Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!!!

Only six more weeks till we get our present delivered!

Merry Christmas from Baby Campos =)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

HONEYDEW This and HONEYDEW That

"What's so hard about being pregnant?  I do all the chores while she gets to lie around and watch TV.  I need break too!"
-John Gosselin, divorcee

Let's get this thing over with!  Weeks 33-36 mark the official "uncomfortable" stage of pregnancy.  The glowing Mommy to-be from the second trimester has been completely ambushed by back aches, cramps, swelling, and carpal tunnel, bringing about the "knocked-up" version of the evil stare.  The only thing that turns the scowl upsidedown is that Baby Campos is a healthy honeydew!  She's growing at a rapid pace and making space in the tummy by throwing them 'bows.  But with so much still left to do before she wiggles out, Daddy has been dealt the dreaded "Honey-Do List."

If you have a lazy husband, then you're probably familar with a Honey-Do List.  It's a simple way to avoid nagging your spouse about doing the crap you don't want to do.  It's only hu-MAN nature to grunt and whine about doing these chores, but you really just have to make it work for you:

Take out the trash = Work on sculpting your "guns"
Decorate baby room = Goodbye pink birds, hello Air Jordan poster
Do the laundry = Keep wife from tossing your old, yet comfortable underwear

It's all worth it to make life a little easier for the mother of your child.  Besides, in a few years Baby Campos will have a Baby-Do List of her own...Item 1: Get a Job. 


Thursday, December 9, 2010

Third Time's a Charm!

Last weekend was the 3rd and final installment of the baby shower series.  Linh and Maria did an amazing job planning and the Kim Family was so gracious to host this event at their Redondo Beach Estate.  Everything was perfect: from games like creating Frankenstein babies to the delicious food like Margie's glorious LEGO cake.  With all the gifts that Baby Campos has received, it's probably safe to assume she's well on her way to that Spoiled Princess status =)

Waddling into Week 32, December is starting to have a different feel than it used to.  The traditional bowl game anticipation has been replaced by baby anxiety.  What if our little angel won't stop crying?  What if she gets sick?  What if she hates our taste in crib bedding?  With all the planning and procrastination out of the way,  there's only two months left to practice those parenting skills!  It's kind of scary to think that a pair of former "Most Likely To Float a Keg" winners will soon be responsible for a child...

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Gobble Gobble Baby!


Happy Thanksgiving!  Mommy and Daddy's last feast before Baby Campos arrives...is this too much food for just two people?


Thursday, November 18, 2010

If You Got Drama, SQUASH It!

This past weekend was our 2nd Baby Shower in "The Mitten!"  Future Grandmas Lucy and Nile did a great job planning and hosting the event.  Everything was perfect, even the random "brown out" that somehow made it feel like we were in the Philippines.  We are definitely lucky to have such a generous and thoughtful family.  After receiving so many wonderful gifts, it's official...Baby Campos now has more clothes than her parents!

So over Weeks 29-32, the once little parasite will have a major growth spurt and nearly triple in size!  Now that she's as big as a butternut squash, it's really starting to get cramped inside the bump.  Plus, her bones are starting to harden from absorbing all the sweet, sweet calcium that makes her punches feel like Pacquiao beating up on another Mexican.

Even though Mommy isn't a big advocate of pugilism, the aches and pains of pregnancy can certainly make one's patience short.  The other day while going to get lunch, a businessman was perched on a bench outside the building, enjoying a cigarette while blowing billows of smoke into the air.  Walking by, Mommy casually waved away the lung-poison before it neared her nostrils.  Suddenly the man blurted out: "You know, there are other exits to this building."  Shocked at his disregard for an obviously pregnant woman, she summoned the will of 100 virgins to not turn around and give him the Rick James face-handshake.  What would you have done?  Needless to say, confronting this soul-less creature would've induced unnecessary stress for Baby Campos.  So like gang members were encouraged to do in the 90's PSA video below, Mommy decided to "Squash It" with hopes that karma will sort it all out in the end..."karma" being Daddy's nickname for his fists. 



