The Big News!!!

Click here!!!

39 1/2 Weeks (Due on Monday)!!!

My due date is Monday! That's just 4 days away- I really can't believe it! The kitten now weighs approximately 7 1/2 pounds (maybe even 8 pounds since she always measures big) and is around 20 inches long. She still moves around quite a bit; but since it's a tight fit, I can see her foot poking out when she stretches. It's so strange (but very reassuring)!

So I had my weekly OB appointment yesterday. Somewhat discouraging.... Yes, I do know that anything can happen, and everything happens at different rates for different people; but I was expecting some change after all the painful contractions over the last week. So many false alarms, but no progress! She said my cervix is still completely closed, and she can't even be sure that I'm effaced at all (though the cervix is a little soft). So starting on Monday, she wants to start seeing me every 3 to 4 days. She wants to do a biophysical profile of the baby (with ultrasound), check the fluid level, and do a non-stress test (externally monitor the baby's heartbeat, etc. for 20 minutes). If everything looks okay, then she said she feels comfortable with me going past my due date but still wants to discuss an induction date after 41 weeks. I really really do NOT want to be induced- especially if my body isn't ready (like it isn't right now). I fear induction failure which may lead to C-section. I'm just so worried about that! So, of course, I'm googling like crazy looking for ways to "ripen the cervix", "induce naturally", etc. So, we'll see. For now though, I'm just clinging to stories of women who weren't dilated at all, but suddenly went into labor and had fast, easy, painless births... lol. Okay, so I was just kidding with that last part, but one can dream...

Okay, now regarding names one last time... First of all, I want to reiterate that my concern about the name Sasha has nothing to do with Barack Obama personally! Yes, I admitted that I am a Republican* (btw- loved Sarah Palin's speech last night), but I would also be just as concerned if John McCain had a young daughter named Sasha. My concern is ONLY that I don't want my baby to have a somewhat unusual name that is highly associated with ANY type of celebrity. For example, I wouldn't name the kitten "Paris" or "Suri" because then I'd always have to hear, "Like Paris Hilton? Like Suri Cruise?" That would bug me! Nevertheless, Michael and I have decided that the name Sasha is still in the running. Here are our reasons:

1. I don't think Obama is going to win- so people will either never know or easily forget that he has a Sasha.

2. Thanks to some commenters, I found out that his daughter's name is really "Natasha". Sasha is only her nickname.

3. I've heard Obama plans to keep his children out of the limelight and away from the media (I guess that meant after the DNC).

4. I really love the name Sasha. I have never known a pet named Sasha- so no personal associations there. And, my research indicates that 99% of all Sashas in the U.S. are girls- not boys.

5. This comment from Clueless Carolina Girl: "I just love the name Sasha. To me it sounds like a beautiful Russian princess with a sleigh and furs (we'll make them fake in the fantasy) gliding over the snow. " What beautiful imagery- and yes, the name reminds of the same. :)

6. Sophie Lu has heard me talking so much about the name, that now it is her favorite! :)

7. Sasha means "Defender of Mankind" in Russian. This meaning is special to me because it is somewhat similar to the meaning of Sophie Lu's Chinese name "Lu Yushan". We worked very hard to choose the perfect Chinese name for Sophie, and here is part of the excerpt from her blog (May, 2005):

祿 Lu means "Prosperity". It is the second element of the five-fold happinesses (the others are luck, longevity, happiness, and wealth). The God of Prosperity is the corresponding diety of Lu. Fu (luck), Lu (Prosperity), and Shou (Longevity) are frequently grouped together. These figures (Gods) are highly revered, and many Chinese throughout the world display their statues or images in their homes. Their importance is embodied in the saying, "In Heaven, there are three lucky stars; On Earth, there are fu, lu, and shou. Lu is a very treasured quality of life, and Sophie is certainly our little lucky star. :)

雨 Yu means "Rain". Since this is the meaningful part of the name given to Sophie by her orphanage director, we decided to incorporate it (perhaps it was raining when she was found).

善 Shan means "Virtuous". The wise George Wu writes, "Shan is an excellent word for a name. Shan for Virtuous is closely related to Charity, or Philanthropy. It is considered a religious name, as in Buddhism. However, in general context it conveys somebody who is dedicated to doing good for others."

