Bye, Bye Baby-Blues

Where do I begin? How do I begin to organize my thoughts and share with you this amazing, powerful experience that is to be a mother?

“Having a baby is a wonderful—and WONDER-FULL—experience that makes you laugh, cry, and stare in amazement… all at the same time.”

The above quote is a pretty accurate statement, which totally relates to my experience as being a new mother.

Ryder turned 1 month on September 9th and miraculously we have all survived. Actually there is no “miraculously” part to it, but rather the incredible support and goodwill of our mothers, especially my mother who has stayed with us on a daily basis to help with the overwhelming task of being new parents. Without my mother’s help I don’t think we could have “miraculously” survived. We knew that our lives would change and we often wondered the extent of it during our conversations, nevertheless we felt that we were ready for it. Little did we know that we were in for the biggest, toughest and most challenging task of our lives both, as individuals and as a couple. No one, no book or word of advice could have prepared us for how intense this change would be.

As most of you know we were faced with an unplanned C-Section, and complications with my bladder, which resulted in a tear of the bladder and wearing of a catheter for 10 days. These unplanned and unforeseen events made for a slow physical and emotional recovery. I cannot tell you how inadequate I felt for not being able to deliver my baby naturally and that feeling was just a trigger and the beginning of how I would come to feel after the delivery.
In our minds the equation was simple: great pregnancy – no complications = great delivery; Well that tells you how good our math skills are. When our doctor informed us that a C-section was the recommended approach due to how things were progressing, or should I say not progressing, we could not help but to feel sad, disappointed and scared. Nevertheless we tried to keep an optimistic attitude about it, after all we were getting closer to meeting our bebê.

The C-Section was a very traumatic experience for both Duke and I. My body, or what I could feel of it, shook uncontrollably for pretty much the entire procedure. The nurse explained to us that it was a common reaction to the anesthesia called “The Baby-Shakes”. Once Ryder was delivered and attended to by the nurses we got to hold and love him for a quick moment. What a wonderful moment that was. I finally got to meet my bebê. After our brief moment with Ryder he was taken away and Duke had to exit the room as he was not permitted to stay for the remainder of the surgery. It was a scary feeling not having him by my side. Our stay at the hospital lasted four days and then we were on the way home, Duke, Ryder and I.

As the three of us arrived at home from the hospital the reality of it all hit us and we felt a little confused and disoriented like chickens running around with their heads cutoff. All of our running around seemed to be geared towards accommodating the new resident in the house, Ryder. Now that I look back and play that moment in my head it was actually kind of comic. Frodo and Sam were going frantic; Frodo tried to have a taste of Ryder’s foot; I am in pain and in a daze (combination of pain killers and the coming home situation); Duke, well I am not sure what he’s feeling at this point, but by the look in his eyes I can tell you he felt overwhelmed as well; and Ryder, well our little Burrito seemed to be oblivious to the chaos and the only one not bothered by all the commotion. He slept peacefully and angelically in his car seat, however the peaceful state didn’t last for too long and we soon came to realize that our little Ryder needed a fourth trimester inside the womb, as per Dr. Karp’s theory. He wanted to be cared for and held in the same way as when I had him inside my belly, 24/7, and on top of that he had his nights and days mixed up. Let’s just say that bringing home the baby was nothing like the TLC shows. It was both physically and emotionally exhausting and we felt lost at best. For all of you who are not parents, let me tell you that nothing in this world can be or sound more excruciating than the sound of your baby crying while you are unable to silence or sooth him because you just don’t have a clue what is wrong. You are at your most helpless point ever. I felt desperate and I would cry with him inside and out, it was really tough.