Thursday, November 11, 2010

Pregnancy Soundtrack

Hello 3rd trimester!  It's hard to believe that Baby Campos will be here in three more months!  It seems like only yesterday we were doing pub crawls and crawfish boils and Texas football was ranked in the top five.  Now we're doing baby showers and baby proofing and OU still sucks.  But just in case you missed anything over the past six months, here's a little recap of the first two trimesters.  Much like they do on GLEE (Mommy's new obsession and Daddy's dirty secret), we'll use the power of music to help tell the story.  FYI, it may help to sing the melody when you recognize a song =)
__________________________________

1st Trimester

Memorial Day 2010 was anything but a MANIC MONDAY.  That was until Mommy walked out of the bathroom ready to CRY ME A RIVER and showed Daddy THE SIGN (a little blue "+").  But like robots, BOYS DON'T CRY.  Still, they were both overwhelmed with SWEET EMOTION until they SUDDENLY realized that THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING. Even though they could no longer PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999, they welcomed this new lifestyle with OPEN ARMS.

For weeks the couple kept their MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, secretly reading books on BABY, BABY, BABY and ordering non-alcoholic beer to deflect SUSPICIOUS MINDS.  But all these FOOLISH GAMES wouldn't last long.  People started to have MORE THAN A FEELING that something was up, and it's hard to keep a POKER FACE when nausea makes you WEAK and you can no longer hide those HUNGRY EYES for weird cravings.  Then FINALLY, after the first doctor's visit and an unanticipated sonogram, they saw Baby Campos for THE FIRST TIME and knew that EVERYTHING'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT.

2nd Trimester

After HANGIN' TOUGH for the first few months, Mommy and Daddy could now SHOUT out the good news!  Both families were OVERJOYED and quick to offer whatever HELP! and support they could.  Most friends were like "YEAH!", but some felt a BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY knowing that these parents-to-be wouldn't be hanging out IN DA CLUB for awhile.  With the secret out and the belly IN BLOOM, even STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT would give kind glances, but Mommy's evil stare would let them know that U CAN'T TOUCH THIS bump. 

So as SUMMERTIME winded down, the couple was SO ANXIOUS for the next ultrasound. NO SURPRISES wanted, they had to know the gender.  Blue or PINK, either color is better than getting YELLOW baby gifts.  HANGING BY A MOMENT, the doctor AT LAST revealed that they were having a BROWN EYED GIRL.  Smiles covered their faces like an UMBRELLA as they started to IMAGINE a future with GUYS & DOLLS talk for Mommy and 21 GUNS for Daddy. 

Soon this pregnancy will come to the END OF THE ROAD.  But when that BEAUTIFUL DAY arrives, these parents-to-be have already made THE PROMISE to love their DAUGHTER with HEART & SOUL.
__________________________________

*Gossip (Baby) Girl challenge: Can you can name all the artists for the songs without using the Internet? (IN: Facebook stalking OUT: Googling yourself)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Hear No Evil

During the last weeks of the 2nd trimester, the baby's hearing is becoming fully developed.  Soon she'll be able to pick up other sounds besides Mommy's voice.  Like most God-fearing parents, we'll eventually use "earmuffs" to shield curse words and derogatory comments from her innocent ears.  Until that time comes, we're definitely excited about exposing Baby Campos to as many sounds as possible: witty conversation, MA-17 TV, Toby's bark, Angry Birds sound effects, etc...

Most experts seem to think that music can be the most stimulating.  Whether it's a soothing melody from elevator music or a pulsating techno beat from a Persian's car, this little audiophile will most likely break dance to anything that vibrates the womb.  But is it too early for Baby Campos to start working on her rhythm?  If she ends up needing a few pointers, Mommy will be there to teach the proper "hair toss" technique while Daddy can choreograph a precise "mirror dance" (patent pending).  Even if she never finds her rhythm, anything is better than our little princess slow dancing at a sock hop with a sweaty boy that can't control his hormones or busy hands.

