10 Bible Verse for Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, want to be or know someone who is, here are 10 great Bible verses to meditate on. I must tell you it was also fun to look back at my pregnancy pictures. Great times! 

You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. -Isaiah 26:3 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:13-14 

Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. – Psalm 22:9-10 

I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 43:4 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 1 Samuel 1:27 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-1 

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Psalm 128:3 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:19 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

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Pregnancy: Body Acceptance

I cannot deny, it's been interesting remembering my previous pregnancies through pictures. Thanks to my constant picture taking and the wonderful world of blogging, I've been able to have a great record of what week 36 of pregnancy looked like in years past:

Whether I like it or not, a lot of focus is put on the body during pregnancy. Here's God's perspective on the subject:

You were bought for a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body.  I Corinthians 6:20 (God's Word Translation)

I never thought about this verse in the context of pregnancy until last week. This Bible verse reminds me that although I've been carrying my baby girl for 36 weeks, my body is really meant to bring honor to God even in this season.
I realized that although I take good care of my body during pregnancy, I'm also tempted to complain about the side effects pregnancy brings. All the aches and changes are not fun but some complaints are deep seated in the rejection of self.
Look at my photo illustration once again. During my first pregnancy I thought I had a great handle on the situation and I was happy with the way I looked for the most part. In 2010 I refused to put my face in my pregnancy photos for things changed drastically inside and out. I didn't like the way I looked, I was 'too big' for people to see the real me. As soon as I had my daughter "a light came on" and I realized being ashamed of myself wasn't healthy. This time around I am showing me for who I am in every photo. It took me 3 pregnancies but I know this is a season of life and I am bringing glory to God by taking care of my body. Being unashamed of what I look like brings glory to God because it says 'I appreciate how You made me." I now know that hiding my face or only taking photos in certain angles can only mask what the heart doesn't cease to carry: shame. I wonder if shame is separating you from glorifying God with your body my friend.
Here are ways to stop the struggle & become more accepting of who you are:
• Watch Your Words - there is power in your words. If you are truly negative about your appearance, things are not gonna get better. Change the way you speak about yourself. For example, I used daily positive affirmations about running many years before I ran my first 5K. Hearing positive things about myself were the starting point to unlocking my ability to change for the better.

• Make a Habit of Caring for your Body - small steps towards caring for yourself will lead you to greater accomplishments. It might start with drinking more water every day or walking once a week. Building good habits, one baby step at the time, makes a big difference long term. Employing the help of others is part of caring for your body too. Signing up for counseling for example is a great way to care for yourself.

• Understand the Seasons of Life - my previous women's ministry pastor opened my eyes to the fact that during a woman's life, her weight will go up and down. Pregnant women do gain weight. Once I accepted that weight loss season was over for 9 months, things got much better. My focus went from the numbers on the scale to non-scale victories such as getting more rest, adding more nutrients to my diet and finding enjoyment in exercising during pregnancy. I know that the weight will come off during the next season.

My hope is that you and I don't be ashamed of what we look like. It might be a process or it may take a revelation but I pray that eventually our body issues will turn into the glorious act of bringing glory to God in the way we use our bodies.
Related Posts:
• Pregnancy: Body Issues
• Life After Baby: Weight Loss Progression
• Podcast: Counseling Demystified

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Friday Commentary: High Risk Pregnancy

This week has been one of celebrations. We celebrated my son's birthday last Sunday and today we celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday (photos on my Instagram & Twitter). Fun times! 

Another celebration of sorts are my weekly NSTs (Non-stress tests) and BPPs (don't know what that means but it's some type of ultrasound). I fall in the category of High Risk Pregnancy because of Chronic Hypertension so my Doctor keeps an eye on me more than she would other "regular" pregnant women. Here's a picture of me in the hospital's waiting room today.

Once I schedule these weekly exams, I think of them as a baby & mommy dates. Obviously we're there for serious reasons but I do enjoy taking a peek inside my uterus every week, finding out how much she weighs, seeing her practicing breathing and looking at her pretty face. She'll be here soon and today's test was kind of my wake up call. 

Will I do anything different now that I'm 32 weeks? Not necessarily. I'll keep exercising, eating as well as I can and getting ready for the big birth day. I'm so looking forward to seeing our blessing for the first time!

It's funny to me (and to the doctors who treat me) to know that my pregnancy is high risk because all my numbers are great. Last month one doctor looked at my stats and asked "so what are you doing here again?" God's been so good to me when it comes to my health! I am thankful.

