She's A Kicker!

Well, the baby girl in my belly has been kicking all day and all night for the last week or so. Hahaha. She must be growing! My belly is definitely growing. There are some nights that are hard to fall asleep because I feel her moving around all the time. But it's okay, I guess I have to get used to it anyhow, right? Less sleep and all...hehehe. It is such a wonderful feeling though! Rigo always laughs when he feels her moving in my tummy. We can't wait to meet her!

Our good friends, Adam & Shawna, had their baby girl this week. 8.1 lbs. She is such a cutie! She doesn't even look like a newborn! Her skin already has a nice hint of brown and she's got those chubby cheeks I love! We are so happy for them and are even more excited for the day we get to meet our own baby girl. There were actually a few babies born these last couple of weeks. My cousin had her baby boy and Gladys had her baby boy, both the Saturday of General Conference. What a great year for babies!!!

Rigo and I are planning a little getaway for Mother's Day, but are still debating where. Just a local spot maybe an hour or two away. Our last weekend getaway before our baby girl comes! We were going to visit my sister for Memorial Day weekend in San Diego, but traveling down there is more expensive than we'd like at this time, plus our 3d Ultrasound is scheduled for that Saturday! Another great event we're looking forward to!!! I am still imagining what she will look like, and this ultrasound will give us a sneak peek at her little features! So excited!!!

5 Months Along...and Congrats to Doug & Luz!

Rigo's been sick for over a week so we went to the doctor a few days ago and he was put on prednisone for a few days to open up his lungs. Last night at work I started getting a tickly feeling in my throat, and lo and behold, today I'm coughing with a sore throat. Bummer...I hate being sick, and adding to the pregnancy is just no fun. Even though I'm only 5 months, my back is already hurting, and I'm looking into getting one of those maternity support belts. Any suggestions as to which type? There are so many out there. My sister sent a couple up with her maternity clothes so I'm hoping to try out whatever she used if I can find them.

We went to watch Fast & Furious...and my back was achey so bad...it took me the whole movie to get comfortable, which left me with 5 minutes of comfort at the end of the movie. Horrible huh? And I'm still going to get bigger in the next 4 months! But other than the back pains, the movie was awesome! I love cars, and this movie had lots of good action, so I was happy. We were out celebrating the fact that Doug (Rigo's brother - who is younger and his only sibling) just got engaged to his girlfriend Luz! We are so happy for them and are excited to welcome Luz to the family. They have been together since Doug's mission and we knew this day would come, just weren't sure when. It's cool because they're planning their wedding 3 days after our anniversary! September's an awesome month! Hehehe. I know that they are going to make each other super happy, as they already do! But I have watched them grow since Doug returned from his mission and know that they are going to be such a great couple. They have supported each other through the thick and thin and have become better individuals together. So it's going to be a busy end of summer! Baby girl will come, then a wedding a couple weeks later! Lots to look forward to...can't wait!

5 Month Belly...

Happy Easter everyone! I'm looking forward to going to the temple tonight to enjoy the visual and musical fireside "Where Jesus Walked." It starts at 7:30 and sounds like it's going to be awesome...so if you don't have plans for Easter Sunday and you're in the area, you should check it out. I have no doubt you'll be spiritually uplifted with the beautiful music and scenes depicting our Savior's life. I am so grateful for his Atonement and perfect example...such a blessing to know that He lives and the same power he possessed while he walked the earth is available to us through the priesthood. How amazing it will be the day I get to thank him in person. I'm off to church to get my spiritual grub on!

We're Having a Baby GIRL!

So after all the anticipation, we are excited to announce it's a baby girl! During our ultrasound yesterday, I was crying like a baby. Right when I saw her heart beating I started tearing up, and 15 minutes later when the tech announced it looks like a baby girl, I was still crying! I was just so happy to see her moving so much in my belly, and then when she said it was a girl, I was so surprised! Everyone in both mine and Rigo's family thought it would be a boy except for my dad...who says he KNEW it was a girl from the beginning. Hahaha. So I lost the bet and treated him to dinner last night.