Sadly the combination of not being able to deliver my baby vaginally, the challenges and unsuccessful attempt to breastfeed him and the failure to sooth him when he cried uncontrollably led me to experience the Baby-Blues. It was all too much for me to handle. I found myself questioning my abilities and capabilities as a mother and as an individual; my self-confidence and self-reliance were shaken to its core like never before and it was an overwhelming and uncontrollable feeling. I felt as if all of the other “Lauras”—(the wife, the dog mother, the house caretaker, the student, the professional, the friend) all had to be sacrificed for the new me—the mother — and that thought made me panic. I felt as if I had lost control of my life. I have never felt so powerless or scared in my entire life. All of these conflicting feelings were flying through my head, it was really tough to handle, I never thought I would feel this way considering how much I yearned to become a mother. Secretly I felt horribly guilty and ashamed for having these feelings and I kept asking myself why I felt that way. I just did not and could not understand, nor accept, feeling that way and that made things even worse and more intense. How can a time such as this that should evoke so much joy and love also evoke so many conflicting feelings? I knew about the Baby-Blues, but I didn’t know it would happen to me. For some ignorant reason I felt that only women who “lacked motherly instincts” would experience that, but boy was that a slap in the face.

In a few weeks Ryder will turn two months old and I can almost say that the Baby-Blues are almost gone. I feel much better and I can finally enjoy my little bundle of joy the way I was supposed to (if it wasn’t for my hormones trying to get the best of me). I am learning that I don’t have to sacrifice the other Laura’s, but for now they are taking a “mini-vacation” until we all get adjusted into our new roles and into this new chapter in our lives. Duke has also given mini-vacations to all of “his personnel” as well.

Ryder has matured and so has his ability to self-soothe. We are on a much better schedule and his quiet/alertness times are getting better and longer. He is healthy, beautiful and full of life and did I mention that he has a charming-dimpled-smile to die for and that melts your heart?! No amount of obstacles or challenges would lessen my joy and love for him. He is without a doubt what I have asked and waited for and if I had to go through it all over again I would do so without hesitation.

On the delivery day as Ryder took the first gulp of air into his lungs, and his strong cry filled the room my heart and soul was filled with an indescribable feeling. A profound sense of purpose filled my entire being; it was a very emotional and at the same time tangible feeling. I will never forget that moment and how I witnessed the miracle of my son’s life and for that I am grateful to God.

As I said in the beginning of this blog, being a mother has been a powerful and humbling experience with many LOL (Lessons of Life). I always thought that I would be able to do a pretty good job as a mother, that all of my “motherly instincts” would take over and everything would be just as easy as making a dish, but how pretentious of me to think that. Isn’t it amazing how a little being comes into your life and teaches you big lessons?! There isn’t really anything little about babies, except for their little bodies. Everything about them is big; the lessons, the adjustments, the cries, the smiles and most of all the LOVE.

In the same way I didn’t expect the changes and whirlwind a baby brings to your life, I didn’t expect to feel this much love for Ryder. It just blows me away.

In this humbling experience I am learning one very important lesson, maybe the most important of all. As a mother you provide all of the physical aspects in caring for your baby: the diaper changes, the feedings, the baths, etc… but on an emotional aspect a mother has to maintain the emotional umbilical cord that remains after birth and that feeds her child’s heart and soul for forever.

Thank you to all of you for allowing me to share the pregnancy and after-birth experiences with you. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. I am not sure if I’ll continue with the blog as time is really a scarce commodity in the Glover household these days; maybe when Ryder is 21 I’ll get back to it ;o)

To view some of Ryder's photos and short video click on the link below:
Make sure you have your speakers on for the video.

Photos: http://www.dukesdotcom.com/pictures/Ryder_first_days/index.htm
Video:
http://www.dukesdotcom.com/Rydervideo.html

Laura

The Waiting Game...

39 Weeks - 7 Days to go!

Just a quick update to let you know that we still don't have our bebê with us ;o(
We went to the doctor yesterday and no indication of labor yet, so chances are that Ryder will come on his due date, August 13th, or possibly postdate.

For a while we were asking him to wait a little just to allow us to get his room and everything else ready, and then we had the unexpected Medical emergency with Kelly, Duke's sister, who had an open heart surgery a week ago. Again we had to ask him to wait a little longer for us until things had settle a little.
Well Kelly seems to be doing ok on her way to recovery and our little guy seems to be a good listener because he still not here ;o)

I told Duke that our bebê is either scared of coming out into this crazy world or he simply enjoys his current home, the womb, too much. So now we've been telling him that it is ok for him to debut, but I guess nature will take its course and we just have to keep waiting.

We made a video of Ryder’s room and published on the website http://www.dukesdotcom.com/
We were really happy on how it came out, it is colorful, happy and cozy, exactly what we were aiming for.
His Vovó, Rai, helped me with customizing some decor items and make the nursery even more special. Thank you Vovó Rai!

