280 Days [40 Weeks]

Here I sit, in the hospital bed, being induced, for the second time in my life.

This is how Dylan was brought in to our world as well.

I can't believe 9 months has come and gone so fast, and now it is almost Maya's birthday!

 

Daddy enjoying the DELICIOUS hospital food from the cafe downstairs!

This should be an interesting 24 hours....

Happy Birthday Maya!

274 Days [39 Weeks 1 Day]

Maya Riley Szmyglewska

There she is, in all her glory.

In just a few more days, she will be out in the open air, breathing on her own.  Relying on her father and I to take care of her every need.  She will be so helpless and yet so happy and perfect.  We can't wait to snuggle her in our arms.

How Far Along:

  39 Weeks

Total Weight Gain:

  23 pounds :)

Maternity Clothes:

None! This pregnancy I made sure to keep it fun and NOT frumpy :)

Stretch Marks:

Supposedly I have ONE on the under side of my belly that Rafal pointed out last night, but I said that if I can't see it, it doesn't count [hehe]

Sleep:

Well, I am sleeping better than I had been.  Not as much heart burn as I was having for awhile there.  Still fairly tired throughout most of my day though.

Best Moment This Week:

Getting to watch my sister's and brother's face as they felt Maya move in my belly :)

Miss Anything?

Being able to really tie my own shoes, this is getting ridiculous.

Movement:

All the time, I really don't remember Dylan moving this much!

Food Cravings:

COOKIES!!!!!

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick:

Not a single thing I can think of!

Gender:

GIRL!!! Baby Maya Riley <3

Labor Signs:

Where do I begin? Been having daily contractions since about 37 Weeks.  About two an hour.  Although they don't seem to be doing any thing exciting where my cervix is concerned.  I am still not dilated at all.  I am however, 50% effaced and lost my mucous plug yesterday afternoon.

Symptoms:

I actually have had quite a bit of energy as of lately, which is great!

Belly Button In or Out:

Totally an OUTTIE!

Happy or Moody Lately:

Clingy and Whimpering [lol] I just want to snuggle and lay around.  I want to clean, but not alone... That's it, I just don't want to be alone.  I am VERY happy, not sad or moody, just clingy.

Looking Forward To:

Finally getting to see what our beautiful baby girl looks like :) and WHO she looks like!  I bet she looks like her daddy <3  I can't wait to see her!!

255 Days [36 Weeks 3 Days]

This whole being pregnant thing is for the birds, or the whales, because they float in the water all day and they don't even notice the weight gain in their anti-gravity chamber.  I am jealous.  I am so clumsy and absentminded these days.  Not to mention, I can't sit up straight for too long, with out putting too much pressure on Maya and forcing her further down into my pelvic bones which is just painful. I can't lay on my right side at night without my legs falling asleep.  I can't lay on my left side at night without my legs falling asleep.  I can't physically fall asleep laying on my back, for obvious reasons.  I just can't sleep at night.  Then there's all of these recent hormonal mood swings again, I am not bitchy like I was in the early part of my pregnancy, I am very clingy.  I am never THIS clingy.  I mean, I just want Rafal home all day every day with me, and if he can't be here I am begging Dylan to snuggle me in bed.  Dylan is so tired of mommy being "lame" lately, I can tell.  He is such a good boy though, he doesn't tell me he doesn't like it, but I can just tell.  He rubs my back, and snuggles me all the time, and I love it.  Last night he said:

"Mommy, are you sad?"

"Yes, a little bud, I am."

"Why are you sad Mommy?"

"Well it is hard to explain, but you used to be my little baby and now your my big boy and there is going to be a new little baby in the house."

"I know! Maya is our little baby Mommy!"

"Your right, I am just sad that I am going to have to split time up with you two, for five years it has been me and you, we have been a team bud.  Now we are adding someone else to our group."

"It's ok Mommy, Daddy will help too."

"I know, I love you both so much, I am so blessed."

My sweet boy, he knew I was sad, just from the expressions on my face I guess?  I love him so much.  I am going to write him a letter before baby Maya gets here and put it in our family box to give him one day.  I am tearing up just thinking about it.  He was my guardian angel when I needed one the most, and he always WILL be my little man, but you know... It is just going to be hard, and I don't want him to EVER think that mommy doesn't have time for him or doesn't want to be with just him.  I hope we can go on many dates and just be mommy and Dylan some times.  I love my little pickle monster.  I love him so much.

36 Weeks 3 Days

254 Days [36 Weeks 2 Days]

Hospital Bag!

[that's right, its about that time... although I have had my hospital bag packed for a few weeks now, I thought I would perfect it today and let you all know what this pro is taking with her!]

First comes first, things for MOMMY:

• Small containers of Shampoo and Conditioner (Hotel left overs work just fine!)
• Dry Shampoo (this is a must, especially if you are going to be taking pictures!)

   [I personally recommend - Got2B Fat-Tastic Fresh and Full Dry Shampoo $6 Walmart]

• Chap Stick (all the heavy breathing will chap your lips like you wouldn't believe!)
• Tall, comfy socks! (I am taking two pairs of cute and comfy knee highs)
• Disposable hospital gown (if you choose to get one!)