It was so nice to see our families after our ultrasound and get together. How grateful I am for all of their love and support. Seeing their excitement when we told them we're having a girl was the best. I loved hearing the screams, seeing their faces light up, and all the big hugs. We had a blast, but I forgot to take pictures at dinner of everyone. I think I got so caught up eating all the yummy food, showing the ultrasound pictures and talking about the baby of course I forgot. We met everyone at Babies R Us to meet and caravan to Newark Buffet, which I think is the best Chinese buffet in the area. I love how the place is so clean, nice ambience, lots of good fresh food, especially seafood! Yumm, my favorite. But I did get a picture with Merilee in front of Babies R Us before we left for the buffet. In front of the stork parking/expectant mothers sign...heehee perfect!

I love that I have a pregnant sister so close to share all the exciting moments together. We even compared ultrasound pics of our baby girls and they look alike! So if somehow Merilee pops out a boy, then I'll have 3 months heads up that it could be a boy. Hehehe. We were testing out strollers at Babies R Us with our hubbies...so fun! I wish Jubie was closer so she could share in these fun sister times, but thank goodness for technology I can talk to her for an hour and then e-mail her all the pictures so she is in the loop.

All in all, last night was just a fun and happy time. Rigo and I are so excited to be having a baby girl! One of Heavenly Father's precious daughters. Rigo now asks me "How are my princesses?" and "How's Daddy's little angel?" Hehehe...so cute. We are just grateful that everything is normal so far and can't wait to meet her in August. Apparently my due date bumped up to August 19th according to the ultrasound, but my Dr. is still keeping it at the 22nd since it's close. She's a big baby girl!

So Excited

I can't wait until our ultrasound later today! I hope everything goes well...that all the baby's organs are developing normally. We're so excited to find out whether we're having a boy or girl...then we can start thinking of names. A lot of people have told us to just pick two names, but for some reason, Rigo and I have been having a challenging time thinking of names that we like. We're hoping that once we find out the baby's gender we'll be able to focus more on giving him or her a fitting name. Hehe.
Church yesterday was awesome, as it usually is. I don't know if it's the pregnancy highs and lows or what, but right when we pulled into the church parking lot, I said "Yay! We're here!" Haha...I don't think I've ever said that coming into church. Of course, I look forward to Sundays and rejuvenating my spirit, but I've never vocally announced it. Since it was Fast Sunday due to General Conference next week, we had fast and testimony meeting. My heart was beating so fast and so hard (more than it normally already does since it's beating for two) I almost felt chest pain. I went up to bear my testimony and right after I said "Good afternoon brothers and sisters" the tears were flowing like waterfalls. I just had to express how grateful I was for the gospel in my life and having the knowledge of where I came from, my purpose here, and where I'm going if I so live worthily.

It's so comforting to know that in the church, you don't raise your children alone. Our ward family is amazing and I know that our kids will be surrounded by great leaders, teachers, and awesome examples. It is intimidating sometimes when you're watching the news and you see so many horrible things happening in the world today (the Oakland police event was truly a tragedy and hit me hard), but what joy and comfort it brings to my heart to know that it will not only be Rigo and I laying the foundation of gospel principles for our children. I love how organized the church is! From nursery on up, how we tailor our lessons and activities to what individuals are going through each day in their lives. It is so nice to share those common experiences with others as well. I love being in Young Women and hearing the girls share their personal experiences and seeing the other girls nod their heads in agreement.

I think it's cool we are having an invitational Sunday at the end of April for all of the wards in the mission. The Stake leaders have been emphasizing the importance of being a member missionary and reaching out to those especially who have fallen away from church for some reason or another. Rigo went out on visits with the Elders Quorum after church yesterday, came home for maybe 15 minutes, then went out with the sister missionaries to visit more inactives. I am grateful for his example and the fire that he has as a returned missionary. It is truly our responsibility to maintain and help Zion to grow. Even with all the babies being born (I heard about 4-5 announcements yesterday of grandchildren born this past weekin Relief Society), there are so many who need to be embraced and welcomed into the fold. I hope that I can be an instrument to my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in bringing others to the gospel and bringing home those who may have lost their way.

