HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday Jessica Claire Rivera!!!!
Born Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 5:01pm.
8 lbs and 6 oz, 20.5 inches long.

Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sister Megan love you very much!!!!

Week 40

Jessica, Jessica, Jessica! What are you doing to mommy! Making me wait the entire 40 weeks to meet you?!?!?

Another doctor appointment today. I'm at 2 cm now, and 80% effaced....but still no "real action". Doctor did some stripping of my membranes which might get things moving, but even he said this wasn't any great way of starting labor. (You can read about what this all means when you're older.) You're just hanging in there for the long haul aren't you! :) Doctor said he think's you'll come out before I need to be induced (which will be at 41 weeks, so probably the 23rd, we here's hoping! Gega is coming in tomorrow, so I'm hoping you come sooner than later so she can help mommy with your big sister.

Hopefully my next post will be wishing you a happy birthday with your beautiful little picture! xoxoxo See you soon!

Week 39

I'm 39 weeks today! Megan, your big sister, arrived at 39 weeks - so it looks like you are going to be later than her. That's okay....you'll come when you are ready. It was 102 degrees here yesterday, so maybe it's too hot for you to come out. :) The doctor's appointment on Tuesday was good, and you are sitting low (2 station), and my cervix is about 50% effaced. I am also 1cm dilated - and this means really nothing. I could have been this way for the past month. :) Again - you will come when you are ready!!!

Your daddy and I are excited to meet you and are anxiously awaiting your arrival. I can't wait to meet you! XOXOXOXO

Almost there.............

I'm 38 weeks today! Only two weeks left until the "due date" for Baby Jessica. WOW! Time has flown over the past few months as we have been very, very busy.

Tomorrow my replacement at work starts, and next Friday, the 9th, is supposed to be my last day. Hip Hip Hooray! I'm ready!

My last doctor's appointment was Tuesday, but they didn't check me and only had a quick belly check. Have another appointment this Tuesday, and now it's checking time! I'm hoping for some action 'down there'! I'm getting excited!!!!!!!!!

Love everyone! xoxoxo

Week 37

I'm exactly 37 weeks pregnant today! Some websites say that I'm full term (although some say full term is considered 38). Either way, if Baby Jessica decided to make an early appearance, I'm sure she'd be fine! I have to say though, I hope she doesn't come too early! Mommy is still wrapping things up at work. I have resigned from my part-time position, and am documenting all my duties and processes, but won't begin training my replacement until July 2nd!!! Talk about cutting it close! (Trying not to stress about it either, but it's hard!)

Here's the bump pic that was taken today! I can't wait to meet you Baby Jessica!!!!

xoxoxo

Week 36

It's down to the wire now! Had another doctor's appointment today, and Miss Jessica is measuring great and we are looking good! I now start my WEEKLY doctor visits, so it won't be long now. I'm very excited to meet my new little precious girl!!!!

Jessica is now starting to act like her Big Sister Megan and is getting the hiccups quite frequently. Megan started with them much earlier, but Jessica is catching up, as she seems to have them a lot....when I eat, and when I don't. I also have to say that Jessica seems to be more active - but I think that also might be because my uterus is more 'flexible' this time around, so I see much more movement (and feel much more!). This morning, while I was laying on the couch, an arm (or maybe a leg) just pushed right out from the top and I watched as she slid down my belly....it was wild!

David and I are continuing to get settled into the new house, and we are slowly getting Jessica's room ready. The bassinet is at least up - so for right now that is the most important, so she'll have a place to sleep - and since she'll be spending the first couple months in our room, getting her room "ready" is not a pressing issue.

I hope that everyone is planning on a visit here for Baby Jessica! I am sure that I'll be needing the help, so please let me know if you hope to visit so we can make plans!

Hugs and Kisses everyone!

Weeks 34-35

Time is flying now! Only a little over four weeks left until Baby J makes her appearance - or at least when she is scheduled to appear!

The Rivera's, Sackett's, and Gega went to Virginia Beach (Sandbridge) last week and we all had a great time. Towards the end of the trip, I was having very bad Braxton-Hicks and actually thought that maybe Baby J would come out at the beach! I think that I was just a little dehydrated and they passed once I drank a lot of water. These were by far the worst ones I've had with Jessica. It was a reminder of just how much this is going to hurt!!!! EEKS!!!! Made me a little nervous!