I developed chronic hypertension a few years after I got married. I blogged extensively about how God changed/healed my mind and my body weight followed that transformation. My health improved greatly before having my first son but I never got off of high blood pressure meds. I then became a Baby Buncher, so I have to be careful to take care of my health in order to nurture my family well. Thanks to God I haven't had any problems with my blood pressure for 5 years. I kept the good habits learned during that first High Blood Pressure "intervention" phase such as:

• avoid stress like a plague;

• watch for salt intake in food; 

• avoid eating out in places known to add a lot of salt & MSG to their food;

• exercise regularly; 

• use other spices such as garlic and onions in my cooking;

• drink plenty water; 

• get enough rest;

• monitor my blood pressure for any changes.

That initial bad experience was not fun because it felt like I was not in control of my body. Taking control of my health means to be conscious of my choices. It means there are consequences to my actions and I want my consequences to lead to great quality of life. 

I realize that the damage that Chronic Hypertension has in one's body can be irreversible that's why I am so eager to maintain great health habits. It's more than a dress size for me, it's about the size & quality of my earthly life.

I've learned that God is a healer but he's not a magician. I have learned that I have to create good habits in order to enjoy great quality of life. God is my healer and helper but once I get off my knees I need to chop some veggies and go for a walk. 

Keep us in your prayers as we finish this amazing journey. Being pregnant is a gift and I am trying to be a good steward by caring for my health. Have an amazing weekend!

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How to Exercise while Pregnant

Video notes: This podcast is not intended as medical advice. Before starting any exercise program, please consult your doctor or other health professional.
Responsabilidade: Uma correta prática de exercícios físicos regulares começa no consultório médico. Antes de chegar à academia, quadras de esporte, pistas de corrida, etc. é muito importante que se faça uma avaliação clínica geral para, aí sim, começar uma atividade física. Somente um médico poderá orientar e resguardar a saúde do atleta, indicando, por exemplo, seus limites físicos. O conteúdo desse Vídeo é opinião para entretenimento. Não assumimos responsabilidades pelas experiências dos leitores. 

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Pregnancy: Week 30

I am officially in the third and final trimester of my Pregnancy! Glory be to God! I'm counting down to birth day and I have around 9 weeks to go. The baby and I are very healthy, so is the rest of our family. Here are my experiences since we last talked:

Pearls:
• I passed my blood test so no diabetes and no need for that painful 3-hour test I took last time. Thank God!

• I've been going to the gym at least 3 times a week for 2 months. I think this has contributed a lot to the way I am feeling. I assume I'm the only, obviously pregnant lady there so I am a prime future client for trainers. They have been extra friendly to me.

Poops:

• I failed my iron test. Last time I decided to stay ahead and take an iron pill and I passed it but this time even with the extra iron pills I failed the test. I'm on prescription iron pills now. Go figure.

• Crazy hormones! I almost cried in the gym when I was waiting for a treadmill and a senior citizen jumped on an empty one right in front of me. He never noticed my hormonal change (thankfully) and I think he honestly wasn't paying attention. I dislike the desire to cry when something upsets me cause it's just not part of my personality. What's been worse is that some people were unusually mean to me last week. One time I felt like I had to speak up and told this lady's coworkers her day needed to get better for the love of God cause she was in a baaaad mood when I showed up in this office. Anyway, my goal is to forgive and move on without the crying.

Extra Information: 

• This is the first pregnancy where I don't take the flu shot. The doctor didn't want me to take it during the first trimester and she was out most of my second trimester, so I ended up not getting it.

• I still wear heels once a week. I still get a lot of stares and comments about it at church but I have 25 months of experience in this thing. I believe that secretly people want pregnant women like me not to exercise or wear cute shoes for 9 months.
• The kids and I went to start a baby registry. They did awesome as long as I kept moving and kept them fed.

••• Here's me at 30 weeks of pregnancy in 2010 and here's my 30-week bump in 2009. For Pregnancy posts, go to my Pregnancy Page.

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Pregnancy: week 26

Hello everyone! I'm at Week 26 and feeling so blessed to be expecting a blessing from God. Here are the latest:
Pearls:
• I'm still enjoying the advantages of being in the soon to end second trimester. Feeling the baby move is a bliss!

• Exercise has been very helpful. I feel like it has improved the way I am feeling.
Poops: 

• Negativity from others. I keep fighting it by believing God and paying attention to what my husband has to say. I am also surrounding myself with positive friends who are a big encouragement along the way.

• Heartburn. Yep, couldn't avoid it for much longer. Tums have been my best friends. 

Prayer, resting and simply enjoying God's blessings have been the key things for me lately. I am praying that this last trimester will be a blessed one. I will slow down even more when I need to. I am praying for a healthy baby at the end of the journey. I appreciate your prayers!

