The weeks creep by, sometimes very slowly, but I'm getting there! This is my last week of work which is nice, after this I can focus on doing all the "final touches" to prepare for baby such as getting those last few things (like a crib mattress), lining the dresser drawers, putting away all the darling clothes, hanging pictures on the wall, and cleaning.
Went to the Dr.s on Friday for my check-up and had a sonogram that revealed that Baby Girl is head down now! I was thrilled bc I was getting worried abt that. But there she was. The sonogram was not that revealing of much else tho, I couldnt really get a good look at her bc it is all baby in there now and it is a zoomed in shot of everything. Its hard to make much out. And Greg was disappointed I did not come home with a picture.
On Friday night we went to see Chorus Line at the Curran. As soon as I got there I was feeling a little weird. Kind of crampy and lower back pain and a little nauseous. I was uncomfortable but also worried. I really didnt want to go into labor yet, and I thought this might be some indication that the baby was planning to come early. There were no regular contractions however, but the pain persisted into the night and I frantically read all my baby books to determine what this was. It could be "Pre-Labor" which says it can start occuring up to a month before birth. It hasnt happened again since. I do wonder if I will make it all the way to Sept 26.
We still have not settled on a name. It could be that we go into to this with two or three lined up and make our decision then when we see her. I am getting very excited!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
Sonoma Baby Shower Pictures
See below for pictures from the shower my dear friends Cara and Erin threw for Greg & I last Saturday in Sonoma. It was a beautiful day and a fun time to be had for all!
Me & the wonderful hostesses Erin and Cara
Mommy and Daddy to be (and Luca if you look really closely)
Greg trying on some of Baby B's new clothes
Belly Shots: Me (34 weeks pregnant) and Scott (not pregnant)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Pregnancy Photo Shoot
Here are some pictures from the photo shoot we did with our friend Mike Wang, who is a fantastic photographer. It was lots of fun mugging for the camera and showing off my belly in all its roundness.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
34 weeks
Well today I am 34 weeks. 6 weeks left. Of course, she could come early right? Since I will be "full term" in 3 weeks. I am not counting on this tho, since it seems to be that most new moms to be go into that 41st week before the baby decides its time to arrive. I imagine the womb must be a wonderful and comforting place.
Baby girl keeps squiriming and wiggling and keeps growing and making my belly bigger and bigger. I am starting to brush up against the steering wheel which is a little alarming and makes driving more challenging. I went in for a checkup last Wednesday and per the Dr's external feel of my abdomen the baby is not yet head down. She did not seem concerned but said she would schedule an ultrasound for my next appointment (a week from this Fri) to see if she has moved into the right spot. I failed to ask "Then what?" (I tend to blank out at the Dr's and forget to ask my questions) But a girl from my labor class said she had the same issue and was going to have another ultrasound and receive a "massage" (the uterine kind) if the baby is still breech. This uterine manipulation tends to move the baby into the right position in abt 50% of the cases. I am hoping baby girl moves head down by next Fri. She is moving alot so I believe she still has adequate room.
On Thursday's labor class we discussed the pain aspect a bit more. We did this exercise where we held fistfulls of ice for one minute and had to practice breathing through the "pain". The ice was very cold and did feel uncomfortable but I have a feeling this in no way compares to the pain of labor. And while I would rather not have a C-section, if it turns out that way it might not be so bad to miss the labor pains.
On Friday we had a photo session with one of our friends Mike who is a great photographer. He took lots and lots of pictures of me and Greg and my belly. They turned out pretty good. I am going to go through them and put together a little file to post on here.
On Saturday my beloved friends Erin and Cara (and Scott) threw Greg and I a couples shower/BBQ that was lots of fun. I will post pictures and details from that on my next Blog entry.
Baby girl keeps squiriming and wiggling and keeps growing and making my belly bigger and bigger. I am starting to brush up against the steering wheel which is a little alarming and makes driving more challenging. I went in for a checkup last Wednesday and per the Dr's external feel of my abdomen the baby is not yet head down. She did not seem concerned but said she would schedule an ultrasound for my next appointment (a week from this Fri) to see if she has moved into the right spot. I failed to ask "Then what?" (I tend to blank out at the Dr's and forget to ask my questions) But a girl from my labor class said she had the same issue and was going to have another ultrasound and receive a "massage" (the uterine kind) if the baby is still breech. This uterine manipulation tends to move the baby into the right position in abt 50% of the cases. I am hoping baby girl moves head down by next Fri. She is moving alot so I believe she still has adequate room.
