival to fully assemble a foundation of love and trust. We want to give you everything and love you forever. We loved you when we first found out, we loved you when we first saw you on the screen, we love you when you kick and move and we're going to love you more than we think we know how. No matter what obstacles we may face, we will continue because everything we do is for you and that's the most motivation we have ever had.

Honeymoon

2008-11-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks to friends and family we were able to take a honeymoon. We stayed at the Little River Inn in Mendocino County. It was wonderfully relaxing...

The dogs were feeling affectionately tired on the way up
This was our drive for about 2 hours...beautiful!
Took a little site-seeing walk
Out on our deck

Our Latest Visit

2008-11-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, November 4th, we met with Dr. Fletcher. I got my results back from the glucose screening and that came out good. No Gestational Diabetes! I gained 3 pounds, which was good to hear considering all the food I ate in the last couple weeks. I have now gained a total of 16 pounds, and I feel like this is just the start at a major gaining spree.

Coral is kicking and hiccuping and having a great time inside, making rolling over in bed a bit more difficult or just picking things up off the floor. Which, by the way is happening more and more. I have been so clumsy as I am attempting to get use to my rotund shape. Just today I grabbed a drink off the shelf at Cunha's and I swear it was secure in my hand, but the next thing I knew it was spilling itself all over the floor. Luckily I was not charged.

We're Married!

2008-11-05T13:40:00.001-08:00

I know it has been a while since I posted anything about Coral. That is because Curt and I got married! We tied the knot on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church. It must have been the hottest day of the year and the longest wedding mass I have ever been to.

It's funny, some people cry at Weddings (which happened), but I did not. I, instead laughed...a lot. I could hardly contain myself during our exchange of vows and I do not think Fr. Domingo was at all happy about it.

Nonetheless we got off on the right foot and continued on to our house where we held a reception for our family and close friends.

We celebrated again at the Cypress Meadows on an absolutely beautiful Saturday afternoon with all of our friends.

Little Man

2008-10-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

Photo Update

2008-09-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing to grow everyday, but I believe my boobs have taken a break, thank God!

As of today, I am 22 weeks and 1 day (5 1/2 months). Somehow time keeps passing, but I feel like I am going to be pregnant forever.

We have another appointment next Tuesday, October 7th. Unfortunately, Curt will not be able to make it because he will be up north showing, "Aquaholics," which is very exciting!

Everything has been going smoothly except that I am somewhat allergic to the cocoa butter I use to prevent stretch marks. Nothing I haven't seen before. I am continuing use because I believe it is doing the trick (so far).

Yesterday Curt picked up a crib that his friend, Jim, gave us. I attempted to assemble it today and had to stop because I needed Curt's help and he thought it was crazy to set up the crib when we have at least 4 months to go. I told him I was "nesting." I guess it is a little soon, but I just wanted to see how it would all look, plus I can be a bit impatient at times.

Oh, it's so exciting!

Elena And Me

2008-09-19T12:50:00.001-07:00

Hanging out with Elena while Mommy and Daddy are gone. Getting practice for our Coral.

Coral is Growing

2008-09-09T16:15:00.001-07:00

No, it's just Coral growing under the Sea.

Coral's Brain

2008-09-09T16:14:00.001-07:00

Well, actually this is Brain Coral, Diplovia Labyrinthiformis.

CORAL ANN MYERS

2008-09-09T15:50:00.001-07:00

I think I nearly screamed (with joy) in the office this morning. The Doctor confirmed we are having a little girl! And, Curt finally admitted to me that he wanted a boy, but he said he was happy and that she's going to be a "ripper!"

Coral is as healthy as can be, no down syndrome, no hair lip or cleft chin, all twenty fingers and toes and she's is already very active. Our appointment lasted about thirty minutes longer because Coral would not sit still and the tech nor the Doctor could get the last measurement of her head. They asked me to lay on my left side, then the right, then the tech lowered my upper body, then she placed a camera up my (you know what) and then a different camera when that didn't work. She then asked me to walk around and try to go to the bathroom. I came back into the room only to lay on my left side and then my right side and then left and then right. I think they managed to get the last measurement, but it took a long time.

If Coral is already being difficult, does this mean this is only the beginning???

We couldn't be more happy! Now knowing makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.

I'm half way there, gained 8 pounds and I don't have any stretch marks! (yet?)

Will Curt Make It Through Labor?

2008-09-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

We had our 3rd visit with our Doctor, Dr. Quinn-Chen, we are beginning to feel very comfortable with her. The visit went normally and there is still a heartbeat! I thought I would have the biopsy done today, but I guess I misunderstood her last month. Since I am pregnant I cannot have a biopsy. Instead I get checked under a microscope and if there is a problem then I will have the biopsy after our child is born.

I took my last blood test for the integrated screening and we will find out by next Friday if our child has down syndrome or not.

