One thing I'm finding out about being pregnant is that people always have the same questions. I feel that the demographic of people I'm around the most (friends and co-workers) haven't encountered a lot of pregnant people yet. Hey, here in the city we get started late on this whole having a family thing!
So, here are the top questions I've been asked so far and the answers to them (at this point in time):
1) How are you feeling?
This is a perfectly normal, general question to ask. And the truth is, the answer has changed week to week. There have been times where I've felt great, ready to conquer the world. I feel like the baby (and I) are going through a growth spurt, so I'm uncomfortable a lot of the time. And kind of tired. Now that there is an actual belly, there is more physical discomfort to deal with.
2) Have you had any weird cravings?
People LOVE to ask this question! It's probably the number one question I'm asked, actually. Truth is, no strange cravings or anything out of the ordinary. To be cliche, I haven't had the urge to combine ice cream and pickles. There are times when I honestly don't know what I want to eat until I see or smell something, then I become slightly obsessed about eating that kind of food. But in general, I just eat, and it's great.
3) What's the best and worst parts about being pregnant?
Aside from people giving up their seat for you on the train? Or people at work bringing you food just because? Or people in general just being nicer to you? Yeah, that's all pretty cool. You also get away with having slight mood swings, being demanding, and doing less than you should (or actually can do). All that is kinda cool. I really try not to pig out ALL the time, but it is nice to indulge in foods I haven't even thought about in a long time. I had a Pop-Tart this morning. That was awesome. Ice cream rocks. People use you as an excuse for snack breaks during the day. That is lovely.
What do I not like about being pregnant? Well, it's not the most comfortable experience. I'm at a point where I can FEEL myself grow a little bit every day. The strain on my lower back, ribs, ankles isn't the most enjoyable thing ever. Also, as someone who comes from a background in dance/movement/yoga, it's difficult to in a way "give in" to these changes your body must make in order to create and carry another human around. Having a higher level of body awareness also makes all of these changes more acute, for better or worse.
Also, I miss sushi, lox, unpasteurized cheeses, medium steak, and having a beer/glass of wine/martini at the end of a hard day or week. But every pregnant person feels like THAT, don't they?!
Once again, sorry I haven't been writing much lately. Hopefully more updates to come as things settle down a bit, before they get crazy again!
Love to you all!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
UPDATES!!
Hi Everyone!
I've been awful about updating this blog, which happens to be a chronic symptom of writing a blog.
Life has been moving at a fast and furious pace for the Braceros/Wint troop, so here's what has been going on!
I've been awful about updating this blog, which happens to be a chronic symptom of writing a blog.
Life has been moving at a fast and furious pace for the Braceros/Wint troop, so here's what has been going on!
WE'RE HAVING A BOY!!!!!!!!!!
 |
| Hey Little Guy! |
We are over the moon that our bundle of joy will be a baby boy. I just KNEW that it would be a boy for months and months. In fact, I had two very distinct dreams that we had a baby boy and he was playful, and absolutely adorable. I can't wait to meet him, to see him smile, and to see what kind of personality he develops.
In one week, we're all moving to our new home. There is so much to get done as we make this huge transition. We can't wait to get settled so that we can REALLY start preparing for the baby! We've already begun working on our registry, so please stay tuned.
Just this past week, this little dude has grown and so have I. I am now sporting a full-on baby bump, like, the kind that makes people give you their seat on the train, or makes people YELL AT PEOPLE WHO ARE SITTING to give their seat to you. True story. Happened yesterday. It was awesome.
With all this change happening so quickly, it is nice to take a step back and be grateful for all that we have, and I'm especially grateful to have Mark. I wouldn't want to be going through this with anyone else.
 |
| See his hand covering his face? He's playing shy! So cute! |
In one week, we're all moving to our new home. There is so much to get done as we make this huge transition. We can't wait to get settled so that we can REALLY start preparing for the baby! We've already begun working on our registry, so please stay tuned.
Just this past week, this little dude has grown and so have I. I am now sporting a full-on baby bump, like, the kind that makes people give you their seat on the train, or makes people YELL AT PEOPLE WHO ARE SITTING to give their seat to you. True story. Happened yesterday. It was awesome.
With all this change happening so quickly, it is nice to take a step back and be grateful for all that we have, and I'm especially grateful to have Mark. I wouldn't want to be going through this with anyone else.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Time
I've been finding that the concept of time has taken on a whole new meaning since being pregnant. There are so many events that are coming up and so much to get done. Everything feels so much more significant as we try to plan and prepare for our new life together and bringing a new person into our world.