See:

• Pregnancy Page

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Pregnancy: Body Issues

Pregnant me in 2010

Have you noticed that your body issues tend to intensify during pregnancy? It might not be so for everyone but some of us go through a challenging period of self-acceptance when we look at a changing body who happens to be carrying an amazing gift from God. During my pregnancies, my body goes from being mine to being the nurturing home of my soon to be newborn. During 9 months, my baby's home goes through some intense changes physically and psychologically.

One thing is guaranteed: every expecting mother goes through some type of change during those 9 months. Don't pay attention to women who scream "I never got stretch marks," because they will never tell you if they have hemorrhoids. Don't compare yourself with the superstar in the magazine cover wearing a bikini only 2 weeks post-partum. We don't know how large is her staff (cooks, trainers, nannies, nurses, sitters for the other kids, maids, butlers, drivers, etc) or what kind of contract she signed before conceiving. 

Remember that God created seasons. The pregnancy season comes to an end when birth takes place. God created your wonderful body to nurture your baby so once the baby is born, your body transformation continues. I know most of us are afraid of never losing the baby weight. I can guarantee you that fear doesn't help your weight loss process at all. Take it from someone who's been through this twice before: the weight will come off. It wasn't a magical process for me but I learned how to get back in shape without meds, gimmicks or harsh restrictions. My mind needed to be changed before the body transformation began. I took Romans 12:2 seriously, it says that I am to renew my mind and find out what God's perfect will is for me. Once I found out what works for me, the journey was much easier.
At 25 weeks of pregnancy I still have moments where I deeply miss my hot mama, 5K running body. I quickly remind myself of the treasure I am carrying. I focus in providing the best nutrition while getting a good balance of rest and exercise. It's also encouraging to remember my previous experiences and look at the wonderful results from healthy pregnancies. I look at my kids and I think: children, you are so worth it! How do you manage the body issues you have/had during your pregnancy?

Pregnant me on 3/17/2012

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Pregnancy: Week 24

• Mac users, here's the YouTube link

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Fasting While Pregnant

I often start the year with fast and prayer. My church for example started 31 days of prayer this month where we are all encouraged to fast (however we chose) and pray. For the past 4 years I haven't been able to fast in the traditional sense of the word (abstain from food) because I'm often pregnant. I still feel the need to connect with God in a deeper way so what I do is to search the Scriptures to find out what real fasting is all about and how I can apply it to my life. If you read Isaiah 58:6-11 you get a great picture of the fast God has chosen. Even when I am not expecting and able to do a more traditional fast, I keep this amazing reminder in front of me. The great news for pregnant women and people who can't abstain for food is that some of these things don't require abstinence from eating. Here's verse 7 in the New King James Version:
"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
      And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
      When you see the naked, that you cover him,
      And not hide yourself from your own flesh?" Isaiah 58:7 (NKJV)

What if we decide to feed the hungry during this month? What if we decide to give clothes to families who need new clothes but can't afford them? What if we take this time of fasting to reconcile with our own families? Pregnancy has indeed encouraged me to feel that I can still search the scriptures and do what God requires of all of us. Pregnancy is a different and sensitive season of life as I explain in my eBook Tweeting with God. It is a season where God gently guides us to still waters and I am thankful. If you can't fast for some reason, please don't feel discouraged. Search the Scriptures and pray about how you can connect with God as you start the year you give birth. I'm going to giveaway a copy of my eBook to a reader who answers the question of the day. The winner will be chosen by random.org.

Question of the day: Did/Do you feel discouraged for not being able to fast while pregnant? Did you find an alternative to fasting? What was it?

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Pregnancy: Week 14

I am so thankful to God for allowing me to get to Week 14! How I looked forward to the second trimester! The first trimester sometimes felt like a "trial-mester" because I never experienced such intense nausea and tiredness. I can honestly say that I am starting to feel more like myself. Here are my the Pearls & Poops of my third pregnancy:

Pearls

• I feel more like myself. There are days that I have so much energy I clean my entire house. I know, I'm impressed too. 

• I'm starting to feel the baby fluttering. Because I've had my first one I know what to expect and it's so much fun to feel this baby moving in my womb. A feeling only I get to experience and I treasure this experience so, so much.

Poops

• My immune system is a little different than my non-pregnant self, which means when colds come they tend to linger. I lost my voice (nightmare!) and I still sound funny but the blessing is that I am getting better. We have a lemon tree in the backyard so I've been enjoying having lemon water daily. 

