December 21, 2013

Bradley Birth 12 Week Course Review



Bradley Birth 12 Week Course Review

I thought it would be great if I blogged about the birthing class we chose to take and how we plan to birth in the next few weeks. Dave and I attended a 12 week birthing couse called the Bradley Method. I am proud to say that we never missed a class and that as the weeks came and went we really felt more prepared for Kai's arrival.

If you are unfamiliar with the Bradley Method here is a quick overview. As I mentioned earlier it is a 12 week course that emphasis the role of the dad as a birth coach. I chose this course, because I really wanted Dave to be apart of the birthing experience, I didn't want him to feel as if I was having a baby when it should be WE are having a baby. I searched all over Houston for an instructor that would fit our schedule, we wanted Saturday mid-day lessons, and who was relatively close as Houston is a large city. Well it really wasn't a difficult decision after I ran across Total Natural Childbirth: Bradley Method website through a Google search. Johanna was our instructor and the course content was great. Lots of people often complain that their instructor was boring or that they felt they were being lectured, but that was not the experience I had with Johanna. I thought she had many real-life stories that added to our class and as a mother of 5 she had so many tips and tricks first time moms like me need to hear. Our class consisted of 7 couples all FTMs with the exception of one and all at various weeks in pregnancy. In class we learned proper food & nutrition, relaxation techniques, exercises that can help during labor, and several birthing positions. However, I must mention that if there is one thing I would change it would be the outdated Bradley Videos, I understand that natural birthing hasn't changed in the general sense but can we get a video that was made in this decade. I mean really the babies being born in the Bradley videos must be grandparents themselves now.

Here is the actual outline of course content week-by-week:

  • Class 1. Introduction to The Bradley Method
  • Class 2. Nutrition in Pregnancy 
  • Class 3. Pregnancy, Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy and Birth
  • Class 4. The Coach's Role 
  • Class 5. Introduction to First Stage Labor 
  • Class 6. Introduction to Second Stage Labor 
  • Class 7. Planning Your Birth 
  • Class 8. Variations and Complications / Postpartum Preparation 
  • Class 9. Advanced First Stage Techniques 
  • Class 10. Advanced Second Stage Techniques 
  • Class 11. Being a Great Coach / Are You Ready? 
  • Class 12. Preparing for Your New Family 

Overall I loved my class and the experience I had. I would highly recommend taking a natural birth class if your desire is to have a natural birth.

December 3, 2013

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts, and More Gifts: My Book Theme Baby Shower


Sister and Cousin Please excuse background it was time to clean up

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts, and More Gifts: My Book Theme Baby Shower

As a stated in a previous post I had my shower on November 9, 2013 and both my mother and sister were hosting the event. My sister doesn't live in my city anymore and therefore most of the planning took place by phone and email, which lead to loots of frustration and tears on my part. In my family, especially on my mothers side, there is a running joke that I may be just a tad too boogie (high class) for my own good. My sister constantly wants to remind that my champagne taste don't go with my beer budget.  So long story short we had many fights over what I wanted for my shower. 
The theme of the shower was a Co-ed Children's Book theme and thanks to Pinterest I had so many ideas, maybe too many, for my hostesses to execute. Below are a few pictures from the event. We had family travel from ear and far and all in all I think the shower was great. We didn't start on time, which was a huge problem for me. However, many of  my guests were super late so I guess it all worked out. My sister also decided to use the tinniest voice in her hosting duties and the teacher in me had me jumping up to assist a lot more than I probably should have. Yes I probably ran many of the shower games, oh well. Overall I believe my shower was a success I had family and friends come from all over the US to spend the day with us, Dave sister even flew in from Canada. We had lots of great food, that I didn't get to eat at the shower because I was so busy. We also received a lot of great gifts and books for Kai, surprisingly no duplicates.  Here are a few pictures from the event.