[I recommend getting one from Www.PrettyPushers.Com ; This is where I got mine and I absolutely LOVE it! Very reasonable prices as well!] 

• Granny Panties (yes, I said it, take a few pair of your "that time of the month" panties)
• A soft OLD towel or two (the hospital towels are not exactly lovely when drying off after your first post-baby shower)
• Your Pillow!!
• Make-Up Bag (I just take essentials, mascara, eyebrow color, lip gloss and a little eye liner)
• PADS (the hospital will give you adult sized diapers which are great for while you are laying in the hospital bed, but as soon as you stand up, not so great.  Get the fat ones, the cheaper the fatter usually.  These are not to "look" attractive, these are to keep you from looking like your dying!)
• Wipes (non-scented, big wet cloths to help you clean yourself up down there)
• Clothing for leaving the hospital AND your first normal nights sleep at the hospital (Take some big baggy comfy pants OR a nightgown to sleep in... and something flowy for the ride home.  I am taking some of Rafal's old PJ pants, and one of his big tshirts as well as three mini-dresses.  In case one is more comfy than the other.)
• Phone Charger (duh)
• Entertainment (magazines, IPod, IPad)

 Next we have things for Daddy:

• 2 changes of clothes (something in case his "scrubs" during labor get messy, so another comfy outfit, and something he can wear going to get you your first MEAL after baby is born)
• Tylenol/Advil (he will get a headache, be prepared, some nurses won't give them anything!)
• A pillow AND blanket (he will need sleep and their stuff isn't very comfy!)
• Phone Charger
• Camera / Camcorder AND chargers / batteries 
• A cooler with daddy beverages (ie. sweet tea and red bull ; he will want to leave your side to go get a vending machine snack, and you may not want him to leave, better safe than sorry)
• Snacks!! (nothing too yummy since you won't be able to eat until after baby is born, but some granola bars or something to keep him content)

Now things for siblings:
[Dylan will only be at the hospital while I am pushing so that he can come in the room for her first few minutes too, its a special time that we want to share with him]

• Crayons / Coloring Books
• IPad / IPod / Electronic Entertainment / DVD Player
• Juice Boxes
• Snacks
• Big Brother Books :)

Baby Maya Stuff: 

[Now, know that most of the babies things WILL be provided for him/her IF you do not get to the store in time to get some of the following things, but since I have been there done that, I would just rather use my things from the get go!] 

• Newborn Diapers (Bring a small pack of 20-25) 
• Un-scented wipes 
• Hats!!! (they will give him/her a hat, but its so much mroe fun and cute to have your own!)
• Socks AND mittens (or just lots of socks that she/he can wear as mittens)
• Easy Clothes (not a ton of buttons, just a simple slip on cute outfit)
• Going Home Outfit (this one can be whatever you want, lots and lots of pictures will be taken in this outfit!)
• Baby Blanket
• Baby Lotion
• Baby hairbrush! (you never know, she/he COULD have a full head of hair!) 
• CAR SEAT!!

It is always a good idea to write down or print out what you are taking so that when you go to leave the hospital you can make sure you have everything you need / want to bring back with you.

Extra things you may want to bring with you:

• Cord Blood Bank Info
•   Placenta Packaging (if you plan on saving it)
• Music / Candles (for helping to relax the mood during contractions) 

I can not believe the time is already here.  I have my bags packed and am going to have Rafal put them in the trunk tonight.  As well as I have a piece of paper hanging by the front door to remind us to bring our pillows as we run out the door! 

253 Days [36 Weeks 1 Day]

Today I have some TMI questions that maybe some of you are having too, so I thought I would post them along with the answers I find through my google searches.

To fill you in a little.  About an hour ago, standing and talking with my landlord about pipes under the kitchen sink not draining properly... I felt something "drain" from me, *down there*.  It felt wet and uncomfortable.  Now as some of my fellow preggo women know, a small discharge is VERY common, but this felt more than a little discharge.  I stood calmly and let him finish his speech.  Immediately after he left I ran to the bathroom.  And there it is, was, a wet spot.  No color, no smell. Just like [ekkkk how do I say this and not freak myself out] water.  SO I sat on the toilet pondering this situation and wondering, is this Maya's amniotic fluid?  Did I pee my pants?  What on God's green Earth just happened to me.

So, here I am... waiting to feel another *gush* as I search and google to find the answers to tonight's terrifying questions.


After lots of searching the web I have found all my answers and hope they are helpful to some of you too!

The questions that kept popping in to my head:

Does amniotic fluid have a smell? I have been informed that it does have a smell, a sweet smell.  Not that of discharge or any thing else you have ever smelled before.  It will be noticeable. 

When your water -breaks- will it continue to trickle? Or is that all I will notice?  I have also been informed that when your water breaks you will be soaking through your panties at an alarmingly fast rate, if an hour goes by and your not "wet" down there again, then ALL is fine and its ok! [BUT please still call your doctor just to make sure!]

Should I be alarmed that I am not more alarmed? No I shouldn't be alarmed that I am not more alarmed, I am 9 months pregnant, and what happens when your nine months are up? Well, you have a baby.