On a really fun note, we will be finding out the sex of our baby next Tuesday, the 9th!!!!! We originally had an appointment for September 23rd, but today our doctor told us to reschedule because we don't need to wait that long, in fact we could find out today if we wanted.

Curt was still very nervous in the doctors office. Our Doctor was wondering how he was going to do during labor??????

2008-08-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today I am 14 weeks 4 days. I'm feeling good, no more nausea. I have energy to finish our invitations, and we heard our baby's heartbeat yesterday!!!

Elena

2008-08-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest picture of my niece, Elena. I hope our child comes out half as cute as she is...

Superstitious Worry-Wort

2008-08-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

Curt paced the room, knocked on wood, scratched his head, questioned the doctor, and could barely get the words out when he spoke. We had our second appointment with our doctor today.

I sat on the bench and listened. We both tried to calm Curt down, but because of his superstition his eyes grew larger! It was a regular check-up. My blood tests were fine, I only gained two pounds. The startling news was that my physical examination was abnormal. I have a small infection, but nothing to worry about, since we found this infection early. It could possibly lead to cancer if untreated, but we are going to treat it. I will need further testing which will be administered at our next appointment in four weeks. I will have a biopsy, where they remove a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope.

Even though our Doctor explained to us that she is not worried and that it is very common, Curt was a mess. I thought at one point he was going to tell the Doctor to stop talking about it altogether.

All in all it was funny and now Curt can kind of laugh about how he reacted in the room.

The Two Best Beggars In the World!!!

2008-07-28T15:41:00.001-07:00

2008-07-23T09:05:00.002-07:00

Here's baby relaxing in the womb with its legs crossed.

2008-07-23T09:05:00.001-07:00

Baby says "HI!"

2008-07-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a profile in a 3-D version.

2008-07-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Here is our little baby!!!

By The Way...

2008-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am 12 weeks and 1 day, so we're looking at a Groundhog Birthday (February 2nd).

Our little baby is 13.6 centimeters (5.4 inches), about this long:

Integrated Screening Brings Tears

2008-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Today (7/22) Curt and I had an appointment to have an Integrated Screening test for Down Syndrome. Our appointment was in the City, as requested by Curt, and the map quest directions were very wrong. We circled around in separate cars (Curt had to work in the City right after). After I annoyed Curt enough, I finally decided to park where I thought we were close. We asked a nearby business where to go, and they pointed in us in the right direction. Well...we ended up having to walk 15 0r 16 blocks, halfway up hill. After our original unsuccessful attempt, we arrived at the office building. I ran in, because we were late and Curt walked back to the cars. Luckily, Curt has his skateboard in his truck to make the second trip to get my car a bit more enjoyable. Unfortunately Curt did not make the appointment.

I had no idea what the screening would be like, but it is very similar to an ultrasound. I got to see our baby! People have said it is an awesome moment when you see your baby for the first time. Well, it is! I was immediately touched and the specialist handed me a couple tissues. Amazing and awesome hardly to do justice to the indescribable feeling. It is something that one has to experience themselves because no one can describe that feeling, except to use worn-out words.

I could not fully revel in the moment, for the reason that Curt was not there, but instead skating around the City fetching cars. All in all it cost us $50 and some change to park, but the pictures are priceless.

I would like to add the pictures to this entry, but you'll have to wait, because Curt has yet to see them.

P.S. The specialist said that it was too early to tell, but from one of the pictures she thought it looked like a boy!

Baby Names

2008-07-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

We have decided, the names are in folks! We will find out in September if we are going to have a boy or a girl, but until then will just have to guess. If he should be born, his name will Lucas Timothy. Is she should be born, her name will be Coral Ann. I added a picture of what coral looks like and also a picture taken in Luca, Italy. See how beautiful these names are...

+ 1?

2008-07-09T15:50:00.001-07:00

Here I am!

I don't really believe I am 10 weeks here. We have yet to have our ultrasound, so we are are not 100% sure how far along I am. But, I am almost positive I am further than 10 weeks.

Dogs With Beers

2008-07-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

No family would be complete without a pair of black and white dogs, like Tickles and Jibb.

Perfection, As I See It

2008-07-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

Some say we are moving too fast and others say it's just right. I agree with both: we are moving fast in the right direction. My question is, how could I not want to be his wife? Why would I want to wait when I know exactly what I want? For the first time I'm 100% certain of something, I love him. Sure, others fall in love, but he's my soul mate. Our passion will never die and that's what is so exciting, we will always yearn for one another. It is such a complex simplicity. It's so easy to love him, yet there is so much involved. It is not just love, it's fire! We're not just friends, we're mates for life. I don't just think he's wonderful, he amazes me everyday!It's breakfast every morning and laughs throughout the day. It's mid-morning phone calls, just say, "I'm thinking about you."