Here is a timeline of what is to come, as of March 1:
Life really has been going along at a fast and furious pace. A lot of changes and challenges have come our way lately. It feels like a bit of a roller coaster at times, but it has been an incredible lesson in taking things as they come, making sure to keep breathing, and being there for each other. (Yoga makes most of this mentality possible, by the way.) It is certainly a very exciting time and I have moments when I can't believe this is ALL HAPPENING.
Speaking of happening, there is some major movement happening in my belly and it's time for a little chocolate Haagen Dazs ice cream! Good night all!
Here is a timeline of what is to come, as of March 1:
- 20 weeks pregnant, halfway there!
- 5 days until we find out if we're having a boy or a girl!
- 1 week until mine and Angela's birthday. Yikes!
- 1 month until we move into our new, beautiful home. A VERY big change that we're very excited about.
- 5 months until due date!
 |
| Time keeps coming and going! |
Life really has been going along at a fast and furious pace. A lot of changes and challenges have come our way lately. It feels like a bit of a roller coaster at times, but it has been an incredible lesson in taking things as they come, making sure to keep breathing, and being there for each other. (Yoga makes most of this mentality possible, by the way.) It is certainly a very exciting time and I have moments when I can't believe this is ALL HAPPENING.
Speaking of happening, there is some major movement happening in my belly and it's time for a little chocolate Haagen Dazs ice cream! Good night all!
 |
| Seriously, one of my faves. Especially the mini cups. Nom. |
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Countdown
We find out the baby's sex TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!
CANNOT WAIT!
(Pardon the reference to one of my favorite shows, Arrested Development, but this countdown is reminds me of this:)
CANNOT WAIT!
(Pardon the reference to one of my favorite shows, Arrested Development, but this countdown is reminds me of this:)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Momma Bear
In the past week or two, I've come to notice what can only be called "maternal instincts" kicking in.
I think I've always been a maternal-like person, I'm just more aware of it now.
First, I'm excited to announce that I will be moving into a new position at work next week. I worked my butt off and did not take no for an answer when there was even a slight chance this promotion might be held off a week or two. I felt empowered and strong to fight not only for myself, but also to be in a position that would make me all around a happier person. Happy mommy, happy baby, right? It's not just me I'm worrying about anymore. I need to make decisions and act on them based on what will be best for our family. I'm very excited about this change.
Second, the nesting bug bit me. It started two weeks ago. I returned from a lovely brunch with a friend, had the apartment to myself and went CRAZY cleaning/organizing. Every surface must be polished and sanitized! I didn't realize nesting would happen so soon, but here we are! I feel like there's a small tick that has taken over a small portion of my brain that renders me slightly psychotic in the pursuit of cleanliness.
All of this may or may not coincide with my obsession with Pinterest. Looking at creative and inspiring ways to decorate and organize makes me giddy for when we all finally move into our new apartment so that I can make it our home. I even want to make homemade cleaning products that are all natural. No chemicals, please! I absolutely love settling into a new apartment, and can't wait to make a beautiful home, a lot of it based on inspirations from Pinterest. Our home, along with creating a beautifully cozy nursery is also something I'm looking forward to.
With the cleaning and organizing and wishing for our future home and what I'll do with it, I've come to realize I'm a crazy mix of my own parents. My Mom likes things in their right place. Her way is The Right way. Typically, this drives me nuts, but I am coming to realize more and more, that everything does have it's place, in an attempt to keep some kind of order in the home. For my own personal sanity, I've come to learn, less is more. This is where my Dad comes in with his organization. The man loves to throw things away. "You don't need it, get rid of it." Growing up, I was a bit of a pack-rat. Everything had sentimental value (hey, I was a sensitive kid). The last few years, I've gotten over that. I honestly enjoy purging that which I no longer need, and choosing what new items in my life more carefully. Also, organization is what my Dad is known for. He loves bins and labeling things. It's his thing. I'm not quite to that level, but I certainly appreciate it.
This lethal combination of Everything In It's Right Place and Organization will hopefully find it's way into our new home (and not drive everyone crazy).
There's still A LOT that needs to be worked out before we're ready to even START settling in for Baby. The sooner the better. I'm trying to keep my impatient tendencies in check and take it all one step at a time. This is very much a challenge for me but I'm trying to do my best. Some days, some weeks, are better than others. Today, if I'm honest, wasn't a good one. All I can do is my best right now and try to go easy on myself. Tomorrow is another day.
Love, Ashley
I think I've always been a maternal-like person, I'm just more aware of it now.
First, I'm excited to announce that I will be moving into a new position at work next week. I worked my butt off and did not take no for an answer when there was even a slight chance this promotion might be held off a week or two. I felt empowered and strong to fight not only for myself, but also to be in a position that would make me all around a happier person. Happy mommy, happy baby, right? It's not just me I'm worrying about anymore. I need to make decisions and act on them based on what will be best for our family. I'm very excited about this change.
