Mark Your Calendar!

This chubby little face will make his way into the world on Monday, May 14th.  I will be induced a week early to make sure he's not too big.  

Based on his current measurements (head, chest and leg), he will probably be around 8 1/2 pounds at full term.  The doctor estimated that he was 7 lbs 4 oz last week at 36 weeks.  Makena was 7 lbs 2 oz at birth!  Karis was 8 lb 4 oz, so this little guy may be our biggest yet.  

I feel like he's been growing a lot the last couple of weeks.  I can definitely feel the added weight in my belly.  People keep asking me if I'm ready for three kids.  I don't know about that, but I sure am ready to not be pregnant!

Today's Pics

It's 5:30 pm.  Dinner is ready.  The dishes are clean and the toys are put away.  Makena is downstairs looking at books.  Karis is upstairs drawing pictures.  And I'm at the computer blogging  We're waiting for Daddy to come home to eat.  We've been eating together as a family with all four of us at the big table.

Wow.  How different things are now compared to about two years ago.  Derek used to come home to an exhausted and cranky wife and a less than peaceful home.  The days have been a lot easier since the girls are older and a little more independent with longer attention spans.  But as I think about how nice things are now, I can't help but to think about how everything will change in about two months.

I wonder if adjusting from two to three will be as hard as it was to adjust from one to two.  I'm hoping it'll be easier!  Makena will be 26 months old so she'll definitely be a different kind of big sister than Karis was at 15 months.  Karis will be almost be 3 1/2 years old so she'll be pretty helpful and an old pro as to how to welcome a little one into our home.

I'm excited for our little boy's arrival.  This pregnancy has felt drawn out.   The extra weight has made daily activities exhausting.  My most feared words to hear are, "Mommy hold me!"  It has been a lot harder to get my gestational diabetes under control this time around which has added more stress.  I have more appointments each week than I care for.  But aside from all that, I'm just excited to meet our little boy ... to see what he looks like ... to have a baby again that will let me hold and smother him (Makena is so over that!).  Today I'm at 32 weeks.  Eight more weeks to go!!

This morning I took the girls to a bounce house place.  Our playdate got canceled and since it rained a lot yesterday I didn't want to take them to a park.  I thought the bounce house was the perfect way to spend the morning hours.

One More to the Mix

The newest baby Robinson is scheduled to arrive May 21, 2012!  Below are some first looks at the baby.  

At 9 weeks:

At 12 weeks:

We have told Karis that there is a baby in Mommy's tummy.  Thanks to her previous experience with her little sister, I think she gets it... at least more than the average 2-year old.  

Daddy shows Karis how she can gently pat mommy's tummy and talk to the baby.  Karis gets excited, and even a little embarrassed.  With a big grin, she leans into my tummy and says, "Hi Baby!"  Her grin quickly turns to a frown and she says, "Baby not talking!"  She doesn't understand why and gets sad that the baby won't talk back to her.  

One morning, Karis told us that she wanted to be in mommy's tummy too.  I told her she's too big, to which she responded, "How did baby get in there?"  I thought to myself, "Lord, please don't make us have to explain to a 2-year old where babies come from!!"

When I was 5 weeks pregnant, I took the girls to Makena's 18-month check-up.  After the nurse took Makena's basic vitals, we were left in the exam room to wait for the doctor.  When the door shut, Karis with excitement asked, "Baby come out now?!"  it's going to be a long 9 months for Karis...

Gestational Diabetes Update

Since I’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I’ve been experiencing a lot more stress (I know, it's bad for the baby). My sugar levels were still occasionally high and not completely under control. It’s been frustrating because there have been days when I think I ate a proper meal and yet my sugar level was too high. Or, I ate the same thing for lunch two days in a row and one day my sugar level was fine but the next day it was too high. I’m tired of eating the same things day after day, and I’m tired of eating things I don’t want and not eating the things that I do. Most days I’m experiencing hunger throughout the day.

I still have appointments twice a week to monitor the baby’s heart rate and check the level of amniotic fluid. The baby’s heart rate has always been really good. Each nurse always comments that my baby is either, “crazy,” “very active,” or the nicer way one put it was, “she’s very happy.” At one appointment, it took 15 minutes to get her pinned down so that we could capture her heart rate. She wouldn’t stop moving.

At my last few appointments, I was getting some kind of non-favorable news. The level of amniotic fluid was nearing too high at one appointment and that was a cause for concern. It wasn’t technically “high” but to my dismay I was told what could happen if it did get to that level (fortunately, it was fine the following week). At another appointment, I was told that one of the doctors wanted to increase my medication to get my blood sugar levels under control. I’m not a fan of medication, especially while pregnant, and it discouraged me because I had failed to get my blood sugar levels under control.