For this installment of "What's Hot/What's Not," Gossip (Baby) Girl takes a closer look at a few celebrity images with a Fisher Price microscope.  Apparent Disney sweetheart Demi Lovato is being sent to rehab for anger issues, while convicted Cash Money inmate Lil' Wayne is getting released from prison early for good behavior.  Maybe a good girl acting bad isn't as cool as a bad guy doing good?
(IN: Nelly selflessly fundraising, OUT: Britney Spears sexually harassing)



Monday, November 1, 2010

Humidity In Houston With a Chance of Showers


This past weekend in Houston was our 1st baby shower!  Evelyn and Christian (and Lily) were gracious enough to host this event at their beautiful home.  We're grateful that a lot of our family and friends were able to make it down.  It's definitely a blessing that there are so many wonderful people in our lives.  Everything was perfect (besides a certain football game) and we had an amazing time.  Baby Campos thanks everyone for all the wonderful gifts, especially all the custom-made onesies!

After celebrating Halloween this weekend as well, we started to think about how different it will be this time next year.  The days of worrying about finding a sexy (read: "slutty") costume for Mommy and a cool (read: "slutty") costume for Daddy will be a distant memory.  There's less pressure to find an appropriate outfit for a baby, you just have to make sure it's not flammable or offensive to that church in Florida (I think Tim Tebow is a member).  As our little monster gets older, we'll eventually have to start brushing up on what's trendy with the kids.  But until then, at least we'll have a lot of free candy for the next few years =)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

What an Emo EGGPLANT

Hello Week 25!  Over the next month, Baby Campos will really start to pack on the fat and round out into a 2 pound eggplant.  Like a good little parasite, she's also soaking up plenty of antibodies to help build a strong immune system for when she breaks her lease with the womb.  Not wanting to be selfish by only taking away valuable nutrients, she's also giving back.  Too bad the gift of hormones is making Mommy EMO.

Throughout the day, there's a potential double rainbow of emotions that can be felt.  A bad dream: sad tears.  Disappointing lunch: angry tears.  Folding baby clothes: happy tears.  Shake Weight commercials: confused tears.  It's not like Mommy is a robot when she isn't barefoot and pregnant.  But after spending her "awkward years" listening to The Smiths and more recently experimenting with skinny jeans, you'd think that she'd be more in tune with her feelings.  Sometimes letting it all out is a good thing.  Just not while dining at a restaurant...people might think that Daddy just dumped his Baby Mama.

In this edition of "What's Hot/What's Not," Gossip (Baby) Girl spotlights the latest trend in Hollywood: pregger celebrities.  From Beyonce rumors to Lily Allen announcements, getting knocked up definitely makes you cool!  Well, that is unless you get pregnant before prom.  Because whether you're Jamie Lynn Spears or Quinn Fabray, no matter how popular you are, don't be surprised when your Facebook friend count goes belly-up. (IN: Pregnant Celebrities on TMZ, OUT: Teen Moms on MTV)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

OCD and Nesting. Nesting. Nesting...

Around this month, the overwhelming urge to "nest" starts to build.  An almost primal instinct to prep your home for the new addition takes over.  A lot of soon-to-be parents actually find comfort in being able to control at least this aspect of  the pregnancy.  But for a couple like the Camposes, all the cleaning then disinfecting,  measuring then resizing, organizing then resorting, can easily turn into an OCD nightmare.

First thing's first, the home needs to be more baby-friendly.  Over the next few months, all the mystery cabinets will be locked, every deadly-corner padded, and each of the inappropriately designed "smiley face" outlets will be plugged.  But is this death trap really safe enough for Baby Campos?  The next step is deciding what to keep and what to get rid of so that there's ample space for a growing baby.  Maybe Daddy really doesn't need to keep those golf clubs from high school.  Or perhaps Mommy could donate some of the several dozen pairs of shoes filling the closet.  Can the beer pong table be used as a changing table?

No matter how obsessed we can get with all this nesting, the whole process really makes you sift through the things in life to see what's really important.  Once we finally got the crib up (which Daddy and Grampa Campos triumphantly built), we figured that maybe the things worth keeping should all be able to fit inside.


Hmmm, maybe we need a bigger crib?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bump

"I've noticed that the side effects of pregnancy are greatly amplified: the morning sickness, the mood swings, sleepiness, sexual appetite.  Yesterday, just scooping the middle out of a honeydew melon gave me a huge...well it turned me on."
~Arnold Schwarzenegger, JUNIOR (1994)

With so many new and strange things going on inside a mother-to-be's belly, it's easy to get overwhelmed with worry.  Most questions can be answered by your doctor, a baby book, or even a know-it-all relative, but there are just some things that only a Mommy and her little parasite can relate to.  So at what point do you really start to embrace your pregnancy?

