How funny! Time flies!

How funny it was when I opened my blog from when I was pregnant with Sofia, our first baby. And after she was born, I never had time to blog again! And now I have baby #2 and I have even less time to write...so this is my short post to congratulate all the moms out there for being so strong, loving, patient, and perseverant. My girl, Sofia, is almost 6 years old. My baby Owen is 18 months. Can you believe how quickly time flies? 

UPDATE - Sofia's first month

Isn't it funny how time goes by so fast when you have a newborn?? It has been a month and a half since I last updated the baby blog because, as you all know, Sofia was born and it a LOT of work being a new mommy! She was born on January 3, 2010 at 10:31 AM. Let me tell you the story:

Mike and I went to the movies on Saturday night (Jan 2) to watch Sherlock Holmes because we knew that one day Sofia would come and we would not be able to go watch a movie in a long time. We went to eat dinner after the movie and came back home, it was a really nice date. I was feeling well, I had Braxton-Hicks contractions during the movie, but never thought any of those were the real contractions. We came back home and went to bed. I was reading the "Baby 411" book that I bought the same day, since I knew I should be prepared for the baby's first week. I was reading the second page when my water broke! We called the doctor, he told us to go to the hospital. We left at 11:45 PM and arrived at the hospital at midnight. At 12:10 AM, they admitted us and my contractions started getting really strong, I was getting them every 3 minutes!!!! At 5 AM, after doing all the Lamaze techniques that we learned, I couldn't handle the pain anymore (it was HORRIBLE!!!) so I got a pain shot. Mike and I then fell asleep (it was great!) and at 7 AM, I woke up because I felt the worst contraction EVER(!!!!) and I got the epidural. Why didn't I take the epidural earlier??? After I got the epidural, everything was great!! I was ready to push at 10:00 AM and she was born at 10:31 AM. Well, at least I know now what labor pains are like, and for the next baby, I will show up at the hospital, get the epidural, go to sleep, and tell the nurse to wake me up when it is time to push. hahaha.

I have no words to express how beautiful the whole experience was. She is the best thing that has ever happened to us. Mike was the best labor coach I could ever have. He was so supportive and he did everything he could to make things better for me. I love him so much. Poor Mike was so tired!! When Sofia was born, Mike cut the umbilical cord, they cleaned her and gave her to me so she could have her first breastfeeding session. She did great! It was a very emotional moment for Mike and I. We were SOOOOO happy!! Then Mike and Sofia left with the nurses to give her her first bath.

I was very lucky that I had an easy labor, when Mike left with Sofia to give her the first bath, they took me to the Mother-Baby care unit, and they played the lullaby in the hospital to announce that one baby was born (ours of course). I cried when I heard it. The nurse told me that it was our song for Sofia, and I was crying so much, tears of joy...

My parents came a week later to meet their granddaughter. They were so happy!! My dad had her in his arms all the time, he spoiled her, like a proud grandpa. My mom stayed with us for 2 weeks to help me, she was a lot of help, and she was in love with Sofia too. Mike's parents have been to our place (almost) every weekend since she was born. They are very happy grandparents. Every time her grandparents come to see her, they bring her gifts. This girl is so spoiled already!!

Abuelos Orgullosos! Proud Grandparents!

We are so lucky to have a happy baby. I hope she continues to be like that. Check out our Flickr album (Sofia - 7 weeks) for pictures and videos of our beautiful baby girl. I will start updating the blog more often! Now that she gives me some time to check my computer.

Mike and Paola 38 weeks- New Year's 2010

Mike and Paola 38 weeks- New Year's 2010
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

Happy New Year 2010!!! Today, January 1, I am 38 weeks pregnant!!! Mike and I are just waiting for Sofia to arrive, we cannot wait.
Feliz Anio Nuevo 2010!! Hoy, Enero 1, tengo 38 semanas de embarazo!!! Mike y yo solo estamos esperando que Sofia aparezca, no podemos esperar mas.

Last night we went to TJ and Claire's to meet their 6 week old baby, Ava. She is sooo cute!! She was crying a lot though, it made us realize that we better enjoy these last few days, relax, watch movies, sleep, and get ready, because we have some tough weeks ahead of us. Hopefully Sofia will sleep well and will not cry too much, but you never know...
Anoche fuimos a la casa de TJ y Claire a conocer a su bebe de 6 semanas, Ava. Es divina!! Estuvo llorando un monton, nos dimos cuenta que mejor aprovechamos los ultimos dias que tenemos para relajarnos, ver peliculas, dormir, y alistarnos, porque nos van a tocar unas semanas dificiles dentro de poco. Esperamos que Sofia duerma bien y que no llore mucho, pero quien sabe...

