MIA

It has been a while since I have been posted because I have been a little distracted - good and bad. Good - because Dave and Matty came to visit and we had so much fun with them (more on that later.) Good - because I am home with my family! Bad - because I have a sinus infection.

I started to feel a cold coming on over a week ago. I was determined to cure it with some home remedies since I didn't think I could take medicine while I was pregnant. I had the typical headache, earache, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, etc. Being on a plane for 10 hours didn't help! Somehow I made it over the big blue ocean and was sure that a mother's touch would cure all. It was a good try but not enough.

I ended up a CareNow and was diagnosed with a sinus infection. It turns out that you can take Amoxocilin during pregnancy and it has been my first sign of relief after 10 days. I am still very congested but I just have to deal with that because I can't take a decongestant. I was nervous about taking any kind of medication while I was pregnant but I have been reassured several times that it is perfectly safe.

I have been very attentive to feel our baby move just to make sure she is not being affected. I become nervous at times when she doesn't but I am sure everything is just fine. Sometimes I feel a few very strong kicks, which makes me very happy!, and others times, they are still little love thumps, which leaves me thirsty for more. I shoud just be happy to feel anything at all.

I tried several home remedies. Some of them are more effective than others but, if you are desperate, give them a try.

1. Netti Pot Sinus Wash. If you have never tried it, you should. It is a little weird at first but once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad.

2. Vaporizer. I bought a personal vaporizer that helped for a couple of days. It also worked wonders on bringing my nose back to life since it was very sore from all the kleenex.

3. Hot milk with honey. Helps to soothe a sore throat.

4. Hot water with lemon and honey. Helps with congestion.

5. Drink lots of liquids. Water and orange juice work well.

Our Thanksgiving Feast

Our Menu: Oven roasted turkey leg, my mom's famous rice stuffing, cornbread stuffing, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, and homemade sundried tomato and parmesan bread.

This year, I made a Thanksgiving feast for two :) It also doubled up as an anniversary dinner, which worked out nicely. I was talking to my mom while I was cooking, and even though we hadn't previously discussed our menus, we ended up making almost the exact same dinner. (Mine was just downsized!) In Spanish, I would call her my "media naranja" (my other half). I missed not having my family in the kitchen with me as I cooked but our dinner was special in a different way. Just knowing that I will see them soon, was something to be thankful for. And, we had A LOT to be thankful for this year!

PS - Best of luck to everyone back home on the biggest shopping day of the year!

Ruth 1:16

"Do not urge me to leave you, for wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live, I shall live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God."

This was my favorite reading from our wedding and suits us so well. I cannot believe we are celebrating five years of marriage today and have a little girl on the way. Life can't get much better than this. We are truly blessed. Happy anniversary sweetheart!

And, Happy Thanksgiving America!

A Restivo First ...

... a granddaughter!!! Oscar and I are going to be the proud parents of a little baby girl :)

A Great Visit!

Oscar's sister, Rosa, and her husband, Pedro, came to visit us a couple of weeks ago. I am just now getting around to posting pictures of our weekend because our camera is broken and I had to get them from Pedro. (Did you know that you can copy pictures off of Facebook? I didn't. Don't know if I like that ... )

Anyway, we had such a lovely time with them. It was Pedro's first time in London so everything was new and exciting. The weather wasn't that great but it helped to make it feel a little more like London :) We tried out a few new restaurants while they were here and they are ones that we would love to go back to.

The best part of the visit was that we got to see them. Even though Spain is close by, I haven't been since July and I was missing Oscar's family. We had a change in our Christmas travel plans so I won't be able to see them then either. I am really glad that they were able to come when they did. They promise to come back with their two adorable daughters, Sandra and Monica, this Spring after the baby is born. We can't wait!

A view at night of the River Thames from the OXO tower.

A classic London shot.

On the tube on the way to the Notting Hill market.

In front of Parliament.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

"And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there."

Thumper

I started to feel the first movements of our little one and the best way to describe them are like subtle thumps. No karate kicks yet - this baby is still in training! - but light little love thumps :) I can't help but think of cuddly little Thumper from Bambi when I feel our bambino moving around.

I am 19 weeks and 4 days and have probably been feeling them for a few days now. I wasn't too sure what they were at first but I am pretty convinced that it is not just me anymore. I can't make it happen, even if I concentrate really hard. Believe me - I've tried! But, if I sit still still after I eat sometimes I can get in on some of the action. Most of the time I only get one or two thumps. On a good day, three. They aren't very strong yet so I can really only feel them on the inside. I am sure all of that will change in good time. For now, I am thrilled to feel any movement at all.

You know you are showing when ...

