The Many Faces of Marco Aurelio Mendoza

As you probably already know, I can't get enough of this little guy! I especially can't get enough of him in his little cowboy shirt and his John Deere boots that his grandma Chela bought him, and so I took many pictures...with different faces.  Two people mentioned that he looks like Woody from Toy Story with his boots....we'll take that as a compliment...I suppose. :)

Mine

I still can't believe he's all mine! I can't stop looking at him (and taking pictures, lots of them)!

Not a Newborn Anymore

Today I went through Marco Aurelio's clothes, and sadly had to take out his size newborn clothes. All of the pants are way too short, and his shirts show his belly.  People weren't lying when they said "they grow so fast".  I got a little teary eyed because my baby is growing so quickly and already I don't know where the time has gone.  

Newborn clothes going into storage

On a brighter note, I'm excited to see him wear his new clothes in a bigger size. 

LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Today I celebrate LOVE in a whole different way, as a mother. There are not enough flowers, teddy bears, or chocolate hearts to express my love for my Bebe. Thank you Marco for being one-half of this handsome bebe and loving us as you do.

Today Marco Aurelio and I had Valentine's Lunch with his grandmothers.  I think I can speak for them when I say they could not have imagined the immense love they have for Marco Aurelio.

Our Long Awaited Christmas Gift is Here!!!!!!!

He's Here! We present to you Marco Aurelio Mendoza, 6lbs 10oz, 19 3/4 in.,  born December 27, 2011 at 11:45 pm.

We are delighted, we are thankful, we are blessed. We are so many things I'd never finish describing how we feel! I can, however, describe the moments that led to this miracle. (It's a long story).

December 26th- Marco and I woke up early and headed out to the after Christmas specials.  Our goal was not to find awesome sales, but to walk this bebe out!  And I think it worked.  We walked ALL DAY long! We went to the mall, wal-mart, Ross, Target, and probably other places I can't remember now.

For dinner, Marco, Ramon, Crystal, and our friend Josh Urteaga met up for dinner at Texas Roadhouse on We arrived to the restaurant and had to wait a little while before we were seated.  While were waiting I began to feel little pains in my back. Then once we were sitting at our booth (which I do not know how I squeezed in there) the pains became a little stronger.  I finally realized I was having contractions! We joked with our friend Josh that he might have to help me deliver there if necessary since he is in Med school. :)  Josh lucked out since we made it through dinner successfully and no baby yet.

Marco and I went home and we started timing my contractions.  They were still far apart and not very strong.  At bedtime I decided to stay on the recliner.  I'd had heartburn up until this point and I just could not lay down anymore. In an act of solidarity, Marco decided to take the other recliner.  He soon fell asleep, and I continued to time myself.   I was secretly hoping that December 26th would be the day since it was my grandparent's anniversary but it was already pretty late and it was becoming clear it was not going to happen.  

Throughout the night my contractions became stronger and closer but still nothing I could not handle, however I had very little sleep.  Marco was still by my side, in deep sleep and snoring, but still by my side. :)  At about four in the morning I decided to jump in the shower and get myself ready. I took a very long shower, fixed my hair, and put on makeup.  I wanted our bebe to see me looking nice whenever he decided to make his appearance into this world!

Finally it was morning, and Marco asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital. Although I was in pretty bad pain by this time I said no.  We were scheduled for a doctor's appointment at 3 p.m. so I told him I would wait it out! And so I did. Once we arrived to the doctor's office my contractions became 10 times stronger and more painful.  The doctor was running late, and finally at 4 p.m he came in to see me. After checking me he said, "What are you doing here?! You are going to have this baby in the lobby! Get to the hospital."  The nurses said, " We can't believe you are still here walking around!"  I was dilated to a 7, so off to the hospital I went.

Once we arrived to the hospital, I was told to lay down and after that I didn't dilate anymore.  I was still having contractions but I was not improving.  I wanted to try to go all natural without pain medicine, epidural etc.  I was doing pretty well.  Marco was by my side the entire time and he did an excellent job.  I did not want him to leave my side.  He is so patient, calm and was such great support, especially his hands. I'm surprised his hands are not broken. I just kept asking him how I looked because I wanted to look good for pictures.  yeah. right. I was sooooo hungry, and all I remember my family talking about was food!!!!

