29 Weeks

Another busy, busy week! I was very excited this past Wednesday to feel baby hiccup for the first time- it was unmistakable! In one of our pregnancy classes as Kaiser, the instructor asked if anyone had felt them and only one said yes. I was confused, since I wasn’t exactly sure what would characterize a hiccup versus a standard kick or jab. But, while I sat at my desk at work that day, I started to notice my stomach jumping ever so slightly in one particular spot. Once I paid more attention to it (because she moves around all day now!), I noticed the rhythm and pattern. It just had to be the hiccups. I thought it was so cute!

Also this week, my supervisors asked me to finish preparing my maternity leave plans, which has been a little stressful. Thank goodness I’m now entitled to take a maternity leave and eligible for disability for a portion of it, but the paperwork process and the financial aspect of it is a little overwhelming. I pretty much decided that I will be taking as much time as possible- since she’s only going to be small for such a short time and because I’m trying to avoid our inevitable reverse work schedules for as long as possible… so that being said, it looks like my last day at work will be October 15th and I expect to return sometime in early April. I’ll be getting paid disability for about four months, so that definitely helps ease the blow.

I had hoped that we would be re-settled into a smaller, less expensive place by now, but I’m not sure if that will happen in time for baby’s arrival. To date, we’ve had one open house and only two showings… which is less than impressive. The market is definitely changing and it doesn’t appear to be in our favor, especially since the first-time homebuyer incentive has expired and prices seem to be decreasing a little. It will be manageable to live in the house, but the sacrifice required to do so is really not worth it in our opinion- we would both have to work full-time, reverse schedules to avoid child-care and we would hardly see one another. It’s frustrating to think about and it’s certainly not at all what I envisioned for our little family. I do hope that we’re able to make some sort of change before long. Luckily we’re fine at the moment- we can pay our bills and we have medical insurance to cover the birth. But God willing, we’ll be able to make sense of this mess. And soon.

Eric went with me to my last doctor’s appointment on Friday the 27th. The midwife measured baby’s fundal height at 30 centimeters and used the doppler to check her heartbeat, which was 140. It seems that I’m progressing well and luckily I have been feeling decent as well. I’m starting to notice that I’m a little more tired than usual, now that I’m in my third trimester. And, I’m starting to have trouble sleeping, which is very unusual for me. We went out and bought a body pillow for extra support while I sleep, but I’m still restless and uncomfortable most of the time. I can only sleep on my sides, so I toss from one side to the other all night. Unfortunately this translates to me being a bit more grumpy than usual as well, which Eric has taken notice to. He is quite understanding though.

28 Weeks

While I was gone at Asthma Camp, Eric notified me that a big box had arrived at the house- but he wasn’t going to open it until I came home. I was sure it was some sort of baby gift, and it was. Eric’s grandma was extremely kind and generous to us and her first grandbaby. She sent us the crib, changing table, crib mattress, and co-sleeper that we had registered for. We haven’t set up but the co-sleeper, since we’ll be using that right away, but we are so thankful! It’s such a blessing that so many want to give- especially at a time when we’re so uncertain financially…

We went to another one of our free Kaiser classes on Saturday. It was a three-hour long class about newborn care. I don’t think either one of us gained too much from the class itself, but we did learn how to swaddle, bath, burp, and diaper an anatomically correct baby doll.

While Eric and I laid in bed last night, we talked about how being pregnant is so different from what we thought it would be. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the best way I could describe my feelings in general is that it’s been really hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that there is a real live baby inside my tummy. Amazed, I feel and watch my tummy move and bounce like it has a mind of its own and it reminds me of the rain- how a simple downpour always draws many to the windows to catch a peek, even though everyone has seen rainfall before. But it’s such a mystery, how water simply falls from the sky- or how a living being I don’t even know thrives within my womb. It’s such a strange feeling. I have her ultrasound picture posted at work by my monitor and sometimes I just have to stop and stare for a few moments and I think to myself, she is in there. She will be coming out. And soon! A little girl that will be mine and Eric’s, a perfect and beautiful baby that will be ours forever. It’s such an overwhelming emotion to describe. And this is only scratching the surface- it’s amazing to think what’s to come!