... someone gives up his seat on the subway for you to sit down. What a nice guy! I couldn't help but be giddy and giggle knowing that I am now considered pregnant even to the naked eye :)

Taize Meditation

"Silence makes us ready for a new meeting with God. In silence, God's word can reach the hidden corners of our hearts. ... In silence, we stop hiding before God, and the light of Christ can reach and heal and transform even what we are ashamed of."

*Taize worship includes candlelight, prayers, readings, silence, and soft music with repetitive words led by guitar, flute, violin and other instruments. The service is very meditative and offers a wonderful opportunity to be silent and center on the Lord.

**I attend a weekly service at my parish and really enjoy it. I have been blessed with great fellowship from all walks of life and from all parts of the world. Each week the topic seems to speak directly to me.

Baby Gifts

Oscar and I have yet to buy anything for the baby but we have already received gifts from dear friends and family. They were so unexpected and made us feel so special that people were already thinking of our little one. I have tucked them away in a chest of drawers, which will later be for the baby. Sometimes I stop by and take a peek inside just for fun :) Baby clothes are just so cute!

Thank you to all for the very special gifts. We will think of you as we use them and can't wait to send you pictures with our baby wearing them!

Our very first gift came all the way from the USA from Erika and Philip. It is so soft! I am sure it will make it in the overnight bag for the hospital :)

An intern that worked for Oscar was so sweet to give us this cute onesie from Harrods when she left. It is for 3-6 months so it will be perfect for those chilly Spring/Early Summer days.

When my mother-0n-law recently came to visit, she brought us this adorable winter hat for the baby. The scarf is attached so the baby will be sure to keep warm!

Oscar's aunt, Tia Fuensanta, gave us the sweetest little knit booties. I think they are just precious. The peach ribbon will be so cute with baby blues or girly pinks :)

PS - Happy Birthday, Daddy (Grandpa)!

Evolution of Our Tree

Oscar hard at work.
When we were fanning out the branches Oscar screamed "Squirrel!" A very famous quote from the classic movie, Christmas Vacation. My family would be so proud :)

Almost done!

Our first Christmas tree :)

A view of our tree from outside.

Baby and Me: 18 weeks and 1 day

The First Christmas Ornament

Oscar and I are super excited about Christmas this year and can't wait to start decorating. The stores and streets are already all decked out with Christmas decorations in London, which makes it really easy to get into the Christmas spirit even though it is the beginning of November.

We bought our first Christmas ornament a few weeks ago. We thought the British flag suited this year well and would be a great souvenir for the years to come. After shopping around, we bought our tree last weekend. We prosmied ourselves that we would wait until mid-November to put it up. Our justification is that since we will be visiting family from about mid-December on, we should decorate sooner rather than later so we can enjoy it for at least a month :)

Stay tuned! Pretty soon you will be seeing pics of this ornament hanging on our tree :)

Fun Facts About My Pregnancy

1. I sleep in a nest. I try really hard to sleep on my sides but sometimes I end up on my back. My doctor said it is fine to sleep on my back until the third trimester but the American pregnancy books make it sound like it is the worst thing you could possibly do. So I prop up pillows on both sides of me and behind my head to keep me from moving around too much. I laugh when I wake up in the morning because it really does look like a little nest in our bed.

2. I eat 4 or 5 times a day. I find that I eat less at each meal but have to eat about every four hours. If I am out and about, I always carry something with me because once I feel hungry I have to eat. My favorite snacks are apples and cheese, yogurt with hazelnuts, peanut butter and jelly, nutella sandwiches, and almost any kind of fruit. I've also become fond of Pringles. Who would've guessed?

3. Pregnancy has truly been a spiritual experience. I have never felt closer to God. I feel so honored to be carrying this baby for Him and just feel so blessed to be pregnant. I have a daily reminder of how much God loves us each and everyday.

4. I have my energy back. I am not sleeping nearly as much anymore. I can actually have lunch without falling asleep at the table. Don't get me wrong, I still sleep quite a bit. I normally don't get up until 9am. My job as a housewife doesn't officially start until 9:30am :)

5. I LOVE gummy bears. Not just any gummy bears - the Haribo Gold-Bears. I have always liked gummy candies, especially red licorice. But, for now, my sweet of choice are gummy bears. Oscar hates it when I eat them because they normally make me sick. He teases me and tells me that, if I'm not careful, we are going to see gummy bears swimming around on our next sonagram.

6. Prenatal yoga is the best. I have only been a couple of times but it really helps. They teach stretches to make room for the baby and positions to help with back pain and sleeping. I honestly feel great when I leave.

