Adventures in pregnancy

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 39-40: We are due today, Oct 1...but the lil princess is taking her time

We are at 40 weeks today and really getting the FULL pregnancy experience! We are at the “anxiously waiting for baby to come” stage now!

At our doctors appointment yesterday, they did a non-stress test (NST) to monitor the baby's heart rate and my contractions. Everything looked normal so we continue to wait and go back tomorrow for another NST and also a growth sonogram to get a better view of how baby is doing. We are really hoping we do not need to be induced. Luckily we won’t have to decide on that until 41 weeks…

Through the week we concentrated on taking walks and spending time together, just the 2 of us! We spent a gorgeous afternoon in LIC @ Gantry Plaza State Park. I’ve never been and it really reminds me of Brooklyn Bridge Park but less people. We saw so many mommies with strollers!

Another day, we explored the new section of the Highline, which now extends all the way to 34th street. This section was meant to be more “raw” looking. It’s nice that they left sections where we can walk on the tracks.

And whenever possible, we take our morning strolls at the Union Square farmers market. Since we cannot go out far to apple pick or see the pumpkins his year, it was nice to be able to just walk over and get the experience at the greenmarket!

Another thing we will miss most will be our date nights out. We were always so spontaneous and had the freedom to decide what we wanted to do and eat. Before we have to give that up, we really let loose and had a great week of good eats. FAT!

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 38: Nesting begins

Been working from home this week and resting whenever possible. I've noticed a difference in my feet, the swelling is still there but no as bad as when I was commuting and sitting all day at work. However, I've ballooned up and my face is like a "bao" now! LOL

First task at hand, I finally packed my hospital bag.

Bri washed all newborn clothes!

Bri cooked some meals in preparation for those first 2 weeks.

And we did some additional sorting and organizing of baby's stuff. GIfts and hand me downs are still coming in, baby girl is very lucky!!

Currently I'm still at about 1.5cm and 50%. Things are moving slow so doc thinks she's on target to be on-time...now we just wait!

This week, Brian and I celebrated our 17th anniversary on Sept 19th! We spent the day close to home exploring the Cloisters and its grounds. The medieval structure reminded us of Europe and it felt like we were on a mini hill town vacation. It will be a while before we can travel but we are already thinking about our vacations with our lil princess.

And of course my 35th birthday was this week! With my milestone birthday and imminent birth of our first (push gift!), I got a really special present this year! HAPPY =)

We're celebrating for the last time as just he 2 of us. Next year we will be a family of 3! So exciting, life is great.

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 37: The 3 week countdown

I’m currently 1.5cm dilated and thinned a little more at 50% effaced this week. Everything looks good so far for a natural delivery. Now we just wait! The doctor encouraged me to stay active so I'm still taking my prenatal yoga classes.

This was my last week in the office. My friends and colleagues at work were so sweet, surprising me with a baby shower and cash gift for our baby! One of my mommy friends, EIleen, at work also gave me 2 boxes of clothing that her baby girl has grown out of. This is great since we haven't invested in much newborn or 0-3 outfits. We'll sort and wash them this weekend as I begin my nesting.

My Medela breast pump came in earlier in the week. I have yet to test and learn how to use it. Another task for nesting. Although Mary and I took a breastfeeding class, I still feed like there is too much I don't know about breastfeeding. Nothing is more powerful than hands-on learning but that isn't really possible. I'm just grateful that both Shirley and Mary will be trailblazers and I will no doubt be texting and calling them for help.

Just in case it's needed, I signed up on Enfamil's site for some samples. I wasn't expecting much more than some coupons so we can pick up some formula to have on hand, but we received this in the mail yesterday!! Score!!, I love freebies. It won't be enough if we really need to supplement but at least it is a start and we can go buy more as needed. It did come with a $5 coupon ;)

Brian also had a surprise shower thrown in his honor! They even got balloons and one of the girls made the cutest pink ducky cake! SInce they know Bri loves his food, they chipped in for a Beaba baby food maker as well as little cute outfits and toys. We are truly blessed and surrounded by thoughtful and generous people. 