"YuShan would literally mean Beneficial Rain. Lu YuShan in this context would essentially mean the Benefits of Prosperous Rain. The idea conveys that the person uses the natural nourishment of rain, which flourishes with prosperity, for the goodness of mankind. It is a very auspicious concept in chinese terms, and a rather outstanding name at that." (Thank you so much, George, for your lovely description, insight, and wisdom.)
.
So, the name Sasha is still a favorite. But like so many have said, we will know her name once we see her sweet face. :)

Okay, I'm off to eat some pineapple and black licorice (both said to help ripen the cervix). And maybe I'll take a long walk while sipping some red raspberry leaf tea after taking some Evening Primrose Oil supplements. ;)

I want to thank everyone so much for the beautiful birthday wishes and for the constant love and support! I really am so blessed.

Any day now, Shana

*p.s. If you are a democrat, I still love you. :) Almost all of my friends are democrats, and unlike some mean commenters, I am very tolerant of others' political views. :)

38 1/2 weeks (pain, names, turning 40, etc.)!

Well, I'm half way through my 39th week, and I never thought I'd make it this far! Also, I'm turning 40 tomorrow- boooo hoooo!!!! I can't believe today is my last day in my 30's (and I can't even have margaritas)! :)

I've had a rather rough week- I've been in lots of pain. Last Thursday, I woke up feeling very strange and very emotional. I slept a good part of the day (since I cannot sleep at night anymore), and then I started having contractions that night. They started at around 10 minutes apart and got down to 5 minutes apart. They stayed that way for a few hours, so I thought I was for sure in labor. I finished packing most of my things and eventually fell asleep. I slept off and on that night and woke up feeling pain, but no more contractions. Since then, my entire body seems to ache, and whether they are Braxton Hicks or regular contractions, I seem to have a lot of them (but not in a rhythmic fashion like Thursday night). I also get these shooting pains down low- maybe it's the kitten dropping down? It scares me that my uterus is so ultra-sensitive... if it hurts this much now, what is real labor going to be like? I must admit that I am getting nervous and a bit scared. The worst part though, is knowing that I'll have to spend at least one night in the hospital away from my kids. I've never been away overnight before, and although I know Ollie will be okay, Sophie is such a Mama's girl- I almost cry just thinking of a night away from her. So no matter what, I can NOT end up with a C-section. I can't stay in the hospital that long...

I had to cancel my OB appt. last week, but I did have one yesterday. She said my fluid is at a level 10 which is good, and that the kitten weighs 7 pounds 7 ounces (20% margin of error either way). She also briefly and very gently checked me. She said though I'm not yet dilated, I'm 50% effaced, and I could go into labor at any time. She's had patients who have been 0% dilated and not effaced who have gone into labor the next day; and she's also had patients who were already 3cm dilated who went into labor a week later. So we really don't know anything, but somehow I feel better knowing that all that contracting I experienced was productive! My OB has a very calm and reassuring way about her- I always feel that whatever I complain about is within the realm of being normal (which is very comforting to me because I'm a worrier)! I see her again next Wednesday morning, and then she goes out of town for 3 days (and the very next day is my due date (9/08). So, so far so good!

So, since I've been so uncomfortable, I haven't gotten anything done! I know some want to see the kitten's nursery, but it's not done yet. Actually, Ollie is still sleeping in there, so the room is half tiffany blue/lavender/light pink and still half blue/green ocean life themed. It's pretty funny actually. We moved Ollie to his new room with his bid boy bed a couple months ago, so I could finish the kitten's room; but we just can't get Ollie to stay in his bed. He just kept getting out and running around, playing, etc. He sleeps much better in the crib, so since the kitten will be in our room for a long while (maybe she'll be like Sophie Lu and never use her crib, lol), we decided to just move him back to the nursery for a while. When I do get it finished, I will post photos, but it's not going to be too much different from Sophie's nursery before I changed it for Ollie.

Now, regarding names again... I'm sure most everyone knows by now (I just found out last week), that one of Barack Obama's daughters is named Sasha. This really bums me out! Not so much because I'm republican (no mean comments, please), but because if he becomes president, I can already hear people saying, "Oh, Sasha- like Sasha Obama?" And that will send me straight to the Social Security office to change her name. (I have friends with daughters named Chelsea- and they still get this.) Plus, I know that if he is elected, the name Sasha will become much too popular. This is one of those times I really really need a crystal ball. If I only knew for sure that he wouldn't win, then Sasha it would (probably) be- because I really do like that name. As for Annalisa, I'm think I'm really over that name. I'm not quite sure why- but I just don't like it anymore. So Lili is looking better and better to me. People always ask what Michael likes- well, he doesn't really care- he just wants me to decide... but he does like the name Lili (pronounced like Lily). I also still like Tiffany (which was the very first name I thought of), but most of my friends really don't like it and keep telling me that it reminds them of the 80's singer and/or a stuck-up cheerleader from high school. I know I shouldn't care what others think (and I kind of really don't), but I do worry how the kitten's name will affect how people perceive her... In any case, I still like Tiffany Li, and I'm working on middle names for Lili. Maybe Lili Frances (insert Chinese middle name). I love the name Frances (not for her first name though), and it was also my grandmother's middle name. And I know people say I will know her name when she arrives, but I'm just not sure I will! I am very bad at making this kind of decision- its just so permanent! So I need a good working list of possibilities before she comes.