If I "bear down" will more amniotic fluid come out of me? Or is there some sort or barrier? After much reading I have found that YES, if you push as though you are having a BM and no water comes out then you are safe.  It would be an almost constant trickle if it was your amniotic fluid. [BUT AGAIN please still call your doctor just to make sure!]

Will full on contractions start immediately after the amniotic sac breaks? Or will it take some time for those to start? Much research shows that every woman is different, DUH, but that some women never have contractions on their own without hormones to help the process.  So, it said that some women will have contractions for hours leading up until their water breaks, some won't have any at all before OR after their water breaks.

Since this is my second child, how do I not know the answers to these questions already?! Because first time around the hospital broke my water for me.... *sigh*


OK! SO! After all of the searching I have decided that IF I have no more "leaking" that it is probably just cervical fluid, another fun side effect of the baby having dropped into my baby making area.  It says that with all the pressure the baby's head puts on the cervical canal, you are more likely to leak the moisturizing fluids. WHICH just happen to be watery with no smell.  So let us all pray that is what it is.  Because I am not going to the hospital with out my support team, aka, Baby Daddy, aka, Rafal Szmyglewski.  Currently he is 5 hours south on his way home from Miami driving on Alligator Alley.  SO no baby tonight!

252 Days [36 Weeks]

How Far Along:

  36 Weeks

Total Weight Gain:

17.5 pounds :)

Maternity Clothes:

Still no "maternity" clothes, although I do enjoy my sweats a bit more these days!

Stretch Marks:

I really hope not, but I think I might have a few on the underside of my belly that I can't see...

Sleep:

Not very much at night, more during the day.

Best Moment This Week:

We are buying a mini-van tomorrow!!

Miss Anything?

I miss everything about not being pregnant.  You know like, just getting out of bed easily in the morning.

Movement:

Continuously!

Food Cravings:

Sugar *sigh*

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick:

Nada!!!

Gender:

GIRL!!! Baby Maya Riley <3

Labor Signs:

Still having continual contractions daily, about 8-15 a day at this point.  They hurt, they are strong, they wrap around to my back.  Every time I have one, I silently pray that another one will come along with in 10 minutes, but not yet.

Symptoms:

I'm pregnant. I waddle. I cry. I bitch and moan.

Belly Button In or Out:

OUT!!! :)

Happy or Moody Lately:

Loving Life <3

Looking Forward To:

Adding the newest member of our already perfect family into the big picture.  She is SO loved already.  Can't wait to snuggle her and smell her sweet baby smell.

248 Days [35 Weeks 3 Days]

Nine Months has really come already?!

I can't believe our beautiful

Maya Riley

will be here in just days.

Nesting has kicked in full swing, the nursery is almost completed, as in totally finished!  Only things left I want in there before she arrives is to put up the chair rail around the room, and hang up some dark chocolate brown curtains over the windows to block out the sun as well as get a deep purple area rug.  That is all though and Maya's gorgeous nursery will be finished!!

Dylan's room looks spectacular too!  I am very proud of my work.  Dylan needs some curtains too, that will fit his camping theme, but as of right now, his bamboo shades look and work just fine so those curtains aren't being rushed as much as Maya's.

The house is spotless, laundry is done, now I need to take out the trash....

Maya is roughly 5.5 pounds now and almost 19" long!  She is one big baby!  Considering she was just an egg and a sperm not that many months ago, this whole process is mind boggling even for someone who took so many medical courses.

I am extremely uncomfortable, I can't sit up, I can't lay down, I can't recline or lean or do anything to help with my comfort level at all at this point.  I am just destined to be miserable until she makes her debut!  I keep reading about my pregnancy on different websites and it explains how "being nervous" is completely normal.  BUT...

the thing is....

I am not nervous, not one bit.  I don't know if it is because I have been there done that

or just because I am giving it to God to handle.  I know that my Lord wouldn't give me pain

that I couldn't handle, I mean it's called labor for a reason right?  It isn't going to be easy, but

its a natural pain, one that won't kill you, but truly make you stronger.

Don't get me wrong, I fully intend to take advantages of medical science and the drugs they can offer to alleviate the pain caused during the intense contractions.  But, still, no nerves are being stressed at this point.  Which I honestly think is best for mommy and baby.

So many women stress, and over plan for the day that when the day comes and they realize how truly out of their control it all is, they panic, and that only causes problems.  I had the best, easiest labor ever with Dylan.  My sister can tell you the horror story of how my ONLY complaint throughout the labor was that the blood pressure cuff was too tight.  That is not a joke.

I pushed for what, 10 minutes?  If that....

They said let's do some practice pushes before the doctor gets here, and within two pushes they started yelling at me to STOP the practice pushes and wait until the doctor came because Dylan was already crowning!  He wanted to be out, and mommy was on a mission to not have a cone-head baby and I wanted him out fast too!

I remember being so nervous about the infamous "pooping on the table" thing every woman dreads.  I mean, I don't fart or poop or talk about those two things in front of Rafal.  It is gross and not lady like at all.  So it is very common for women to dread this possible side effect of labor.  BUT truth be told, when you start pushing your beautiful wonder of God out, the last thing on your mind is...