Ava, Claire, and TJ

Mike and TJ cooked last night, they made a great lobster and steak dinner. Mike made gnocchi with a lobster sauce, it was delicious! He also cooked really good filets for us, the dinner was awesome. I bought some pastries for dessert, we had a great time with TJ and Claire celebrating the New Year.

Mike y TJ cocinaron anoche, hicieron una cena excelente de langosta y steak. Mike hizo gnocchis con una salsa de langosta, deliciosa!! Tambien nos cocino unos filetes buenisimos, la cena estuvo espectacular. Yo compre unos postrecitos, la pasamos re bien con TJ y Claire celebrando el anio nuevo.

Mike and the live lobsters.

Happy New Year to everyone, we hope 2010 brings a lot of happiness to all of you!!
Feliz Anio Nuevo a todos, esperamos que el 2010 les traiga mucho felicidad a todos uds!!!

Mas fotos en Flickr/ More pictures on Flickr

Week 37 - Christmas and Baby is full term!

Christmas 2009 008
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

I finally uploaded the pictures from Christmas. As you can see, we had a wonderful time with Mike's family. We ate a lot of food. Mike made the best Mac 'n Cheese, a big hit during Christmas dinner. MaryPat (my mother-in-law) made a really big turkey for 35+ people who attended Christmas at the Wisners. Everyone brought food, you can see the amount of food served (check out the Flickr pictures). We had a good time.
Al fin subi las fotos de Navidad. Como pueden ver, la pasamos muy bien en la casa de los papas de Mike. Comimos un monton. Mike hizo el mejor Mac 'n Cheese, fue un hit durante la cena. MaryPat (mi suegra) hizo un gran pavo para 35+ personas que llegaron a celebrar Navidad a la casa de los Wisners. Todos trajeron comida, pueden ver la cantidad de comida que sirvieron (vean las fotos en Flickr). La pasamos muy bien.

I went to the doctor today and Sofia is doing well. She is healthy and full term now, so she can come anytime now(!!!!) My blood pressure is fine, all my tests are great, so no worries. The doctor said that I just have to call her if I start getting contractions every 5 minutes for an hour... I started getting stronger Braxton-Hicks contractions, but those are not as bad as the real ones (or so I heard). Mike and I are so excited that the day is coming so soon!!
Hoy fui a ver a la doctora y Sofia esta muy bien. Esta sana y ya el embarazado se considera completo, asi que puede venir en cualquier minuto sin problema (!!!!) Mi presion sanguinea esta bien, todos mis examenes estan re bien, asi que no hay de que preocuparnos. La doctora dijo que solo la tengo que llamar cuando tenga contracciones cada 5 minutos por una hora... empeze a tener las contracciones de Braxton-Hicks un poco mas fuertes, pero estas contracciones no son tan fuertes como las reales (o asi me han dicho). Mike y yo estamos muy emocionados que el dia esta tan cerca ya!!!

Since we prepared for everything with so much time in advance, we are able to relax and enjoy each other's company for the last few days. Mike has been cooking meals so we can freeze them and not worry about making dinners when the baby is at home. We have been watching movies, sleeping, resting. We will not be able to do those things once baby arrives.
Como preparamos todo con tanta anticipacion, ahora hemos podido relajarnos y disfrutan de nuestra compania por los ultimos dias. Mike ha estado cocinando comidas para congelarlas, asi no nos preocupamos por cocinar cuando la bebe este en casa. Hemos estado viendo peliculas, durmiendo y descansando. Son cosas que ya no vamos a poder hacer cuando nazca la bebe.

This year has gone by so fast, we cannot believe that our baby is coming so soon! It feels like it was yesterday when we told everyone that we were expecting our first baby...we can't wait to meet her. This has been a year full of blessings. Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Este año se ha pasado tan rapido, no podemos creer que nuestra bebe ya viene tan pronto! Pareciera que fue ayer cuando le dijimos a todos que estabamos esperando a nuestro primer bebe... nos morimos por conocerla. Este año ha estado lleno de bendiciones. Feliz Navidad a todos!!!

Week 36: Hollister Holiday Party

Hollister Holiday Party 2009 027
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

Week 36 started with the Holiday Party at Hollister. We had a great time. The party starts with a show in the auditorium with all the highlights from the year and then we all get our Christmas gift and head upstairs to the atrium for the actual party, with a lot of good food and drinks. After the party, everyone went to "Tacos El Norte" and then after that, everyone went to "The Island" (a little dive bar in Libertyville). I went home at 6:30 PM, I was tired.