But at last Friday's appointment I heard nothing but good news. Finally! The doctor was pleased with my sugar level numbers. I’ve had a few that were slightly high last week (but not much above the desired level), but the majority of the numbers were good. She did another ultrasound of the baby. She said that the baby looks good physically. The amniotic fluid level has decreased which is good -- typical as the due date approaches and a sign that the diabetes is under control.

The best news is that the baby is about 6 lbs 1 oz which is right where she should be. Babies typically gain a half of a pound per week, so with two weeks to go (and assuming my blood sugar levels remain under control), the doctor estimates that the baby will be between 7-8 lbs. This baby may actually be smaller than Karis (born at 8 lbs 2 oz)! I have been concerned about the possibility of having a C-section, but I should be able to deliver this baby with no problem.

With my last pregnancy, I mustered enough faith to know that God was in control and I trusted Him for the health and development of the baby. After all, there was only so much that I could do. But now with gestational diabetes, I have felt more ownership of the welfare of the baby. What I’m eating and the amount (or lack of) exercise that I do are having direct effects on her. Ultimately, I know that God is in control, but I can’t help but to feel a burden of responsibility. I’m trying to let it go and I'd like to think that I’ve been getting better with it. Since my last appointment, I've been resting easier and just trying to enjoy the last two weeks.

Here is a photo of the baby at 36 weeks. It’s a shot of her face with her hand in front of it.

Prayer Request

Last week I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD). I wasn't too surprised, since it runs in our family, but I was bummed to hear the news. I've read that the cause of GD is uncertain, but they think that the increase in hormones causes the insulin to be ineffective in breaking down the sugars in the body. As a result, I have to go on a strict diet (eat certain combinations of foods at certain times) and exercise daily.

I tried it for a week and my numbers were still pretty high but they were getting better towards the latter part of the week. I wasn't too worried because I was told that it takes about 1-2 weeks to get used to the diet and to figure out what works for you. In addition, the doctors and nurses I had spoken to up to that point did not make it seem like GD resulted in anything too dangerous or risky for myself or the baby.

However, I met with a specialist last Friday and that was the first time I was informed about the severity of the condition. It definitely made me worry because there are a lot of complications if I can't get my blood sugar levels under control -- the most severe being stillbirth. I was diagnosed with GD pretty late so I don't have a lot of time to "figure things out." The doctor put me on medication which I started last night. Today I took a long walk and tried to keep moving most of the day. Most of my numbers were good.

Please pray that my blood sugar levels will be under control and that the baby will stay healthy and not grow too big. Please also pray for me that I would have peace and not stress about this. This has been all-consuming for me as I spend a large part of the day thinking about what I am allowed to eat, and then trying to figure out what in my fridge fits those criteria. I'm constantly watching the clock because I have to test my blood an hour after each meal and also eat every 2 1/2 - 3 hours. The stress has made me even more tired and yet I need to go on at least one walk per day. I now have to go to the hospital two times every week so that they can monitor the baby's heart rate. This is in addition to my regular visits with my ob/gyn.

The doctor does not want me to go full-term in case the baby gets too big and to prevent stillbirth. I will be induced 7-10 days before my due date (March 26).

Here is a picture from the ultrasound last Friday. This is Baby#2 at 32 weeks. The doctor took more measurements and said that she's looking great!

The Second Time Around

I haven’t really reflected much about this second pregnancy. With little Karis and life in general, it’s been tough to do so. I can’t say I love being pregnant, but I am thankful that I’ve had relatively easy pregnancies with no complications. I am grateful for that, and I am still amazed that there is a little person growing inside of me. What a miracle!

The 1st trimester was definitely more challenging since I couldn’t take naps and rest when I wanted to or needed to. The 2nd trimester was fairly easy and quick -- no time to sit around and just daydream about having a baby! The third trimester has been a lot tougher. My body has been super tired with the extra weight while caring for Karis. My 22 lb baby has been the exception of the “no heavy lifting” rule. I’ve been having back pains which have made doing daily things pretty tough. I've been trying to be good about not doing too much around the house and asking Derek for help as much as possible. He's been great about bringing down the laundry, vacuuming, and carrying Karis up/down the stairs for me.

Since the holidays, things have been pretty quiet. I’m trying to enjoy the “calm before the storm” and not do too much. I have the tendency to make myself busy, but I’m trying hard to resist that. Plenty of sleep and individual attention to Karis have been my main focus lately.

