Twenty-Four

According to a baby app on my phone, AJ is the size of a grapefruit. He moves a lot whenever he is awake. My parents got to feel his kicks. He doesn't let Joe feel him lol. As soon as I place Joe's hand on my belly, he decides to remain still. It's funny. He does kick Rocky our dog, Rocky kind of reacts to it, like he moves away a little, but of course he doesn't know whats the heck is kicking him. I can't wait to see the dog and boy relationship lol.

Yesterday my brother, sister in law, mom, Joe and I went to drop off the contract at the banquet hall we decided to go with for the babyshower. It was also a great oppurtunity for everyone involved in the planning to see the place and get an idea of where the things will be and such. I cannot say it enough, how thankful I am for my family and their help. My brother and his wife are the ones throwing it for us. Joe and I are helping to buy things, but if it were just us doing this, it wouldn't be as special? I don't know if it makes sense, but as a Hispanic, the entire family is involved in raising the children in the family. Growing up I was aware that if I broke the rules, or treated my parents like trash, I'd have to deal with the backlash of my actions from my aunts, grandparents, and etc. 

I made up my mind of how I want my cake, I know 1 tier will be red velvet, and the second tier will be pineapple filling. Dominicans love their fruit fillings in their cakes lol. I declined a Dominican cake. We eat it at every family event, and it gets tiring. Luckily Joe's co worker is a baker, and his cakes are just perfect. Not too sweet. His prices are also very reasonable. I hear that his cupcakes are excellent. He makes batches with a variety of flavors. Mmmm, really looking forward to it. My family will be cooking, and depending on what everyone makes, we will get additional platters to add more of a variety. All that I have to do right now, is start buying the mason jars, and the acrylic paint. I decided that the most economical way to go with flowers is baby's breaths. It makes sense too lol. Get it? My friend Valeria will help me with the messy part (painting.) The invitations are all of their way to their homes. The shower is less than a month away, eek! So, bare with me and my shower related posts.

PREGNANCY: Like I mentioned above, I know when he is sleeping. He always wakes up after I have a meal, and moments after I am hungry again lol. He makes sure to take his share haha. My energy levels vary. My 5th month I was seemingly normal. Now in my 6th month, I find myself craving naps, and sleeping in later than I did in my 5th month. But, that is normal. One of the scars from my laparoscopic surgery attempt tends to hurt. Like, really bad. I can tolerate high levels of pain so to me its painful but not to the point of crying, but it is annoying, and uncomfortable. I try to move around hoping that he changes position. That usually helps. I will mention it to my Gyn during my next visit. My appetite varies. One thing that hasn't changed is that I NEED breakfast. If not, I feel like I will collapse. I eat at 7am, and then have to eat again at 11 or 1130. I also try to snack in between meals. Water is always nearby. My juice  of choice right now, is natural lemonaide. And junk food of choice? Mc Donalds. During this month, it seems like I can no longer drink Coke. It gives me palpitations "/ Ive never been a huge soda drinker, but I need caffeine here and there, it helps prevent headaches. So, chocolate will have to do hehe. 

19 Weeks

When you read books, or did it for a living (counseling pregnant women) you think that you pretty much are well prepared for the day that its your turn to be pregnant. Oh, how naive I was.

Before I found out that I was with child, I knew that something was different because never in my life (not even with my lifelong struggles with anemia) had I felt such fatigue. Oh, it'll end after the second trimester, is what they told me. Wrong. Don't get me wrong, it does ease up, but every day is a guessing game. One day I feel energized, and then I get a wave of "I just want to go to bed, pleeeeease!" There are some days when that is what I look forward to. Bed time.

The hunger that I experienced during my first trimester was record breaking. In my book atleast. Even Joe would catch himself saying "Wow." I didn't take offense to it, because I myself would be shocked. It felt as if I'd eat, take a break and wait around 20 minutes for the baby to get its fill, and then it would be my turn to get mine because the "I am starving like Marvin" moment would return. That has lessened. During the first couple of weeks, I craved seafood. All that I could think about was having a big plate of paella (that sadly never came because when it was offered, I no longer cared for it.) Now, the only thing that I ever really crave is beans. Dominican style beans, with white rice. I don't know what it is, but mmmm. Other than that, I dont care for much of anything. Only fruits. Note to self: Ask OB if I should be worried about my loss of appetite.

