 |
| Surprise! |
 |
| Janelle and Fedilyn (2 of my 3 planners) Nini: not pictured |
 |
| Alana's beautiful gifts |
 |
| Some of my coworkers |
 |
| They even invited Francis over! |
 |
| Us and Mang Tony (the winner of the diaper game) |
 |
| Minnie mouse clothes for Alana |
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Baby Shower #3
During my last week of work, my coworkers decided to surprise me with a beautiful baby shower! Like I have said before, I feel like this company has watched me grow up and this event was only an addition to the list. You would think that in an office full of women there would be a lot more drama than there is, but it's quite the opposite. Through school, marriage and now a baby, everyone has been nothing but supportive of all the changes in my life. Thank you so much Accredited for your support these past 5 years!!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The hospital tour
Today Francis and I took a tour of Providence Holy Cross Labor and Delivery and it finally hit us. We're going to have this baby soon, whether we like it or not! Of course I wouldn't have it any other way, but I think it finally kicked things into gear for us. We haven't moved into the Liggett house yet, we haven't packed the hospital bag, we haven't built the crib or set up the car seat! So many things we have been postponing because I don't think it really hit us yet. Until now....
The tour started off with a slideshow of all the renovations that the hospital has made to Labor and Delivery, one of which was a whole new floor! Each L&D room is brand new with more space and new equipment. We were then escorted through the floor by 2 nurses. As beautiful as the rooms were, they couldn't shake my fear of going through labor, and when looking at the bed, that was all I was picturing: me laying on that bed going through the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life. Great!
But the fear soon turned into excitement as we walked past NICU and saw the tiny babies in the cribs. A rush of emotion came over me as I pictured Francis and I holding Alana in our arms for the very first time. I knew at that moment it would all be worth it to have her.
See you in about 1 month L&D!!!
The tour started off with a slideshow of all the renovations that the hospital has made to Labor and Delivery, one of which was a whole new floor! Each L&D room is brand new with more space and new equipment. We were then escorted through the floor by 2 nurses. As beautiful as the rooms were, they couldn't shake my fear of going through labor, and when looking at the bed, that was all I was picturing: me laying on that bed going through the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life. Great!
But the fear soon turned into excitement as we walked past NICU and saw the tiny babies in the cribs. A rush of emotion came over me as I pictured Francis and I holding Alana in our arms for the very first time. I knew at that moment it would all be worth it to have her.
See you in about 1 month L&D!!!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Baby Shower #2 (Posse Baby Shower)
The second that Francis and I found out we were pregnant, our friend Sonny jumped at the chance to throw us an amazing, emotional and memorable baby shower. After that night, I must say that he definitely succeeded.
The shower on July 23 started off with 2 of my bridesmaids Monica and Michelle introducing the night in their bridesmaid dresses as you see below. We started off with a game (guys vs. girls) similar to "Who wants to be a Millionaire". Sonny/Christian, where the heck did you guys get those pregnancy questions?!?!? They were hard! As usual drinking was a part of the game, but how else would you expect the Posse to start off a party??? lol.
After the game were a few heartfelt speeches by Stef and Randy, my sister Heidee and Francis' sister Cristine Mae. Of course the waterworks began as our sisters read letters from our moms. Honestly, the second that I saw our sisters at the shower, I knew that they had gone far to make this night memorable for us. And this was only a fraction of the night. Custom made presents such as a homemade quilt, basket, and shirts for our little family were just a few of the gifts given to us. Looking at the presents, you can tell that more than money was put into it. They actually put the time and effort to make a quilt, paint on shirts, and decorate baskets. In addition, a pack 'n play was given to us so we would have somewhere for Alana to stay at the Palace. Thank you Posse!!! I can't wait until she's born and gets to meet the people who make her Mommy and Daddy so happy!!!
