Belly Cast

Finally finished mine.  I'm so excited!!! It didn't take to long but I had to let the tissue paper dry between each layer was alittle annoying but it all came together!

My materials were used things as well this is what you'll need:
1 Belly cast (got mine on sale cause the package was dented)
Tissue paper (all from Tobyn's baby shower gifts)
Ribbons (all from Tobyn's baby shower gifts)
Flowers (cut up an old hawaiian lei)
Buttons (from Grandma Venice's collection)
Foam Circles (3$ at any craft store for making the flowers pop off the cast alittle)
3 Brads (I had in a scrapbook pile laying around)
and Alot of Hot Glue!

I hope that this will be something that we can hang onto forever, as much as I love feeling him inside, I am ready to have him out so Nik can carry him for awhile! haha Anyways thought I would share my cast I'm very proud of it!

Salem Baby Shower

Started my Third Trimester today and had my baby shower It was so great to see long lost friends and all my family in one place. I'm So thankful for everyone's support and love. It was the best party that has ever been thrown for me!

Meaning of Tobyn Koa

The boy's name Tobyn \t(o)-byn, tob-yn\ is a variant of Tobias (Hebrew), and the meaning of Tobyn is "God is good".

Most common nickname is Toby.Based on our research, most people would imagine a person with the name Toby to be: Kind-hearted and innocent chap.

The name Koa is a baby boy name. The baby name Koa orginated as a Hawaiian name meaning warrior. In American, the name Koa means- brave, bold, fearless.  Koa in the Maori language means Joy.
 

So we hope out little one is going to be a kind,  honest, brave, fearless, joyous warrior.

Dictionary

Toby:
	A person who you will never forget once you meet. The most incredible best friend ever who you will always know to be a special person in your life. truly an inspiring person. <3   ex: "I met Toby today and he inspired me."   Randomly found this meaning of our little princes name.

Newborn Scrapbook!

Finally found a scrapbook that I loved!, And I can put 3 pictures in it and his name which I was looking for, yay!  I'm so excited to start one for him I know I will be moving and stuff around birth but if I only get around to doing one book this is it.  Tobyn is going to be so happy! and he better appreciate all my hard work someday! ;0)


-Aly G

TK kicking me

He kicks more on the left you can see the flinches, but about half way you can see the right move to, I know it's prolly premature but just trying to take records.  Man he is a wild one at night.

Finally hits home

Finally starting to really feel like I'm growing up and am going to me a mother. I keep looking at my sonogram pictures and am starting to believe there is more than me in this world. I want to provide the best environment for my boy and keep him happy. I can't wait for him to get here and feel his unconditional love. So many hugs and kisses I want to give. I'm getting ready to be a good parent.


-Aly G

15 weeks

Listen up: Tiny bones in your fetus's ears are in place this week, making it likely that the baby can hear your voice when you're speaking (or singing in the shower). In fact, studies have found that babies who are sung to while they're in the womb recognize the same tune when it's sung to them after they are born (so choose your baby Muzak with that in mind…).

And baby's busily boning up in other ways. For one, the backbone (along with the back muscles) is stronger now — strong enough, in fact, to enable your baby to work on straightening his or her head and neck even more. Baby's crown-to-rump measurement is between four and five inches in length, and weight is hovering around three ounces.

This little one's a looker — with a face that has both eyebrows and eyelashes — but a skinny looker since there's no baby fat yet. And here's the skinny on baby skin: It's practically translucent now, so if you took a peek inside your uterus, you'd be able to see your baby's blood vessels under that thin skin.






I know that it's not very big but I need to start taking pics to see the difference!! Haha I got alot of space in there! I will prolly not be big until 22-25 weeks. We will see!

-Aly G

2nd Trimester!

My 2nd trimester start today.  Very thankful that most of my symptoms have done away.  I even slept through the whole night without getting up pee!!! Yippee!! I have gotten most of my energy back I even did a workout that I'm still feeling today.  I'm so glad that this is the easy part most of the time I feel like my old self again.  Tho today I woke up with a bad sore throat but I'm going to the Doc in 4 days so I know that I will be getting something to cure it up.

