Peter Alexander has arrived...

... just in time for Christmas!  

What a WONDERFUL Christmas gift!

Peter Alexander was born on December 23rd, 2011 at 12:08 noon.

Weighting 7 pounds 1 ounce and 19 1/2 inches long!

Joanna didn't get to meet her little brother until the next day.

I don't know how to described Joanna but she look somewhat fascinated.

Aww, just look at her curiosity face. I love my baby girl!

I didn't even know she was looking at me. 

I know she misses me after being away from me for almost two whole days.

I have dark brown eyes. Matt also have brown eyes too. Isn't it neat to see that Peter's eyes have such a  different shade of color?  I did some research and it says that baby's colored-eyes will change. With that being said, I'd figured I'd better take pictures of the before and after transition. I thought it's really neat to see such colors!  If this color stays, then there's a story I must share!  Until then, I'll wait and see.

Check out his long feet!  Watch out daddy! 

He's definitely going to outgrow his father's feet.

I'm going to enjoy making fun of his daddy!

2nd week doctor's appt

I am to see the doctor weekly now until the baby comes. But then there's more visits to make a little after giving birth.  So, today was my 2nd visit.  Guess what?  I'm now 4 cm dilated!  Really??  Dr. Herr asked me if I felt any contractions.  Well... I really don't understand much about how to look or feel for contractions BUT I did felt something.  I told her I felt a little pain around my stomach.  She'd assured me that's Braxton Hicks contractions that I was feeling.  I guess that's what I was feeling then!  It wasn't that painful but it was uncomfortable.

During my visit, she said I had Group B again and prescribed me AMOXICILLIN 500 MG capsule by mouth twice a day for 5 days.  I asked what if the baby comes sooner and I don't finish those medicine?  She said that is fine and to let the hospital know that I have Group B so that they can give me antiboitics through IV.  Oh how I don't like needles!!  Last time, one nurse poked me 4 times or so before she got it right.  I ain't letting that happen again.  I'll definitely ask for another nurse.

She'd asked, "Are you going to get epidural?" I said, "No way!  I am scared of those (demonstrating long needle) big ol' needle!"  She'd then asked, "Going natural?" I said, "Yep! and it's going to be painful too... if you were to deliver the baby.. you'll see me in my worst... my hands flying and all."  She'd smiled.  I don't like to be seen like that but there's nothing I can do, right? Someone is going to deliver for me and I'll have to get used to it.  *sighs*

Dr. Herr also recommends that I go to the hospital if I kept feeling contractions every 5 minutes.  My next appointment is next week, December 27th.  That's if the baby decided not to come sooner.  We'll see!

busted her bottom lip

Three days ago, Joanna fell from our steps and busted her bottom lip.  She was sitting on the bottom step and tried to get down herself by pushing her legs toward the floor in a sitting position. She can finally do it but this time she'd lost her balance just when I turned my head away for a few seconds.  BAM!  Poor baby!  I'd picked her up to soothe her but a few minutes later she'd acted fine as if nothing happened.    This little one can move quick when she wants to!  

Those steps are now covered with a so called gate to keep her from falling.  She'll have to wait a little longer to be able to come down those steps on her own.  

37 weeks = Full-term!

Just a quick update.  I am now in my 37 weeks.  Yeah!  God is good!  I wanted the baby to wait until he is considered "full-term" (week 37 is considered full-term) unless God has other plans.  Anyway, I am tired right now and a bit sleepy but I wanted to post you a quick update before anything was to happen.

I saw the same doctor I had with Joanna.  I'm thankful to be able to see the same doctor. You can say that I am comfortable with my doctor because she's very considerate and shows she cares.  Keep in mind, I didn't get much of any prenatal care throughout this pregnancy except for when I was 18 weeks (took blood tests and sonogram).  I miss most of the things I should have taken during my prenatal care like take glucose test and all.  Finally, at week 37, I am getting the much needed care... I got my blood drawn (testing for diabetes), pap smear, test for Group B and a sonogram.  If you're wondering, I am already 3 cm dilated and 75% effaced! Can you say... yep, she's about ready!?!  Uh-huh.  I AM SO READY.  (I just found out today that I have Group B again.  I had that with Joanna. Therefore, I'll be pricked with a needle feeding on some kind of antibiotic.)  UGH.

Anyway, the baby's heartbeat is fine and the doctor said that he has already turned!  He is in his ready position. Face down and done "cooking".  Yes, that's right... he is ready to come to this world any time now!  Whoo!  He was measured and weighted.  I don't know how that's possible but Dr. Herr did all that through the sonogram.  I was able to sort of take a peek of him again on the sonogram.  I'm told he's about 5 pounds and 9 ounces.  I don't know about now.  I'm sure he has put on some weight.

There's so much more I have to say... but I'll have to type it another day but then it's a blessing so... I'll brief it.  I got approved for Medicaid!  Isn't God wonderful?!  I didn't know that it would have been a separate cost when it comes to doing lab work, sonogram, urine sample, medicine and a few other things (don't remember) but WOW!  Not only that, Joanna is covered too!  Let me just say...Praise the Lord!!  This isn't a permanent coverage.  I'm only covered until March of 2012 but that is more than OK with me!  God has surely blessed!