"please don't let me push a little too hard and poop a little!"

In fact, all you are thinking about is:

"GET THIS CHILD OUT OF MEEEEEE!!!!!"

And then, there he was.  I may have pooped?  Who knows!  What I do know, is that it didn't matter.  When they put him on my chest, and I looked at him and then up at Rafal and saw the tears welling up in his eyes, nothing else on Earth mattered anymore.  I was so in love.  With Dylan, with Rafal, with life.

And to think, God has blessed us with yet another amazing miracle...

Thank you God for finding us fit parents to give us two of your most amazing angels to watch over and care for her on Earth <3

We will not disappoint you!

239 Days [34 Weeks 1 Day]

Live, Laugh, Love

In my family...

we argue

we don't always get along

we giggle

we tickle

we snuggle

we share

we fight

we conquer

we trust

we thrive

we learn

we learn more

we forgive

we smile

we dance

we sing

we act silly

we give time outs

we get time outs

we clean

we cook

we travel

we watch cartoons

we share straws

we don't always wash our hands

we curse

we yell

we hug

we kiss

WE LOVE.

Here I am 34 Weeks, and I have to be the most miserably uncomfortable pregnant woman alive.  Seriously.  Those women who say they "LOVED" being pregnant, well I am firmly believing that they are big huge liars.  There is no possible way some one could truly love this.  I mean, now, don't get me wrong, I do love what my body is doing and creating.  But there is not an ounce of me that is like "Weeeee!!! This is so much FUN!!"

My list of complaints is about a mile long, but my biggest issues are indigestion, bad posture, and sleepless nights.  I can't eat anything, not even a bite of something, with out having to eat 2-4 Tums immediately afterwards.  Not only that, I wake UP with indigestion after not having eaten in HOURS!  Yay for that!  I can't sit up straight, and I have really good posture, so slouching hurts my back.  But sitting straight up involves putting pressure on my ribs, which I guess squishes Maya, and in turn she pushes back, HARD, on my pelvic bones.  This goes hand-and-hand with my sleepless nights.  The posture and issues with laying flat on my back are creating a real war zone on my side of the bed at night.  I toss and turn, and turn and toss, and pray that I will pass out from sheer exhaustion and then be able to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep before I am awoken by the fact that my bladder is exploding.  So, honestly, is this sounding fun to you?

*sigh*

Maya Riley, know that your mommy loves you so much, but that you better be an amazing baby like Dylan was and sleep through the nights right away, like he did.  You owe me.

[haha just kidding of course... or am i?? haha]

231 Days [33 Weeks]

My Zen Garden on my desk.. it keeps me grounded and level minded in stressful situations.  I just take the pebbles and the shells out and smooth down the sand. Its so relaxing.

33 Weeks

Being 33 weeks is kind of freaking me out.  Either way time is flying by, but Dylan came in only 3 more weeks, and even if she stayed in my belly until her due date, thats only 7 more weeks too!  I feel like we are running out of time to get everything perfect, and the weeks just keep passing by faster and faster.  Who knew it would go so fast?  Well I guess I did, but I just didn't anticipate this fast.  Every time I look at the calender, another Friday has come and gone, another weekend is in the past.  Man oh man.

  Tonight we head to my folks home in Tampa to stay the night, we are going to be getting up bright and early and packing ourselves in to the RV for our week long camping adventure.  Please, prayers would be lovely, as I am praying we don't see baby Maya in a Cracker Barrel bathroom!  [haha]  I am kind of kidding, kind of.  Illinois is going through a ridiculous heat wave, as in, 100*+ on most days.  GEEZE!  I think its hot here in Florida and our high today is only 91*, I will pass out in 105* heat.  Momma is gonna need lots of ice water!

I will be posting pictures and fun updates on my Facebook throughout the trip, and if I am able to find a few free minutes I may even try to blog a bit!

Either way, it will be an exciting trip, we are going for the Schumacher's Family Reunion! Holy moly, we have a lot of Schumacher's in our family too!  I can't wait!  I am prepared to get my belly rub on!

229 Days [32 Weeks 5 Days]

Na Zdrowie!

What a wonderful way to start our Sunday, Pineapple smoothies made by Dylan the chef!

He is such a big boy, he loves making smoothies, its something he can do and it makes him so proud and happy.  I love to see him so excited.

Today Babci, Nana and Papa will be coming over for dinner like every Sunday evening.  Rafal is at work now at the auction house, so at least it is a simple day, well in comparison to the normal moving day.

Only two more days until we leave on vacation and I am so excited!  Rafal, Dylan and I are in desperate need of a vacation!  So we are very looking forward to relaxing in each others company and just "being" with each other.

Dylan is watching Tangled right now, only it's in Polish!  I love watching the children's movies in Polish, its so neat!  I love that he loves it too.

Tomorrow I will start packing our bags for our trip.  Can't wait to get to Illinois and see my sister and her boys as well as the WHOLE Schumacher family!

