It happened on March 5 . . .

. . . this little lady entered the world and stole our hearts.  

I would like to introduce you to

Joanna Renee Castro

These last few weeks have been quite the blur as we have been adjusting to this new little life running the show.  I don't think you can ever be fully prepared for becoming a new parent.  It is really tough, I'm not gonna lie.  I have had my fair share of melt downs and I am sure there is more to come.  But even though it's been a bit rough, I wouldn't change it for the world.  Joanna is amazing and my heart feels so complete now that she is here.  Her sweet smiles and big eyes just melt my heart and make all the struggles totally worth it.  I know it will only continue to get better.  

Jason has been so wonderful and helpful and just simply awesome.  He is already won the dad of the year award in my book.  I didn't even change a diaper until several days after Joanna was born, no lie!  He is just the greatest.

28 is great

Earlier this week Jason and I celebrated my birthday with some yummy Thai food for dinner at Rain Thai Bistro.  I really wasn't even sure if I wanted to do anything because some days after work I am just so exhausted that the thought of venturing out again is too much.  But I am so glad we snuck in this birthday/date night just in case it's our last one for a little while without baby.  

We are finding that it is hard to talk about things other than her though; she consumes most of our thoughts and discussions these days.  Which is okay because we are just so anxious to meet her.  We have each been doing some reading in preparation for her arrival; Jason is reading The Happiest Baby on the Block and I am reading Breastfeeding Made Simple.  So far we are really enjoying both, we will have to see if they are helpful and worth it once she gets here.  39 weeks tomorrow!!

look at me now

 

                                  ^ 20 weeks                                                         ^ 23 weeks

                                  ^ 25 weeks                                                          ^28 weeks

                                  ^ 31 weeks                                                        ^ 34 weeks

                                ^ 36 weeks                                                             ^ 37 weeks

I tried to be a super pregnant lady and take a photo of my growing belly each week, but that didn't exactly happen.  oh well.  I think you get the gist in the photos I did take: I just keep getting bigger.  (see a few more here) Today I am actually 38 weeks and 3 days - no belly photo this week yet.  I can't help but laugh at seeing how my little black tank top has continued to stretch over me and begun to look oh so unflattering.  again, oh well.  These days I am in survival mode and feeling oh so...big.  Baby girl moves constantly and although I am always happy to feel her dancing around, it hurts like heck sometimes.  I swear one of these days her foot is going to come straight through my skin.  

We are down to the wire now with less than two weeks until my due date (March 1).  I keep telling her that she can come early if she wants, but no earlier than February 25th because my doctor will be out of town this week and I really want her to be the one that is there for the delivery.  I just love my doc.  But with all this moving around, I have a feeling she is anxious to get out of there.  Please just hold on baby girl.  one more week.

65 days

65 days until our baby girl is due to be here.

I am really starting to feel the pressure that she will be here in no time.

She is moving all the time.  The craziest is when she changes positions and it feels like she may pop through my tummy.

By the end of the day, my back and feet are achey and sore.

Almost all of my regular clothes are now no longer options for maternity outfits.

Comfortable sleeping are two words that no longer belong together.  And going through the night without a pee break is not an option.

I get super emotional without any notice, tears just happen.

Being sick while pregnant is the absolute worst.  Miserable is an understatement.

The nursery finally feels like it's coming together.  Although we still have much to do.

I grow more and more anxious for her arrival everyday. I just want to meet her. I want to see her face and love on her.  It's kinda my favorite when I see Jason's excitement; he is going to be the best dad.  This is just the most amazing time of our lives, worth whatever pregnancy decides to throw my way.

christmas time

december 8, 2012 - 28 weeks pregnant

Last weekend was Jason's Anesthesia Christmas parties.  This year was a bit different for me than last year, for obvious reasons.  Although for being 7 months pregnant, I was pretty proud of myself for making it through the night in heels and closing out the party at midnight.  I have to admit that my poor feet were killing me by the end of the night, but it was well worth it to have a good time with great friends.  I soaked my feet in warm water and got a foot massage before crashing in bed that night.  Jason takes good care of me :)

I have truly enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit this year.  We haven't been able to go all out with decorations and such like we usually do since we have plenty of baby projects keeping us occupied.  One of my favorite things to think about lately is how this time next year we will have a precious baby girl celebrating her first Christmas.  I get so overwhelmed with excitement wondering what she will think about all the beautiful lights and decorations.  I wonder if she will be a fan of Santa or be totally freaked out.  And most of all, I can't wait to tell her the story of Jesus being born in the manger.  This is such a special time of year!

With the events that happened this past Friday in Connecticut, I can't help but also be a bit nervous about bringing an innocent child into this scary world.  My heart still aches for all the families that lost someone that day.  I can't even begin to comprehend losing a child.  My thoughts and prayers continue to be with them.