The LaGreca Family

First things first – looks like the GIRL guesses have taken the lead. 10 for a girl and 7 for a boy.  The good news about that (if the majority is right) – we have a list of girl names.  (“List” defined as 2 or more complete baby names — we have exactly 2, so we qualify that as a “list”).  We still have nothing for boy….but, we are starting to work hard on it.

The Baby Guessing Game will probably be open for at least 3-4 more weeks – so make your guess now (or enter another one).  I have done 2 so far – I totally felt like it was a boy when I guessed the first time. Then a few weeks passed by and I just felt like it was a girl (trust me, I have NO insider information – I have NO idea what the gender is — my gut feeling just depends on the day, I guess?)

(**To go directly to the game page – you just click on the Expect.Net box above – it’s pretty easy from there)

Ok, so here is the update on me and Baby #2.

We went to the doctor today (the normal monthly check-up).  He asked me if I knew the position of the baby and then he checked for himself. I said that I was pretty sure the baby was head down, the bum right above my belly button and the knees/feet off to my right side.  Based on his checking (which was quite painful, by the way. He just pushed around all over my belly and it didn’t feel very good) he thought the baby was in the exact position I said.  He wants to make sure it’s still head down, so we get a quick ultrasound at the next appt. I was SO excited to hear that. We didn’t get a “late in the game” ultrasound with Nicholas (and I can’t remember why – he must have been sure that the baby was head down).  Oh and for those of you who are thinking: “Oh sweet – it’s ONE last chance to find out the sex of the baby!!” — Nice Try!!  Do you really think we would go 34 weeks and then blow one of the biggest surprises we get in life?! I don’t think so!

We got to hear the heartbeat and it sounds so good – very strong.  Within a second of the Doc finding the beat – the baby moved out of the way.  I guess it didn’t really like the invasion of privacy?

Let’s see what else I have for you (I had a whole list in my head today – and knew I would forget most of it as soon as I sat down at the computer):

** I am definitely feeling the Baxton Hicks contractions this time around.

** My body is so much more achy this time. I am having the hardest time getting comfortable at night – which causes sleep problems. My hips are sore and I am feeling quite a bit of pressure down low.

** Sitting at a desk/computer all day is making my back very mad.  When it’s time to go home at night – the LAST thing I want to do, is SIT in the car for the drive home.  I am constantly squirming in my car seat because my back hurts.

** We were watching a movie the other night with the Harris’ and Joe got to feel the baby moving a TON! He just sat with his hand on my belly for at least 15 minutes and the baby put on a show for him.  That was really the first time he felt significant movement. He probably believes I have a baby in there now – and it’s not just a beer-belly (and no, I still don’t like beer – never have, never will – sorry Joe).

** When I say “I only have 9 weeks to go” – it sounds like that isn’t a long amount of time. But if I say “I have 2 months to go” – it sounds longer.  Does anyone agree?  Maybe I will stick with the months instead of the weeks, just so I don’t get too freaked out about the fact that this baby is almost here (either way!)

** I made all the rest of my appts w/ the doctor today – up until the 39th week.  That freaked me out a bit.

** The baby gets the hiccups 2-4 times everyday. It’s not as vigorous as the  hiccups were with NCL. I remember all the girls at work would come over to feel it and it would be really strong bumps.  This baby seems to get them more often, but they are deeper in my belly, so its hard for someone to feel them from the outside (especially Joe).  It just feels like a little heart beating.

** I asked the Doc if he thought there was a better chance that I would go into labor on my own this time – and he said, with a smile “yes, you have a better chance” — but he said we would have to see how I was doing towards the end.  He said I will start getting more cranky as time goes on (if the baby hasn’t come a little early or on time).  Thinking about this baby being late is not really the most pleasant thought — but, it’s a possibility–so I need to expect anything.   Then the Doc said, “you never know, you could go into labor a few weeks early” — Joe immediately said “that would be awesome” — (A sign that he is nearing the end of his patience with my “growing pains”??? Hmmmmm)

** I just looked at my “31 Week” picture with Nicholas and I am PRETTY sure that my belly is bigger this time. I can’t even believe that it’s possible….but, it might be true.  Man, I am TOO short for this!  It’s no wonder that people in the office GASP when they see me (if they haven’t seen me in a few days or a week).

