Baby is the size of a squash! (week 31)

This week, our baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's moving a lot, too, so I (and Joe...) have trouble sleeping because our baby's kicks and somersaults keep us up. But we're taking comfort: All this moving is a sign that our baby is active and healthy!

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-31-weeks_1120.bc

Having ourselves a Merry little Christmas....

Here's a few shots from our holiday festivities! We had such an awesome time hanging out with Jessie checking out the Christmas lights on Yongsan base, and we had a great Christmas day together too!

Joe and I opened presents before she got here,

then we opened some together,

and then she helped me cook and bake

while Joe set up the house and carved the ham and the turkey for Christmas dinner for his squad while singing along to Christmas carols!

We had a great little time. =)

We even started a new Christmas breakfast tradition - french toast made with egg nog (virgin, of course). OMG yum!!!!

For all of our Christmas pictures, check out our shutterfly account http://www.josephandgina.shutterfly.com/. xoxox

Baby's the size of a squash! (week 30)

Our baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in my uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-30-weeks_1119.bc

Baby's the size of a squash! (weeks 29-32)

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Those kicks and jabs to my sides tipped me off.) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as I’ve also noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with my own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=21

Baby pictures!!! =)

Finally got around to uploading the ultrasound pics. Enjoy meeting our baby girl!! =) xoxox

profile

profile again

feet

feet again

face

close up nose and lips (kinda hard to figure it out)

close up face with elbow in front

Baby's still the size of an eggplant! (week 28)

By this week, our baby weighs two and a quarter pounds and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through my womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-28-weeks_1117.bc

I'm making my list and checking it twice!

My Christmas card list, that is!!

I love sending Christmas cards. I love sending cards in general, actually. But there's just something special and magical about Christmas cards. Usually I spend hours picking out my favorite family photo, shopping for photo mounting cards, printing my own pictures, using a paper cutter to make them all perfect, mounting them in the cards, writing a little something, making Joe sign them all with me (hahaha), stamping and addressing them all, and taking them to the post office feeling all warm and cozy and like I am spreading lots of love, peace, joy, and Christmas cheer to everyone on my list. Plus I get a huge creative buzz off the whole thing as well, so there's that too. =)

Last year was the first year I didn't send any Christmas cards. We were preparing to move, we were traveling all around the country visiting family and friends for about 3 months before we left, and it was just too hectic for me to take the time to do all that. I was very disappointed and really missed the whole experience. It has definitely become part of my Christmas traditions that I cherish.

So this year, I decided to cut some corners and use a photo site to make our cards for me. I will miss out on all the hands-on part of it, but seeing as it is already December 3rd (how did this happen!?!) and we live on the other side of the globe as most everyone else on our list, it seemed in the best interest of time to let someone else do the work for me. So I've been shopping around on different photo sites looking for designs I like and who has the best prices.

WELL, did I hit the absolute jackpot this week!!!! I was reading my girlfriend Diane's blog, and I found exactly what I've been looking for! Shutterfly is having some pretty big sales this year, and since I'm already a member of that site, this couldn't be easier! (Though you don't have to be a member of their site to get in on these deals.) Right now you can save up to 30% on cards, and you can get free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more by entering the code SHIP50 at checkout! OR, if you happen to write a little blog about how awesome they are, they'll give you 50 cards for FREE!! I would've written about this anyways, so this was just fantastic news. =) (For details on their blogger promotion, go here: http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/)

They have almost 600 Christmas photo cards (go here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards) and holiday cards (go here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards) to choose from! You can play around and add your own pictures and messages on any design you like, without having to commit to anything. It's such a great way to be sure you're getting exactly what you want. And honestly, it's just really fun. Below are just a few of my favorites - I have about 10 designs that I absolutely adore and I've only gotten up to about 250 out of the 600 designs. There is definitely something here for everyone!

