Blooming Belly

Moving to a New Blog...

2009-07-08T19:33:00.001-07:00

I am moving to a new blog! Please join me over at http://www.bloomwhereuareplanted.blogspot.com/

I hope to see you there!

Bella's First 4th of July!

2009-07-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Excited about Fourth of July!

Meeting her Great-Uncle Kurt (my Godfather) for the first time.

First dip in the pool

CHEERS!

Our "Little Firecracker" taking a nap :)

New Pictures

2009-07-02T22:56:00.001-07:00

A Busy Month...

2009-06-23T07:49:00.001-07:00

Bella is getting so big so fast! I love the picture of her in her little summer hat! The other one is Bella with my sister on prom night (my sis is 17 years old and graduating tomorrow!)

Things are going well. She is too cute and brightens our days and brings us so much joy. Her grandparents can't get enough of her. We are having her christening on July 26th. So, now we are busy planning for that big day.

She is sleeping well at night - certainly not through the night except on some occasional nights. The other evening she went to sleep at 10 pm and didn't wake up for a bottle until 4 am! Boy, that was like heaven! She only does that on occasion though. Luckily, she does know it is "nighttime" and time for sleeping at night - when she does wake she eats and goes right back to sleep. I understand from all the books out there that a sleep schedule is not possible until she is 4 months/14 pounds, but it seems like we are on the path.

New Pictures

2009-06-10T08:18:00.001-07:00

Update

2009-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Bella is now a month old!!! I can't believe it. She was weighed at the doctor's yesterday and she is now 8 pounds 9 ounces! She also grew an inch. She is a little buddha :) She is a very good baby. I certainly miss my sleep though ;) We are also going through our own growing pains as new parents - constantly asking ourselves "Is this normal?"

She has had a few growth spurts when she is eating LIKE MAD. The doctor said she really did gain a lot of weight very quickly. Then a few days ago she had a bad day and was fussy all day long and was awake from 6 am to 9 pm going no longer than 10 minute cat naps. She eats every two hours and the doctor said to try and push it to three hours now. I have no idea how I am going to pull that off when she is screaming her head off for food.

Oh, speaking of food. My milk NEVER CAME IN. Why doesn't anyone tell you that some women never lactate? I kept waiting for this "let down" that everyone describes anticpating leaking everywhere and being engorged. Nothing - nada. I am disappointed.

Enjoy the pictures!

Our Favorite Picture

2009-05-03T02:03:00.000-07:00

Bella is just over one week old already! We left the hospital Monday afternoon. It has been a little tough because I ended up needing a c-section. They lost her heartbeat and things were not progressing in the fashion they want once your water breaks so a c-section it was. Thankfully, I did not have a grandiose birth plan in my head; while a c-section was not my ideal...the most important thing was for her to be healthy no matter how she came into the world. However, recovery is a little harder.

She is so beautiful and precious I could eat her up. I want to breastfeed, but I am supplementing right now. I thought my milk would come in right away, but that is not that case. I now have that transitional milk. Everyone says I will absolutely know when my milk comes in. The doctor said it can take a longer since she was a little early and also because of the c-section. Since she was so small everyone was freaking us out since she lost the typical weight and went under 5 pounds before we left the hospital. Our pediatrician reassured us she is fine. She was back to 5 pounds 3 ounces on Friday and she gets weighed again tomorrow. They want her to be back at her birth weight of 5 pounds 6 ounces. I can't imagine her not being there since she eats all the time! :)

She was not loving her first "bath" ~ although she did love getting her hair washed! What a girl!

So, we are just settling in, recouping, and enjoying her sweet face. Thanks for all of your well wishes!

Happy Birthday Isabella Lena De Lorenzo!

2009-04-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Our little angel arrived on April 24, 2009 at 4:19 pm! As you can see from the scale she is a peanut weighing in at 5 lbs. 6.2 ozs. She is 19 inches long. We can't believe she is here! Thank you God for this precious blessing!

(bloomed!)