Sometimes, Joe and I feel like our house is a zoo.  NCL will get a MILLION toys out and scatter them ALL over the place — then take one of the toy bins, put it on his head as a “hat” – and run ALL over the house, screaming.   OR – he will get his big firetruck (given to us by my boss) and turn the buttons on and drive that all over the place. The noise of that firetruck would drive anyone crazy – but it especially drives Joe crazy. I am really surprised that thing hasn’t “disappeared” yet..he he.  Oh – and then..the dog will start his routine of running crazy all over the place and barking.  I tell ya – a zoo.

Since I had President’s Day off this year – we decided to get outside, in the 80+ degree weather, and visit the zoo.

Note to self: never visit the zoo on a holiday.  The parking lot was INSANE and I have never seen so many people at our zoo (probably because we go when no one else is there – since we have annual passes).

Joe dropped us off and parked the car. So, we decided to have a snack and watch the flamingos and ducks.

Nicholas wanted to visit the elephants. I wish I could type out the word he uses for elephants…but I can’t. It’s more like a sound and it’s long.  It’s almost the sound a rooster makes – we laugh everytime.

On the way to the Elephant Odyssey – we had to stop to play with the coin machine. We didn’t have to put any money in – NCL was perfectly happy to turn the crank a few times.

(These two pictures will have to serve as my Week 29.5 pictures. It’s all I have during the time I was sick)

After 400 miles of travel (did I mention it was 80+ degrees?), we finally made it to the *New* Elephant Odyssey exhibit (it’s probably the newest addition to the zoo, but it was finished awhile back. I hadn’t been before).

(Yes, Nicholas needs another haircut…oh Gina…I wish you lived closer. I am actually thinking of trying to re-create your haircut on NCL…what a joke that will be – I was not meant to cut hair!)

Although NCL enjoyed watching the real elephants – he thoroughly enjoyed playing with this giant, fake elephant:

Being that it was almost lunch time, AND I was starting to run out of energy, (the day before this was the day I was in the urgent care for the sinus infection — we went on this little adventure, after I battled a 2 hour pounding-headache in the morning) it was time to make the 400 mile journey to the Zoo’s Exit (mostly uphill) and then the 56 mile journey to the car once outside the gates.

The rest of the afternoon went like this:

(1) Turn A/C on FULL BLAST in the car – all the way home

(2) Eat lunch – Mexican food we picked up on the way home

(3) Mommy and NCL – Take a looong nap

..and back to reality!

It feels like forever since my last blog post (yes, 12 days in-between posts is a LONG time for me).  I have a good excuse though – after the last post and my week long cold – I got my very first sinus infection….and nearly fell off the face of the Earth for over a week.

I will spare the gory details since most of you have been keeping up with me the last week on facebook.  I will leave this sinus infection behind me..as soon as I say — WOW! That was a PAINFUL week and I hope NEVER to get another sinus infection again — especially while pregnant!

Now – onto life at the LaGreca house.

We live with a “little monster”

NCL’s Aunt Angie got him that cute bath towel while we were back in Buffalo for Christmas. He was actually scared of it in December — he kept saying “Uh oh – Bite!”  (he thought the “monster” was going to bite him).  Now he is ok with the towel and it just looks so darn cute when he gets out of the bath.

The bedding arrived for NCL’s Big Boy Bed — he likes it.