La semana #36 empezo con la fiesta de Navidad en Hollister. La pasamos muy bien. La fiesta empezo con un show en el auditorio donde muestran todas las memorias del año, despues nos dan nuestro regalo y todos subimos al atrio para la fiesta, con mucha comida deli y bebidas. Despues de la fiesta, todos fuimos a "Tacos El Norte" y despues a "The Island" (un barcito en Libertyville). Me fui a las 6:30 PM, ya estaba cansada.

We went to see Dr. Goldin this week, she said that the baby is healthy, and we probably will not have a Christmas baby, so we don't have to worry about it (whewwww!!). I was freaking out that the baby would come sooner and I don't want her to be born on Christmas. That would not be good for her! She is head down and lower, getting ready for the big day! We can't wait!

Fuimos a ver a la doctora esta semana, dijo que la bebe esta muy sana, y que probablemente no va a nacer en Navidad, asi que no nos preocuparamos (ufff!!!). Yo ya estaba preocupada que la beba fuera a nacer antes de tiempo y no queria que naciera en Navidad. Eso no seria bueno para ella! Esta con la cabeza abajo y ya empezo a descender, preparandose para el gran dia!!

Mike is getting anxious to see her, he tells me frequently that he wants her out soon and that pregnancies are just too long. It doesn't feel that long to me, maybe because I have been feeling good and I have been able to sleep through the night. I will definitely miss feeling Sofia kicking me, even though it hurts sometimes.

Mike esta ansioso por verla, frecuentemente me dice que quiere que salga ya y que el embarazo es muy largo. No se siente tan largo para mi, tal vez porque me he sentido muy bien y he podido dormir bien en las noches. Definitivamente voy a extrañar las patadas de Sofia, aunque a veces me duelen.

Check out the Hollister Holliday Party Pictures in our Flickr website. Next blog... Christmas!!!

Vean las fotos de la fiesta de Navidad en Hollister en nuestra pagina de Flickr. En el proximo blog... Navidad!!!

Week 34 & 35 - Semana 34 & 35: Getting ready for Christmas

Week 35 002
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

What to say about these past two weeks? Things are getting hectic with the holidays, christmas decorations, looking for pediatricians, shopping for baby, getting car seats inspected, and looking for daycares. The good news is that we are almost completely ready for Sofia (Paola is packing her hospital bag as we speak) and we're almost ready for the holidays with most of our shopping done already. We only have a month left and it should be fun. Just some chicken nuggets and shrimp cocktail, Christmas, and New Years, and we will be parents.
Que puedo decir de las ultimas dos semanas? Estamos muy ocupados con las fiestas navidenas, decoraciones de Navidad, buscando pediatras, comprando cosas para la beba, inspeccionando el asiento de la beba en los carros, y buscando casa cuna. Las buenas noticias es que ya casi estamos listos para Sofia (Paola esta empacando la maleta para el hospital mientras yo escribo) y ya casi terminamos las compras de regalos de Navidad. Solo nos queda un mes y va a ser alegre. Solo unos chicken nuggets y cocktail de camaron, Navidad, Anio Nuevo, y seremos padres.

Hansel has officially completed his three week behavioral training and it seems that there may actually be hope for him after all. He actually pays attention to us sometimes now.
Hansel oficialmente termino sus tres semanas de entrenamiento para portarse bien y parece que hay esperanza por el despues de todo. Ahora ya nos hace caso (de vez en cuando).

That's all I got. - Mike

Eso es todo lo que tengo. - Mike

Last Baby Class!! Infant Safety and CPR

Esta semana, fuimos a nuestra ultima clase de preparacion para lo que viene el proximo anio. Fuimos a nuestra clase de primeros auxilios para bebes y ninios. Aqui hay una foto de Mike, practicando como salvar a un nino pequeno.

This week, we went to our last baby class. We went to the Infant Safety and CPR class. Here is a picture of Mike practicing how to save a small child.

Mike and Paola Thanksgiving 2009 (33 weeks)

Mike and Paola Thanksgiving 2009 (33 weeks)
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

Our last prenatal childbirth class was on Monday Nov 23 and we celebrated Thanksgiving at Mike's parents' on Thursday Nov 26. Thanksgiving was also Jon's birthday (uncle-to-be). Check out the pictures and the video from Thanksgiving in our Flickr website.
Mike made Mac 'n Cheese, on top of all the Turkey, Mashed potatoes, veggies, gravy, dessert and all the stuff that his family makes every year. We ate a ton!!
Nuestra ultima clase prenatal fue el lunes Nov 23, y celebramos el Dia de Accion de Gracias el 26 de Nov en la casa de los papas de Mike. Thanksgiving tambien fue el cumpleanios de Jon (el tio de Sofia). Vean mas fotos y video de Thanksgiving en nuestra pagina de Flickr. Mike hizo Mac 'n Cheese, encima de todo el pavo, pure de papas, vegetables, gravy, postre, y toda la cantidad de comida que su familia hace cada anio. Comimos una tonelada!!