We had a very exciting weekend! My bestie, Mary, had her baby boy in the most perfect labor and delivery story! She barely made it to the hospital but had a quick and smooth delivery. Check out the cutie!

Also went to my last event while pregnant, Mairin's Bridal Shower! It was a great gathering of women. We had a blast and I can't wait until her wedding at Tribeca Rooftop!

Finally, for some older September babies, we celebrated mom's 65th and my 35th this weekend with Sunday dinner with the aunties. LOVE!

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 36: We are 9 months! Time flies...

We’ve made it to the final month of our pregnancy!! The time has truly flown by and we’ve accomplished so much to prepare of our baby girl’s arrival. The main thing left is really to decide on a name and pack my hospital bag!

I’m currently 1cm dilated, 30% effaced and up 27lbs. Doc says we’re making great progress and wants me to keep active! I’m still making my commute to work and that helps with the amount of walking and stairs I need to take. This is probably the final week I’ll be doing classes with Mary. She’s 38 weeks now and has started to nest, this is her last week at work! I’ll try, but may not be motivated to continue classes on my own!

In other pregnancy news, cousin Shirl delivered this week! Elyf Ling Erdogan was born a healthy 8lbs 3oz!! She held her ground and came 3 days pass her due date on Sept 3. What a cutie <3<3<3. Can’t wait for the cousins to meet!

Talking about how time truly flies, also this week:

The kiddies are going to kindergarten!

And Lola Lita is finally retiring after 40+ years as a nurse.

While going through some baby gear that Mary and Christian dropped off for us in Bellerose, I spotted this cutie and had to take the pic home with us. Hope our baby girl will be as cute as her father! LOVE

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 35: The home stretch

And so the weekly prenatal visits start this week! We had our 35 week prenatal visit and I am 1/2 cm dilated. Still early but good to see progress without any labor pains =). The more I dilate the next few weeks the better. I also got the strep B test and luckily it came back negative. So far I've gained 24lbs but this is the part where growth is the fastest. I hope I stay within the range of 25-35lbs.

I should've spent time to pack my hospital bag this week but still haven't done it. Took advantage of the long weekend just to relax a bit and spend time with Bri. Eataly's Birthday sale was this weekend, so we went and stocked up on goodies! It was also Lou's and Dann's wedding, Bri took this cute selfie of us...look at the place card =)

This Labor Day weekend and the start of September turned out to be the hottest few days we had this summer. So thankful it was not like this earlier on because it is so uncomfortable with my swollen feet and huge belly. That is the biggest issue for me now, swelling as well as confirmation that I have Mommy's thumb!! I'll be in a brace for the month and hopefully the tendon heals before sweet pea comes...

My huge feet - enjoying a pedi and massage

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 34: The week in pictures

A relaxing afternoon at Jones Beach

Prenatal wellness session at work

Birthing ball all ready to go!

Cute storage pieces arrive from The Land of Nod

Cute outfits from the Bravos.

Scored floor sample for $50 to go with the Graco car seat we are borrowing from Auntie Mary.

& we finally have our infant car seat installed!

Also this week:

I had my first Braxton Hicks contractions! It happened twice and Bri almost called the doctor! I may have to keep him calm during labor and delivery LOL. 

I am officially in flats (sandals or flip flops). I can no longer fit any of my heels comfortably. In a pinch, I can squeeze into a pair I save at work for meetings but looks like it will be ballet flats at work and sandals or flop flops at all other times!

The saddest thing is I can’t fit my rings anymore!! =( I don’t like this swelling. Blaming it on the summer too. It should be better when it cools down and after I deliver. Fingers crossed.

I scheduled an appointment with our on-site PT at work for next week. I may have something called “Mommy’s thumb” or De Quervain’s tendinitis. There is a chance I may have to wear a brace for the tendon to get better but it is better to take care of it now then let it get worse. 

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 33: Nesting and new toys

Kudos to Bri for spending the week nesting and creating our new nursery/living space! I tried to do what I could but it was hard standing back and not being able to help build furniture and organize. Chinese superstition prohibits me from being around when furniture is being built and tools like hammers are being used. So…Bri recruited his brother and Christian to help build and mount our PAX system, Billy bookcase and Bistro table across 2 days while I was at work. He also setup our Ikea Strandmon wing chair and Graco Pack and Play which looks great in our re-organized space.