I wish I could say the transition to the new room/bed had been done..but it hasn’t.  It’s totally our fault.  We still don’t have a dresser for his clothes (which isn’t the MOST important thing in the transition, but it adds to the list), the closet hasn’t been completely cleaned out with our stuff, and Joe is working through some electrical work in that room.  I had said before that we would probably paint in there, but I don’t think it’s going to happen (Joe says it’s definitely not happening).  We are running out of time and it’s just not necessary at this point. More important to get him in the new room/bed before Baby LG #2 arrives!

NCL’s grandparent’s took him to Balboa Park for the morning.  They had a BLAST!

(Our poor boy has scrapes/bruises ALL over his body — it’s a really good day if there isn’t a new one added to the mix…those days are far and few between).

(I absolutely LOVE the above picture..thinking about framing it for our bedroom).

Grandpa & Grandpa took NCL to the Model Railway Museum in Balboa Park.  I probably don’t have to tell you how much NCL loves that place..it’s all about GEE GEEs!

NCL kept himself entertained while Mommy wasn’t feeling well last week (at home).

—And, no, we don’t let him sit on the coffee table to watch his Chip & Dale shows.  But, I walked in the livingroom and caught him up there – I had to grab the camera and snap a picture before telling him to get down and sit on the couch instead.

Joe and I are continually amazed at HOW MUCH this kid LOVES Donald Duck/Chip & Dale cartoons.  It’s so awesome because there are tons on youtube – and they are only 6-8 minutes long.  I have found that it’s the easiest way for me to take a shower in the morning.  I take him in the bathroom with me — I start a Donald Duck cartoon on my iPhone (youtube) – I am always careful to pick the longer episodes, at least 7 1/2 minutes or so, and then I take a shower. He watches the “Duck” the whole time..and behaves. It’s wonderful.

And finally, time to wrap up this post — but first, I HAVE to post pictures of NCL’s 1st Day of Preschool (Thursday, Feb. 11th)

I snapped a quick picture of Daddy and son in the parking lot, on the way into NCL’s first day of “school” – (yup, I am one of “those” Mom’s – the camera goes everywhere with me — but that is no surprise to anyone, right?)

NCL was a little skeptical at first. He didn’t want us to leave….then he saw the box of cars/trucks/trains and he went right over to them. We tried to sneak past him, but he caught us. THEN – he saw the playdough on the table – and that was it…our get-away was flawless. (I won’t lie – I was a little sad….our baby is growing up – BUT, mostly, I was SO excited for him. The sadness didn’t last long for me).

An hour after we dropped NCL off at preschool – we got an email update from the preschool director (Thank YOU, Robin!)  She said NCL was doing great & snapped this picture of Amos and Nicholas playing dress-up. (These 2 boys are 3 weeks apart and have been together at church since they were teeny babies. When we tell NCL we are going to church, the first thing he says is “I wanna see Amy” — that’s what he calls Amos).

And a few hours later..we got ANOTHER email update…with the sweetest picture EVER.

(NCL took his first nap at preschool..on a little person cot. I just LOVE this picture — HUGE thanks to Robin for making us feel so special on NCL’s first day at FHPP. We are so happy to have Nicholas there!)

And, as if 2 emails with attached pictures wasn’t enough – we got the cutest little personalized “report card” (NCL is “eating” plastic corn on the cob from the play kitchen)

Time for bed (it’s almost 11pm!)  More pictures/updates to come….

If you are looking for some updated pictures of me or anyone else in the LaGreca family – sorry, I got nothin’.

What I do have..is a nasty cold.  And, you know how I have been saying that sleep has been a big issue for me throughout this pregnancy?  Well, so far – that was nothing. I went 2 straight nights with NO sleep…sitting up in bed, eyes watering, scratchy throat, itchy ears, stuffy nose…just plain, uncomfortable!

So, on Monday night, I took NCL and my “Dr’s list of ok’ed medicines to take while you are pregnant” to our local CVS and decided on Sudafed nighttime cold and some Ricola for my throat. Sudafed and I have been friends for 2 nights now – and I have to say…I can feel the difference. I still wake up 5-6 times in the night, but at least I am getting some sleep. That means all will be right in the world soon, right?

