Gymb.oree Class!

Oops, I did it! I didn't mean too, it just sort of happened. I signed up for gymbor.ee classes!! I went to their open house and it was like a time share deal where they seduce you with a good deal(I just couldn't say no!!)

Oh well! Allura had such a great time I couldn't dissapoint her right?? Ha ha!! I figure I can keep her enrolled for a few months and then sign her up her mommy and me swim lessons later on. And eventually onto dance lessons (ok I am getting a few years ahead of myself) It is so awesome to actually watch her learn! I am loving this stage in her life right now.

6 months old!

Oh Baby Girl, you will be 6 months old on Saturday the 11th. I can't believe it. You are such a blessing to Daddy and me!

Baby Girl has started teething. Her bottom two front teeth are popping out, and hurting Mommy every so often. I try not to freak out when she bites during breastfeeding, but ouch!! Luckily she doesn't do it very often; I think we might have passed this stage!

I can't wait to start feeding her solid foods. I went to the farmers market and picked up a bunch of fruits and veggies. I am going to try and feed her all homemade baby food. Instead of buying cookbooks, I checked some out from the library and made copies (also there are a ton of websites you can print recipes out from). I only paid 2 dollars instead of 20 for the books!

Also I started taking Allura to our local library for baby reading time. It is AWESOME! I HIGHLY recommend this if your local library (or even try a surrounding city) offers these types of classes. They read stories, sing songs and rhymes, and have toys and parachute time. Allura loved it. She is not used to being around other babies, so it was great to see her interact with everyone. I also met some very cool ladies!

I am also thinking of signing up for a stroller workout class. It is really hard to get a work out in with a 6 month old. This way she can come with me. It would also force me to do it, which is what I need!!

Hope everyone is doing great!!!!!

Cleaning day!

I spent all day cleaning today: dishes, laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and heck ya it rained today so that means no watering the plants!!!! Procrastination paid off!

And poor baby has been spitting up all day!! She rarely does this. I feel so guilty like I ate something that is making her do it! But she does it with a smile on her face so it can't be that bad!!

And... my baby girl is 5 months old today!! I can't believe it!

Sleep Schedule and wanting number 2 already???

My little one has been all over the map this last week, keeping me up until 12:30 one night. She did really great adjusting to Texas time for the first week, and then went back to Arizona time the second week! Luckily she has gone back to TX time! She has been sleeping earlier and earlier everyday until last night she finally got down at 10pm. Yeah!! I tried to wake her up earlier from her naps to adjust her bedtime, and it seems to have worked. Thank God!!

In other breaking news (yes my life is this exciting right now!): I got glasses! I feel like a sexy librarian! I finally broke down and got glasses. Good news for my hubby - we don't need a bigger TV - I can actually read the guide now!

My house still has a bunch of boxes in it. I am not motivated anymore to unpack until we can paint - and that won't be for a while. So I have tried movin g them all to our spare room so they aren't staring at me!

Ooh - and I kind of feel my biological clock ticking again. (I know I am CRAZY - Allura is turning 5 months old tomorrow) But I can't help it; I am feeling the pull. My frozen embryos are calling to me from AZ. Ok I am being melodramatic! I know it is too soon. We decided to think about it after the new yearl and besides I am still breastfeeding exclusively. I should just focus on my first holiday season with my lovely little one! Oh well it is just a thought, right?

New Blog Name!

Hey All thanks for the name ideas!! I really like them!!

I decided to merge two of them:

My Texas Cutie...Created out of Love & Science

A little on the Long side but I like them both!!

It feels really crazy to change it!! Definitely feels like a new chapter in my life. Nothing really new to report here. Allura is laughing alot more which is adorable. I breaks my heart when I have to work; but I know I am very spoiled since I can work from home. So I should not complain at all. It is just a little harder than I though it would be, and I know it is only going to get harder as she gets older and needs more attention.

I will be traveling to CA in a few weeks for my cousins wedding. It will be Allura's first flight and I am NOT looking forward to it. Sean won't be able to come with me, so I am scared beyond belief to brave this one alone!!! Any tips???

New Blog Title?

Hey everyone. I am thinking that I should probably change my blog title! It is kind of outdated since our little one is here (Thank you Lord).

I am thinking something to commemorate how she was conceived (IVF). Or maybe that we are starting our new life in Texas.