The Epiphany happened when Baby Campos was big enough to make noticeable movements.  The tingly sensation of gas bubbles suddenly became Billy Blanks Tae-bo workouts.  There was a definite sigh of relief to know that she was finally moving around.  Over the next couple of weeks, this spunky girl became a "mood ring" for what Mommy was feeling:

eating a donut = belly high fives
listening to loud music = happy feet
greg davis plays = headbutting the bladder

Even though there will be plenty of back aches, leg cramps, and general discomfort down the road, you have to learn to really enjoy being pregnant.  Because each new experience with this little girl just means that there will be one less thing to worry about, and one more reason to fall in love with this BUMP!



Friday, October 1, 2010

If Mama No, Then PAPAYA

This bump is really starting to show now!  During Weeks 22-24, Baby Campos will plump up to about 1.5 pounds  and grow to the size of a papaya.  It's funny, this exotic fruit from our neighbors to the south  (or unwelcome immigrants if you live in Arizona) is often called "pawpaw" in Spanish.  Hmmm, could that be this little chica's first word?

Whichever name she utters first, Mommy and Daddy already know what the dynamic will be in this family.  Call it Good Cop/Bad Cop if you must, but most parents inevitably have to decide which role to play.  Can you guess who'll be the disciplinary and who'll be the pushover?  When it comes to getting her way, there's no doubt she'll quickly learn that "Mama, No" and "Papa, Ya." 

After a brief career, Baby Swami has decided to retire and focus more on watching Texas Football.  Not to worry, our new weekly correspondent, Gossip (Baby) Girl, is here with updates and insight on everything Hollywood.  First up, season premieres!
While most channels are on parental block, this little critic still caught some of her favorite shows.  GLEE performed better than COMMUNITY, and MODERN FAMILY was more lovable than PARENTHOOD.  Does that mean high school will rock more than college?  Is a funny dysfunctional family better than one with drama?

Anyway, be sure to also tune in every week for the "what's hot/what's not" picks, sponsored by In-N-Out.  (IN: Sharktopus, OUT: Lone Star)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

This Shhh is BANANAS...B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

What a way to start off Week 21!  It was an amazing feeling to find out that Baby Campos is a girl.  She's now almost three-quarters of a pound and about the length of a banana.  Mommy is really starting to feel more and more movements each day, particularly when Justin Bieber is playing or a grilled cheese truck is passing by.

With about half the pregnancy left to go, it's time to really start nesting and planning out the registry.  There are so many options for cribs, car seats, and clothes.  Parents really have to alot to think about when deciding what to pick out: fashion vs.
functionality, style vs. safety, value vs. versatility.  There's also a very fine line before the "right" amount of pink turns into a room and wardrobe that Hello Kitty had an accident on (don't forget Daddy and Toby have to live there too).  But no matter what ends up on the registries, it'll really be up to the princess to decide whether she likes it or not...oh boy.

When talking X's and O's, knowing that Baby Swami is XX, it's tempting to use that
excuse for the 0-3 start.  But like her Mommy, this little banana split ain't no Hollaback Girl and she will definitely know her sports better than most of the boys.  So for this week's pick, while the current is strong, inbred Razorbacks can float the dirty Tide with ease.  Arkansas 17, Alabama 10 (Season record 0-3).

Monday, September 20, 2010

Breaking News!

It's official!  After weeks of guessing and crazy predictions, Mommy and Daddy are happy to announce that Baby Campos is a GIRL!  The ultrasound confirmed that she is perfectly healthy and well on her way to becoming a beautiful little longhorn cheerleader =)

Friday, September 17, 2010

CANTALOUPE: Both Deadly and Delicious

Hooray for Week 20!  Besides being at the pregnancy halfway point, this is also the time when many new parents finally find out the sex of their baby.  With all the little bits and pieces fully formed, the ultrasound scheduled for next week should put all the speculation and predictions of silly old wives tales to rest.