 BEFORE

After a while, the doctor came in and suggested I take Pitocin, which is a medication that makes you have stronger and faster contractions and is supposed to help you dilate.  I was reluctant, but I decided to  have it. Immediately my contractions became 10 times stronger.  It's indescribable!  After being tortured for a while, and after realizing there still was absolutely no change, I decided to have the epidural.  Almost 24 hours after I began having contractions. I definitely held out as long as I could, and I believe I could have gone through without medication if only my body would have continued to do its job.  oh well.  

I guess I just never read anything about what to expect with the Epidural and I was totally unprepared for that feeling.  I could not feel ANYTHING below my waist.  My legs could have been cut off and I would have had no idea! Contractions and the feeling you have (or don't have) with Epidural are two absolute extremes and both are horrible!! By this time it was about 9 pm. and still no change.  At this point the doctor came in and started talking c-section.  At this point I knew this was the direction we were going in but I asked for more time.  He agreed, and two hours later there was still no change.  They prepared me for surgery and off I went.

For the first time in this whole ordeal I felt a little anxious.  I believe it was because I had to lay absolutely flat and it was a horrible feeling.  I began to shake and was very very cold.  I was rolled into the surgery room and after that I only remember tiny parts.  I remember Marco telling me I was being cut open...I didn't really want to hear the play by play so I decided to close my eyes and I guess I fell asleep.  The next thing I remember is hearing bebe cry!! I thought, "oh he's crying, he's ok"...and I went back to sleep! The last thing I remember in the surgery room is when they brought him over and I saw him for the first time.  He was a little bitty thing and he was perfectly perfect.  I kissed him, Marco kissed me and then I went back to sleep! 

When I came to my senses I was already in the recovery room and bebe was being cleaned up, and I believe the nurses were showing Marco how to bathe him.  They finished him up and the nurse asked me if I wanted to hold him and breastfeed. I held my beautiful little tiny baby for the first time, melted, turned to mush and all this love just came from within me and it was all reserved for him. I could not believe we had created him, that he had developed inside of me, and that he was finally here. 

The happiest father on the earth~!

AFTER

 
                                                     

Our Little Family

<3

A Christmas Tour

Last night Marco and I decided at the very last minute to surprise our family with a tour of the Christmas Lights! We also bought food and drinks and had a little get together afterwards. We had a great time!  I love that we both enjoy doing fun things for and with our loved ones!

One Week Later

Oh My Goodness!! What a difference one week makes! This is me at 30 weeks pregnant.  I think I can finally see a pregnant belly and not just a fat belly!  In my opinion, there's a big difference from last week's picture.

Bridesmaid at 29 Weeks

This weekend at 29 weeks,  I was a bridesmaid in my friend Sabrina's Wedding.  I ordered my dress a long time ago, and probably ordered the biggest size they had because I had no idea what I would look like at this point in my pregnancy! I'm happy to announce the dress had to be taken in...a lot. 

One Year Wedding Anniversary

One year ago Marco and I found ourselves replanning and rescheduling our whole wedding reception in a matter of minutes due to a little wedding gift from mother nature in the form of RAIN.  I think we heard a thousand times that Wedding Weekend that the rain meant many blessings would come our way.  Well, I have no way to dispute that theory; we HAVE been immensely blessed.  I have never been as happy as I am today.  I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, and with the most amazing gift a woman can wish for and who I can't wait to meet!

26 Weeks and One Year Wedding Anniversary

P.S. The one year old Wedding Cake was delicious! 

Waves...Not in the Water

Today I felt the waves.  I felt the waves inside of me.  I felt Bebe move for the first time.  I was laying on a lounge chair by the pool after a swim in the ocean when I felt him move. I think it was his way of telling me he loved the water.   It's the most beautiful feeling and I can't wait for more.

Vacation Time!

My family and close friends know that I have an obsession with Playa Del Carmen.  I fell in love the first time I visited in 2008 and even returned twice in 2009.  Last year I didn't go because there was wedding planning to take care of, and somewhere along the way the year ended without a honeymoon.  I was sooooo ready for a vacation this year (anywhere really), and then we found out about Bebe.   For about two minutes I thought we'd have to skip vacation again.   But then I thought, surely I'm not the first pregnant person to go on a vacation. The flight wouldn't be that long. And it's not like I'd be that far along in my pregnancy.  Let's just say I very easily convinced myself, talked it over with my Doctor, and got the approval to fly.