Hoping to get my "bump" picture done this week! But, here is a pic from the beach of the belly!

Lots of love everyone!
xoxoxo

Week 33

My doctor's appointment on Tuesday went very well - aside from it only being a 5 minute belly check with a 45 minute wait!

Doctor said that I was measuring perfectly, so I'm hoping that means my chances of that ten pound baby have decreased a little. :) I asked the doctor about Baby Jessica hurting me with her kicks, jabs, and punches (more so than I remember having with Megan) and he said that with second babies (and subsequent babies) your uterus becomes more sensitive. He said I'd also notice this when I'm breastfeeding and my uterus is contracting. Gee....something to look forward to. *sigh*

We are off to the beach next week, so it looks like there won't be a beach baby born, which is GOOD NEWS (although...I guess if she wants to come, she'll come!). Doctor doesn't need to see me back for 3 weeks (woo hoo), and then I'll be paying them a visit weekly until Jessica is born! Exciting times!

Hugs and Kisses everyone!

Week 32

Jessica is HUGE! It might just be my imagination, but I think this child is going to be B-I-G! If not, than I'm going to have A LOT of baby weight to lose after this child comes out! :)

This are going really well. We are all moved into the new house, and Jessica's room is painted a beautiful light purple. We still have no furniture for her, but since she'll be sleeping in the bassinet for the first two months (at least), we figure there is no major rush.

I'm still up two - three times per night, but it's not all Jessica's fault. Megan has been waking up and screaming at the top of her lungs, so she wakes up but me and Jessica. I'm also very uncomfortable when sleeping, so I toss and turn quite a bit..especially when I'm just trying to fall asleep - which takes a good 30-45 minutes.
Time is certainly flying by, and my doctor appointments are now every two weeks. I have another one on Tuesday, so I'll be posting again next week before we all head to the beach for a MUCH needed vacation.

Here are a few pics! "Baby Bump" picture coming soon!
Hugs and Kisses! xoxoxo

Week 31

Had our doctor's appointment today. Doctor said I was measuring at exactly 31 weeks! Guess you just never know! In two weeks I have another appointment and she'll probably be two weeks ahead again. Why bother even trying to predict when they come. Jessica will come out when she thinks she is ready. :)

They said everything is looking great and on schedule. I will definitely try to get a pic of this belly up soon. It's huge!

Lots of love! xoxoxo

Week 29 - 30

Baby Jessica is getting SO big! I just love my belly! I just wish I wasn't so uncomfortable. Jessica had her first trip to Citi Field this past weekend. She loves the nachos and ice cream!

Let's see....at my last appointment I had my week 28 gestational diabetes screening. I received a call the next day that I was at an elevated risk (my numbers were outside the normal range) and I had to go back in for an additional advanced screening. This consisted of me going into the Dr. office at 8:20am, after having no food from midnight on, and having my blood drawn. Then, for the next three hours, I had by blood drawn again every 60 minutes. That is a total of four needle sticks. Not a very fun morning for me, or my veins. The good news is that I passed this screening! YEAH! I was a little nervous, but all is good, and I'm trying to watch my sugar intake. (Yes...maybe I should have skipped the ice cream at Citi Field, but YUM!)

The 10+ hour drive to and from CT was also a challenge. Jessica doesn't like being squished up and really prefers me laying down. She lets me know it too by all the swift kicks and punches I get....not to mention the bladder kicks which makes me have to pee (her way of saying she's tired of sitting, get up NOW!)

We are moving into our house this weekend, so we'll finally be getting her nursery ready. We chose a light purple for her room, and are keeping Megan's a light green. I haven't picked a "theme" for Jessica yet, but I'm thinking maybe butterflies? Megan is staying with the baby animals....which I think suits her perfect due to her love of them (well....at least cats and dogs!)

My next appt is next Monday, so I'll update everyone after that. Until then....lots of love! xoxoxo

Week 28 - Part Two

David and I had another ultrasound today to check Baby Jessica's placenta placement and all is looking good! It's moved away from the cervix, so there should be no issues with that.