• I've been experiencing an intense dryness in my nose, although Houston is very humid. During my last 2 pregnancies I had something similar when I was 5 months pregnant. It's completely normal yet annoying and at the same time, I am grateful to be enjoying optimum health. 
Extra Info
Apparently I freaked out scared a lot of people last Sunday when I started jumping during one of our worship songs. I told the people who were concerned about my health my kids are used to it. I gave them my resume of running up to Week 12 as well as dancing and jumping as long as 9 months. Then when the kids are born we are back to worship rehearsal they get to 'dance' with mamãe in the sling (BIG smile).

So this is what I look like on week 14. I took this photo yesterday during my birthday party. Tomorrow I'll have a video of the party and I'll tell you about everything that happened. Last year I told my husband that it was weird not to be pregnant during my birthday. I certainly did not have this feeling this year. For the past 4 years I've been mostly pregnant during my birthdays :) I know it will be fun to look back at the photos and remember this season of life. Hope your new year has been fantastic thus far!

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Stay Away from Negativity

Related Posts:
• Guest at Pregtastic
• Simply Cintia's Pregnancy Page

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Exercise: How do I Start?

Think about your high school graduation. Believe it or not, all assignments, all books you did not wanted to read and your attendance led to you holding your diploma. I can think of the same thing happening during my college years. There were assignments that to me did not make sense but everything came together when I graduated with my B.A.

Exercising as a habit is similar to the education process. I see it as a means to a goal. Every time I lace my shoes, every mile conquered, every time my heart rate is raised in a healthy way, I am reaching my goal. My long time readers know that my goal is not a skinny pants size but a lifetime of optimum health.

I see investing in nutrition the same way, a means to my goal of being a healthier person. I do look very different than I did 10 months ago but it’s all part of the process, not my goal. A good question at this point is: how do I start? I’m a good person to answer this question because I’ve given all kinds of excuses from I don’t like to sweat to it will mess up my hair to I don’t have time.

1. Changing (or renew) your mind • your mind is the battlefield. That’s where you win and lose many battles. Here’s what the Bible encourages us to do in Romans 12:2

The Kids & I at my first 5K of 2011

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

2. Involve God in your Journey • I’ve been blogging for years that the God who created my body knows what’s best for me, even when it comes to exercise. When I involved God in my journey, I found more strength and encouragement. I believe God wants our health to prosper. I believe God can even help me get organized enough to fit exercise in my schedule. He’s a prayer away.

3. Redefine your Goals • If you read my entries from 2005 you’ll read a desperate woman trying to go back to the weight of her youth. Because I accepted the challenge of renewing my mind and involving God in my life, the goals I had changed. I realized that a healthier me can serve others better. I realized that a healthier me can contribute more to the good of others. I clearly saw that I was largely responsible for inflicting harm to my health by the habits I had. New goals meant a new exciting journey which needs recalibrating every now and then.

I hope you don’t think so people are magically built or made to exercise on a regular basis. You can do it. We all have 24 hours but we all make different choices. I knew that when I was concerned about my hair. What really helped me was changing my mind, involving God and redefining my goals. What has helped you to keep exercise as a habit in your life?

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Life After Baby: Weight Loss Update

I've come a long way since my first post-pregnancy weight loss post. Here are my current numbers:

First baby:

Starting weight: 145 lbs

@ 9 months: 195 lbs

Second baby:

Starting weight: 190 lbs

@ 9 months: 216 lbs

My ZGirl will be 8 months next week and I now weigh 161 lbs, the same weight I had when I married the love of my life. What an amazing accomplishment, all thanks to God, Zeke (my sponsor and accountability) and the lessons learned along the way:

• I can't give glory to Weight Watchers because most of my weight loss happened without them. I stopped going to the meetings close to 2 months ago to save money. I do use what I learned there but I don't write down what I eat or count points as I did while on the program. I keep losing weight throughout this time. I have learned balance. 

• I can't give glory to an exercise program because for me, it's not a formula. My goal has been to be more active and that's what I accomplished. I cannot give you a sheet with everything I do because it varies. I have learned what my minimum is. 

• I can tell you that finding support and accountability works. My husband (who is losing a significant amount of weight with me) has been an amazingly great influencer. He eats well, he exercises, drinks lots of water and keeps our precious kids while I workout. I learned how to find support.

I am now trying to figure out what my next goal is. I don't want to fit into a certain size or look a certain way. I am aiming to learn some lifelong lessons and encourage others on the way.

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10 Memórias

Gente, meu tempo como grávida está quase terminando. Agradeço a Deus por esse privilégio e gostaria de compartilhar 10 memórias que tenho dessa gravidez:

1 • O dia que descobrimos que eu estava grávida. Foi uma alegria, e ao mesmo tempo justificou o porquê de eu estar tão cansada. 