Little guest

Give a Mouse a Cookie display

Gifts Kai is so loved

Where the wild things are table display



The Hubby and I with his parents

My baby brother and I outside the event

Mommy, Me, and my sister, they hosted the event

Cousin Jessica and I 


Me making a onsie for Kai

One of the many shirts guest made at the shower

Opening gifts 

November 28, 2013

Nursery Ideas Galore



Nursery Ideas Galore

Time has really flown and I am currently 31 weeks. I am finally starting to get Kai's room together. My husband cousin is staying with us and is the nursery room so that was holding us back from decorating. We asked that he move out of the particular room, we have a guest room he can stay in, by December 1st. However, that day has come and gone and he is still in the room. I have left his whole move in my husbands hands as it is his cousin, but now I will speak to my special house guest and tell him to pack his crap so my son has a place to sleep when he gets here. MY fear is my husband can be a tad bit LAZY and although he feels comfortable putting off decorating the nursery I don't think that will be wise. If his cousin stays in the room we will have less time to complete the nursery and Dave will become overwhelmed and start cutting corners. He will insist not everything needs to be put up and that we don't need this or that all because he is too lazy to build it.
The theme of the nursery is a Formula 1 race car theme, not to be confused with NASCAR. This theme has been exceptionally hard to get decor for, but I feel I have a few key pieces that will bring the room together nicely. I also have several DIY projects I will be starting this weekend. Below are a few of the items I have purchased and some of the ideas I will use to execute in his room.

None of the pictures below belong to me, but I did take inspiration from them in creating Kai's room.

Vintage race car themepolka dot wall$5.49 Hannah also in purple orange and yellow Cool Assorted Paper Lanterns 3ctOh IKEA spice racks, $4Red racing car wall stickerchildren book organization | ... kids books display kids library kids room ideas kids room organization

November 10, 2013

28 Weeks

Baby Kai and I
28 Weeks

How far along? 28+4 Weeks (3rd trimester I am sooo blessed)

Total weight gain/loss: 196
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Yes on the lower parts of back :(
Sleep: Lower back issues
Best moment this week:Taking photos with my sorority sisters for our 10 yr AKAversary
Miss Anything? I want a glass a wine
Movement: Kai kicks all the time
Food cravings: Beef its what's for dinner LOL
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Yes!
Gender: Boy!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? Out and its so cute
Wedding rings on or off? Off :(
Happy or Moody most of the time: Nervous

Looking forward to: meeting the new man in my life come on Jan 2014


Yesterday I had my baby shower, will post about my big day later on, and today I took pictures with my sorority sisters. I can't wait to get the photos back, because we came up with some cute and unique ways to capture our time together as sisters. I am also so happy that they all traveled near and far to be in Houston for my baby shower and spend time with me. Even after all these years I have nothing but love for my sorors and cant wait to see what the next 10 years have in store for us.

UPDATE: Our pictures are back and they look AMAZING...
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Kappa Nu Fall 2003
Celebrating the moms to be, my Link and I are 5 weeks apart
My LSs
Being goofy and still cute

October 29, 2013

Edgepark Breast Pump Review

Medela Advanced Personal Double Electric Breastpump 
Breast Pump Review

Yesterday October 28, 2013 I received my breast and I am over the moon excited. As many insurance companies state you can't get a pump until after the birth of your child, I assumed I would have to wait until Jan. I started by calling my insurance company, BCBS, and was told I was eligible for a free pump and had three companies I could choose from to order. After checking out the websites for each company I decided to go with Edgepark, because they seemed to be the only company who had a Medela pump that was not on back order or a wait list. The pump I received was the Medela Personal Double Electric Breast Pump and personally to get it for free was such a blessing. If there is one thing I am nervous about it is breastfeeding. I keep a running list of what ifs playing in my head and I fear that I may not be able to establish the supply my baby will need to grow healthy, especially with me having to go back to work at 6-8 weeks. I am hoping my new pump will be able to alleviate my fears. Dave is super supportive and really wants me to try and go the whole year, my hubby is all for saving money LOL.

