How quickly time flies.

I can't believe that Roman is already 3 months old.
So much has happened since month one.

Recap:
June 26th- I woke up in the middle of the night in extreme pain...I thought I was having a heart attack. I woke up N who drove me to the hospital. I was hospitalized w/a gall stone and pancreatitis. I spent four days in the hospital and had my gall bladder removed. Dr gave my instructions not to pick up baby for the first week after surgery. So Momo (N's mom) came back to help us. It was so wonderful, Roman recognizes her voice and know she's his grandma. Momo stayed w/us two weeks after sugery went home for a week and 1/2 and them came back and stayed w/us til 073109. We miss her.

I celebrated my bday. I turned 40. N celebrated her bday. She turned 42.
Our bday's were pretty low key..we went to dinner. We decided not to buy each other gifts..Roman was the best day gift ever. I cheated though, she has been wanting a pair of Ray.ban aviator glasses..I finally got her a pair. (She looks "HOT" by the way).

Roman had his two month checkup and got his vaccinations. He developed a low grade fever and cried from the soreness in his legs. Poor baby...I cried just as much. I am so nervous about the next check up.

2 month check and shots: July 8, 2009

I like grape tylenol!


I like my bandaids




Roman had his first road trip..we went to Mama Ns hometown- Port Lavaca, Tx. He visited Momo and went to the beach. Roman didn't like being the carseat and had a breakdown or two on the way there and back. But he loved the water..(will post pics below)

First trip to the beach- July 18,2009


"I like the water!"




His head control is super duper and he is starting to laugh out loud and smiles all the time. His smile makes me melt. He has started drooling.. a lot. We have to keep a burpcloth or bib close to him b/c he dribbles on himself and all over us.

As of now he is up to 14 lbs 4 ounces and is ranging in the 75th percentile. (which is great). He was fussy and had a low grade fever Sunday and Monday of this week. I noticed that he wasn't himself. He was crying a lot and appeared to pulling on his left ear. Monday I decided to take him to his pediatrician. Ears looked fine..but Dr. noticed that his lower gums were very red..She thinks he is an early teether. OMG! She suggested that we get him the "raspberry" teether. It looks painful but she says it will help him. N also bought him the teeters you freeze. R likes those but his poor fingers get so cold...If we give him a frozen teether we hold it for him so his fingers stay warm.

5 week pics

Roman sporting his Van outfit from Uncle Jesse and Aunt Velma





This is my tough guy look.

Roman 1 month old

Things have been so crazy this first month. we have been adjusting to the lack of sleep and existing on Roman time. On average he eats about every three to four hours at the beginning he sleep in between feedings but in the last few weeks he is up for a large part of the day..which is great. Norm went back to work after one week at home..and her mom stayed w/us for the whole month of May which was such a blessing. But as of last Monday Norm and I have been on our own..and I think we are manageing well.

I tried breastfeeding Roman the first three weeks at home. There were always problems w/my milk supply and Roman not wanting to latch to my breast. It was just me trying to figure this out and I always felt like I was on my own. Norm many times after hearing Roman cry for so long would tell me to just give him a formula bottle and I always gave in. I know that's my number one mistake for breatfeeding no working. I feel like a failure for letting my baby down. My nipples no match when put to the test to easy to suck bottle nipples...of course Roman preferred those b/c he didn't have to wrk so hard to get a meal in. So his a formula baby now. And he is thriving. He is up to 10 lbs 13 ounces.

He is up from his nap..will write more later.