Physically I'm doing great but emotionally I'm suffering.  Everything hurts my feelings and then makes me sad.  Then I have all this emotional constipation and I know it's not good for the baby.  Its hard to keep everything bottled up inside but no one understands.  I feel like I'm losing my mind, but from what I read that is normal and your mind will not come back until they are out of the house.

I do look forward to my doc appt on the 19th, Finally we will hear a heartbeat and that makes me very happy.  I'm so excited but at the same time scared for this little life, it's what keeps me going.  We have found a place that does ultrasounds for a good price so I will get some extra pictures of my baby.  I can't wait to find out what it is, boy or girl it's killing me.  I never like surprises anyways!  We will find out the first week in July by then I will almost be 20 weeks.  Then I am off to Oregon.

It will be so nice to be around family and very old friends.  I can't wait!  I'm so excited to see everyone and it will be a nice change of scenery.  Oregon in the summer is nice but I do need to start braving the cold cause Korea will be harsh in the winter!  3 months in Oregon will fly by so fast actually this whole year is going by so fast, I wonder what the next few months or next year has in store for me.  I will be praying about it!

First Trimester

I have about 2 more weeks and it's over!  It was rough but I'm finally starting to feel energized and able to get up and do stuff.  I'm very happy that I am starting to feel better and I know that Nik will be happy as well.

It's been a rough few months but I'm going enjoy all of pregnancy.  I think I want to plan on walking 5-10 miles a day and doing lots of stretches after.  That way I can keep from gaining weight to fast, I'm already having a little extra on my hips and tummy, but it's not to bad.

I just want to be as healthy as possible and I know that I have been lazy and craving sugar, it's just so hard when you are feeling run down.  I want to do better for the baby and for Nik, my family deserves the best and I have not been doing that.  I feel terrible about it, but at least tomorrow is a new day and I have objectives to complete.

9 Weeks

Apr 18, 2010 - Apr 24, 2010

Your Body
When it comes to pregnancy symptoms, you may feel like you've already reached your limit this week: Your clothes are getting tighter around the waist, you're busting out on top, you're still running to the bathroom 100 times a day (if it isn't to throw up, it's to pee). But wait, there's more. You're having trouble lifting your head off the pillow, you're dragging your feet all day, and you can't wait to crawl into bed as soon as you arrive home at night. Sound familiar? If it does, you're in good pregnant company: You've got pregnancy fatigue.

Extreme fatigue during pregnancy is a common symptom, especially in the first trimester. And for good reason. Making a baby is hard work — make that very hard work. Consider this: During these first weeks and months of pregnancy, your body is manufacturing the placenta — your baby's life-support system. What's more, your body's metabolism and hormone levels have increased significantly while your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to be lower. Add it all up, and it's no wonder you feel as if you're competing in a triathlon each day.

The good news: You'll recover a lot of the get up and go that has gotten up and left once your body has adjusted to being pregnant and your baby's placenta is finished developing — somewhere around month four. The not-so-good news: Pregnancy fatigue is likely to reappear during the last trimester as the demands of toting around a larger fetus increase.

Your Baby
Sunrise, sunset: Would you believe your baby is having his or her first graduation already? Yes, it's true: Your scholar-to-be has ended his or her embryonic stage and is entering the fetal period now (good-bye embryo, hello fetus). Your fetus is now about one inch long, the size of a medium green olive (but no martinis, please). The head has straightened out and is more fully developed, the ears are much more prominent, and some new organs (the liver, spleen, and gallbladder) are forming. Your fetus is also making spontaneous movements of his or her arms and legs now that minuscule muscles are beginning to develop, though you won't feel your tiny dancer for at least another two months.

While it's way too early to feel anything, it's not too early to hear something (possibly). Your baby's heart is developed enough — and grown large enough — so that its beats can be heard with a Doppler, a handheld ultrasound device that amplifies the lub-dub sound the heart makes. But don't worry if your practitioner can't pick up the sound of your baby's heartbeat yet. It just means your shy guy or gal is hiding in the corner of your uterus, or has his or her back facing out, making it hard for the Doppler to find its target. In a few weeks (or at your next visit) the miraculous sound of your baby's heartbeat is certain to be audible for your listening pleasure.