I highly recommend anyone who is trying to get a pump through a medical supply company to try Edgepark. The process took me about 10 minutes on the phone and I didn't need a doctors prescription. All they wanted was my information (Name, Work info, insurance info, EDD) and my Doctors information (Name and hospital number). It took the pump about 2 weeks to arrive at my house and it was well packaged.
Here are a few pictures of my baby










October 4, 2013

Baby Shower Invite


Baby Shower Invite

So now that we know our baby boy is coming in January, Dave and I have started to register for our upcoming co-ed baby shower. FYI registering with Dave took all the patients in the world, he kept making me want to smack him because he had a question for almost every item we scanned. I never knew one little person could need so much and after an hour at Babies R' Us I was ready to throw in the towel. Luckily my husband realized this and made the day go smoother with jokes and an Olive Garden lunch.
Since we are in the process of registering and will be having a shower on November 9th, I got my links husband to create he invite to our festive party. The invites came back looking amazing and after placing our registry information inside I  sent them off ASAP. In total I mailed around 85 invites to family and friends, and look forward to celebrating my pregnancy with everyone. The theme of my baby shower is Children books and we have asked everyone to bring a book in lieu of a card. My mom and sister are hosting the event and after shedding many a tear and even yelling at my sister over this event  (call it pregnancy hormones or her lazy ass behavior) I can't wait to see what they come up with. 

September 28, 2013

Gender Reveal!!!!!


Gender Reveal!!!!

Our baby is a boy and Dave and I are both over the moon with excitement and cant wait to meet him in 2014. I really couldn't hide how happy I was at finding out about the sex of the baby I had been carrying for the past 5 months. The gender reveal box was a real labor of love as it took me around 2 hours to make, my photographer loved it so much I told her she could have it. When we have our next child I will make a new box. Here are a few pictures from the gender reveal we did Sunday September 22nd in Dallas, I am 21 weeks in these pictures.




September 13, 2013

20 Weeks and Counting...


20 Weeks and Counting

We have made it to twenty weeks and I am feeling incredible blessed. The heart rate I see on my home doppler is always in the 150s and each time I hear their little heart, my heart swells just a little  more. The baby has been incredible active for the past two weeks and their "kicks" make me feel so happy, Dave hasn't felt the baby move but I can't wait to see his face when he does. Being pregnant after a miscarriage has brought so many challenges, the biggest one has been me fearing another loss. At this point in my pregnancy I won't say I feel overly confident, but I am definitely feeling  comfortable about reaching parenthood with Dave.


Next week we will know what gender baby Lokey is and I am getting more exited by the day. We both think that baby is a girl, but would never be disappointed if we were having a boy. I just want to know so badly, because with that knowledge comes all the fun stuff. Planning the nursery, buying clothes that are gender specific (no more yellow for us lol), and registering for our baby shower which we plan to do at the end of the month.

I also wanted to update everyone on my recent purchases. Baby Lokey now officially has 8 cloth diapers and because I got a little carried away with the cost of those diapers I am now on a freeze until next month. We have also purchased the nursery furniture, which is still packed away in boxes in our formal dining room. I really have no clue when we will get around to physically putting things up in the nursery, but I will begin buying decor when we know the gender.  Here is a picture of the furniture, I wanted a modern look for the nursery as well as white furniture which I believe will make the room appear larger and sleek.


August 24, 2013

Facebook Post




Facebook Post

We did it, we posted our Facebook announcement last Sunday(16w 3d) and now the world knows about peanut.  Well not the world, but all 300+of my friends and family.  The picture above is the photo we used to announce that a new Lokey is on the way and we had so much love from everyone about our news. Facebook isn't really the best way to announce to close family members a new addition, so I sent out a mass text message at week 15 to let everyone know. It's over and it's out there  and now I can't take it back, peanut I pray you continue to grow healthy and strong there are so many people who want to meet you.

August 13, 2013

15 Weeks




15 Weeks

How far along? 15+4 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 13+ lbs gained so far (185)
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: lower back issues
Best moment this week: Hearing peanuts 150 heartbeat last Friday
Miss Anything? the flutters I was feeling last week :(
Movement: No
Food cravings: Ramen Noodles
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Yes!
Gender: Were thinking girl but no confirmation yet
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to:  Seeing my Link (sorority sister) this weekend


Since I am going back to teaching I will most likely post my week updates on Sunday so I can keep up with it. 