On Thursday's labor class we discussed the pain aspect a bit more. We did this exercise where we held fistfulls of ice for one minute and had to practice breathing through the "pain". The ice was very cold and did feel uncomfortable but I have a feeling this in no way compares to the pain of labor. And while I would rather not have a C-section, if it turns out that way it might not be so bad to miss the labor pains.
On Friday we had a photo session with one of our friends Mike who is a great photographer. He took lots and lots of pictures of me and Greg and my belly. They turned out pretty good. I am going to go through them and put together a little file to post on here.
On Saturday my beloved friends Erin and Cara (and Scott) threw Greg and I a couples shower/BBQ that was lots of fun. I will post pictures and details from that on my next Blog entry.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Family Shower July 30, 2006
Me & the Cake
Me, My aunties Michelle and Jennifer, and the pink Bugaboo stroller
Baby Lauren, as she paitiently awaits the birth of her cousin (my baby)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Friday, August 04, 2006
Into the 33rd week
32 1/2 weeks pregnant
Weight: Approaching 150# (30# gain)
Pregnancy symptoms: A great feeling of heaviness which makes it harder to do physical things such as housework, going up and down the stairs, walks in the park, etc; Some minor heartburn; and minor back pain. Also, I have a cold which, combined with the pregnancy induced inflamed nasal tissue, and diminishing room in my chest cavity for my lungs, makes for some breathing problems.
Im sorry, do I sound like I'm complaining? Despite all these physical ailments I am getting more and more excited everyday to think I will soon get to meet my little girl.
Had my shower on Sunday (thrown by Greg's aunts Diane and Terry and his sister Krissy). Was lovely and I got all sorts of great stuff (including my pink Bugaboo stroller!) My mother and sister came for a visit which was great. They helped me paint clouds on the nursery ceiling. And Kathleen made brownies (best you will ever taste) which I ate far too many of.
Greg and I went to our first birth preparation class last night. Very interesting. About 11 other couples most of which had due dates close to mine (ranged from Sept 20-Oct 9). It was interesting to see how other women carried their babies and how their bodies looked in comparison. Some it seemed were wider, bellies softer, and it looked as if the baby was more contained within their bodies. And others were more like me, with the round hard belly sticking far out in front of them. I look as if (as my mom puts it) I am smuggling a frozen turkey in my abodomen. We also took a hospital tour which was nice bc I like to know where Im going to go, what the rooms look like, etc. It makes me feel comforted.
I think it was suprising to Greg to learn how long labor can be, and how the first part (early labor) can take place mostly at home. I love what the instructor said about early labor in that you should try to take a nap, or relax, watch TV and eat light snacks. This sounds so peaceful. However, from all those I talk to it does not seem like reality.
Greg and I tried to put the crib together today only to learn that there was something wrong with one of the parts. I almost started crying. Luckily there is another one in stock and they put it together at the store to make sure it was ok. We just have to go exchange it this weekend.
I will post pictures from the shower and nursery pics soon!
Weight: Approaching 150# (30# gain)
Pregnancy symptoms: A great feeling of heaviness which makes it harder to do physical things such as housework, going up and down the stairs, walks in the park, etc; Some minor heartburn; and minor back pain. Also, I have a cold which, combined with the pregnancy induced inflamed nasal tissue, and diminishing room in my chest cavity for my lungs, makes for some breathing problems.
Im sorry, do I sound like I'm complaining? Despite all these physical ailments I am getting more and more excited everyday to think I will soon get to meet my little girl.
Had my shower on Sunday (thrown by Greg's aunts Diane and Terry and his sister Krissy). Was lovely and I got all sorts of great stuff (including my pink Bugaboo stroller!) My mother and sister came for a visit which was great. They helped me paint clouds on the nursery ceiling. And Kathleen made brownies (best you will ever taste) which I ate far too many of.