Maybe:

Mama of my Texas Cutie

My Life after Infertility
(Although I don't really like this one since I will still need assistance in having siblings for Allura)

I am drawing a blank and I don't want to copy someone elses!

Any Suggestions???

Thanks for the advice!

Hey everyone. Thanks for the advice. It helps! I ended up buying Allura the Fisher Price Jumperoo (Khaki Sands). It is big and ugly but oh well she seems to like it! She loves being propped up on the couch but I can't leave her there alone since she might fall, so I am looking forward to her playing in the bouncer.

The tummy sleeping thing... She flips back over alot. I will try and flip her back onto her back as much as I can but it helps to hear that your doctors said to try and not worry as much as I am.

Here's to new milestones everyday!!!

Officially a TEXAN! 4 month updates...

Well we are officially here! All of our stuff is being unpacked slowly! It is hard when Allura wants constant attention!

Also we had her 4 month check up (a little late since we were moving). She had two shots and an oral vaccination (We started spacing them out - We didn't like giving her all of them at once like last time).

She is 17 pounds and 25 inches long. Her growth has slowed a little bit but she is still a big girl for her age! She is now in 6 month clothing. (Which sucks because since we were moving I had packed up all of her 6 month and older clothes. She could have been wearing some of them for about a month now. She is already getting a little big for some of the clothes labeled 6 months. Oh well hopefully someone else in our family will have another girl - maybe us one day? :) ) I would hate to waste them!

Allura is changing everyday now! She can roll over and prop her head up. She talks a bunch! And laughs like crazy when you bounce her.

No signs of teeth yet - thank goodness!!

The doctor said to wait on rice cereal until 6 months. So for now breast milk only.

Also FYI: The pediatrician said absolutely no sleeping on her tummy. (Yes I already knew this but she flips herself on her tummy during nap time.) So he said that I need to flip her back onto her back until she is a year old. Babies can still suffocate even if their noses aren't pressed up against anything. The air they breathe out can recirculate back into their noses. So NO TUMMY SLEEPING!!!

Also he said no oral gels for teething. He said the medicine can get into their lungs since the gag reflex gets numbed.

And finally he said no walkers yet since they can bump into things since they are not coordinated enough yet. He said bouncers are fine.

I think I might get the Baby Einstein saucer.

Sorry it has been so long. But like I said I was moving and wow, I am so glad we are in our new house!

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!

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Still not in Austin Yet...

Well I am still not in Texas yet. But I am visiting California next week! I can't wait to go home and visit my family. After that then we will make the long drive to Texas. I am pretty excited, but nervous at the same time. I really want to meet people as soon as possible so I can have some girlfriends out there. Even though I have been bad about meeting with friends here in Arizona. Since Allura is getting older I feel more confident to go out.

In other news we have set Allura's baptism for the middle of September. It has been a real pain trying to figure out the schedule since it will be in Arizona. My family is out in California, and we will be in Texas at that time. And don't even get me started on trying to figure out the Godparent situation! Let's just say that the Catholic Church is very strict with it's rules. My sister and her Husband are the legal Godparents but we need to have my Mother in Law step in as her sponsor. (She was actually my sponsor when I was Baptized and confirmed before our wedding!) Oh well it is so worth it, and it will be great!!!!

I peed on my mommy at a KFC!

Yes that's right!! I was very thankful it was just the pee! That's why we always pack her a change of clothes but maybe I should pack some for me too!

Moving To Austin, Texas...

Well I am spending my last week in good old Queen Creek, AZ. I can't believe it! Packing up our house has been hard and a little sad! I can't wait to be all moved in at our new place in Austin.

Does anyone else live there?? I would love to meet you!! I will only know my in laws (We are moving a family business). I have to start all over in the friend department. I am thinking of joining a Mommy group when I am there. It would be great to meet a few people and get a BUNCO group going!!

Anyways let me know!!!

My email is:

diannekelleyb@hotmail.com

In other news Allura is doing great. She started sleeping through the night about 2 weeks ago. I feel very lucky!! Her height and weight are still at the top of the charts (she is so big!) Her hair is still the topic of conversation with strangers! They can't believe how long it is and how much of it there is!!!

I am still breastfeeding exclusively. It was hard at first but I really enjoy it now!