Belly Shot ~ 38 Weeks; Inducing on April 30th

2009-04-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

All of the clamor for a belly shot helped me a great deal; I went searching for our camera and could not find the power cord! I was like a madwoman searching through the basement to find it. Thankfully, I did! One more thing off the "to do" list.

My doctor was kind enough after some crying to give me a note to make my last day of work yesterday instead of working until I go into labor. We also have a D-Day for April 30th unless I go into labor sooner. I am only one cm dilated so far. I have been spotting on and off the last week, so things are stirring ;) I just want her here already. You'll all be sure to hear about asap!

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

2009-04-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Well, only three weeks (hopefully) left! I really, really wish I did not have to go back to work tomorrow, but unfortunately I used any "saved" time on the adoption and I have to work up to my due date. I pray that I am not in the middle of class when and if my water breaks. That would be pretty embarrassing.

Joe just finished repainting the nursery. We were not going to redo it, but there were too many bad memories and we just couldn't stand looking at it anymore. It came out really pretty and looks ready for a baby girl! Pink of course...not too creative ;) There really isn't a "theme" in the room ~ just sweet polka dots and a few touches of butterflies. Now we just need our precious angel in the crib and it will be perfect.

I have read a bunch of lists of things to bring to the hospital. Anyone want to share what they are happy they had with them and perhaps what they wish they would have brought with them?

Nothing Happening...

2009-04-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

Before I forget: Marcia thank you for your beautiful and kind words. Even those closest to us do not really understand the magnitude of what we have endured and our continued grief. Being pregnant does not make our losses or the love for our boys go away. It is nice to feel there are people who have empathy. Thank you :)

So, with only four weeks left I am desperate for something to be happening "down there" but my doctor said "nada" is happening. Uneventful for now. Hopefully, I have something to tell you all BEFORE she is due on May 3rd. I talk to her every night trying to coax her into coming in April - lol.

I Think She Dropped...

2009-03-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

I will have to get my doctor to confirm this at my next appointment, but I really think she dropped last night. I usually feel her RIGHT UNDER my ribs. She has been above my belly button for the longest time. Last night I could not sleep and then I couldn't really feel her as prominently as I normally can. Also, when she is squirming I feel her much lower today. It also feels "lighter" on top and easier to breathe.

Now, I wish this meant I was going to have her any minute, but I still have six weeks left. I wonder if there is any correlation between when the baby drops and when you go into labor. Interesting! Did any of you know when you dropped? Did you deliver soon after?

Eight Months

2009-03-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Counting the days! There is nothing new or eventful to share. Joe has been so cute - having everything in the house fixed. We had a leak about a year ago that caused the ceiling to drip water and now he is concerned: "What if the ceiling is weak and falls on you and the baby?" May as well have it fixed now. We do have an older house; I think we have fixed everything possible in this house since we moved in eight years ago.

I am teaching some classes online, so that will be nice while I am on maternity. I think I mentioned this already, but I am taking off next year to be home with Bella. I really can't wait. It will be tough to be living on one salary, but we have done it before and Joe makes a good salary. Everyone is cutting back with this economy so there is plenty of advise out there.

Nothing New

2009-02-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I'm just checking in...I really don't have much news. I am seven months and one week now. Still moving in ultra-slow motion from my perspective. :)

Feels Like FOREVER :)

2009-02-02T15:42:00.001-08:00

Maybe it is because of the time spent in fertility treatment, but I feel like an elephant - this feels like the longest pregnancy in the world ;) Perhaps it is all the crap we went through leading up to the pregnancy. I don't know what it is, but it feels like it is moving in SLOW motion. I am now six and a half months, but I feel like it should be my eighth month by now. I also still haven't gained any weight...what is up with that?

I can't stop buying Isabella clothes. I can't help myself! They really do have the cutest girl clothing! If I keep buying at this pace she'll never wear the same outfit twice.

I hope you were able to watch Saturday's airing of America's Most Wanted. I think they did a really good job on the segment. If you weren't able to watch it you can go to their website (www.amw.com) and watch it on demand. It is the first video there (Episode 2219).

Week 24 ~ The End of Month Five!