If only it were that easy.  See — we have this little boy that lives in our house. He is 2 years old.  He has decided that his main focus in life (for the time being) is to get into as much trouble as he possibly can…by NOT listening to anything his parents say to him.  Poor Joe. After 3 days with him (one of which, I was home but felt like garbage and stayed in bed until noon, then worked from home in the afternoon), Joe was about to burst (that is a nice description).

At 4pm, NCL was in his 432nd timeout of the day and Joe was trying to figure out what to do for dinner. I told him to forget about dinner – we would order a pizza.  It’s just one of those nights, ya know?  So, we ate our pizza and I told Joe to call a few friends and go for a beer — he needed to get out of the house and away from the boy.

This has GOT to make a few people laugh….because, as you remember…we ONLY have 1 kid.  ONE KID!  Yes, we have #2 on the way…but that one is still 100% contained.  The only thing I could think about today was the fact that I know 4 people in my circle of friends that have 4 kids, 4 kids, almost 5 kids, and 6 kids!  I honestly don’t know how they do it.  I am convinced that the only way that could possibly work is if you started having kids young. And even then, I just don’t know how it’s done.

Yup,  we are in a rough spot with NCL.  I am getting more nervous about Baby #2 as we get closer to the arrival.  We are 11 weeks away.  I keep telling myself that MILLIONS of people have done this before — and survived. So, it will be fine,right?  It will be hard — I know I have NO idea how hard it will be — but I am trying to prepare myself for the difficulty ahead.  Our current plan of attack is to get as many “date nights” in as we possibly can.  So far – we have had 2 Saturday night’s out in a ROW (Thanks to the grandparents and church friends).  And, we are planning another Saturday night out this weekend (as long as we are all healthy).

**Side note: it’s REALLY expensive to go out these days.  Man! Just going out to dinner gets pricey! We used to do it all the time before NCL came along…and I think we forgot how expensive it can get. And if you add in a movie…holy cow!

Anyway, that is enough from me.  I will try to take a picture tomorrow and post something soon, if I remember and feel like it (I should take a picture in the morning when I am not looking so tired).  Oh – and NCL starts pre-school tomorrow so I will definitely have pictures from that.  Super exciting day for the little dude (and Dad gets the “day off” — a much needed break).

Quick update – Here is the basketball belly at 27 weeks.  The baby is growing and getting more active.  Had a doctor’s appt last week – all is well. I am measuring at 26-27 weeks (hard to believe I am not measuring at 35+ by the way I look!)  The baby’s heartbeat is strong — listening to it is so awesome.

I also drank the nasty, sugary drink for the glucose test last week (ugh, it was first thing in the morning – and it made my stomach hurt!)  But, we didn’t get a call from the doctor, which means good news. My blood sugar level must be good (yahoo! We are very thankful for that!)

We are making progress on the house – lots of things to get done before the baby gets here.  We just got the carpets cleaned in all 4 carpeted rooms. We moved the office desks into the livingroom (behind the couch – see picture below), and as of Saturday – the computers are up and running.  I actually like the set up a LOT more than I thought I would. I was really dreading it – but it’s working out ok.  Our “livingroom area” is smaller – but it’s totally fine.  It’s not like we spend a ton of time in front of the TV anyway.

We have a lot of work to do on the boy’s room. I think we are going to paint 3 of the walls (leaving the red wall as is).  So, I have to figure out a color.  And maybe we can add some nicer baseboards. We will see about that.  We aren’t sure when the room will be ready, but it’s ok – NCL has a nice room and a nice crib for now – we will just ride it out a little while longer

And one more update – Looks like we have 8 guesses for the Baby Guessing Pool – and it’s 50% Boy and 50% Girl!   Don’t forget to take a guess (or two) – you might be the BIG winner!  Just click the “ExpectNet.com” box below and you will be taken directly to the website.