Bri was also able to research and find a dealership that had the Forester, with all the stuff we wanted, in stock!  He wheeled and dealed, getting Milea Subaru to match the price of Star Subaru. We made a deposit Tuesday and picked up the car Friday! Bri and our new ride aka Bri’s new toy and first ever, new car:

Along with all the prep this week, we squeezed in some fun time for the annual Summer Streets and had some adult time with friends @ Escape the room!

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 32: Seeing our baby girl at our 32 week growth scan

We had our 32 week growth sonogram visit this week. Our little girl is getting big and looking perfectly healthy, she got a 8/8 for the biophysical profile test! She is  4 lbs. 4 oz. and in the 38% tile. Per the ob, this is perfect for someone my size! It would be a pretty difficult birthing experience if percentage-wise she gets bigger. We are due back at 36 weeks for another scan. 

3D of our smiling girl:

With nothing to wear, I ordered my first maternity gown from ASOS for Asa’s and Chrissy’s wedding. Got many compliments and I loved the fit! First wedding where I didn’t have to worry about how much I ate to stay comfortable in a dress. LOL. I have Lou’s and Dann’s wedding in another 3 weeks so I may just wear the same dress. Only Mary and Chris have seem me in it so I should be good! ;)

Update on my checklist, aka items completed!!

·         Bi-annual checkup and cleaning @ the dentist. A little late this year but better late than never. No cavities and everything looks good! Came away with toothbrush, floss, tooth paste and mouth wash freebies. Perfect for and went straight into my hospital bag.

·         Breastfeeding class @ Tribeca pediatrics. My main takeaway -> Aim the baby’s nose to your nipples, wait for baby to open wide and make sure baby gets nipple and areola. Hand express to help build flow.

·         Maternity tour @ Mt. Sinai. 7th and 8th floors look amazing but 5th is old and has not been renovated. Fingers crossed for a private on 7th or 8th (with Central Park views please).

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 31: Showering baby Aningalan

Angela and the girls did an amazing job with our shower! The theme was so us, the details were amazing and the food sublime! We are so blessed to have such loving and generous family and friends!

The details:

For our gender reveal, we decided on confetti poppers. We were so glad we did our reveal this way so we can all share in the joy and reactions of everyone =)

Couldn’t thank my girls enough. We love and appreciate them so much, especially my wonderful sis Ang pulling it off all the way from Korea!

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 30: Last trip before baby @Kennebunkport, ME

Every year we go on a summer trip with our friends. This year we decided on Kennebunkport, ME. While planning, I had some hesitation about a 5hr drive knowing I would be in the third trimester but YOLO. =) Travelling is so important to us, we know we’ll still try to do as much as we can post baby so we didn’t start backing out on it now. Although the weather didn’t cooperate with us every day we were there, we took advantage and still had a great time rain or shine! Much thanks to Nancy for planning and researching all these different “to see” and “must dos”! Some highlights from our 3 nights (more here):

Update on my checklist:

·         Preparing the apartment: Bri and his dad packed and stored some of our bigger furniture items back in Queens. This will make room for us to start buying and setting up new furniture to fit our new life! Still need to purchase our new furniture!

·         Childbirth classes: we completed our 4th and last class. This session was focused on postnatal and newborn care.

·         Preparing for shower: Received my quilt for our guests to sign and design on! We have to finalize the details of our gender review. Decided on doing confetti poppers but we have to hack store bought ones to remove the existing confetti and add the appropriate color! <3 Hoping it’ll work.

·         Corporate perks from LifeCare: Ordered and received Prenatal kit, Mothers @ Work kit, Child Safety kit

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 29: The dreaded glucose screening test

Took the much dreaded glucose test this week. The drink was not bad at all and I’ve probably had drinks just as sweet before – like sweet teas and lemonades Brian would order from restaurants. I was instructed to take the drink at home an hour before my appointment. They took my blood work as soon as we got to the office. This was by far the quickest visit thus far. In and out in no more than 5-10 mins! No weight gain on this visit but we were just there 3 weeks ago so no real concern. The next day I found out I PASSED the test. Whew!