August 12, 2013

First Baby Purchase

Harry Potter Inspired Cloth Pocket Diaper

First Baby Purchase

After  my miscarriage last year it was really difficult to get super excited about this pregnancy so early on as many women do. I decided that I would not make a purchase for the baby until I had successful made it to and through my NT scan at 12 weeks. Well as soon as I was given great results from my test I decided enough was enough and I made my first baby purchase. So the big question for me was what could I purchase for the baby that would be gender neutral, the answer a cloth diaper. I know I know who the heck would want to purchase something a baby would poop in, (waves hands around wildly) ME!!!! So i found an amazing work at home mom (WAHM) who creates and sews the cutest diapers of all time on Etsy called Little Butt Diapers. Seriously check out her page if you are crazy about cloth diapers like I am.  As soon as I spotted her Harry Potter diaper I knew it had to be the diaper that would begin my cloth diaper stash/obsession, everyone who knows me knows I am a huge HP dork and this diaper is just amazing. I haven't received my diaper yet, but when I do I will update this post with pictures of it, for now you can drool over the shop photos of my Little Butt diaper.



August 8, 2013

14 Weeks



14 Weeks

How far along? 14+6 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 13+ lbs gained so far (185)
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: lower back issues
Best moment this week:Lunch with my mom
Miss Anything? I want a margarita so bad
Movement: I think I feel flutters here and there
Food cravings: Fried pickles this past Monday I had Dave buy some
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Yes!
Gender: Were thinking girl but no confirmation yet
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to:  My 15 Week doctor appointment this week! (Friday Aug 9)


Okay accountability alert I am literally gaining too much weight to only be barley out of the first trimester, so I am going to make an effort to not eat out as much. As of right now I eat out pretty much everyday at least one meal, I know not the best thing for me or baby so I am going to make a change. No more eating out or my trainer is going to kill me come Feb 2014!!!








July 30, 2013

13 Weeks


13 Weeks

How far along? 13+5 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 12+ lbs gained so far
Maternity clothes? Not yet just hanging out in pj's most days, the life of a teacher off in summer
Stretch marks? No 
Sleep: Having issues when I lay on left side so I now lay on right
Best moment this week: telling our parents that they will be grandparents
Miss Anything? No
Movement: No
Food cravings: I want Chicken and hot sandwiches (Quiznos and Schlotskys) 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Yes!
Gender: Were thinking girl but no confirmation yet 
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to:  My 15 Week ultrasound this week!


This week I got back into the gym in my snazzy shorts and pink top, having Tachycardia I watch my heart rate monitor constantly to make sure my numbers aren't too high. I walk daily at the gym on the treadmill and concentrate on a different muscle group each time I go.







July 22, 2013

12 Weeks and Testing Baby Peanut


12 Weeks and Testing Baby Peanut

On Monday July 22nd I went to my doctor to get my NT scan for peanut, I was pretty nervous about the results but not so much the test. I had seen my beautiful peanut the week before and the heart was strong at 161, so when I went into the ultrasound room the tech found the heartbeat at 170 and peanut was laying on his/her stomach. At first I was concerned because I saw movement and then all was still, the tech said peanut was just sleeping and that we would need to get them to turn on their back so we could take measurements. So after coughing and rolling unto my sides that is exactly what happened and the tech was able to get some really great shots. Again DH didn't make this appointment and with peanut moving so much I was sort of sad that I had no one to share the experience with. So after a few more pictures the doctor came in and said that the measurement behind peanuts head looked normal and three days later I got a call saying the blood test results were also great. With four ultrasounds complete we have decided to tell our parents this weekend.


Here is peanut at 12w4d and will be the picture we use in our announcement photos to our parents.