The fun part is that last week I began to feel the baby move. Its random. I feel it when I least expect it. It took getting used to. It feels like a little frog is jumping around in there lol. Now, I just smile whenever I feel it.

On 1O/23 I had my 18 week ultrasound. So far, one of my favorite moments ever! My mami, papi, friend Valeria, and Joe were there with me. The ultrasound tech, Martie was awesome. Such a sweetheart. I loved that eventhough she has seen/scanned thousands of baby ultrasounds she made me feel as if mine was her very first and favorite. Our baby was lying on its head. The position it was in was like a C. It cracked me up. After all of the important scans, and measurements, which I thank God were all normal, we got to find out the gender. Our baby was not shy. It showed us several times that it is what it is... A boy! We are having a boy! I wish I had a camera on me to capture everyone's reactions. We were all shocked. Many of my family members guessed that it would be a girl because of dreams, and such. Joe? He had the biggest smile, and was laughing. His face was the one that I focused on. Me? I was the first one to say... It's a boy? And covered my mouth lol. I couldn't believe it. You might be thinking, why is it such a surprise, when theres only a 50/50 chance of what it could be?--Just wait until you or someone close to you is expecting. It feels like there are a million possibilities of what it could be lol.

So, yeah, Adrian J. Batine is who has been causing all of these body changes lol. Its okay, he's worth it.  If sometimes it sounds as if I am shedding a negative light on pregnancy, excuse me. It is not my intention. Its just me sharing my experience and my wake up call that it isn't all roses and rainbows. Yet, its something that you wouldnt trade for the world because you know that in the end of it, you're getting someone awesome. Something awesome.

NOT ABOUT THAT LIFE

Keeping up with a house is no joke. But, it always brings a great feeling when you see it all coming together. My past few weeks have been filled with googling new recipes to try, food shopping, cleaning here and there, laundry, dishwashing (I am not about that life lol ;) , I want a dishwasher! We joke about our wishlists being filled with household appliances, oh how priorities change.) 

I have also been the chaffeur of my parents whenever they need to go to their appointments. The only time that I mind is when its to go see their primary care physician, they take forever to see you there. My father went through another eye surgery, this time for his right eye. His retina detached. The doc says that it can happen if you sneeze, cough, heavy lifting, etc etc. Poor man, he couldnt see at all (He is to have surgery for his left eye as well. Diabetes is no joke.) As for my health, I popped my left arm last night while stretching, and now I have a pinched nerve. It feels like my arm weighs a lot, numbing, and tingly feeling in my hands. I have been taking Naproxen for the inflamation, and putting cold and warm compress. No bueno. 

As for the photographs, I love watching Joe taking care of the lawn. Its his weekend hobby. Who would've guessed that a guy from the Bronx would be mowing, weeding, and gutter cleaning. Not long ago when my mother and I were gardening, we noticed that we had roses blooming. They are beautiful, and I love the contrast of the brick wall. I have been trying to go back to eating more furits, instead of junk food. I do not want to gain back all of the weight that I lost. Its tough without working, and not as much physical activity. If you haven't met him yet, that is my heart, Rocky. He's a 6 y.o chihuahua/jack russel mix, and he is spooooiled by me, and especially Joe. You really should see the two of them. It melts my heart. As for the other pictures, they are pretty self explanatory. Cooking, and treats received in the mail.

I hope that you're having a wonderful week. Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to breathe.

The past weeks I have been on a little emotional rollercoaster. I find mysself in these "I don't want to talk to anyone, I dont want to text, I just want to be." Of course I talk to my fiance. Thankfully, I have some understanding people in my life. Depression wise, I am doing way better. Anxiety is still here. I have anxiety attacks in the morning, sometimes before going to sleep, and at random times throught the day. I just remind myself to breathe. I find myself not breathing sometimes. 

Unto some happier bits. I hosted a small dinner party, the guests were my cousins Malvina, and Genesis, Malvina's boyfriend, and Liam their 8 month old son, and my godson, my bfriend Valeria joined us. It was a nice time, the boys were in the livingroom, and the girls were eating in the diningroom, sharing stories, and a lot of laughs. I made chicken parm, with biscuits and it was pretty good. Easy to make as well. Genesis made an oreo ice cream cake, and it was delicious! I think I will make it myself, but add a twist to it. I hope to share that with you guys. In pictures of course, if I could send you a bowl, I would. Trust me.

Now unto the pictures from that very night. You'll see how adorable, cute, curly, chunky, my godson is. I just want to bite his cheeks lol. I love him, my pollito.