Sofia has been kicking a lot, it feels like I have an alien moving inside of me, and my belly moves from one side to the other, it is pretty weird and funny, ticklish at times. She definitely liked Thanksgiving dinner, she kicked for a while and then fell asleep.
Sofia ha estado pateando un monton, se siente como si tuviera un ET moviendose adentro de mi, y mi panza se mueve de un lado a otro, es bien raro y chistoso, a veces me hace cosquillas. A ella definitivamente le gusto la cena de accion de gracias, me pateo un monton por un rato y luego se durmio.

We finished getting everything ready at home for the baby this weekend, the only thing we have to prepare is the hospital bag. We want to have everything ready so we can enjoy the Holidays. You never know when Sofia decides to make her appearance to the World!!
Esta semana terminamos de arreglar todo en la casa para la beba, lo unico que nos falta es alistar la maleta para el hospital. Queremos tener todo listo para poder disfrutar de la Navidad. Uno nunca sabe cuando Sofia va a decidir hacer su aparicion en el mundo!!

Week 32: Jesse came to Chicago

This week, our friend Jesse came to visit from Memphis. It was a beautiful weekend, the weather was nice, and it was sooo nice to see Jesse and catch up. We miss you Jesse!!
Esta semana, nuestro amigo Jesse vino a visitar desde Memphis. El fin de semana estuvo divino, el clima estuvo buenisimo, y nos alegramos de ver a Jesse y platicar para ponernos al dia. Jesse, nos haces falta!!



Christine (Mike's cousin) and I went to see "New Moon" last night, and it was one of the funniest movies I saw, thanks to the crowd of young girls screaming every time Jacob or Edward came on the screen. It was hillarious! We had a great time. I keep telling Mike after this experience: "What would you do if Sofia wants to take you to a movie like this one and you have to hear young teenagers scream and take their cellphones out to take pictures of the teenager actors?" hahahaha, that would be funny if he ever has to do that.

Christine (la prima de Mike) y yo fuimos a ver "New Moon" anoche, y fue una de las peliculas mas chistosas que he visto, gracias a las chavitas gritando cada vez que Jacob o Edward salian en la pantalla. Fue un mate de risa! La gozamos. Yo le digo a Mike despues de esta experiencia: "Que vas a hacer cuando Sofia quiera llevarte a una pelicula como esta y tengas que escuchar a las chavitas gritando y sacando sus celulares para tomar fotos de los actores?" jajajaja, seria muy chistoso si a Mike le toca eso algun dia.

Paola at 32 weeks (look how big Sofia is!)

Paola a las 32 semanas (miren que grande esta Sofia!)

Week 31: Baby's room done

Proud Daddy done with Baby room 2
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

This week, Mike worked really hard on finishing the baby room. As you can see, he did a wonderfull job with the walls. Every time someone comes to see the baby room, they ask if he painted the elephant and the monkey flying, I always tell them yes first, hahaha. They believe me for a minute, then I tell them the truth.

Esta semana, Mike trabajo bastante para terminar el cuarto de la beba. Como pueden ver en las fotos, Mike hizo un excelente trabajo con las decoraciones en las paredes. Cada vez que alguien viene a ver el cuarto, preguntan si el pinto al elefante y al mono volando, yo siempre les digo que si al principio, jajajaja. Me creen por un minuto, y luego les digo la verdad.

We love the baby room and cannot wait for Sofia to arrive!
Nos encanta el cuarto de la beba y nos morimos de ganas que Sofia llegue ya!

This week she has been kicking a lot more, her kicks are harder and harder, and you can see my belly moving when she moves. It is really cool. Sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it tickles, but in general, we just get so happy when she moves because we know she is doing well.
Esta semana, ella ha estado pateando mucho mas, las patadas cada vez son mas fuertes, y podemos ver mi estomago como se mueve cuando ella se mueve. Es lo maximo. A veces duele, a veces me hace cosquillas, pero en general, nos alegramos tanto cuando ella se mueve porque sabemos que esta bien.

Cravings this week: Hot Chocolate!!
Antojos esta semana: Chocolate caliente!!

Check out more pictures of the baby room in our Flickr album.
Vean mas fotos del cuarto de la beba en nuestro album en Flickr.

30 week ultrasound pictures (fotos ultrasonido 30 semanas)

Here is my little hand, I am saying hello to mommy and daddy!

Aqui esta mi manita, le estoy diciendo hola a mi mami y a mi papi!

