Santa wants more mommies...

I must know literally 25 pregnant women at this point... not including me!

I don't know how to feel... happy, scared, ironic? I have never known so many women to be pregnant simultaneously in my life. Maybe it's my age, perhaps this economy creates more activity in the bedroom, or maybe something is in the water?!

Whatever it is, I'm sure you all can say the same... I'd like to know your thoughts.

Jeremy and I just finished making our holiday sweets and boy do I need to start giving them away before I eat them all! I am starting to think that buying stock in sweets isn't such a bad idea, or maybe listening to Stock Traders at Piper Jaffray for 2 months has sunk "Invest Now" into my subconscious.

(Salted Nut Roll & Chocolate Covered Cherries)

Pregnant Lady | 26 weeks

(Help! My head is disappearing!!)

I am still feeling wonderful overall. Just a bit more out of breath these days, still craving sweets like mad, and starting to feel the Braxton Hicks contractions. It's nothing more than my stomach becoming hard, but it is a bit odd to think that those can start as early as now... actually an article I read stated they start as early as 6 weeks, but you don't even notice them until later.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_braxton-hicks-contractions_156.bc


I am looking into Hypnobirthing as a labor tool. I don't think I'll spend the whopping $350.00 on classes, but rather purchase a book/CD combo and hope for the best!
I have a really wonderful and supporting partner that is all geared up and more prepared than I am. Jeremy has already purchased organic diapers stating "You will always need diapers, might as well start stocking up while they are on sale!"
I think the fact that he has already gone through this experience twice is very beneficial to myself and Adrayn now. Jeremy has been calm, cool, and excited for this event to take place.
To change things up from his previous experiences we are planning on Jeremy being the person that will be "delivering/catching" our son.
I think his previous experience is comforting to me; knowing that he has been through this, I feel more trusting  leaning on him for support.

I can't wait to hold our little man! Feelings change week to week... fears, joys, but this week I am more confident, and reassured with Jeremy's support.
Wow, is this really going to happen?! Bring it on!
 
Now... to just get James Bond prepared.... Hmmm.... he's a total mama's boy. A reality check is coming sooner than he thinks!

Mucho Love!

I didn't ask.... but you did make me think

Arg... these pregnancy preachers are appearing out of the wood work lately...

"Get an epidural, you have to, don't be tough, no one can do it", "I hated being pregnant, no I wasn't ever sick, I just hated it", or "I had the most painful birth with 80 hours of labor"...
Seriously.. I am not asking these strangers for their opinions, why are they just assuming they can just shout them out at me?! I know what I can handle, and I know that I have certain goals in this birth plan. I am in love with being pregnant, and am in love with the baby that I am carrying on top of it.
I want every step to sink in, and marinate in my mind, as it all seems to be rushing by so quickly...

 Pregnant Lady | 24 weeks

I see all of my friend's children growing up so quickly around me, and I just want to hit the pause button! I just want Adrayn to be in my belly until I'm ready to let him go. I just want Adrayn to be a newborn baby until I'm done deeply inhaling his sweet scent.... these things just fly by so quickly.

Pregnant Lady | 25 weeks

I think back to when I was 19 and my niece Celeste was born... I remember taking a nap with her beside me, she must have been about 6 months old. I just remember slowly waking up to these HUGE gorgeous eyes staring back at me... so quiet, so gentle, just looking at my face as if to inspect every freckle and pore. Ahhh, and the smell, the smell of a baby... nothing can replace that smell. It's like a high...
These are the moments that are locked into memory, but have passed in time... it's hard to know that one day I will have the same memory of my little Adrayn...

 

(Celeste now: 11 years old)

I guess all one can do it just appreciate it all, stop and take it all in as often as possible, hold those specials moments close, treat the present as it is described... a gift, and hang on for the ride.

Mucho Love!

Soon...

Soon..... I will be able to have a Lavender Cosmo from Palomino (MUST try if you haven't!!!), and ALL the sushi I can manage to eat!!!

Ahhh.... sounds heavenly. I can't wait! Also, I know what kind of birthday cake I want next year!

I'm just having one of those craving days I guess! ;)

Mucho Love!

To my sweetheart...

Dearest Love,

I know things are about to change in our lives immensely, and I just wanted to take this time before all the chaos hits to let you know how much you mean to me.