*xo, c i n d y.

Chocolate and God

What's happening? I am okay. Keeping myself busy. Surprisingly I haven't been oversleeping. I don't know whether to blame, or thank Rocky (our dog) for that. He wakes up like clockwork between 10:15-10:30am. He's funny, and persistant! 

Tomorrow, I have to go to the community college, and prove that I am a US Citizen. My certificate has my birthday as 8/26/2086. So, bow down biatches because I am from the future! ;) I kid. I kid. Afterwards I will go to the library, to check out something for my mother, and if they have it, I'll rent it. Umm.. What else? Let me just share some pictures, those always make updating you easier. Enjoy!

To keep with our budget, I have been cooking everyday. I even baked 

yesterday, and made this 2 tier chocolate cake w/ sprinkles! Yummy.

Okay. We cheated last weekend, but I was craving this triple decker

turkey club. It is so good! Ha, its a work of art, right? Again, yum!

We had a little visitor yesterday. What a cutie.

= what keeps me going, baby!

Other than that, I am still painting walls. I have moved into the dining room. I can't wait till its done. I love the colors that I chose. Don't worry, I have been taking plenty of pictures as I go along.

Okay, to bed I go. Tomorrow will be my last day covered by the old job insurance (can you believe they wanted $615 a month if I decided to keep it?! Theyre crazy.) This is only temporary. This is only temporary. Good night, and have a lovely day.

*besos, c i n d y.

Chocolate and Buns?

Hey! How is everyone doing? I am alright. Let's get right to it...

Before this job at the hospital, I had been without health insurance for a very long time! We all know how expensive it can be to get coverage if your employer does not offer it. I have been taking full advantage of this. I have been following up with my pcp and got blood work (which had been years! since my last!) I am more anemic than ever! I can tell you all that much. And have been getting migraines almost every weekend for a while now. Those things make me stay in bed or in couch all day and they really suck. Luckily I am managing it all with the help of my lovely doc. who I adore! He actually seems to give a damn. I had a Cat Scan of my head and neck due to the headaches, and my past medical history. I believe that I mentioned it here a while back how I had a Cerebral Aneurysm when I was 12 years old. Today I found out just how rare those are in kids. And it brought tears to my eyes. It just reminded me how lucky I am (we all are) to be alive! I saw a Neurologist today to discuss the results of my test, and everything looks great!!!! Says I shouldn't have a need to have more testing for another 10 years : ) she answered a lot of other questions and for the first time, I met the clip that I have in my head holding it all together in there. I was like 'So that's what you look like!" lol. I'd share the picture but didn't know if any of you would want to see it.

My family is doing alright. My brother's father in law passed away about 1 week and a half ago. My family is very close to my brother's wife's family so, it affected us all. I can't wait to see her and give her a REALLY big hug! I have been wanting to go out just the two of us, and spend the day together and I don't know, just bond more. If my brother's happy, than I automatically love and respect her.

This is my month bitches! I turn 25 on the 26th. Eeeek! I am trying to figure out what I want to do that weekend. I will definitely keep you posted on that when it's either happened, or when it's concrete. You know me, I hate jinxing things. Enjoy these snap shots. Not many, but I cannot update without some eye candy. And this time, it's literal! Yum!



I love my high bun. This one was inspired by Lauren Conrad's cover of her 'Style' book.



My growing nail polish collection.



Buy your favorite tub of ice cream, and a box of cones (preferably waffle cones) and treat yourself to one or more a week! It's cheaper than hitting a stand somewhere.

Oh and how can I forget? Jersey Shore kicks off tonight! I won't be watching it until Saturday though. But I will be fist pumping right along with you guys in my dreams! (Yeah, I go to bed early lol)

* con mucho amor, c i n d y.

Sexy Movimiento

30 Day Song Challenge: Day 03/ A Song that Makes You Happy



This song always makes me want to dance when I hear it! It's not new and honestly, it will never get old for me. The beat is crazy and I enjoy the video not just because it was filmed in the Dominican Republic ;) I just like the colors and all of the women in it are beautiful as well.
--------------------------------------

Today went by super quick! I don't know if it was just me. I went and got another massage in the hospital in honor of Nurse's Week (for free!) and it was better this time around. I am sticking to eating the lunches that I bring. It was hurting my body and my check, eating from the cafe! Enjoy the day, it's been a lovely one here. I hope to update with pictures for Friday. Ciao! *

* con mucho amor, c i n d y.