Only 10 days until my official due date; and in any case, I will be having a baby very soon! Still, I just can't imagine it!

Now, I'm off to figure out how I'm going to spend my very last day in my 30's (my guess is that it will involve a nice long nap)! :)

37 Weeks!

Yay, 37 weeks!!! I am now officially considered "full term", and I really can't believe it. I know I've said this several times, but it feels so surreal. I actually think I'll be shocked when I see my baby girl for the first time. I think in a way I've been trying to protect myself just in case...

So, the kitten now weighs approximately 6 1/2 pounds and is around 19 inches long. My appointment last week revealed that she is indeed head down and should stay there! She kicks me constantly, and it's amazing to watch my tummy moving all around when she moves. As the photo above shows, I've definitely gotten a lot bigger. Everywhere I go, everyone makes comments like "You're ready to pop," or asks "Oh my, when are you due? Any day, right?" Being this noticeably pregnant does help it seem a bit more real. And despite all of my scares, worries, and discomforts, I really do love being pregnant. I feel really special, I feel proud of my belly, and I know I'm going to miss it. Especially since I've managed (so far) to escape stretch marks, the brown line, a popped-out belly button, and swelling of any kind. :) I wonder if these symptoms will emerge over the next couple of weeks- or will I even last that long?

And will I have her while I'm in my 30's or 40's? Yes, as if I wasn't sad enough over my kitty or my family problems, I'm about to turn 40 on August 29th. When I think about it, I feel like I'm getting old- but I think the fact that I'm about to have a baby makes it a little less painful. :) In any case, I'm keeping a calendar with all of the dates I don't want to go into labor crossed off. These dates include my birthday (8/29), Michael's 50th birthday (9/8- the official due date), my OB's vacation dates (9/5, 9/6, and 9/7), Ollie's 2nd birthday (9/20) and September 11th (for obvious reasons). I know I don't really get to choose, but I'd prefer the kitten to have her own birthday; and even though I know several people with 9/11 birthdays (no offense to those who do), I'd still prefer to avoid that day. Also, the baby's pediatrician is out of town now until August 26th. Really, that doesn't leave many great possible dates left. Hmmm... I just wish I knew when she's coming! And I still have so much to do! My list doesn't shrink- in fact, it seems like I just keep adding to it!

In other news, I found a baby pigeon yesterday. I love birds and am always rescuing one or another. The year I met Michael, I rescued 27 birds (including a huge seagull on Wilshire Blvd. in an evening gown). But this pigeon is special. She is wearing an identification bracelet! So instead of getting things done yesterday, I spent the afternoon trying to decipher and research what the letters and numbers on her bracelet meant. Well it turns out that she is a racing pigeon! I ended up contacting the racing association in Oklahoma City who helped me figure out who this pigeon's owner/trainer is. He lives kind of far from here, but races his birds in my area. I've left messages for him, but he hasn't called me back! I'm wondering if it's because this "racing" pigeon can't fly? Hmmm... So we have her in a cage I had from previous rescues. She's eating and drinking, but I feel so badly for her. The people I spoke to say she was hatched this year and has been vaccinated, but that she probably wouldn't survive on her own. Still, we can't keep her in a cage- so I hope her owner does the right thing and calls me back. And I hope she and all the other pigeons are well cared for (I don't know anything about pigeon racing). Naturally, Sophie Lu loves this pigeon and has been skipping around singing The Wonder Pets song about saving the baby pigeon. I'm hoping to hear from the pigeon's owner today (fingers crossed).

Thanks to everyone for all the input on the kitten's name. I think everyone is right- we will know her name when she is born (hopefully). Unlike Sophie Lu, Michael doesn't really care what we name her- he just wants me to make a decision and stop talking about it (typical man). lol And I love the idea many had about getting a doll (Michael vetoed the kitten idea) and letting Sophie name her Annalisa (if we don't choose that name). I tried to explain to Sophie that we don't really know what her baby sister's name will be- that it might not be Annalisa. It might be Sasha or something else. I told her that if it isn't Annalisa, that she could get a new dolly and name her Annalisa. This was her response: "No, Mommy. I'm can't name my new dolly Annalisa. I'm going to name her Sasha. My baby sister's name can be Annalisa." Oh, she really cracks me up! I do know that she will get over it and learn to accept any name we choose, but at this point I'm seriously thinking we may end up with a pet pigeon named Annalisa! ;)

Only 18 days until my official due date, but it could happen any day now. I promise to update the minute I start getting real contractions!