Humbling Times

As I was unwinding last night I turned on the TV and was watching Nightline and they were discussing the topic of genetic counseling. One man had a 17% chance of getting Alzheimer's and another woman had a 37% chance. I have to say, honestly, our Alzheimers/dementia patients are often the most difficult because they are so forgetful/confused that they take up most of our time. Keeping them from pulling out IVs, drains, monitor leads, tubes, etc., and keeping them from climbing out of bed and falling is a difficult task. We try as much as possible to stay away from restraining pts, but sometimes it's just not possible. You'll walk in and fix everything, walk out and not even a minute later they're climbing over siderails or your IV is gone. I think it was a touching subject because my grandma is getting more forgetful - early Alzheimers. It is sad that Alzheimer's is a progressive disease with no cure. The medications out right now can only slow progression of the illness, but there is no stopping it.

There was a gentleman who was under total care with a caregiver, and I was a little sad but yet grateful because my other grandmother, who has been through so much, is in a nursing home. She suffered from a massive stroke on top of all of her medical problems, and now cannot walk or talk. My mom has been asking me recently, what's going to happen when I get old and need someone to take care of me? I think she is worried because she sees what her own mom is going through and doesn't want us to throw her in a nursing home. Don't worry, Mom, we'll take care of you just like you took care of us when we were growing up. It is difficult to comprehend when your family is growing and you know you need to take care of them, what more of actually doing it. My mom has to juggle her 18 year old son (he's a handful alone, crazy teenagers haha), cancer surviving husband who still suffers post-treatment effects and needs follow-up, and diabetic mother who also needs a lot of attention. I visited my mom last night and found that she was sick with a cold/cough, so I spent some time with her. We went to visit a Filipino members' home and had dinner with them because they were inviting her. I see how my mom is neglecting her own health to serve others, and I admire her strength. She has a lot on her plate. I'm grateful for the love and care that she has for me and the rest of our family, I know she has worked hard and continues to do so now even though most of us have moved out. I love both of my parents so much, here's one of my favorite pictures of them from last year.

Okay, so the second highlight from the news was a family that was living in an RV. It was supposed to be a temporary move since they were not able to handle finances and were evicted, but jobs, as we all know, are difficult to obtain nowadays. Especially good ones. The father was optimistic, knowing that if he gets a job in another state they can just drive down and go. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have a family of 4, and a dog, living in 300 square feets on wheels. Here I sit having a great job with benefits, a roof over my head with room to roam, a nice car, a beautiful baby growing inside of me, an amazing husband...gosh I could go on forever. How selfish and ungrateful I feel. I take for granted so many things in life, and as much as I try to be grateful, I know there is always something that I am forgetting. I acknowledge my Heavenly Father's hand in all things, but I could not express my gratitude for everything I have, spiritually and temporally. I don't want to be inadequate in showing my love and gratitude, so I hope to prove my worthiness to return to him some day through my actions. Faith without works is dead, right? Well, I hope my faith is never dead. I'm grateful to have such a supportive husband who keeps me on my toes. I think we are a great match. He truly is strong where I am weak, and I hope that I compliment him the same. One day at a time...I will try to be better each day. More humble, more grateful, more kind, more compassionate...more like my Savior who bled and died for me.

How can I not be humble when I see this picture and remember all that Jesus Christ has done?

New Baby, New Car

Rigo and I were talking about our growing family and decided that the '89 Thunderbird just wouldn't cut it for a newborn. It's 2 door (highly inconvenient for putting a baby carseat in the back, not to mention taking it in and out) and unsafe. No airbags back in the day. But it's been a great car, was all we needed to get from point A to point B. We're grateful we had even had a car to take us to and from work and daily errands. So we decided to start car shopping. And we picked one! A Nissan Murano! We've actually loved this car for years, but of course who needs a new car when you have a perfectly good one. Until you're pregnant and realize you have a soon-to-be newborn baby to protect. It received awesome safety ratings and is comfy and good-looking too. So we're happy. What a big blessing for us. Rigo and I are still so amazed and grateful at how much the Lord has blessed us and is continuing to bless us through everything we go through. I know that as we continue to be faithful and work diligently he will bless us with all that we need. And I know that he has blessed us with that and so much more.