Greg and I went to our first birth preparation class last night. Very interesting. About 11 other couples most of which had due dates close to mine (ranged from Sept 20-Oct 9). It was interesting to see how other women carried their babies and how their bodies looked in comparison. Some it seemed were wider, bellies softer, and it looked as if the baby was more contained within their bodies. And others were more like me, with the round hard belly sticking far out in front of them. I look as if (as my mom puts it) I am smuggling a frozen turkey in my abodomen. We also took a hospital tour which was nice bc I like to know where Im going to go, what the rooms look like, etc. It makes me feel comforted.
I think it was suprising to Greg to learn how long labor can be, and how the first part (early labor) can take place mostly at home. I love what the instructor said about early labor in that you should try to take a nap, or relax, watch TV and eat light snacks. This sounds so peaceful. However, from all those I talk to it does not seem like reality.
Greg and I tried to put the crib together today only to learn that there was something wrong with one of the parts. I almost started crying. Luckily there is another one in stock and they put it together at the store to make sure it was ok. We just have to go exchange it this weekend.
I will post pictures from the shower and nursery pics soon!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Summer Heat
Middle of July....heatwave. The air is hot and still and fragrant of the summer flowers. The ground is hot to the soles of barefeet. People seek out indoor places with air conditioning or flock to the beach in search of relief.
Not the most comfortable position to be in while 31 weeks pregnant. A heat wave has hit No. Cal. and we are unable to stay at our house, in beautiful 80 degree weather in SF by the beach, because we are having our kitchen floors redone (and hardwood re-finished in the nursery) Needed to get done before baby girl's arrival. As such, we are displaced from our house and are hanging out in 100 degree heat up here in Petaluma this weekend. I am currently hiding inside, with two fans, and a "Misty Mate" ( a water bottle with a misting tube) which I use to mist myself with water every 15 minutes. My hands and feet and face are swollen from the pregnancy and heat combo. I would like to go swimming but the thought of squeezing into a bathing suit is not too enticing.
The baby is active as ever, kicking and squirming. She seems to respond to our voices with her movements. She keeps me company as I march through these final months. ( 2 months to go!)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Pregnancy tips from the past
One of the things I have been doing lately is trying to get my house in order and ready for the new baby. Call it nesting if you'd like but it is long overdue! In doing this I stumbled upon an old book that my grandmother had for pregnancy and the new baby. It is titled "Better Homes and Gardens Baby Book", copyright 1946. It is very amusing to read over the tips and procedures for the pregnant woman back then. Here are some highlights:
"Daily Regimen for Normal Pregnancy"
-Arise, brush your teeth, care for your breasts, take a short walk.
-Eat breakfast, go to the toilet. Relax, take your time
-Do your housework
-Eat lunch
-Rest for two hours
-Visit with friends or sit in the yard or on the porch, sewing or reading
-Prepare and eat dinner. If tired, rest before washing the dishes
-Retire by 10:30 pm.
It then has a section titled "If You're a Working Woman"
It says "Your condition will become rather readily apparent by the fifth month. If your appearance is important in your work, you'll want to quit, or arrange to work at home after that"
Though it does say that perhaps obvious pregnancy doesnt matter, and that "employers are much less squeamish about this than they used to be"
Well good thing for that!
This one is my favorite:
"Smoking"
"Moderate smoking seems to do no harm-that is, under 8 or 10 cigarettes a day. If you're a heavy smoker, doctors advise that you cut down, but dont try to quit entirely, as this is an added strain"
Hilarious. Shows you how times do change quite a bit.
"Daily Regimen for Normal Pregnancy"
-Arise, brush your teeth, care for your breasts, take a short walk.
-Eat breakfast, go to the toilet. Relax, take your time
-Do your housework
-Eat lunch
-Rest for two hours
-Visit with friends or sit in the yard or on the porch, sewing or reading
-Prepare and eat dinner. If tired, rest before washing the dishes
-Retire by 10:30 pm.
It then has a section titled "If You're a Working Woman"
It says "Your condition will become rather readily apparent by the fifth month. If your appearance is important in your work, you'll want to quit, or arrange to work at home after that"
Though it does say that perhaps obvious pregnancy doesnt matter, and that "employers are much less squeamish about this than they used to be"
Well good thing for that!
This one is my favorite:
"Smoking"
"Moderate smoking seems to do no harm-that is, under 8 or 10 cigarettes a day. If you're a heavy smoker, doctors advise that you cut down, but dont try to quit entirely, as this is an added strain"
Hilarious. Shows you how times do change quite a bit.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Third Trimester!
