Lillien's Baby Shower 11.02.13


You see, initially my baby shower was planned for the ninth of November. I, unlike most, hate surprises. So naturally, leave it up to Jon to plan me just that. It was the morning of the second and Jon insisted we get up early and run some errands. Run to the bank, stop at Barnes and Nobles, etc. I didn't really wanna go with him but since he was working all week, I thought i'd try to spend as much time with him as possible. Even if it was just watching him get his haircut. We finally get home and SURPRISE!

I apologize ahead of time for the quality of the pictures. These were all sent to me by my guests. They were all cell phone shots. I would really like to start using the dslr but i'm still using my iphone without editing. Call me a lazy ass! Okay back on track. I know its hard to tell but that's me in the back there being bombarded with silly string! The culprit in front is Jon stuck in the crossfire.

I walk up the stairs and greet my loved ones. I see all the decorations and gifts and am so overcome. I was happy, in awe, and definitely in shock.

To my left there was a huge table of gifts and a beautiful spread of sugary confections. Here! Have a look!




I cannot stress, nor can pictures express, how beautiful the sweets looked.


And last but not least, just to the left of the cake were the cutest favors. They were mason jars filled with candies for my guests. They were so simple yet so cute! Everything was just my style.


Besides the decadent sweets, the party was also loaded with games. We played baby shower bingo, guess the flavor of baby food, and pin the spermie on the egg? I've never heard of that one but it was extremely entertaining. Check out the fun!



Where do you think Melanie is headed in that last picture?

After all the fun games, here I am opening all my goodies!


I wish I could show you everything I got but forgetful me forgot to snap a shot of it all!

But here are just a few flicks of me with family and friends at the party!



After most of my guests left, my family decided to stay a bit longer. We watched some tv, played some video games and went out to eat.


We even got the kids to clean! As you can see I was not opposed to the idea!


I am so grateful to everyone that was able to make it. With my family all overseas I was feeling a bit down that they would be missing my shower. But, I honestly forgot all that and had the best time. I want to thank my hubby and all my friends who made this party possible and was able to keep it a secret! Even with all my badgering! I wish I had more pictures of everyone but, I was having so much fun I totally forgot to take pictures!!

My only regret was that my close close friend couldn't make it. She was planning to come but last minute got stuck in a sticky situation. She has been there for me during all the rough weeks of this pregnancy. I can't thank her enough. I'm sure I would not have been able to deal with myself and my hormones without her. But I hope to see her soon.

All in all, I had the best baby shower anyone could ever dream of.

Blessed.


Cheers.

Today I am exactly 36 weeks pregnant!

...and bohk-soong-ah is the size of a honeydew melon!
I apologize for the long overdue update. A lot has been going on.


At 32 weeks pregnant, I was admitted into the hospital for preterm labor. I went in on a Monday thinking they would tell me my little stomach pains were normal and they'd send me on my way. Little did I know that the hospital would be my home for the next 5 days. They told me my contractions were about 3-5 minutes apart. They put me on Procardia hoping that the contractions would slow but they only became closer together; 2-4 minutes apart. "You have the most contractions when it comes to anyone else on this floor." I was in labor and delivery! I was so overwhelmed and scared. I cried.

They hooked me up to an IV, gave me my first dose of steroids, and I stayed overnight in L&D. I was then put on magnesium and as soon as my contractions became far enough apart I was moved to antepartum. 24 hours apart from my first injection I received my second and last dose of steroids and then was closely monitored. I stayed on magnesium for the next couple days.

I was finally allowed to eat! I was starving when I walked into the hospital. Had I known I'd be staying and not allowed to eat or drink, I would have stopped at a buffet before going in. I'm one of those odd people who quite enjoy cafeteria food. But honestly, the hospital food really wasn't bad. The menu was pretty extensive. A little bit of everything. Here are a couple of the meals I ate while there.


But one can only eat so much hospital food. So, Jon, my wonderful hubby brought some Korean sushi rolls to share. We thoroughly enjoyed the spread!


