Baby Avrum Week 2 and 3

One Week Old

Baby Avrum with Andrew and Andrew's other little brother Aiden, on Andrew's Maternal side of the family. Too Cute!

Avrum is a Good Eater

Baby Avrum in a food Coma!

Baby's First Bath

Baby Avrum is not a fan of water as of yet. I have never seen that beautiful shade of red before. He fits perfectly into the sink in his bath. It was great to wrap him up in an organic towel when We were done.

The Great Outdoors

Baby's First Stroller Ride

I was getting a little cabin fever, so Alex, Amanda, Avrum and I went for a walk to the local Starbucks! Avrum slept through the whole thing - haha. however we had a wonderful walk in the sun.

Baby Avrum

New Member of the Family

I woke up on 02-26-08 with 10 minute apart contractions at 5:30am. I did yoga down stairs with the doggies until 6:45am when I was sure that I was in Labor. I woke Alex up and let him know. I was having back labor because Baby was sunny side up. We labored until about 1:00pm when our Doula sent over her back-up, Chelle, because she was already tending to another mother and we were two weeks early! Chelle was wonderful! I labored in the Bath until about 5:15pm while Alex timed my contractions. At 5:25pm I felt the first urge to push and knew it was time to go to the hospital. My water had not broken yet so we climbed into Alex's new car and prayed it didn't break on the way to the Hospital.


We arrived at Hoag, they very quickly checked us in, walked us into the nearest room to the entry (haha), got me into a gown and my water broke! So you see me above just after they got me onto the bed and determined that I was 8 cm! Next is Chelle and I at 10 cm, waiting for Dr. Grouse's back up to arrive because Dr. Grouse was also in another Birth!


The next three photos are just minutes after Baby Avrum arrived at 8:15pm. 6 lbs 10oz and 19 inches! We immediately had skin to skin contact and then went right into breastfeeding. I held him for the first two hours and let him feed. He is Amazing!

Baby Went to the Clipper / Lakers Game

Last night Alex, Andrew, Baby and I went to the Clipper / Lakers Game. It was so much fun! I got the tickets for Alex's Birthday. The boys were high-fiving each other, cheering and caring on. It was great. They also surprised me with a Lakers Baby Binnie. Isn't that cute! They are so thoughtful and sweet. I swear Andrew must of said thank you like 10 times.

On a whole other note. I started to loose the plug this morning! It really could be any day now!

Weekly OB Check-Up

Our Weekly OB Check-up was different from all our previous check-ups. We saw Dr. Strachen instead of Dr. Grouse. Unfortunately, Dr. Grouse lost her Step-Father and was out for the week. Dr. Strachen did her check-up, measured my belly twice and then ordered an Ultrasound, concerned about the babies growth because the belly was smaller then expected, possibly due to Baby already dropping into position.

Yesterday we went to get the Ultrasound. It took over and hour. It was a little alarming the number of images they took of Baby's Femurs, Heart, Brain, Blood Flow of the Cord and in the Brain.

Dr. Grouse's assistant called today and let us know that Baby has a normal growth pattern and is healthy. They determined that we are approximately 37.5 weeks pregnant based on the average growth pattern of fetuses. We have another appointment on Feb 27th.

Last Day at Work

I have officially started Maternity Leave as of Feb. 13th! Yea! Now I will have time to prepare the house for Baby. Wash Baby clothes and linens, filing, bills, etc. Streamline our house and process. We can't wait for Baby to Arrive! I love being pregnant but I can't wait to look into those little eyes and nibble on little toes!

37 Weeks

We went to the Doctor today for our 37 week check up and everything is going wonderfully. I am still the same weight as two weeks ago, which is typical. My blood pearsure and heartrate is 98/70. The babies heartrate is normal about 140. Baby is already engaged at zero station (meaning baby has settled into the pelvis, but before descending to the birth canal) and we are 60% effaced, very typical! No Dialation yet but it could be any day now! We are very very excited!

Belly News

We are almost 37 weeks! Which is full term. So, after Thrusday the Baby could arrive any day! We have a Dr. Appt. tomorrow and will have more information on our expected due date!

I measured my belly last night. I am 40 inches around! Can you believe that? My waist is bigger than Alex's! Ha ha. Baby continues to drop into position and loves to kick all day long. We are still trying to pick names for boys and girls. We have a few for each but have not settled on one yet.