I love to watch her learn new things. It is hilarious how she studies her hands. My sister swears that she has gotten her to laugh. I am not sure about that but I think she is definitely close to doing it!!

Talk to you guys later!! And PLEASE email me if you live near Austin and want to get together!!

My Sister's Wedding - Our little Flower girl!!!

My Sister's Wedding

Debbie And her girls! The Happy Couple, can you see me in the background?

My brother, sister, and me!

My husband, and daughter (she was the flower girl!)

Debbie got married on May 1st!! It was beautiful and SO much fun! I was the Matron of Honor and our little one was the flower girl. It was so cute to watch my husband carry her down the aisle; he even had her "throw" flower petals. The whole weekend was great. I got to get my hair and nails done; and even got a spray tan!! I finally am starting to feel like my old self!!!

I am so happy for my sis and her new hubby! I can't wait to see all the pictures!!!!

Sleeping angel

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Past Post-Partum Period

Well I am officially past the 6 week post-partum period. Although I started spotting again, so that kind of stinks!

Allura is doing great. She is eating like a champ and I have continued to only breast feed! She is on a pretty good schedule although I am still sleeping away from the hubby so he can sleep through the night (he gets up at 4:15 am). I need to work on that one!

This weekend we will be in California for my sister's wedding. We both get to get all dolled up! I can't wait for those pictures! Allura finally gets to me the extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, great grandmas, etc.)

But the biggest news in my life is that we are moving from Phoenix, AZ to Austin, Texas! We will be all moved out by mid June. I am scared and excited all at the same time; but mostly I am just busy!!!

Fw: I am 10 pounds and 23.5 inches long!

I am in the 91st percentile for my weight and 99th percentile for my heigth!! I am going to be a great basketball player!!!

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Birth Story

Long Post!!

Well Allura is 2 and half weeks old and I finally have time to write this!

On 3/10/10 (a Wednesday) I went to my OBGYN appointment. I was 2-3 centimeters dilated at that point. My doctor informed me that he was going out of town the next night for his vacation and that we could induce if we waited to have him deliver. My hubby and I thought about it, We didn't really want to induce, but my family lives 7 hours away from us and the timing would work out pretty well since they would have to take off from work to come out. Not to mention we wanted our doctor to deliver our baby!

So that night we went to the hospital at 10:30 pm. I was hooked up to the IV and the doctor came in at around 11:45 and broke my water. At that point we started Pitocin as well (double whammy!!) I was at 3 centimeters at this time.

Then the contractions really started to come! I couldn't believe how hard and fast they came. One right after the other. I really wanted to get further along than 3 centimeters before the epidural but I couldn't last much longer in this much pain! So I asked for and received my wonderful epidural. I could feel anymore contractions which was great considering the monitor was looking like a Richter scale at this point.

Although I couldn't feel any pain from the contractions I could still feel the pressure from the baby's head. (Something my nurse said was good for pushing later on.)

Well an hour and a half later (so at around 3:30ish) my nurse checked me... I was at 8 centimeters! Woah this was going fast (what do they say about first time Moms???) My hubby and I got about 45 minutes of sleep that night! At around 4:30 I was at 9 centimeters and luckily my family had just arrived at the hospital (They drove through the night to make it!!)

At this point my blood pressure was getting high and they gave me oxygen for the baby just to be safe. Both of our families got to hang out in the room with us for about 45 minutes while we waited for her head to come down more. I was shaking from the epidural and looked like a mess!

I started to feel alot of pressure and before I knew it it was time for practice pushing. This was harder than I thought it would be. I found it impossible to push without straining my face. Even though I wasn't pushing as well as I could have her head started to crown. My nurse called the doctor up and he came rushing back to the hospital. For about 15 of the longest minutes of my life I had to wait for him, without pushing (this was SO hard) There was so much pressure down there.

My doc finally came in and with the hardest pushes ever she came out! During each push I thought I would black out! Her head was so big I had to get an episiotomy, but at that point I didn't care. It actually didn't really hurt at all, just a few pinches when he made the cuts.

My Mom, sister, and husband were there to watch her come into the world. It was so intense. I didn't have to push for very long (The perk of feeling the pressure) But it was the hardest thing I've ever done physically. I felt so much relief after she came out, not to mention joy!

After she came out they put her on my belly to rub her down, then took her to do their tests. She was 8 pounds 8 ounces, and 20.5 inches long! A big baby!