2009-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

This is the last week of my fifth month! WOW! I actually have a follow-up ultrasound today because our 20 week ultrasound quality wasn't exactly as good as they were looking for. At my next OB appt. I will have that Glucose test to check for gestational diabetes.

I still have not gained any weight. This worries me, but the doctor seems
unphased by this. If I was dieting I would be happy, but since I am trying to cook a baby it concerns me :) This weekend was the first time I ate a meal and felt full and content. Must be something about your own mother's cooking ~ we were visiting my parents and my mom cooked my favorite: roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy...yummy!

I finally saw the movie Twilight. I read all the books and couldn't wait to see this movie. While Bella Swan was not the inspiration for our daughter's name - it is cool! I loved the movie. I wasn't too crazy though about the actress they chose to play Bella. All the other actors seemed perfect for their role except for her. Did anyone else see the movie and feel this way about Bella?

Approaching Week 23

2009-01-01T12:46:00.001-08:00

It is finally 2009 and so far it looks like this will be a great year for me and hubby! Our precious daughter will be born this year! Not to mention, a certain someone is starting his new year in the most appropriate place for him...jail ;)

Joe and I saw my parents for the first time in three years after a period of estrangement. We had them over for New Year's Eve and it was really nice! My mom is finding it happy/strange/wild to see her own daughter now pregnant and having a daughter herself. That must be weird. I know becoming a mother is certainly surreal, so I imagine seeing your own child having a baby is even more so.

I am finally feeling Bella...not kicks, but like a squirmy feeling inside you. Especially when I am laying down to sleep. Is this any indication of her future sleeping pattern? If it is - I am in trouble ;) Her motto seems to be "If Mom is sleeping I am ready to party!"

My belly hurts recently...I guess it is all stretching and making more room for her next growth spurt. I am starting to show a little bit - the waist seems to be evaporating. I think, depending on what I am wearing, you can see I am pregnant and not just fat - but fat and pregnant ;)

I am so anxious for her to be born. Then there are times I am scared and wonder if I'll be able to "do it" and actually deliver her. What if I am not strong enough and I can't push enough? All these what if questions plague me. I would like to avoid a C-section, but I realize that nature will take its course and I will simply be along for the ride.

Halfway There!

2008-12-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

Whew...Week 20! Not much new...not much to tell you all really. Still throwing up:( Not showing :( Not feeling any "kicks" since the umbilical cord is in the front :( I am counting the days until I can go on maternity leave to be honest. There is not much fun about a teacher who feels crummy 99% of the time. The earliest I can go out is March 23rd. However, Christmas break is coming so that will help give me a little reprieve.

You know what's really sweet though: Many of my former students who were around through our adoption nightmare and remember the ordeal of Mrs. DeLorenzo "going to get her baby" and coming home with no baby...are now in high school. Most have heard from younger siblings or neighbors that we are pregnant and have come back to visit or sent me letters saying how happy they are for me and my hubby. Isn't that cute? That is why I hate being at work when I am cranky. I love my students...they are such great kids. I even heard a few of my female students who see me running out of the room to go throw up say "I'm never having a baby." I have explained that not all women throw up so much (just lucky me - lol). Even funnier is how some of the boys react to me being pregnant...they don't want to make me get up so they come to my desk to ask me questions! I tell them I am not disabled :) Little cuties!

America's Most Wanted Airing Sat. 1/3/2009

2008-12-08T12:58:00.001-08:00

I hate tainting this blog with this information, but I really want Orson to be found: The America's Most Wanted piece about Orson will air on Saturday, January 3rd at 9/8 C on FOX. You have to check your local listings to see what channel it shows on in your area. God willing, someone will know where the scumbag is and call in.

IT'S A...

2008-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

It is a girl! We are really excited and shocked at the same time. It will take some time to move into "girly" mode. There is certainly plenty to shop for :) We are going to name her Isabella Lena De Lorenzo. We'll most likely always call her Bella...except for those times when you are angry and call her by her full name - lol. However, Joe is Joseph and a few people told us they like having their "formal" and "informal" names. Lena is my great-grandmother's name and although I never knew her, my grandfather always spoke of her with such warmth and love.