Along with Christmas cards, you can also whip up some great holiday gifts on Shutterfly as well! They have photo calenders (go here: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars) and tons of other photo gifts (go here: http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts) to choose from! I just finished making a few photo gifts of my own, and I was a recipient of 2 photo calenders last Christmas from my nieces and nephews. They were absolutely fabulous! It was so awesome to have their little smiling faces around, even while we're a world away. =) Shutterfly does some great work. I can't wait to figure out which card design I'm going to use and see the finished product! Oh, and the best part for me - they will stamp and mail all the cards for me for just a smidgen extra. This could not be more convenient. Perfect timing, Shutterfly, just perfect. =)

xoxox

Baby is still the size of an eggplant! (week 27)

This week, our baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, our baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalking up any tiny rhythmic movements I may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so I just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-27-weeks_1116.bc

Baby's still the size of an eggplant! (week 26)

The network of nerves in our baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both our voices as we chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. If we were having a boy, his testicles would be beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days. (But we're not this time! =)

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-26-weeks_1115.bc

Joe was right. ;)

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!! =)

We have ultrasound pictures but still need to scan them into the computer first. Too busy preparing for Thanksgiving to do that now, but will post them soon. We are so happy! She is perfect and healthy and the most beautiful little thing I've ever seen. We have SO much to be thankful to God for this holiday season. =) xoxox

Baby's the size of an eggplant! (weeks 25-28)

Time to get Joe to put an ear to my belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up my antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=20

Baby's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-25-weeks_1114.bc

Baby's still the size of a papaya! (week 24)

Our baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts baby at just over a pound. Since baby's almost a foot long, baby cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but baby's body is filling out proportionally and baby will soon start to plump up. Baby's brain is also growing quickly now, and baby's taste buds are continuing to develop. Baby's lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help baby's air sacs inflate once baby hits the outside world. Baby's skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-24-weeks_1113.bc

Baby's (apparently still) the size of a papaya! (week 23)

Time for me to turn on the radio and sway to the music. With baby's sense of movement well developed by now, our baby can feel me dance! And now that baby's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound, you may be able to see baby squirm underneath my clothes. Blood vessels in baby's lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that our baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing baby for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as loud music, voices and video games — probably won't faze baby when baby hears them outside the womb.

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-23-weeks_1112.bc?scid=mbtw_preg23:939&pe=2Uz2vRM

Baby is the size of a papaya! (weeks 22-24)

Time to watch what we say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and our own voices most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- I just have to pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=19

Baby is the size of a banana!

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, time to think about what I want our future child to eat as I prepare my own lunch.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=18

Made me think of one of my favorite songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgjkth6BRRY

2:30 is where it's at, but feel free to enjoy the whole song. =) xoxox

Baby is the size of a cantaloupe!

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=17

Made me think of:

"Oh you can't elope with a cantaloupe if you are a watermelon.

But if you are another 'loupe' that cantaloupe might just be willin'.

Oh you can't elope with a cantaloupe if a cantaloupe you're not.

No you can't elope with a cantaloupe if you are a coconut."

(Can't find this on the internet to give you a video of this amazing song from my childhood, but ask my Mother and I'm sure she'll sing it for you. ;) xoxox

Baby's the size of a mango!

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) We might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=16

Cuanto le gusta!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgQq0gqVrOc

We're getting ready to enjoy a month at St. Maarten in the Caribbean!!! Don't know how many posts will get done while we're away, but I'm sure I'll have tons to catch up on once we get back! xoxox

Baby's the size of a sweet potato!

Our fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to me), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that I've been able to feel those movements!!

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=15

Baby's the size of an onion!

Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=14

Also, Baby can move its joints, and its sweat glands are starting to develop.

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-17-weeks_1106.bc

Happy 3rd Anniversary!!!!

3 years...3 beautiful, wonderful, adventuresome, exhilarating, stretching, growing, changing, learning, loving, laughing, living, fighting, forgiving, accepting, fun, happy, blissful, amazing, awesome, exciting, caring, comfortable, cuddly, snuggley, cozy, lovely years with my bestest, most favoritest friend and husband in the whole wide world!!!!!!!!

We had SUCH an awesome day together yesterday. Joe took off from work and we spent the whole day just enjoying each other's company. =) We had breakfast together, took a little drive (in the POURING rain) up to Camp Casey to pick up our mail (more on that later), did a little shopping on base, and had lunch together at Popeyes.