 

 

I am so glad that I met you, almost 2 years ago now. I am fortunate to have such a talented and giving person in my life, and now the father of our soon-to-be son. I am very thankful when I wake up in the morning and see your beautiful hairy face next to me.

Thank you for rubbing my feet every night as I tell you about my day,  for caring so much about our little one that you cook healthy dinners for us in advance so that I don't have to, for being aware... you just seem to know when I am in dire need of a night out, or off, or in; for spooning me at 5:30 in the morning before I wake up for my long day at work, for arranging all the mortgage meetings and collaborations, and for every "I love you baby" that warms my heart.

I love your strong will (sometimes...) and your soft heart. You are a wonderful man that knows how to put a smile on my face!

I am truly one lucky girl that is completely worthy of such a wonderful man.

I know in times ahead that things will be difficult, and trying, but please know that I am always in your corner and believe in you. Know that I am your gal, and I've always been right here..

I love you dearly. Always and forever (said like Kip).
Mucho love, my sweet Jeremy.

Who is really blind here?

What an odd morning this one has been..

I was on my way to catch the light rail to head to work this morning at the butt crack of dawn. It's a bit creepy walking the 2.5 blocks in the early morning darkness.
On this particular morning I noticed a man. A blind man standing before the light rail tracks... the vibe that I immediately got was one of a lost puppy dog.

I was in a hurry, but I am who I am... so I did what I do. I stopped and asked him if he needed assistance. He said his name was Ernesto, and stated that he hadn't been to the light rail, and didn't know the drill. I then reached out and placed my arm around his and walked him up the ramp to the ticket purchase area. He proceeded to thank me and hand me his discounted ticket money (only .75 for someone with a disability) and I proceeded to purchase his ticket for him.
After some small talk about him heading off to some immigrant work program and the crappy economy he told me he would be back Wednesday and Friday this week. I told him I would assist him again if our paths crossed. He also said that he wanted to give me his number (I'm assuming only niceties, as I have no reason not to) and I stated "Too late, train is here" and the "ding, ding" approached.
This whole time I wasn't noticing the eyes on us... the quiet judging eyes. Once his train came, I lead him to his door then directed him by saying "At 3 o'clock is seating" and we were parted until further notice.
I then walked down the ramp to where I would catch my train heading the other direction... getting stares.... people were staring at me as if by assisting someone I was asking for AIDS or something?!
What's happened to us? All I see everywhere these days is H1N1 scare talk, and how to avoid people as much as possible. Texting (which is underlined in red as I type this because it's not a real word), Instant Messaging, Emailing, Facebook.... all these things are more of a mode of communication that our lips. I am totally guilty of this.. (as I blog)... It's just sad that when given the chance to actually be a human being, and show some tenderness to someone in need that people are not only distant, but actually look down upon it.


Ahhh okay, I will get off of my preaching stool now and let you all come to your own conclusions.
It's just amazing to me that some people have lost the "human" in them, and seem more like robots on the light rail. I can't wait until I don't have to be apart of the rush hour crowd anymore... the early mornings are scary, and it's not because of the dark.

Mucho Love!!

You put the treat in my trick!

Ahhhhh the cool air and smell of decaying leaves... I love this time of year!
So, I'm the kind of gal that likes to scare people, or at least make them laugh on Halloween with my costume.
Some years, I am something pretty, but lately I've had more of an urge to do the opposite... it's our one day a year to go bonkers as anything, why not be gross and scary... Pretty can be done any old time with make-up and a nice dress.

So this year I decided to be a dirty man with a beer belly, even though Jeremy and I were just dressing up for ourselves and taking the kids trick or treating. My intentions were good, but I came off looking more like a gay hunter man. Reasons this happened are: 1. I had James Bond (my dog) in my jacket since he was tiring from the walk, 2. I couldn't quite remember I was a man and kept using my female voice.
I actually got a "Whats up man" from some guy walking with his kid, and said "Hello" back in my female voice... I scared the life out of him!! If Halloween is about scaring... I sure did some scaring! I calmed the man by following up with "Don't I make a pretty man", after his chuckle I could sense a sigh of relief.

 

Jeremy did the kids make-up... and a WONDERFUL job at that!! He's amazing!! Look at these pictures!