Don't worry! The rolls did not contain any raw fish or meat ;]

I was then discharged on Friday on modified bed rest. This meant I was to stay in bed or lay on the couch as much as I could. I was allowed to get up to use the bathroom and eat. Jon took off a couple of weeks to stay by my side. Now that I'm 36 weeks I feel much more at ease.

As far as my symptoms go, things have definitely gotten worse. Both my upper and lower back are in pain and it has become very difficult not only to sleep at night or even sit on the couch and make it through an episode of chopped. And that's only 30 minutes long! My belly button feels like its ripping and I have lower pelvic cramps. I guess I really am getting that much closer to meeting little one!


Dear Bohk-soong-ah,

With my hands on my belly, I lie in bed at night thinking about the first moment I will hold you. The shape of your eyes, the color of your hair, the feel of your skin. Will you have big brown eyes like daddy? Light yellow skin like mommy? I pray for your health and development and hope that I am providing you with a warm and suitable home for you to grow. But first and foremost, I pray for your beautiful life. You are the gift daddy and I have been wanting for so long.

Somedays I find myself close to tears thinking how excited daddy and I are to show you this amazing world. I can't wait for you to experience all of its beauty, and I anticipate how we will help you through all of its heartaches. I want nothing more than for you to feel safe and supported, honored and respected. I pray that daddy and I will be a prime example of patience and unconditional love.

My little one, my dream for you is to be strong and confident, yet soft and caring. I want you to know that without a doubt you can do anything you put your mind to, so long as it's done with integrity and hard work. I am relieved that you, my little mister, already have the most amazing man in your life to emulate. Take after his free spirit, it will bring joy to everyone it touches. Model his kindness, it will soften even the hardest of people. Follow his work ethic, it will help you reach all your goals.

Noah, each time we get to hear your little heart beat and feel your little taps coming from inside of me, we are reminded that we have been entrusted by the Lord to care for you. Our purpose in this world has forever been broadened and for that daddy and I are ever so grateful.

We love you always,

Mommy


Cheers.

I'm 28 weeks pregnant today!

... and bohk-soong-ah is the size of an eggplant!
So quite a bit has happened since my last update. It's been about a month and so far I've had both the 1 hour and 3 hour glucose tests. I failed the 1 hour by 5 points. Honestly I was a little disappointed. I took the test on a Saturday and my doctor called me the following Friday. "I hope i'm not ruining your weekend, BUT..." Are you for real? She told me I was borderline, but that really didn't make things any better. As if four blood pulls in three hours isn't bad enough; I might actually have gestational diabetes?? FML.

The next Saturday I went to the lab for the 3 hour screening. They gave me the lemon-lime flavored drink. It was pretty bad. When women tell me how disgusting it is, I always assume that it's because they've been cutting so much sugar-soda out of their diets. But, I was wrong. Unlike the first test this drink made me feel super nauseous. The second hour into waiting was really just trying to keep it down. But Lillien has prevailed! I finished the test around noon and went out for Kimbap with Jon afterwards. Although I felt sick, the test actually went by pretty quickly. I haven't heard from the doctor yet about the results, but am due to see her tomorrow. I will keep you updated. Cross your fingers!


My belly has gotten a tad bit bigger. Mind you, I say this with caution. All throughout my pregnancy people, both men and women alike, have told me I seemed, "small for ___ weeks." When hearing this I just think to myself about how all women and all pregnancies are different. Some women gain a lot, some a little. But at seven months. I do look a bit small. I have gained maybe 12-13 pounds so far. Other than that I feel healthy and everything appears to be normal. The doctor always tells me that little one has a strong heartbeat so I'm in no way worried.

This is basically what I've been eating for breakfast these days:


Some sort of whole grain/wheat carb with some raw veggies and some fruit. I usually have a yogurt for a snack within a couple hours.


Mochi and I visited Jon at work this last week. We were chillin' out on the set of Hostages.


This is him covering for Jon's buddy Hock at the dimmer board. Hey there Mochi. Are you working hard or hardly working??


And with that I leave you with this beautiful shot of a sunset sky.


Cheers.

I'm 24.5 weeks pregnant.

