A Family Called the Bruners

Monday, April 2, 2012

"Our Little Peanut" Gender Reveal Party

Trevor and I both were so anxious to find out if we were having a boy or girl! We definitely wanted to know, so that we can decorate the nursery, and get our little one's wardrobe started. One thing we did know, is that we still wanted to share the excitement with our family and friends with the "It's a Boy, or Its a Girl!" announcement. With the growing popularity of cutting the cake to find pink or blue icing, and my love for parties we hosted a Gender Reveal party. Our theme was "Little Peanut", so to decorate we used pink & blue elephants, and of course peanuts.

We had always said we were going to find out at the same time as our family, by waiting until we cut into the cake. Two weeks before our ultrasound appointment Trev told me he really wanted to find out, but we would keep it a secret and not tell our family and friends. Even though I really wanted to wait, I thought it would be really nice for me & Trevor to find out by ourselves, and have a moment together.

We went into our ultrasound appointment one week before the party. It was the most amazing experience. The technician was really sweet, and told us we had one active baby in there, and that she knew the sex! Then she just typed "Its A Girl" on the screen, and I just smiled from ear to ear. I was overfilled with joy and love for my daughter. I looked over at Trevor, and he was having his first moment as a dad. He was crying, and sniffling tears of joy. Although I know he was hoping for a boy, once he met his little girl, he was the proudest papa! We left the appointment so excited! We even made a trip to target, and started a baby registry. Our little girl also got her very first outfit from daddy. A little two piece outfit with pink leggings, and a onsie with an adorable elephant on it, and tiny hearts.

I never realized how difficult it would be to keep it a secret from our friends, family, and co-workers, and they were not going to make it easy on me! In fact my mom and dad were the worst!!! They gave me a guilt trip for a week straight, "Come on Melissa, after all we have done for you.We won't say a word!" Grammy (my mom) even tried to bribe me with a new outfit for the baby! I was strong and kept my mouth zipped!

Needless to say when the Gender Reveal Party came I was so excited to finally announce that We were having a little girl named Stella Rose Bruner. When we cut the cake, and the shrieks and screams of "Its a Girl", and "YAY", were overwhelming. Stella would be the first grand daughter and niece of all the Bruner and Carneys, and one of many beautiful girls in the line of girls from the Box/Persico/Armstrong family.

We love you our sweet Stella Rose, and can't wait to hold you in our arms!!!!

Pink Frosting or Blue Frosting?

Lil Peanut Cupcakes

Party Spread

Lil Peanut Cake Pop Favor

Cast your vote on the elephant piggy bank!

"A lil peanut on the way, pink or blue? What do you say?"

Pick your flavor!

Treat Boxes

Peanut Cups

The invites

Lil Peanut Banner

Baby Bruner's First Photos

Pink & Blue onsie line

ITS A GIRL!!! Stella Rose Bruner is expected to arrive on September 3rd, 2012

Monday, March 5, 2012

One Trimester Down... two to go!

The Happy Parents to Be :)

Now that I am in my second trimester, I can matter of factly say that it is much easier than trimester ONE. From my experience, I can honestly say it was miserable. Yes, I was so happy about my new +1, in fact ecstatic, but I honestly felt like a depressed, lazy, and all around miserable member of society. I honestly can say I feel like myself again, and can enjoy this beautiful time.

With that I gladly give you the Best and the Worst of Weeks 1-13...

Best 5 moments of Trimester ONE
1. Taking a pregnancy test on Christmas Eve morning, and seeing that one little word that will change our life forever... PREGNANT
2. Sharing the Happy news with our Family and Friends, and seeing the happy tears from the Grandparents to be
3. Seeing Baby Bruner's heart beat pitter patter
4. Watching our lil peanut kick and punch at the 3rd ultrasound
5. Making the Baby!

Worst 10 moments of Trimester ONE. There's just a lot to complain about...

1. The waiting game...waiting to officially announce, waiting on the news of baby's well being, waiting for the next Dr. appointment, waiting to feel better, waiting , waiting, and waiting some more.
2. Nausea... "morning" sickness should be changed to all day and all night sickness. Feeling like you are going to up chuck at any moment is just miserable!
3. Sore Boobies- My boobs have already grown almost two cup sizes. I had to go to target to get ugly old lady bras. Your Nips get big, and well they change color so that your baby can see them! They hurt a lot.
4. No nookie if you know what I mean.
5. Food Aversions. Seriously nothing sounded good. Almost all foods just sound yucky!
6. Bed Rest. Laying in Bed for 3 weeks straight can make one be a tad bored. Maury Povich can only entertain someone for so long.
7. Moodiness- In my case depression. Sad all day because, I was worried. Sad, because I didn't feel good. Sad, because I wasn't working. Mama had the blues!
8. Progesterone Suppository-yuck! Nothing is fun about a drippy liquid to disturb your sleep every night.
9. Tinkle Tinkle All Day Long, and all night long. Basically me & the porcelain king became BFFs.
10. Not being able to SHOP! I just want to know all ready... Pink or Blue?? Can I buy tutus, or bow ties!