Since I had the remainder of the day off, we took advantage of the weekday and went to check out the Koons exhibit at the Whitney. Corporate perks rock because we skipped the line and got in for free, saving us $20 each! I had also previously taken advantage of my corporate perks here when Yayoi Kusama had her Fireflies exhibit here – first with Ang then went back with Bri. We went through the 4 floors leisurely and took our time enjoying the artwork. We ended the visit eating in the museum restaurant, Untitled. 

Mary’s surprise shower was also this week. She was thoroughly surprised, not expecting her shower until August. Many of her friends invited had kids so I’m sure she is ready and excited to join the club! Unlike my group of friends who have girls, Mary’s gang predominately had boys! That works great in the hand-me-down department! =) I’m so excited for us to both be moms and being able to do it together is the icing on the cake!

Update on my checklist:

·         Car: We are still waiting for our new car. It seems the dealership is unable to locate one matching our criteria so an order has been placed; 5-6 week wait.

·         Pediatrician: We decided to go with Tribeca Pediatrics who has a location in Chelsea. I’ll also be taking their breastfeeding class in their Tribeca location in a few weeks.

·         Fitness: Mary and I are still going strong and attending our prenatal classes. Pilates and yoga this week since Mrs. Lo forgot her bathing suit.

·         Childbirth classes: Had our 3rd class where we learned about all the medications and childbirth options. The first 2 classes focused on the labor process and breathing techniques.

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 28: Last trimester, 12 more weeks to go!

There’s only 12 more weeks to go and it will no doubt fly by. Luckily we accomplished a lot this week!

Car shopping: We have decided on the top of the line Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring in Charcoal Grey Metallic. This will give us everything we want without having to spend too much for a car that will be parked in the streets of Manhattan! It is also smaller than the Outback so parking will be easier. Our order is in and the dealership is trying to locate a car for us now! We will hopefully have our expensive baby carrier/rocker soon! LOL.

Furniture shopping: I found and bought the cutest round wood bistro table from One King Lane. We will keep our white Eames chairs which will match the table perfectly. I’m excited and can’t wait until we receive the table. It will fit the 2 of us but should fit up to four so we’ll have to find 2 more chairs, maybe foldable or stackable ones. We made a trip on Sunday to Ikea to check out their wardrobe and dresser options and have decided to build a custom PAX wardrobe and purchase the Koppang dresser to use as a changing table. We now have to design the PAX combination we want the find a day to pick up the Koppang dresser. We are also thinking about the Strandmon wing chair and Malaro folding chairs. Still have to find a rug & glider; worst case, we can start out with the Poang chair!

Bri looks comfortable in the Strandmon wing chair!

Fit Pregnancy: Continuing to be be active, Mary and I had great back-to-back days of prenatal yoga and water exercise.

Along with celebrating the start of our third trimester, we also celebrated with Lou and Dann at their Bridal Shower and had an amazing time sunset sailing the Hudson for Chrissy’s surprise birthday party! Good times with great friends; we are blessed.

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 27: Last week of second trimester!

I am getting bigger and our sweetie is getting more active! Movement is pretty much constant now and definitely more powerful. I’m still feeling great but the NY July heat & humidity is starting to get worse. People hardly offer seats to me on the Path train. I guess I STILL do not look too pregnant yet or people just don’t care. I think I’ve been offered no more than 3-4 times so far; how rude!

My weekly yoga/Pilates class with Mary and swimming at the Y with Bri is keeping me healthy. I was able to do 12 complete laps at the pool this week! That means 24 lengths of the pool. I’m very proud of myself =) Since it was July 4 weekend, Mary and I did not go to our water exercise class but we will resume next week.

We got our first baby shower gift sent to us this week and it reminded us to pick up on all the things we have been putting off! We knew we would have to start cleaning up the apartment and planning where to put everything but getting a piece of furniture makes it real. Gotta make a move on it and start rearranging! Still have to get a few key pieces like a glider, rug, dresser and maybe an armoire. We’ve decided to move the coffee and dining tables out to make more room. Will likely need to find a smaller dining table or else we won’t have anywhere to eat! We may end up getting a cute little bistro table/set.