I didn't stop bleeding right away, so my doctor had to keep pushing down on my belly and keep checking my internally while he was stitching me up. They eventually had to give me a shot in the leg to help my uterus contract and go down in size. My husband and sister said there was ALOT of blood, and it was scary to watch. After about 10 minutes of this, things finally calmed down, and I got to hold my perfect angel.

I don't know what was better holding her myself, or watching my husband hold her.

She is finally here. My infertility journey has ended with this beautiful being in my life. I don't know what the future holds (will our frozen embryos give her siblings? Will we have to do another round of IVF, will God give us a miracle on our own?) Right now all I care about is her.

Allura Katherine is here!

My beautiful daughter was born on March 11! 8 pounds 8 ounces, 20.5 inches long. More info to come!
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38 week check up

Hi all,

I just got back from the doctor's office. I am 1-2 centimeters dilated and 70% effaced!!

Let's see what else:

I have gained about 28-30 pounds so far.

Stretchmarks: No, I have been using the Wal greens brand oil everyday; but I have noticed some small stretch marks starting on my boobs (seriously I have gone up maybe half a size).

Contractions: Yes but nothing consistent

Right now we are scheduled for another doctor's appointment next week. But we'll see if I make it that far. I really hope since she is now fully developed that she makes an early debut!

37 weeks!

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37 weeks, 1 CM dilated, 50% Effaced!

I went in for my 37 week check on Wednesday. Ouch, if that hurts that much I can only imagine what I am in for!!!

Goods news though I am 1 centimeter dilated and 50% effaced. I am really glad to hear that some work is being done for me ahead of time! At least the pains and achy-ness (I don't think that is a word) I have been feeling (like PMS cramps) have been worth something!

Let's see I still need to put together my hospital bag (my goal for this rockin Friday night), have my hubby install and get the car seat checked at the Fire Dept.; I think that will be this week; and buy a few last minute items at Babies r us (nothing essential though; we have all that done!

And oh yeah - reassemble the pack n play inside the bedroom since it doesn't fit through the doorway (poor Daddy to be :( )

I have been trying to get super organized at work and stay on top of my chores at home since she could be coming at any time now!!

Any suggestions for hospital bag essentials they don't tell you about??

Braxton Hicks? Continued

Hi all,

I took a breastfeeding class this weekend - I am SO glad I did!! It was very informative and empowering. I really think I can do this!!! I am of course blessed that I have the option to work from home - this will help out tremendously with exclusively breastfeeding.

I asked the labor and delivery nurse about my question of are these menstrual like pains Braxton Hicks Contractions?

She said no. That Braxton Hicks are the ones I was feeling up top (like your belly is tightening up.)

She told me to make sure that I am drinking enough water and that I urinate frequently to get rid of the other pains. (I am pretty sure these are what normal contractions will feel like to a degree). Also she said that if I felt 4 in one hour then to call the doctor.

Luckily they have backed off somewhat but I still am getting them at least once or twice a day.

I have my next doctor's appt. on Wednesday and he will starting checking me to see if I am dilated. I will bring up my concerns then.

One more Month to go! - Braxton Hicks Contractions... I think

I can't believe I am only one month away from my due date!! Aghh!!

My Hubby finally assembled the pack and play and stroller - car seat set. We will install the car seat later this month.

I am feeling ok for the most part. My legs and feet continue to swell. It is getting really uncomfortable!

Also I think I have been getting Braxton-Hicks Contractions.

Sometimes I have pain down below in my groin and where pms cramps would be. (It feels like bad menstrual cramps that last about 10 - 15 minutes then go away)

But then last night the whole top of my uterus tightened up like a rock. It didn't hurt but it felt weird and uncomfortable.

So help me out ladies who have gone through this before - Are they both Braxton- Hicks Contractions???

Working from Home

Hey everyone,
I am working from home today! We set up the Internet program "go to my pc . com" so I can access my work computer.

I should also disclose that I work for a family company - so my husband and father in law are my bosses. They are extremely flexible which has been great for me this pregnancy, and not to mention TTC!

It worked out that I wouldn't have a car this morning, and my hubby leaves the house at 4:30 am. Instead of making me get up with him, he let me stay home today. So today is kind of like a trial run for when the baby comes!