Bella certainly didn't make things easy at the ultrasound. We couldn't do the 3D/4D because the umbilical cord is currently in front and it was covering her face. Then she wasn't in a great position, so they had me walk around for a little while to get her to move. When we went back in she was positioned better but kept tucking her foot in front of her vagina...so they pushed and prodded until they got the perfect angle and told us "It is definitely a girl."

I am not sure if we are going to change the nursery. It is neutral...light beige. I may just change the bedding. It is currently that cute jungle theme. We are not big into the whole pink thing so I will have to see what they have out there that is feminine, but not too girly.

Welcome Month Five!

2008-11-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Some days it is hard to believe how fast this pregnancy is moving...and other days, well, I just want our baby to be here. I am still not showing or gaining any weight so I worry about that. However, the doctor doesn't seem concerned...so I guess I shouldn't worry. Eight more days until we find out if we are having a boy or a girl! We are really excited!

Wow...Week 15!

2008-11-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that month four is almost over. Nothing much is new (at least from the outside ;) My weekly updates say our baby is now the size of a small orange!

I am really starting to think we are having a girl (which is what Joe and his mother think we are having too.) Mostly because of the things happening in my dreams. Since we have been so focused on having a boy for the last three years it takes a bit of adjusting mentally. As you know, we have a TON of baby boy clothes and items, but luckily it is easier for a baby girl to wear many of the boy clothes. The only real question with the baby girl name we have chosen (Isabella) is whether to use the full name or shorten it to Bella since that is what we'll end up calling her all the time anyway. So far, my favorite out of our boy names is Christian.

Three more weeks until our 3D ultrasound. Boy...some days time seems to be flying, and others it seems to be an interminable wait :)

Reunited & Reborn: A Nation with Renewed Hope

2008-11-05T14:19:00.001-08:00

From Harlem to Harvard, from Maine to Hawaii—and even Alaska—from "the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire … [to] Stone Mountain of Georgia," as Dr. King put it, each of us will always remember this moment, as will our children, whom we woke up to watch history being made.

Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Last night was an emotional one for me and our nation as a whole. It is hard to find words with enough weight to express those emotions that run so deep they leave you speechless. Many Americans were aware that the movement led by Barack Obama was so much more than an election campaign; The magnitude and gravity of its results run deeper than what four or eight years in the White House can encompass. Gloria Steinem spoke on The Oprah Show today and her words reverberated what is in my heart.

"I feel as if I got my future back in a funny way, because I was in my 30s when I thought my country was moving toward democracy, and then two Kennedys were killed and then Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, and it's as if the future died. Now I feel as if our future has come back and in an even better form because the Kennedys and Clintons tried to be inclusive, but this isn't about being inclusive. It is the thing itself. It is actually happening."

I always felt a bit envious of the older generation; They seemed to stand for so much and have lived a history, albeit excruciating at times to endure, full of passion, hope, and triumph. They stood for something and revered their beloved heroes. Sadly, I feel, my generation lacked that intangible surge that unifies, ignites, and stimulates change. Perhaps this is why so many of us became obsessed with material possessions and fell prey to far too many of the distractions that have only served to kill our spirits and led us down a path of apathy and relativism.

It means so much to me that our child will be born at this historic time. A new child naturally brings about hope and dreams for a better life and future. What parent does not imagine a life for their child which is filled with unconditional love, success, little strife, and interminable hope for the future? It is natural for us to want our children to go through life unscathed by the heartaches we may have endured ~ both big and small. We pray we will be better parents than our own; Or we pray that we can live up to being the parents ours were if we were blessed to have such parents. We realize, however, that all the idealism in the world cannot protect our children from heartache and strife. In the end, our greatest prayer, is that they have learned something from our own mistakes and perhaps even learned something from our achievements. We pray that when heartache and strife inevitably knock on their door...they have faith, courage, and perhaps above all ~ hope. It feels only fitting to quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in saying "If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all."

