HANDsome

Levi loves using his hands for anything and everything. In these pictures he is showing a little bit of attitude, which he probably gets from both of us.

Like his Mommy...

Exhausted from eating too much at his last meal

Thinking about his next meal

 Like his Daddy...

Enough with the pictures already

Preparation

Levi's finally here!  What a blessing he is for us...words cannot explain.

I've been anxiously awaiting his arrival for so long and spent many hours preparing for him: reading several baby books, reading everything on thebump.com, googling questions I had, and asking my friends that are mothers many questions....BUT now that he is here, I have discovered he is not a research paper. Being a mother is an experience, not something you can completely prepare for by reading a bunch of stuff, and is definitely unique to each mother. Now, on Day 3, I can say: Wow this is crazy! So many highs and lows because, as some of you may know, I can be a bit of a perfectionist and if I don't get something exactly right, I get frustrated and discouraged. I am learning to take motherhood day by day. I'm noticing I get very excited when something I do works out right and was even easier than I thought...and then there are those moments when I feel like I know what to do, but just can't seem to get it right...and of course those moments when I'm clueless and need to call a friend or my mom for help. JB has been great helping with Levi...he's an amazing father already! So glad he's my partner in this process...he's even given me a high five when things went smoothly for about three hours one night;) The three of us make a great team...and we will get stronger each day.

I will keep you all posted as we progress through this process. Here are some cute pics of the little monkey.

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.