I am 30-weeks along, and with only 10 short weeks to go, I am excited and nervous at the same time. Life will definitely be different!

I'm excited to meet this little baby. She is so active and has some pretty powerful kicks and jabs. I wonder how she’ll differ in looks, personality and temperament from Karis. I also can’t wait to see how Karis responds and treats her little sister. I think she’s going to be great!

Whenever Derek tells Karis to "kiss baby sister," she kisses my belly. She does it EVERY single time. It's really sweet. But... I'm wondering if she thinks a belly is called a "baby sister." =)

36 1/2 Weeks - Almost there!

This is me at 36 1/2 weeks. I am still feeling pretty good, just tired from not sleeping well at night. Walking can also be uncomfortable since the baby dropped a couple weeks ago and is now face down.

I had another check up today and everything continues to look good. I am 2 cm dilated and the doctor said I could go into labor ANY DAY now... but I'm also very aware that it could still be three more weeks...

I'm excited that we have selected a name! After much back-and-forth and discussion, Derek emailed me the other day and asked, "How about [INSERT NAME]?" (It was one of our top six names we had on our list). I said, "sure" and it was a done deal. It seemed so simple. It's been a long process and I never thought we would want the same name on the same day. We're only telling our family until the baby is born, but we're also reserving the right to change it from now until then. =)

It's crazy to think we'll have a baby in our home very soon, but I'm very excited. I've read the books, gone to the classes, heard countless stories from other moms/parents... now I'm want to experience it all myself!

7 more weeks...

We had another doctor's appointment this morning. Things are moving pretty smoothly. I think Lena has gained a little more weight than she expected since our appt two weeks ago. In the beginning, I was hoping that I would lose enough weight that we would weigh the same when she has the baby. But Lena just isn't gaining enough for me to weigh the same. =) I have been losing weight... a couple of pounds since last appt. Must be the bicycling because it certainly is not my healthier diet!

Until next post...

7 1/2 Months

Some people have told me that I'm barely showing. I think it has a lot to do with what I typically wear. Most of my tops are not even maternity shirts. They're just loose fitting shirts I'm hoping to get some wear out of after the baby is born.

So I bought a new shirt with a more snug fit. In addition it has horizontal stripes. There's nothing like horizontal stripes to alter the look of any body shape. Here I am at 7 1/2 months (30 weeks). 10 more weeks to go!

The baby is about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. She continues to be very active!

27-Week Check-Up

We had another check-up at the doctor today. After the nurse checked my vitals -- weight and blood pressure -- we had to wait a bit for the doctor to come. The baby started to kick and it felt a lot more uncomfortable than usual. I even laid down on the exam table to try and relieve the discomfort. When the doctor arrived, she checked the size of my uterus (right on track!) and then the baby's heartbeat. It was then that we realized that baby girl had her first case of the hiccups. It was cute, but pretty uncomfortable -- they were rhythmic jumps/jabs that made my belly shake. It only lasted a couple minutes and then subsided. She had the hiccups again later that day after I ate lunch. Supposedly the hiccups will be a regular thing from here on out.

Development Update: The baby should weigh almost 2 pounds and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, the baby's brain is very active.

What's in the water at Irvine?

We opened a Saddleback Church campus in Irvine, CA this past Easter (March 2008). Saddleback Church has become "one church with many locations." Derek was brought on as the director of small groups and ministry. It is a perfect blend of his past few years of experience at Saddleback. He started out as an intern on the small groups team and then was part of the ministry team for one year. The all-star team at Irvine also consists of a campus pastor, youth director and children's director. Part-time staff includes a worship leader and a team associate.

Shortly after the team was assembled, each married male staff member announced that his wife was pregnant! Not long after, we all found out that we're having girls! The first to arrive is baby Kerr (campus pastor) at the end of September, then our baby in mid-December, and then the Galarza (youth director) baby at the end of December. I hope the church nursery is ready for them!

We're all first time parents! It's going to be a great ride.
























- Lena

Baby Bump Progress

I had plans to keep a picture progress of my growing baby bump but never actually got around to it. I'm now at 6 months! I actually have very few pics of myself pregnant, nontheless a profile picture for each month. Below is a photo we took at the wedding. I had to place my hand in a strategic place so that you could actually see the bump. Don't get me wrong, the bump is big and growing, but the dress hides it well. I think people could only tell I was pregnant if I was walking and the dress pressed up against me. I met one woman at the wedding. When I told her we've been married for a little more than two years, she asked if we had any plans of starting a family soon.

