Emmelia Anne

Born at home on August 31, 2010

At 4:15 am

6 pounds, 6 ounces

18.5 inches

birth story to come...

Copyright © 2010 by Mia Santana
BellaMia Foto, Riverside, CA | 951.818.5619
www.bellamiafotos.com

week 37

Little one, you've made it to week 37 and it's almost time for us to meet! We are all ready for you but the doctor and midwife tell me that you are a really little one, so take your time in there and get all cute and chubby, because we like chubby cheeks out here. I had to go in for some special testing this week and I got to hear your heartbeat and see you again, twice actually! You were making the cutest faces and had the sweetest little lips and nose (they looked so big luscious little baby, it made everyone laugh!). Your little profile was so beautiful...she let me watch you for a while. You were holding your little arms up to your face and were clenching your fists so tight. I think you were wondering what we were doing out there. The doctor was so pround of you for being such a great "practice breather", she said it made her happy to see you trying so hard, because she knows that you had the extra energy to devote to all your "outside life" practice! Keep getting stronger and bigger little one! We can't wait to see your little face and give you so many kisses.

Symptoms: I've been experiencing some spotting, really tingly boobs, menstrual-like cramps under my belly, more frequent and stronger (and longer) braxton hicks contractions, frequent urnation, pressure, reverse sciatica (I think the baby is playing with a nerve that runs down the inner thigh-it feels so funny, kind of like a dead leg), and discharge (TMI I know). Oh and did I mention I lost my mucous plug 18 days ago. Yes 18. At least I know the gears are turning. The wait has been/is kind of exciting though :) 

Total weight gain: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yes please! I have outgrown (or hate/or stained) almost every item I own with a maternity label. I would really like to go and get some larger sized stuff without stains all over the boobs and belly, but...you know, the mister says no.

Stretch marks: Those "two little ones" on my hip have gotten a bit bigger, and redder. :) I secretly want to splurge and buy bio oll :P

Sleep: I've been getting plenty of sleep, mostly in the mornings though. My nights are kind of restless and I get up pretty often. I can't sleep on my back anymore (it's really painful) so I've learned to enjoy side sleeping. I have no problem sleeping in though, that's actually when I get my best sleep! I'm definitely livin' it up, but I am pretty excited to sleep on my belly again, even if it means less sleep!

 

Best moment this week: Getting our maternity pictures back from our friend. They are so beautiful, and made me cry when I saw them...I never thought I'd be taking maternity pictures with my husband. God is so merciful!

Movement: Baby Ham has slowed down a bit, but is still pretty active. I mostly notice big stretches and slower movements, probably because he or she is running out of room.

Food cravings: Cereal with really cold milk sounds good all of the time, yogurt with granola (yum), sandwiches and anything cold is really great these days.

Belly Button in or out: Flat. Really flat. 

What I miss: Just sushi.

What I am looking forward to: Experiencing labor and meeting our baby.

 

Milestones: Week 37! Baby Ham is considered full term! (well kind of)

 

How is daddy? I think he's excited and nervous at the same time. He always finds a way to mention that his wife is pregnant to random people, even sometimes in front of me...I think it's so cute!

How are the grandparents? Great! Still excited I'm sure! :P

week 36

Today we went in for our 36 week (AND 5 days) appointment little baby, and you had the midwife all worked up about a few things. The midwife tells me you are going to be small...she estimates you at 5 or 5 1/2 pounds right now. She thinks you'll be 6 or so by the time you're born, but maybe you'll surprise us! I bought us some bacon (real bacon not the kind that Daddy eats!) for our sandwiches today ;) hope you like it! You're still doing really strange things in there and I'm a bit curious to see when you'll come! Only a few more weeks now little one...we are praying for you and anticipating your arrival!

We had our home visit last night with our birth team and attendants. I was so nervous, and it was a little stressful for me. It was hot and we had a lot of people in one room, and I was worried about how some of our attendants were going to react to the meeting, and what questions would be brought up. I also met for the first time, two new midwives, one of whom will be at the birth, and was imagining that in a few weeks I'll be half naked in front of everyone there.

Thomas seemed uncomfortable amidst all the estrogen which subsequently led to the loosening up his already loose filter. The meeting ended with a baby "ebbing" in and out of the "birth opening", a reference made to "prairie dogging", and me telling him rather rudely that he could go in the other room if he couldn't handle it. My FIL also joined in for the last few minutes, he missed the no boys allowed except for Thomas memo. So in all it was an awkward adventure, but one I'm glad to have been on. I feel excited, and somewhat prepared...and huge.

week 35

This week little one you and my body have been doing some strange things. For starters, I've been spotting for three days now and on Sunday I lost part of my mucous plug, twice. I also feel like you have moved down a bit, your kicks aren't where I'm used to feeling them and are definitely "lower", I can't tell though if you've "dropped down" or not, I don't think you have. What does all this mean? We're not sure :) We do know that you could come this week or in three...or five. Hopefully not seven though, okay? At any rate, I'm sure you'll let us know. I've already had a little talk with you if you though...at least 12 more days okay baby!

Things are getting more and more exciting around here and we've been doing lot to prepare for little baby Ham. With the countdown at 5 weeks (hopefully not 7!), I feel like I can see the end of the road! I still have lots to do though (some special sewing projects for our midwife) so I don't mind if the baby gives me a little more time.

Copyright © 2010 by Mia Santana
BellaMia Foto, Riverside, CA | 951.818.5619
www.bellamiafotos.com

week 34

This week we went to meet our midwife and Karen (another midwife) to talk about you and me, and your arrival next month! We had our visit in her office, which was the front half of her home. We talked a lot about my iron levels, and went over different questions we had for her regarding our home birth. We will be scheduling our 37 week "home visit" soon, which will be kind of like a walk through, and ordering our birth kit tomorrow! I can't believe you're almost here little one! Daddy and I are so excited to meet you! 

We are currently in the Dormition fast and I'm using this special time (it's a feast of my patron saint you know) to pray extra, and prepare my heart for your arrival. I've been trying to get us to church more (there's a service everyday) and to pray for us and for your birth a lot too. Things have been pretty peaceful around here and this season in the church has definitely contributed to such a feeling. I am feeling myself slow down these days, and like it a lot.


I don't know if this is normal, but I still feel really great! Sure, I'm pretty tired and sometimes grumpy, but I really, really cannot complain-pregnancy has been pretty good to me. Every now and then I'll do something I shouldn't and pinch a nerve, or I'll get a lot of BH's in a row and that's uncomfortable, or have trouble sleeping comfortably. But, I can move around fine, with a semi, not full, waddle, and have lots of cute things to wear so I'm a happy camper. Plus-there's a baby in there (!) and that makes it all worth it. A lot of people have been asking me if I'm "done" being pregnant. I know I still have a little over a month to go, and that might change thigns, but I'm kind of worried how "not being pregnant" will feel. Sure, it will be nice to meet the baby, and to find out what it is, and come up with a name, but for the time being I'm still enjoying being extra plump, and seing random people smile at my little round belly. It's been so magical and special, and I'll be ready for it to be over when my body and baby are too!

33

This week you're the size of a pineapple little one, measuring anywhere from 19-22 inches in length and weighing just around 5 pounds! I'm so excited to be in the home stretch, at least it seems that way, and I'm getting really excited about your arrival. We are busy finishing up our home so that it will be all ready for when you're here and we won't have to do anymore "big" projects. Needless to say, your room is almost ready! Can't wait for you to see it! :)

32

It's been a few weeks since I've written you little one...and a lot has been going on! You are making mommy so tired these days! You're about 4 pounds now and over 19 inches long (or so they say) and I can tell you're running out of room in there because you've been in the same position for a while now. Your movements have become more deliberate and smooth. You roll less now and most of your movements seem like you're trying to stretch out! They hurt sometimes but for the most part I really enjoy it. Sometimes (this is pretty much a daily occurrence) I sit with my shirt up just watching you move. It makes me laugh and I am always in wonder and amazement watching you, just imagining that there's a little person (a little You!) in there making my belly move. It's so amazing little one and I can't wait to meet you!

31

 

I sing for joy at the works of Your hands.

Psalm 92:4

 

 

 

30

 
30 weeks 5 days update!

 

Symptoms: So far so good! I've been noticing this "tired" feeling a lot more and have been really having to watch my water intake to avoid headaches, I've been getting them more often than I'd like and I think that may be the cause. I can't complain too much, I feel pretty good! 

Total weight gain: 19 pounds.

Maternity clothes:Forever 21 has (some) maternity clothes now. How. Completely. Awesome. No more coral and teal for me.

Stretch marks: Just two little ones on my hip.

Sleep: With the aid of lots of pillows, sleep hasn't been an issue.

 

Best moment this week: I was able to hit the beach twice this past week, felt super great in a bathing suit, and spent hours floating in the ocean! We also added a few more things to the nursery...a rocker/glider, new mattress, got an awesome deal on a brand new co-sleeper, and had my father-in-law re-vamp our special crib!

Movement: Yes. So much. Baby Ham is head down and alternates his or her little bottom from side to side whenever it likes. I feel lots of heels and/or fists. It's pretty cute!

Food cravings: I don't think I've had much in the way of cravings for specific things. French fries sound good all of the time, as do sandwiches, eggs and yogurt. I kind of eat whatever sounds good.

Belly Button in or out: Half way in...I think it's fading fast though. :)

What I miss: My clothes (I literally have two things I can wear to church.)

What I am looking forward to:Our brewery tour, I mean "babymoon" :P and, of course, our showers!

 

Milestones: Week 30!

 

How is daddy? He's getting more and more excited everyday. He's been pretty good about making sure I get enough rest, food, water, and such. He has to help me into bed at night (we have a really high bed) and he always gets me water. 

How are the grandparents? Still excited! 

29

This week you're as big as a head of cabbage and a little over three pounds! Your wake and sleep habbits have changed again, back to how they normaly were. I think you must have been going through a "fetal" growth spurt or something and you needed to sleep in. You are up all night wigling around in there (Daddy tells me so), and you always do a little flip or wiggle in the mornings when I first wake up. You get the hiccups at least once a day and I've taken the liberty of calling you "foot" for now. You like to kick/push right behind my belly button and sometimes you like to stretch out, pushing out the sides of my belly at the same time. We went to the beach the other day and I decided to dig a hole for my belly in the sand so that I could lay on my "stomach", kind of like old times. It wasn't as comfortable as I imagined it would be but it was nice to give my back a break for a little while. I think you liked it too, you were squirming around in there at first but I think you setted in and enjoyed the cool sand and hammock like feel.
I think about you all of the time and pray for you little one. We've been getting your room ready and I just love to go and sit in there and imagine what it will be like when you're here. 10 more weeks little Ham!

28

I've been thinking a lot these days about what it will be like to have you here. I am so excited to give birth and to meet you and find out what you are and what you'll look like and to name you. I wonder about what kind of person you'll be and what kind of person you'll make us! I can't wait for you to come out and we are so thankful that God gave you to us! We love you so much!


This week we almost didn't have a picture little one (we do have one, I just can't upload it). Things have been super busy around here and I've been getting an itch to re-organize and clean everything and anything I come across. (Yes everything...The eaves of the house, the concrete outside, under the beds, all of the linens, my car upholstery, I even thought about cleaning the trash cans, and had my sciatica not started up again, they would have been looking squeaky clean!) I think you're making me super forgetful too. I'm loosing everything and misplacing a ton of stuff. Here is the current list of things I can't find: Emma's remote, my tea/table spoons, the camera cable, and my sewing scissors. 

(Picture soon.... I hope)

27

We had a nice visit yesterday with your sweet (and only-for now) Auntie who just loves you so much and is always talking about you. She and I watched a movie together and she got to see you moving around a lot! You jumped a few times and caught her attention...she got to see you moving and feel you too! I told her to talk to you, so she did. You responded so much to her voice, and we could feel you moving in two different places at once, which I think means that you were waving your arms and kicking your feet at the same time. She does have a pretty exciting "Auntie" voice and it was so sweet to see you get so excited when she talked to you. You made her so excited! I know she can't wait to hold you and tell you how much she loves you!

