What the PUPPP???

I am warning you now, the following post is not a cute and fun post. I am writing about the worst physical pain I have ever experienced, and hope nobody I know ever has to experience this horrible pregnancy symptom in what should be the most beautiful and exciting time of your life. 

On Friday July 6th, I called out from work. Those of you who know me know how addicted I am to my work, and would only call out if I was literally dying. I was up all Thursday night with these horrible leg cramps, and could barely walk making it impossible to go to work. I also noticed I was starting to itch alot on my leg. I had these tiny little red bumps, which I thought was a bug bite from being outside on the 4th. Even though I was not at work, I logged on to a two hour long conference call to review our Dolce &Gabbana buy for Spring 2013. As I listen to all the amazing goodies we have to choose from from my favorite Italian duo, I started to notice these little bumps on my arms, which really itched. I had recently read about a pregnancy rash that could appear during your third trimester, so as I noticed the itchiness get worse and worse within a three hour period I looked up the rash.

Turns out there are about four different rashes that you can get during pregnancy. The most common rash is a rash called PUPPP which affects about 1 in every 200 pregnancies, that does not affect the baby; however there is another rash called intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancywhich can affect the babies lungs and cause developmental issues. Reading about these rashes I knew I needed to get into my Dr. right away. I called my OBGYN, and they told me they needed me to come in right away so they can evaluate the rash. My Dr. looked at me for about 4 minutes, and evaluated the small but itchy rash which had started on my lower belly, legs, and arms. "Looks like you have PUPPP!" He said matter of factly. He had the nurse take a blood sample just to make sure it wasn't the more serious rash but he was pretty sure it was PUPPP. He told me to treat it with over the counter hydrocortisone & benadryl 50/50 cream twice a day, and to try and stay cool as heat will irritate the rash.

Going about my business I returned to work for a few more shifts. By Tuesday afternoon the rash had gotten much worse and seemed to not be getting any better. I happened to be having a branch visit from my regional that day, who basically begged me to go home. I didn't even realize I was scratching away while talking to her. That evening I went right home, took a cold shower and put on  the treatment. I ended up sleeping only 2 hours that evening, and had woken up in the middle of the night with the most horrendous pain all over my thighs. The rash seemed to be everywhere, and absolutely unbearable. My calves were covered in these huge red blisters that looked like they were full of puss. I literally SCREAMED and cried at the top of my lungs in desperation for relief. By the time 6am rolled around and I was supposed to leave to work, I couldn't even move. I now had to call out from work a second time, and was desperate to find a cure for this rash. I called my Dr. again as soon as  his office opened,and they suggested I come in that day at 11. 

When I went into see my Dr., he just looked at me with such sorrow and pitty. He did let me know that my blood results came back and it was not the "bad" rash, but it was one of the most severe cases of PUPPP he has seen. He did prescribe me a higher dosage hydrocortisone cream to use SPARINGLY twice a day. He said that unfortunately there wasn't much he could do, as the only cure is to give birth, and that his treatment would only help with relieving the symptoms. He recommended I go on bed rest, as my case was quite severe, and needed to monitored, as to not cause distress on the baby.

So what is PUPPP? "Up to 1 percent of pregnant women develop a condition characterized by itchy, red bumps and larger patches of a hive-like rash on their bellies. This is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) or polymorphic eruption of pregnancy. PUPPP usually begins in the third trimester and is more common among women carrying twins and those having their first baby. The eruptions usually show up first on the abdomen around or in stretch marks (if you have any) and may spread to your thighs, buttocks, and arms. PUPPP is harmless for you and your baby, but it can itch like crazy!" - www.babycenter.com

Itch like crazy? Itch like crazy? How about itches so much you become crazy, have sleepless nights, and the only thing that sometimes will give you relief is to rub raw ice cubes until your skin is numb. For the past week and a half Ive had to deal with this horrible rash. I have cried and screamed bloody murder, begging God to to get me though this pain. If I was far enough along my Dr. would induce me, but he doesn't feel comfortable inducing before 38 weeks. I am now 33 and a half weeks, which means I have to deal with this rash for another month! :( I am so thankful to all friends and family who have given me at home remedies, and all the different foums online. Besides the 50/50 teatment I do in the morning and at night, I find relief from Sarna Cream, Gold Bond Body Lotion, Grandpa's Tar Soap, Ice Packs, and COLD environments. I lay in my bed or on my Mom's couch with the AC on, and fans blowing directly on me in light cotton pjs. I have ben in so much pain, that I have taken up to 6 cold showers a day just to "survive". 

My Dr. has now put me on bed rest, which means I am off of work 4 weeks before my planned leave. Not only am I now missing out on my biggest event of the year my department hosts, which is an amazing runway show at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, with over 300 customers attending... I also will be returning to work 4 weeks sooner than planned, which is time taken away from Stella, and my bonding period (This absolutely devastates me).

