Safta’s Visit
14 Oct 2012 1 Comment
Safta came to visit Isaac in Foster City today and he was extra good (and cute) for her. He happily let her feed him, let out several big burps for her, and even smiled several times just so that she can smother him with more kisses.
Below are a couple of pictures from the visit.
J
Hi Daddy!
05 Oct 2012 Leave a Comment
Dan and I have been really bad about posting new pictures and videos of Isaac, so here’s one I have from yesterday. It was my first time recording Isaac and it was with my phone. You might want to turn down the volume. I promise I will post better quality videos where I’m less loud and annoying. 😛
I’ve Come A Long Way
10 Aug 2012 Leave a Comment
I was just looking over some old posts and I saw a picture Dan took of me when I was 6 months pregnant and all I can think of was, “Wow! Look how small I was!” In fact, even my picture at 7 months, my belly looked so small compared to what it is right now. I definitely FEEL a lot bigger!
Oh, Freckle, Mama’s ready to meet you. Also, Mama knows you are comfortable in her belly, but she is beginning to feel really “over” the whole pregnant thing. C’mon out! Everyone’s eager to meet you!!!
-J
Still Waiting…
10 Aug 2012 Leave a Comment
I just returned from the doctor’s office and I’m happy to say that everything is moving along nicely with Freckle. She measured him, listened to his heartbeat, and made sure he was in a good position for labor.
There are only two days left until the due date and it is looking like he may go past his due date a bit. Dan and I will keep everyone posted of updates. Good luck to everyone still in the Baby Pool!
-J
Now, We Wait
01 Aug 2012 3 Comments
Like Dan has mentioned in a previous post, Freckle is considered a full-term baby. All his organs have been developed and he is ready to make his debut any day now. All I have to do in the meantime is to fatten him up a bit so that he will be fine until his mama’s milk is produced and he can be nourished! I think I’ll be able to handle that… 🙂
-J
Post Baby Meals
25 Jul 2012 1 Comment
There are several things a mother must abstain from eating or drinking while pregnant. Luckily, it hasn’t been too difficult for me to stay on track with my diet. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t certain foods that I miss. Below is a list of things I would like to eat almost immediately after Freckle is born:
- Ahi Poke
- Sushi
- Korean Sesame Bean Sprouts
- Apple/Brie Bruschetta
- V. Sattui Dry Riesling
- Iced Mocha
Note: I do not necessarily need to eat all that in one meal. 😛
-J
36-Week Update
19 Jul 2012 Leave a Comment
Sorry we haven’t posted an entry in awhile. Dan and I have been pretty busy and keep forgetting to update the blog.
I’ve been on maternity leave for almost a week at this point. Surprisingly, I’ve been able to keep busy the entire day. There are always places to go, people to call, or things to do at home. Freckle’s crib, changing table and dresser are all set up. Below are a couple pictures.
There are still a few items we need to purchase. For example, you will notice the crib does not have a mattress in it. We’re waiting on the Completion Coupon from Babies R Us to get 10% off the remaining items on our baby registry. Luckily, we have so many generous friends and family that we’ve got plenty of gift cards to use towards that purchase.
This weekend, our goals are to clear up our living room of boxes and to take a picture of Freckle and me to show how big he is getting! This baby is kicking and punching a lot still. Every time we go to visit the doctor and she’s trying to listen to his heartbeat, he’s moving around. We really need to get him into a martial arts class ASAP to let go some of that energy!
More pictures to come!
-J
Pediatrician – Check!
15 Jun 2012 Leave a Comment
I am happy to say that Dan and I have found a pediatrician for Freckle who we feel is the perfect fit.
I spent quite a bit of time looking over a list of local pediatricians my obstetrician provided. I went to every website, went through each webpage learning what their hours are, how much education they have, how many years of experience, if they offer drop-ins, 24 hr. phone service to speak with a nurse, etc. After I narrowed my search down to 3 doctors, I went onto Yelp and looked up their names to see what other parents have to say about them. One doctor, in particular, had nothing but raving reviews. In fact, his entire staff had numerous positive reviews. So I called to set a consultation appointment and Dan and I were able to meet with him this morning.
Upon meeting him, he seemed very nice. He gave us a short tour around the office before we went into his office to talk. I didn’t have many questions for him, to be honest. The few questions I did have for him, I felt he answered them very confidently and honestly. He seems very smart and I like that he empowers parents to make their own decisions on what we want to do with our child and supporting the parents’ decision.
I know there are many pediatricians who are just so hardcore about how mothers *must* breastfeed. He said he’s very pro-breastfeeding, of course, but understands that it may not be for everyone for many reasons. Whether it’s because it has become physically impossible, because it’s not feasible with the mother’s job, or because she just plain doesn’t want to. He said he’ll support the mother whatever she decides.
I also asked what his thoughts are regarding circumcisions, and I liked that he felt it’s a very personal decision and besides it being a rite of passage, that there are also benefits to it being done.
His thoughts about antibiotics and immunization are on par to the way Dan and I feel about them. In fact, his sub-specialty is infectious diseases, so he is especially knowledgeable in the area.
After taking up 30 minutes of the doctor’s time, I felt like we found the doctor of Freckle. Dan also felt the same way, which is great because he is really good at reading people.
I am so happy to have this checked off our to-do list. It feels so weird “interviewing” doctors. I don’t recall my parents ever doing that in the 80’s for me and my siblings. We just went with whoever is in-network and is closest to our home. But I’m very glad we met with this doctor before Freckle’s birth. It gives me peace of mind knowing that there’s a caring, knowledgeable doctor ready for Freckle as soon as he is born.
31-Week Update
11 Jun 2012 2 Comments
I received an email update from Baby Center today that said:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He’s probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby’s kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
It is so comforting, as a first-time mom, to hear your pregnancy is like so many others – down to the exact week. It was just this morning when I commented to Dan about how I woke up 3 times last night because the baby was adjusting himself. I’m not talking about a little kick or punch. I mean, he was stretching, moving his head, and moving from one side of my belly to the other. It’s just so crazy how much stronger he is now! Not too long ago, I only really felt him move when I was lying still. Now, I feel him throughout the day, even when I’m out and about moving.
Dan and I haven’t had a chance to take an updated photo of Mommy/Freckle, but it is on our to-do list and we’ll do our best to remember this weekend. We are continuing to spend most of our weekend simplifying our lives and getting rid of clutter to make room for all of Freckle’s stuff. He is not even born yet and he’s already taken up a lot space in our closet and shelves! But I must say, I love seeing all the cute clothes and toys in the apartment. It helps us mentally prepare for having a little baby in our lives.
In a way, I feel like all the things we’re throwing away or donating are things from our past. I mean, obviously they’re from the past. But from a past that we’re ready to truly let go. For example, I no longer need all my maps of Paris and Dan no longer needs his fencing blades. These are all things from when we were young and single. And now, we’re replacing all those items with baby bottles, onesies, and toys. There is a little bit of reminiscing when going through all the boxes of old stuff, but there is also a lot of excitement when you put baby items in its place. All this work really helps us transition to parenthood mentally, emotionally, and physically. Dan and I are so ready for this!