36 Weeks (photos & more name confusion)

With my sweet Sophie Lu (who was all dressed up in her pettiskirt for a photo shoot)! She is SO excited to meet her baby sister and is having a hard time waiting. She says, "Waiting is so hard, Mama!" *I took these photos with my remote... I only wish I could get Ollie to be still for 30 seconds... :)



36 weeks pregnant!!! And these pictures don't show nearly how HUGE my belly is- I really am getting big. Only one more week and I'll be considered "full-term"! The kitten weighs around 6 pounds and is about 18 1/2 inches long! I'm starting to feel better- both physically and emotionally. Actually, I'm kind of glad I got so sick (our whole house was sick) because I got it out of the way and will probably have a healthy household for a while after the kitten is born. We also got the earthquake out of the way- so hopefully no shaking for a while either. :)

We had our last pre-labor meeting with our Doula this morning and saw some very interesting movies. ;) Tomorrow, I have an OB appointment- she will check the baby's position and also test me for group B strep. I really hope I don't have it, because if I do- I probably won't be able to labor at home for as long as I'd like to (because I'll be getting IV / antiobiotics). I heard the rate of GBS positive is around 60%, so the odds are not in my favor. We'll see what happens, though- I think the results take several days to come in... In any case, if anything interesting is revealed tomorrow, I'll post an update to this post right away.

I'm not sure if anyone else experienced this, but for some reason- I have a hard time referring to the kitten as "Annalisa". And when other people do it, it doesn't sound right to me! This didn't happen with Sophie or Oliver, so I'm wondering if we chose the right name. I still really like Sasha (even though half of the world seems have a pet with that name), and I also like Lili (but Sophie, Ollie, Lili- I don't know if I like all three names to end w/ the same sound). You know, I think I'm really liking Sasha the best now. Sasha Li. Or maybe even Sasha Lili. Sophie...Ollie...Sasha... It sounds pretty to me, and I love the letters in that name. Also- the three first letters spell SOS- which is funny and appropriate for having three kids- lol. :) I just don't know what to do, and I wish I felt free to give her a name based on how I feel when she arrives. But Sophie Lu is SO stuck on Annalisa. Yes, I'm the one that came up with that name, but she really likes it. She won't hear of any other names. She would get over it though, if we changed the name, right? I still love the name Annalisa but it just isn't feeling right, and I'm very worried that it will get shortened, and I do NOT want that. Any thoughts? And just for fun- a poll on the right... :)

Thanks again to everyone for the sweet words and kind wishes regarding my kitty Alex, etc. The comments/emails really helped me feel better. :)

*name info update: Dale just sent me this link she found on Jonni's blog. Dale, like many others, thought Sasha was mostly a boy's name, but here is what the site revealed:

"There are 15,243 people in the U.S. with the first name Sasha.
Statistically the 1495th most popular first name.
More than 99.9 percent of people with the first name Sasha are female."

I do know that Sasha is a nickname for the name Alexander in Russia- but here, it's really a girls' name. That makes me feel even more better about it! Thanks, Dale & Jonni!

35 Weeks

I couldn't write last week because I was too sad- I'm still sad. We had to put my dear, sweet kitty Alex to sleep a week ago. He was 16 years old, had gotten sick (lymphoma) suddenly, and was losing weight rapidly. Once an 18 pound big beautiful Maincoone, Alex had withered to 4 pounds 7 ounces. He stopped eating and drinking and seemed to be in pain, so we made the best decision we could for him. It was so hard, though. It really devastated me, especially since I was already so fragile emotionally due to the family drama that seems to only be getting worse. Alex had been with me through so much in my life. I got him right after I graduated college, and he's been such a sweet, gentle, wise and wonderful friend to me since. I am so sorry that he won't be here to welcome and watch over my new baby girl the way he was with Sophie and Ollie. He was such a kind old soul- unlike any cat I've ever had or ever will have. I miss him so much already. Michael, Sophie & Ollie loved him dearly also. Sophie asks me questions about Kitty Heaven almost every day. This photo was taken several months ago- just when he was starting to show his age. Rest in peace, sweet Alex...