Well I guess that is it for now.
Hopefully the next update will be with Ryder’s arrival news.

Beijos!
Laura

We are full Term! 37 weeks – 21 days to go!

Seven weeks have passed since my last update and as expected nature is taking its course as we approach the big day. But before I go on with the latest updates Duke and I would like to say thank you to our friends and family for coming to our baby shower and for their generous gifts. We had a wonderful baby shower and we greatly appreciate your generosity, but most importantly we appreciate you being part of this very special moment in our lives. A big thanks to Sonya and Steve for hosting our baby shower in their spacious and beautiful home; Debbie, my mother-in-law, for all the help (especially with the cupcake fondant lion faces which was very labor intense, but worth it, they came out really cute); and my mother for making the delicious Brasilian docinhos that everyone seemed to love.

I heard from many of you that I was the only person crazy enough to make my own baby shower food, but I am sure there are other “crazy” new mothers like me out there ;o), besides I am a perfectionist and I could not pass up the opportunity to make good food for this very special occasion. I hope all of you enjoyed the food and your time at the shower as much as I did. Sorry to all the guys, but it was a ladies only shower.

We are getting closer and closer to Ryder’s arrival and we can hardly wait for him to be here, especially after seeing how lovely little Isabella is and how much love and joy she has brought to all of our lives. At 37 weeks our bebê is considered full term, which means he is ready to make his debut to the world. His lungs are fully developed and he is ready to take his first breath outside the womb. He could arrive at any moment and if he follows his prima Isabella he should be here any day now. Although we’ve been asking him to wait a little longer so we can take care of some last minute details and make sure we have everything as ready as possible to bring him home.

For the past 3 weeks we’ve been going to the doctor on a weekly basis and everything seems to be going really well. Three weeks ago Ryder’s weight was 4lbs and 10 ounces; he will be a little bebê like his parents, and although Duke doesn’t seem very thrilled about that small detail, I told him that in Brasil (of course we have a saying for everything in Brasil), we say “the best fragrances come in small bottles”, so that is nothing to worry about except that we want him to be a healthy bebê.

Duke is still being plagued with Couvade symptoms, some days my poor baby can hardly catch his breath, but we hope that once Ryder is here the anxiety will subside and he will be able to breathe in a normal pattern again. A lot of the anxiety he is experiencing has to do with me and how the delivery will go, he is very concerned about the labor pain I will have to endure. If it was up to him I would get the epidural as soon as we set foot at the hospital. Hopefully he won’t pass out on me as his father did when he was born. As for me, well I can hardly catch my breath either! However not for the same reasons as Duke, but rather because as Ryder grows in the womb everything gets really crowded.

These past three weeks I finally came to experience and understand firsthand the warnings from veteran mothers in the expecting business. Up until my 34th week I could pretty much do anything as before pregnant, but that my friends has changed. I am feeling pretty uncomfortable to the point of sleepless nights, constant trips to the bathroom, backaches, waves of tiredness and many symptoms that I didn’t have or had very little of before. Oh, and don’t let me forget to mention that I have a slightly different walking pattern these days and it is called waddling. No I am not proud of it, but I was not able to avoid it as lately I don’t seem to have control of my body, it has control over me! I am now in the last stage of the pregnancy, but it is not as bad as it sounds especially when I think of what awaits us at the finish line. Yet not a second goes by that I don’t feel blessed for having such a great pregnancy up to this point, specially being at a “mature” age, and as I keep repeating myself I would not change any of it for anything in the world. I have experienced feelings that I have never experienced before, somehow it just feels that life is so much more grandiose, and everything is more meaningful and beautiful, and in a not shallow way I feel more beautiful, a beauty that irradiates from within.
Most of you know that it was my desire to become a mother one day, so forgive me if I sound melodramatic, but this is all a big deal for me. I had to wait for Duke to be ready, with the possibility that it could never happen, and give me the assurance that we would do this together as I believe it should be. Well, that day has come and here we are living what at times still feels like a dream, a beautiful dream. The ultimate step in the life of two people who love each other and almost like magic are able to create something so wonderful; a new life that is a piece of the two of us. Soon we will be a three-some and if life was wonderful before now, now it will be wonderfully complete.

