Farewell Grenada!

Our time in Grenada has finally come to an end. What a year it has been! I'll never forget the moment we arrived to this island, the excitement we had about living in the Caribbean and the new adventure that lay ahead of us. Although we feel ready to leave and move on, there are certainly things I will miss and I will always look back on this experience fondly. I'll miss having gorgeous beaches on our doorstep, spectacular sunsets, the simplicity of life and the ability to do whatever whenever. What I will miss most are my dear sweet friends. Without them this year would not have been the same and to be honest, I'm not sure I could have kept my sanity without them! Thursday coffee dates at Rituals, book club, pregolympics in the pool with Melanie, getting to see Jackson and Gracie grow and learn new things.... and the list goes on. Thank you for always being there for me and for enriching my life.

I can't write this post without including what I won't miss which is first and foremost mosquitoes! I think that will be my first question for God when I meet Him- why did you create these horrible blood thirsty things?! Nor will I miss the vicious dogs, creepy crawly roaches, and sugar ants. I won't miss hot sticky weather and sweating 24/7, and I'm also happy to never have to shop at IGA grocery store anymore, although it sure has made me appreciate the availability of food in the States where you never have to worry about milk, eggs, cheese and produce not being in stock.... we are so spoiled in America!

Last but not least I would like to acknowledge my husband. He has worked so incredibly hard this year and I'm so proud of him. I truly admire the balance he is able to maintain as well as the optimistic outlook he has on life. He amazes me!

Thank you Grenada for an incredible experience. We will never forget this year... how could we? I mean, we're leaving with the best souvenir possible.... a baby!

6 Month Pictures

Pictures by: Casey McDaniel

25 Weeks

Good news in week 25.... looks like I will be able to deliver at Los Robles Hospital! It couldn't be any closer to the house and it's where so many of my family members were born too. I feel so much better now that I have an appointment set up for when we get home, and I can better visualize my birth plan.

Not much else going on with us, but here's what our boy is up to:

Head to heels, our baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if we could see it, we'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Grenada Baby Shower!

In order of pregnancy weeks: Erin 12wks, Kathy 18 wks, Lauren 24 wks, Melanie 27 wks

Sunday was our joint baby shower and what a nice day it was! Good friends, games, yummy food, red velvet cake, presents... what more could I ask for? What an incredible time in our lives to share with one another. Thank you Amy, Bri, and Marca for such a special and memorable day! As well as a thank you to all the guest who brought delicious food and thoughtful gifts.. it was a joy to share the day with you all.

Safari art

Where ever we end up next year I'm excited to have a second bedroom for the baby... a nursery to decorate! We're planning on doing a safari theme and already have a couple of hand painted pictures to hang in his room.

My friend, Jennifer, who is a fabulous artist painted this for us as a gift and she didn't even know we were doing a safari theme!

I painted this cute little monkey to go with the other animals

23 Weeks

Halloween in Grenada is really just like any other day. No houses decked out in cobwebs and gravestones, no giddy children walking the neighborhoods in their costumes and certainly no over flowing candy isle at the grocery store. I miss the cool weather that comes around this time of year and the smell of stews and apple cider. Although Grenadian Halloween was a let down, I am excited about the thought that this time next year we will be buying a baby boy's costume! Adam already has his eye on a Darth Vador suit, as well as several other Star Wars toys. What am I going to do with two boys?! haha... can't wait actually.. they're going to be quite a pair.
Baby at 23 weeks: At about eleven inches and slightly over a pound, our baby is the size and shape of a small doll. This week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain. Our baby's weight in the next four weeks alone should double. With his sense of movement well developed by now, our baby can feel me dance. We've also been having fun watching my belly move when he kicks and squirms.

21 and 22 Weeks

I'm worried that this baby is never going to sleep. He seems to be constantly moving, just like his dad who can never sit still without shaking his leg or tapping his foot. I have a feeling he is going to be just like Adam. I've noticed this past weekend that my belly has really popped out and my belly button, while still a definite inny, has become shallower. My pregnant friend, Mel, and I are up to 60 lengths in the pool and feeling great. It's a good thing I have someone to motivate me because lately I've been addicted to our baby registry! I can't stop... I think I might need help. Everything is so cute and I want it all..and of course it's ALL necessary ;-) I'm so excited for the baby shower coming up next weekend. It's a joint shower for myself and three other pregnant friends. Grenada seems to be the place to conceive! In other news, we submitted our hospital choices for next year and we're crossing our fingers we'll get placed in Bakersfield- hmmm never thought I'd say that! But, it's the closest hospital to home and I want our son to get to see his granparents, aunts, uncles and cousins often. So, please think positive thoughts for us!