So I had an OB appointment on Thursday. Unfortunately, I lost 4 pounds since my last appt. with her just two weeks ago. She says I should be gaining 1/2 to a pound a week right now. I never ever thought I'd have to worry that I was losing weight- especially since I really do eat what I want when I want (with the addition of the recent iron-rich foods for my anemia). I have less than 5 weeks until my due date, and I've gained less than 20 pounds total so far. My perinatologist said the kitten is a good weight and is growing, but still I worry. I've been sad, stressed, and also very sick for the past couple weeks- so my appetite has decreased significantly (but I am eating). My OB says I have an upper respiratory infection and prescribed a Z-pack. I hate the thought of taking antibiotics while pregnant (or anytime really), but I wasn't getting any better, so I gave them a try. We'll see- but I still feel very flu-like.

I know I really need to find ways to cheer myself up. Usually, the first two things on my list are baking with Sophie and shopping- neither of which I feel like doing. I can't believe I don't feel like shopping- that's how I know I'm depressed. I am, however, trying to cross things off my "To Do" list, so I designed the Kitten's blog. Let's hope I don't change her name (but I'm not saying I for sure won't).

www.annalisali.blogspot.com

I also wrote my birth plan, and I have the last meeting with my doula next week. My due month starts in less than 2 weeks, and I'm just praying I last that long. I am HUGE, stretchy, sore, and sooo uncomfortable. And I think the Kitten rotated back to the transverse position. I hope not, but we'll find out next week. She moves all night, and I can't sleep at all- I wake up so often. I made tally marks the other night, and I woke up 28 times in one night! I have been taking naps almost every day though- and those are so wonderful. This is really sneaking up on me- I don't feel ready at all. Is that normal? It still seems surreal to me- it really does. Less than 5 weeks until my due date... wow...

33 Weeks (& final ultrasound pics)

I had my final visit with the perinatologist yesterday, and all is well! He said the Kitten measures 33 weeks, 6 days and weighs 4 pounds 15 ounces! So by today, she probably weighs 5 pounds! So, even though my weight has been the same for a month, the Kitten is growing and is still measuring a bit ahead of schedule. Also, she is no longer in the transverse position- her head is down and should probably stay that way until the end! So in these photos, she is upside-down and all smushed, but I still think she is so cute!

Thanks again to everyone who commented last week- for all the great advice, support, wisdom, prayers & hugs. I'm starting to feel so much better- both physically & emotionally. I've been taking my extra supplements and eating lots of romaine lettuce, spinach, malt o' meal (like cream of wheat), and pumpkin seeds (pepitas) which are surprisingly high in iron! I try so hard to eat red meat, but since I became pregnant, I have such an aversion to any kind of meat including chicken. But I try.

So, I completed my 33rd week on Monday and am now half way through my 34th week. I pray that she stays put until at least 37 weeks- which isn't far away at all! I still don't feel ready- but then will I ever? I'm not afraid of childbirth- I am not, however, looking forward to spending a night away from my kids (hopefully it will only be one night- or maybe none at all if I'm really lucky). I know Ollie will be fine, because he is so easy-going, but I've never spent a night away from Sophie Lu. I've tried to prepare her for it, but she just says, "But Mommy, I can't shnug shnug (snuggle) without you!" Of course this breaks my heart, but I do know that she and Ollie will be just fine here in their home with Edilia taking care of them. We're going to leave little gifts and notes hidden all over the house- some from us, and some from their baby sister. Hopefully a little treasure hunt every few hours will distract them and keep them busy. Also, I'm planning on laboring at home until my doula says I shouldn't wait any more. Then, we'll head over to the hospital which is 5 minutes away, push, and leave. lol- don't I wish! :)

We took the official hospital tour on Monday night. The hospital is beautiful- it feels like you're at the Ritz Carlton, really. The nurses seem very nice and agreeable to my birthplan* (no drugs, no IV, no continuous monitoring, full rooming in with baby (they're not taking her away for a second), etc. I think I asked the most questions of everyone in our group, and I liked all the answers. Plus all the nurses know and like my doula Tracy- so that is great! The labor, delivery & recovery suites are all private with showers, rocking chairs, birthballs, etc. There is a lactation center w/ lactation consultants, etc... Not once in the tour did anyone ever even mention formula or bottle feeding- so I know they will be supportive of my plans to exclusively breastfeed. This hospital even has a room-service menu! Anyway, I'm feeling very comfortable with my plans and am trying to think positive and visualize my ultimate birth experience. I really believe that everything will be fine. :)

*I know everyone has their own birthplans/preferences, etc... everyone has to do what is right for them- so no judgements from me (or about me, please) :)

Only around 6 1/2 weeks to go!