Here are some photos of my PUPPP rash. It spread to every inch of my body sparing only my face, chest, and back. The rash has flared up severely on my legs, but is shown up on my calves, arms, fingers, hands, hips, butt, arm pits, feet, and toes. 

My Legs

Ankles

 My arms

This is the ugly side of pregnancy :( Those of you who complain about stretch marks I envy you. I am just three days away from hitting the 34 week mark and am sooooo over being pregnant. Labor doesn't scare me at ALL, I am ready! I can't wait for Stella to be here. I know that after the morning sickness, progesterone treatments, nausea, indigestion, back aches, food aversions, weight gain, sore boobs, the puppps rash, let downs of negative pregnancy tests, and even the miscarriage... the end result of being a Mommy to Stella will be completely worth it, and I am forever grateful to God for this blessing.The number one, most important thing, no matter what kind of pain I have to endure, is that Stella is healthy!

Baby Bump Photo Shoot

At 29 weeks Trevor & I had a photo shoot done by the amazingly talented & cool Jack Rodriguez. Our shoot took place on a sunny Sunday afternoon at the Anaheim Nature Center. Looking at these photos I can honestly say I feel beautiful. My little Stella bump is a miracle, and I cannot wait to meet our little girl.

Two Trimesters Down... One more to go!

 19 Weeks and Happy Parents to be

 Stella Rose and her pretty profile at 20 weeks

Our Sweet Daughter at 26 weeks 4D! One pretty little girl is coming to join our family.

Trimester two was everything I expected... better than One! I had a ton more energy, and felt like "SuperPreggo"! I could work 12 hour days, clean the entire house on my days off, and surf the net for hours buying the cutest little outfits for our future fashionista. The all day nauseau was gone, my belly actually looks like a baby bump (not an ice cream bump),  and I have been able to start planning and preparing for our little babe. Although I have been a lot more comfortable, I fully admit I am NOT one of those women who "loooove being pregnant", and could have 4 or 5 kids. Trev and I have already come to an agreement, one more baby... maybe two (but that would be max). I know at the very end of this journey all the uncomfortableness will be well worth it once Stella is in my arms.

With that I give you the best and worst moments of Trimester TWO, weeks 14-26

Top 10
1. Finding out Baby Bruner was a little girl!!! YAY for tutus and bows!!! This girly girl was happily surprised.
2. Sharing the news that we are Team Pink at our Gender Reveal Party
3. Putting together our registry. Pottery Barn Kids is my MECCA.
4. SHOPPING! I have had the best time buying outfits for our sweet Stella Rose. From Miss Marc Jacobs fashionable ensembles, to preppy chic Ralph Lauren dresses, and uber cool DVF prints, she is going to be one styling little lady.
5. Feeling Stella's big kick! I had been feeling her move but hadn't really felt a big kick until the night of my friend Lindsay's wedding. I was sitting down, at the reception, and all of a sudden- KICK! From that moment on she has been a regular karate kid, kicking me from 8-10pm, and 7-9am.
6. When Daddy got to feel Stella's kicks. One evening at about 8:30pm, we were laying in bed (yes, 8:00 is now our bed time), the kicking started. I yelled at Trevor to hurry and feel, "he goes, I am not going to be able to feel it"... he then humored me and put his hand on my tummy, and BAM, then another BAM, then two more BAMS! Stella kicked him four times in a row, and Trevor finally got to feel his baby girl. I cried like a baby.... such a surreal moment.
7.Decorating the nursery! Trevor has been one hard working Daddy to be, making Stella's pretty in pink "garden" themed nursery come to life It is turning out to be so beautiful. Some days I will just sit in my rocking chair for hours, thinking about Stella Rose. Its like my little retreat at home.
8. 4D ultrasound. At 26 weeks we took all the grandparents, and proud Aunt Ally to see Stella Rose in 4D! She was a little stubborn as it was her nap time. (she was using the placentia as her pillow) lol! Then finally she turned and we got to see her sweet face!. Everybody yelled OMG she has Trevor's nose. Which she does, and it is the cutest nose I have ever seen. Then I really looked at her, and I saw me. She has my cheeks and pouty little lips. I know I am biased, but she is the most beautiful thing in the world to me <3
9. Energy. It was gone for about 3 months, so it felt great to feel like myself again.
10. Test results. So far all the tests have come back clear, and have been reassuring that Stella is one healthy little girl

Bottom 5
Unfortunately Trimester Two is not all butterfly and sunshine. There are some struggles that come along with all this joy!
1. Back Aches- Ouch! Around 20 weeks, my back started to get really sore. I can't go, go, go like I am used to. I really have to slow down, which I hate to do!
2. Indigestion. Even though the nauseau stopped, I have woken up in the middle of the night throwing up due to indigestion. Gross...
3. Pregnancy is not fashionable. Working as the Designer Manager for Nordstrom comes with high expectations, especially in the looks department which has had to be put on hold. I have not worn heels since December. (bye, bye YSLs strappy sandals, and Gucci Pumps). I bought a pair of strappy Givenchy flat sandals that have been an absolute lifesaver! I wear them almost every single day, and my feet thank me for it.
4. Stretch Marks- I have not gotten any on my belly (so far), but have noticed some pink lines forming on my hips :( Not so fun.
5. Insomnia. Waking up tp go the bathroom every hour, does not help this mama to be get her beauty rest.