November 4, 2008 was indeed an historic night. Our child will be born in an historic year and I pray with all of my heart that he or she lives out the dreams that God weaves in his or her heart and that despite heartache and strife...hope remains perched on his or her spirit.

Week 14

2008-11-02T04:42:00.001-08:00

I saw my OB last week and she gave me an Rx for Zofran. That stuff is amazing! I can't believe I actually feel normal again :) I just wish they gave it to me sooner, but I am sooo happy to have it now!

I read this book that I think is great: The Mother-to-Be's Dream Book: Understanding the Dreams of Pregnancy by Raina M. Paris. There isn't a pregnant woman I know who has not said she had weird dreams while pregnant. I have always been a dreamer - very vivid details...I talk in my sleep, and even yell and scream which wakes my poor hubby up. However, my pregnancy dreams have been even more vivid. They almost seem more mystical - even the colors are different...like Disney Technicolor. It's quite interesting. So, this author writes that there are "typical" dreams that occur in each trimester. The first trimester dreams often include people from your past, more specifically, family, friends, and ex-lovers. She believes this is a resolution stage during which you make peace with the past. The second trimester dreams are typically more anxiety-related dreams. It is common to dream of misplacing or forgetting your baby, forgetting to feed your baby, etc... This is a time for mothers-to-be to work out feelings of fear or anxiety and develop a more primal mother instinct. The last trimester, according to Paris, encompasses dreams that are more psychic in nature and focus on bonding with your baby. You may dream of the sex of your baby and even be able to "take your baby out of the womb" during these dreams. If dreams intrigue you or you are pregnant and experiencing more vivid dream activity than ever before in your life and want to try and "interpret" your dreams, I highly recommend this book.

Looking for Breastfeeding Advice

2008-10-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

I am going to try and breastfeed and I am wondering what bottles moms have found that work best for storing breast milk and for feedings? I have read some great reviews for the Avent bottles. I purchased the Madela pump - my goodness they are expensive! The Madela bottles are BPA free, but others have come out with BPA free bottles too. So, mommies...if any of you have products to recommend, please share. Thanks!

On to Week 13

2008-10-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

Time is just moving right along! Our 3D ultrasound, scheduled for Nov. 30th, couldn't come fast enough though. We want to know so bad! Unfortunately, I can't figure out what my body is doing ;) The nausea went away, but has now returned...only not as bad as the first trimester. I have no appetite. You know the "nothing sounds good to eat" feeling? That's what I have right now. I have to eat...so I force myself, but then I get sick. I continue to lose weight rather than gain (not that I couldn't spare to lose quite a bit ;-) The strange dreams continue - and the night sweats too.

Milestones!

2008-10-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

We are under 200 days left and the end of my first trimester! Woohoo! I am feeling soooo much better too. No morning sickness and my ear infections are clearing up. I am glad that I have quite a few colleagues who have recently become mommies because I get to pick their brains about their experiences. I was a little worried because I have lost my appetite - nothing "sounds good" and although I am hungry I just don't feel like eating. They reassured me that this will pass as well.

I told my students that I am pregnant and they are all excited. We wrote down all of their guesses as to whether we are having a boy or a girl. Quite a few voted girl! It will certainly be something I have to wrap my mind around after being in a "boy mode" for three years! Ironically, the only name will have pinned down is a girl's name: Isabella (Bella) Rose De Lorenzo. We have a list of several boys' names, but have not narrowed it down to a favorite yet. Here is our list:

Christian (my paternal great-grandfather's name)
Daniel
Giovanni (Joe's maternal grandfather's name)
Jacob
Jack
Jason
Justin
Patrick
Paul (my maternal great-grandfather's name)
Sean

Unfortunately, our favorite boy name, Stephen, was to be given to Stas and Andrey, and we just don't feel comfortable using it.

PS - Yes, we have a 3D ultrasound scheduled for Sunday, November 30th...we are hoping our little peanut is cooperative and we can see his or her jems ;)

Feeling Better

2008-10-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am feeling so much better today! Better yet...I have not thrown up in three days :) I feel so guilty that I have missed so much work; since school started I have missed four instructional days. It's back to work tomorrow and I am just glad to be getting out of the house! Joe's 37th birthday is tomorrow! We actually have a busy day scheduled so I am not sure we'll be able to really celebrate until the weekend :( Happy birthday sweetie! I love you!