Here's how baby is doing at 22 weeks:
At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, our baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Inside/outside view at 20 weeks

20 Week Baby Update

Since we're at the halfway mark now (yay!) I thought I should give an update on how the baby is growing and what he's up to: Our baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion.

20 weeks and the results please....

Well.... IT'S A BOY!!!! We think...

The 20 week ultrasound was pretty incredible. Although he wasn't in the best position for viewing boy/girl parts - he was face down, spine up with legs crossed - the doctor, as well as Adam and I, could see something between the legs. His head and femur measured at 19 1/2 weeks and everything looks healthy and normal. The doctor was really patient waiting for the baby to move, but the little guy must have been pretty comfortable because he stayed in the same position. We could see his little feet, his arms moving up to his face and his mouth opened several times too. We only got the one picture of his face, which frighteningly resembles Edvard Munch's The Scream painting! Although I've always thought the man in the painting was quite handsome.

We will most likely get another ultrasound for confirmation, but we are still so excited!

19 Weeks

The 19th week has been one of the coolest yet. Not only was it my birthday, but the baby has been moving like crazy, morning, noon and night. And, to top that we even managed to hear the heartbeat with Adam's stethoscope! I lay down after lunch to try and hear the baby's movements and to my surprise I heard a rapid little beat. Adam was able to listen as well and he counted 148 beats per minute, perfect! It was truly amazing.
My Birthday was wonderful as well. Pancakes and bacon in the morning, lunch on the beach with friends and pizza and a movie on the night (not to mention the plethora of desserts I received!).

The baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato... mmmm my favorite! The hair on her scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: our baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear our voices now, so Adam has been singing to him/her.

18 Weeks

I'm feeling great (knock on wood)... pregnancy is easy! I'm just amazed out how fast I'm growing out of my clothes, thank goodness for the belly band! We felt the first two little kicks on Adam's birthday which was pretty amazing. It felt like a sort of poke/thump. It only happened once and so we're anxiously awaiting more frequent movements.

Head to rump, our baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs. Blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If we're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If we're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now,Hopefully he/she is not hiding them from us during our ultrasound next week!

Adam relaxing at the beach
La Sagese Beach
Happy from a perfect day!

Adam's 30th Bday

Adam turned the big 3-0 this week! Despite the fact that it was exam week for him we had a really nice day. I made him bacon sandwiches in the morning and in the evening I cooked him a great big English style meal with yorkshire puddings and gravy included. And, what better gift than feeling the baby kick for the first time! Guess he/she wanted to say happy birthday as well :-)
Once exams were over we were able to really enjoy the birthday celebrations. We rented a car for the weekend and got to experience the island from a tourist's point view. We went shopping in St. George's in the morning and then headed to our favorite beach on the east side of the island, La Sagese Beach. It was such a peaceful afternoon and the weather was gorgeous. We ended the day with a fabulous meal at La Luna restaurant- an exclusive resort on the beach. Here we are about to eat our tiramisu....well, Adam had one bite and I ate the rest! It was a perfect day.. (scroll to the bottom of the blog page to see a slideshow of the bday week).

Baby at 17 weeks

Baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. The baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

Slippery incline on way to waterfall

My muddy shoes

Children at orphanage

17 Weeks

Week 17 was really busy. As a lady of leisure/house wife/significant other on this tropical island, I don't know how I manage to fill my schedule to point where I actually have to pull my organizer out and try to fit things in. I thought island life was supposed to be lazy and low key? Granted, half my committments are social things. On Monday I went to the Queen Elizabeth Orphanage to help my good friend start a tutoring program for the children there. They are beautiful children in need of so much love and attention. I worked with the three and four year olds and managed to get them to sings songs for me, it was pretty darn cute... if only I could take one of them home! On Wednesday I went hiking with the Significant Others group to Mount Carmel Waterfall (pictured). It was so lush and green, as well as incredibly muddy since it had just rained. It's not everyday you get to eat a PB&J sandwich next to a tropical waterfall! I also had research work this week and even managed to squeeze in a coffee date with my girlfriends at our want-a-be Starbucks. They sell mini donuts there called "midgets!" now you just wouldn't find that in the States! It was a good week and the bump is doing just fine.

16 Weeks

I had my 16 week check up today and it went well. The doctor put her stethascope to my belly and could hear movements, how cool! I always look forward to the doctor appointments. I even enjoy getting my blood pressure taken and seeing how much weight I've gained. In just three weeks from Friday we will have our 20 week ultrasound and find out the sex. I think this is the first time in my life that I have not really thought about my birthday. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to cake and presents, but I am way more excited to get to see our baby on the little ultrasound monitor... it will be the best birthday present!