Along with the work we have to do at home, we also stared our adventures into car shopping. Took some time this Saturday to stop by the Subaru dealership in LIC to check out the Forester and Outback. Both cars have its pros and cons and we seem to be going back and forth. Bri’s brother, Fred, also recommend that we look into the Acura RDX. We have some homework to do now but hope to decide on a car in the next week or so. We have a road trip coming up in 3 weeks to Kennebunkport, ME so it would be nice to have the new car in hand.

We finally started our first of four childbirth class this week. Even so, we were still the earliest couple in the class. Most of the couples were 30+ weeks. This week we learned mostly about the early stages of labor, contractions and some breathing techniques. We also went through the signs of labor and when we should get to the hospital. So far I’ve been pretty calm about the childbirth process but I’m sure I’ll be more nervous as time progresses. The pain sounds so scary but at least I know there is medicine if I need it. On the deck, we have our hospital maternity tour scheduled for Aug 12 and breastfeeding preparation class for Aug 11.

Even with all the things we have to do, we try to make times for ourselves to enjoy our weekends with family and friends and quality time together. This July 4 weekend gave us the perfect chance! =)

Celebrating Princess Liana’s 1st Birthday

July 4th fireworks with the Bravos

Red Hook before car shopping to enjoy my pulpusas, papaya juice and Mexican corn!

Kara Walker's Sugar Baby at the Domino factory. We caught it on the last day!

Smorgasburg; Dinner @ Chinatown – Sunday with friends and family

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 26: Less than 100 days to go…preparing and getting things done!

This week we went to an information session and meet & greet for all the doctors within our OBGYNs practice. It was an incredibly informative session and I think I will feel comfortable with any of the other doctors delivering for us. Oddly, our doctor is the only male in the practice!

There were a few items that stood out:

·         They do not induce and recommend natural labor. 

·         They are open to families who want to have the father’s cut the baby’s umbilical cord and can wait until it stops pulsating

·         They recommend skin-to-skin and breastfeeding immediately, unless there is a medical emergency

·         They baby can stay in the delivery room the whole time until we are transported together to our room

·         They offer free daily breastfeeding classes with their lactation specialists and nurses! I will definitely go for the 2-3 days I will be there!

What sucks is that they don't have a public cord blood bank =( and if we want a private room, it will cost us $900 per night. But at least we get a view of Central Park ;) We’re doing it since a free semi-private room does not allow Brian to stay overnight!

As I mentioned in my week 22 & 23 posting, one of the perks offered by my company was evaluation of my work environment by our Ergonomics wellness team. Well this week, they sent me a Sole Saver footrest, mouse pad, wrist rest, IMAK wrist cushion and Obus Forme back support pad! One of the team members came to set everything up and adjusted my chair and monitor for me. I have to admit,  it’s so comfortable I need to remember to get up and stretch.

I am starting to get bigger now and going to my prenatal yoga/Pilates class has helped me stay in shape. My best, Mary, and I have been pretty good and haven’t missed a week! Besides when we were on Babymoon ;) We have now ventured out further and took our first water exercise class at the local YMCA. We had a blast and it was actually quite challenging. We, along with one other pregnant girl were joined by a dozen or so elderly ladies LOL. We will miss next week since it’s July 4th but will continue to go on a weekly basis…fingers crossed.

Saving the best update for last, I created an Instagram account last week to document and countdown the last 100 days before our due date. It’s just a fun way for me to take note of each day and post a picture a day to remind me of this final stretch. I still have 14 weeks to go but I know it will fly by so this is a way for me to enjoy each of these last days before baby comes <3<3<3

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 25: Mini Babymoon (-rise Kingdom)

This week is our 3 year wedding anniversary so we decided to squeeze in another mini getaway/babymoon. =) After some research we decided to go to Rhode Island. We had previously been to Newport and loved it so we decided to go back. We stay in town this time and also explored Jamestown and Narraganset, where Moonrise Kingdom was mostly filmed! 