After all the speeches and crying, I thought it was all over, but they had something else in store for us. A whole play was choreographed/filmed/performed for us and it couldn't have been more entertaining! In short, the story starts off with Alana in high school struggling to find herself. Her awesome aunt's stepped in and told her the story of her parent's struggle. Throughout the play were, of course, some things I'd rather leave in my past, but were hilarious nonetheless. Francis' geeky side and my rebel side were displayed along with song and dance. I couldn't believe how much effort went into this night. At the end of it all, they had Francis and I sing to Alana. Best part is that the whole night was filmed for Alana to watch as soon as we were ready to show it to her!!! I can't think of a better gift :)
I think the most difficult part of this baby shower is knowing how to say thank you. My sister said it best when she said, "This is the best baby shower I have been to". I couldn't agree more. Don't get me wrong, I love the normal baby showers with the diaper games, food and giveaways, but this baby shower was just at a different level. It made me feel like Francis and I are ready to be parents emotionally. Having gone through the struggled that you guys so creatively displayed made me feel like we had always been parents, we just needed Alana to prove it. Thank you Posse for making us feel like the most special parents in the world. WE LOVE YOU!!!!
Last but not least, thank you Sonny for organizing this baby shower. This baby shower meant the world to Francis and I and when Alana watches that video and understands us that much more, we will have you to thank. We love you so very much!!!!!
"Tell You Something"
 | ||
| Mocha Black and Deeky White our hosts for the night |
After the game were a few heartfelt speeches by Stef and Randy, my sister Heidee and Francis' sister Cristine Mae. Of course the waterworks began as our sisters read letters from our moms. Honestly, the second that I saw our sisters at the shower, I knew that they had gone far to make this night memorable for us. And this was only a fraction of the night. Custom made presents such as a homemade quilt, basket, and shirts for our little family were just a few of the gifts given to us. Looking at the presents, you can tell that more than money was put into it. They actually put the time and effort to make a quilt, paint on shirts, and decorate baskets. In addition, a pack 'n play was given to us so we would have somewhere for Alana to stay at the Palace. Thank you Posse!!! I can't wait until she's born and gets to meet the people who make her Mommy and Daddy so happy!!!
 |
| My sister reading my mom's letter trying not to cry |
 |
| Francis' little sister talking to Francis and I |
 |
| The best quilt ever :) |
After all the speeches and crying, I thought it was all over, but they had something else in store for us. A whole play was choreographed/filmed/performed for us and it couldn't have been more entertaining! In short, the story starts off with Alana in high school struggling to find herself. Her awesome aunt's stepped in and told her the story of her parent's struggle. Throughout the play were, of course, some things I'd rather leave in my past, but were hilarious nonetheless. Francis' geeky side and my rebel side were displayed along with song and dance. I couldn't believe how much effort went into this night. At the end of it all, they had Francis and I sing to Alana. Best part is that the whole night was filmed for Alana to watch as soon as we were ready to show it to her!!! I can't think of a better gift :)
 |
| Francis and I with our Hosts |
I think the most difficult part of this baby shower is knowing how to say thank you. My sister said it best when she said, "This is the best baby shower I have been to". I couldn't agree more. Don't get me wrong, I love the normal baby showers with the diaper games, food and giveaways, but this baby shower was just at a different level. It made me feel like Francis and I are ready to be parents emotionally. Having gone through the struggled that you guys so creatively displayed made me feel like we had always been parents, we just needed Alana to prove it. Thank you Posse for making us feel like the most special parents in the world. WE LOVE YOU!!!!
 | |||||
| Sonny (the guy that made this baby shower happen) |
Friday, July 22, 2011
Nursery
Whenever I look through baby magazines, stores, websites, I'm constantly bombarded with ideas about how a nursery should be decorated. Being artsy, I have always had this huge dream about how I want my first child's nursery to look like, and then I get a little sad that we won't be able to provide that for Alana.
Now don't get me wrong, I am blessed to have amazing parents that are willing to house us while we save up for a house of our own, but I always envisioned myself having a home prior to having a child. Our situation is a little off though because of the fact that we do technically own a home with other people, but it's not an environment that's fit for a child. With parties thrown at least once a week, loud music in the middle of the night, and visitors constantly in and out, it's a wonder that any of us get much sleep. I couldn't put Alana through that. And to disturb the roomies with a baby crying in the middle of the night wouldn't be fair.