-Aly G

8 weeks

April 18-24, 2010

When it comes to pregnancy symptoms, you may feel like you've already reached your limit this week: Your clothes are getting tighter around the waist, you're busting out on top, you're still running to the bathroom 100 times a day (if it isn't to throw up, it's to pee). But wait, there's more. You're having trouble lifting your head off the pillow, you're dragging your feet all day, and you can't wait to crawl into bed as soon as you arrive home at night. Sound familiar? If it does, you're in good pregnant company: You've got pregnancy fatigue.

Extreme fatigue during pregnancy is a common symptom, especially in the first trimester. And for good reason. Making a baby is hard work — make that very hard work. Consider this: During these first weeks and months of pregnancy, your body is manufacturing the placenta — your baby's life-support system. What's more, your body's metabolism and hormone levels have increased significantly while your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to be lower. Add it all up, and it's no wonder you feel as if you're competing in a triathlon each day.

The good news: You'll recover a lot of the get up and go that has gotten up and left once your body has adjusted to being pregnant and your baby's placenta is finished developing — somewhere around month four. The not-so-good news: Pregnancy fatigue is likely to reappear during the last trimester as the demands of toting around a larger fetus increase.

Your Baby
Sunrise, sunset: Would you believe your baby is having his or her first graduation already? Yes, it's true: Your scholar-to-be has ended his or her embryonic stage and is entering the fetal period now (good-bye embryo, hello fetus). Your fetus is now about one inch long, the size of a medium green olive (but no martinis, please). The head has straightened out and is more fully developed, the ears are much more prominent, and some new organs (the liver, spleen, and gallbladder) are forming. Your fetus is also making spontaneous movements of his or her arms and legs now that minuscule muscles are beginning to develop, though you won't feel your tiny dancer for at least another two months.

While it's way too early to feel anything, it's not too early to hear something (possibly). Your baby's heart is developed enough — and grown large enough — so that its beats can be heard with a Doppler, a handheld ultrasound device that amplifies the lub-dub sound the heart makes. But don't worry if your practitioner can't pick up the sound of your baby's heartbeat yet. It just means your shy guy or gal is hiding in the corner of your uterus, or has his or her back facing out, making it hard for the Doppler to find its target. In a few weeks (or at your next visit) the miraculous sound of your baby's heartbeat is certain to be audible for your listening pleasure.

Feelin the fatigue, and I cannot wait to hear the heartbeat I hope I get to hear it at 12 weeks!! Only 4 more to go!!







-Aly G

Morning sickness

Why do you hate me so oh morning sickness! I loathe you entirely! You feel like motion sickness and a Vegas hangover all rolled into one!

You will not take me I will fight with my arsenal of Ginger, sprite, and saltines. This battle is not over but you are finished my foe!


-Aly G

To My Unborn Child

I write this letter to my unborn child from the depths of my soul.
You've entered my womb and made my life complete and whole.
I never thought I would be chosen for such an awesome task.
It is a greater blessing than what I ever could ask.
I can almost imagine you in my mind.
Beautiful, Happy, Bouncing, flashing a smile so kind.
Feeling you flutter is a sensation like no other.
It does wonders for the joy of this soon-to-be-mother!
You create a glow in me I never knew I would see.
It is true happiness that sets me on cloud nine manifested deep inside of me!
You're my baby, my child, my heart, and my wonder.
I pray we create a bond that no one can put asunder.
You're a designers' original! A creation from the King!
I can hardly wait for you to enter the world and see the joy you bring.
Sweet baby of mine, you're a magnificent gift from above.
Living proof of how your father and I have shared our love.
I hope you have your fathers' eyes
Then you will go into the world able to look at all things wise.
I hope you inherit my ability to plan.
With that you will be able to face all things in life as a strong woman or man.
I hope you receive from your father his selfless ways.
For this the Heavenly Father will bless you, as he did him, all of your days.
I hope you learn from me, spirit and let no one take it.
Believe me you will need it in life, and many will try to break it.
But with that spirit you must have your father's center.
With that you will be cautious of any door you enter.
I want you to have my curiosity.
There's nothing wrong with questions you may blurt!
But receive your fathers' discernment,
so you'll know when to let go before getting hurt.
Have my big heart; know what emotions are and how to be real.
Share your fathers' strength so you can handle what you feel.
Share my sense of humor! Laugh a lot it helps you through life.
Share your fathers' sense of duty. Know how to be serious and take strife.
I'm emotional so I tell you its okay to blubber once and a while like your Mom.
But learn to develop what your father has; an excellent sense of calm.
But most of all the things I wish for your father and I to share.
I wish we teach you to love, respect, strength of mind, and to care.
These are my feelings, wishes and hopes for you.
You make my heart and soul sing!
I welcome you to the world and thank you for the joy,
my little queen or king.