32 Weeks (sad & worried about a possible new complication)

Update: My OB's office just called with my blood test results. They said that I have severe anemia. My iron count was low about a month ago, so I was put on supplements. Now the doctor wants me to triple them. I guess I didn't realize how serious anemia is, but she told me that my levels are extremely low and to take this very seriously. I need to do some research to find out which foods are most iron-rich and how to maximize absorption. The good news is that my hepatic panel came back normal. If I am still having the upper abdominal pain next week, I will have to go in for an ultrasound of my gallbladder. Thanks to everyone SO much for the sweetest, most supportive comments ever! They really cheered me up! :)

I completed my 32nd week of pregnancy on Monday, and I'm half way through my 33rd week. Time is flying, and the kitten will soon be here, but I'm not ready. I want so much for my baby to begin her life in total peace- surrounded by nothing but love and harmony... and I'm starting to worry that it won't happen that way. The truth is, my life hasn't been peaceful or harmonious lately; and I know that even now, my baby can feel that. She can feel my sadness, my worry, and my stress. I feel so guilty about this, and I've tried so hard to stay calm and peaceful for her and for my other children. I may smile- I may laugh; but I fear that they may sense my anxiety and sadness. I'm going through a very rough time in my life right now- dealing with some terrible family drama that has been breaking my heart. I cry almost every day, I can barely sleep, and I've even been losing weight. I feel physically sick- as if I'm grieving. I guess I am grieving. I've always tried to avoid getting involved in situations that put my family relationships in harm's way or at risk of any kind, so this situation is particularly devastating to me. And poor Michael feels so helpless- I don't think he's ever seen me so upset. And things aren't getting better- actually I think they've just gotten worse.

I've attempted to keep this blog (and my others) free from this kind of honesty- from posting my problems. I post the smiles, the good times... I paint everything rosy because I want my children to look back and see how happy we really are. But most people know that everyone has their share of troubles. And I know that my regular, everyday troubles pale in comparison to the troubles of so many. Still, my heart is aching, and I really feel a sense of loss and loneliness. I guess since I wanted this to be my pregnancy journal, I just had to write about it. I know I couldn't possibly post another smiley picture and more happy words when I feel this awful...

And on top of all that, I am worried about a possible new complication in my pregnancy. I've been having severe upper abdominal pain for 5 days now. It feels as if I've been in a car accident and broken all my ribs. I feel sore and am even tender to the touch- right in the center of my upper abdomen/chest and a little to the right. I saw my OB yesterday who gave me an ultrasound, examined me, and then sent me straight off to have some bloodwork done. She is concerned about my gallbladder or possibly my liver. Hopefully the blood results will come in today or tomorrow- but if the pain persists (and it is so far), she wants me to go have an ultrasound of my gallbladder. I wish I knew more about gallbladder issues- I guess I'll be on the internet researching, but I've heard that they can get pretty bad during pregnancy. All I know is that I am in SO much pain, and I'm getting no sleep. And I really really don't want to be rushing off to have surgery after I give birth...

I'll update as soon as I have some news.

31 Weeks!

I was 31 weeks pregnant as of Monday and am officially in my 8th month of pregnancy! The Kitten weighs approximately 3 1/2 pounds and measures around 16 inches. She still moves around like crazy and gets the hiccups several times a day (it feels very strange)! I saw my OB on Monday who assures me that my cervix hasn't been affected by the light contractions I continue to feel on a nightly basis. She says I may just have an "irritable uterus". :)

Given that my "due month" starts in 6 weeks, I don't know how I'm going to get everything done in time! I have a very long list of things to do. Most of the shopping items are checked off (no surprise there), but I still have lots of organizing to do... cupboards, drawers, baby clothes, toys, etc. And I especially need to catch up with Sophie & Ollie's blogs and all of my hard drives which are overflowing with photo folders that need to be organized and purged. Also, I'm studying photography more (natural light & shooting in manual) and trying to learn how to photograph newborns. I have lots of ideas and am collecting props (blankets, little hats, fabric for backdrops, baskets, etc.) for the Kitten's first photos. As I've mentioned, Oliver is impossible to take photos of, and Sophie Lu is quickly becoming more difficult; so it will be nice to have a subject who can't run away or make goofy faces!