I've been trying to plan for Alana's nursery and I think that I can make do with what we have though. I've picked out a quote that I want to post near her crib and there are already clouds on the ceiling so hopefully a few more personal touches and the room will be baby friendly :) Now to get the shelves off the walls and the TV mounted and we're all set.
Now don't get me wrong, I am blessed to have amazing parents that are willing to house us while we save up for a house of our own, but I always envisioned myself having a home prior to having a child. Our situation is a little off though because of the fact that we do technically own a home with other people, but it's not an environment that's fit for a child. With parties thrown at least once a week, loud music in the middle of the night, and visitors constantly in and out, it's a wonder that any of us get much sleep. I couldn't put Alana through that. And to disturb the roomies with a baby crying in the middle of the night wouldn't be fair.
I've been trying to plan for Alana's nursery and I think that I can make do with what we have though. I've picked out a quote that I want to post near her crib and there are already clouds on the ceiling so hopefully a few more personal touches and the room will be baby friendly :) Now to get the shelves off the walls and the TV mounted and we're all set.
 |
| The quote to be posted above Alana's crib :) |
Thursday, July 21, 2011
A little teary eyed
Throughout my pregnancy I haven't been as emotional as I expected. Everyone always talks about crying over silly commercials, bouts of anger, stress, etc., but I haven't really experienced this too much...until now. (Francis may disagree though :P) Every time that I watch Alana's 3D ultrasound video or look at her pictures I get a little teary-eyed. It's so exciting to know that in a few short weeks she will be in our arms. I can already imagine myself staring at her for hours while she sleeps.
The one thing that hasn't hit me yet is the nesting phase. Same as always, our room looks like a tornado blew through it. Boxes stacked near the closet, clothes on the floor (and more in the hamper waiting to be washed) and an almost broken bed. It's a wonder we're able to walk around in our room right now. I'm literally rolling out of bed every morning cautious to not step on something. I think once I'm on maternity leave I will be cleaning like crazy.
Because of this, I'm realizing that I have a little more than a week of work and as much as I'm glad that I will be able to rest, I'm probably going to be extremely bored before the baby comes, wishing I was at work. I must say, I will miss my coworkers. But they got nothing to worry about...I'll be back soon enough :)
The one thing that hasn't hit me yet is the nesting phase. Same as always, our room looks like a tornado blew through it. Boxes stacked near the closet, clothes on the floor (and more in the hamper waiting to be washed) and an almost broken bed. It's a wonder we're able to walk around in our room right now. I'm literally rolling out of bed every morning cautious to not step on something. I think once I'm on maternity leave I will be cleaning like crazy.
Because of this, I'm realizing that I have a little more than a week of work and as much as I'm glad that I will be able to rest, I'm probably going to be extremely bored before the baby comes, wishing I was at work. I must say, I will miss my coworkers. But they got nothing to worry about...I'll be back soon enough :)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Baby Shower #1
For our family baby shower, Francis and I woke up early to reserve the spot and this is how it looked like at 4 in the morning :P Although it was a grueling morning, it was worth the wait to have a great spot by the lake to celebrate with our family and friends.
A special thanks to our families for planning this beautiful event!! This year has been one event after another and it means so much that you all have been here supporting us from day one!
Cristine Mae and Stuart: Thank you for waking up so early to wait at the park with us at 4 in the morning even though you guys hadn't slept yet!!
Ate, Chiqui and Ceci: Thank you for hosting/planning the games for the day. They were hillarious as you can see from the pictures below! Ate, thank you for your generosity. I promise it doesn't go unnoticed. I love you :)
Our parents: Thank you for providing everything else at the shower and for the constant support. We couldn't ask for better parents!
 |
| 4:00am |
 |
| Still gloomy |
 |
| Hello Sun!! |
Cristine Mae and Stuart: Thank you for waking up so early to wait at the park with us at 4 in the morning even though you guys hadn't slept yet!!