Presley (Vampire)

 

Parker (Devil)

 

Group Picture

Papa's quick zombie make-up

Okay.... Now on to baby talk!

Pregnant Belly 21 Weeks (depending on who you ask.. Midwife or Ultrasound Tech)

All is well with the pregnancy. I have been very fortunate in not getting sick. My back is starting to ache a bit more as my stomach grows, and I now am working full time at this temp job so all the running around in heels and dress clothes isn't too comforting either.
Adrayn is moving like mad in my belly these days... can't slow him down.. he will be a handful when he's ready to see the world. Hope we're prepared!!

Oh yeah, we stopped at Target to check out the clearance Halloween goodies and got James Bond and outfit for next year... he will be a lil' hot dog! Can't wait, I'm sure I'll want to just eat him up!

Hope you all had a wonderful, and safe holiday...

Mucho Love!!

Lovely day

If I could wake up to Bill Withers singing "Lovely Day" to me in person every morning I think it would be impossible to have any negative emotions!

I woke up this morning with some wonderful feelings. I felt a little "tap, tap" in my belly... so odd, but comforting even though it's not me doing it!
This belly sure has popped the last few days! The only way I can describe the way it feels is this. Fill your bladder up completely with urine, and take away the pain. It's just like some weird numb space filled with liquid. I have found it a bit difficult to get used to the numb feeling, such a secret void...

Thanks Parker for taking this picture of me!!! I needed one!

I have a mid-wife appointment next week! I am much more at ease from last week regarding the puzzling ultrasound information. Friends, and google have eased that mystery a bit.

This site was quite comforting in regards to the topic.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_placenta-previa_830.bc

So, it's not wonderful news, but it looks like that in 90%  of cases all is good. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I am just in such a lovey mood today. I am sooo grateful to all of my wonderful friends that have eased my mind, and been so supportive of me in every way. I am so emotional when I think of how lucky I am to have people like all of you in my life. It's crazy to think of all  of the "how we met" stories... sooo many!
I remember Jaime in the duplex and how we would sing songs with the neighbor Mike and Jessica Diaz... Lissa in paint class, and I still remember the painting of the woman in the clouds! Alissa at my uncle's BBQ with my old elementary friend Amy, Amanda at Denny's and that fabulous duplex with NO matching furniture, Sherrise at Harvey's... pudding wrestling not long after, then introducing me to Farah... Marija, oh Marija... I miss those girls nights at our bachelorette pads! Ahhh so many memories... I could go on forever!!

Thank you all. I feel more fulfilled  everyday just thinking about all of you. I may just be an emotional pregnant lady, but I am a grateful one!

I hope you are all having a lovely day, and if you're not... just think of Bill Withers. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYi7uEvEEmk&feature=related

Mucho Love!

Results are in...... and it's a baby BOY!

Ahhhhh what a breath of fresh air! Now I can finally get a healthy nights sleep!!!

I have woken up every morning with some dream of me announcing it's a boy, or it's a girl, and then I can't get back to bed because my mind wanders, then I run off to pee for the 5th time... all over and over... and at least now I can put my mind to rest about the baby's sex, and that he has 2 arms and 2 legs with all of his digits intact, and no cleft lip (adorable lips I might add)!

Something puzzling and something good happened at the ultrasound this morning.

Let's start with the puzzling. The ultrasound technician kept stating that she had some concern for the placement of the placenta... then said that my doctor, or mid-wife would look into it further and talk to me if it needed further attention. Well... I have an appointment with my mid-wife on 10/26 so I'll know more at that time. Hopefully all is well with baby, and I can still have the natural birth I was hoping for.

The other thing that was good was that Jeremy and I immediately agreed on a name as soon as the tech left the room. He said "What about Adrian" and I said... I love it but let's spell it with my last name Dray, so it's "Adrayn", and the middle and last name were no-brainers, as they are meaningful family names.

Adrayn David Frandrup is our baby boys name!! How common is that...to agree so quickly?!

We had already had a beautiful girls name in mind, but no boys names... so this is really crazy!