Surviving the First Trimester was tough, but one little thing got me through it. That sweet little baby I can't wait to hold.

Hasta Lavesta Trimester ONE. It's been real...

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Kung Fu Baby

At week 10 I went in for another ultrasound to see how lil Baby Bruner was doing. I was so nervous, as this would be my last appointment of the first trimester. I was starting to not feel like a zombie anymore, and was hoping my Dr. would release me to go back to work. Trevor just started a new job at a plumbing company in Pasadena, so he wasn't able to go. Luckily I had Grammy (my mom) to come with me to the appointment for support. Although my last appointment at 7 weeks, was good information I was still so nervous. In fact I hadn't announced my pregnancy yet, because I wanted to get through this last appointment just to make sure.

As I laid back for another vaginal ultrasound (ouch) my heaart started beating so fast as I saw what looked like a baby. My Dr. pointed out the legs, the arms, the head, tush, and then the steady and strong heart beat. Baby Bruner was right on track measuring 10 weeks! I couldn't believe my eyes. My baby was kicking its legs and punching its arms like a little ninja. Looks like my lil peanut is going to be one tough cookie.

After the appointment, my Dr. told me that I was not considered high risk anymore, and should just enjoy my pregnancy. He stopped the progesterone treatments, and suggested I return to work and get back on my feet. I was overjoyed, and soooo in love with my lil kung fu baby. The only thing was, now that I wasn't high risk I would have to wait another 4 weeks to see my lil one. He said at the next appointment he would use the Doppler so we could hear the baby's heart beat, and would perform another ultrasound ( a belly one). Can't wait to see Baby Bruner again!

Baby Bruner- 10 weeks

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

...and then there was a pitter patter

So after all the excitement of your existence, the nervousness began to set in. I was so worried, and anxious to get my first ultrasound and see my baby's heart beat. When I called my Dr.'s office to share the exciting news, they told me based on my LMP (First day of your last menstrual period) I would have to wait two weeks before my first appointment, because that would make me six weeks. The days moved slow, the hours at a snails pace, and the minutes seemed to stand still. I definitely knew I was pregnant, because I was constantly making bathroom runs. I usually have a bladder of steel, but all the extra hormones were making me have to go every 20-30 minutes! I didn't want anybody at work to know until I knew baby was healthy, but these potty runs were making it hard to conceal! I did tell my assistant because I didn't want her to think her boss was hung over, making frequent trips to the powder room to upchuck.

Two days before my appointment I noticed a small spot of dry blood on my underwear. when I was using the restroom. I immediately broke down into tears, fearing the worst. I called my Dr. immediately, who was busy with other patients. I was told the nurse would call me back as soon as possible. Three hours passed by, and I finally got a call from the nurse, Diane. By the way is an absolute angel! She told me they would squeeze me in that afternoon to check things out. Poor Trevor was at work, so he had to stand by the phone for any news. My parents meet me at the Dr.'s office so I wouldn't have to be alone. I was so lucky to have them be so supportive.

The Dr. then performed a vaginal ultrasound. (Which by the way really hurt!) He looked and looked for the baby and then finally found my little peanut. Although it was more the size of a small speck. The Dr. told me I was only measuring measuring 5 weeks, which would explain why he couldn't detect a heartbeat. He told me it is very likely that I was ovulating later on during my cycle. He told me due to my history and the spotting he wanted me to go on bed rest until my next appointment a week later, to be safe. By the sixth week, he said there should be a heart beat.

That week I was an absolute wreck. Two days after the ultrasound I noticed some more spotting, which was more like old blood, nothing red, so I tried so hard not to stress out. After that day I saw no more bleeding, however it still didn't ease my concern. Not only was I beyond worried, and depressed I started to feel those good old first trimester symptoms... nausea & fatigue. Barely being able to lift my head off the pillow, I tried to keep the faith. With the support from family and friends, I kept faith and spoke to God every night. (Actually more like 5 times a day) I prayed and prayed that God would bless us with a healthy baby, and give me the strength to have a healthy pregnancy.

After that week, which literally felt like a year, it was time for the next appointment. Trevor and I were a bundle of nerves barely speaking in the Dr.'s office. I was sweating, my heart was beating so fast, I just wanted to hear those three little words, "There's the heartbeat." I absolutely adore my Dr., he always makes things light, and makes Trevor and I feel so comfortable. He explains everything so thoroughly, so we understand all that's going on. He began the vaginal ultrasound (ouch), and there my sweet little baby was. Baby had gotten bigger, but still looked like a little ball. "Well Trevor and Melissa, I want you to look right here," as he pointed to a flicker in the middle of the ball baby, "that fast flicker is your baby's heart beat." I just started to cry tears of joy! I was beyond relieved. Seeing my little peanut's heart beating on that screen made it all so real. I never knew I could love something so much, so small.