The 16th week was a busy one - I had research work every night and Adam is starting to review for exams. But, we weren't the only busy ones.... our baby was hard at work too! Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day.

We ended the week with a yummy BBQ at a good friend's house - fresh tuna from St. George's fish market, guacamole from the local (and cheap) avocados, and homemade chocolate cake... yum, yum, yum! I was in heaven.
We took these pictures at the beach down the road from us.

What's new in the 15th week

Our baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all of his joints and limbs. Although his eyelids are still fused shut, he can sense light. He is also forming taste buds.... I bet he really enjoyed our homemade pizza! Hopefully he/she is a good eater like us. (we don't know the sex yet, but it's just easier to say he or she)

Here I am ready for my swim! This is the training pool at our apartment complex.

15 weeks

My 15th week wasn't the most enjoyable week. I was sick with a cold. Although it did give me the excuse to lay in the bedroom with the AC on and watch movies! I did have some non pregnancy related highlights of the the 15th week: the grocery store FINALLY had eggs and cream cheese, Adam and I had homemade pizza and movie night, and on Sunday the weather was actually cool! A storm rolled in and brought a cool breeze with it, which is a rare occasion in Grenada (it was actually the 4 year anniversary of Hurricane Ivan...kinda spooky!).

I never pictured myself pregnant and living in the Caribbean...it's quite an experience. Despite the mosquitos, humidity, crazy bus drivers and poorly stocked grocery stores, I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful place where life is very simple. My lifestyle here allows me to really take care of myself and our growing baby. We have a great training pool I use three times a week, free prenatal care on campus and loads of free time for me to research baby/parenting stuff. I get to see Adam all the time and I'm surrounded by wonderful friends who have become more like family. I look forward to the day when Adam and I can tell our child about the year we lived in Grenada and what an adventure it was!

This picture is the view from our favorite spot on campus where we eat lunch.

14 Weeks

Well, it's happening.... my clothes are starting to feel a bit snug around the waist. The buttons are coming undone and I'm bringing elastic waistbands back in fashion.

My body is certainly changing - the lower part of my belly feels really firm and there is this thin layer of fine hair on my belly that was never there before. Aren't hormones wonderful?! I am still feeling great and anxiously waiting for the first kick, but I think I have a few weeks to go on that.

Sneak Preview: Baby at 14 weeks

I am officially in my second trimester yippee! My baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb. From head to bottom, he/she measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he/she weighs 1 1/2 ounces. Pretty amazing if you ask me!

13 Weeks

I'm 13 weeks now and feeling really great. Sometimes I wonder, am I really pregnant? But, seeing my little belly making an appearance now gives me confirmation that this is real! (by the way, aren't the orange curtains gorgeous? Gotta love Caribbean decor!)

The OB on campus was really nice and everything looks great for 12 weeks. I will see her again for my 16 week check up.

I told my Adam the other day that maybe this easy pregnancy is a sign that our child will be easy as well and he made me knock on wood immediately. But, I have to admit, apart from that first month, I have been feeling so good. Thank goodness because it's hard enough living in this Caribbean heat!

I am more and more excited with each passing day, especially when I look at all the baby gear! I cannot wait to be a mommy.

12 Weeks

I am 12 weeks today! I can't believe my first trimester is coming to a close and I'm about to enter my second trimester. I feel really great overall. Apart from those three weeks of nausea, this pregnancy has been very enjoyable. Since returning to Grenada I have been more active swimming and of course walking more since we don't have a car. The baby is already taking after Adam as I seem to be craving salty and fried foods.
Tomorrow I have my first appointment with Dr. Yadav, the OB on campus, for my 12 week check up- I hope I like her. I am so thankful we were able to see Dr. Toomer at Los Robles for my first prenatal visit. I feel so much more confident and happy in my pregnancy now that I've seen a good doctor and have been through the standard first trimester procedures.

We're going to start taking pictures every sunday to show the progress of my belly. So this is the first one and I look 5 months pregnant! I think I was a bit bloated this day, or maybe the baby knew we were going to take a picture and was showing off?!

A Wonderful Summer

The summer flew by like we figured it would. Time seems to go faster the older you get! But, what a wonderful time we had seeing our parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and our beautiful new niece. I had the privilage of being Maid of Honor at my cousin's wedding- what a beautiful day. We even squeezed in a trip to Las Vegas with Adam's parents. But, the best part of our summer was announcing the news of our first child, due March 1st, 2009 and seeing little Darby during our first ultrasound at 10.5 weeks. Hearing our baby's heartbeat for the first time was the most amazing experience!