As for the baby, she is (in the words of babycenter.com) just over a pound and about a foot long from head to toe. Her brain is growing quickly and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent.

She seems pretty strong...or hyperactive. I'm hoping she's just strong. Derek says it feels like she's trying to bust out of my belly. I picture her body slamming up against the walls that surround her. I definitely don't feel just a little foot or hand. It's crazy to see my belly shake and move when she's active.

We can't seem to agree on any names yet. For now, she's our "baby girl."

~ Lena

We're Halfway There!

I can't believe our pregnancy is half over. Today the baby is 20-weeks old.

Here are the stats for a typical 20-week old fetus:
Weight: 10 1/2 oz
Length from head to bottom: 6 1/2 inches
Length from head to heel: 10 inches, the length of a banana

She's definitely getting stronger by the day. At 18 1/2 weeks, I started feeling little pokes. I now feel stronger pokes and her moving around. I can feel her throughout the day -- I love it! I can't wait until Derek can feel her from the outside.

People are starting to tell me that I'm showing. I grew out of my regular clothes a long time ago, but I guess I'm finally looking pregnant.

Though I'm super excited about our baby, my heart is heavy for others. We heard of one whose pregnancy just ended at 17-weeks and another who is currently in the hospital, trying to keep their 24-week old twin babies in the womb. I guess we're never in the "safe" zone and every day is a gift. This whole process is truly a miracle and all in God's hands.

- Lena

Slight disappointment today...

No ultrasound today. We have to wait until Fri when we go for our official 20 week "stuff." I think we'll technically be 19 weeks and one day at that point.

We did hear the heartbeat of the baby... a healthy 137 beats per minute. And Lena's stomach looked fine.

She asked if Lena has felt anything yet. Last night, Lena yanked my hand from the remote control (I thought to switch from a drama show to the Food Network) and placed in on her lower belly. She was feeling pokes. The doctor said between 20-24 weeks I could start to feel the baby's movements.

No sympathy weight gain for me this appointment. Yay!

More after Friday's visit.

- Derek

Time For A Vacation!

I can't believe it's already July! We are off to New York on Wednesday. We're looking forward to catching up with some friends and eating good food! At the end of the week, we'll be meeting up with my sister and her family. We'll be spending a week at a beach house on the New Jersey shore. We're looking forward to the time away! We'll post some pics upon our return.

Derek is busy this week at work trying to finish things up and putting things in place so things will run smoothely in his absence. I've been busy doing laundry, making a packing list and baking some snacks for our trip.

Quick update on baby Robinson. The baby is about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces.



I'm starting to get more energy! I don't feel so drowsy and wiped out all day. Looking forward to our next doctor's apointment in three weeks.

- Lena

Follow Up From Sequential Scan

The doctor called to let us know that everything looked "perfectly normal." Praise God!

That little bugger...!!!

Our little baby girl (a 75% certainty from what the ultrasound tech said from what she could not see) was already being a handful and she is not even born yet! They were trying to capture a profile and she would not cooperate. She's stubborn and independent like her mom and Robinson aunts.

This visit was more meaningful to me. I felt that way even before they speculated on the gender. I don't know why. I guess I'm starting my male nesting early. =)

- Derek

13-Week Ultrasound

We had an appointment today for our sequential screen/1st trimester scan. The baby's size and heartbeat were both deemed as "good" and right on track with our expected due date. Initial diagnosis was that our baby does not have a chance of having down syndrome or other genetic birth defects. We'll get official results in about one week.

From what the doctor could see, there were no signs yet of "boy" parts. She said that there's a 3 out of 4 chance that the baby will be a girl. We'll go back for another ultrasound in 6 weeks and we'll know for sure. Hopefully our late blooming boy will have developed his parts by then! =)

- Lena

Week 11

The baby is now 1 1/2 inches long and the size of a fig.

Things have been going well since our first visit to the doctor. Seeing the ultrasound made it more real and also gave us assurance that the baby is doing well.

My morning sickness subsided about a week and a half ago. I no longer get nauseous, but I get plenty of headaches. I'm also more tired and sleepy than ever. Still not sleeping through the night with at least one bathroom trip a night. It's already tough to find a sleeping position, especially since I typically fall asleep on my stomach.

We've been slowly sharing with our friends that we're pregnant. It's been fun seeing their excitement for us.

I can't believe we're finally nearing the end of the 1st trimester. I'm excited for our next appointment in two weeks!

- Lena

Momma in her gown

Before



After