228 Days [32 Weeks 4 Days]

As I sit here, watching my 4 year old and our pup Marley play in the backyard, I can't help but get overwhelmed with emotions.  My baby, Dylan, who is and will always be mommy's baby boy, well, he's not the "baby" anymore.  He starts school, big boy school, on August 20th.  All I can think about is how time is going to fly now.  How I need to make sure that I cherish every moment with him even more now than I have in the past.  I want to share more knowledge with him and make more memories in these next short two months that will last a life time.  I want to take more pictures and videos, and capture more smiles and giggles before they are a memory and a thing of the past.  I just can't seem to get a grip on it, Dylan is a big brother, for ever and always from here on out.  He isn't the baby in the house any more.  Even if Maya weren't on her way, he still wouldn't be my baby anymore.  He is so grown up, mature, and independent for a four year old.  Its intimidating, to say the least.  To know that in two short months he will be spending roughly 6-8 hours a day at a school with peers other than myself or his daddy scares the bejesus out of me.  I am putting my trust in individuals that I don't really know, and am praying that they with only give him useful information and support.  My biggest fear is that he will come home crying, mistreated, or using foul language.  Then, as a parent I will face new challenges and new hurdles to climb.  I love who he is, and sometimes I worry that the rest of the world will try to change him.  I love that he asks so many questions.  I love that he laughs and smiles and tells goofy jokes that make no sense.  I love that he says "This will make my mommy so happy!" and I just don't want any of that to change.  I love him so much, my big boy, Maya's so lucky to have him as her big brother.  God is so good, I know he is taking amazing care of Dylan and He will have angels watching over him at all times.  It's just hard, you know, to watch your little one's grow up so fast.

I can't believe that Maya will be here so soon!

A few more days until our family vacation.  We are all very excited, it will be a road trip in a big RV so that we can all stay comfy!  We keep making jokes about having baby Maya at a Cracker Barrel along the way.  

[haha]

Although, let's all say a quick prayer that doesn't happen.  I would like to be in the comfort of my hospital with my doctor near by!

Spaghetti for dinner tonight <3

227 Days [32 Weeks 3 Days]

So... I am feeling quite

HUGE

today.

Last night was the first time in about 3 weeks that I have painted my nails, and toes, and let's just say.. it was NO easy task!  It may have been the last time I attempt this until Maya is here.  I may have to go get pedicure's here on out.  Oh darn.  Being pampered sucks.  

[hehe]

I wanted to make sure I posted my answers to the questions I have been doing on here, and since I haven't lately, here you go:

How Far Along:

  32 Weeks

Total Weight Gain:

13.5 pounds :)

Maternity Clothes:

Haven't bought any, they aren't very attractive... LOTS of sun dresses and bikini's though!

Stretch Marks:

I am itchy BUT using LOTS of cocoa butter to keep my skin moisturized!

Sleep:

Sleep?  Whats sleep?  I am very uncomfortable when I lay down at night, although I do seem to get enough sleep.

Best Moment This Week:

Just knowing how big she is now and watching her move inside of me, its mind-blowing.

Miss Anything?

Being able to go out, but then again, I never really go out anyways.  Its a fantasy in my head LOL

Movement:

Continuously!

Food Cravings:

Shirley Temples <3

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick:

Thankfully nothing lately!!

Gender:

GIRL!!! Baby Maya Riley <3

Labor Signs:

At 30 Weeks and 6 Days we went to the hospital due to me having contractions.  I was given a bunch of shots to stop the contractions and keep her inside!  I was 30% effaced but showed no signs of dilating [thankfully] so I was sent home!  I still have a few braxton hicks a day, but thankfully nothing too bad.

Symptoms:

PAIN!  She is in my ribs and I am always sore these days.  My tail bone hurts when I stand to long, my feet start to hurt if I sit too long.  I have to pee every 10 minutes and when I run to the bathroom I am lucky if two drops come out! hahaha

Belly Button In or Out:

Well its flat at this point!

Happy or Moody Lately:

Loving Life <3

Looking Forward To:

Holding our new little Princess and snuggling and kissing her all over!

[I need to get a good camera, I will be taking LOTS of photos once she gets here....]

226 Days [32 Weeks 2 Days]

I can NOT believe how fast time is flying by now, here we are almost 33 weeks, and I haven't taken a chalkboard photo since 26 weeks!!  Do you know how I know?? Because the chalkboard still has 26 Weeks drawn on it!  I am going to do one TONIGHT!! I pinky swear... well I guess it really depends on when Rafal gets home and if he wants to photograph it... I hope so!

Speaking of photography... I have a friend who is interested in doing a free shoot for us, seeing as he doesn't have any maternity in his portfolio yet, and seeing as we are... BROKE it is a perfect set up.  But when your man never has a day off in advance, its very difficult to set something up.  I am hopeful that maybe on our upcoming trip to IL in July that we can have a close family friend take the photos for us, it would be worth the cost, the photographer has known me since I was born <3  I can't wait to have some belly pictures done with Rafal and Dylan!  They will be adorable!

SPEAKING of ADORABLE!  Yesterday I took on a big task, volunteer babysitting a friend of ours 18 month old daughter, Addison.  

-VOLUNTEERED.  FREE BABYSITTING. [aka, I am a very nice person.]-

SO!