Here is a pic of him at one month

We did it..Roman

Well, labor began Saturday afternoon about 4:00 pm. Norm and I stayed close to home the whole day..with the exception of getting some dinner and then heading to Diane's to see the Hatton/Pacquio fight..still can't believed that Hatton went down in the 2nd round..but i digress..Labored all night and early Sunday morning at home. A called Dr. L when they were 4 min apart. Arrived at hospital at 6:30 and Roman made his entrance in the our lives at 8:34 pm May 3, 2009. Roman weighed 8 lbs 4 ozs and was 20 1/2 inches long. We were released from hospital on May 5, 2009 (Cinco de Mayo). The on-call pedi was concerned that Roman tested in the high risk for jaundice and advised us to schedule a appt w/Roman pediatrician
ASAP. So on Wednesday, 05-06-09 we took him. The test results were in Wednesday pm and results were negative he is fine. Gracias a dios!! We are all doing super even though N and I are definitely running on less sleep.I plan on writing more about our birth experience later..but I wanted shout out that he is here..our little budbud is here!!!

I wanted to share some pics.

today was not the day....

I called the Dr's office at 8:15 and was told to come in..at the office I was put up the a monitor that measured R's HB and my contractions. And yes the contractions were about every 7 to 9 min...some time every 5 min. After 1/2 hrs I had dilated from a 2 to a 3 so the Dr. C (sub for Dr L who had surgeries today) sent me the hospital. At the hospital Dr. L came in to check me...she agreed that I had was dilated and contracted but she was concerned that my cervix was still pretty "thick" and R was still at a -3.... I was feeling the contractions more (pain about 5-6)but as a contraction stopped I felt no pain. Dr L wanted to monitor me for a couple more hours and made plans to check me after her last surgery of the day. Two hr's later she came in and checked me again...still the same..cervix had not thinned out..at that point she gave the option of staying and giving me pitosin to induce or sending me home. N and I had discussed the possibility earlier and decided that we both want R to come when he is ready and it looked like today he was not. Dr. L std she agreed w/our choice.

So we are back at home waiting...my contractions have slowed down..but as Dr. L said things could change tonight or tomorrow. I know we made the right choice..but wish today had been the day.

N was wonderful at the hospital. She took such good care of me by making sure I was comfortable and taking care of myself. She helped through the uncomfortable contractions by timing them and reminding me to concentrate on my breathing. While at the hospital N's sister T came to give moral support. It was an eventful day..we shall see what up next.

39 wk 1 day..could this be it?

Okay I was cramping all last night. The cramps (contractions?) I felt everytime I work up last night which seemed like every 1 hr to 1hr 1/2. I didnt get a good nights sleep..but that besides the point. These cramps feel worse when Im either sitting or laying down..so i'm trying to keep moving. On a scale of 1 to 10 the worst pain I've had has been about a 4 maybe a 5 (so not bad at all just uncomfortable) but I'm definitly getting some consistent cramping (front only) every 10 or 12 sometimes they come sooner. I'm not spotting nor do I have any discharge...i'm assuming that could be a good a thing. I'm going to call my Dr's office at 8:00.

Today would be an interesting day to have a baby. The weather forcast is no very good at all. This morning at 4:00 am, I awoke b/c i heard the power in the house go off. We have had severe thunderstorms w/lighting. I woke N and she got up to find the flashlight and weather radio. We didn't hear any warning of any tornados but stayed up a a while so see anything happened. We fell back asleep about 4:45 and the power came back on at 5:30. I turned the news on and learned the about 8 miles north of our home... a believed tornado went through the Jonah community at about 4:30 am...no one was hurt (thank god) but trees and homes were damaged.

We anticipate more bad weather for the rest of today into this evening.

I wanted to post this before the electricity goes out again. We have lost power twice since 6:00 am.

38 wks 5 days

Had 38 week appt yesterday. Weight same, blood pressure good, no glucose/protein concerns..Roman's HB was 150.

I'm dilated 1 1/2 cm, still 50% effacced and -2.
My belly's is getting lower..and I'm tired. And Romans moving like he's going to pop out at any time. :-)

Norm has been washing clothes,organizing his room and getting the outside and inside of our home ready for Roman's homecoming. She is definitely "nesting" for me.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that Roman keeps cooking this weekend b/c Dr L is doing the Hill Country Aids ride this weekend and will not be available if i go into labor. Having her there is so important us. She has been there for us from the very beginning.