I figure I will go in to work with the baby once or twice a week (most likely Mondays and Wednesdays - we'll see) And set up what I need to for the week, and do everything else from home. I really hope it will work out well.

Some days are really busy so I can't imagine how it will be with a baby there! But with my hubby's help and the ability to access my computer from home I think we will work it out!

Scheduled Pregnancy Photos! - Catching Up

Yay I have scheduled my Pregnancy photo shoot for Saturday!!! My husband is in a political club with another guy - his wife is a photographer that specializes in family / pregnancy photos!!! I can't wait.

I am a little nervous though. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

In other news. I bought a new laptop with some money we got during Xmas. I love it. My new "home office" should be set up soon so that I can work from home as much as possible when our baby girl comes. I am using a software called "go to my pc . com" so I can access my work computer from home - I love technology!!!

Since it is a family business I have the luxury of having a flexible schedule and understanding bosses - but the down side - no real maternity leave. My poor husband won't even get a full week off, and who knows how it is going to go with me. My hubby says he will try to do as much for me as possible, so I am not worried too much about it. I figure my real job will be to let him get enough sleep to be Superman for a while!

I am done with the marathon freezer meal session. My freezer is fully stocked with ready to go meals! (I strongly recommend trying the recipe first before you make quadruple batches!) I made some banana bread to freeze and it turned out extremely bland!

Also Allura's room is almost finished! I made her some decorations and put them up this weekend. I also ordered a bunch of stuff off the registry so we are very close to "being ready".

And Finally - Is there such thing as a cute Diaper Bag - anyone? I need HELP finding one!!

Let the foot swelling begin!!!

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Freezer Meals

I have seen girls posting about getting some meals ready to go in the freezer for when their little one comes.

I f you have any suggestions on meals and how to store them PLEASE let me know- this seems like a great idea!!!

Child Birth Prep Classes Done! - 100 post!!!

Wow, 100 posts!!

I have been seriously slacking in the blog world, but I have been very busy in the real one!

We just finished our Child Birth Prep Classes. They have me really excited now!! Only 2 more months to go until we meet our precious baby girl. I am feeling more prepared now for the actual birth. It seems fitting that my 100 post falls into this category!

My life has changed so much in these last 100 posts. Thank you all for reading and supporting me. I can't tell you how much it has saved me at my darkest times.

Catching Up!

Hi Everyone! Yes I am still alive and Kicking!! Wait that's the baby's job!!

We had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. I was so busy this last month. We practically traveled every weekend (Home (California) for visits, Las Vegas for my sister's Bachelorette Party, and to Austin, Texas for business). Whew! It was a lot of fun but I am exhausted from it all! I have one more trip in 2 weeks to CA for my sister's Bridal Shower and then I am done traveling until the baby comes!

The funny part about flying to Texas was waddling around the airport getting stares from people. I can only imagine what they were thinking! (I hope she doesn't pop that thing out on my plane!) Rest assured people I was only 29 weeks at the time!

On Friday I will be 31 weeks pregnant. I can't believe it. It feels like the infertility journey that got me here is miles away. I still worry about my frozen embryos - will they make us another child one day? I try to focus on the blessing that is my huge belly! We are so lucky to be pregnant with one baby - part of me never thought it would happen, and here I am inching closer to meeting our daughter!

Last Night we had our first Child Birth Prep Class. It was great to visit the hospital and take a tour, it made it feel so real. Also the nurse leading the class was wonderful. I feel pretty prepared now, but there is still so much more to read up on and yet even more to do to our house to prepare for this little life coming our way!

So that is my new goal... after I come back from my sister's shower (which will be awesome!!) It is full on baby mode.

Here is a list of things I still need to do:

Buy supplies - nursing bras / tanks, bottles, breast milk storage, a pack n play, a bouncer, a nursing cover, formula, diaper genie refills (and I am sure I am missing a ton of stuff!

Decorate Nursery / Organize Nursery - I need to put everything away! It is still in boxes and all her clothes still have the tags on them!

Start her scrapbook (I know I don't need to do this but if I don't start it now then I think it might not get done before her 1st birthday! And plus I want to include our Infertility Journey in it!

Assemble the rocking chair, stroller, install car seat base (oh wait these are my Hubby's job!!)

Get a hospital bag ready.

Oh yeah and I need to pick out a Pediatrician.

Aghh! I think I can get a lot of this stuff done - wish me luck!