Braxton Hicks Contractions

Conclusions?  Not a big fan.  I know they help prepare the uterus for labor, but I'm definitely not throwing them parties anytime soon.  Oh uterine cramping.  It's been so long since I've felt you, and I've got to say: absence has not made this heart grow fonder.

Leg Cramps & Remy in Triage?

After attending a three-hour routine birth procedures class at our hospital last night, I was plagued with dreams about going into labor and having to spend endless hours in an overcrowded triage laying on shaky bunk beds with bandaged-up people trying to watch the Royal Wedding on TV.  Thrown into that interesting mix of circumstances was Remy squawking like a turkey because Adam was holding him up like a hanging peking duck and refusing to hear my pleas for him to take the pug home.  And on top of that, was my realization that we forgot to tell people we were in the hospital and that Ashley (our pug point person, or P.P.P. for when the "big day" comes around) wasn't contacted and poor Mia had been locked up in her crate for 16 hours straight.  Let's just say, if she could bark swear words, she'd be a sailor.  Oh, and I was having contractions and no one would help me breathe through them because everyone else was having babies except for me.  Yes, they say pregnancy can bring about weird and vivid dreams.  Yes, I tend to have weird and vivid dreams regardless of my pregnant state.  But seriously?  It was an stressful night's sleep, even for me.

Then, THEN, I woke up with a leg cramp.  I've only had a handful since being pregnant, and none at all before I was knocked up.  So I'm not used to dealing with the painful spasms in the middle of the night and tend to turn into a giant baby when they happen.  Last night's leg cramp wouldn't subside, even as I tried to stretch and flex my foot.  Eventually, my heavy breathing and whimpering woke Adam up and as he tried to get me to stand up, I basically started squawking like a turkey (apparently it runs in the family) as the pain just escalated.  After about 15 seconds of Adam holding me and trying not to freak out at my irrational reaction to the situation, I walked it off and then realized, OMG I'm a wuss!  I have to go into labor in a few weeks, and birth a watermelon with arms and legs, and I was just howling at a leg cramp!  So now I'm slightly unnerved about what this whole birthing process will be like for me.  And this is after having a conversation with Ashley, post-birthing class, about how I totally don't want an epidural or pain medication.  Funny how circumstances manifest that remind you that maybe making broad, sweeping statements like that isn't a good idea.

Representing the Pacific Northwest!

I want to preface this post with the fact that our baby has been showered with love, especially lately with all the wonderful gifts she's been receiving.  We are so appreciative of everyone's generosity and are thankful that so many people can join in our celebration of this new life coming into the world.  Our cup overflows!

That said, here is (according to Adam) what is probably the most exciting gift that our baby could possibly receive.  Thanks, Freilinger family (Jason, Cyndee, Chloee & Lucee)!  You know these items will be put to good use!

I got excited about a stroller and car seat.  Adam?  It's all about the Seattle sports gear, of course!

Then and Now

Adam was called in for jury duty today, so I met him for lunch in Pasadena.  He had some time to spare after we ate so we strolled around City Hall on this beautiful spring day.  We came upon the site where we took our wedding pictures three-and-a-half years ago.  It definitely brought back memories of a very happy day in our lives.  So we decided to take a picture of me with our baby in the exact spot we took one of my favorite wedding pictures.  (You'll have to excuse the quality discrepancy.  The iPhone is no match for the camera our photographer used.)

Adam + Yassie on November 24, 2007

Yassie + Bump on April 25, 2011

An Abundance of Love

Happy Easter!

We had quite an eventful weekend celebrating life manifested in so many ways.  First off, on Friday we went to Good Friday mass in the afternoon with our good friend Louie.  It's always humbling to be reminded of the suffering Christ went through in His love for us.  It was a really nice mass, even though the little one inside of me was making it difficult to stand and sit through the longer service.

Next, Adam's mother threw us a lovely little "family shower" with the help of Ashley and some family and friends.  It was really special to be in the company of all these women who have had families of their own and be reminded of life brought forth generation after generation.  We received some really nice gifts and blessings, and definitely continued to feel showered with love.  Thank you so much to all of you who attended and your generosity in celebrating with us!

Lastly, we had a low-key Easter (I'm going to save the Easter egg hunts and brunches for when our daughter is here to experience them first hand) with some of Adam's family from Washington.  All in all, it was a nice weekend in which we got to spend time together as a couple, sharing in the company of people who continue to bless us every day.  Easter reminded us that God's love lives through Jesus' resurrection.  As we prepare to bring this little life into this world we know that everything comes from Christ's love for us.

Cute As a Button, Sweet As Can Be: A Baby Shower

Doctor's Visit

I had my 32 week OB appointment yesterday and am happy to report that all is going along well.  After the little scare I had last week, I was relieved to find out that I only gained 1 lb. since my last visit two weeks ago, which puts me right on target.  That said, our scale at home is getting tossed out the window after a very stern talking to for freaking me out with its inaccurate reading.  My blood pressure was slightly elevated, but my doctor wasn't too concerned.  We had a good conversation about what would happen if I did develop preeclampsia (both now before the 35 week mark and later when I'm considered "full term") and I feel much more prepared for what to expect and confident that we will be okay regardless of what happens.  Still, as of now, things are going along swimmingly and I'm trying to relax and enjoy the time we have left with just the two of us (plus pugs) in our family.  Taking nothing about this pregnancy for granted, I am truly grateful for every day she is healthy and growing in my belly.