These past nine months have been quite a journey; one that we both know is just beginning and one that we can't wait to continue on. We find ourselves both excited and scared at the same time and we know that no amount of "preparation" will spare us of the unpredictability of parenthood, the joys, the tears and everything else that comes with the territory. We just pray that we have what it takes to love and care for Ryder the best way possible with one single objective in mind, to raise a healthy, happy and good, hearted human being.

Being pregnant has been an extraordinary experience, one that I guess only mothers can understand and attest to, but I also understand that it is a very personal experience and not all expectant mothers may feel or experience pregnancy the same way. For me it has been nothing but bliss. I feel blessed and privileged for the opportunity that life has granted me and let me assure you that I am not naïve enough to think that it will always be an easy journey, but we have made the choice to become parents and a commitment that we will be there for Ryder and for each other all the way and always.

A few days ago as I washed and folded Ryder’s newborn clothing I stared at these tiny pair of socks and tiny white shirts and I couldn’t help but to have my eyes filled with tears and my heart filled with joy and excitement to think that very soon we will be holding Ryder in our arms and that we have been entrusted with the biggest and most amazing task of all, to care and to love him forever, because “we are forever responsible for what we have tamed” – from the book The Little Prince.

BABY SHOWER and Other Pictures
Click on the slideshow and a new window will open for bigger pictures viewing.




Follow this LINK to watch a short slideshow of our pregnancy pictures.

Until next update
Duke, Laura and Ryder

She Is Here!

Today, July 14th, 2009 Little Isabella was born, she just couldn't wait any longer and decided that it was time to make her debut.
Paulinha, little Isabella and pround dad Gary are doing well and filled with joy.
She is the most beautiful, precious little thing!
She weights 6.5 Lbs and measures 19 inches.
My sister had the most speedy and "easy" delivery ever, it was unbelievable!
I just hope that things go well for me as it did for Paulinha.

I am posting a picture taken with Duke's phone, so you guys see how cute little Isabella is.

Beijos!
Laura

30 weeks – 70 days to go!

So much has happened since the last update: mother’s day, baby registry, Paulinha’s baby shower, 4D Ultrasound and the list goes on. Slowly Duke and I try to prepare as best as we can for Ryder’s arrival; the whole process is very exciting and overwhelming at times, but as we advance in this journey and experience the expected and unexpected we realize that it is nothing short of extraordinary.
This past month we got to celebrate a very special event, mother’s day, my first mother’s day! It was very special and wonderful to be celebrated; I even got a greeting card from Ryder! For the past two months we’ve been working on the baby registry, and what a task!!! The first time we went to the store, Paulinha and Gary went with us to start on their baby registry as well, and as expected the dads-to-be didn’t seem very excited, but once we got to the store and they realized that they would be getting hold of a “gun” the fun began! Well, at least for Duke. The whole experience was daunting for both of us. There were too many choices and decisions to make; we spent about an entire hour just trying to decide on which stroller to select. After a few hours we felt exhausted and realized that we could not complete the registry in one day, it would take us a while… we are still working on it ;o)

This past week we went for the 4-Dimensional Ultrasound, which is a real-time view of the the fetus inside the womb. Unfortunately, our little guy did not collaborate with us, he had his little arm over his face almost the entire time, so we couldn’t get "good" pictures. We are trying again this Friday and hopefully he will be in a more favorable position. Although we didn’t get the views we hoped for we were able to witness Ryder opening his little eyes and mouth and it was truly incredible to watch him moving inside the womb. We'll wait until Friday to see if we can get some good pictures to post.

Ryder has grown larger and by last Friday his weight was 2 lbs and 15 ounces. He is a very active bebê; I swear the other day he was break dancing in my belly. He moves all day long and I can see my whole stomach shape change as he tries to find a comfortable position in what for now is his little home. There has been a lot of “flashing” in the Glover’s household, belly-flashing in case you are wondering ;o). Lately that has been our pass time, stare at my naked belly and observe Ryder’s movements, it totally amazes us. Our bebê can now open and close his eyes and although he is inside the womb he can sense changes in brightness causing his pupils adjust to. As his taste buds develop he can respond to different tastes like sweet, sour, and bitter by making expressions with his face. Hopefully he enjoys the taste of homemade pizza drizzled with truffle oil, roasted bone marrow and passion fruit ice cream. And although not scientifically based I am hoping that by exposing him to different foods he will develop a broad palate and follow on his mother’s path of becoming a Culinarian, a better one of course.

Aside from his taste buds other important developments take place, head hair is starting to grow, although if he is anything like his mama he won’t have much hair to show, poor little guy; His brain is undergoing a dramatic development these remaining months as it develops sections responsible for lifetime roles such as memory and speech.

This is my last trimester and I can definitely tell; it feels as if I went to bed carrying a soccer ball and the next thing I know I woke up carrying a watermelon! Little tasks that we absolutely take for granted such as bending over or shaving have become a challenge. It is actually the only complaint I have about being pregnant, having difficulty accomplishing these little tasks. On the other hand who cares about these little challenges when you have a wonderful husband who gladly rubs lotion on your feet and give you a little “ssage” while at it?! Duke has been a blessing and as I grow less and less able to do things on my own he is right there to help me out.

So far I have gained 15 lbs and it seems to be mostly belly weight, but I keep hearing that my weight may change dramatically these last few weeks, so let’s see what happens. I walk 4-5 days a week, although these last 2 weeks I haven’t had the stamina to get out there, and I’ve been very careful with my diet watching what I eat and trying to make the healthiest choices possible, for both myself and Ryder, but sometimes it is hard to stay away from the ice cream… I don’t have any crazy cravings, but I do crave for sweets a lot, especially these few last weeks. We purchased an ice cream maker and for a while Duke and I were out of control making ice cream. Well, if you don’t believe in “Divine Intervention” let me tell you something, there is such a thing. The ice cream maker broke, so no more evening sweet treats for Duke and I, well at least not ice cream.

Up to now I have felt very energetic and very predisposed to do anything as I did before the pregnancy, but that changed a little once I hit the 30th week. I sometimes feel extremely tired and I just can’t get myself to do much; it is a different kind of tiredness I almost feel that I am in a state of hibernation, but I am not the only one feeling this way. Duke is going through a psychosomatic process called Couvade, a “mysterious dad-to-be ailment”. I kid you not. Our friends Kelly and Kathy gave us a book titled “The Art of Expecting” which has some very cool and interesting information about pregnancy such as the symptoms of couvades. The book goes on to say that dads experience baby-making as a physical event. In Duke’s case he’s been experiencing unexpected bouts of fatigue.

Maybe some of you already know this, but another very interesting piece of information we’ve learned is concerning the role the father’s DNA plays in the conception of their babies. Scientists have determined that the placenta is the making of the father’s DNA. Maternal genes nurture the embryo, but it is the father’s DNA, the XY cells, that provide the cocoon for the embryo to develop. Isn’t that amazing?!

Every day we learn something new and experience new feelings. Aside from Ryder’s biological development another very important development is taking place in our new three-some life and that is the bond that grows between our little Ryder and us. As he gets ready to make his debut, to us and to the world, Duke and I are developing strong feelings for him; feelings of caring, protecting, concern and everything that sums up a four letter word, an indescribable Love.

Until next update.

Duke, Laura and Ryder

I am the size of spaghetti squash!

22 weeks – 128 days to go!

Hello everyone,

It has been a while since the last update, but here we are again to keep you posted on what is new and happening with our little bebê.

We have finally chosen a name! It was suggested by someone very special to us.
Our bebê's name will be - Ryder Rayol Glover. We are keeping the Brazilian tradition in giving him my maiden name as his middle name.
Ryder comes from English origin and it means Knight, a mounted warrior.

Two weeks ago when we went for the routine doctor’s visit our bebê was 10 inches long and weighed exactly 1 pound. He is growing well and strong and he is now looking more like a miniature bebê with more distinctive facial features. They took measurements of his head, bones, spine and most importantly they checked again to make sure that we are indeed having a little bambino; everything looked good and in place. We also got the results from the second part of the genetic screening and our doctor’s words were “superb”, the results were great, which give us both piece of mind that our bebê will be a healthy little guy.

We are at 22 weeks and 5 days (almost 6 months) and Ryder's little body continues to grow. Tooth buds have developed beneath his gums; his eyes are formed, but the color part of it (the irises) still lacks pigmentation, so we don’t know yet if he will have his mama’s dark eyes or his papa’s blue eyes.
He is able to hear sounds in his own little world, my belly, and in a few more days he will be able to recognize sounds from the outside world, like our voices!
He is on his own little schedule of regular sleeping and waking periods and if his schedule is any indication of his sleeping patterns once he is born, oh boy we are in trouble!!!
Remember the somersaults he was doing at 10 weeks old? Well that has not stopped and I can now feel all of his gymnastic feats; I love to know that he is moving around, being active and developing coordination and motor skills.

My belly is bigger and it seems to attract hands wherever I go like a "hand magnet", which I don’t mind at all.
All I have to say is that I love being pregnant. It is everything I envisioned and more, and yes, I watched the Oprah show the other day, and it is true that some days you just don’t feel a hundred percent, but really, who cares when something this wonderful is happening to you? Personally everything else becomes secondary.

I am so in love with my little Ryder and I can’t wait to meet him. As for Duke the other day he realized that we are only 3 ½ months away from the big day and his words were “Holy Sh….!!!” He could not believe how soon our little guy will be here with us. However, aside from being scared, and we both are, he is getting more and more into the pregnancy and what the future holds for him and Ryder, like racing cars and WoW playing nights.

A few Sunday’s ago we went to our favorite beach, Long Boat Key. It was a perfect day, cool breeze, clear-blue sky, crystal-clear water, dolphins swimming, and nothing else could top it up, except for having Duke place a kiss on my belly for the first time; It was more than a perfect day it was priceless. Whether he was moved by the scenery or just couldn’t resist my beautiful belly ;o) I am not sure, but what I know is that Ryder and I will treasure the moment for forever.

Easter was also a very special day for us. Duke felt Ryder move for the first time and he didn’t know what to make of it. We had been trying this for a few weeks with no success, it seemed that he was playing games with us until Easter evening when he finally decided to communicate with his papa, and it was pretty cool.

As the day of our bebe’s arrival gets closer we try to prepare as best as we. We read about babies, we talk about babies and we make important decisions about the baby, it is all about the baby.
We talk about important things and silly things like our baby will have a “café con leche” skin complexion or how he will be better at the turntables than Duke or possibily Tio Mikee. As far as the more important thigs, we have decided to use a cord blood banking to store Ryder’s stem cells in the event of unforeseen and unknowns in life. We have attended a baby class where Duke learned to change diapers, he’s still brainstorming the “Poop Removal Device”, and we have decided to speak both English and Portuguese at home. I definitely want Ryder to learn to speak my native language and be exposed to my Culture as well, we both believe that he will benefit from it in many different aspects.

I’ve asked Duke if he would like to add anything to the blog from “his perspective”, but he said that I am doing a good job and as you all know he is not much of a talker.
So friends that’s all I have to say for now.

Until next update.
Duke, Laura and Ryder

I am the size of an avocado!

16 Weeks - 168 day to go!

We've been waiting very anxiously for this day and it has finally arrived!
Today was the big day! We had the Gender Sono done to find out if we are having a boy or a girl.

According to my family tradition, all first born were girls, so watch on the video to find out if the tradition continues and/or if your voting intuition was right.

Today was a very special day for both Duke and I; we found ourselves overwhelmed with joy and we can't help but to have a radiant smile on our faces.

If you don’t believe that dreams can come true I am here to tell you that they do.

Our little bebê is exactly 5 ounces and 6 inches long! and in the next few weeks his size and weight will double.
At 16 weeks I felt my bebê move for the first time. It was the most incomparable and exhilarating feeling ever; no words to describe it.

Below are two links that will take you to the video in case one of them doesn't work. Depending upon your connection it may take a little while to start. Make sure you have your speakers on.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1623834731714556983 Low quality video

http://www.dukesdotcom.com/ High quality video

Until next update.
Duke, Laura and the little avocado

It's a girl!!!

Paulinha and Gary are having a little bambina!!!
We are all very excited with the wonderful news specially Gary and Gradma Teresa!
Take a pick at little Isabella

A Lime, a Shrimp, a Lemon!

14 Weeks - 182 days to go!

The past 3 weeks our bebê went from less than 2 inches to 3 ½ inches and now he/she weights 1 ½ ounces.
Reflexes have been some of the major developments in the last three weeks, squinting, frowning, making faces, and sucking his/her thumb is part of our bebê’s daily facial routine; Our bebê is getting quite a facial workout.

Nerve cells keep multiplying by the seconds forming synapses in the brain, which are crucial to perception and thought. Bebê is looking more like a human, no more eyes positioned to the side of the head; everything seems to be in just the right place.
We can no longer call our bebê Charlie Brown because his body is finally catching up with the head size, so no more big head. If our bebê is a girl by now she has more than 2 million eggs stored in her tiny ovaries, if our bebê is a boy, well I don’t know what kind of storage is taking place with the little peanut, because the book does not mention it! ;o)

As the bebê grows body flexibility allows for more activity, so a lot of punching, kicking, moving around and stretching goes on inside my belly; and although all of these acrobatic moves are going on I don’t feel anything yet. I try to be attentive so that I don’t miss the first time I am able to feel my bebê moving, I think it will just be incredible.

As for Duke and I we grow more and more excited by the whole experience, and of course anxious about the new role and responsibility that await us.
We are glad to report that the “all day sickness” is finally gone thank God! It was tough, but I survived.
My belly is finally showing! I went to bed one night and the next morning there it was! Duke was actually the one to notice as I walked au natural around the house; we were both excited to see the evidence of our making, after all we are partners in crime ;o)

Last week we got the results of the first set of the genetic screening and the results were excellent, but we still have to undergo the second part of the screening, which will happen on the 27th of this month. On that same day we’ll find out if we are having a bambino or a bambina, so you’ll have until then to cast your vote.
As soon as we find out we’ll post the results on the blog.

Until next upadate.

Beijos!
Duke, Laura and the Lemon

I am the size of a fig

This week our bebê is about 2 inches long. Hands will soon open and close, tiny tooth buds are appearing under the gum, and the bones are getting stronger.

Although I don’t feel anything yet, my bebê is busy doing somersaults inside my belly and I actually got to see him/her in action!
This week I went for my genetic screening, which means women over 35, or not “spring chickens” as my husband calls it, are recommended to undergo. These prenatal diagnoses are done in order to identify chromosomal problems such as Down’s syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis and others. There are two major tests used to identify such issues – Amniocentesis and CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling), which are both very invasive and although small, both present certain risks.
Duke and I have decided to do the non-invasive screening first; this will help us to determine if there is anything wrong and if it is necessary to further go other tests. The first screening consists of a sonogram that looks for the thickness of the baby’s neck and a comprehensive blood test.
Based on the sonogram results everything looked good, but now we have to wait for the blood test results, but we are confident that everything is ok. The exciting thing about doing the sonogram this week was that I got to witness the acrobatics that the baby was performing inside my belly; it was the cutest thing ever. He/She was literally flipping from one side to another, over and over, I could not believe it! Both, the nurse and I had a fun time watching all the action. The nurse said that within another month or so I will be able to feel all the movement.

As far as the morning sickness goes, it seems to have gotten a little better; I’ve been using these Sea Bands around my wrist, which works by using acupressure, kind of the same concept as in acupuncture, but without the needles. I am not sure if it is a coincidence, but since I started using the bands my morning sickness is pretty much gone and I definitely feel more energetic.

Weight wise I have only gained 2 pounds, but I can already see a little change in my lower abdomen, like a little bump.

Hopefully from now on I will feel better, that is what all the books I read and everyone keeps saying, that the second trimester is the best period of the pregnancy. However, regardless of the morning sickness and the lack of energy I would not change this experience for anything else in the world. When I see that little baby doing “water ballet” inside my belly nothing else can take away the overwhelming joy I get.

I am in love with the whole experience and with my bebê. I can’t wait to hold him and to share our lives with her/him.