Announcement

Since the the Army Hospital can confirm that I am indeed pregnant I think it is time to announce it on our social networking sites let mostly everyone in on the big secret! lol  I'm going to let nik post something first then I will after... how exciting!

6 weeks

Apr 4, 2010 - Apr 10, 2010


Your Baby
How does your baby grow? Pretty fast, actually. Your baby's length is approximately a quarter of an inch — the size of a blueberry. Sounds pretty tiny still? Consider this for a little perspective: Your baby is 10,000 times bigger now than it was at conception a month ago.

The biggest fetal growth this week is your baby's head (the better to store all those smarts in), with new brain cells being generated at the rate of 100 cells per minute. How's that for a budding genius?

And talking about buds, your baby is going out on a limb this week as his or her arm and leg buds begin to sprout and grow longer (and stronger), dividing into hand, arm, and shoulder segments — and leg, knee, and foot segments (though the limb buds look more like paddles than hands or feet at this early stage).

Also forming this week are your baby's mouth and tongue. And although your embryo is just one month old, it's already gone through three sets of kidneys. The ones in place now are the permanent set and are poised to begin their important work of waste management. In about a week, your baby will start producing urine. Lucky for you, there's no need for diapers (yet). As your baby matures inside you, much of that urine will be excreted into the amniotic fluid, swallowed again by your baby, and then excreted again in a continuous cycle.


-Aly G

Baby Names

I'm finding it's hard to pick out some baby names because we all know that typical scenario...  How one person you are not to fond of ruins a perfectly good name! haha I don't like many girl names because of many girls that I knew in the past and Nik is in the same boat for guys in his past.  It's a no win situation BUT we are just going to have to be creative and make up our own names! Or possibly go with something Hawaiian because it is where Nik and I met and the baby is going to be born here.  We will see a few months down the road.

On a side note, I had some cramping today not sure if it's a bad tummy, gas, or what, but I know I will feel better tomorrow.  Sorry if that is TMI!

Love y'all and wish you could be here with me!

5 Weeks

I am 5 weeks now, finally getting down an eating regiment of healthy foods.  And scheduling a docs appointment in the next few weeks. 

I'm feeling so tired all the time like my eyes are half open, but then we I lay down to take a nap or go to sleep I lay awake with my eyes open.  It's very frustrating and then being woken up by having to run to the bathroom all night.  Oh the joys of pregnancy and this is not even the start!

Baby Books

Some books I want to check out... and books I want Nik to read!

Pregnancy Sucks: What to Do When Your Miracle Makes You Miserable by Joanne Kimes
mamamoos: This book is humorous and honest. Plus it gives you tips on how to alleviate the dozens of discomforts associated with pregnancy and tells you what money traps to avoid. It feels like you're actually getting advice from a real mom and not a doctor.

"The Caveman's Guide to Expecting"  Not only is it in "man terms" but it also covers everything.  

Dad's Pregnant too! It's got good advice (from multiple people, not just the author) as well as an online site/forum to check out & it has a bit of humor so you don't get bored.

There are so many out there anyone have any suggestions or old books they can send my way?

The Bump from The Knot

This is the cutest website/ iPhone app that I have found!  So adoreable and very informative.  The app is actually like an online help chat, you can ask questions and get immediate responses.  And you can give answers to other women who post questions.  It's very neat.  And the website is awesome! They give you a preparation check list to keep you on track with your pregnancy.  Like things for finances, when to start putting together a nursery, and stuff I have not even thought about.  Now I just need to start investing in some books to read, I have been spending way to much time on line!