This trip actually felt more like a babymoon than St. Lucia because I actually looked more pregnant and everyone was congratulating us! This is me at Castle Hill Inn. We’re enjoying our first evening with dinner, drinks and the perfect sunset! (Some more from the day: Providence, Newport)

On our second day, we relived the adventures of Suzy and Sam, exploring the locations where Moonrise Kingdom was filmed. Here’s a cute pic stitch that Bri created.

Me and my baby bump <3 (more from the day, lighthouses)

On our last day, our actual anniversary, we enjoyed strolling the famous Cliff Walk and took in the views. Before heading home, we did some strawberry picking and brought some goodies home!

Before leaving the state, we of course had to get our last fill of Del’s delicious lemonade!

I love going on these adventures with Brian and I can’t wait to do these with our little sweet pea. Everyone says it will be hard and things will change but we’ll try our best to continue to do what we love with an additional Love ;)

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 24: Father's Day, spending time together just the 3 of us

This week we celebrated Father’s Day! Initially Bri had to work the weekend but circumstances had him working 5 days straight during the week so he ended up with the weekend free!! We spent time with both our families and celebrated with our dads. Everyone had a great time and as usual we surrounded ourselves with amazing food =). ABC Cocina for lunch with Bri’s family and a Chinese dinner feast with my family.

Our sweet pea has been very active this past week and moving a lot. We can both now watch my tummy do ripples when the kicking and moving happens. I’ve downloaded an app called Baby Kicks to start tracking these daily and find it to be a great bonding experience. We would sit and start one of these sessions when I feel the baby active, usually in the evenings.

Bri and I also started going to the YMCA after purchasing a summer family membership for only $275! It covers 2 adults and we can use the Y until Labor Day. Going to take advantage of this now even though we’ve had the membership since coming back from our Babymoon =). This past week was the perfect time to start because it has been so HOT! We were both surprised that I was able to do more than 12 laps or so in the pool. Of course I had to take some breaks in between laps and mostly did the backstroke. Bri would swim behind me just in case I needed help but I did fine =) Feeling pretty good and hope to make this a routine with Bri twice a week! Let’s see how we do!!

[uslivingpregnant]

Week 22 & 23: More than half way there and reality sets in...

So far we’ve been pretty chill about our pregnancy and enjoying every moment. Sharing the news with family and friends followed by our babymoon was pretty magical but now we are starting to see how much work is ahead of us!! AHHHHHHHH. Let the checklists begin…

1. Prepare apartment for baby and creating baby registry:

We decided to stay in the city, soooo much thought needs to be put into how we are going to make baby fit into our lifestyle and STUDIO apartment! In terms of baby furniture and needs, our registry will be only for bare-bones baby essentials. We decided to go with Buy Buy Baby based on recommendation from our mama friends. They do price matching and offer 20% coupons like Bed Bath and Beyond. I also started to build an Amazon wish list just to capture those things that we want but won’t need day one. =) Heard great things about Amazon mom so will look into that as well for diapers and necessities!

2. Sign up for childbirth and other classes:

We haven’t signed up for a childbirth class yet so will need to do that soon! I’ll also want to take a Infant CPR and Breastfeeding class too. All to be done in July - August!

3. Sign up for Maternity leave:

I’ve started the process to sign up and register for maternity leave at work. In the process, I’ve learned that the company offers many perks which I’ll have to take advantage of! They include:

Access to LifeCare and consultations with Expectant Parent Coordinators, Lactation specialists and a great Mothers at Work program

Access to our Ergonomics department to evaluate our work environment and provide the necessary equipment setup

Access to a nutritionist if I fail the glucose test

Backup child care with 20 days per year and a transition program with an extra 20 days when baby is 3 - 6 months

And most importantly 12 weeks FMLA and an ADDITIONAL 4 weeks of parenting leave!!!!

4. Buy a car:

More research needs to be done but initial thoughts are to buy a Subaru Forrester….

5. Most important…CONTINUE to enjoy our pregnancy:

Our sweet pea is super active and moving like crazy. Seems most active in the evening or maybe that’s when I actually have the down time to relax and notice the kicks and movements. =) My mom stayed over 2 weekends ago and she was also able to feel the baby move for the first time <3. It was nice to have her stay over and spend quality time together.

Me at 22 & 23 weeks: