#pregnantgalproblems

Obviously the title is a play off some of the popular hashtags you see on Twitter (#whitegirlproblems, #firstworldproblems) in which the “problems” aren’t really problems at all.

See where this post is going?

On Sunday, Mother’s Day, I will be 37 weeks. FULL TERM!!! Woo-hoo! (I’ve been reading a lot of articles that say full term is now 39 weeks. Whatever. I’m sticking with 37.)

I haven’t taken one belly shot this entire pregnancy. We know how I feel about maternity shots. But as my time is coming to an end I want to do something to document it.

I have been thinking about doing a belly cast.

 Story time: I remember when I was back in high school and MTV Cribs was a must watch show. Actually most of the shows on MTV were a must watch. I was watching the episode that featured Tommy Lee’s and Pam Anderson’s home they had shared together. There were a lot of things to remember about their home: some weird Big Bird-style wall, his recording studio, the sex swing…..

But what I remembered the most was the belly casts they had displayed on the wall.  I remember thinking that was one of the coolest things and when I had children I would do the same thing.

Fast forward some odd years later and I didn’t do it with my son. I kind of forgot about it. Oops.

I do want to do a cast but now there are so many questions: Where do I hang it? Should I decorate it? Will my children think it’s kind of creepy Mommy has her belly hanging on the wall? Do I want people seeing it and thinking, “Um…..are those her boobs and belly….NAKED?!”

Taken while at the birthing center

Speaking of documenting, I have been toying with the idea of having a photographer present during labor and delivery. Deciding to see midwives and go all natural with the birth has made me feel like I am pregnant for the first time. I have been reading a lot of birth stories and I like some of the pictures that are shown along with them. But I don’t know how I feel about having some random person being with me at the birthing center, completely in my personal space, snapping pictures. I thought about asking a family member to do it but then that can cause drama with other family members who won’t be present at the birth. And to think, pregnancy is supposed to be about the mom and the baby. Yeah, right. Most likely I’ll end up having someone in our family (correction….mine……and by “mine” I mean my sister if she isn’t working. Is that cool with you Susane?) doing it.  

#Pregnantgalproblems are so hard. 

Things I Miss.....

1. Smoked Salmon Bagel. I think this may be my first meal after delivery.
2. Besides water, green tea is the only thing I would drink on a daily basis. It was hard to give it up. It especially sucked when I was getting headaches due to my caffeine withdrawals.
3. Hookah….sweet, sweet, hookah. A couple of weeks ago while having lunch at Mezza, I saw a woman enjoying “The Hookah” all by her lonesome. I stared. I stared hard and had no shame. Matter of fact, I told her I would stare because I’m pregnant and I miss The Hookah. She was totally fine with it. At least she acted like she did. Don’t worry, I didn’t stare for long as my attention was stolen by great taste of the Phoenician Fries…..yum.
4. I miss my crazy workouts.
5. I miss indulging in any alcoholic beverage in general. I chose this picture because last night as my husband was watching (and yelling) at the basketball game (Mavericks vs. Oklahoma), a commercial for Corona  appeared in honor of Cinco De Mayo.  No lie, I actually closed my eyes and envisioned myself drinking a nice cold one. It. Was. Good.

Book Review: Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell

It has been a while since I have read a book so I wanted to ease back in with an easy read. I have read another book by this author and enjoyed so I was looking forward to reading this one.

There are a majority of people who think, “If I win the lottery, life/things would be easier.”

This book shows the downfall of what happens when you suddenly become a millionaire.

Lucy  Parker is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day (name that book!!): she got fired from her  job because a student accused her of making sexual advances towards him because she refused to change his failing grade, then she comes home hoping for some comfort from her boyfriend who’s busy “comforting” someone else…..in bed.

Between packing up all of his belongings and getting drunk of warm champagne (oooh….talk  about  killer hangover), Lucy bought a lottery ticket….and won big.

At first she decides to keep it to herself because she’s in complete shock and wonders how do you tell friends and family you are now an instant millionaire.

Unfortunately her secret isn’t kept for long and soon her house in bombarded with reporters who have dug into her past, specifically  her getting fired from her job, and the media has dubbed her  “The Lottery Seductress.”

Once her life is put in a whirlwind and everyone surrounding her is giving her mix signals , Lucy decides to escape to Palm Beach to stay with her rich friend from college. At first things are great: new look, new name, new wardrobe, partying every night, new men (two!)…life is good.

Even though she is enjoying her new life there is a huge part of her that yearns for her old one. It doesn’t help that she has to lie to everyone new in her life about who she really is.

Pretty soon her old life starts to mix with her new one as her identity is discovered.  On top of that she has to deal with people in her life that are trying to take advantage of her new money.

Some parts of the book were very predictable but it was still an enjoyable read. I did like that it shows money can’t solve your problems and your past will always catch up with you.

Tantalo Boutique Hotel, Panama City, Panama

I don’t think I have ever mentioned it on here but both my parents are from Panama and one thing I learned early in life is they take serious pride in where they come from. Matter of fact, any Panamanian I’ve met has serious pride in their country. Seeing the driveway of our house filled with cars donning Panamanian memorabilia during a barbeque is not unfamiliar sight to me
As I was scrolling through the PopSugar App on my phone I was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a new hotel, Tantalo Hotel, has just opened in Panama (about a month ago) and is getting major recognition.

Exterior. Very Colorful. Very Panama

The Green Wall

Love the wooden spool being used as a table.

Huge fan of black doors and framing.

This room is much more calmer (color-wise) compared to the others.

Artwork extends up to the ceiling.

Not a huge fan of modern style bathrooms but if staying here I’ll make an exception. ( I spy a black door!)

Might be my favorite room.

You can never go wrong with a rooftop bar.

I’ll have a drink…..or 3…maybe 4.

Images via PopSugar and Tantalo Hotel

Midwives Update

I have not been thrilled to go to my check-ups. They have all been the same lately.

“Drink More Water”
I am trying to drink as much as I can. I am constantly drinking water and constantly going to the bathroom! I drink about 100+ ounces a day. Still not good enough. My midwife suggest I triple my intake.


“Your Iron is Low”
This is something I have always struggled with. I have been tested and I am slightly anemic. I took iron pills when I was pregnant with my son and my level barely went up. My midwives suggested I take blood builders. Actually one suggested it and the other said as long as it stays the same or does not drop I should be fine. Whatever.


“Gain More Weight”
What the fu….?!! My first trimester I lost 12 pounds but I have gained back 18. I am measuring correctly during each visit. Each visit I tell my midwife what I am eating and it consists mostly of fruit and vegetables (and some meat…I have been wanting meat) and I’m told I sound like I’m dieting. I am eating the same way I have with my son. I only gained around 20 pounds with him and had a healthy 6lbs 11ozs bambino. I have about 5 1/2 weeks to go. I am not going stress the weight gain. Plus, my iron is low I have been trying to eat more greens and oatmeal (than I already do) I’m drinking more water……things are going to run through me a bit quicker therefore the weight really isn’t going to pack on. I’m not going to start eating a bunch of crap then give myself preeclampsia or something else.


“Do you shake when you walk?”
Might as well with all the vitamins I’m taking: Cranberry pills, prenatal vitamins, Vitamin D3, iron pills, evening primrose oil.
Cranberry: helps prevents UTI’s and to keep my “flushed”
Vitamin D3: keeps me happy!
Iron: Self-explanatory
Evening Primrose Oil: Thins the cervix. Can be taken orally and/or inserted into the vagina
Prenatal: takes care of everything else.

I have received a few forms asking what choices I want to make: circumcision (while I’ll do if it’s a boy), Vitamin K shot or giving it to them orally, Group B Strep Test, giving my child eye drops when they are first delivered, if I want my picture published and posted on their wall (um, no).
I got a bit perturbed when I stated I would be getting my son (if it’s a boy) circumcised. The midwives philosophy is that they give you all the options and it’s up to you to make your decision. I felt a bit judged at that moment. Then again, I am over this pregnancy so I can just be taking the vibe wrong.

My Thoughts on The Walking Dead Finale? Eh.

Last night was the anticipated Walking Dead season finale. Well  was it anticipated? Hmm...not so much for me. After the last two predictable episodes I didn't expect for anything to shock or wow me and it didn't.

