Practicing With Baby Bears

Gabriella loves the idea of being a big sister. Since she's found out about the baby, she's begun playing with her baby dolls (and stuffed animals) more and more. She rocks them, pats them, brushes their hair, gives them a bottle, putting on a bib, and hands them toys. This week, she has begun changing their diapers (as if they wear one!), and putting clothes on them. Wow, what a mess! haha... She is so loving and sweet. I know she will be a GREAT big sister!

Rocking and holding baby bear

Making sure he's well bundled!

Lovin' on Pooh bear!

4th Month of Pregnancy

Well, I am currently (almost) 16 weeks pregant. These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago, at 14 weeks. Yes, I just got my hair highlighted; going 'blonder' makes me feel more like 'me' again. =) I love it! I told my (African American) Doctor that I swear pregnancy(w/ Gabriella) made my hair darker. She looked at me like I was a bit crazy, but I think I may have convinced her! LOL Anyways, I'm beginning to feel better now, being in the 2nd trimester. Not that I was feeling horrible during the first. I've actually been quite blessed. I only got nauseous a handful of times, and never got "sick"...thank God! My biggest 'side effect' has been not wanting to eat certain foods...and yes, this is still the case. I can admit that I'm a pretty picky eater, so me being "extra picky" has been lots of fun for my sweet husband trying to make dinner. ;) I'm also tired a lot.

Yesterday, Kad and I went to Babies R Us and bought the baby's furniture...so much fun...I love it! We were quite the 'strategists' as we collected 3 coupons to use on all 3 pieces of furniture, and saved over $200! Note: I was excited about the furniture, Kad was excited about the money saved, hehe... Gabriella came to and tried the furniture out. She didn't want to get out of the crib! Actually, I think we are going to give G the new set (it has more storage for clothes) and give the new baby G's furniture set. The new baby will get new 'bedding' and decor though, b/c Gabriella is keeping hers!

Today I felt the baby move twice for the first time! I thought I felt him/her a couple of weeks ago, but today I was SURE! What an amazing feeling!

Me at 14 weeks

Gabriella wanted to be in the picture w/ Mommy and baby brother or sister!

Me with my 2 babies!!

New Hairdo & New Toy Too

Gabriella was given a new hairdo by Noni: 3 ponytails! =)

The cutest little booty!

Noni taught G how to pack the baby doll's backpack and carry it around...so funny!

She learned to walk around w/ it while holding onto the straps

Too big!

That's my smart girl!

Haha, she didn't want to take it off!

Fun Cousin Playdate

Cousin Nikki stopped by and played with Gabriella for a few minutes. They had SO much fun together. Gabriella literally smiled the whole time Nikki was there. She wanted to touch, 'hold,' and hug poor Nikki the entire time she was there. Nikki was SO sweet and put up with all of her little cousin's extra love. =)

Nikki showing G how the "Cookie Jar" works

Gabriella kept trying to hug her big cousin...it was so sweet!

"Here's a ball, Nikki"

"...and my blanket..."

The girls playing basketball- they loved it and shared so sweetly!

Bellies

Baby Mendoza #2 is about 14 weeks now! As he or she is growing, so is Mommy's belly!

13 weeks pregnant

Gabriella likes to 'find' the baby

Giving baby brother or sister sweet hugs

"Patting" the baby

Such a sweetie!

Hugs for baby =)

Gabriella likes to make Mommy feel better about her own belly...

Love these bellies!

"Bathy"

Gabriella always looks forward to her "Bathy"! She has so much fun and can't wait to get in! I don't blame her with all those toys!

Yummy froggy!

Reading CareBears

Toys galore!

Long hair!!

My precious (and clean) bathtime baby...

Baby #2: Our Little Love

As most of you already know, Kad and I are expecting our second baby on February 13, 2010!!! That makes me 13 weeks pregnant. We couldn't be happier. We can't believe how blessed we are...wow! Not only are Kad, me, and our family and friends excited about the news, but so is Big Sister Gabriella! The first time we told her about the baby, I laid on my back in the floor, said "baby," and pointed to my stomach. She immediately rubbed it so gently, kissed it (she never does this!) and gave it "ooo wee's" (what we call hugs). I did NOT tell her to do any of that. How did she know?! Ever since then, we ask her where the baby is, and she lifts my shirt to rub, kiss, or hug 'the baby'. Sometimes she does it w/o us asking about the baby. She always smiles and acts like she knows what's going on. It is the sweetest, most precious thing ever. Gabriella and the new baby will be 20 months apart.

This is a 6 1/2 week ultrasound. We will have another one when I'm 19 1/2 weeks- September 22nd. It's then that we're hoping to find out if we're having a sweet baby girl or boy.

What do you think? Taking gender predictions now... =)