Levi's Room, Part 1

The reason it's taken so long for this post is because Levi's room is not quite finished yet and I didn't want to post any pics until it was, but I can't keep you all in suspense any longer. The theme of the room was inspired by things found in Costa Rica, so it's filled with bright colors, monkeys, turtles, and surfing. So, here is what it looks like so far...

Yes, that's a monkey chillin' in a hammock from the curtain rod

I had the curtains handmade

Changing table and dresser in one

Night light

Hand painted letters by my friend

As you can see from the last picture, the main wall is bare. My friend Lizzie, that painted Levi's letters, is still working on three paintings for that wall. There is also another wall that will have bookshelves on it and a poster, but those aren't up yet either...you will have to wait for part 2, when it's all complete.

And for those of you who are wondering where the crib is, there isn't one. We opted for just having a pack 'n play which is more practical in CR. Oh and the surfboard in the corner is a Robert August surfboard given to JB by Robert August himself, so it's a very special touch.

I can't wait to get the last few things finished for his room, so it will be perfect for my 'lil monkey.

Baby Update...

So, I know I promised the next post to be the nursery, and trust me it's coming...tomorrow.

In the meantime, I wanted to give you all a quick update on Levi and me, since I just got back from my doctors appointment: 

• My cervix is as closed as can be...bummer

• He is upside down, but not dropped...double bummer

• He weighs 7.3 lbs already...which apparently, for how little I am right now, is surprisingly big...but, his belly is small, which must mean his head is big...hmmm, wonder who he gets that from...lol 

• I go back in one week for another appointment...I better be somewhat dilated by then because I'm never late for anything nor will my children be ;)

Most importantly, Levi and I are healthy and doing well. I will keep you all posted if something happens.

 

37 Weeks!

I haven't posted a belly pic in awhile, so here you go...

Also, the next post will be pics of the nursery, just like I promised. I know some of you have been anxiously waiting!

Baby Shower ~ Numero Tres

The Lovely Hosts: Lizzie & Amanda

Some of my fellow teachers decided to get together and celebrate baby Levi. We had a nice Sunday brunch together that included great food, games, and gifts for my lil monkey.

Pin the sperm on the egg

The card says: Tyra (aka Fatty)...gotta love the humor :)

A bouquet of flowers and baby socks...such a cute idea.

And of course it wouldn't be a shower if we didn't have a baby guest of honor. This time we had Sally!

I absolutely love where I work and I love the people I am surrounded by. I will miss them dearly while on maternity leave, but I appreciate their support. I do plan on popping in to say hi (with Levi) every once in awhile.

Well, that's the last of all the baby showers...headed to San Jose on Monday!

Only in Costa Rica, August ~ Indecent Exposure

Sorry for not posting lately, but because I was only going back to work for four weeks, I wanted to make sure I was putting in 100% effort.  So, unfortunately, that took away from my free time to blog.  But, I'm officially on maternity leave now and ready to blog...more about that later, let's start with the indecent exposure:

In the U.S. I don't think I've ever come across a mom breastfeeding in public without some kind of coverage (ex: blanket, nursing cover, etc.).  Well, purchasing those items are not necessary here in CR. Apparently it is completely fine to just whip out your breast in public and let the baby suck away.

My first experience with this was about two years ago when I was at a local fiesta (in U.S. terms: street festival with bull fighting). I was standing under the bleachers, trying to get a glimpse of the bull fight, when this girl next to me just pulled her breast out of her tank top and let the baby feed. We were literally inches from each other, so at first I felt uncomfortable and looked around to see if anyone noticed and thought it was strange, but everyone acted as if it was completely normal. I haven't really thought about this experience in awhile until I went to the local clinic yesterday to get the paperwork for my maternity leave. There were about ten people in the waiting room with me and also a mother with her baby. She too, calmly pulled her breast out from her shirt and started feeding her baby in front of everyone. I guess this is normal and completely legal in CR. I haven't experienced breastfeeding yet, but I know it is a natural connection between you and your child. However, I'm just not sure I'm ready expose my breasts to everyone and anyone in CR. Well, at least I know it's an option.