Well we have at least 10 weeks left before I am considered full Term and Stella can make her arrival. As we prepare for becoming parents I can't help but thank God so much for this blessing I remember praying everyday for a sweet baby (secretly a sweet baby girl), and God has given us the most amazing gift. Although pregnancy definitely has its ups and downs, it is an absolute miracle to think that all because two people fell in love, a little life is growing inside of me. We cant wait to meet our little BABE!

Year ONE of a Family Called the Bruners

Trevor and I recently celebrated our One year Anniversary. I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. It feels like just yesterday I was scouring Style Me Pretty, and planning my Dream Wedding. We have been through sooooo much together as a couple this past year, and have learned so much. I always used to think, that since we lived together before we were married it wouldn't be much of a change, but boy was I wrong. Once I became Trevor's wife, I felt I started to hold myself to a higher standard, and sometimes held Trev to higher expectations too. Knowing that he truly was going to be my partner through this thing called life, made me rely on Trev more than I would have ever expected. We have become a family, and are learning how to not be the "perfect" partner, but how to love and respect each other for who one another is, and appreciating the little things in life.

So after one year of wedded bliss, here is a quick recap of what we have experienced in our first year as Mr & Mrs...

1. Love... My heart has truly never loved anything or anyone more than I love my Trev. It all started on our beautiful honeymoon in Jamaica. Traveling to another country is a scary thing, and I counted on Trev to protect me. We had so much fun together enjoying a full week of just relaxing, laughing, laying in the sun, and a little bit of lovins. (okay alot of it). Once we came back home, we really just wanted life to return back to normal. No more wedding stress, and just enjoy our friends and family, and of course each other. After learning of our pregnancy in June, and then miscarrying in July, I knew I had married my best friend. Trevor was there for me through what was the most depressing time of my life. He held me when I cried, never judged me at times I could have been considered a little mental, and helped me get to a happy place again. He loves me unconditionally, and I hope he knows how much I love him too.

2. Money.... Weeks after returning from our honeymoon Trevor learned that his Boss was laying him off, as he did not have enough work to have an assistant. That was so scary. I have so much respect for Trev and what he did next. I was so worried, as we are definitely a two income household, and rely on each others pay to make it through. I stressed out a little too much, not because of Trev, but based on my own insecurities of what I have gone through in the past. Trev was on it, getting his name out there for any kind of side job that he could do. Then he landed a fantastic opportunity doing all the plumbing work at a restaurant. After that restaurant opened he got work at another restaurant in Huntington Beach. This past February Trev got hired working for Arroyo Plumbing in Arcadia. He works so hard, is on call almost every weekend, and does it without complaining. He truly enjoys providing for his family, and is so talented at what he does. Proud wife, am I.

I didn't do too shabby this year either. One month after the wedding, I was offered a promotion in June to manage the Collectors & Couture Department at South Coast Plaza. Although it was considered "lateral", it was a blessing, as I only had to commute 45 minutes to Costa Mesa, instead of the dreadful 1.5-2 hour commute each way to Topanga. I also got a pretty nice raise, but with the extra pay came a whole lot more grey hair, but has given me some fantastic opportunities and experience. I have definitely learned so much in my new position this past year, and can't wait for my next step! I am praying and working hard for that next promotion (after baby of course)

3. Family... A Family called the Bruners is starting a family!!! (with people not just animals, lol) After "trying" for four months Trevor and I found out we were pregnant on Christmas Eve. We are so thrilled to become parents and love our little daughter Stella Rose Bruner sooooo much already. Trevor is going to be an amazing Dad, and I hope I can be a great Mom. I'm 25 weeks along as I write this blog, which means only 12 more weeks until I am FULL term!!! Pregnancy has definitely had its exciting and challenging moments, and we are definitely looking forward to entering our next step as a couple- Parenthood.


We had originally planned on celebrating our one year wedding anniversary at Ponte Winery, as they just opened a new hotel on the vineyards where we said I do. With our little bun in the oven, we decided to spend it a little more G rated, since Mama isnt doing any wine drinking these days. Trevor took me to San Diego for a little get away. We went to Sea World, and then took a wonderful nap at our ocean view room at the Hilton in Mission Bay. We then went out for some Mexican food & cold stone in Old Town San Diego. It was relaxing, and fun way to celebrate our first year as a married couple.

Here's to many many more years of love, marriage, and the baby in the baby carriage!

"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

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...

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