I have my foot in my mouth! Tengo mi pie en la boca!
I have chubby cheeks and I was moving my mouth a lot.
Soy cachetona y estaba moviendo mi boca un monton.
Here is a picture of my face, you can see my little eyes.
Aqui esta una foto de mi carita, pueden ver mis ojitos.
And here you can see my eyes more, and my nose, and my mouth.
Y aqui pueden ver mas mis ojos, mi nariz, y mi boca.

I added the 30 week ultrasound pictures on the left side of the page as well, so you can see them when we post new updates.

Puse las fotos de ultrasonido de 30 semanas en el lado izquierdo de la pagina tambien, para que puedan verlas cuando agreguemos mas mensajes.

30 week update: Sofia weighs 3 lbs 13 oz and her length is approx. 16 inches. Her head measures as if she was 32 weeks and her legs also measure as if she was 32 weeks, but her body is as if she was 30 weeks (which she is!). The doctor told us to not be alarmed, hopefully her head will not continue to grow so much. She is in the 66th percentile, so she is not a big baby (well, for American standards). She is head down right now, which is great. Her heartbeat was 146 bpm. Everything looked great, she is a very healthy baby, very wiggly and very cute!! I love her cheeks and cannot wait to see them and kiss them!!

Ultimas noticias a las 30 semanas: Sofia pesa 3 lbs 13 oz y mide approx. 16 pulgadas de largo. Su cabeza mide como si tuviera 32 semanas y sus piernas tambien, pero su cuerpo mide como si tuviera 30 semanas (lo cual es cierto! tiene 30 semanas!). La doctora nos dijo que no nos asustaramos, la cabeza puede ser que no crezca tanto. Ella esta en el 66avo. percentil, asi que no es una bebe muy grande (bueno, para estandard estadounidense). Esta cabeza abajo, lo cual es buenisimo. Su ritmo cardiaco estaba a 146 bpm. Todo esta super bien, ella es una bebe muy sana, se mueve un monton, y esta divina!! Me encantan esos cachetes y me muero por verlos y besarlos ya!!!

Mike decorating baby's room

October 31-November 8 (2009) 092
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

Here is the picture of Sofia's daddy getting her room ready.
Aqui esta la foto del papi de Sofia, arreglando su cuarto.

30 weeks - Baby Shower

October 31-November 8 (2009) 084
Originally uploaded by paolaandmike

This week, Mike's mom threw a baby shower for us. We had a lot of fun and we got a lot of gifts!!! Thank you so much!! Sofia Michelle is going to be a spoiled little baby!!! On Sunday, Mike put everything together, and we decided to decorate Sofia's room. We are almost done, we'll post pictures of the baby room when it is completely done. In the meantime, I will just post a picture of Sofia's daddy getting her room ready. To see pictures of the baby shower, go to our Flickr link .

Esta semana, la mama de Mike nos hizo un baby shower. La pasamos super y recibimos muchos regalos!!! Gracias!!! Sofia Michelle va a ser muy consentida!! El domingo, Mike preparo todo y decidimos decorar el cuarto de Sofia. Ya casi terminamos, asi que voy a poner fotos cuando el cuarto ya este terminado. Mientras tanto, solo voy a poner una foto del papa de Sofia arreglando su cuarto. Para ver mas fotos del baby shower, vayan a nuestro link de Flickr.

Week 29 (Semana 29): Our Babymoon

This week we had our "Babymoon", one of the last weekends that we will be able to relax and spend time alone with each other. We spent a weekend in Chicago (Friday and Saturday night) at the Conrad Hotel, we got massages (I got a prenatal massage and Mike got a deep tissue massage), and we went to dinner at Topolobampo, the best Mexican restaurant in Chicago (Chef: Rick Bayless, winner of Top Chef Masters). We watched movies, relaxed, slept a lot and recovered our energy for the weeks coming ahead.

Esta semana tuvimos nuestra "luna de bebe", uno de los ultimos fines de semana que vamos a poder relajarnos y pasar tiempo juntos solos. Pasamos el fin de semana en Chicago (viernes y sabado en la noche) en el Conrad Hotel, fuimos a un spa a que nos dieran masajes (un masaje prenatal para mi y un masaje para tejidos profundos para Mike), y fuimos a cenar a Topolobampo, el mejor restaurante mexicano en Chicago (Chef: Rick Bayless, quien gano la competencia de Top Chef Masters). Vimos peliculas, nos relajamos, dormimos un monton, y recuperamos nuestra energia para las semanas que vienen.

Mike y Paola en Topolobampo

Sunday we went to the George Maliekel's house (President of Hollister, where I work) because he won the prize for donating the most money to my fundraiser back in May (for the San Diego half-marathon). Mike made a great dinner, they loved it, and we had a great time. We ate a lot this weekend!

Sam Brilliant (CFO), Sheila Maliekel, Frank, George Maliekel (President), Robin Brilliant, and Chef Mike Wisner.