Frustration

2008-10-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Why do people perpetuate the myth of the "glowing" pregnant woman? Is there such a thing? I certainly don't feel like I am glowing. I am so frustrated. I had two days that were throw-up free and I have now been hit with a double ear infection and the nausea is constant. I do know there are women who feel their healthiest when they are pregnant, but so far, that is not me. The only positive is that I have lost five pounds - lol!

Week 11 begins on Sunday :) I am really excited to watch the ticker/ countdown! It is almost under 200 days left! I also can't wait to find out the baby's sex. I still can't believe we are pregnant...it is so amazing and surreal.

Unfortunately, the blood clot in my arm is still there. I have an appointment this week with a vascular surgeon and I'm a little nervous about that. My doctor doesn't want me to stay on the blood thinners past my second trimester - something about it being bad for the placenta.

Finally, No Sickness Today :)

2008-10-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day in two weeks that I have not thrown up. The last week was the worst. Yesterday, for example, I threw up four times. I was shocked and elated that I didn't get sick today! Hopefully, this means it is subsiding like everyone keeps saying it will. We are ten and a half weeks along and my OBGYN said the "morning" sickness should end by the end of my first trimester. Hooray!

Early Morning Scare

2008-09-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up to go to the bathroom around 2 am this morning and when I wiped there was bright red blood - like a period. I freaked out thinking the worst: miscarriage. We just got back from the doctor and the baby is fine. The doctor said the chance for miscarriage once a fetal heartbeat is established is less than 5%...I don't know why I always thought it was higher. He said it is likely just uterine tissue and that 50% of pregnant women experience bleeding during pregnancy. Thank God everything is okay. Did anyone else out there have a similar experience?

P.S. - The doctor did try to see if he could tell the sex, but the baby squirmed and closed his or her legs - little bugger!

Week 9

2008-09-27T14:52:00.001-07:00

Week 9 begins tomorrow:) I have experienced more nausea this past week than previously. I am also much more tired. My greatest concern right now is a blood clot that I have in my arm. I had a second ultrasound of the clot last week and it showed that the clot is still there. My doctor wants me to get a vascular consult. So, I have an appointment scheduled and hopefully this doctor will be able to solve the problem and put our minds at ease.

We had our very last visit with with the Reproductive Endocrinologist! We are so glad to be moving on to the next stage - an appointment with our own OB on October 1. The last ultrasound with the RE showed that the baby is doing great...growing and the heartbeat is strong.

We both really want to know the sex of the baby. I'd like to have one of those 3D/4D ultrasounds done. I read that some where able to determine the sex as early as sixteen weeks. Has anyone been told the sex that early?

Welcome!

2008-09-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

It is time to start a new blog and a fresh page in my life story! What better way to celebrate a new beginning than a new blog? I realize only bloggers will understand this ;) We are moving into Week 8 of our pregnancy and all is well. We had another ultrasound on Wednesday and the baby is growing and the heartbeat is strong. We will have our last ultrasound with out Reproductive Endocrinologist this coming Wednesday and be released to my OB.

I thought I was going to make it unscathed and not have to deal with "morning" sickness - which is really "any time" sickness, but I was wrong. I got sick at work on Tuesday afternoon. I think I have it under control now, but I really have to be careful to eat every 2-3 hours or I feel nauseous. The Italian genes are definitely surging through this baby because the only food that makes me feel better is pasta!

I am sick and tired of taking Progesterone. I am praying that they will tell me I can stop on Wednesday. I also developed a blood clot in my arm from a messed up attempt to insert my IV before the egg retrieval. So I am also injecting a blood thinner twice a day. I will be glad when I don't have to have daily injections anymore.

I realize that many people see having a baby as commonplace, but when you have struggled with infertility and endured three failed adoptions - becoming pregnant is like a blind man getting his sight back. It is surreal.