That went amazingly, except that the dad didn't come pick her up until almost 4am, after we were told he would be picking her up between midnight and 1am.  So that was a buzz kill.

Although, she is the sweetest little baby girl I have ever had the honor of meeting.  What an angel.  I would melt when she would just stare in to my eyes and read my soul.  She was such a sweet heart, with such a sad life story for such a young lady.  Her mommy left her when she was just hours old, only see's her "when she feels like it", and she is being raised by her two uncles full time, because her daddy works crazy long hours.  She lives at her uncles house, and he is a hardcore rocker (which there is nothing wrong with, I am just showing how little female interaction she gets), he doesn't like being outdoors, and they live in an old dark rocker hippie trailer (again awesome lifestyle for a single man, not exactly a perfect home for a baby girl).  So this sweet little princess buttercup lovely baby doll, lives in a dungeon with a bunch of smelly men. 

[YES I know, she could have it a lot worse, and thank God she doesn't or I am not sure I would've given her back!]

She took to me right away, and I felt so loved, she was hugging and snuggling me right away.  At nap time I laid with her and rubbed her back like I would do with Dylan when he was little and she just laid there staring at me.  She played with my nose ring, and pointed out all my freckles on my arms, and baby babbled about them all.  It was just so sweet.  When she finally drifted off, Dylan and I got some much need alone time.  When Rafal got home from work, he melted when he came in and saw her smiling up at him.

I said right away...

"You are so screwed"

and he knew it was true and just sighed.  To think, yesterday he spent a good 12 hours with a baby girl that wasn't even his and he fell head over heels for her, he will be blown away when Maya gets here.  Talk about wrapped around a finger.  Holy cow.  Rafal will give new definition to what that means when Maya is smiling at him.  I loved watching him interact with her, it melted my soul, he has always been so good with kids, and considering before meeting me he had never even been around a toddler, let alone an infant, I never expected that.  He loves babies, and babies just love him!  

So last night was romantic, in a... "We've been through so much together, its nice to just lay here and breathe in your company" kind of way.  It was sweet to just lay in bed with a little baby and just look at her and make her smile and giggle.  At some point I teared up when rafal said "I bet she's never laid in a nice bed with a mommy and a daddy before" and it broke my heart to know he was right.  Immediately I said, "I can't believe how easy it is to fall in love with some one else's child." and I knew instantaneously that we will adopt one day.  We have talked about it in the past, about adopting a toddler, but last night was proof enough for me.  So many children are left unwanted in our world.  Maybe we can go to Poland one day and bring a little boy or girl home with us from daddy's country.

In other news:  Dylan was brought into this world between 36 and 37 weeks due to him getting so large, the doctor wanted to make sure I could have a natural birth.  He was 7lbs and 20" long at 36 weeks!!  Had he stayed in until what they call full term he could've been 10 pounds!!  Here we are going on 33 weeks, and all I am thinking about is how we are so close and yet so far away from a baby Maya birthing scenario!

At 35 Weeks we will have a 3D ultrasound to see how big she is getting and decide whether or not she will be induced early as well.  With Dylan I was scheduled to be induced on Friday March 14th, and told to come in to the hospital the night before about 9pm.  Well we were running late, as we always are, and didn't get to the hospital until almost midnight Thursday night/Friday morning.  Why were we running late you ask?  Because I had started having contractions, hardcore contractions, and was having a difficult time convincing myself to walk down the stairs from our apartment.  I was a big baby and scared.  But Dylan had decided to come out on his own without me having to be induced!  By 3:30pm I was fully dilated and by 3:40 I was told to push.  I only pushed 4 or 5 times and he was out at 3:53 PM!!  What an easy labor and delivery he was.

I firmly believe Maya Riley will be just as easy, if not easier since this isn't my first rodeo!

I can't wait!!

We could be holding her in the next 3-5 weeks!!  If she is like her brother at all, and as impatient as mommy we may see her sooner than her due date!

203 Days [29 Weeks]

Wow! I can't believe it has been almost a month since I last found the time to sit down and blog about Maya, our lives and just everything in general!

Well to get you up to date on a few things, we MOVED!  We still reside in Palm Harbor, Florida, although now we have relocated to a beautiful home on a lovely pond.  We just got moved in over this last weekend and couldn't be happier!

Today I am 29 weeks exactly, and I sure feel like it.

Last night Rafal and I were getting in to our new HUGE walk in shower together and he looked at my belly and started freaking out, he couldn't stop smiling, he bent down and put his arms around my belly and started talking to Maya saying the sweetest things.  Then he looked up at me and it was almost like it really sunk in, he said "I can't believe how big she is getting! I can't believe we are about to have another baby!" And he hugged me so tight, it was really sweet.  I was embarrassed of my big belly and thinking he was about to pick on me or something, even though he never has, but when he smiled and I knew by the look in his eyes how happy he was I melted.  He sure can be sweet sometimes.  He laid on my belly for awhile after we showered and talked to her some more, kept calling her "my beautiful princess" and saying things about how mean men can be and he will protect her as long as she will let him.  <3  It was cute and bittersweet, to know that it will go by so fast, again.