And....like I said.....I'm bigger with this baby! Jessica is weighing in at 3.7 lbs and is already on track to be bigger than Megan. While I'm a little over 28 weeks, she's looking like a 30ish week baby. :) I guess I need to lay off the cheeseburgers, pizza, and Moe's! (And french fries.....a big weakness!)

Jessica wasn't in the best picture taking position, but here you can see her face a little....at least the eye. She's head down and backwards (facing my back) - which is actually the way they are supposed to come out, so maybe she's anxious.

Next appointment isn't for three weeks, but I'll be keeping things up-to-date here!

Hugs and Kisses!

Week 28

Here we are.....THIRD trimester! We are in the home stretch!!!! The next three months will be crazy! We have bought a new house, and our closing is next week - yup, that's right...third trimester AND moving - nothing says stress like more then one major life change happening at once!! No worries Baby Jessica - it's such an exciting time for mommy and daddy and we couldn't be happier!

Baby Jessica has been just crazy lately! I remember Megan being very active in the morning and in the evenings, and then she'd get the hiccups during the day, but Jessica is active ALL THE TIME. If I didn't know any better, I'd think there were two in there. I'm getting kicked and jabbed all day out both sides - up, down, and all around. It's an all day/all night party in there! The other night I was up FOUR times to pee.....dancing on the bladder! (Last night I did get away with only one trip, so I need to count my blessings!)

I'm also pretty sure that I'm bigger with Jessica. We took these pics today (right at the end of the 28th week) and I'm HUGE! I'm thinking this might be my 10 pound baby.

Monday I have another ultrasound, so next week we'll get another photo of Baby Jessica...stay tuned! Until then.....Hugs and Kisses everyone!

Week 27

I'm sorry to say that I don't have any new pics yet. It's been a very busy week and weekend! Your little sister Megan was Baptised this weekend! You were apparently having a good time too, because you were kicking mommy all though the ceremony!

This weekend we also named Baby Rivera #2. From this point on she'll be called Jessica. (I will once again mention that we do reserve the right to change the name up until we leave the hospital!) Daddy really likes the name, and so does Mommy. We are still working on the middle name. I'm stuck on Claire, but Daddy is still gathering options (I think).

I will get some new belly shots up soon!

Hugs and Kisses!! XOXOXOXO

Week 26

Went to he doctor this week for a belly check. Baby Rivera #2 is going good and growing right as she should be. I'm up to 157 lbs - must be the Moe's. :)

I asked the doctor this week about eating red meat - red meat meaning not cooked "well". I normally have meat medium-rare, so if I can't have it like that it's just not that good to me. Anyways, the doctor looked at me like I was crazy and told me to have at it! I am not sure where I heard to stay away from the med-rare meats, but I wish I knew this when I was prego with Megan! :) Anyways, Steak Dinner here I come!

I go back in two weeks for my glucose test and another ultrasound. My placenta was "low lying" when I went for my last one, so they need to check it to ensure it's moved up and away from the cervix. I had the same thing with Megan, so I'm not concerned. I am, however, very excited to see BR #2 again!!!

Maria is the latest in the naming game. I just read though that it means "bitter". I'm not happy about that. (Megan, for those who do not know, means 'strong, able' which she is beginning to demonstrate perfectly!) I also like Molly, which I haven't thrown past daddy yet, but it's also a variation of Mary/Maria and also means "bitter". Ah, the name game is so hard!!!

Hugs and Kisses!!! xoxoxo

Week 25

Time is going by so fast that I can barely remember to update this blog! Next week I'll be entering my third trimester....the home stretch...and unfortunately, still no name. :( Don't worry little baby, we can't check out of the hospital without one!!!
Baby Rivera #2 is dancing up a storm at times in the belly! She loves bouncing on the bladder, and I am visiting the bathroom quite often these days. And well, I hate to tell you what happens if I sneeze too hard!!!

I do have to admit to you little baby that I was really excited about you being a little summer baby - one reason is so that I could wear cute summer maternity clothes. This, however, has been very difficult!! They just don't make cute summer dresses for protruding bellies!!! :) And boy are your growing fast! I'll take more belly pics for my next post. Maybe mommy should stop eating so much Moes!

Hugs and Kisses everyone!!! xoxoxo

Weeks 23-24

Wow! Tomorrow, I'll be 24 weeks pregnant!!! Time is flying this time around. It must be because I'm so busy running after the "big sister"!