Okay I'm ready to take a nap but before I do... I'll have to double check and make sure I got everything packed and ready for when it is time to head to the hospital.  Recently, I have been feeling tired and my feet has been swelling.  Pray for me and the baby as he is ready to come anytime now.  I'll be sure to post pictures but then give me some time... you know what I mean.

6 vaccinations = poor baby!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

Remember, you have been warned!  You are to view this at your own risk.  I even changed the above lettering in RED.  Anyway, I'm posting a video of when Joanna has to get 6 vaccination shots.  Yes, the nurse said once they turned one year old, the child have to get shots individually.  Really??

We were a little late in scheduling Joanna to get her vaccination shots.  That being said... I took her in at 14 months when she should have gotten her shots at 12 months.  The only difference is that she needed to take one extra shot (was scheduled for when she'll turn 15 months).  My poor baby!

She didn't cry the first time but after the 3rd one, she was crying!  When we left she'd stopped.  You'll see some cute pictures of her at the bottom.

I don't like to see my baby cry like this.  I couldn't help the nurse hold her down.  As you can tell, I always tell Matt to hold her for me when she's getting her shots.  He's a good daddy!  I couldn't take it.  That's how we balance each other.

  Here she is once we've arrived home from seeing the pediatrican... ain't she a toughie? She'd stopped crying and sported me a smile! Awww, I love it when she's smiling... I usually changed my wall background to the best photos I have of her. 

brushing Joanna's teeth

We finally decided to buy Joanna a toothbrush and toothpaste made just for toddlers. Oh how her breathe stinks in the morning! Ugh. I have been cleaning her mouth, teeth, and gum with a wet cloth. It was time for a different option (toothbrush/paste).

You are able to see Matt brushing Joanna's teeth for the first time. Before that, Joanna was using her toothbrush as a "hair-combing" brush. Ha!

week 37

week 36

Still feeling BLAH

Well if you asked me how I'm doing or how I am feeling... I'll say this from now on... I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE.  I look like I am about to explode!  No kidding!  Of course, I feel heavier and YES, I'm so ready for my baby to come!  Although, I have 6 more days until I am considered "full term"...  YEAH! (good thing) If you're wondering, I'm actually hoping and praying that the baby stays until he is considered full-term or unless God choses otherwise.

Just the other day, I found a scale. I haven't stepped on one in a while except for when I was visiting my friend at her house.  I couldn't believe how much I have gained!  I wasn't sure if the scale was broken or whatnot. So I went and found a scale at the store and weighted myself again.  My oh my, I am so overweighted!! With Joanna, I gained somewhere around 35-37 pounds.  But with this one, I have gained 47- 48 pounds!!!  10 to 12 pounds more?!?  Oh my!!!  It's no wonder I am feeling very uncomfortable lately.  Yes, my stomach looks BIG!  Everyone knows it when they see me.  I have been teased constantly about it which I don't mind at all.  I know how I look.  Pfftft.

But yes, my pelvis area hurts.  :(  I'll tell you this, I hurt when I walk, when I get up to go to the restroom, when I turn over to the side while I am sleeping and even when I'm sitting down!  Oh, poor me!  Poor poor poor ooooooooooh poor Saaaand-raaaa!  Hey I can pity myself, right?  Ha.  But yeah, I know it's all a part of being pregnant.  I'm just updating you about how I am feeling.  Still feeling BLAH.

Guess what?  I was able to scheduled an appointment with the same doctor I had with Joanna.  I'm happy about that.  I'll be seeing her next week.  My appointment is at 1:15pm on Wednesday, December 14th.  That is the last day of week 36!!  I'll turn 37 weeks the next day!!  Come on baby boy, hang in there!!  It would be crazy if he decided to come when I see the doctor or the day after.  I was just thinking about that.

Well... that's about all I can say about myself until I see the doctor.

week 35

Pelvis pain?

My pain started happening after I got home from the Women of Worth meeting last night. As I was getting ready for bed, I felt what felt like a loose bone down my pelvis area being moved or something. I started to feel some pain and discomfort.

Today, I did some research about the pelvic pain and it's common. It'll say stuff like the baby has dropped and is getting ready to position itself for birth. WOW. It won't be much longer! It is no wonder I'm having such a hard time laying down, getting up from bed and walking. Just about everything! I haven't been able to sleep well last night. So I am basically tired.

Right now, I am currently sitting down where there's cushioned seats. If I sit on something that's not cushioned then I'll be hurting as I try to get up. Ugh.

I feel this baby will come sooner that January 5th. Don't you agree?

week 34

Thanksgiving with our families

We've definitely enjoyed spending Thanksgiving with our families!  Although, it was a disappointment that I didn't get to see everyone.

What's nice is that we were spoiled EQUALLY with everyone that we've visited. No kidding! Each one of you have all served us with such wonderful food!  Many Thanks!!!  Everything was so good both food and desserts!! Mmmmhhmmmm!!!  I must have gained 15 more pounds or something!  Yikes!

I was glad that Joanna has gotten to spend time with her great-grandpa Joe, grandparents and everyone else that was there.  There were others that are not able to come whom I often think of... just so you know, we love y'all and wish you were here too!!  They are: my dad and family; Topo; Gaby; Aaron and his wife; Tina and family; Priscilla and family; Karen and family; Bertha and family... on and on.

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