Then we went shopping at some outlets, though we didn't find what we were looking for, and some of the stores we'd wanted to go to were closed down, but it was still nice. Then we went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner (found out there's one that's only like 10 minutes from our house!!!). And OMG it was AMAZING!! Neither of us have ever had a steak so good! I had the most tender filet I have ever eaten, and Joe had the most tender ribeye covered with this garlic steak sauce that there aren't even words to describe. They get their steaks from Australia as South Korea doesn't raise any cattle...it was such a fantastic treat. =)

Then we went home and watched a disk of our favorite show, The Office, together. We also exchanged presents during the day as well. We like to give each other the traditional and modern gift ideas for anniversaries, and this year it was leather and crystal/glass. We decided to get leather jackets, but couldn't find any while we were out shopping, so we'll have to keep looking once we get back from vacation. I got Joe a glass and crystal chess set, (though sadly, even though I thought I'd checked it, one of the pieces was broken, so I'll have to exchange that little guy...)

and he got me three of the most beautiful hand-blown glass vases I've ever seen!!

He has such impeccable taste. =) Thank you, baby, for such a wonderful day!!! I love you with everything I am and am SOOO happy to be married to you! xoxox

AN EVENT OF EPIC PROPORTION!!!!!!!!

Well, two events, actually. Today I heard our baby's heartbeat for the first time AND I felt our baby move for the first time! I am one happy Mommy!!! =D xoxox

Newest Belly Pics!

16 weeks =)

Baby's now the size of an avocado!

We've gotta watch what we say now...tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up our voices! Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender. (But we still aren't scheduled to have one until at least another month or so.)

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=13

Also, baby's heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day!

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-16-weeks_1105.bc

Baby's the size of a naval orange!

Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Our fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though I still can't feel the movements.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/slideshow/how-big-is-baby.aspx?page=12

Also, although baby's eyelids are still fused shut, it can sense light. If we shine a flashlight at my tummy, for instance, baby's likely to move away from the beam. [Though I can't feel that yet.] There's not much for our baby to taste at this point, but it is forming taste buds. Finally, if we were to have an ultrasound this week, we may be able to find out whether our baby's a boy or a girl! [But we aren't scheduled to have an ultrasound for at least another month.]

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-15-weeks_1104.bc

My best friend Kat's sister, Jennifer, was diagnosed with Cancer at 30, breast, liver, bone, now lung. Fighting for 10 years. Well she's still standing and wants to know who is standing with her???? If you are , PLEASE watch this video. This is our Race Team JEN-eration Cure Video for the Komen "Bust a move" Contest. The most "hits" (views) wins. It would mean a lot! Thank you!!

Also, if you are able to make a donation, please visit:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcharlotte.info-komen.org%2Fsite%2FTR%2FRacefortheCure%2FCLT_CharlotteAffiliate%3Fpx%3D5660791%26pg%3Dpersonal%26fr_id%3D1833&h=e6315rtM22hikhz5Nfluzym0T8g

With your help this JEN-eration will find a cure!

xoxox

Baby's now the size of a lemon!

WE'VE BEGUN THE 2ND TRIMESTER TODAY!!!!! =)

Our adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking!!, toe wiggling, (not as cute but equally amazing) making urine, and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys, and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over Baby's body for warmth.

Taken from: http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/second-trimester/articles/your-pregnancy-week-14.aspx

This week's other big developments: Our baby can now squint, frown, grimace, and grasp!

Taken from: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-14-weeks_1103.bc

Blueberries!

Thanks, Mom, for sending everybody in TWF a Maine blueberry towel!! I love mine so much! We got it in the mail the week our baby was the size of a blueberry, and Joe was convinced that's why you'd bought it, not because Maine is known for it's blueberries. =) Even though he's wrong (haha) I'll enjoy thinking about when my baby was that small when I use it for years to come, I'm sure. =) Love you! xoxox

Dreams Really Can Come True!!!!

Yes, my Joseph is playing Star Craft II on our 42" HDTV...it's okay to be jealous........ ;)

(Too bad the screen is just too huge and he was totally disoriented and didn't like it. But at least he was able to try it out and decide for himself!!! Lol. I love my little gamer...) xoxox

Dinner out!

Joe and I went out to dinner a little while back with two of his KATUSA's, one of his friends, Eric, and my girlfriend, Jessie! We tried Korean ribs this time. They were a little tough to chew, but still amazing! The marinades were incredible and the side dishes were really great too. Expensive, but worth trying it out! We all had a great time together and enjoyed lots of laughs. I love friends... =) xoxox