I also have many logistical things to figure out in regards to having 3 kids- scheduling, nap times & locations, etc. I think I've figured out the kitten's sleeping arrangements though. She'll sleep next to me at night in this co-sleeper (so glad to find a pretty skirted one), and then she'll take her daytime naps in this bassinet which I can wheel to the butler's pantry which is far enough away from the kitchen & family/playroom so she won't get bumped around by S & O, but close enough that I can hear her and keep my eye on her... (also I'll be wearing her in a wrap, pouch or sling for a majority of the time)...

And even though she won't sleep there for quite some time, I am working on her nursery a bit. Her room will be Sophie Lu's original room. I converted it to Ollie's room for the last year, and am now changing it back to girly girl. Sophie's loves her pretty pink suite, and Ollie seems to be enjoying his big-boy bed in his new bedroom too. The Kitten's closet is quickly filling up, and it's been very exciting shopping for size NB (which I've never gotten to do before) through 12 months. The teeny tiny little dresses are SO adorable- they look like doll clothes! And I've slowly been going through Sophie's baby clothes size 12 months and up- many of which have never been worn or have been worn only once for photos. Even though there are tons of Sophie clothes to choose from, of course I will keep shopping for the Kitten- it's just too fun!

I've received several inquiries as to whether I will post updates from the hospital. My plan is to stay at home for as long as possible, so I'll try to update before we leave. Then, if my hospital has wireless internet (I'll find out at the tour in a couple weeks), I will try to update from there (or I'll have Michael do it). Just thinking about it reminds me of those last few hours in China while waiting for Sophie to arrive. I was so happy and soooo nervous!

Thanks again to everyone who helped with baby names! As it stands now, we are almost positive the Kitten's name will be Annalisa Li Shan. Li meaning "beautiful", and Shan meaning "good, pure, and of virtue". And depending on how we feel when she is born, we may be calling her Lili (pronounced Lilly). I'm so excited!!!

30 Weeks!

(self portrait: 30 weeks pregnant)

So I'm 30 weeks pregnant (as of Monday); and as of today, I am officially 7 months! The Kitten weighs about 3 pounds and measures approximately 16 inches. From now on, she'll be gaining around 1/2 pound a week, so I should be getting bigger faster!

Well, we are pretty sure we will name her Annalisa. Sophie is 100% sure and tells everyone that she is naming her baby sister Annalisa (and you know I love the way she says that)! Now, I am working on a middle name. I think I mentioned before that I'd like to give her a Chinese middle name. Mostly because I want to honor Sophie Lu* and give the girls an extra special something to share, but also because I love the meanings behind Chinese names (and they sound pretty, too). *Last time I wrote about this, I got a few comments suggesting that I should also give her a Guatemalan name to honor Oliver. Here are my thoughts on that... 1) Oliver Michael is named after his father, so he already shares a special name connection with a family member. 2) Many people in Guatemala have American sounding names anyway. 3) Annalisa is a name of Latin origin. 4) Oliver is a boy, and Sophie & Annalisa are girls. 4) When people name a child after a parent, grandparent, aunt etc., they usually don't name them after ALL parents, grandparents, aunts, etc....

So here are some of the Chinese names (in pinyin) and their meanings. Keep in mind that each of these names has multiple meanings, so I'd be choosing the character that corresponds with the meaning I've chosen.

Li (beautiful)
Li (gift)
Mei (little sister)
Shi (poem)
Ling (Sunshine)
Ai (to love)
Shan (virtue or good... This is also the 3rd part of Sophie's Chinese name: Sophie Lu Yushan. Plus, it's part of my name, which I think is special)

I'd like to give her 2 middle names, but I'm not sure if her 2nd middle name will be a combo like Sophie's) Here are some possibilities:

Annalisa Li Ling
Annalisa Li Mei
Annalisa Lili Mei
Annalisa Li Shi
Annalisa Li ShiLing
Annalisa Li AiLing
Annalisa Li Shan

I'm almost positive the first part of her middle name will be Li (meaning beautiful or gift). I like the way it sounds, that it starts with an "L" like Lu, and also my grandma's name was Lee.

Many have suggested that if we name her Annalisa Li ___, that we could always call her Lili sometimes, so that is a definite possibility too. I guess we have a several more weeks to figure it out~

Happy 4th of July tomorrow! :)

29 Weeks!

First of all, I want to thank everyone for sharing your birth experiences (& charlie horse experiences-lol) and for all the advice & words of wisdom on parenting 3 or more children! I know my preterm contractions didn't feel like a charlie horse, but they also weren't that painful. Knowing that the pain was nowhere near active labor pain, I was starting to worry. Thank goodness most people agree that labor isn't like one charlie horse after another! I really appreciate the detailed descriptions of what it is like. I don't feel so afraid any more... I'm feeling empowered, and though not quite ready yet, very excited!