There are a few conditions:

• The name must begin with an 'A' for both boys and girls.
• The boys middle name is George Atwater.
• The girls middle name is Anne Atwater or Anne could be part of the first name and then the middle name would be Atwater.
• We perfer a name of Greek Origin.
• Baby's Last name is Xagorarakis.

8 Months

Tomorrow we are 8 months (36 weeks) pregnant. I am super excited. I cannot wait for the baby to get here. Over the last week Baby has moved down and is not causing so much heartburn but now I have to tinkle all the time. Ha ha.


February 14th we are 37th weeks which is full term so it is just a waiting game after that! Baby could be here any day! We better pack our hospital bag. We already preregistered at the Hospital and have our car seat in the car.

Baby Shower

Baby Shower

Thank you so everyone who shared in the baby shower and those who could not make it we wish you were there! Much love to everyone!

It's all in the details...

The Nursery Theme is free range horses. They are so beautiful! The walls are a butter yellow and chocolate brown with white, ivory and celadon accents. We still need to put in all of the wonderful gifts received from the shower! Today we are 34 weeks! it is coming so quickly but we are totally ready!

Baby's Nursery

I am totally in love with Baby's nursery. Alex and I worked really hard on getting it just right. Check out the pics! So cute! There is one of me and baby hanging shelves in the bathroom at 33 week, ha ha!

Disposable Eco-Friendly Diapers

These disposable Eco-Friendly diapers are gel free, chlorine free and biodegradable! Yea!


Nature's BabyCare (carried at http://www.naturesbabycare.com and Target)
Tushies (carried at http://www.tushies.com, Mothers, Whole foods, Henry's and Wild Oats)
Seventh Generation (carried at http://www.seventhgeneration.com, Mothers, Whole foods, Henry's, Wild Oats and Some Babies R' Us)
TenderCare (carried at http://www.tendercarediapers.com, Mothers, Whole foods, Henry's and Wild Oats.)


OR
www.ourgreenhouse.com - registered for cloth diapers

Baby's Eye Color

I found a really cool website this morning!

http://museum.thetech.org/ugenetics/eyeCalc/eyecalculator.html

It calculates the probability of eye color in a new baby based on the parents and grandparents eye color.

We have a 50% chance to have brown eyed babies, 31% chance to have Hazel/Green eyed babies and 19% chance to have a blue eyed baby.

No matter what eye color this baby is going to be darn cute!

30 Weeks / 28 Weeks Gestation

Baby went to the Dr. today for the 30 week check up. Next Thursday marks 7 months! We are all doing very well. I am +22.5 lbs so far and have 9-11 weeks to go and I am suppose to gain a pound a week now. I need to take it easy on the eating and do a little more walking. People are starting to tell me I have the "pregnancy glow" that is what people say when they can't say "gee you got fat." Ha ha. Someone at work said that I am really filling out in my face. A friend said wow your hips spread and another me the other night that I haven't gotten enormously big. In all fairness I had on jeans today and they add a little weight... Oh and I can still wear my wedding ring so I guess I haven't gained that much really.

Baby is super healthy moving and shaking in there. When Dr. Grouse was checking the heart beat (which is super strong) Baby kicked at her twice. It surprised her the second time cause it was a really big kick. It was funny.

The glucose test and thyroid tests all came back normal. which is great cause they weren't in the beginning - also is very common. Because we are doing so well we are going to have another appointment in three weeks instead of two. We will not need to do anymore testing or ultrasounds if things keep progressing this well, so yea! Then there is no temptation to find out the sex of the baby!

Baby's Christmas

Baby and Family had a relaxing day with our first Christmas in our new home. Dada got baby a card and a few presents which made Mommy cry. Andrew was excited! He was so helpful and loving all day.

Baby went to Hawaii

At 27 weeks Alex and I took a trip right before the 28 weeks cut off for flying. We found cheap fares to visit Amanda and Layth in Hawaii $257 and $287 with ATA on Expedia. We were so excited. We left the day after our Dr. appointment with Dr. Grouse's blessing. Baby was very active when we were flying. Thrusday, Friday and Sunday were 75-80 and raining. Saturday was 80+ and Sunny. We arrived Thursday afternoon and took a walk in the park and then went out for Italian. Friday we slept in and relaxed. Then we met Amanda at work and got a tour and got to go behind the scenes. We then took a drive around Diamond Head and looked at Architecture. We continued to the East coast stopping along the way. Saturday we went to the North Shore and Alex went surfing. The tides were very strong with a no swimming advisory, so Baby and I stayed on shore. We headed back stopping to see three sea turtles on the beach, then went back to Amanda's and out to dinner. Sunday we slept until 10:45AM! We got ready to head out when we woke up! It is a great quick get away. We really needed it!