It's ironic that the baby is now the length of a cantaloupe.  The shortness of breath, watery eyes, and rosy cheeks aren't hormones acting up...it's Mommy's allergies!  Yep, this melon in particular brings her a wave of symptoms that only Benadryl can soothe.  While Daddy is able to enjoy this delicious fruit with a smile, any bean products consumed as a child used to bring on Joe Abello sized asthma attacks.  It really makes you wonder if your offspring will be cursed with the same unfortunate reactions.  We're still keeping our fingers crossed that the only thing Baby Campos will be allergic to is that sucky state up north that keeps Texas from falling into the gulf.  Ahh-choo!

Baby Swami's fearless prediction of the week is sponsored by Claritin D.  Even a Hawk's eyes can get itchy from stray Cats, but 24-hour relief is only a tiny pill away.  Iowa 24, Arizona 14 (Season record 0-2)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Who Says You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?


Happy Birthday, Toby!  Mommy and Daddy's "first baby" turns 10 years old today.  It seems like only yesterday that we met a scared puppy with one white paw.  For a mere $50, we adopted this Sharpei/Shelty mix that the Austin breeder said would only be about 30 pounds.  Now a 65 pound Sharpei/Ridgeback mix, it's hard to imagine what our lives would be like without his stinkiness and big personalilty.  With all the ups and downs that come with being a dog owner, he has definitely taught us how to be more patient and responsible for the upcoming addition to our family.

Through the years, Toby has also managed to pick up a few tricks that have kept us entertained for countless hours.  He not only gives high fives after our team scores a touchdown, but he also offers sympathy hugs after a rare Longhorn loss.  Even his thespian-worthy acting skills have impressed our friends, like when he plays dead after saying "bang bang" or dramatically walks "slowly" across an entire room before a monologue.  With his arsenal of accomplishments, his greatest feat may still be yet to come....babysitting!  But while it may be hard to perform the required duties of a dog-nanny without having opposable thumbs, we know that Baby Campos will love Toby just as much anyway.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

I Would Like the MANGO Flavor, Please


Here we are at Week 19, almost at the midway point of our pregnancy.  Baby's brain is starting to develop the specific areas for hearing, smell, vision, touch, and taste.  It's fitting that Baby Campos is now the size of a mango, not only because it's sweet and delicious, but also because it's known as "The Fruit of the Gods" in the Philippines.  If you're ever in a restaurant where there's mango flavored items on the menu, look around for any Pinoys and 5 out 5 times they'll be ordering it.

So what will it be like for our little mango to grow up Filipino?  There will of course be Grandparents that spoil and Aunties and Uncles entertaining with countless hours of the "Close-Open" game.  Adobo and pancit will be offered to all future playmates and classmates, a giant fork and spoon next to the Last Supper picture will seem comforting, and eating twelve grapes while jumping on New Year's Day will be second nature.  Even with all the hearty dishes and crazy superstitions that make the Filipino culture special, it will definitely be much easier to identify with another race.  Like Mommy and Daddy quickly found out, there were a lot more "Viva la Raza" and Confederate flags plastered on El Caminos and Dually Trucks than the good ol' Yellow Stars and Sun of the Philippines...well except that one brown Dodge Caravan.  But whatever culture or lifestyle Baby Campos decides to relate with, there will always be a strong connection to family values, Team Pacquiao, and the option to choose between a belt or a slipper. 

For the weekly college football prediction, Baby Swami takes into account the weather that has recently affected the East and Gulf coasts.  If you want to tackle Hurricanes head on, you'll need some pretty big Nuts.  Unfortunately, sweater vests don't work as well as life jackets: Miami 17, Ohio State 10 (Season record 0-1).


Tuesday, September 7, 2010

An Ode To Labor Day


On Labor Day 2010,
Near our pregnancy halfway mark.
We reflect on our lives before,
And on the life we’re about to embark.

Two college sweethearts,
Immature and carefree.
Engaged and then married,
Now a soon-to-be family.

As “the bump” starts to show.
And the weeks countdown.
Sacrifices will be made,
For when the baby comes around.

From happy hours and hangovers,
And staying out all night.
To happy meals and highchairs,
And staying up all night.