7. I am one of the people you look at and laugh at the gym. I have befriended the EFX, stationery bike, and treadmill. (No more kickboxing for me!) I never leave the "low intensity" range so it just feels like I am in slow motion. I figure something is better than nothing. I prefer to take walks in the amazing park next to our house (I sing out loud to my iPod!) but the weather doesn't always cooperate.

8. No action. In our previous sonagrams, our baby had always been really active, except for the last one. I don't know if he/she is still as active but he/she is not letting me in on any of the action yet. My doctor said that I shouldn't even think about feeling anything until after 20 weeks but I have read that some ladies can feel it before then. Everyone tells me that once it starts I will want it to stop. I don't care .... I want to feel this baby kick!

9. We are in search of a baby carriage. We haven't bought anything for the baby yet but have looked around a bit. Oscar only gets really excited about the baby carriage. He is flexible on everything else. I want a traditional one to push around Regent's Park :) There are several that we have seen that we like but none of them are cheap. I see it as an investement, though :)

10. I have never been happier. I have been so lucky and have really enjoyed being pregnant. I laugh all the time and at the silliest things. I finally feel like I have found myself and I am doing what I meant to do in life. I have already fallen in love with this baby and I haven't even seen him/her yet. I think that becoming a parent is just a glimpse of what God's unconditional love is like is for us. What a blessing!

Swine flu vaccine?

I am debating about getting the swine flu vaccine. My ob-gyn recommended me to get it. I have an appointment with my family practioner, who would administer the jab (as it is called here), on Monday to see what he recommends. I think it depends a lot on where you live and your lifestyle.

I have been doing some research and I am not convinced either way. My only doubts about getting it is that I don't feel that it has been tested enough to know if it is safe for pregnant women. I haven't ever gotten a regular flu shot and haven't suffered from a bad flu in the past. I know this is different, though. Also, there are medical professionals in the UK that have made public statements that they personally are not getting one, which isn't very encouraging.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Restivo Pizza

Oscar could eat pizza everyday, if I let him. He'll eat just about any kind but his two favorites are Joe's Pizza and my mom's. Pizza is pretty much a Friday night affair at the Restivo house. Even if it was just Oscar and me and my parents, Oscar and my dad agreed that we still needed two extra large pies, salads, and subs. They loved the leftovers the next day. One year, we even threw Oscar a surprise birthday party in Joe's party room with my family - party hats and mom's cookie cake included.

When my mom came over the summer, she really wanted to make Oscar pizza. I didn't know how we were going to do it because I don't have a bread machine and they don't even sell frozen bread dough (a shortcut) here. My mom - being the smart person that she is - came up with the idea to use a cibatta bread mix. It was perfect! The dough was nice and thick and made for a great Italian pizza. So now everytime I make it, I think of her :)

Oscar has only a few requirements that would classify me as being a good mom - two are directly related to food - being able to make chocolate chip cookies and homemade pizza. At least now I have that going for me!

Restivo Pizza
1 Cibatta bread mix plus 1 extra tblsp olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes (the regular size - not the 28oz can)
1 onion
1 clove garlic
1 tsp sugar
1 tblsp olive oil
1 red pepper
Pepperoni
2 c mozarrella cheese
Salt

For the sauce
Chop half of the onion and clove of garlic. Sautee the onion and garlic over med-low heat in 1 tblsp of olive oil until onion are translucent. Season with salt. Add the can of crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp of sugar. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

For the dough
Follow the directions on the package and add 1 extra tblsp olive oil to the mix. After letting it rise for 30 min, lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil and stretch out the dough to make a nice crust. Top the dough with a little sauce and put it in the oven for 12-15 min at 35o.

For the pizza
Take the crust out of the oven and top with the rest of the sauce, pepperoni and cheese. Then, top the cheese with the sliced red pepper and the other half of the onion. Bake for another 15-20 minutes at 350 until the cheese starts to brown.

Me making pizza while I talked with my mom :)

Rock-a-bye Betsy

I have always, always, always wanted a rocking chair. And, now that I am pregnant it was the perfect excuse to get one. I knew exactly what I wanted but couldn't find it anywhere. They don't seem to make too many of the tradtional ones anymore. The rocking chair has evolved into a glider. I tried out a glider and it is nice but not what I was looking for. Plus, they weren't cheap.

When we were in Burford over the weekend, we stopped in a cute little shop. We went upstairs where they had a display of wood furniture. I wasn't thinking of finding a rocking chair at the time. But then ... I saw it from far and it was love at first sight. I sat in it and rocked and knew it was perfect. I was hesitant to look at the price because it was almost too good to be true. Luckily, it was very reasonably priced and was on sale - a plus for Oscar.

So now ... how do we get it to London? We had rented a car and crossed our fingers that it would fit. It was our lucky day because it did. So we became proud owners of a rocking chair and I have rocked in it everyday since then. I love it!