6th Month Check Up - Wednesday, December 6th

We were a little late with our 6 month check up. It was suppose to be last week.
It went well. I gained almost six pounds this month for a total of 15.5 lbs so far, I am still on target. I am suppose to gain about a pound a week in the third trimester (which is 13 weeks = 13 lbs). The baby will gain about a half a pound a week. Dr. Grouse wants me to walk more, mainly because I haven't been exercising. The baby's heartbeat is still strong. I have to take the glucose test for gestational diabetes (standard test.) Our next appointment is in three weeks, then they will go to every two weeks and then in mid-February they will be every week.

We found a wonderful Doula, Lindsey Meehleis. Check her out at http://www.ocdoulas.com/. We are really excited to have her working with us. We are planning on staying home for the first stage of labor and going to the hospital when I am in transitional labor.

24 Weeks / 22 Weeks Gestation

The Baby is getting big and so is my belly. I have gained 12.5 pounds. Right on target.

Maternity Leave

I looked into the maternity leave policies. Four weeks prior to my due date I am going on leave. I have 6 weeks after the birth and then an additional 6 weeks of Family Leave. So, from February 12 - June 3rd I am going to be preparing and bonding with Baby. I am so excited! I cannot wait to hold Baby. I hope Alex will be able to spend a good amount of time with us. Work will just have to wait.

5th Month Check-up

Happy Halloween!!

We went to the Dr. on Tuesday. We went over our AFP results. All clear. She said we didn't just pass but, passed with flying colors. No signs of genetic disorders or complications! Yea. We have great genes! Thanks to our Moms and Dads! Thyroid and Glucose levels were normal this time around. Yea! Babies heartbeat strong and so cute. I gained 4 pounds this month so, total only 9.5 lbs. Which is perfect for my body type. The Baby is approximately 12" from head to foot and about 12 ounces.

We purchased our baby swing. I love it, natural materials and very stable. It converts to a jumper as the baby grows. Check it out at www.amby-baby-store.com. We are going to repaint the Baby's room. The current color that is in there is the same as when we moved in and it is too pink compared to the furniture. We are using warm and natural colors. I will post pics when it is done!

Baby Went to the Beach

After a week of not being able to go outide, the air was clear and weather warm. Alex and I went to the beach today so Alex could get in a little surfing and the baby could get a little sun. Baby loves the sun. When I layout the baby gets really active. I was cracking up watching my tummy jump and bump all over the place. The picture is of me at 21.5 weeks. This coming Thursday marks 5 months gestation and 119 days to go! It is coming so fast!

Baby's Room

Alex and I are working on Baby's room. The pictures are from a model home we went to visit that my firm designed. The interior designer - Lasting Interiors - designed one of the secondary rooms in an equestrian theme. I love it. Great inspiration!

Alex Traveling

Andrew, I and Baby dropped Alex off at John Wayne this evening. He'll be back in a few days but we miss him already. This morning Baby made a grand appearance, kicking and moving up a storm. Alex and I just laid there watching and feeling my belly move. It is funny. When the baby kicks really hard you can see my belly move. We are super excited. I love that Alex gets so excited when the baby is moving. I know he is really going to miss being with all of us.

Baby Being Silly

This weekend the baby was being very active. Moving around a lot! It was fun to watch my belly making weird shapes. I was laying on my right side and the baby curled up in a little ball on that side. Then I rolled over to my back and the baby stayed there curled up in a little ball. So my tummy was flat on my left side and a bulge on the right. It was really funny.

Baby is Kicking!

I feel Baby everyday now. It is fun and I really look forward to feeling the little kicks and big ones too. The Baby wakes up, it feels like a party in there, then Baby falls back to sleep and all is still. I love Baby so much!


On Monday night Alex and I laid down to sleep and Alex put his hand over my tummy. I thought Baby was asleep but Alex was so patient and then Baby made the biggest kick ever and Alex got all teary eyed. I started crying. I was so excited to be able to share with him. I will never forget that moment.