After the Dr. printed peanut's first photo he wanted to discuss a few more things. He began to tell us that the heart beat was very strong. He said based on what he saw he would give us only a 10% rate of miscarriage. Much better than the 50% rate, he had given us the week prior. He did tell me that my progesterone levels were a little low, so he wanted me to start taking natural progesterone suppositories. I had no idea what it was, maybe a pill, a liquid medicine maybe? No... its a type of medicine you have to stick up your vagina with a tube. He told me he wanted me to do this every night until week 11, and that it would help move the pregnancy along, until the umbilical cord took over. He also told me bed rest until my next appointment (3 weeks later)!!! I always wanted a long vacation from work, but believe me when you go on bed rest during your first trimester it is no merry go round.

Even though we had some obstacles to overcome, I was still on cloud nine to see my baby's heart beat. Trevor and I were so happy, and thankful that God had answered our prayers.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Baby Gianna

On December 16th, 2011 a wonderful little girl came into this world. Her name is Gianna Kathleen Burns, daughter of my dear friends Danielle & Jason Burns. "Gia" has beautiful pouty lips, perfectly round cheeks, and makes the sweetest little faces. I am so honored to be this little girls aunt, and watch all the little adventures along the way.

Here is Gia 3 1/2 weeks old making her little "O" face. She also makes the cutest little angry bird face.

"To have a niece as wonderful as you, makes me one of the lucky few"

Monday, December 26, 2011

The Best Presents come in small packages

Christmas Eve Morning we got a BFP!!! (Big Fat Positive) Talk about the best Christmas gift ever! I had just visited Danielle & lil baby Gia, and it was getting close to that time of the month. Since we have been trying I had gotten 4 negative results, so I was a little discouraged to say the least. Danielle asked me if I was going to take one, and I told her I really didn't feel like it, because I didn't want to be sad. She began to tell me thats how she felt right before she tested positive for Gia and that I should take one. So on Monday the 19th I took a test, just to get a negative result. I was bummed again! So on Saturday the 24th I still hadn't gotten my period which made me hopeful. So when I woke up at 6:30 am (natural body clock) I took a test. Trevor was fast asleep, but I figured if it came out positive I could do something cute and put a Daddy present in his stocking. So I took the test, and couldn't believe my eyes. There staring at me was a big fat PREGNANT! I was shaking from the excitement. I couldn't control my happiness so I ran downstairs got a tiny little bow, and woke Trevor up. "Babe wake up, you have an early present"He was so happy! It was the best Christmas present we could have ever asked for!

Well if you know me I am awful at keeping secrets!!! I text a photo of my BFP test to my best friends. (aka. Crystal, Danielle, Julie, Katie, and Melissa) So they were the first to know after Trevor. I didnt want to tell our family, since we were going to se them for the holiday festivities, we thought it would be great to surprise them for the Holiday! I ran to Nordstrom (on my day off) and scowered the baby department looking for anything that says I love my Grandparents. No luck, so off to Target I went. They had some cute neutral onsies that said I love my Grandma, so I wrapped them up and we surprised each of the Grandparents to be! First was Clark and Sandy at Christmas Eve brunch. All of Trevor's brothers & sisters were there too, which was really fun! The trouble was to keep everybody quiet before we went to my mother in laws house for Christmas eve dinner. Everybody was Mums the word, and Pam (who you see below) was full of tears of joy! Last but definitely not least was my family on Christmas morning. I talk to my family all the time, so it was crazy hard to keep it a secret especially from my Mom. (Even though it was only 24 hours.) When she opened it, she was like what is this??? Her and my Dad instantly started crying. The rest of the family was so happy! It was such a special day that day too, because my baby niece Gianna got engaged to her long time love Matt. God truly is amazing! I am so blessed to have such a great family! Baby Bruner is going to have lots of Grandmas and Grandpas, cousins, aunties, and uncles who will love them very much!

Proud Parents to be with our Itty Bitty Present on Christmas Eve

Grammy & Grandpa Box got onsies for Christmas at our family breakfast

"I love hugs from Grandma"

Grandma Pam happy with excitement!

"Grandma's Little Heartbreaker"

Mama to be!!!!!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A Christmas Cookie Party 2011

This year I hosted a cookie party with all the girls in my family, and my closest girl friends. I am so blessed to have some pretty amazing ladies in my life. We had an intimate afternoon, eating goodies, decorating cookies, and taking photos with the holiday photo props! This was one of my favorite parties I've ever hosted. It was relaxing, and so fun to see everybody's cookie creations. We played a version of hot potato and Julie won the big prize! (Elf on the shelf, weeee!) This is a tradition we will definitely have to continue, for seasons to come.