A few days ago I failed my glucose tolerance test so this morning I had another (the three hour one). I brought along a great movie to keep me company and spent a lot of time walking around through the halls and up the stairs. I was not about to sit there for three hours, after drinking the equivalent of half a cheesecake, and let them falsely label me a diabetic, because well, I sat around for three hours. I have no idea if walking around actually helped my body better metabolize all that sugar, but at least I'll know that I tried. Because of my PCOS I do have a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes, so we'll see how it goes...hopefully it went well.

I had a midwife appointment the other day at Kaiser and here are the stats:

-So far I've gained 12 pounds (I've lost a little...)
-BUT, my fundal height is measuring 28 weeks so they tell me baby Ham is doing just fine. My mom tells me that she always had a really "small" belly, so I'm thinking I can expect the same. (She also had her babies early, fast labors, and only had this with girls...I'm not getting my hopes up!)
-The baby's heartbeat was so strong and loud today. She didn't tell me what it was, and I forgot to ask, but I could really notice a difference in how much louder it was today.
-I received my RhoGAM shot...which I'm still a little ( a lot) upset with myself about, I feel like I should have asked more questions, requested one without thimerosal (mercury). I hope I made the right decision. I didn't look into it that well and decided to read (in-depth) about it after the fact. I feel pretty stupid.

On the bright side, we/I'll be signing up for some classes this week, prepared childbirth (I think it's Lamaze...I think I'd be more excited if they were Bradley, but we'll take what we can get as they're mostly free through Kaiser!), a breastfeeding class and back exercises for a healthy pregnancy, so that's pretty exciting!

The baby has been so active and I've started to notice a difference in the way the baby is moving. The baby "kicks" a lot less and I've started to feel these really fluid, STRONG and deliberate movements. Mostly little stretches and flips, or a crockodile roll here and there. And feet too! Oh the feet! Baby Ham likes to stretch his or her feet out, a lot. It's so cute! But, as the baby's gotten bigger, his or her little movements have gotten stronger and sometimes hurt. a. lot. I've only had to ask the baby to stop once though :)

26

I've been really bad at updating lately little one, but I promise that this one is actually "us" a week ago! You've been SO active and it's just so much fun to feel you moving around and to wonder what you're up to in there. You are a little over two pounds now and almost 16 inches long (the size of a cucumber!) Your eyes have also started to open and that's exciting too. This week I turned 23 and I celebrated by thanking God for you and spending the day at Glen Ivy with some lovely ladies (you'll meet them soon!). I am so excited to meet you and can't wait to find out if you are a boy or a girl! 

Baby Shower cake ideas!

I particularly love the "Angel Chad"...oh never mind, they're all awesome!

Sorry, I know there are a few offensive ones! I just had to though!

We're in the double digits!

181 days down. only. 99. more. to. go!

(here are some videos of baby ham squirming around. 

The movements are a bit faint but maybe you'll be able to catch them.)

Baby Kicks! from Maria Ham on Vimeo.

More Baby Kicks! from Maria Ham on Vimeo.
 

25

Little Ham you're getting so strong now! You move all. day. long. and especially whenever I'm trying to fall asleep. It is so fun to feel you kick and wiggle and squirm and punch and roll around in there! I try really hard to catch it on video but you're really shy and you always stop, most of the time anyway. Last night Daddy and I watched a movie and he was laying in front of me (probably squishing you a little).  You were kicking him (and me) the ENTIRE time. It was kind of cute! This week you're the size of  an eggplant, weighing in at somewhere around two pounds and a little over nine inches long! AND, this week you're getting rid of your little nose plugs and you'll start to "practice" breathing!

24

Here we are..week 24! I can't believe that we've been together for 6 months already (okay minus the two weeks you were still an egg, but that counts right!?!!). It's all starting to sink in and seem REAL (barely), like you're really going to get bigger, and your really going to come out, and we're REALLY going to meet each other (and I'm really going to get to use all the cute stuff I'm sewing for you!).