Baby's Nursery

We started putting together Baby's Nursery this weekend. Mom gave Baby a Pegasus to guard over Baby. We hung it over the bedroom door. The crib and changing table we purchased from another family. To reuse is helping the environment. Plus most of the toxins emitted from new furniture have dissipated. The nursery is going to have light colors. Beige, Ivory, Light Sage Green and the golden wood color. Peaceful and Relaxing. With a horse theme. Mom brought Baby a big plush pony with a bareback pad and a bridal. It is super cute. You can see her in the crib. Thanks Mom!

Starting to Show

Okay, so I have only put on 5-6 pounds in the last 4 months but for someone so small it is a lot, but luckily I am eating right and is all Baby. I am right on target for my age, weight and height.

My waist is 3.75 inches bigger. I no longer fit in any of my clothes. I wore my first pair of maternity slacks to work today. Shopping for maternity clothes is funny, they are all enormous. I am sure I will get there. Ha ha.

When I walk my tummy moves from side to side. It is funny.

4 Month Check-up

We went to the Dr. today and the baby and I are healthy. No more complications. Baby is growing as expected and is perfect. Dr. Grouse confirmed I am 17 weeks rather than 16. So we just completed the fourth month and are working on the fifth.

I called my girlfriends at work to let them know all was clear and they surprised me by decorated my desk for my return. That is how the rest of the office found out. My friends are the best! It was perfect. Thank you Karen, Kimberly and Anna Marie! Everyone (almost) at work was really happy for us.



I felt the baby last night. I had a snack and laid down to rest and there were three little tiny pounds a little below my belly button. So cute. Kind of felt like a little alien. Ha ha. Alex and I are so excited. I wish Andrew was home yesterday so he could share with us. But we are going to celebrate with him tonight! Dr. Grouse said in about two weeks Alex and Andrew should be able to put their hand on my tummy and feel the baby move. So cool!



I am going in for another blood test on Saturday, to check my thyroid, glucose levels and an expanded AFP to check on the baby. But baby is showing no signs of complications this is only precautionary.


I am no longer on restriction from exercise or flying. I have to take is easy as with any pregnancy but I can do more that the last few months! If we fly I just have to visit a few days prior to flying and a few days after return, which is routine.

17 Weeks

The top photo is of Baby's profile. You can see the head, brain, little nose, mouth, chin and mid-section. So precious. The second photo is a closer look of the Baby's face and hand. The third Baby gave us a little wave. The fourth is of baby when I turned on my left side to get Baby to change positions. But, baby just hung out upside down with legs stretching straight out.


The tech said Baby's measurements indicated that we were 17 weeks. She also said that the placenta was no longer low lying! Yea! Tomorrow we have a Dr. appointment and we will get the official diagnosis. She also said she could tell the gender of the baby but we told her before we started that we did not want to know so she was very careful to not show us anything or two give it away. Even when I pried a little. So we still have a surprise.


I am so excited. I was overcome with so much love and joy when we were seeing Baby that tears were streaming down my cheeks while squeezing Alex's hand.

Prenatal Yoga

I went to my first prenatal yoga class tonight. It was fun. There were two other new girls and one women that is due in four weeks. It was so relaxing to just have some quite time to stretch and do something that was good for me and the baby. It is really fun to have Georgeanne as the instructor. It gives us a chance to bond and spend time together during the pregnancy without all the boys. I cannot wait till next week!

I used to have hips....

Well I have gained about 5 pounds and I no longer can see my hip bones or my waist for that matter. I loved the idea of making a baby, but did not give much thought to what that meant for my body. Dr. Grouse cleared me to start Georgeanne's prenatal yoga class. I am excited and am going to start attending next week. I really want to stay strong, relaxed and prepared. If all goes well we are planning on a natural birth.
On another note, we are going in for another ultrasound on the 25th to check on the position of the placenta. I have not had any problems so I am confident that it is moving up the uterine wall. Yea! We will get the final results at our 4 month appointment the following day. We are also doing the CVS testing. As far as I understood it is a blood test but we will see. If they start flashing big needles at me I might have to run.
Work is going well. I am just working way too much. So I think I am going to have to cut back a little. I have to take care of myself first.
From what I have read, women begin to feel the baby as early as 16 weeks but most first time mothers don't know that they are feeling the baby until closer to 20 weeks. I have had a few flutters this week. Maybe the baby. I have never felt that before. Cool huh?!