No more wild weekends in Vegas,
Or wine tasting trips
Just play dates and story time,
And diapers filled with s***

Farewell to our freedom,
And welcome headaches that throb.
Parenting is hard work.
A 24/7 kind of job.

So we'll take this holiday to relax,
With a bundle of joy on the way.
Coming February 2, 2011,
OUR Labor Day.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

A BELL PEPPER is the Perfect Birthday Gift!

Happy Birthday, Mommy!  Cake, presents, and virgin scotches on the rocks will definitely be enjoyed this Labor Day weekend.  It's been an amazing non-stop party over the years: from turning 21 in Austin and dancing on chairs at Joe's Crabshack to celebrating the big 3-0 in Manhattan Beach and downing Sharkeez fish bowls.  But now it's time to focus all that energy on another person who's getting older too...Baby Campos!

It's Week 18 and the little one is now the size of a bell pepper.  Experts say that this is the time when most mothers-to-be will start feeling movements from all the yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing.  There are no reports of commotion in Mommy's tummy just yet, but with Longhorn Football starting this Saturday, it's only a matter of time before Big Bertha and Smokey the Cannon get this little bell pepper excited!

So throughout the college football season, baby Swami will be making fearless predictions on the "other" games going on.  This week's pick is a tough one, but the decision comes down to the delicious fact that Hokie turkey legs taste better than Bronco burgers.  Virgina Tech 28, Boise State 17 (Season record 0-0).


Monday, August 30, 2010

Mmm, Donuts...

"Cravings affect 10 out of every 10 pregnant women."
~Unknown Husband

A question that frequently comes up is, "Are you having any weird cravings?" There really hasn't been anything out of the ordinary; an occasional bar of chocolate or bag of gummy bears will usually suffice. But when those blood-deprived Edward Cullen eyes begin to surface, there's only one thing that will satisfy this hunger: DONUTS. This past weekend, Mommy took a short trip to Austin and was able to experience the culinary temple known as Gourdough's. While their names may sound like urban dance moves, the Dirty Berry and Flying Pig (pictured in all their glory below) provided the perfect blend of fruit, meat, dairy, and deep-fried pastry. Daddy is keeping his fingers crossed that Baby Campos' first tooth won't be a sweet one.


While satisfying pregnancy cravings are very important to the happiness of a Mommy-to-be, sometimes these urges can lead to sketchy situations. On a late-night donut hunt during the first trimester, the only nearby open establishment was a small shop on the corner of a dimly lit street. One worker was behind the counter, a homeless man was panhandling outside, and a lone customer was reading a newspaper from the previous week in the back booth. Suddenly Mommy and Daddy realized that they had just walked into a scene from BOOGIE NIGHTS. Not wanting to find out if this would all end like the clip below, the deep-fried goodies were promptly bought and a promise was made to never again go looking for donuts after the sun goes down.


Thursday, August 26, 2010

Smells Like an ONION

It's Week 17!  After another monthly check-up with Dr. Chen (no, not Peter or Nick), Mommy is perfectly healthy.  Fat is accumulating and fingerprints are forming, as Baby Campos is now the size of...an onion?  Interesting choice.  Most people describe their babies as the cutest things in the world, but never something quite so smelly.  You're practically reduced to tears when you have to chop one up.  But do you want to know the secret to not crying when slicing onions?  Just breathe with your mouth open (seriously, it works).

So what's the secret to stopping your little one from crying?  You could immediately pick up and coddle the crybaby.  Maybe even practice Ferberization and wait a bit before coming to the rescue.  Daddy seems to think you can just crank up the volume on the TV and hope that the baby tires out before halftime is over.  Any suggestions?  Well, there's definitely going to be plenty of sleepless nights ahead to figure out what works best with this stinky onion.

Monday, August 23, 2010

It's Getting Hot in Here!

Things just got a bit hotter in LA.  Sorry Al Gore, this has nothing to do with Global Warming.  This heatwave was Mommy's first pregnancy hot flash!  A sudden spike in temperature.  Check.  A fluttering heartbeat.  Check.  A spell of dizziness and flushed cheeks.  Checkmate.  No worries though!  While it was a bit scary at first, all these lovely symptoms are a normal part of a healthy pregnancy.  If you want to experience a similar feeling, try devouring all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ before bedtime or finshing a bottle of gin in one sitting.