El domingo fuimos a la casa de los Maliekels (Presidente de Hollister, donde yo trabajo) porque ellos ganaron el premio por donar la mayor cantidad de dinero para mi recaudacion de fondos para la media maraton que corri en San Diego en Mayo. Mike preparo una cena excelente, a ellos les encanto, y la pasamos super bien. Este fin de semana comimos un monton!

Week 28 - Paola's 30th Birthday!!!

Paola and Mike went to an Orchard in Woodstock, IL to pick apples. Look how big is my belly!!!!

Paola y Mike fueron a recoger manzanas a una granja en Woodstock, IL. Miren que gran panza!

Here is Mike picking apples. We picked 20 lbs. of apples!!! Aqui esta Mike cortando manzanas del arbol. Cortamos 20 libras de manzanas!!!

Esta fotos es para mostrar los colores tan lindos del otono. Y para mostrar mi panza tan grande que no se pierde ni a largas distancias, jajajaja. Esa persona con la gran panza bajo del arbol, si, esa! soy yo con Sofia adentro feliz pateando.

This picture is to show the beautiful colors of the Fall, and to show my big belly! It is hard to miss even from long distances, hahaha. That person with the big belly under the tree, yes, that one! it is me with Sofia kicking happily.

For my birthday, we went to Zapatista Northbrook, to celebrate during Happy Hour. We got there at 5:30 PM and we left at 11:30 PM. Mike celebrated for me, since I could only drink lemonade.

Para mi cumple, fuimos a Zapatista Northbrook, a celebrar durante Happy Hour. Llegamos a las 5:30 PM y nos fuimos a las 11:30 PM. Mike celebro por mi, ya que yo no pude tomar nada mas que limonadas.

Linday, Richard, Dan, and Paola

TJ and Erin

This week was awesome! We celebrated my birthday on Friday with my friends, on Saturday we went to dinner with Mike and my parents-in-law to an Indian-Latin fusion restaurant in downtown Chicago called "Vermillion." The food was interesting. My parents called me twice and my dad played "Las Mananitas" (it is our tradition). On Sunday, we went to the Orchard to pick apples, it was a beautiful sunny Fall day. At night, we went to dinner with TJ and his wife Claire (who is due in November). We went to a French restaurant downtown called "Cafe Matou", it was really good!! And to top it off, on Monday, my department at work surprised me with a birthday celebration because it was a milestone birthday!!! They totally surprised me with a big cake, that was so nice of them. We had a lot of fun this weekend.

Esta semana estuvo alegrisimo! Celebramos mi cumple el viernes con mis amigos, el Sabado fuimos a cenar con Mike y mis suegros a un restaurante Hindu-Latino que se llama "Vermillion". La comida estuvo interesante. Mis papas me llamaron dos veces y mi papa me toco "Las Mananitas" (es nuestra tradicion). El domingo, fuimos a cortar manzanas, fue un dia soleado y muy lindo, dia de otono. En la noche, fuimos a cenar con TJ y su esposa Claire (que va a tener a su beba en Noviembre). Fuimos a un restaurante frances que se llama "Cafe Matou", buenisimo!! Y para terminar la celebracion, el lunes, mi departamento en el trabajo que cayo de sorpresa con una celebracion y un gran pastel por mi cumpleanios! Ya que es un cumple importante (una decada mas!). Me agarraron completamente en curva. Que buena onda de ellos. Este fin de la gozamos.

Sofia is growing more and more every day. I can feel her kicks harder and harder every day. She starts moving around a lot after I eat. I started feeling like everything inside of me is pushed in, it is harder to breathe and I cannot eat a whole meal without feeling like I will throw up. I have to eat smaller meals, more often. Last week, my doctor called and said that my last blood tests showed that I am anemic, so I have to start taking an iron supplement. No big deal. No wonder why I was feeling tired again!! We went to our last prenatal class, and next week we start the prenatal childbirth classes.

Sofia esta creciendo dia a dia cada vez mas. Cada dia sus patadas son mas fuertes. Se mueve un monton despues que como. Empeze a sentir que todos mis organos estan apachados, es mas dificil respirar y no puedo comer una comida entera sin sentir que voy a vomitar (si como mucho). Ahora mejor como mas seguido, pero comidas pequenas. La semana pasada, mi doctora me llamo para decirme que en mi ultimo examen de sangre salio que tengo anemia, asi que tuve que empezar a tomar un suplemento de hierro. No es gran cosa. Con que razon me sentia cansada otra vez!! Fuimos la semana pasada a nuestra ultima clase prenatal, y la proxima semana empezamos las clases de nacimiento.