2 • Poder descansar no início, meio e final da gravidez. Finalmente mudei minha vida e resolvi dormir. Criança cresce quando dorme e mãe ganha mais energia.

3 • Descobrir que estamos tendo uma filha. Foi a maior emoção. Não tínhamos preferência, queríamos o que Deus nos deu, mas mesmo assim, foi a maior emoção descobrir que estamos tendo uma menina. Vídeo aqui.

4 • A misericórdia de Deus no dia em que todos nós pegamos um vírus que durou 24 horas. Graças a Deus cada um pegou depois do outro, o que deu pra todo mundo se cuidar e recuperar.

5 • Ser a única a poder alimentar, cuidar, sentir minha filha por 9 meses. Sou mãe coruja, não sou daquelas que passa a neném pra todo mundo, então ser a primeira a se connectar com ela é uma honra. 

6 • Poder defender minha bênção antes de nascer. Ouvi coisas como 'o que você está pensando', 'isso foi acidente?', etc. Há poder nas palavras. Todas as palavras que falamos sobre nossa filha são palavras de vida e corrigimos pessoas que tentam falar de morte. 

7 • Poder comer tudo que queria. Não exagerei mas dessa vez aproveitei bem mais do que da vez passada. Assim que eu tiver minha filha vou começar a treinar pra uma corrida de 5 Km em Outubro. Fiquem ligados!
8 • Estar em casa. Da primeira vez eu estava trabalhando. Dessa vez trabalhei de casa :) o bom é que deu pra dormir, descansar e uma vez pedi ajuda pra minha vizinha. A experiência foi totalmente diferente de estar num ambiente de trabalho.
9 • Agora no final, foi legal ir no salão fazer minhas unhas e trançar o cabelo. Também fiz a mesma coisa da outra vez, é sempre MUITO bom. Meu marido disse que em 7 anos que ele me conhece essas são as poucas vezes que saio pra que alguém faça algo diferente (verdade, só pago pra cortarem e olhe lá). A gente se cuida mais na gravidez.
10 • O chá de bebê dela foi muito especial. Nosso filhinho estava conosco e como família pedimos uma chuva de bênçãos pra vida da nossa bebê. Quero escrever mais sobre a importância da oração durante a gravidez essa semana.

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Here Lies my VBAC

I came to terms with the death of my Vaginal Birth After Cesarian (VABC) dream. VABC was my goal after I had my first son. I was highly frustrated with having a c-section (I got over it tough). I never really read much about it, I was totally ready for a natural delivery and when it came to it, we opted to go on with the cesarian (read my birth story here) for safety reasons.

After baby was born, I was totally busy with the new challenges of motherhood such as trying to breastfeed, getting enough sleep, trying to lose weight... you name it. Once I found out I was pregnant for the second time I was so excited I wasn't really thinking about the delivery method. 

After going through my first appointment and getting the congratulations from the nursing staff, I saw my doctor. We talked about many things. He asked if I had any other questions, then he broke the news that I would have to have another cesarian because the hospital does not allow VBACs. This bomb almost took my joy away. I must confess I was frustrated with the news.

I made the decision to go on with my treatment at my clinic for many good reasons. I still had to make peace with God, with myself and with the reaction of others.

God has an awesome plan for me that includes peace from beginning to end. Peace with myself came when I got rid of expectations about what childbirth should be like. Most people have bad reactions when I say I'm having another c-section. I had to find strength and security in God and myself so that no matter what people say do not bother me. It's my body, my child, my decision. 

Just so you know where I stand:

• I still think that a natural birth is best. The issue is, some of us can't have it, therefore, cesarian is it. I believe that God gave wisdom to people in the medical field which can save many more lives with c-sections, which is awesome. 

• I can totally understand why some people want to schedule their c-sections. Some days I wish I could do that. I won't get to do that and I don't judge the people who have that option. Your body, your baby, you make your decision.

• I still secretly wish I get to the hospital at 10 cm dilated with a head almost coming out. Will it happen? Only God knows what my birth story will be like. 

• I'm at peace with not having a VBAC. I'm at peace and that will allow me to better enjoy being a mother for the second time. That's the greater blessing.

*** WebMD info on VBAC here.

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Failed Again, Passed

In addition to this test I failed one more. I failed the Strep B test. No worries, I have failed it before and my baby and I turned out just fine. I'm believing for the same outcome (health) this time and better! The good news is that I am NOT anemic! I passed the blood exam! I failed this one last time and did not enjoy being called anemic. I decided to crank up the Iron during this pregnancy and I took iron pills every other day. My diet is rich in fiber but I took some fiber supplements as well. I wasn't gonna be that rich in Iron if you know what I mean. I was so focused on getting an A+ on everything last pregnancy that I felt betrayed when my iron level was low. Everything turned out just fine this time, thank God. 

