7th month!

OK well here we are just entering the 7th month and time is flying! Things are going well. Luckily I have been managing to exercise and eat healthily (keeps me busy!). I have been walking lots and doing pre-natal yoga. As you can see Levi is growing! He's now about 14 inches long an weighs two and a half pounds. He can sense light and hear sounds from the external world. He has been kicking and fluttering a lot. The best is when Marcelo bends down to talk to him and he will literally respond with movements! It is pretty much about the coolest thing ever! 

Here's a pic of our precious little Gizmo, always wanting to be picked up for a shoulder ride! At least I have 2 shoulders, one for him and one for the baby when he comes :-) 

 I have been feeling great and staying active! The only minor issues were having a charlie horse (very painful calf cramp) in the middle of the night, which caused me to wake up howling in pain which unfortunately scared Marcelo half to death. :-( Sorry hunny. I've been making it a priority to eat extra potassium and stretch thoroughly before bed and haven't had problems since. I also had to go into the doc due to a throbbing pain right under my rib bone. They did some tests and I was relieved to find out it's not uncommon and nothing to be concerned about as my rib cage grows and expands. Phew! It hasn't been as bad the past week as it once was.

I have gotten some new maternity clothes and that has been exciting! We have also been so graciously and kindly gifted with presents, and hand me downs for the little guy! We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many generous and kind people in our lives. We have received gifts from folks near and far and it is wonderful. I think we are all set at least with new born and baby clothes. I know he will be growing so fast.

I do hope to also make a registry very soon. How exciting! This makes it all so real. It's hard to imagine a tiny little breathing body to fit into these tiny cute little clothes! Thank you all so much who have gifted to us.

Marcelo and I also took our first of 3 four hour Prepared Childbirth Classes yesterday. It was so cool and interesting!! We are so fortunate to have a pretty progressive instructor, who is also very balanced in her approach and philosophy. It is really exciting to learn about what to expect in the birthing process and start to get more in tune with my body and baby as we prepare. I have been working with some wonderful affirmations about trust and faith and I am, of course, both excited and nervous. :-)

We will keep everyone updated! I had my 35th birthday Friday and we are going to celebrate tonight with friends. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We are going to do some cooking and spend time with Marcelo's parents :-) We are so grateful for all of you and all of the abundance in our lives!

Month #6

It's been a while since I've posted! I am glad to be back in this writing and reflecting and sharing space! The past month mainly has been so busy as I've been working extra hours at work, and just keeping up with life in general. :-) We are doing great and feeling good. Highlights from our last month include:

Fall cooking of course: this is going to be a roasted root bisque!

Halloween Parade in West Hollywood. I am a lion and Marcelo is an Angry Bird!

We spent a lovely weekend with Marcelo's cousins and Aunt who visited from Mexico. Here we are after doing some fun holiday shopping.  

Marcelo and I 

Marcelo's Tia Olivia (left) and his Mom (right) These are two of the sweetest and so funny together! 

Me, Mom, Marcelo, Esme :-) 

Of course, I miss my parents so much. Especially my mama dearest. I still go to a grief support group (usually weekly) where I am so grateful to talk about her and my process and get a lot of support and comraderie from others on this path. I love to bring in pictures of her and my family. I recently shared these gems. 

Mom walking with Jesse and pregnant with me! (c1978)

Missing Mama

© Claudia Lee

"I awake each morning to start a new day
But the pain of loosing you never goes away.
I go about the things I have to do
And as the hours pass I think again of you.
I want to call you and just hear your voice
Then I remember that I have no choice
For you are not there and now my heart cries
Just to see you again to tell you goodbye
To say Mama I love you and I always will
And hope that much of you, in me you've instilled.
The day that you left I just didn't know
That you were going where I couldn't go.
And now all my memories of you are so dear
But gosh, how I miss you and wish you were here.
Who now can hear me when I need to cry?
It so hard to tell you "Mama goodbye."
Someday I know all will be well
And I'll see you again with stories to tell
Of how you were missed and how we have grown
And how good it is to finally be home.
Until then my memories of you I'll keep near
And I'll pass them on to those who are dear.
I miss you Mama"

Indeed I miss my folks. I feel it's important to include them as well as my grief in the process of my blog and my pregnancy because it is my reality. Yes, I do feel that I have made lots of progress and after 6 and a half years of losing her, I have worked to become strong and move on with my life, but oh how I miss her and long to share every step of my journey with her! There are truly no words for the emotions. I like to think that my angels and Levi are in the same realm now and I know that he will come into being with their love and blessings all around. 

Mom and Dad's wedding (c.1972)