Tonight we stayed in just the three of us, N, R, and me. It has been so nice to be here at home just enjoying being together...I can't believe in a little more than one week Roman will really be here.

37 wk ob appt

We had our 37 wk appt on Thurseday and finally got a 4d sono of Roman. I'm gonna try to see if I can post a pic of him.
At this point he is measuring right on track and they are estimating he is about 7 lbs 3 ounces. I was still 1 cm dilated/50% effaced/ -3....so it possible that I could make it to term and if that happens he could be between 8 to 9 lbs. (yippee) Norms thinks Im crazy to want... Just as long has he is healthy.

37 1/2 weeks and counting

Above of pics of Norma playing with the huge baby pacifier balloon from the shower and me at 37 1/2 weeks. :-)

We are still here waiting for Roman. Baby clothes have been washed, Norm's ordered new glasses to have while at the hospital, Roman's bag is packed and I am just about through packing my bag.

Norm'a mom and her aunt came for a visit last week, and will stay with us for another week. It's been nice having them here. I know it means a lot to Norm for her mom to be here especially since Wella's passing. I visited w/my nephews for Easter on Saturday..they are getting so big...I'm going to try to get a recent pic of them so that I can post it on the blog. They are so excited about the baby..they have asked if they can come over to help after Roman comes home from the hospital. I of course told them yes.


I'm really starting to feel tired. I'm getting the braxton hicks contractions more often, feeling a lot more pressure in the lower vajaja area, and I'm swollen like a big tomato.


I had my 2nd baby shower at work on 04-07-09, it was lovely. My co-workers are so sweet and thoughtful. We got so many clothes, blankets, shoes, gift cards and even a hand made wooden child size rocker w/Roman's name on it..it's adorable.

We tried for 3d sono number three and again had no luck...i think we have given up hope that of getting a 3d pic of him. I think we can wait another 18 days to find out. Here are the baby stats

04-09-09 O/B appt.
HB 142
Weight +3 ouch
Pressure# 122/78
Feet super swollen and the Heartburn is back...yuk!!!
1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, -3

Romans is moving a storm and feels so big in there..We have another appt. tomorrow w/a sono.

Below are some pictures of the sweet baby gifts we've gotten from our showers.

35 weeks and counting down

The last five weeks have been very eventful.
Recap...Roman's is going right on track...his movements are so much more defined and at time uncomfortable. Gone are the days of flutter and now i have large sensations of twist and turns. The movements feel so big..it amazes me that the baby books says he weighs about 4/12 lbs right now..when it feels so much bigger. The last two ob visit registered his HB at 160 (32 week visit) and HB 142 at the (34 week visit). My blood pressure and protein check all looked great.

I've been sick w/allergies and a cough the last 4 weeks. Norm has about had it with my runny nose and the "honking" sounds I make when I blow...I finally went to the doctor yesterday and was diagnosed w/a sinus infection. So I'm on antibotic and taking a cough suppressant. I stayed home from wrk today b/c i was feeling so sick and achy..but I will be back tomoorrow. My goal it to work up until it's time...so I'm praying everthing wrks out that way.

Norm and I decided to have a 4d sono done of Roman...well after two tries so far we have had not luck to get a good look at our little guy...both times he has been facing my spine w/his head down. On the bright side, we've been told that this is th best position for a baby to be in...but it doesn't make for good pics. So far the only good pic we have of him is of his "package"...that we can see as clear as day. :-). I going in for a 3rd try on 04-09-09 at my 36 wk appt..plesae wish us luck.