Second, the nesting bug bit me. It started two weeks ago. I returned from a lovely brunch with a friend, had the apartment to myself and went CRAZY cleaning/organizing. Every surface must be polished and sanitized! I didn't realize nesting would happen so soon, but here we are! I feel like there's a small tick that has taken over a small portion of my brain that renders me slightly psychotic in the pursuit of cleanliness.
All of this may or may not coincide with my obsession with Pinterest. Looking at creative and inspiring ways to decorate and organize makes me giddy for when we all finally move into our new apartment so that I can make it our home. I even want to make homemade cleaning products that are all natural. No chemicals, please! I absolutely love settling into a new apartment, and can't wait to make a beautiful home, a lot of it based on inspirations from Pinterest. Our home, along with creating a beautifully cozy nursery is also something I'm looking forward to.
With the cleaning and organizing and wishing for our future home and what I'll do with it, I've come to realize I'm a crazy mix of my own parents. My Mom likes things in their right place. Her way is The Right way. Typically, this drives me nuts, but I am coming to realize more and more, that everything does have it's place, in an attempt to keep some kind of order in the home. For my own personal sanity, I've come to learn, less is more. This is where my Dad comes in with his organization. The man loves to throw things away. "You don't need it, get rid of it." Growing up, I was a bit of a pack-rat. Everything had sentimental value (hey, I was a sensitive kid). The last few years, I've gotten over that. I honestly enjoy purging that which I no longer need, and choosing what new items in my life more carefully. Also, organization is what my Dad is known for. He loves bins and labeling things. It's his thing. I'm not quite to that level, but I certainly appreciate it.
This lethal combination of Everything In It's Right Place and Organization will hopefully find it's way into our new home (and not drive everyone crazy).
There's still A LOT that needs to be worked out before we're ready to even START settling in for Baby. The sooner the better. I'm trying to keep my impatient tendencies in check and take it all one step at a time. This is very much a challenge for me but I'm trying to do my best. Some days, some weeks, are better than others. Today, if I'm honest, wasn't a good one. All I can do is my best right now and try to go easy on myself. Tomorrow is another day.
Love, Ashley
Saturday, February 11, 2012
17 Weeks: First Kicks
Yesterday we had a prenatal checkup. Quick and easy. But let me tell you, listening to that heartbeat is just the best. I don't even know what other words to use that will adequately describe the excitement and happiness that comes from hearing it.
I also asked the doctor if I should be feeling any movement yet because I hadn't yet, although some of my books have said this should start to happen. She said not to worry and we will be more concerned about hearing it around 24 weeks.
Well, lo and behold, on our car ride home, under my coat and seatbelt, I felt these little pokes from my belly! It was the strangest and most exhilarating feeling! Later that night, lounging on the couch I could feel these little movement again. This time, Mark was right next to me and could put his hand on my belly to feel it. The second time the kicks started up again, as soon as his hand came to my belly, there was one strong kick. We turned to each other with our jaws dropped. Hello to you too, Baby!
I also asked the doctor if I should be feeling any movement yet because I hadn't yet, although some of my books have said this should start to happen. She said not to worry and we will be more concerned about hearing it around 24 weeks.
Well, lo and behold, on our car ride home, under my coat and seatbelt, I felt these little pokes from my belly! It was the strangest and most exhilarating feeling! Later that night, lounging on the couch I could feel these little movement again. This time, Mark was right next to me and could put his hand on my belly to feel it. The second time the kicks started up again, as soon as his hand came to my belly, there was one strong kick. We turned to each other with our jaws dropped. Hello to you too, Baby!
First Post!
Hi Everyone!
I'm so excited to FINALLY begin this blog in order to keep our family and friends from all over the world informed on what's going on with Mark and I, but most importantly, THE BABY!
We have started calling the baby "Lucky Dragon Baby" as this year is the Year of the Dragon, which is considered one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Zodiac.
(See? Everybody wants to have a baby this year! Lucky us!)
We have a lot to do between now and mid-July when we meet the little one, but we're absolutely thrilled to be together and have a baby.
Stay tuned! A lot of updates to come. And please feel free to leave us comments so we know who's out there.
Lots of love and joy,
Ashley & Mark
I'm so excited to FINALLY begin this blog in order to keep our family and friends from all over the world informed on what's going on with Mark and I, but most importantly, THE BABY!
We have started calling the baby "Lucky Dragon Baby" as this year is the Year of the Dragon, which is considered one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Zodiac.
(See? Everybody wants to have a baby this year! Lucky us!)
We have a lot to do between now and mid-July when we meet the little one, but we're absolutely thrilled to be together and have a baby.
Stay tuned! A lot of updates to come. And please feel free to leave us comments so we know who's out there.
Lots of love and joy,
Ashley & Mark
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)