Yes, its true. I am officially in my third trimester starting today. I am very happy to be beginning the last leg of this journey, and I am getting very nervous and excited to have a little baby girl in my arms soon! Everyone can tell I am very pregnant now, with the big basketball I have for a tummy. Strangers give me certain looks, sort of like "Aw how special" crossed with "Aw you poor thing". It does make me feel like being pregnant puts you in a special section of the population. Most people give me the right of way, are more courteous, etc. Its kind of fun.
I have two more months of work left before maternity leave. Still not sure how long Im going to take. Im thinking 5 months. But for now, the work is calling....
I have two more months of work left before maternity leave. Still not sure how long Im going to take. Im thinking 5 months. But for now, the work is calling....
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Nursery Furniture
We have picked out my crib and glider chair. Very fun. Here is the crib I ordered (note: those are not my crib linens and the finish I chose is a "distressed white" for a little "shabby chic" touch that I think will go quite nicely with the room.
We picked out a sleigh back glider and ottoman in a natural finish with cotton cushions in a pretty pastel stripe. Here is the model and finish and fabric for our chair. 
And the best part is that these items were in stock! We will pick them up next week. The nursery is really coming along. Now, if we were just having as much luck with the name situation...
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Baby Stuff
I have been shopping alot lately for the baby stuff. And wow, is there alot of stuff you can buy! I am loading up my registries (at Pottery Barn kids and Babies R'US) with pretty much anything I can think of, and I have my experienced sister in law Krissy (two girls aged 4(almost) and 9 mo.) to help me to tell me the things I really need. It is quite fun, but a little overwhelming for me, the non-shopper. But its lots of fun. Then I take Greg down to the store and he falls in love with the Bugaboo Chamelon. The top of the line, celebrity adored, stroller. I have to admit it pushes around alot smoother than the other ones and has about every feature/position you can think of. Greg was especially charmed by the "snow" position. I can just imagine trying to manuever my way around in Tahoe deep in powder with the stroller!
Baby girl is kicking and moving all the time. I got a prenatal heartbeat detector so I can listen to her heart. Pretty cool. I feel very close to her already. (I guess she is pretty close as I carry her around in my abdomen 24-7!)
I have outgrown some of my maternity clothes which is pretty sad. But Krissy just got hers back from a friend so now I have some new wardrobe choices. Belly is getting pretty big and I still have 3 months to go!!!!
Baby girl is kicking and moving all the time. I got a prenatal heartbeat detector so I can listen to her heart. Pretty cool. I feel very close to her already. (I guess she is pretty close as I carry her around in my abdomen 24-7!)
I have outgrown some of my maternity clothes which is pretty sad. But Krissy just got hers back from a friend so now I have some new wardrobe choices. Belly is getting pretty big and I still have 3 months to go!!!!
Friday, June 09, 2006
25th week
I am halfway through my 25th week now, getting nearer to that 6 month mark. Getting bigger, feeling heavier, and sometimes feeling a little spacey and dumb. I think I've got "Baby Brain".
Having some aches and pains, mostly back and rib pain. A bit early for the rib pain but its probably bc I am so short. Had the 24 week check up on Tuesday, heard the heartbeat (142 b.p.m), had my uterus measured, cervix checked, and was told everything was shipshape. I have gained a total of 16# so far which seems on track.
I went down to SoCal last week, visited with friends in SB and then with my family. Will probably be my last trip down there before the birth as I dont really want to fly anymore. Of course I can until something like the 33rd week but I've been getting dizzy and nervous on planes lately. And since I can't take anything for the anxiety....just better not to fly.
SB was beautiful and so nice to see everyone! Suzanne's baby Aidan is a month old now and was very precious. I asked both her and my friend Sara (who had a baby girl last fall) alot of questions about the labor process and I have to admit, it sounds a little frightening. But there's no going back now!
Im looking forward to a summer of hopefully a bit lessened workload and alot of baby preparation. Greg and I are working on names and like the feminine, a little old fashioned names. The nursery is coming along and we are working on the house, and spending time with our "first child" Luca Bella (our lovable chocolate lab)
Having some aches and pains, mostly back and rib pain. A bit early for the rib pain but its probably bc I am so short. Had the 24 week check up on Tuesday, heard the heartbeat (142 b.p.m), had my uterus measured, cervix checked, and was told everything was shipshape. I have gained a total of 16# so far which seems on track.