I have been having a really hard time sleeping lately.  Not just sleeping, but walking, and doing just about anything productive.  I get so exhausted and my belly keeps getting in the way. I really only JUST got big in the past month, so its been a shock for me and Rafal.

Yesterday I did housework in shorts and a bikini top with Maya all hangin out!  Dylan kept sayin "Momma, you got a fat belly!" Gee thanks munchkin :)

I have to get to gettin, speaking of the munchkin he is requesting a hot dog for lunch and my belly is telling me its about that time as well.

178 Days [25 Weeks 3 Days]

Holy COW I am 25 Weeks!!

How Far Along:

  25 Weeks!!

Total Weight Gain:

I have ONLY gained 2pounds at this point!! Pre-baby weight was 139!!

Maternity Clothes:

I am wearing lots of flowing dresses :)

Stretch Marks:

I am itchy BUT using LOTS of cocoa butter to keep my skin moisturized!

Sleep:

I am always tired, I get about 6 hours of straight sleep at night and then about 3 hours of off and on napping throughout the day.  I am uncomfy at night and toss and turn.  My hips fall asleep which ever side I lay on and it drives me bananas!

Best Moment This Week:

Dylan FINALLY got to feel baby Maya kick today! She kicked his hand HARD too!

Miss Anything?

Feeling fit and sexy.  I look in the mirror and love what I am creating but as my belly gets lower and buldgier (lol)

Movement:

All day long! I can tell when she's sleeping now.. its so neat!

Food Cravings:

Nothing out of the normal these days, I don't have a HUGE appetite, but I do eat breakfast every morning which isn't a normal Sara thing

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick:

Thankfully nothing lately!!

Gender:

GIRL!!! Baby Maya Riley <3

Labor Signs:

Just more Braxton Hicks :) Weee!!

Symptoms:

Exhausted all the time.  Can't get comfortable at night.

Belly Button In or Out:

Still an innie.. but practically flat at this point, maybe be poking out by next week or so!

Happy or Moody Lately:

Loving Life <3

Looking Forward To:

Feeling more active again!!!

164 Days [23 Weeks 3 Days]

Another week has come and gone, I can not believe it is already the weekend.  I miss my main squeeze, but really am proud of him for working so much for me and our family.  I love him so much.  I am a very blessed woman, even when I am feeling uneasy and in the dumps, I know I am blessed by God every day!

As I sit here watching Pound Puppies with my little guy, Maya is sleeping and not being active for once today.  She is a very active little girl and its amazing to me!  Love feeling her inside me, its crazy!

This week has been pretty decent, been depressed a lot, but its just my goofy hormones I know that.  Today I had a root canal, that was NOT fun at all.  After that Dylan and I went to the CU to borrow Papa's car for the weekend.  So now that we have a running and working vehicle for the weekend, we went and spent the afternoon at the "Dunedin Spray-Ground" and Dylan had a blast.  I have to admit, I did too!  I had stopped on the way and gotten a new book I have been hearing a lot about:

"Fifty Shades of Grey"

Sounds filthy and awesome and I got to Chapter 2 sitting there, and so far so good!!

Tonight depending on when Daddy gets done at work we may go down to Clearwater Beach and watch the Smurfs on the big screen and enjoy the beautiful evening air <3  Who knows!  I am excited to see Rafal either way.  Going to go fix Dylan a hotdog :)

-Week 23-

160 Days [22 Weeks 6 Days]

Last night my parents, Babci, Dylan and I took Rafal out for a nice dinner in celebration of his birthday that is this coming Wednesday.  He told him boss he didn't want any days off, so... he works every day this week until next Sunday and Monday he will be off.

Dinner was lovely and delicious.  And Rafal got a funny shirt from my parents and I absolutely love the way it fits on him too.

My handsome man <3 

The other day, an older woman (in her late 40's) was flirting with him, and I don't mind, I just smile, she said "I bet your told this ALL the time, but you look just like Ryan Gosling!!" and he was like "I don't even know who that is, but I hope its a compliment!" and smiled at her, and I said "Babe, he's that hottie from the Notebook that I love so much, and now I know why..." haha I hadn't noticed it until she said it, but they DO have a nice resemblance of one another! So Woohoo!

Here's a picture of us from last night as well...

I also have of of the whole adorable Szmyglewski Family making silly faces!

As well as two new shots of the buddah belly!!

I can NOT believe here I am, getting ready to be 23 weeks tomorrow!  Rafal and every one at dinner last night kept saying how adorable I looked, but that I still don't LOOK pregnant, just look like I ate a lasagna!