This week I also started my Non-Stress Test (NST). I have to do these twice a week. They measure the baby's heart rate as well as contractions. These are the tests that led me to go to the hospital twice for further monitoring before birth day. My husband (who went to 99.9% of my appointments last time) used to go to these with me. The one time he didn't I was sent to the hospital. They sent me home though. 

Honestly, I was hoping the same thing would happen with this first test. They would say, 'lady, you have to go next door and deliver here in a little bit.' The latest weeks are hard work but my real thought was, 'be patient, she'll come when she's supposed to.'

Just for fun, I came up with fun ways to make NST more fun:

• Offer pedicures - totally doable because you just sit there.

• Add a TV to the room - I don't have cable, so I'd watch it for at least 20 minutes. It always takes me more than that tough which means I can watch at least one show.

• Let me sleep through it - I have to stay awake and make sure I press a button when the baby moves. Anyone can totally see when she moves, so someone could do it for me while I sleep. 

If we could have all 3 at one time, I'd go for NST weekly since my first OBGYN visit. 

On the home front things are ready. We have our supplies. She has been blessed with sooo many cute outfits, diapers, wipes, etc, etc. We have her sleeping quarters next to my bed, the boppy is out of the closet (I put it up when we were using it as a pillow in the living room) so are the baby carriers (can't wait to wear the Moby!!!). My hospital bag is ready to go (just missing my toothbrush... I'll pack it after I write this). We are ready to go. Glory be to God!

I was blessed to see one of the leaders of our local La Leche League yesterday. I told her I probably go back to the meetings and she encouraged me to call even if it's in the middle of the night for help. Great, cause I will need all support I can get. I definitely want to be at peace and give the whole process another try with success. 

So, I end this post in peace. I'm at peace my team didn't win the World Cup. I'm at peace I don't get a VBAC. I'm at peace I might not be as ready as I'd like when birth day come. I trust God and His plan. At almost 37 weeks (full-term!), it is well with my soul.

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Graça

Essa semana fiquei com vergonha porque uma moça que vai ter neném bem depois de mim está com tudo pronto. Rapidamente perdi a vergonha porque a minha vida é bem diferente. Se comparar com os outros nunca dá certo. Olha só: já tenho um filho que ainda está usando fraldas, então a próxima neném vai entrar no mesmo ritmo, usar as mesmas coisas. As roupas já estão lavadas (pelo menos as primeiras roupas de recém-nascida) e o resto está tudo separado. Fomos muito abençoados no culto da bebê, então trocamos as coisas repitidas (ganhamos muita fralda pra recém-nascido, então compramos tamanhos diferentes) e compramos outras coisas essenciais que precisamos. Deus nos dá graça pra fazer tudo quando precisamos. Hoje me animei (graças a Deus porque está difícil) e até arrumei a bolsa pra levar pro hospital. Dessa vez não vou levar muita coisa. Segui uma lista da primeira vez, e agora estou seguindo a minha própria experiência. Por exemplo, quase não deu tempo de ler, então levar livro pra quê? Uma coisa que não estava na lista mas foi essencial pra nós foi levar o nosso laptop pra falar com a família pelo Skype e mandar fotos por e-mail. Da última vez eles nos perguntaram se queríamos ficar por mais uma noite e dissemos que sim. Dessa vez, devo vir pra casa assim que disserem amém. Muita coisa muda com o segundo nascimento :) Esses são pequenos detalhes que aprendemos com a nossa primeira experiência. Da segunda vez vai ser melhor ainda com a graça de Deus.

Uma coisa que não dá muito pra preparar é o meu filho. Ele não entende muito bem que daqui a pouco as coisas vão mudar muito. Eu tenho orado pra que a transição seja fácil pra ele. Também estamos orando pra que esse segundo nascimento seja cheio de paz. Estresse nunca ajuda. O plano é me preparar como puder e não esperar por perfeição. Que a vontade de Deus seja feita é a minha oração. 

Falando nisso tenho orado muito mais no final dessa gravidez. Só a ajuda de Deus pra me ajudar mesmo. Dessa vez o final tem sido muito mais difícil, mas a graça de Deus me basta porque o Seu poder se aperfeiçoa na minha fraqueza. Meu testemunho tem sido de vitória por causa da ajuda de Deus. Da primeira vez eu nem sabia que a gravidez estava terminando, minha bolsa estourou e pronto. Dessa vez, já que meu corpo já passou por tudo isso estou bem mais sensível, bem mais cansada e o calor também intensifica tudo. Em vez de reclamar, estou dando glória a Deus, sabendo que Ele é capaz de fazer o que prometeu a mim. 