We suffered a huge loss in our family. Norm's 83 yr old grandmother, Wella, died Sunday March 22. She had been ill so the family was preparing but really nothing prepares you for lossing someone you love so much. Norm lost her father at age 4 and her grandfather while she was still pretty young..so all her life she was raised by her mom and Wells. The family is going to miss Wella so much. She was the strong, firm, loving woman who welcomed and loved everyone that came into the family. Before she got ill she loved to relax a local cantina and have beer and grito. When Norma was young she would go w/Wella to the cantina and drink coke and eat chips while Wella visited w/friends for a bit. They never stayed long and we always home well before it got dark. This is a memory Norma cherishes b/c this was their time together. We love you Wella.

We had a baby shower this past Sat, March 28...it was so nice. We had considered postponing the shower due to Wella's passing but Norm did not want to reschedule. So after a long busy week..we had out baby shower. I'm hoping to post some pics if we can get a copy. We had about 30 plus people come over for games, food, margaritas, and fun. Norm sister, Dianne and family friend, Gloria did an amazing job of planning and preparing the food, and decorations for the event. We are so luck to have them in our lives. Roman is going to have some pretty amazing "Tia's"....It was a collaborative effort from all our family. Thank you guys for everything..we love more than words can say.

30 weeks!!!

Today is Roman's b-day...he is 30wks today. :-) We are hopefull for a healthy safe delivery of our baby.

Recap of the last three weeks:
Caught a stomach bug from my nephew the first few days in feb...i missed two days of work, ran a fever and had bad stomach cramps/loose stools. I was freaking out because I had to break down and take medication. I kept talking to my doctor who assured me that Romy would be fine. Thank god I was sick for only two day. My nephews, poor babies, were sick for about 4-5 days each.

Took the Glucose test and failed the first test :-(...but passed the three hour test w/flying colors. Yippee..no diabetes!!!!

Our next plan to to schedule a 4D ultrasound for Romy. I'm hoping to get this done w/in the next few weeks.

My 7th months is progressing okay..I'm starting to notice more stuffy noses and my breaths are getting a little deeper. Sleeping at night continues to be a challenge..Norm's been so sweet. After 7yrs, she's given up her side of the bed so I can get some sleep at night. Thank you my love.

I also got the chance to experience caring for a newborn. I have never taken care of newborn (babies 3 plus months old..no problem have lots experience w/that) But I've never had the chance to care for a baby that small. Norm's niece Racquel had a baby boy on January 30th. Valentine's weekend Racquel asked us to babysit James while Racquel took her dtr to see Elmo. I was a bit nervous that day. Norm assured me that she would be here to help. It so happened that we were doing some home repairs that same weekend and Norm had to run to the store to get more supplies. So she left me alone w/James. I was a bit apprehensive but she told me not to worry b/c she be right back. Racquel had just left w/Khari to the show and she told me,
"Renie you'll be fine..he will probably sleep the whole time." ...well that didn't happen...not even five min. after they had left..he work up and started crying. Racquel had given me instructions if James cried he was either hungry, needed changing, or wanted to cuddled. First I checked his diaper and yes he was wet. So I got the supplies to change him. And followed the steps to get him a new clean diaper. (This was the first time I changed a baby boy w/circumcision) I was scared I would hurt him when i replaced the Vaseline coated gauze that covered his little penis..but he was fine. Once he had his new clean diaper on..he stopped crying. 10 min. later he began to whimper some..checked the diaper again..all clear...I noticed he was turning to side and opening his mouth..I place his paci near his check and he turned towards it...okay got it he was hungry..I put his bottle together and feed him....even got him to burp. By the time Norm got home..I had changed James two more times and had fed him. She was amazed I had done this all by myself. I was hooked. I recanted all the events that had transpired while she was at the store and picking up lunch for us. She looked at me and just smiled and said, "Lady your going to be a great mom." And when I heard those words from her mouth, at that moment I knew in my head and heart..that she was right.

Above is a pic of Khari and James.

So Romy...I love you my baby..and can't wait to meet you and make memories w/you. Happy birthday!