Houseboat Trip & Asthma Camp

I have a lot to update- the past two weeks have been extremely busy! Before we left for the houseboat, Elaine started to get sick! I was hopeful that it was just the stomach flu or something, but when I called to check in on her one day after not hearing from her, she told me the exciting news that she is also pregnant! I had a slight thought that this could be a possibility, as she emailed to tell me that she made a doctor’s appointment and they gave her some medication for nausea. Unfortunately she was completely miserable with morning sickness and couldn’t even muster enough energy to get out of bed or go to work. So I made sure to fill my prescription for a strong anti-nausea med and bring it right over to her (along with a congrats card and a few other goodies I picked up along the way).

Luckily the medication seemed to do the trick! She wasn’t 100%, but she was came out for the houseboat trip and stayed the whole weekend, which I was really happy about. It would not have been the same without her. She decided to tell my dad and family so they knew what was up and everyone seemed to be excited for her.

We had a nice time on the houseboat- the boat itself was really nice, complete with kitchen, two bathrooms, a few tiny bedrooms, a bbq, and a slide! One of Sally’s daughters didn’t come, which honestly we didn’t mind, since she has two very rambunctious, young boys. And it would have been very crowded with three more people on the boat! Eric and I were given one of the double beds, which was nice. I slept well enough. I mostly spent my time floating on my lounger, kayaking, taking boat rides, or just relaxing in the water. Eric was excited to fish, but unfortunately he didn’t catch anything. My dad caught a catfish on the last day, but he just threw it back in the water. Every night we had dinner together and I think everyone had a nice time, with exception of one of Sally’s grandkids who got sick and had to sit out the last day on the boat.










We had to leave from the lake a little earlier than everyone else on Sunday morning, since I had to rush home and get ready for Asthma Camp right away. We made it home with just enough time for me to shower and re-pack for camp before I had to leave for another Costco run with one of my coworkers (food for yet another camp staff meeting). When I arrived at camp, I had dinner and sat in on an orientation for the counselors. The kids were scheduled to arrive the next morning. I had arranged to stay with Elaine at night during the week, since I’m certainly not a camper and I wasn’t too keen on sharing a small cabin and one bathroom with a bunch of other people. It was nice to sleep in a real bed and have Elaine’s extra bathroom to myself!

Camp itself was fun, yet tiring, and I wasn’t even one of the counselors looking after the kids all day! I spent most of my time in the arts and crafts yurt. When I wasn’t there, I was helping the medical staff in the infirmary, running errands, or helping with activities. Every night, there were one or two big activities- like a magic show, disco bingo (I actually won a round!), campfire s’mores, a dance performance, and a talent show. One day, we hosted an asthma-themed carnival and another day all the kids were bused to the lake for boat rides. Overall, I think the kids had a good time, but I was very happy when it was done and over with.

26 Weeks

I had a very long week this past week… I had to work Monday through Friday and then I had to go to an all-day meeting on Saturday for our annual asthma camp. I had to plan the food for the event, so that meant I had to be there early to help set up and then stay late to clean up. I was a little upset because Eric actually had the day off. When I finally got home, we met up with my dad and drove to the delta to fish. They didn’t’ catch anything, but I enjoyed just sitting there in a chair, enjoyed the scenery and quiet. We talked about the houseboating trip coming up this weekend- my dad and Sally planned a trip for the whole family up at Lake Berryessa- and we’re starting to get excited! It will be really nice to get away, even for just a few days. Elaine and I bought floaties to lounge in on the lake and even though I’m feeling more and more plump every day, I’m excited to get into my swimming suit (I have one that fits nicely) and just hang out on the boat.

I’ve started to become more forgetful lately- the other day, I couldn’t for the life of me find the toothpaste, which is usually stored in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Apparently Eric had used it and left it out on the counter, but I just did not see it! I was rushing around trying to find it until I visually scanned the counter fully and saw the tube sitting there. I felt so stupid. Then today at work, I was inventorying the vaccines as I do every week and I mindlessly put the keys to the storage refrigerator in the wrong drawer. I guess little Natalie is starting to steal some of my mind too!

The house was put on the market late Friday- and our open house was on Sunday. This past week, we’ve been very busy making sure that the house was sparkling clean. Eric did a lot of touch-up caulking and I scrubbed the bathrooms and vacuumed all the carpeting. Then on Sunday morning, I made a quick batch of chocolate chip cookies to make the house smell nice and we packed up the kids and headed over to JoEllen and Patrick’s house. They stayed in their guest room for a few hours while we had lunch and attempted to tour a few rentals in San Ramon (unfortunately they were all closed).