So as usual I took obsessive control of vacation planning and at 20 weeks pregnant, we made our way to Playa Del Carmen.  There was nothing more in the world that I wanted to do than get in the ocean while pregnant.  And it was a beautiful as I imagined.  I wanted Bebe to feel the waves, and he did, and he loved it. I know he did. :) 

20 Weeks Pregnant in Paradise. Couldn't be happier. 

I hope that we will be able to return next year and show Bebe the place that I love, where he first swam in the ocean. 

Boy or Girl?

Look at Our Big Bebe!! :)

And the little feet! I'm in love.

And drumroll please!.... 

It's a BOY!!! 

(See his little male parts on the last picture...highlighted by a green arrow? 

Yeah me neither. We're gonna take the Ultrasound Tech's word for it.)

We're are very excited that we are having a boy, but are even more grateful that everything looks normal and it appears we have a healthy boy on the way! 

17 Weeks

At my friend Sabrina's Bridal Shower.

15 Weeks

We had our second Doctor's appointment on Monday. Marco was able to go with me again, which is great as long as he keeps his eyes away from the scale when I'm getting weighed.  Seriously. It is amazing to see how much Bebe has grown, He/She doesn't look like a little peanut anymore.  Again he/she was moving around, and waving at us! I love him/her. Still no weight gain for me, which is good.  I can't wait until I look pregnant and not fat. :(

We were hoping we'd be able to see boy or girl but no luck, we have to wait until next month. Actually, I'm still debating whether I want to find out or not! Marco definitely wants to find out. I'd like to find out when Bebe arrives, but I don't know if I can wait that long.  It's SUCH a long time from now. I think what will happen is we'll find out and keep everyone else in suspense! Yep, that sounds evil enough. muahahahaha. Just kidding. Maybe.

Bebe at 15 weeks.  Love you Bebe!

Going Live

I've been writing this blog since we found out we were pregnant.  Until today no one other than Marco knew about it.  We wanted to wait until we went to the doctor to let the world know about our blessing. Believe me it was tough to keep such great news to ourselves.  So here goes...hope you enjoy.

Father's Day

This was my facebook status in honor of father's day yesterday:

"Thank you God for blessing me with the most amazing father. Thank you dad for giving us everything, always without a complaint. You are the perfect example of a hard-working, love-giving, and amazing father. Thank you God for blessing me with a husband who possesses those same qualities. Happy Father's Day Dad!!...... Happy Father's Day MARCO!"

My dad has done a lot for me. A LOT.  He continues to do A LOT for me.  And sometimes it's the little things that I will forever have in my heart.  Saturday we were at the mall in Odessa, and as we were leaving the smell of movie theater popcorn did not sit well with me.  As soon as we hit the parking lot, I started gagging. 

 My brothers being the brothers that they are, started making sounds of disgust and quickly walked ahead to the car.  My mom who never experienced any sickness in any of her 3 pregnancies (lucky her) kept walking along.  

I stopped in a grassy area of the parking lot and proceeded to throw up, and who do you think was by my side?  My DAD.  I could just feel the sympathy he felt for me at that moment.  He took my shopping bag AND my purse. My dad does not hold purses. EVER.  He asked me if I was ok, found me a napkin to wipe my mouth, and then we walked to the Tahoe while he still held my purse. That small gesture where he stood by my side and walked with me while holding my purse meant the world to me.  He stood by me like he has done throughout my life.  

I love you Papi. 

Dreams

I'm not talking about the ones at night, which these days for me consist of all kinds of food. :)  I'm talking about dreams for our child.  My Our little baby is not even three inches and I catch myself thinking about what we want to teach him/her, what he/she will be like, or what hobbies he/she will have.

On Friday at the very last minute, my brother Ruben very generously invited me to a concert to which my parents, Ramon, Crystal and him had been planning to go for weeks. Marco had to work so he couldn't go.  (It's about to get very Mexican in here, so just hang on.)  I agreed to go, and I am glad I did.  The artist was Espinoza Paz and he is great, but the best part was that he was accompanied by a 16 piece Banda during his show.  You can click the link to see what I'm talking about.  Anyway, while watching the concert I found myself dreaming of what I would like bebe to play...because he WILL be musically talented...unlike his mother.  He's going to play the Tuba...yes the Tuba. :) I just realized that this dream only works if we have a son...I don't know if I'd want my daughter playing the Tuba with a Banda.  However one thing remains the same, our child WILL be musically talented.  Can you tell I'm a little bitter by MY lack of musical talent?