And yes, you read it right earlier, I am on maternity leave...and no that does not mean Levi is here. In Costa Rica, you get 120 days (17 weeks) of paid maternity leave - one month before you are due and three months after the birth. I might of mentioned this in an earlier blog, I can't remember and I am too lazy to check. But anyway, I am very grateful for this time off, especially since it's paid time off. CR is not ranked in the top 10 for maternity leave benefits, but it's a heck of a lot better than the U.S and most other countries....see for yourself.

*Oh and by the way, there are no pics for this post...even though breastfeeding in public is acceptable, I'm pretty sure taking a picture of someone in the act is frowned upon.

A Play on Words

Hacienda Pinilla, where JB works, held the Eco-Green Celebrity Golf Tournament this past Wednesday. Josh Duhamel played in the event and brought his wife, Fergie, to the dinner (you might of heard of her ;). They were kind enough to take a photo of some friends and me...and she took a moment to say hi to my belly (aka: Levi).

When I was thinking about what to write about in this post, I decided to do a little 'play on words' with Fergie's song lyrics to update you on what's going on with Levi and me.

Well, as you can see in the picture my baby hump has gotten bigger and I'm pretty sure my back hump has too.  My two top humps have a ways to go though. As my due date gets closer and closer, I keep thinking, I can't believe imma be a mom soon! I have to admit there are moments when I feel my emotions are more sensitive than normal, especially when I watch shows/movies that have babies in them, are romantic, or anything to do with families. But, I keep telling myself big girls don't cry and this is just my hormones messing with me. Something else I've noticed is that I am definitely more clumsy than I was before. JB thinks it's funny, but sometimes I find it a bit annoying when I'm constantly dropping things and having to bend over and pick them up, which is not as easy anymore. No one said being pregnant is glamorous, but I'm trying to make the best of it.

I have been sleeping better as of late. My legs and hips aren't as sore as they were before, but I do still wake up in the middle of the night when Levi goes boom boom pow. I don't know if he is hungry or just tired of me not being in motion. Either way, I get up and move around for a bit or eat a bowl of cereal and that usually does the trick.

I have a month and a half left before my due date and about four weeks until I leave for San Jose, so I have some requests of my son to help make this all go smoothly. 

Levi, 
Since being pregnant with you has been fairly easy so far, I'm hoping it will continue and there will be no monkey business these last 7 weeks. If you are ready to come out, just give mommy a little notice. It would be great if you could just say "here I come, mommy", but I know that's not possible. Also, when I'm in labor I promise to push really hard, but you'll have to meet me halfway and work a little to get out, so I'm not in labor for a very long time. These are just a few requests of mine, but either way I will love you long time and I've had the time of my life carrying you around, and I owe it all to you...and your daddy :)

Love,
Your Mommy

Only in Costa Rica, July ~ Another Road Story

What looks wrong in these pictures???

Imagine driving to a city that is almost the size of Las Vegas, Nevada that has only one highway in and out of the city. Now, picture ALL the cars on the 4 lane highway driving in the same direction, into the city. Weird, right? Well, we thought so. 

Last month, JB and I had to go to San Jose for our monthly doctor's check-up and this is what we experienced. We were really freaked out at first when cars were staying in the opposite lanes, not just to pass, but to drive permanently. Then, when the road was split by a median, we thought for sure this would stop, but we were wrong. This went on for almost an hour! JB did venture into the wrong lane as well, but just to pass, he was too nervous by the whole situation to stay over there.

So, the reason for this chaos? It was the last weekend (this was a Sunday) of vacation for students and therefore, most families were probably coming back from the beaches to San Jose, the largest city in Costa Rica. This was their solution for preventing major traffic problems. Don't worry, if you wanted to leave the city, you could, by the mountain road. However, this is only 2 lanes and therefore, adds about an hour of extra time to your trip.

I guess this is what they do for holiday weekends, as well....so now we know. 

Oh and here is a little something we experienced on our way home...

I wonder how long it took them to transfer all of the grain (at least that's what we thought it was)??? I'm no genius, but isn't there a faster way to do this?...oh well, nothing wrong with old school, I guess.