[haha]

Feeling great these days :)

Loving life these days :)

Praying mostly to find a house these days :)

God is SO good to me, everyday!  :)

157 Days [22 Weeks 3 Days]

You know when you search and look and hope and pray for something your whole life, only to be in complete and utter denial once you get it?  That is where I am right now, where I am every day throughout this whole pregnancy.  God has graced me with something so miraculous, so wonderful and I am still without words to describe its awesomeness.  Seriously.  Rafal and I had been trying since Christmas of 2009 to give Dylan a baby brother or baby sister.  After the first six months I chalked it up to my birth control screwing up my system, at the first year I just blamed it on some stresses with massage school.  When October of 2011 came around I cried a lot, and finally "Gave it to God" and told Him I understood we were not meant to have any more babies in this life and I would stop being so sad about it.  I figured maybe my calling was adoption, which I have always longed to do either way.  Some of my readers may know what its like to think "Oh my gosh! Maybe this is the month!" and spend hundreds of dollars on pregnancy tests just to end up crying again because the dreaded period started again.  I just wanted another baby so bad.  November I started talking with my close friend Veronica about all the PROS of not having another baby, and it helped a lot.  I enrolled in school full time and got excited about a possible internship in the spring.  I talked about us being able to travel this summer to Poland and Europe!  It started to sound fun just having Dylan as an only child.  Then on a night surrounded by God himself we conceived my precious baby girl.  In fact, we know the exact day that it happened, and the best part is I blogged about it on here. 

[Day 59]

*If you want to look it up, its not graphic at all, thats not how I roll*

Yesterday couldn't have been a more perfect day.  I think that every day should be just as lovely.  Kissing in parking lots is romantic, but kissing barefoot in your own kitchen with Christmas music playing and the smell of cookies filling the air is priceless.  I am so blessed.

That is the last paragraph of the entry... Yesterday couldn't have been a more perfect day <3 God gave us Baby Maya in those moments as I typed that post.  I feel so blessed to have written about it and have it to show her one day, how she was made in true love and happiness.  There was no hope left in me, I was not thinking about it at all.  It just happened.

I remember I was late, and thought to myself, only one day late, it'll start tomorrow.  Then sure enough my cramps started and I was like yep, told ya so.  When I woke up the next day and still no sign of my "dear friend" [haha] I decided to pee on a stick, only because I had three left from my last hopeful experience and I just wanted to get rid of them.  So I peed and we left for the day to do some storage auctions.  I never even looked at it, just left.  That's how you know you've really given up.

We were out all day and I kept having to pee, I even said to Rafal, what the heck was in that coffee we had, I never have to pee and I have had to pee all day today!  That should've been my first clue.  When we got home I glanced at it before throwing it in the trash and I saw a faint line, and I thought

Noooooo.

So I took another one and sat there and watched it.

I watched it turn to one line, and then to the other line.

Still in denial, I took that third test.

I squealed when it TOO was positive.

I had a million thoughts in my mind in that instant.  I couldn't do anything but run out to Rafal.  I wish he would've been holding a camera to get my expression on record [haha] I walked out in to the livingroom holding a test in my hand behind my back and just stood in front of him smiling at him.  He said "What is it?" and I just handed it to him and he said "Whats this?" 

...silence...

"Wait. Baby, what is THIS?!?"

and he started smiling so big.

We hugged and hugged and hugged Dylan too, and even though he didn't know why at the time I had to include him in our happiness.  It was perfect.  Everything was perfect.

Everything is perfect.

Everyday is perfect.

Even when it's not, it still really, truly is.

Thank you God for your amazing blessings.  I thank you every day.  

<3

155 Days [22 Weeks 1 Day]

I love when Rafal has a random day off every once in awhile, like when a job cancels... Its awesome.

I don't love, however, having car trouble, and yes, again.... Our car is in the shop.

But in more fun and exciting news!!

We were driving past a consignment store tonight that we love and there was a huge sign that read "UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT! 50-75% OFF STOREWIDE!!!"  So of course, we had to stop in really quick.

Let me just tell you the clothes I bought for Miss Maya Riley are to DIE for <3

My sweet princess baby girl!

Dylan got some great new swimming trunks and awesome summer time dinosaur pjs from Bealls earlier in the day, so I didn't feel too bad about splurging on her! [hehe]

Can't wait to snuggle her!

Here is what 22 weeks looks like::

154 Days [22 Weeks]

Holy COW I am 22 Weeks!!

How Far Along:

  22 Weeks!!

Total Weight Gain:

I have made it to my pre-baby weight, and am back at 139!

Maternity Clothes:

I hardly look pregnant, but I am wearing lots of flowing dresses :)

Stretch Marks:

Hoping for NONE!

Sleep:

Sleeping a LOT these days.  Naps during the day and 8+ hours at night!

Best Moment This Week:

Baby Maya had the hiccups last night for a little while :)

Miss Anything?

Going out and being able to drink if I want

Movement:

All day long! I can tell when she's sleeping now.. its so neat!

Food Cravings:

FRUIT! Oh and PB&J!!

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick:

Hmm.. Not really. Dog poop! haha

Gender:

GIRL!!! Baby Maya Riley <3

Labor Signs:

Dealing with braxton hicks... fun!

Symptoms:

Exhausted all the time.  Can't get comfortable at night.

Belly Button In or Out:

Still an innie, had to take out my belly button ring though and switch it for a smaller eye brow ring to keep the hole.  The belly button ring kept wiggling free!

Happy or Moody Lately:

Happy!!!!

Looking Forward To:

Feeling more active again!!!

We will be taking a new weekly picture tonight :) I am excited!

God is so good!!  I am STILL in denial that He has blessed me with my baby girl!! Can not wait to hold her and snuggle her and smell her sweet baby smell!