Meeting Bebe

And now it's all so real.  Today was our first doctor's appointment, it felt like an eternity for our appointment to finally get here.  It kind of was.  I scheduled the appointment on April 28, it was originally scheduled for June 1, and then it was rescheduled for June 15! But the day finally arrived and we are happy to announce that everything appears normal, Thank GOD.  Marco was able to go with me to our first appointment after arranging his work schedule, and we both had an enjoyable experience.  We first met with the doctor in his office and he asked us lots of questions, and we asked him some questions.  Today I am 11 weeks and 4 days along and the Doctor has determined that our due date is JANUARY 1, 2012!! He also prescribed me some medication to control my nauseousness and morning sickness because although in the beginning I was feeling good, somewhere along the way morning sickness began to kick my butt.

Anyway, moving along to more fun things, we had a sonogram done and we got to see our baby for the first time.  It was AMAZING.  He/She was moving around so much!! The doctor said he/she is a happy baby and that's why he/she's moving so much.  It all became so real, I REALLY am pregnant! God has blessed us with the ability to develop someone in my body created by Marco and Me. We were both very emotional and of course I cried. What a BLESSING!!

Meet our Bebe.  His/Her little head is to the left. I know it's hard to see.

Of course bebe is too little still and we can't tell if it's a he or she, but it looks like it's going to be one active baby.  I should start to feel him/her move in a few weeks. Hopefully, the next time we go to the doctor we'll be able to determine the gender.

10 weeks

Today we are 10 weeks pregnant.  I haven't really taken any pictures, and I can't really tell much of a difference since I'm already on the chubby side.

The Blind Pig, Austin, Texas

Happy Mother's Day (to me)!!

I celebrated me (some may think prematurely, I think not) for the first time.  For the first time, I didn't have my grandma to celebrate. It was a bittersweet day, but I guess that's part of the circle of life; one comes to an end and another begins. How I wish she could be here to celebrate with me.

I'm so happy to be able to celebrate alongside my mom and I can't wait for this new chapter in my life where we will have so much to share with each other, and where I will have so much to learn from her about motherhood.   My mom knows what we're feeling without us saying a word.  She will stand up to anyone, like a Lioness protecting her cubs, to protect us (don't test her).  She says she will cross a fire for us, and I believe she truly would without thinking about it twice.  I hope that one day I will have those motherly qualities that she possesses.

This morning I found two greeting cards on the table, one from my thoughtful husband and one from Chikis.  It was the best feeling ever to be acknowledged as a mom-to-be, so of course I cried and cried. Marco always makes my day. :)

Heart Begins to Beat

Today I'm 5 weeks, 2 days pregnant.  Yes, we know the exact time.  I hope I don't jinx myself but I have been feeling pretty well.  No yuckiness, no morning sickness or maybe it's too soon for those symptoms.  I'm not sure. It's hard to believe there's a baby growing inside, but indeed a heart begins to beat.

Marco has started greeting me when he gets home and then touching my stomach and greeting bebe.  It melts my heart.  He also says the bebe wants to listen to Jay-z and Lil' Wayne...doesn't melt my heart so much.  :)

Pregnant in Heels

Apparently the moms' biggest concern is my love for heels.  My mom said I should wear flats from now on.  I told her TV celebrities wear heels all the time when they are pregnant.  Victoria Beckham is 6-7 months pregnant and she wore 7 inch heels to the royal wedding. I will take their concerns into consideration, but they probably shouldn't worry about me wearing 7 inch heels since I couldn't even stand in anything higher than 5 inches pre-pregnancy. :)

The Brothers

Yesterday I didn't get to tell my other brother, Ruben, the good news since he was at his soccer game. I texted him this morning hoping we could meet for lunch and I could tell him the news.  He replied, "Congratulations!!". Um what, how did he know?? Well, my mom was going to burst if she didn't tell someone, and since we had agreed we would keep the news among ourselves until a little more time passed, Ruben was her one and only option. I wish I could have told him in person and seen his reaction, but I couldn't be mad.   He told me to take good care of myself.  He doesn't say much, but he knows what to say. :)

Yesterday Marco didn't get to tell his brother, Raulito, the good news since he was....hmm, we don't know where he was.  Thankfully, Raulito texted Marco this morning so they could meet for lunch, which doesn't happen very often.  Marco told Raulito the good news at lunch, and later in the day I saw a status update on Raulito's facebook which said "Hung out with my big brother and it's the best day ever." Made me feel all happy inside.