Mais uma vez tenho que concordar com a enfermeira que me atendeu ano passado e me disse que a gravidez é muito difícil pro corpo. Tenho que concordar também que a graça de Deus é o bastante.

P.S.: Eu ia adicionar um video blog mas estou com uma cara de cansada... desanimei. Fica pra depois :)

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Pregnancy Side Effects: Coping

One of the first things a nurse in my clinic told me when I went for my first pregnancy appointment is that pregnancy is hard on the body. I didn’t want to believe it but now I totally do. Now that we are getting to the end of our second journey, we are often asked how do you do pregnancy and the other kid at the same time. I have found a few ways to cope with the side effects of this wonderful season as we get close to birth day:

First Trimester: During my first pregnancy the major thing was being tired. I would sleep sometimes but not often. This time around not only was I tired but I had all day nausea. I quickly learned to sleep when baby sleeps and I asked for meds. I just could not feel sick a whole day and properly care for my son who was 7 months at the time. The important thing is to find a soothing solution.

Second Trimester: It felt like a honeymoon the first time I got pregnant. I looked great, felt great and I was exercising a lot. This time I felt like I just came out of the dessert and found relief. If we had major projects such as getting the nursery ready, we tackled them during the second trimester. I heard that waiting til the end to paint and do other major repairs can be tough though many have done it. I enjoyed this season because I didn’t know what the next 3 months would bring.

Third Trimester: I nicknamed these last months as 'the third trial master.' It’s been tough! During my first pregnancy I worked full-time and did consulting work until week 37. I guess I was so focused on work that the time just flew by. Time is not dragging this time but my current circumstances are mixed with pregnancy side effects. Heartburn has been the main one this time around. Last time it was hemorrhoids (not glamorous, I know but very true). It’s been easy to manage the heartburn with meds. A lot of rest is needed now. Some days I feel like I could sleep all the time. Pair that with an extremely positive attitude. Pregnancy is definitely not the best I’ve ever felt (It’s hard to feel good about nausea and hemorrhoids) but it is one of the happiest seasons of expectation.

Here are other tips that work every season:

• After two totally different pregnancies I must recognize that fit is better. The fitter you are, the easier it is to go through 9 awesome months of body and mind change. I told my husband that next time I’ll do better in that department.

• Choose a recovery day. When I was working full-time Saturday was it. Now that I’m working at home, we chose Mondays as our recovery day. We stay in, rest and get our nap/rest routines back together after a busy weekend. Make it your personal Sabbath if you will.

• Eating clean helps any mother and child. Your baby benefits from fruits and veggies however you can get them. Sometimes it works for me to get a lot of fresh ingredients. Other times the best we can do is get canned black beans, rice and frozen broccolis. It’s alright, as long as we are mindful of what we are eating. It’s never too early to give those little taste buds a flavor of health

• Talk to your baby. I felt weird at first and it’s even weirder when other people do it (even through e-mail of messages on my pregnant pics). They know your voice and respond to you. Once they are born, I miss the closeness, the movement and the fact that I am the only one to nurture her that way. Words can nurture as well.

• Stay away from stress. This is not the season to be worried about things. Stress can affect your pregnancy in the worse manner and you don’t want that. Practice contentment, laying your cares on Jesus for He cares for you. Learn also that there is a time and season for everything and worrying won’t change that. Take the healthier, peaceful pathway. Learn what makes you relax: a pedicure? A short walk? Watching a comedy? Pursue peace.

I don’t think it’s taboo to be real about what women go through. I think it’s healthy to be honest but honesty is better with hope. I cling to God, my source of joy and strength. If my mind is not focused on things above, life would be miserable. Change your mind to God’s plan and what He’s trying to teach you. At times I think that millions of women have been where I am but for some reason the thought does not help me at all. Only God’s words and having a rested mind to receive His love helps me.

I pray that you have an awesome pregnancy. I believe yours will be better than mine. Be sure to live your own happy experience!

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Sintomas da Gravidez

Até aqui me ajudou o Senhor! Com 35 semanas eu estou olhando pra trás e vendo como passei por várias fases gravidez. Aí vão elas:

fotos da minha primeira gravidez: meses 5-9

• Primeiro Trimestre - fiquei muito cansada no início. Na primeira gravidez não dormi muito. Na segunda aproveitei a soneca do meu filho que tinha 7 meses na época pra descansar também. Dessa vez também tive náusea, mas ela durava o dia todo. Pedi por remédio, o que me ajudou bastante. O importante é achar uma solução que funcione pra você. Conheço muita mulher que não toma remédio de jeito nenhum (era eu na primeira gravidez). Conversar com o médico é sempre o melhor.