David can now feel the baby move! While, admittedly the baby will stop when he touches her, he has been able to catch a few kicks. I have even seen the little girl bumping around in the belly. I just love it! The bathroom trips have also started and I'm usually up at least once, if not two or three times while baby rolls around on the bladder.

As for Megan 2.0's name? Still working on it. I can tell you what it will NOT be - first, while I love Grammie - Rose/Rosie are both out once again. Don't worry - my sisters and cousins all seem to have Rose covered with their kids! And, for those of you who know how hard I lobbied for Nora - that is out again too (sniff, sniff). So is Sara and Shakira. Mugga(my other grandmother, her middle name was Claire, so I'm a fan of Madelyn (or Madeline) Claire - this has yet to be shot down, so I'm hoping. David has mentioned Nicole - which is okay, just not my first choice. Crossing my fingers to have her named by the beginning of my third trimester, so we'll see.

And here is the baby bump....and don't worry....I'll be getting a "bump" picture with this one too!!!!

Hugs and Kisses!!!

XOXOXO

Weeks 21-22

Belly check today! Everything is good, and little Baby Rivera #2 has a heartbeat of about 150bpm. Still no name, but we are working on it. :)

BR#2 is getting more active and a lot stronger. It's amazing how the feelings start to change as the weeks go past. The little kicks start out so faint and become so prominent...it's just incredible. When I'm sitting up with Megan giving her her bedtime bottle, her sister kicks her. I know Megan can't feel it, but I just love it. It's like her little say of saying hello (or get the heck off me, since Megan is laying on my belly a little!)

I go back to the doctor in 4 weeks, but just for another belly check. I'll REALLY try to get David to take some belly shots this week!

Hugs!

Week 21

Ah, the fun pregnancy stuff is starting! Baby Rivera #2 is moving around and I just love it! And, I'm starting to get nice and round and my maternity jeans are finally starting to stay up!! :) I'm really hoping to name this baby BEFORE she is born! I really think it helps with the bonding process....more so for Dad I think since he doesn't get to experience the pregnancy like I do. We have a few names floating around, so hopefully...........

We haven't really starting getting anything ready in the house for the new baby, but there is still plenty of time. A bonus to having another little girl is that we won't have to buy a lot of new stuff! Most of Megan's clothes are in prime condition (they grow so fast, that some stuff she only wore once or twice)!

Here's a pic that was just taken recently....I'll try to get just the belly next time!
Hugs and Kisses!

Week 20

I must have missed a week, because I'm 20 weeks now! 1/2 way over, 1/2 way to go!!!! Little Baby Rivera #2 is becoming very active, and I feel her moving around a lot - even on the outside of the belly. I think that David felt her too, but he said it was very weak.....but I told him she's not very big yet. :)

While I don't seem to be feeling huge, I am starting to get uncomfortable sleeping. She moves around a lot at night. Also, I'm used to sleeping on my stomach (or at least falling asleep that way), and they say not to after 20 weeks, so I am doing my best.

It's definately time for me to go shopping again. I love maternity clothes shopping...which suprises me since in general, I'm not a huge mall person. Guess I like cute showing-off-belly clothes!!! I'll get some new belly shots taken and uploaded for my next post.

Hugs and kisses!

Week 19

Baby Rivera is still moving around in the morning and at night, but that is the only news again this week. I'm not sick anymore, but still tired more than usual. I'm also still not a huge fan of food. (Note.....junk food is not the same as 'food'. I do love me some donuts, chips, popcorn, cookies, and candy!)

Here's another picture from her ultrasound. The view is looking down onto the top of her head, and she's giving mommy and daddy the "thumbs up" letting us know that she'd doing a-okay. :) Next week I'll have crossed over the halfway point!

Hugs and Kisses!

Week 18

It's another sweet baby GIRL!!!! The ultrasound on Thursday, the 10th went great. Everything is looking excellent and right on track for Baby Rivera #2.