So I'm 29 weeks pregnant as of Monday! Since I just recently entered my 3rd trimester, I keep thinking I have 3 more months to prepare, etc. But noooo.... I really doubt I have that long! First, the new trend is to have a "due month" instead of a due date- the idea being that not all women gestate for exactly 40 weeks and that 2 weeks in either direction can be normal. So my due month (according to an online due month calculator) is from August 19 to September 22! August 19th is only 7 1/2 weeks away! And I have this feeling that I will go into real labor early considering I had preterm labor contractions (and still do), the kitten is measuring big, and my mom had all three babies weeks early. Less than two months possibly? I just can't believe it- the weeks are flying by, and I'm not ready! :)

I did have an appointment with my OB on Monday. Since I do still have contractions almost on a daily basis, she told me to take it easy and rest as much as possible. But since there has been no cervical change, she believes that I may just have an irritable uterus; and she said that I don't have to be on strict bedrest for now! She is going to check my cervix length in two weeks- so hopefully there will still be no change. Until then, I just have to lay down when I'm feeling the contractions and rest as much as possible. More good news is that I passed the blood glucose test (yay, no gestational diabetes), but I am a little anemic so I have to supplement my iron intake. Also, my tummy only measured 27 centimeters (2 less than it should). I was a little concerned, but she said it's because the kitten is in a transverse position. Instead of being vertical, she is completely horizontal with her head on the left and feet on the right (which would explain the big bulge on my left and the non-stop kicking on the right)! She has at least 7 1/2 weeks to get into the proper position, so let's hope she does!

I've been receiving lots of fun packages in the mail! The latest is a pink monogrammed hospital gown! (Kind of frivolous, but so fun!) Here are some photos from the website (since I'm too lazy to unwrap, iron & photograph mine):

(not my initials- just an example)

So time is running out, and I have so much to do! But while time is passing a little too quickly for me now, Sophie Lu is having a very hard time waiting for her baby sister. She draws pictures of her every day, and every morning she asks me when she's going to be born. I keep telling her after 4th of July and right around the time of Mommy's birthday (August 29th) and Daddy's birthday (Sept. 8th). She says, "But Mommy, it's so hard to wait! Waiting isn't fun! I want to see my baby sister now!" And last night, Sophie made this wish on the one star we could find in the cloudy sky, "I wish I could go trick-or-treating with my Mommy, my Daddy, my baby sister, and my Ollie." (So sweet! I guess she realizes that someone will need to eat her baby sister's candy! lol) Yes, my darling Sophie Lu, we will be trick-or-treating with your baby sister this year! :)

28 Weeks (Third Trimester!)

As of Monday, I'm officially in my third trimester! Time is going by so slowly and so quickly at the same time. I can't believe in less than 3 months, we will have a new baby girl, and that we will have three small children here at home with us! Sophie will be a few months over 4, Ollie will be a few weeks shy of 2, and then of course, there's the kitten... Oh my, things are going to change around here! Three! So does anyone have any words of wisdom or advice for me? (Please no horror stories or warnings about how three is sooo much harder than two.... I'm scared enough as it is- lol)! I'm hoping that it's all in the right attitude, but I would love to hear from others who have three or more little ones!

Okay, another question for those who have been there and done that: Last night I woke up with a charlie horse (am I the only one that calls them that?)... you know the terribly painful calf cramps that you get from time to time? Anyway, I was in agony for few minutes, and then a horrible thought came to mind- Is this what childbirth contractions feel like? OMG! I can't imagine surviving hours and hours of charlie horses in my uterus- no way! I will be having natural childbirth, so I need to know. It can't be that kind of pain, can it? Is it? Oh, please tell me it's not! I know the pain might be equally painful, but as long as it's a different kind of pain (does that make any sense?)... Example: I keep telling myself that it won't be the kind of pain you'd experience if your tooth was drilled to the root without novocaine (and that makes me feel better). But a charlie horse cramp seems more likely to be close to contraction pain... Hmmm. Honestly, I wasn't afraid of the pain until this happened! So, anyone experience a charlie horse & natural childbirth? Same kind of pain? Yikes!

Well, I have my next OB appointment on Monday. She'll be checking my cervix & possibly giving me the FFN test again. Maybe I'll get lucky and be released from the bedrest orders (which have been very hard to follow since we've had lots of house guests lately). I'll also be receiving the results from my glucose (gestational diabetes) test. I'm actually kind of nervous about this, since I have been eating lots of birthday cake, cookies, & ice cream! :)

So only about 80 more days to go!