It's been a while...26 wks and counting

I can't believe how fast time flies. I'm still pregnant and today I'm 26 weeks.
WOW!!!!! So far things are going okay. I've been told by Dr. L that my pregnancy so far has progressed really well. Next week I go in for my glucose screening and I'm hoping that everything will be okay. I have not had a lot of weird cravings. I think the weirdest thing I've eaten was spaghetti w/kosher pickles (which is delicious) and I'm eating a lot more cereal..in fact i have to mix my raisin bran/w rice crispies and Cheerios...it tastes great that way. As far as the weight gain..Ive gained 11 pounds far. At first you could tell i was pregnant but w/in the last weeks i think I'm starting to round out some. I hope to take some pics of belly in the next couple of day. Norm wants me to this so that we can have those pregnancy mementos. Physically the hardest thing is sleeping at night and getting out of bed in the morning. But once I'm up I'm ready to go.. :-)

Quick recap of some important events that have happened up to this point.
I told my parents we were pregnant in Oct. They were shocked and not happy. My mom especially. She told me she couldn't understand why I would make such a "selfish" decision. My mom and dad do not accept that I'm gay. My mom cites her nonacceptance of Norm and I's relationship on her religious (Catholic) beliefs that loving another person of the same sex is a "sin". So my parent's reaction was not a surprise..it of course still hurt. Gradually they are dealing with the fact that I'm pregnant and will be a mom. In early Nov things really blew up and I had the worst argument I've ever had w/my mom. It was first time I've ever told my mom that I am just as ashamed of her and her actions. I even told her that if she was not my mom, i would have nothing to do w/her also. I think it hurt her to have her hear those words from me. I always been the one my parents turn to when they need any kind of help w/family problems w/my brother and his kids. (that's a really long story..and someday i hope to be able to put those experiences in this blog). Any how we didn't speak for a few weeks and I almost didn't visit them for Thanksgiving..but I did visit them b/c my nephews \let me know they really wanted me there. In December a incident occurred between my parents and my brother. And my parents reached out to me in that moment. During that tough time my mom was calling me two to three times a day...and in a conversation I had w/her, my mom let me know that she was sorry for accusing me of being selfish. And told me that she knew in her heart that I and NORMA will make wonderful parents of our baby. I feel like this is a first step in moving forward. I pray everyday that in time, my parents will begin to accept Norm and I. I am however at peace w/myself. I am thrilled and grateful that God has given Norm and I this chance to be mommies. And we are planning on giving our baby all the love and support that he could ever need.

okay now lets talk about some positive news....
Well we've found out that it's a "boy"!!!! At first I was shocked/nervous and Norm's reaction was over the moon... Now I'm just as excited as she. When I first found out I was pregnant I imagined myself having a girl (doing her hair, dressing her in dresses) I even had dreams that I had a girl. Two of my closest friends told me they felt it was a girl. So was caught off guard when we were told it was a boy. We have decided on his first name "Roman"..and are still working on a middle name. I wanted to give him a name that represented Norms involvement. She didn't like Norman so we thought of scrambling the letter in her name and came up w/roman. She love it!!! I also considered Ian...which is the first initial of our name w/the a for "and"..Irene and Norma's baby..(Ian). I'd like for a middle name but we still have not decided.

All the test we've had so far indicate that Roman is healthy and growing right on schedule. We did, however, opt out of the amniocentesis...i was worried about miscarriage risks and we both decided that even if we are told that Roman is a Downs baby...we are still keeping him and loving him all the way.

We told other family members and they are all very excited and looking forward to meeting Roman...I wasn't expecting a baby shower...but i looks like I'll be having two..one at my office and another w/my friends and family.

Today we painted Romans room (w/Eco safe paint) and purchased his crib and changing table from babies r us...things are gradually coming to order.

Well I'll close for now...b/c Norms calling that she's hungry..

Above is pic of the baby bedding we chose for Roman's room. :-)