Because I'm of "advanced maternal age" we had an extra long appointment complete with genetic counseling. The first 45 minutes was them showing us the statistics of chromosomal abnormalities for my age of...gasp.....35! So, we finally told them we aren't interested in any testing...there is no point really. David and I have already discussed that if anything were to be wrong, it wouldn't change the outcome of the pregnancy, so unless it was something they can "fix", we just aren't interested. So, off we then went for the ultrasound where everything looks super-fab! Attached is the first close up of sweet Baby Rivera #2.

Baby Rivera #2 is also moving....finally! She started the day before the ultrasound and now I can feel her usually in the mornings and at night.

Now......on to the name......

xoxoxo

Week 17

Gosh, once again not too much to report. I still am not feeling this little baby move! Every once in a while I do feel something, so I'm trying once again not to worry. I guess I was just spoiled by feeling Megan early, but I've read and heard that sometimes it takes up to week 22 - 25 to really start feeling things. Only three more days until I can see for myself that things are just fine. AND.....we'll be finding out what we are having...a boy or girl! Hope the baby shows us the goods! Daddy seems to think that we're going to have a boy, but mommy is not so sure. I was pretty sure the first time around that Megan was going to be a girl, but I'm not feeling too strongly one way or another. If I were to guess, I'd say girl, but I just don't know.

My appetite seems to be improving, and I seem to want to eat more, but I seem to want to steer away from meat. I wonder if I'm carrying a little vegan! I can eat side dishes, cereal, snacks, no problem....but chicken, pork, fish......blah!

I'll probably post early next week so I can confirm that baby Rivera #2 is doing well, and let everyone know if the baby 'spread 'em'. :)

Hugs and kisses!

Week 16

Little Baby Rivera #2 is not very active. I do believe that I felt Megan a little more around this time, but I'm thinking that is because I was a little smaller. My belly is bigger now with this baby (I was probably still stretched out...ha ha), so maybe that is why I don't really feel the baby. I'm trying not to worry....it's still early. But, I'll be relieved when I see the little person moving around during my Feb 10th ultrasound.

I am still really tired, and with Megan being more active (and heavier), I get winded easily. If it's like this at just 16 weeks, I can't imagine what it will be like when I'm as big as a whale and can't tie my own shoes!!! Ah, good times.

Until next week! xoxoxo

Week 15

Will I ever want to eat something other than cereal with fruit?!?!? Will I ever feel like I've slept enough? Baby Rivera #2 is just sucking the life out of me......but on the bright side.......I'm still not puking!! I can't believe that in only two weeks we'll know if we are having a boy or a girl! Then comes......THE NAME!!!! Megan was born without one, so I guess there is no huge rush. I will have to say though that this pregnancy seems to be flying by a lot faster. Probably because of Megan...she seems to be growing up too fast...so everything just goes along with that.

Nothing too exciting happing this week baby wise. I am getting bigger, and I'm starting to have to get up at night to pee.....which is actually happening a little later with this baby. I think with Megan I was getting up at night much earlier. And, if I wake up and am hungry...to the cereal I go.

I am also having a little pain in my lower left side...just like with Megan. Round ligament pain I believe they called it. It's happening mostly when I go from a sitting position to standing. I am also getting dizzy a little more with this baby. I can't get up fast at all or I get lightheaded. I was in babies-r-us today and was squatting down putting a bow in Megan's hair, and when I got up, I nearly took down a rack of clothes! Eeks! Must....move....slower!

That's all for this week. Here's a pic of my big belly! Until next week! XOXOXO

Week 14

WOO HOO! Enter second trimester. My baby is "officially" a fetus. :) We had a doctor's appointment this week, and everything is on track. The baby's heartbeat is about 160bpm. My level two ultrasound is on February 10th. This is where we will find out what little Baby Rivera #2 is....a boy or a girl. Girls seems to dominate the families....except for my sister who has two little boys, so we'll see. My ultrasound is at Duke instead of my regular physician. I get to have a big, expensive machine takes pictures of the little one. The reason? My "advanced maternal age". Funny.....I don't feel old (because that is what that means). :) If 40 is the new 20, shouldn't 35 be the new 15? Oh well.....hopefully we'll at least get some great pics and get a good view of "the goods".

I'm pretty sure that I felt the baby move today....but it could have been gas. I'll have to go back and see when I was able to feel Megan for the first time. I don't think it was this early, but I know it was around these next couple weeks.