Work, Rain, and Polish

Hello! It is now May! I know my boyfriend is probably hoping that with the end of April, comes the end of the rain. But nope! It's predicted to rain for the entire week lol. I don't mind it though, I enjoy the rain and the way it forces most people to stay off of the streets and relax and not do anything. Well, me anyway lol. Then I get the "It's raining? Oh well, still time to ____ (insert outdoor task)"

I am now, two weeks in at my new job. And I must admit, that as scared as I was to be doing something new, I am happy with my decision. I am slowly turning into a morning person! Gasp! I would always be grumpy and not in the mood, but going to bed at 9pm and waking up at 6am is not as bad as I thought it would be. We tend to be so busy at work, that time just flies by. I did however go to my old full time job's annual banquet last Thursday. It was very interesting. The food wasn't too good in my opinion, but then again I am battling a cold, so it could've been that. I left right after the main speaker did her thang. It was nearing my bed time, and I knew that if I stayed 'til the end, I would've been kicking myself on the ass the next day. This Wednesday, I'll be going back there for about 2.5 hours. That'll be my Wednesday routine. It may not be a great amount of money, but I have plans with that extra income.

Here are some pictures that I have snapped with my phone, over the last two weeks. Enjoy!

--------------------------------------------------------



The sign that you see at my job as you walk out of the elevator.




As employees we each are "CEO's" of something. I haven't been assigned anything yet. But, there's this lady that's in charge of keeping the work enviroment "fun", and she had us guessing how many things were in the egg, I guessed 35 and there were 37, I won. And, then there were these eggs in random places, you'd match the number to the prize and get something work, office related, like pens, pads, etc.



This chinese spot is yummY! Reminds me of food court from the mall chinese. I don't like chinese food anymore, I only like the mall kind. It's different. So, I enjoyed this. And the place was pretty, and there were actual waiters.



Myself, on Thursday, after the banquet. I curled my hair, and pinned it to the side.



Waiting for Joe to come to bed. Yeah, we still need night stands "/



Nail polish of last week. It's from F21 about 2 years old, and it lasts a long time! Got my $2.50 worth!

* con mucho amor, c i n d y.

Random: Things I Like

This post is just to share some of the things that I like. Some are even my favorites! I could've easily written about them. But that's booooring! So, I decided that pictures would be the best way to do it. Enjoy and stay warm!

-----------------------------------------------------------




Tiramisu







Candles all over the apartment. The candle holder in the last picture was purchased at a garage sale for $1.00 candles are from Big Lots.


I love baskets. Got this one from Goodwill $0.97 tied a bow on it, and put it in my bathroom as a magazine holder.


Jewelry holder. A gift from my best friend :)


Icey water.


Pizza.


Snow.




Breakfast. It's usually my favorite meal of the day. Not just in the mornings haha.


My Journal!

* con mucho amor, c i n d y.

Birthday Weekend

As I wrote in my previous entry, my 24th birthday was on August 26th. My co workers got me a card and a cute bracelet (I have to take a picture of it to show you) and they baked me cup cakes (red velvet, my fave!) That was the highlight of my actual day. On Friday my boyfriend left work early and took me out for brunch. I was leaving for New York that day, so he dropped me off at the bus terminal.

That Friday I met up with a bff and went to the movies. We watched The Last Exorcism + then had some drinks. Really great times : D Saturday afternoon I met up with Xenia and Kathryn (my two best female friends) and we drove down to Jamaica Ave to catch the E train. I didn't know what we were doing, they wouldn't say. When we made it to the last stop I realized we were going to The World Trade Center. I had mentioned to Xenia how I had never been there before. We went to Ground Zero and into a museum they had around the corner dedicated to 9/11...

We walked around and got some pizza and went inside a accesories store. I was in heaven lol. I bought a necklace. I wanna go back! We then took the train again, and walked around. I saw Outback Steakhouse and thought we were going there, but when we walked past it I looked to my left and said 'Hey, isn't that Lips, the drag queen place?" And they said yeah, and I was like..."Is that where we're going?!" And they laughed and said yeah. Lol I was SO happy! We had a great time! Go if you get the chance! We got a bit tipsy lol. And then went to see Takers. I love my friends, they truly made it an unforgetable weekend! From Friday to Saturday : ) Love you all!

* con mucho amor, c i n d y.