Hola Bebe!

April 27, 2011

Can it be?  I'm 4 days late, and I'm always super regular. We just started trying....actually just STOPPED trying NOT to get pregnant.  Well, I need to put an end to this suspense.  I'm the only one in suspense by the way, because Marco has no idea I'm late. So after work I stop at the Walgreens by my office, make sure there's no one around that knows me (I don't want the world to find out before even I find out), and sneak to the pregnancy test aisle.  Quick. I already know what I am purchasing, I do a lot of online research. Too much. I also visited the Easter aisle to see what was left...Reese's Peanut Butter Easter Eggs and an Easter Decoration. I mean I had to have something else in my basket in case I ran into someone I knew.  I'm crazy, I know.

 Anyway, Marco is off today but he is out at happy hour with my brother Ramon so when I get home, it's just Chikis, Me, and the pregnancy test.  I run to the restroom because I have to pee, and then I stop myself halfway!.  Shoot, I have to open this box, read the directions, tear open the packaging.  Oh my gosh, I have to pee!!! Finally, much to my relief I quickly figure out what to do and pee on the stick.  And not even 30 seconds later there appears one line and then another line!!! Oh my GOD!! We are Pregnant!!! What a feeling, it's indescribable.  So I laugh, I cry, I thank God, and I tell Chikis, in that order.  She's not very impressed by the news.

 I finally settle down and try to figure out how I'm going to tell Marco, and then realize I should take another test just in case.  So I gulp down some water and go online for ideas on how to tell Marco.  The ideas I find are too complicated, take too long, or involve cooking dinner....none of which I want to do. I have to tell him NOW! By this time he is texting me to meet them at the bar, and I am dying to tell him but I can't let my fingers slip and tell him over text! That'd be horrible. So I can confirm the news with another test and then I finally decide to put my pee stick (I'm sure there's a more refined way to call it) in a long jewelry box and take it to the bar with me, you know, like a gift.  Yes, I said take it to the bar.

When I arrive to the bar Marco and Ramon are sitting at the bar.  Darn, that's not going to work because I don't want the bartender to listen in. To make matters worse, the bartender comes right up and asks what I'd like to drink...um water.  Ramon looks at me like I'm crazy and reminds me that lent is over and I can drink now.  After a while, I make up a little lie and tell them I have some gossip, but we have to move to a table where no one can hear us. We walk over to a table and sit down, and I'm ready to pull out my gift...but Marco decides to go to the restroom.  This is pure torture I tell you!  Finally he comes back and pull out the jewelry box and tell Marco "Happy Seven Month Anniversary!" He opens the box and after a few seconds figures out that he's a dad-to-be.  Marco is not a man of many words.  He said "nah uh, are you serious?" ,but the teary eyed look expressed more than words could say.  He leaned over and kissed me and told me he loved me.   Ramon, once he stopped doing whatever he was doing on his phone, was excited as well.

Picture of Dad-To-Be Once We Returned Home

Now I was dying to tell our parents, but who to tell first?  Marco suggested we wait until we could get them together, go to dinner and tell them at that time. Pfff, with the schedules our dads have, I might be in labor before we could get them together to tell them the news!  I couldn't wait one more HOUR!  We flipped a coin to see who we would tell first. It landed on Marco's parents but since his dad wasn't home from work, we headed to my parents.  My mom was about to start dinner, so there in the middle of the kitchen where it seems all the memorable moments occur, I took out the jewelry box.  My parents were beyond ecstatic with the news.  They have been praying, wishing,dreaming, begging for a baby or two or three.

We continued our good news journey to Marco's parents.  It took a little longer to give them the news because Marco's dad was busy with work related calls.  It seemed like an eternity.  I don't remember exactly what we were talking about but celebrating in the backyard came up.  I told them we now had a reason for celebration and showed them the gift box.  Likewise, they were ecstatic.  They have also been praying, wishing, dreaming, begging for a baby.

We are very excited for what the future holds.  We just pray for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy bebe.