I am so excited little one. You have no idea.

This week I've been spending some quality time with my bernina and making lots of cute things for baby ham. I've made a diaper bag (I think Petunia would be jealous), and matching wet bags, a nursing cover, and a changing pad. It was really fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it. We've been working on the nursery more too. Baby Ham's grandma and grandpa came over the other day and helped me repaint one of the walls (no more green...it's all "southern breeze" aka blue) and surprised us with a changing table and some cute little things for baby ham!

 

23

 Well little one, we're almost to 6 months now and you're the size of an ear of corn and you probably weigh a little over a pound and a half right now! You've been moving around so much in there and I can't believe how strong you're getting. You've been trying to escape lately and/or make yourself a sky-light or something...it's pretty funny. I like to sit on the couch with my shirt up and watch you move. It's so fun to see you wiggling around in there. You like to kick the sides of my belly a lot. Right now you're usually laying transverse with your head towards my left side and your feet over to the right, but you mix it up and sometimes your head is on the right. You make my belly look really lop-sided...it's super cute. I like to poke you and watch/feel you move, though it makes daddy really mad. He thinks it might hurt you or at the least bother you. I still poke you though :) Can't wait to meet you! 

23 week update!

How far along: 23 weeks and 6 days!

Symptoms: Okay, just to warn you, I'm going to let loose here. If you don't want to hear me complain, skip down to "best moment last week" :P I feel like I've reverted back into the first trimester, or like I'm prematurely entering into the third trimester. I'll go with the later for now since I have no idea how bad (or good) the third trimester will be. 

So here's the list:

Chest pain, sciatica, nausea (yes it's back :(... and some vomiting), fatigue (my new bedtime is 9 pm), swollen veins in my feet, acid reflux, headaches, a VERY overactive (and leaky) bladder, constipation, indigestion, trouble sleeping, and really bad hair days-everyday.  :) oh well!

Total weight gain: 15 pounds! Random people start to acknowledge my pregnancy now when I'm out :) they don't believe me when I tell them I'm almost 6 months. 

Maternity clothes: I have packed away all of my jeans and church skirts (with the exception of anything with an elastic waist), and all of my dresses and pre-pregnancy shirts, except some camis. I have a trusty pair of jeans, some shorts, and a few holy shirts that I get by with (I get holes in the belly part...it kind of bothers me). I really need to start looking for some summery pieces and some new shirts that I feel good in. I've been feeling pretty frumpy all of the time!

Sleep: Sleep has been hard! Emma has been really bad at night. I can't get comfortable despite all of my best pillow nest making efforts. AND, baby Ham likes to freak out the moment I lay down and get cozy and he or she flips around for a good 10 minutes. It keeps me up.

Best moment last week: Feeling baby Hams stronger kicks and flips! being almost 6 months! 

Movement:Baby has been moving around so much and is getting stronger and stronger!

Food cravings:Food has been making me sick lately, so, no...

Belly Button in or out: In and really hollow! 

What I miss: Sushi, sleeping on my belly, not having a hairy belly (baby ham has made it so hairy!!!), and not having love handles. ;)

What I am looking forward to: a bigger belly :)

 

Milestones: almost 6 months!  

 

How is daddy? Daddy is good! 

How are the grandparents? They're good too!

Mothers Day...

was beyond words.

22

 

Well little one, we're getting closer and closer to meeting each other. It's exciting to see the countdown get smaller! This week you're as big as a papaya and are probably weighing over a pound. Your little face is fully formed and I'm sure by now you're able to tell who's who out here. Daddy startled you the other day, not on purpose, he was just talking kind of loud-it was kind of cute but sad all at the same time! I finished your crib bedding (except for the quilt) and am going to start thinking about how to arrange your room soon. It's been and will be so getting everything ready for little you!

 

 

I've been trying really hard to get a video of the baby kicking...it's so cute and amazing. This will have to do for now though...my lop-sided belly in all it's glory!