The Deaths?
Predictable. No major characters go killed off. Otis's wife and that boy that lived on the farm. Can't remember his name right now. They were expendable so did anyone feel bad when they died? I think they should have killed off a major character. Although I am a fan of Darryl, only one not getting on my nerves, it would have been quite a shocker (to me!) if he was bit.

The Big Secret?
Um....pretty easy to predict. After Shane and Randall came back without being bit it was pretty obvious the "huge secret" was everyone was infected.

Also, I don't know if it's really a secret but the panning out at the end to show the building wasn't really a shocker either. For one, there's a good chance that building is already occupied (either by humans or walkers) and if it isn't, it is going to be really risky for them to try to stay there. That's a huge place to secure.

The episode overall?
Average. Was it just me or did they pump up the blood squirting/gushing a bit too much? I felt like they were trying to overcompensate?
It was also predictable. I knew that Andrea wouldn't die. Thanks to my brother who read the comic book, I know a little information about the story lines. In the book Andrea is really good with a gun and becomes somewhat badass which you see being developed in this episode. When she was saved by the "mystery character with the sword" I wasn't shocked either. I already know that she is a badass black chick who is pretty damn good with a sword and takes no prisoner....except for armless walkers. I really hope they spend time developing her character next season.

One more thing, I wonder if they will show members from Randall's group. If there were 30 men some or all of them had to make it out after the Walkers took over.

Even without knowing a few things from the comic book the finale was still mediocre to me. Like I said, it would have been a shocker if someone major would have really died. Who know's? Maybe I am just jaded and nothing shocks me anymore.

Better Than Most Gossip Magazines and Reality TV Shows….

Image Source

are Baby/Parenting Forums. Just like most pregnant women, I like to keep track of how my baby is developing weekly. An app on my phone makes it even more convenient. I don’t remember why/how it happened but I was browsing the forums to see if there would be any good advice. Um……these women do not hold back. The things I have read!

One woman’s husband is a teacher and apparently he has been texting back and forth with a student. The wife was more upset about the fact the student used bad grammar in her texts when she should be upset about her husband texting with a student!!! But! The plot thickens. Someone on the forum tracked down who this person was because apparently the complaining wife used to sign her name and blog at the end of each post she wrote. Once they were tracked down a call was made to the school and the husband was suspended. Not really sure what happened as the wife only came back onto the forum to say “Make sure you don’t sign your name. My husband got suspended!” This chick is seriously delusional.

Another pregnant woman had an issue with her family because her younger sister was pregnant as well and felt like she was getting as much attention with her pregnancy.The youngest got mad because they were planning a baby shower for the older one. By the way, the younger sister is 16. Yup. Instead of freaking out their 16 year old daughter is pregnant they are too busy trying to cater to her needs.

Some women ask for name suggestions and want to know what others think. “What do you think of Rose for a girl? Too old fashioned?” “Help! I need a middle name!? Um, why in the hell are you asking strangers for their opinion?! Personally, I don’t care what anyone thinks of the names I picked.

The ones when women find out (or don’t) of the gender are hilarious. “My husband is “Team Green!” He doesn’t want to find out and I agreed but I can’t take it anymore! Is it wrong to go behind his back and find out anyways?” “We weren’t able to find out what we were having because our baby wasn’t cooperating. This is the last ultrasound our doctor will give us. I’ve been crying all day! I may go to this other place that does 4D Ultrasounds to find out the sex.” “My husband isn’t talking to me because he thinks I’m upset we are having another boy!” This………I don’t get the big deal. Maybe it’s because I have no desire to find out I’m having but shouldn’t these women just be happy their baby is healthy?

Some post are really sad. There have been a few women that had their babies too early and unfortunately do not survive. I had my miscarriage pretty early on and it was devastating. I couldn’t imagine how it would feel to lose a child after you’ve felt it kick and heard it’s heartbeat.

Women complain about the rude comments they receive on the forum.”I come on here because I consider you ladies my friends. I don’t need to be judged and don’t deserve the mean comments.I just want to vent an talk to someone.” If you need to talk to someone without being judged, go see a therapist. It’s what I do.  HA!

I’ll defintiely have to try to do another one of these post before the little one comes because one they are here I am saying BUH-BYE to the forums.