We get to find out whether we are having a boy or girl next week, and we are so excited. Now THAT is the biggest blessing from the Lord, to have him trust us enough that he would bless us with the opportunity to raise one of his dear and choice spirits here on earth. I am continuing to prepare for the coming little one every day, and I can't help but have tears of joy when I sit there and ponder the miracle growing inside my belly. It could be that I'm emotional and pregnant, but you know, I'm super happy. My patients ask me all the time why I'm so happy and smiling...I tell them because there's a baby growing inside of me! What reason do I have to not be happy! Hehehe...then they get all smiley and say congratulations and we just have a ball. Hehehe. Through the poopy times and all. See, I already have those moments with adults...babies should be cake. Lol. Trust me, I've seen some horrible poops, bloody, infectious, and all. And it's WAY harder to turn and clean a 5-6 foot adult than a baby. So I look forward to those sleepless nights of feeding, holding, and taking care of our unborn child. I love that I can protect him or her in my belly and hold them all the time. A lot of my friends have popped babies out just this year and say it goes by fast so enjoy it. Oh, I will. It is going by fast. I'll be halfway through the term next week. What a trip. I will savor these moments and when that baby comes out, I will say...so you're the one that I carried and suffered with for 9 months. LOL. Right now is nice...4-5 months I know I will enjoy. In summer when I'm huge and swollen, whew...we'll see. But for now, I savor these good times.

Great News!

Rigo & I went to another prenatal appointment last week and heard the baby's heartbeat! It was awesome...healthy and strong at about 160-165 beats per minute. It was so exciting! I had the opportunity to hear it again yesterday...happy baby. Lol. I know a lot of people tell me I won't feel the baby until 20-21 weeks...but I'm telling you, I can feel the baby moving around in there and I'm 18 weeks. Not kicking....but just those little tiny movements that he or she must be shifting positions or something. Hahaha. I enjoy those ticklish bubbly moments. And it's not gas...I can finally differentiate. Lol. My tummy continues to grow...here's a pic I took last week.

So there's my 4 month belly!

More good news...my dad recently had a PET scan to identify if the cancer has returned, and the result was negative...clear so far! I'm grateful for the technology and treatment we have to check for abnormalities and treat them when found. It's been nice at work these last few days...the census has gone down, in TCU at least. So that's either or good thing or bad...good that people aren't getting as sick, or bad that people don't have insurance to come in if they are sick. I'm hoping it's the first.

I taught my first class in Young Women last Sunday. It was Ward Conference, so I the heat turned up when I walked in and members of the Stake YW presidency, High Council, and Bishopric were sitting there. But it turned out to be an awesome lesson on supporting family members. Thankfully, I wasn't too nervous and the girls were active participants so it was easy to get comfortable. And Bro. West and Bro. Sitauti were excellent contributers sharing there experiences as fathers and grandfather. It worked to my advantage having extra leaders there to touch us with their stories and feelings. I also showed the "Create" video made from an excerpt of Pres. Uchdorf's talk that can be found at http://reliefsociety.lds.org/. It is an awesome clip that is very inspirational. It was the perfect closing to my lesson...encouraging the YW to create loving relationships with each of the members of their families.

My cousin Janelle is having her farewell this Sunday, but we can't make it since Rigo is teaching Elders Quorum and I'm teaching YW. Oh, AND he's giving a talk this Sunday with the rest of the Elders Quorum presidency. Plus I'm working this weekend anyhow. My mom called me this morning and let me know she had the invitation for Janelle's farewell (which she's had for a month), but I found out just this week when my auntie e-mailed me. But that's okay...my mom's super busy taking care of her own mother, husband, and 18 year old son. I think it's awesome that she'll be serving in New Zealand for 18 months. Rigo's experiences from the mission have truly helped our family to be stronger and closer spiritually and temporally. The lessons he learned from serving the Lord and being around general authorities as well as such humble and faithful people in Venezuela continue to be valuable in our daily lives. I know I can credit his mission to helping make him the worthy Priesthood holder and patriarch of our home.

I think it's time for me to eat...again. Hehe. I have been eating every 2 hours because if I don't eat when I get hungry, I'll get nauseous. The blessings of pregnancy...hehe...I know it will all be worth it when I'm holding that bundle of joy in August.