• Segundo Trimestre - Muitos aqui chamam esses meses dos meses da lua de mel. Eu me senti muito melhor durante esse tempo! Aproveitamos pra pintar o quarto do bebê nessa época ou fazer outros projetos maiores. Ouvi dizer que esperar pra fazer tudo no final é difícil.

• Terceiro Trimestre - O momento final da gravidez! O/A bebê cresce rápido nessa época e eu tenho sentido. Ano passado eu trabalhei até a semana 37 e me exercitei a maioria do tempo. Desta vez n ão me exercito tanto como antes e estou trabalhando de casa. Como o meu corpo já fez esse trabalho todo ano passado, os músculos estão bem mais sensíveis. As vezes sinto que estou de volta ao início da gravidez, o que quer dizer que o descanso é necessário. No finalzinho (no meu caso) vem uns sintomas interessantes como hemorróidas e azia. Tenho tomado remédio pra azia o que ajuda bastante. Ano passado tive mas deu pra controlar sem remédio. Não tive homorróidas dessa vez, mas as vezes elas aparecem depois do nascimento como se fossem umas surpresas agradáveis :) Fui num chá de bebê de uma moça que não tinha a mínima idéia de que isso poderia acontecer. Nem todo mundo tem esses sintomas. 

Outras dicas:
• Coma bastante frutas, legumes e verduras e tome muita água. Isso ajuda a você e ao seu bebê. Comece esse bom hábito no ventre!
• Faça exercícios. Com o acompanhamento médico, faça o exercício que seja mais confortável pra você. Eu fazia exercício pra controlar o estresse e sempre ajudava em outras áreas da saúde.
• Lide com o estresse. Ele é parte da vida, e se não der pra aniquilar, lide com ele. O que te faz relaxar? Natação? Um bom filme? Uma caminhada curta? Ler um livro? Gravidez não é tempo de estar estressada. Afeta o bebê , sua pressão sanguínia, etc.
• Chame a Deus. Ele sempre foi parte da minha vida, especialmente agora. Remédio ajuda a lidar com sintomas, mas se o meu coração e mente não estiverem abertos pra receber o amor de Deus a vida se torna muito mais difícil. Faça dEle a parte principal da sua gestação.

Parabéns a equipe Brasileira de futebol! Haja coração! Gostei do jogo de ontem. Eu e meu filho assistimos 'juntos'. Eu não estava me sentindo muito bem (terceiro trimestre) mas o resultado do jogo nos trouxe uma alegria enorme!

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Stretching Reality

I didn't get stretch marks til the very, very end of my first pregnancy. I was so surprised to see them cause the nurses in the clinic kept complimenting me for not having them. Well, this time around I'm starting and finishing the journey with them. 

It may seem silly but the first thought I had when I saw that population of stretch marks on my belly was 'I will never be able to wear a two piece again!' I had accomplished that dream when I was in Florida for a summer internship. I was in shape so I gave the two piece thing a try. I'm glad I have pictures to prove I was once able to do it. Oh, I also got a mean tan. Yes, Black people like me can tan. I prefer the beach to a booth tough. 

At this point you are probably thinking: 'stretch marks don't matter, what matters is the healthy baby' and I know all that to be true. The fact is, if you have them, chances are you don't love them. I asked my doctor about stretch mark creams and he told me 'those creams do not work.' True enough. I still kept using them just because my skin was extra dry in the winter. The stretch mark deal doesn't bother me so much that I'd spend thousands of dollars in treatment. 

Putting things in perspective, the healthy baby is the most important thing about  pregnancy, not the fact that I can have a photo with my children next to me on the beach and the girls are all wearing bikinis. Some things in life are inevitable and stretch marks during pregnancy are it for me. I'm glad I have a husband who loves me for who I am. I am glad my children can care less about the marks I carry in my body. They love me for me. 

I am starting to think that instead of depressing symbols of what I can't do, they should be badges I wear with pride. I paid the price to carry new life into the world and there is nothing wrong with looking normal. There's an extra person I am growing inside of me so I dare not look the same. Good for you, you NEVER get to see them :)

I commit to look in the mirror and think: someone special has been formed in your womb and your whole body stretched to accommodate new life, new hopes, possibilities and dreams. 

• How many of us want the good stuff in life but refuse to go through the stretching process that will bring out the new?

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