I went down to SoCal last week, visited with friends in SB and then with my family. Will probably be my last trip down there before the birth as I dont really want to fly anymore. Of course I can until something like the 33rd week but I've been getting dizzy and nervous on planes lately. And since I can't take anything for the anxiety....just better not to fly.
SB was beautiful and so nice to see everyone! Suzanne's baby Aidan is a month old now and was very precious. I asked both her and my friend Sara (who had a baby girl last fall) alot of questions about the labor process and I have to admit, it sounds a little frightening. But there's no going back now!
Im looking forward to a summer of hopefully a bit lessened workload and alot of baby preparation. Greg and I are working on names and like the feminine, a little old fashioned names. The nursery is coming along and we are working on the house, and spending time with our "first child" Luca Bella (our lovable chocolate lab)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Into the second half
I am 21 weeks and a day pregnant now. Feels exciting to be on the "other side" of the halfway mark. Just came back from a lovely three day weekend at home in PV. My last Mother's Day as a non-mother! I guess it will be awhile though until my daughter will wake up to prepare me eggs benedict.
I am enjoying being pregnant now. It is fun to shop for maternity stuff but also look at baby stuff! I am getting excited about all the clothes and the nursery, etc. Greg is getting a little worried that everything wont be done in time. But we have four months, and Dan (Greg's Dad) has already been hard at work (Greg too) on fixing up the green room. My belly is getting pretty big. And I've started gaining some weight in other places too. But its all good. I just need to focus on the healthy stuff rather than cookies and candy. I have a few pregnancy aches & pains. Such as frequent back aches. Up and down my spine, a dull aching. Greg has had to give me a lot more back rubs. Nothing wrong with that! Been taking more walks too. The weather in SF has been beautiful.
I am enjoying being pregnant now. It is fun to shop for maternity stuff but also look at baby stuff! I am getting excited about all the clothes and the nursery, etc. Greg is getting a little worried that everything wont be done in time. But we have four months, and Dan (Greg's Dad) has already been hard at work (Greg too) on fixing up the green room. My belly is getting pretty big. And I've started gaining some weight in other places too. But its all good. I just need to focus on the healthy stuff rather than cookies and candy. I have a few pregnancy aches & pains. Such as frequent back aches. Up and down my spine, a dull aching. Greg has had to give me a lot more back rubs. Nothing wrong with that! Been taking more walks too. The weather in SF has been beautiful.
Me & Rascal
Here is me with my family's new Corgi puppy Rascal. Can you see the family resemblance? If my baby is half as cute as he is I will be happy!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
The Pregnant Auditor
19 weeks! almost at that halfway point. It really flies by.
I have been feeling pretty good, lots more energy, better appetite, I seem to be gaining the appropriate amount of weight (roughly 10 pounds thus far). Problem is primarily work. Trying to work only 8 hours a day but not at all successful (averaging 10). Trying to eat better and more consistently and bringing healthy snacks but eating the healthy stuff AND the almond joys that sit on the table in front of me. Trying to relax more but running around at my clients chasing down numbers (never knew we auditors were so active, huh?)
My belly button is starting to make its way outwards. Its kind of cute. I have been told I have that "pregnancy glow" but it might be bc I seem to have much more oily skin lately.
Greg and his dad have starting working on the green room to turn it into the nursery. I am trying to salvage the green toile wallpaper as I love it and want to have the nursery as a "French Countryside" theme. White furniture and different animals in pictures, "Le Vache", "Le Cochon", "Le Canard", etc. I think I may go shopping this Sunday for some nursery ideas. But alas, I may have to work....
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Baby Biagini is........
A Girl! I had my ultrasounds today. I am 17 weeks and one day pregnant and have a little girl living inside of me. Greg came with me and this was the first appointment he has been to so it was a little scary for him. She looked darling, flailing her arms around and moving her mouth like she was talking or singing! We got to see her face and heart (and hear the fast heartbeat) and fingers and toes. Very moving. It is a beautiful spring day here and it was a thrilling experience. Now its time to think of names!
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