Mike gave me the best gift ever for my 30th birthday! We are going to have a "Babymoon" in Chicago. He booked a hotel and massages, and we made reservations to a nice restaurant. I am a very lucky woman to have Mike as my husband.

Mike me dio el mejor regalo para mi cumple! Vamos a irnos de "Babymoon" (luna de miel antes que venga la beba) en Chicago. Hizo reservaciones en un hotel e hizo citas para masajes y para ir a cenar a un restaurante super bueno. Soy una mujer con mucha suerte de tener a Mike como mi esposo.

Week 27: We painted the baby room and got our crib!

This weekend, I (Mike) painted the baby's room. The color is called "Limish" which is perfect for a little Guatemalan. Now she can put lime on her food and on her walls! Also, we got the crib and dresser/changing table. Unfortunately, the dresser was broken, so we had to return it and we will have to wait for another. Oh well, it is almost done and ready for Sofia. Additionally, Sofia has been regularly attending karate practice in Paola's belly and is now trying to punch and kick her way out.

Este fin de semana, yo (Mike) pinte el cuarto de la beba. El color se llama "Limish" que es perfecto para una chapinita. Ahora ella puede poner limon en su comida y en sus paredes! Tambien, esta semana recibimos nuestra cuna y nuestro armario/cambiador de paniales. Desafortunadamente, el armario estaba roto, asi que lo tuvimos que devolver y vamos a tener que esperar que venga uno nuevo. Ya casi esta el cuarto terminado y listo para Sofia. Tambien, Sofia ha estado atendiendo regularmente practicas de karate en la panza de Paola y ahora esta tratando de patear hasta salir.

We started taking our prenatal classes last week. Sofia kicks a lot while in class. We went to the doctor this week and Sofia is well and healthy. We both took the seasonal flu shot and we will take the H1N1 shot as soon as it is available.

Esta semana empezamos a asistir a las clases prenatales. Sofia patea un monton durante la clase. Fuimos al doctor esta semana y Sofia esta bien y sana. Los dos tomamos la vacuna de influenza y vamos a tomar la vacuna del H1N1 en cuanto este disponible.

Hansel didn't like being in the crib, as you can see in the picture. A Hansel no le gusto estar en la cuna, como pueden ver en la foto.

Here is a picture of some baby clothes and some toys we received as gifts from our friends and family in Guatemala. The little pillow was made by Liah, isn't that so cute!! We love it and we are sure that baby Sofia is going to love it too.

Aqui hay una foto de ropita y juguetes para la beba que recibimos como regalos de nuestras amigas y familia en Guatemala. La almohadita la hizo Liah, es tan divina!!! Nos encanta y estamos seguros que a baby Sofia le va a encantar tambien.

Week 25 and 26: Almost done with Second Trimester

This week, we went to a Middle-Eastern restaurant called Alhambra with our friends Joe and Guajira. The food was not good at all, but they had belly dancers! The male belly dancer was definitely the best one. We went to The Publican afterwards, a bar with a ton of beers, and everybody had a drink while I was enjoying my ginger ale!
Esta semana, fuimos a un restaurante de comida del medio oriente llamado Alhambra con nuestros amigos Joe y Guajira. La comida malisima, pero habian bailarines de belly dance! El bailarin (hombre) era definitivamente el mejor. Despues fuimos a The Publican, un bar con mil tipos de cervezas, y todos se tomaron un par de tragos y yo disfrute de mi ginger ale!

On Monday we went to check out a day care in Libertyville at Condell Hospital, it is less than 5 minutes away from where I work and it is also very close to Mike's parents' home. We really liked it, but we need to see other options before we make our final decision. The babies were sooo cute!!! Can't wait to meet baby Sofia (yes, we decided on how to spell it).

El lunes fuimos a ver un daycare en Libertyville, en el Hospital Condell, que queda a menos de 5 minutos de donde yo trabajo y tambien es super cerca de la casa de los papas de Mike. Nos gusto un monton, pero necesitamos ver otras opciones antes de tomar nuestra decision final. Los bebes son tan lindos!!!! Nos morimos de ganas de conocer a nuestra beba Sofia (si, ya decidimos como escribir el nombre).

PUMITAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her daddy bought the little pumas this week!

Su papa compro los pumitas esta semana!

Week 24: Trip to Guatemala/Viaje a Guatemala

I went go Guatemala to see my friends and family. My dad is so excited about his granddaughter, he bought me a huge balloon as a welcome home gift. My mom was so happy that I came so she could see and touch my expanding belly.

Fui a Guatemala a ver a mis amigos y familia. Mi papa esta muy emocionado por su nieta, me compro un gran globo de bienvenida. Mi mama esta muy feliz que llegue asi pudo ver mi panza que se expande dia a dia.