So please keep driving your SUVS and using hair spray, because there's no Greenhouse Effect going on here in southern California...it's just Baby Campos' hormones =)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

The AVOCADO Didn't Fall Far From the Tree


What's four weeks squared?  Sixteen weeks!  It's been an amazing first four months of pregnancy.  Baby Campos is now the size of an avocado, developing strong bones and facial features.  At this stage it's safe to start taking bets on who the baby will look more like, Mommy or Daddy.  Without boring you with a lesson on dominant and recessive genes, there are a few characteristics that will definitely show up: black hair, brown eyes, olive skin, and great karaoke skills.

But when making baby guacamole, you have to consider which ingredients from each family tree will be mixed in.  A teaspoon or tablespoon of the Itchon nose?  A sprig or bunch of the Campos eyelashes?  Will there be enough items added together for a full serving of height?  When everything's combined, will the finished product be bitter or sweet?  With so many possibilities, it's hard to imagine what the perfect recipe will be.  But if we could see Baby Campos now, our little avocado would be making faces and hiccupping.  So it looks like we're at equal parts so far: one cup each of Mommy's evil stare and Daddy's drunk hiccups.

Monday, August 16, 2010

There is a Light That Never Goes Out

BabyCenter.com says:

"At this stage of the pregnancy, although the eyelids are still fused shut, your baby can sense light.  If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, the baby is likely to move away from the beam."

Holy crap!  This is probably a bit of information not meant for parents who are easily amused.  Almost immediately, Daddy picked up a maglite and began flashing it at Mommy's midsection, giggling with a purpose.  Unfortunately, the baby's movements can't really be felt.  Still intrigued, future flashlight tests may be performed where the beams come from opposite angles, at different times, or even stacked side-by-side like a double-decker bus!  Should everything go as planned, these exercises will build the baby's agility and reaction time.  If not, we'll at least have an explanation for why Baby Campos has a strange fear of 60 watt bulbs and the headlights of on-coming traffic.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Burnt ORANGE Baby Bump

So here we are in Week 15.  It's been almost a full semester and Baby Campos is now as big as an orange!  When people think of orange, juice and vitamin C may come to mind, which are very important for the baby.  But of course to Mommy and Daddy, the only orange that matters is BURNT.  With college just around the corner (parents always say their children grow up so fast), the question often comes up whether we'll be brainwashing our little one to love the University of Texas.  Is it wrong to have the voice of TEX reading bedtime stories?  When the time comes, our little orange can choose to be an asian Bruin, a snobby Trojan, a hippie Bear, or if smart enough, even a red Tree.  While it would be a blessing if Baby Campos chooses to be a LONGHORN, the only thing we can do as parents is be happy with the decision and put aside money for an education fund...at the University Federal Credit Union redeemable only by UT students =)


Friday, August 6, 2010

When Life Gives You LEMONS...

Hello Week 14!  Sometimes it can be hard to visualize how big the baby is when using traditional measurements.  So many pregnancy books like to compare the size of the baby to fruits and vegetables each week.  Right now Baby Campos is about the size of a lemon.  Even though mommy can't feel it, the little lemon is moving around in there and making some "lemonade" of its own.

Being in the 2nd Trimester is great, but with the baby quickly growing into bigger produce, we had to finally go shopping for maternity clothes.  Did any other parents out there see the pregnancy pants and immediately think about Joey in the Thanksgiving episode of Friends?  Anyway, these jeans are amazing!  They will definitely be more comfortable to wear while watching the Preseason No. 4 ranked Texas Longhorns this fall.  But they're even perfect for after the baby is born too, for things like crawfish boils and shoplifting at Marshall's.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Welcome to Our Baby Blog!


In case you haven't already heard the good news, we are expecting our first child on February 2, 2011!  As we get ready for this new chapter in our lives, we wanted to share our pregnancy experiences with our family and friends.  We'll have plenty of updates, photos, colorful stories, and maybe even a few messages from the baby.  I hope y'all enjoy this blog and remember to check back often!