July 14, 2013

Telling my "Sisters"

Telling my "Sisters"

Since I had been keeping peanut a secret from everyone I wanted to tell my sister first. I know some may say why not my mom "grandma to be" but my sister and I are BFFs we laugh, we cry, we scream, and we fight but always together. I couldn't imagine giving her such life changing news over the phone, seeing as she lives in Dallas, so I drove 4.5 hours to tell her she would be an aunt. When I arrived at her apartment I handed her a cute hallmark card that included a short letter from peanut and his/her week 11 ultrasound picture. My sister was so excited for me and hugged me several times telling me over and over congratulations. She strongly wants peanut to be a boy and refers to peanut with that pronoun whenever she calls to see how we are doing. She will be throwing my baby shower in November and am excited to see what she comes up with.
At the Breakfast Klub celebrating my brother going away to Marine boot camp 

I don't know how old we are in this pic but we are only a 1.5 apart

My next stop in Dallas was a visit to my sorority sisters house to tell her the good news as well. My line sister and link, LaTisha, is my "sister" from another mother. She is my BFF and has been one of many who have prayed for our little miracle so telling her after my sister just seemed right. When I arrived at her house I held my purse in front of my stomach (dumb disguise I know) and we greeted each other with big hugs and big smiles. She and her husband were staring at me smiling and I was staring back at them smiling, which eventually led to me asking her if she needed to tell me something to which she replied "Do you need to tell me something?" So I did, I told her all about peanut and they were both excited for us and told me to call Dave so they could congratulate him as well.  So I put Dave on speaker phone and they both congratulated him on our pregnancy and then asked if we wanted to be the godparents of their baby. It took me a minute to respond and then I looked at Link (we call each other link and it can get very confusing to those who don't know us) and screamed "Are you pregnant too?"  She nodded yes and I cant believe we are going to be pregnant together. Obviously this is my first, but link is a veteran as she has two kids already. I'm super excited to be a godmother and even more excited to have our kids grow up together.
Link and I in Las Vegas 
Hanging out in a limo in Las Vegas

June 27, 2013

Updates and Concerns




Updates and Concerns

Today I am 9 weeks into my pregnancy, the 9 week cloud will always hang over my head as this is the week I lost my little bean last year. I haven't updated in weeks and for that I am sorry, its been a whirlwind summer for me so far. At 7 weeks I decided to drive to Dallas with my mother to visit my younger sister who just got her first place. I spent most of the trip helping her move not so heavy things and skirting the issue of why I wouldn't lift anything too heavy. Lucky for me she figured I was lazy and didn't really want to help, which let's face it at 7 weeks isn't far from the truth. So after a whirlwind of activity I came home Sunday afternoon and late in the evening had a bright red bleeding scare. I immediately emailed my doctor about my concerns and she had me come in on Monday at 7w 4d to see my little peanut on the big screen. I was so pleased to see that peanut had a heartbeat of 154 and looked to be in good health. I was then given the news that I had some slight bleeding behind the sac and if I were to have sex or do anything strenuous I would again bleed bright red. So with my fears of miscarrying we (my doctor and I) decided it would be best if I go on a sort of modified bed rest. The next big event for me was an interview for a teaching position closer to home and after two interviews I was given the job. I am looking forward to beginning this new job opportunity, but at the same time I am nervous to go into a new job with a pregnancy. I have not mentioned my pregnancy to my new employer, hell I haven't said anything to family or friends, and most likely wont until September when things start to die down at my school. 
This past week has been a whirlwind for me, I have had symptoms come and go leaving me with anxiety that things may be heading south. I have recently begun cramping it started towards the end of the 8th week and has progressively gotten worse (total of 3 days). I will be honest I am not eating very well, I don't want to cook and my husband refuses to learn so that leaves me eating out an awful lot. I also haven't been drinking very much water which I can now see is a BIG MUST. So with cramping for the past 3 days I can now add a bout of diarrhea to my list symptoms. I have emailed my doctor again for peace of mind, I don't expect to be called in for my current woes but I wanted to make sure that what I am experiencing is normal. Tomorrow is my 29th birthday, last year I was pregnant on my birthday as well, but I didn't know it. I pray that this year brings me all the joys and love a woman can ask for. I pray that I can celebrate my 30th with a toddler on my lap.