My friends Flor de Liz, Susan, Marlenne, Carina, Vanessa, and Maisy organized a baby shower for us. That was so sweet of them!! It was so much fun to see everyone and we are so thankful for all the beautiful gifts and all the great advice I got from everyone (especially from Zenia, the experienced mother of two).
Mis amigas Flor de Liz, Susan, Marlenne, Carina, Vanessa, y Maisy organizaron un baby shower para nosotros. Tan lindas ellas! La gozamos, estuvo re alegre ver a todo el mundo y estamos tan agradecidos por los regalos tan bonitos y los consejos tan buenos que nos dieron (especialmente los consejos de Zenia, madre experimentada de dos).




Foto de las organizadoras del baby shower y foto de mis amigas del colegio.
Baby shower organizers (left) and my friends from school (right).

The baby was kicking a lot during the baby shower, she knew it was for her! She was so happy with all the food I ate. We had a lot of fun! Thank you girls!!!! We love you!!!

La beba esta pateando un monton durante el baby shower, ella sabia que era para ella! Estaba feliz con tanta comida que comi. Gracias chicas!! Las queremos mucho!!!

The cake was so beautiful, it looked just like the invitation. It was delicious too. Thank you Vanessa!! The other picture is from a game that we played, we had to taste dirty diapers and figure out what type of chocolate the poop was. hahahaha, we laughed a lot!
El pastel estaba divino, era igual que la invitacion que mandaron. Estaba deli tambien, gracias Vanessa!! La otra foto es del juego que jugamos, teniamos que probar panales sucios y adivinar que tipo de chocolate era el popo, jajajajaja, nos matamos de la risa!

We also celebrated Teto's, Flor de Liz's and my 30th birthday!! Well, I am not 30 yet, but they are. They are OLD!!!! We went to el Club Aleman to celebrate, it was fun!

Tambien celebramos el cumpleanios de Teto, Flor de Liz, y el mio, cumplimos 30!! Bueno, yo todavia no, ellos si ya estan viejos. Fuimos al Club Aleman a celebrar. Estuvo alegre!

Susan, Marlenne y Flor de Liz:

Teto y Flor de Liz (los cumpleanieros):

Teto, Paola, y Chove:

Week 22 (Semana 22): While Mike was opening a restaurant, Paola was going to her friends baby showers

Hello! Sorry I haven't posted pictures from the last three weeks, life has been a little hectic. I will try to catch up today.... As you saw in the previous post, Mike opened Zapatista- Northbrook. While he was busy working 14 hours a day, I was going to babyshowers and other events. On Week 22, I had two baby showers: Eileen's and Claire's. Here are a couple of pictures...

Here is the picture of Claire's babyshower. She is also expecting a baby girl, due in November (so soon!). We had a lot of fun at her babyshower...And the other babyshower was Eileen's babyshower! She is expecting a baby boy due in November, she looked great! It was so nice to see her. And before I went to the babyshowers, I took Hansel to a dog walk-a-thon benefiting dogs that help children with learning disabilities. He had a blast! Our team (the Pouch Poochies) won!! We raised the most money as a team for the event! It was a lot of fun. My friend Matthew also came to visit us this weekend. We went to the Glenn to have a couple of beers (well, non-alcoholic beer for me). It was so nice to see him too!! He is planning his wedding. Good luck Matt!!

As you can see by the many events going on this weekend, I feel great, have tons of energy, and I am taking advantage of it while it lasts. The baby is well, kicking and happy, especially when her daddy comes home and talks to her. She loves her daddy, she reacts to his voice so much. I love it when he talks to her too, it is really sweet.

22 weeks - Mike's Grand Opening

Worky work, busy bee. I've spent the past three weeks working 14 hours a day; today is my first full day off in two weeks. Opening restaurants is not fun. Luckily, I come home each night, put my head on Paola's belly, and our baby girl kicks me in the head. It makes me forget about the stress of the day. Can't wait for our baby Sophia/Sofia. (we decided on name, but not a spelling). Hopefully the restaurant will hit its stride before she comes, because if it doesn't, I will be too busy with Daddy's Little Girl to even think about the restaurant.

Mucho trabajo. 14 horas por dia las tres semanas pasadas. Hoy es mi primer dia sin trabajar todo el dia hace dos semanas. Pero, tengo la suerte de regresar a la casa cada noche, poner mi cabeza en la panza de Paola, y nuestra hijita me patea, y me olvido de todo. No puedo esperar a que venga Sophia/Sofia (tenemos el nombre al fin, pero no sabemos como queremos escribirlo). Espero que todo en el restaurante este bien cuando venga ella, porque si no, yo estare bien ocupado con La Consentida, no podre pensar en otras cosas.