I think we’re both starting to get nervous about the house and our timeframe for moving- we have less than three months to work with now before the little one arrives. It seems like showings are slower than what we were used to at the condo, and I know there are other houses for sale in the neighborhood- short sales and foreclosures mostly. I just hope someone will be drawn to our house- a regular sale- and offer us something close to what we need to make it out relatively unharmed (and not completely broke).

My stomach has been more sensitive lately, which hasn’t been very fun. I even gagged and threw up while trying to brush my teeth this morning, which hasn’t happened in quite a while! Regardless of my sensitive stomach, nachos always seen to sound good for some reason! I’ve been making them for dinner here and there and sometimes Eric joins in and has them with me. And then I always have to have rainbow sherbet on hand- the kind from Thrifty’s with the orange, lime, and raspberry flavors.

25 Weeks

I’ve been experiencing a slightly embarrassing side effect of pregnancy lately- leaking!! I think it’s really odd that I have to deal with this so soon. Eric and I were watching this show about teen mothers a few days ago when all of the sudden Eric points to my shirt and says, “Uh oh!” I didn’t understand what he was talking about at first, but then I looked down and saw a wet spot on my shirt… We just laughed, but it was still so embarrassing. At least now I know to layer up so I don’t have to deal with this in public!

We met with our realtors on Friday to start the process for selling our house. It seemed inevitable but the right decision to make for our little family. As per our original plan when Eric was originally laid off from the fire department, we would only delay the process until August at the latest. And August is here already! That only leaves us about three months to work with before baby girl gets here. The meeting with our agents went really well and we decided to get things moving quickly, so the photographer is coming out this Wednesday and the house should be listed by Friday. And then we’re going to have our open house this Sunday! Luckily the house is just about ready to go, since I cleaned it pretty well before Eric’s family came to stay with us. The only things we have left to do are to organize the garage, caulk around some of the trim and baseboards, and “stage” the place in general so to speak. We have our fingers crossed that the house will sell quickly and without hassle (hopefully), considering our limited time frame and our limited budget- we’re praying to walk away paying $10k or less…


Saturday was Amanda’s 21st birthday pool party. Unfortunately Eric had to work all day, but I had a nice time visiting with family and friends. The party was princess-themed with a big cake and everything, which was a little juvenile, but cute. I didn’t swim much, but sat around and lounged poolside for a good while. However, I was getting very irritated at the party, since Eric’s mom constantly throws names at me- and it’s not just the endless suggestions, but it’s the way she suggests them. Such as, “I think you should really consider…” or “If you call her that, I’m just going to call her this instead.” I get the impression that she really dislikes the names we have selected! So I told Eric about it and he decided to get the word out there that her name is Natalie (our top pick so far) even if we agree on something else later on- at least that way we can avoid the endless suggestions (or so we hope!). So baby Natalie it is!

Stacey’s cousin’s wife, Christina, who was at the party is also expecting- a boy, due in mid December. It was interesting to sit and talk to her for a while. She’s as excited as can be, but I can tell a real difference between us- as if she’s more excited about the pregnancy and I’m more excited to be a parent. Their plan is to place their son in daycare full-time once he arrives, which surprised me because she and her husband live with his mom and everyone works full-time. I assumed someone would be staying at home with him. But she was adamant that she had little interest in staying home with him- for fear that she would be bored and because she enjoys her job. I can’t judge her, but it was interesting to compare our priorities I guess.

I hope I’ll be able to strike a good balance between family and work, since it’s obvious I’ll need to work part-time. On a positive note, it will keep me in the workforce and keep my skills up to date. However, we will have a few days a week when we’ll need someone else to look after our daughter or Eric and I will have to be really creative with our schedules. Our plan at the moment- providing the house sells soon- is that I’ll reduce my days at work to three a week and Eric will hopefully reduce to four or be able to work evenings on a few chosen days. Elaine has been offering to watch her one day a week since she knew a baby was in existence, so we’re considering taking her up on her offer. It would be nice for her to be around other family members that we trust. And Elaine insists that it will be a welcome break from her demanding job.

At 25 weeks (26 technically), I’m almost 7 months along- already! Within the last two weeks or so, I’ve really noticed more people telling me that I’ve “popped.” I definitely feel and look like I have a little round bun in there now, which is exciting. The extra attention is nice sometimes, and her constant acrobatics keeps me on my toes. She moves around a ton now, randomly during the day and most often at bedtime (thank goodness I’m still sleeping well at night)! I wear my maternity pants and some stretchy skirts that I had from before and not much else these days, Many of my pre-pregnancy tops still fit and I’ve also been able to find some nice maternity shirts that I really like.