Until next update

Duke, Laura and the fig

I am the size of little kumquat

Just a little over an inch long there is no stopping our bebê’s development. The most critical body development is completed and a new phase referred to as the fetal period is just beginning.
Tissues and organs continue to grow and mature in more detail. In this phase tiny nails are being formed on the fingers and toes, no more webbed fingers! and a peach-fuzz like hair is growing over the skin. All major organs, although not fully developed, are in place and actually functioning. By next week the little peanut will double in size and just because he is still very tiny it does not prevent him from kicking up a storm inside his mama belly, and what a storm!

This week we had our first sonogram. What an amazing and emotional experience it was, maybe shocking would be the word to describe Duke’s expression as I recapture the moment. The moment the transducer was placed on my belly there he was, moving around, kicking his tiny legs and arms almost as if waving at us! It was just unbelievably amazing to see that we have this little life growing inside me. There are just no words to describe the feeling.

This week has been the toughest week so far, the morning sickness has been constant and on top of it I felt very indisposed. Duke as always has been amazing and one hundred and one percent in this with me. He’s been doing all the cooking and pretty much everything else around the house as I just don’t seem to find the energy to do it myself. What would I do without my baby?!?!!?!?

Little by little we organize ourselves in preparation for the big day; there are a lot of things to think about and important decisions to make such as the genetic screening, cord blood, circumcision, in case we have a boy. For now we have scheduled the birth classes at St. Joseph’s Women, which we’ll attend sometime later in march, maybe Paulinha and Gary will join us, so that will be kind of fun.

Until next update

Duke, Laura and the little Kumquat

I am a grape!

Not quite an inch nor a full ounce, my bebê is a full-time resident in my belly, which for now he/she calls it home and as Vinicius de Moraes wrote, one of the most celebrated Brasilian poet and composer, a funny house to live in with no roof, no floors or walls - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipjly96rzxA

At nine weeks the bebê is starting to resemble a human being and although all of the essential body parts have developed there are still lots of growing and fine-tuning to be done.
Some main changes have happened this week. The chambers of his tiny heart are being formed, tiny teethes have appeared, and the sexual organs although formed will remain incognito until week 16 when it will be revealed to us.

Eyes are fully formed, but it will remain shut until week 27.

As for me morning sickness still my companion, hopefully if what everyone says is right it should start to subside or get better at the end of the first trimester.
Eating has been difficult; the smell and the tough of certain foods just make me wanna throw up, but I force myself to eat because I know I need to feed my bebê for a healthy development.
Today I weighed and I gained my first 2 pounds! Who would thought that gaining any kind of weight would make a woman happy ;o)

As far as the emotional aspect of the pregnancy goes this week for the first time I found myself "disturbed" by the hormonal changes in my body. The feeling of anxiety and fear of becoming a parent was very real and felt by both Duke and I. In the end we just told ourselves, and the universe, and prayed to God that we will do fine.

Duke is already thinking of all of the things and places he will take the baby to, New World is definitely on the list of options, the PC games that he will teach him/her to play, but mainly he is preoccupied with inventing a device, something like a harness, that he can strap the baby in and hose down when there is a #2 diaper, so if anyone would like to assist Duke with his invention please by all means.

Until next update...

Beijos!
Duke, Laura and our little grape

Our Little Bean

This week our bebê is 5/8 of an inch long, about the size of a kidney bean.

As our bebê grows little parts of his tiny body develops in a amazing speed. We can already see webbed fingers and toes. Eyelids have grown longer covering his eyes, his little "tail" is almost all gone. His arms have lengthened and interesting enough his little hands, flexed at the wrist, lays over his tiny heart. Primitive neural pathways are being formed in his brain. It is all too amazing...

Although he is too little and I cannot feel any movement yet, he is constantly moving and shifting around; I can't wait for the first time when I will be able to feel him moving inside my belly.

Changes keep occurring in my body as well. Soon I will need to change bra sizes ;o)
Saltine crackers, frozen grapes, ginger candy and ice cubes have been my best allies for the last week as I am still getting a lot of "all day sickness".

The year of 2008 brought a tough beginning for our family with the sad news of my father's passing. As the year ends and a new year begins I come to the realization that in life we loose some and gain some and as in a full circle, of life and death, life renews itself with the gift of two new lives, mine and my sister's baby, and for that we thank God.

We cannot think of any better way to start the new year and this new phase in our lives.

Until next update.

Happy 2009!

Duke, Laura and the Little Bean