Isaiah's Birth Story Part 1

My parents arrived in Atlanta from Spokane on August 31st (5 days prior to my due date). Andrew and I had just moved into our new rental just a week before my parents came. We still had (and have) a number of little projects to do around the house, but for the most part we were settled. Immediately my parents and began working on projects and unpacking what boxes were left. We spent labor day weekend grilling, hanging out with friends, and exploring Atlanta. 

My due date came and went. Something I wasn't prepared for. Of course I knew the chances of me having the baby by or on the due date was slim especially since this was my first. But, what I didn't think would happen was the amount of pressure I would feel to have the baby. Since my parents had pre-purchased their tickets with a return flight time was ticking. It felt like all eyes were on me. AHHH!!! It took a good 5 days for me to relax and just recognize that this baby is going to come when it's good and ready!!

September 3, 2013

At the Food Trucks! One day over due!

Dad!!

King of Pops is an amazing popsicle cart in Atlanta and they have the best Chocolate sea salt popsicle that I couldn't get enough of while I was pregnant!!

On Saturday (September 7th) we woke up bright and early to head into Morningside (a killer neightborhood in ATL) to hit up the farmers market. This is one of my favorite markets. I thought a picture by this sign was appropriate!! 

OCTANE!! Aside from Barista, a coffee shop in downtown Portland, Octane is definitely a favorite. Once we were done at the market we headed here for a snack and some people watching :)

My parents!! 

We took lots of walks and ate all our meals on our screened porch! We had a lot of fun during the time they were here, but it was obvious that something was missing. WHERE IS THAT BABY?!?!?!

On Wednesday (September 11) I had an ultrasound to check and make sure the baby had enough fluid. They also told us the estimated fetal weight, 7lbs 2ounces. Unless he gained 11 ounces in a day and a half, they were a little off :)

The next morning (September 12) I went back to see my midwife. I was put on the monitor for 30 minutes to check for contractions and to get a reading of the baby's heart beat.

At this point I was 1 cm dilated and 100% effaced! My midwife was confident that she would be seeing me over the weekend to have this baby!! I felt hopeful and a little sense of encouragement from this appointment.  I felt even more more excited later in the day when I started having contractions!

To be continued...

Baby Isaiah

On September 13, 2013 at 6:31am Andrew and I welcomed Isaiah John Esqueda into the world! We couldn't be happier or feel more blessed. Everyday we look at him and say, "I can't believe he's ours" or "I can't believe we get to keep him". It has already been a week since he was born and we don't know where the time has gone. I can already tell he is going to grow up too fast. We are both trying to enjoy each and every moment with him!

Out with friends a few hours before heading to the hospital

Love this little guy!

Heading home from the hospital!

I do plan to do a pre birth post and a labor story post very soon. Even getting this posted is an accomplishment as I've only really been able to feed a baby, sleep, eat, change diapers, go to the bathroom and take a shower these days. Anything beyond that is an accomplishment in my book.

Dear Isaiah~
You are exactly one week old today! I feel so lucky to be your mama! You are precious in so many ways. Just in this past week you have already showed us how sweet, calm and exciting your personality is. Your daddy and I love you so much and we can't wait to watch you grow up!

You are already so active and alert. It's obvious why I was getting kicked in the side every minute you were in my belly! It's so fun to watch your facial expressions. At any given moment we can look over at you and your grinning or pouting. You love sleeping with your arms right next to your head.

One of the best things about your birth is that your grandma and grandpa got to come to the hospital to meet you! They were so excited to get to hold and snuggle you as much as they could while they were in Atlanta! We are so glad they were here to help out during your first few days of life. They love you so much!

So much love!

It seemed like grandpa never got to feel you kick while you were in mommy's tummy. He always joked that he calmed you down too much that you stopped kicking. Maybe there is some truth to that; after you came out he still had a way of calming you down!

giving grandma kisses

In the past week you have also met many important people in our life! So many people were waiting for you and love you! Your daddy and I are grateful for our community here and how much love and support everyone has shown us!

We love you Isaiah! Welcome to the world!

Spokane!

A couple weeks ago Andrew and I flew up to Spokane for his little brother's graduation from college. We got to spend a week enjoying time with family and friends as well as celebrating my mom's birthday, a baby shower for me, and Timothy's graduation! It was packed with activity, but so wonderful to see everyone and be back in the NorthWest! Here are some pics...

Our favorite coffee shop

At Rockwood Bakery

Uncle Drew loves baby Luxe!!

Manicures at the Davenport enjoying some cider

Birthday Girl!

We got the royal treatment!

My BFF threw me the best shower :)

Blue Sky

Excited for Timothy!

Brothers

Grad Party!

Enjoy a cupcake made by auntie Megan

Miss this girl and all my NW friends!! Hard to leave everyone again!

My 24 week Bump!

Fun day downtown with my mama!

Spring & thoughts on mother's day!