...and bohk-soong-ah is now the size of a cantaloupe!
I apologize I haven't posted in quite a few weeks. I was without a computer most of the time. 24 weeks along and my belly has popped out. Still nothing crazy, but definitely more than an "ate too much pasta dinner" tummy. I feel little one kicking much more often now. I don't think I'll ever get use to it. Bohk-soong-ah gives me little taps when hungry and when hearing daddy's voice. It's amazing. Jon got home the other night and as he had his hand on my belly he said to little bohk-soong-ah, "Daddy's home, can you give me a little kick?". He kicked! A couple times in fact. You should have seen Jon's face.

I still feel pretty tired. I was really hoping it would subside a bit by now. I have so much to do to prepare for little one's arrival. I think we spent close to two hours in Buy Buy Baby over the weekend checking out all the different strollers. And let me tell you, there are way too many. Way too many.

My nails are pretty strong now due to the prenatal vitamins but my hair still looks the same. Not too much of a healthy glow.


Okay so the news you've been waiting for.


At our 21 week anatomy scan we found out the gender of our bohk-soong-ah. We were so happy to find out little one was healthy and everything checked out perfectly. Bohk-soong-ah wasn't turning in any favorable positions so we were there for quite a while. We also got to watch for about 15-25 more minutes while they tested a new ultrasound machine. Yay for us!

So after finding out the gender of our little bohk-soong-ah we rushed home to make our gender reveal cards. I found this cute idea online to make a lottery style scratch reveal. It was pretty simple to make. All we did was print out what we wanted on card stock and use contact paper and some paint to make the scratch part. And voila! DIY scratch gender reveal cards!



Drum roll please! Our precious Bohk-soong-ah is a... BOY!!!



Please wave Hello to baby Bohk-soong-ah!

We have started to paint his little nursery as well and as things progress I'll keep you posted.

Be well.

Cheers.

I'm 21.5 weeks pregnant.

... and bohk-soong-ah is the size of a pomegranate!
Once again everything has stayed the same. Only difference is that I've gained two pounds, possibly more. Depends on when I weigh myself. Sometimes I fear I am gaining weight too fast. I gained close to nothing up until my 16-17th week, so I try not to worry. Another exciting thing: kicks! I know i've mentioned before that I have felt bohk-soong-ah kick, but I am feeling them regularly now. Nothing big but small little love taps. I never imagined it to be so comforting. It's like bohk-soong-ah is saying hello.

I'm dying to give you my 20 week anatomy scan update that I was so looking forward to but, that'll have to wait. (So much to tell!)


Cloth diapers, cloth diapers, cloth diapers!

So, Jon and I have been discussing from the beginning of our pregnancy about cloth diapering. I must admit I was totally confused at first (maybe even still), but am totally amazed. I know cloth diapering is becoming more popular among mothers but most people I know still can't imagine why I would even consider attempting such a task. I've heard things like it's dirty, expensive, and even "too much work". How much is "too much" when it comes to your child? Can that term even apply? Everyone has their own methods that are right for them and their child. I definitely don't expect people to agree with me. But I do expect that they respect my decision and not criticize.

Okay anyways, on to the exciting part. After months of research and trying to educate myself as much as possible about cloth diapers, I have started my stash!



These are brand new discontinued bumGenius deluxe bamboo fitted diapers. The lot came with six newborn and 23 small. It also came with three newborn litewrap covers and 11 small. The covers do have gussets but they are on the looser side because they are full cut. Great even for bigger babies and bulkier diapers. This all cost me $100. I absolutely love these diapers. Besides being so cute, they are super soft. And from what I hear from many reviews very absorbent. I love prints on diapers but nothing compares to a clean white/cream colored one. So natural. I can't wait to try these out!

Because I'm a WAHM, I knew that for the most part I will be with my baby at home. These fitteds are in no way waterproof without the cover but they are super breathable and will give my baby's bum some breathing time.

I plan to get a variety of kinds to see what will work with the baby and I and at what times. I am sure I want to get prefolds and some pockets. I will definitely update you as my stash grows.

Until next time...

Cheers.