I really need to get someone to take a profile belly shot of me soon! :)

Parker and Presley were almost as excited as I was this morning. Their uncle Jamie was here to babysit bright and early at 815am (thank you Jamie!!) and each of the kids were hoping for the same sex as they are... Parker wanted a boy, and Presley a girl. Presley has already had her wish granted by her mother (a baby sister), so Parker was still brother-less... until today! It was important to me that the kids felt great about the news, and included in everything. I told Parker that he's like my first son, and Presley that she's like my only daughter, so they are excited to share with baby Adrayn, and love the name too!

Jeremy and I thought it would be fun to bring pink and blue candy home, and whichever candy papa grabbed out of my hand and gave them was what their sibling is! They loved that idea... mainly because of the candy factor I"m assuming....

Oh, also I forgot to mention... I'm a whole week farther than I thought! I was thinking around 18.5 weeks, but according to measurements I am 19.5 weeks!! Adrayn is coming sooner than I thought!

I hope I start to feel his little kicks soon, I guess 20 weeks is common for that feeling to start. I'm just happy that I saw him moving like mad around today via the ultrasound with a healthy heart-rate and "normal" skeletor look to him. It's pretty amazing!

Papa Jeremy was the first to notice the sex organs... but they weren't so difficult to spot! This boy is huge! Sorry for my crude language, but it's true! Maybe it's the stage of growth, but for a little 10 ounce guy he's doing alright.

I would post an ultrasound picture, but only got a horrible print out on computer paper, and they don't look too great, so you'll have to wait to see the real Adrayn in March.

I am so excited, it is all so real now!!!!

Oh, and that "Intelligender" test was wrong! :(

Well folks, I'm off to play with Parker and Presley.

Mucho love!

Ch- Cha- Cha- Changes...

So many subtle changes are happening. Slowly pants are becoming less comfortable, and back aches more apparent. All so quiet and subtle as if just a gentle reminder that a human being is forming inside my belly. More changes.... I am growing older! I will be celebrating my 31st birthday this coming Friday ( 10/09/09)!!

I am very excited to see family and friends, and feel like I have been sleeping too much or staying at home to nest these days. It will be nice to see you all that I love and adore, and to celebrate another year of life as I have a new appreciation for it!

I am also eager for my birthday as it means that the ultrasound is only 4 days after!! I will *hopefully* know the baby's sex at that time!! Is it me, or are most first time mothers this eager to know the sex?!

I am worse than a 5 year old with Christmas!

Pregnant Lady | 17 Weeks

 

Sorry for the pictures, Jeremy is at work and I really wanted to write something while I felt the urge, so again... self-taken belly pictures aren't easy!

I am now officially wearing maternity pants. I just can't handle the always present snuggie that my "normal" pants bring, and am tired of feeling like a slob wearing my sweats all day. I am back to feeling human again by wearing jeans, albiet with elast-o belly!

Sometimes I have to sit and ponder how it is possible to experience all of this?! First, if their is such a thing as a "spirit" how does the one in my unborn child get there? Does it choose me, is it random, or predestined? Does this spirit exist in the baby now, or is it something that happens later in the human-making-process? These questions may sound silly, but I really am curious about it all. I realize this is something I will never know, and will have to shelve along with "Why am I here?", and "What came first the Chicken or the Egg?".

I guess it's a beautiful, yet annoying phase of question that I'm in at the current moment.

Not much else to report this time around. Just anxious as ever! I will let you know how the party and ultrasound go! Have a wonderful weekend if I don't see you before!

Mucho Love!

The joys of being a step-parent...

Since I don't have a child of my own (yet), I only know what it is like to nurture others. I have been in love with children since I was a child myself and have always wanted to be a mom.

When I met my current boyfriend (Jeremy), children were part of the package, and not once did I think of that as an obstacle. I am very happy to have 2 wonderful kids in my life, and feel that they have and are showing me how to be the best mom to them and our unborn child.

I realize that I don't get the same kind of love that a blood parent that knew them from birth does, but I do get a different kind of love that I am more than welcoming of.

I am also awakened to a whole new sense of patience that I was unaware of! Wow, I knew I was impatient, but that is changing, as well as not getting things done exactly the way I had planned...

Parker and Presley have shown me to take a breath more often, and to explain the "whys" in life more, often leaving me with MORE questions myself... which is always great... re-evaluation is a must!

I am very lucky to be a step-mom. Through the tantrums and giggles it is a honor I wouldn't trade.