The weather is just starting to warm up here in Atlanta and it is fantastic! I will be totally honest (speaking for myself) I've been VERY grateful for this cooler spring we've had here. From the locals I've heard that it tends to start getting warm mid April, but I this year the cooler temps have lasted up until now! Being Pregnant and living in the south are two very new things to me so we'll see how the next three months go :)

We've taken advantage of the not-so-warm temps by getting outside and enjoying it before the temps go WAY up! A couple weekends ago we hit up the Sandy Springs farmers market and got some delicious Organic strawberries. At some point on the weekend we usually find ourself at a coffee shop sharing a french press and a cookie together.

I've also been reading a lot about urban gardening. I am learning lots and can't wait to get started on some gardening in the near future.

On to baby...

What a cutie :) This picture is from my 19 week ultrasound. Hard to believe that was already 4 weeks ago. Time is flying by, and although I'm looking forward to meeting the little one in September I've been enjoying feeling all the little thumps and kicks inside my belly.

As Mother's Day is approaching I've been thinking a lot about the fact that this is the last mother's day that wil go by without me being a mom. Next mother's day I will be holding a chunky 9 month old! I have so many different feelings about becoming a mom. Mostly excitement and a little scared/nervous too. Nervous because I know that motherhood can be a huge source of joy but if I'm not careful, motherhood can become a large factor in how I determine my self worth. It's so easy for a women to use her accomplishments in motherhood as a grading scale that determines her self worth. While there are so many things to get wrapped up in as a mother-to-be (nursery decor, names, child-care, and labor/delivery) what I have been trying to focus on is becoming an even better person every day. I've always tried to be good at self reflecting (something my husband does very well!) but now more then ever is when I want to become more selfless, cultured, aware, and giving.

I am thankful for my wonderful mama and all that she has done to bring joy to my life. My mom is such a kind and loving person! I am grateful for her in my life, especially as I transition into motherhood!

I also have an extremely loving mother-in-law who has embraced me as one of her own and given me endless amounts of advice and wisdom!

I am feeling awfully sentimental and have so many emotions about this mother's day! One of the best mother's-day-to-be gifts I can think to receive is actually seeing my mom and mother-in-law in person!!! We will be traveling up to Spokane on Tuesday for my little brother-in-law's college graduation! I am so excited to see family!!

Pregnancy Update

We're Expecting

Baby Esqueda due September 4, 2013

Taken the day before I found out I
was pregnant (Dec. 30th)

 I have gotten lots of questions from friends and family and I will attempt to Answer them all at some point! Here are a few FAQs I'm getting. 

Q: Are you finding out if it's a boy or a girl?

A: No we are not finding out! We really want it to be a surprise and are both 100% happy with our decision to wait. Although I know some of our family and friends are not as excited about us waiting :)

Q: How are you feeling?

A: Now I am feeling pretty good. All things considered I really didn't have anything to complain about during the first trimester. I never threw up I was just a little nauseous and very tired. Everyday after work I came home and took a nap. I have a lot more energy now and am running, and doing yoga still! 

Q: What are you craving or having aversions to?

A: fun question! I will start with the not so fun aversions...Spinach, brussels, edamame, protein smoothies, peanut sauce, curry, and eggs are questionable too.

I am craving frozen waffles, peanut butter (nothing out of the ordinary for me), sweets, trail mix, lots of fruit especially grapefruit and oranges, s'mores, ginger ale, beer (so unfortunate) and cheese. 

Here are some pictures we've taken along the way!

17 Weeks

18 Weeks

We are so excited to meet our little one in September! I will try to post more updates and pictures along the way!

Girls weekend in North Carolina (plus my brother in law)

A couple weeks ago I got to spend the weekend with my sister (Nikki), brother-in-law (Andrew), and two nieces (Ayla & Mia)! I had a blast relaxing and getting waited on at their awesome house! Andrew was sick that weekend so he stayed in Atlanta. I felt bad leaving him for the weekend, especially because we only have one car (he ended up riding the bus to the dr. while I was gone). At the same time, it was nice to be out of our apartment and away from all the germs :) Here are some pictures that I took on my phone while I was there. 

Ayla and Mia

Nikki is the best baker and she rocks an awesome baking business here in Charlotte! I requested these peanut butter pretzel chocolate chip cookies. They were amazing

Sweet Mia

Brought this book for Mia. 

Sisters

Ayla and I 

Friday:

I got there on Friday just in time to enjoy some delicious veggie lasagna and homemade bread. Andrew's mom Nan who lives in Atlanta currently, but just retired and is moving to NC, was there for the weekend as well. She is so fun to be around. We all talked and watched tv for a while and then went to bed around 9pm (This is becoming a routine these days)! 

Saturday:

While the girls went to gymnastics with Nan and Andrew, Nik and I took a long walk around the neighborhood! It felt so good to be outside and in the sun no less! We met the rest of the gang for lunch and then back home for a nap and more relaxing. Ayla told me all about her upcoming trip to D.C. and her science fair project.  I had so much fun spending time with the girls, I plan to see them as often as I can. 

Sunday:

French braided the girls' hair for their big super bowl party, ate some breakfast, packed up and hit the road. It was so good to be with family!