Ate, Chiqui and Ceci: Thank you for hosting/planning the games for the day. They were hillarious as you can see from the pictures below! Ate, thank you for your generosity. I promise it doesn't go unnoticed. I love you :)
Our parents: Thank you for providing everything else at the shower and for the constant support. We couldn't ask for better parents!
 |
 |
| One of the games of the baby shower |
 |
| Lily and Amaya |
 |
| Ryan, Lily and Amaya with the pinata |
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
3D ultrasound (part 2)
Today we went for our second session of the ultrasound and the pictures couldn't have turned out more perfect. This time around, my mom, dad. and Francis' mom were able to share the moment with us.
When I arrived at the office, the technician instructed me to take 4 laps around the office and drink my fluids before the session to wake Alana up. I immediately did what I was instructed but I couldn't finish it. I thought I just needed to drink half, but when I got back in the office she wanted me to drink more. I think I drank at least 30 oz. of fluid within 5 mins or less, but it worked like a charm. She was pretty happy with the strawberry lemonade as you can see below.
Whenever I see these pictures, my first thought is, "Wow, that little baby is in my belly....she's in there right now!" Then I think about how much of a little miracle baby she is. I look at her and am immediately amazed at what Francis and I have made together. What once was a passing thought is now less than 2 months away. The days grow closer to meeting her and even though I'm extremely scared of what's to come, whatever happens will be worth it.
I have a little less than 3 weeks of work left before I go on maternity leave and I'm a little overwhelmed with all the things that I need to do before she gets here: pack bags, wash her clothes, build the crib, write thank you cards, clean the house/room, prepare the nursery, finish work, stay active, prepare my desk for a 4 month leave...and the list could go on and on.
At the end of the day, my motivation are the sweet faces of our little girl that you see below. I love you Alana!!! You make my day so much happier!!!!
When I arrived at the office, the technician instructed me to take 4 laps around the office and drink my fluids before the session to wake Alana up. I immediately did what I was instructed but I couldn't finish it. I thought I just needed to drink half, but when I got back in the office she wanted me to drink more. I think I drank at least 30 oz. of fluid within 5 mins or less, but it worked like a charm. She was pretty happy with the strawberry lemonade as you can see below.
Whenever I see these pictures, my first thought is, "Wow, that little baby is in my belly....she's in there right now!" Then I think about how much of a little miracle baby she is. I look at her and am immediately amazed at what Francis and I have made together. What once was a passing thought is now less than 2 months away. The days grow closer to meeting her and even though I'm extremely scared of what's to come, whatever happens will be worth it.
I have a little less than 3 weeks of work left before I go on maternity leave and I'm a little overwhelmed with all the things that I need to do before she gets here: pack bags, wash her clothes, build the crib, write thank you cards, clean the house/room, prepare the nursery, finish work, stay active, prepare my desk for a 4 month leave...and the list could go on and on.
At the end of the day, my motivation are the sweet faces of our little girl that you see below. I love you Alana!!! You make my day so much happier!!!!
 |
| Smile :) |
 |
| Tasting the juice the technician made me drink |
 |
| I could stare at this one forever |
 |
 |
| Happy! |
 |
| Frustrated already? |
Monday, July 11, 2011
Belly Photoshoot
Today Michelle was nice enough to offer to take our maternity photos. I wasn't planning on taking any pictures, but when she offered I thought we might as well take this opportunity to record moments of our first baby. After looking at the pictures, I was really happy that we decided to take pictures. Thank you Michelle!!!
After the photoshoot, we went to have dinner together at Bubba Gumps and it was so good! The waitress even quizzed us on the movie Forrest Gump :) I thought we were gonna win something but no such luck. Maybe next time!
Anyway, here are a few of my favorite pictures from the shoot. Enjoy!!!
*Apologies for a few of these that are not right side up. Will fix soon.
After the photoshoot, we went to have dinner together at Bubba Gumps and it was so good! The waitress even quizzed us on the movie Forrest Gump :) I thought we were gonna win something but no such luck. Maybe next time!
Anyway, here are a few of my favorite pictures from the shoot. Enjoy!!!
*Apologies for a few of these that are not right side up. Will fix soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)