I think I lost my job this year for a bigger reason, to get to know these great babes a bit more before their father and I thank them with a new sibling next year. People keep asking me if I want a boy or girl... honestly, the more I think about it I don't care as long as the baby is healthy. I am already blessed with one of each.

Pictures from the Pine Tree Apple Orchard 2009

Thank you Parker for always saying the sweetest compliments when you know I need them, you are so aware and sensitive to others feelings it always amazes me. I know the movie that you and Papa are working so hard on will be a great success after much hard work!

Thank you Presley for always making me laugh, you have the most hilarious voices that I have ever heard! You always amaze me with how quickly you learn! Just today you rocked a spelling "test" and left me with my jaw on the floor. I could see from your beautiful secret smile that you were quite proud of yourself. Good job!

Two very bright and beautiful kids, thank you.

Mucho love!

Martha Stewart and Betty Crocker move aside...

Who am I these days?! In the past few weeks Jeremy and I have made home-made, jam, pickled green beans, canned sweet n' spicy carrots, apple crisp, apple pie, home-made chicken & veggie soup, and home-made granola... I swear to all of you that know me dearly I am still the same sweet ol' Amy; I just have a weird case of being a home maker these days.
Next week: Canned salsa, pickled beets, and freezer applesauce!

You'll probably be benefiting with some free home cooked goods, so it's not so bad!

I woke up this morning to find a honeydew melon placed inside my stomach... This picture (below) was taken the night before, and I'm just too dang lazy to nag my boyfriend to take another one right now. Trust me, I am now down to the "fat pants" of my wardrobe. No fun... must go shopping later today for a nice pair of pants! The pants in the picture below are from my White Trash 30th Birthday and say "Flirt" on the butt... not really appropriate pregnant pants, but knowing me... I wear them because I'm like that.

Well, just wanted to write a quick note today! Jeremy, Parker, Presley, and I are off to the apple orchard to frolic. Hope you are all enjoying this very Fall-like Sunday. Beautiful!

Mucho Love!

... and the energy kicks in!

Pregnant Lady | Wk 16:

I woke up this morning at 5:30 am with my eyeballs wide open and a smile on my face... if you know me, this is not common.

Amy pre-pregnant didn't like to wake up until 10 am (if she could help it) and didn't have a smile until about noon; after much coffee was consumed!!

I'm digging this portion of the pregnancy, and all of it thus far!
I've only been sick once, and that's due to the fact that I ate the most TART apples ever with salt on them first thing in the morning... that's just like battery acid on a persons empty belly! What was I thinking?!!

Well anyhoo, I'm starting this blog to track my first pregnancy and keep the memories for the little one to be.

Quick rundown on me:

• Dating a wonderful man named Jeremy (Teacher, Actor, Athlete, Carpenter... Etc)
• Step-Mom to 2 kids | Parker 8 (Boy), and Presley 6, (Girl)
• Unemployed currently - Member of the economic downfall layoffs of 2009
• Living in a Duplex with insane neighbors below (many stories to come I'm sure)

Funny story #1:
Jeremy and I are SUPER eager to find out the sex of this baby!
We don't really mind either way, I am just more excited to shop, etc.
We heard of this test called "Intelligender" that is available at Walgreens for $30, so we immediately ran out and bought it...
http://intelligender.com/

After following the instructions and allowing mixture to sit for 10 minutes we ran in to check out the results! Initially to me it was looking like (orange) girl at eye level, then Jeremy picked it up and decided to swirl the contents before I could really assess further.... a BIG No No!! So then all the stuff mixed after sitting for the 10 minutes it was supposed to and looked more like a (green) boy...

I have no clue what to think, so here are some pictures. Remember these were taken AFTER Jeremy swirled the concoction.



























What do you think?!

Purchase #2 | Heart beat monitor
Can't use until I'm 20 weeks, but so far I can hear my stomach digesting food?!

I'll keep this as updated as possible with all the stories to come, and pictures of my belly!

Hope you all enjoy!
Mucho love!

*****Update: 9/28/09
I emailed the above pictures to the "Intelligender" people and was sent this response:

Based on these pictures this is a girl result!

Congratulations and please let us know when you confirm!

The Moms of IntelliGender

So, again this is a waiting game, but we'll see via a ultrasound on 10/14/09!!!