I still have not puked, so I'm pretty happy about that. I still feel a little sick here and there, but the new thing now are my headaches. I've been getting killer headaches that last for over a day. I'm trying to decide if it's better or worse than puking. Hmmm.......

"Talk" to you all next week. Until then...lots of love, hugs, and kisses!
(PS....I'm working on getting a belly pic up!)

Week 13

Well, not to jinx myself, but I haven't been sick in a week. I haven't felt well, and I have felt a little nauseous, but I haven't been puking in the bathroom. That has to be good. I just read my blog from Megan from this week. It's funny because I said that I don't have cravings, but really have no desire for food at all. That is pretty much how I feel now! It's a struggle for me to eat because nothing tastes good to me at all. I get hungry...but no desire to eat food.

I'm also still very tired. I think that I could sleep all day, happily. That is about it....nothing too exciting. I'll get David to take some belly shots. I think I'm a little bigger this time then I was with Megan around this time, but it might be because I still have baby weight from her. :)

Miss and love everyone.

My First 12 Weeks

Well, Baby Rivera #2 is well on his/her way. The first 12 weeks are over, and it has been a little rough. I first found out I was pregnant the beginning of November. I was invited out with some friends and was looking forward to going out and enjoying a few adult beverages that I have been avoiding for over a year (with being pregnant and then breastfeeding). I just happened to have a pregnancy test left over from the month before because I was late and thought I might be pregnant, but was not. I decided to take the test "just in case". I didn't want to go out, get toasty and then find out I was pregnant. Much to my surprise, I saw two little pink lines. David looked at it and said "whaaaaaaat?" And I said, "I know!". Needless to say I stayed in that evening. The next day, still in shock, I went and got another test. This time I opted for the digital one that actually spells out "pregnant" or "not pregnant". I guess I needed to see it in writing. :) A few short minutes later, there it was....."Pregnant".

I was still nursing Megan, and around this time I also began to become a little sick. I ended up having to stop nursing Megan, which made me sad. I went though a "I can't take care of Megan anymore" stage, which luckily I quickly snapped out of. I also made our first doctor's appointment which was on December 3rd. At this appointment, we confirmed what we already knew and got our first listen to Baby Rivera 2's little heart beat. The ultrasound picture we got looks like a Lima bean.

About a week before this appointment, I was starting to feel nauseous. I can't remember the first day that I actually threw up, but once it started, I did it daily. Sometimes I'd get a break and go a day, or even two, but I constantly felt sick to my stomach. I remember one day getting sick in the bathroom and having Megan laugh at me. Apparently she thought it was funny the noises I was making. Bless her little heart. I told David that there must be 2 or 3 babies in there making me this sick!

Two weeks after our first appointment, we went back again for the physical and a second ultrasound. In just two weeks, the ultrasound pic now looks like a baby, with two arms and two legs. These pictures are attached. This is Baby Rivera #2 at 10 weeks. And in two weeks, I dropped two pounds. Worlds worst diet.

The next two weeks were the hardest. We were starting to feel confident that the pregnancy was progressing well, and yet our families still did not know. (Well, I did tell Joanne.....and she checked in daily to see how I was feeling.) We didn't tell the rest of the families until Christmas. We told David's parents at the day before Christmas Eve, and the rest of his family on Christmas Eve. My family found out Christmas. I showed my mother the ultrasound picture as soon as I got in from the long drive from CT, right before I ran to the bathroom to get sick. :)

And Christmas morning was the last time I got sick for a while. I finally started to feel "okay" again, and thought the whole getting sick thing was behind me. But, it's back. New Year's Day brought me to by knees......literally, and I've been nauseous ever since. I'm sure it will pass, but it really does suck. I remember being sick with Megan, but not like this.

Another thing I have noticed is that I am starting to get bigger a lot earlier than I did with Megan. Probably because my uterus wasn't back to normal yet! :) My clothes are already starting not to fit, and yet I'm still not quite big enough for the maternity pants (although I have been wearing a pair here and there.) I really love being pregnant, but can't wait to get to the wearing cute clothes and feeling the baby part! This bloated, sick feeling is for the birds.

I'm looking forward to keeping this blog and being able to look back on my experiences with Megan. They say that each pregnancy is different, and already that had been confirmed.

Until next week.....love you all.