I was so excited to make our first purchase for the baby. Oscar said that it is really more for me than for the baby. And, you know what ... he might be right! :)

The Cotswolds

Oscar and I had the most amazing weekend in the English countryside this weekend. The Cotswolds is a group of small villages in the country about an hour and half west of London. They are the cutest little towns that are known for their honey colored cottages and picturesque landscapes. It was incredible.

The best way to see The Cotswolds is by car so we took a chance and rented a car. We decided to get an automatic (and extra insurance!) since it was our first time driving on the wrong side of the road. Oscar drove the whole way and did a great job. I was very impressed :) We got up bright and early Saturday morning and were back in London by late Sunday afternoon. It seemed like we were gone for much longer, which made it really feel like a nice vacation.

Our first stop was Bath. Bath is famous for the Roman baths, which we had to visit. We also visited the Abbey were the first king, King Edward, was crowned; then, just enjoyed wandering about the town center. We found the cutest little coffee shop, "The Boston Tea Party", where we had lunch. It was a quaint place packed with locals having a late, late breakfast, lunch, or tea. I loved it!

View from the town center.

View from the terrace of the exterior bath.

One of the interior baths.

Fresh hot spring water.

After Bath, we headed north to Castle Combe. A friend of Oscar's had recommended it so we had to stop. It had so much character. We had perfect weather for our trip - crisp, and cool with a few clouds, sunshine, and no rain. It made our experience even more authentic. I think this village was one of my favorites.

The main road through the village.

The cottages all had really short doorways.

The local church. It was a little spooky because the cementery was right out front. Then, when Oscar went to open the front door, it started to open itself and freaked him out. We didn't realize someone from inside was trying to leave. I was hysterical laughing.

The gardens at the Manor House Hotel. This hotel was unbelievable. It looked like it came right out of a storybook. I had tea (Oscar had a beer) inside in one of the old sitting rooms. So much fun!

After Castle Combe, we headed to Bibury where we were going to stay for the night at a great Bed&Breakfast, The Swan Hotel. By the time we got there, we were exhuasted and it was already dark. So we rested before we went downstairs for dinner. Sunday morning we had a traditional English breakfast at the hotel and then headed out to explore the village. The hotel owned a small trout farm right infront of the hotel, where they catch fresh trout for the restaurant. The brook was filled with trout, ducks, and swans.

Our hotel with a view of the brook. The water was so clear you could see trout.

When they turned down our bed, they tucked in their signature bear. Very cute idea!

Wildlife in the river.

A view of the village from the local church.

The local church and clock tower. The clock is over 500 years old and still works.

Just a beautiful view.

We followed a public footpath through the forest ...

... and made some new friends :)

The famous honey colored cottages.

Our last stop was in Burford. It was only about a 15 minute drive from Bibury and on our way back to London. The main street in this town was filled with antique shops, cafes, and adorable little stores. We had fun just going in and out of the shops and enjoying the views. For lunch, we found another great treasure. An intimate cafe that has been in business since the 1800s. The food was great and it was the perfect end to our wonderful trip. We picked the best time of year to go because all of the leaves were changing colors and the contrasts were beautiful. I would love to go back again - there are lots of other villages still left to explore!

The main street in Burford with a great view of the countryside.

Coming Soon ...

... pictures from our amazing weekend in The Cotswolds.

Fall is Everywhere

Paddington Gardens

Dorset Square

Regent's Park

Farewell Fr Terry

Our parish priest, Fr Terry, is moving to a new church after eight years at St. James'. While Oscar and I have only been attending this church since June, we have come to love it. We normally go to the noon Mass on Sundays and Fr Terry normally gives the 10:30 one. However, there were a few times that we were fortunate enough to have him as our priest. He was very charismatic and connected extremely well with the parish. I found his homilies to be very timely and inspiring.

They had a farewell Mass for him last night at our church, and even though I didn't know him that well, I decided to go. I am so glad that I did. It was a beautiful Mass and the entire church was packed. It was obvious that he was very loved and going to be terribly missed. One of the scriptures during the Mass is one of my all-time favorites:

Mark 5: 3-10
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blesssed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Brighton

Oscar and I went to Brighton on Saturday. It is a small coast town about an hour train ride from London. My sister had told us about it but we didn't get there when she was here over the summer. We woke up on Saturday to nice weather. Since we keep thinking that each nice Fall day is going to be our last, we hopped on the train and spent the day on the coast.

Brighton is a really cute town that has a great boardwalk and a fun pier. It is also known for its crazy nightlife but, since that's not really my scene these days, we took the first train back once the sun went down. We took a chance on a restaurant that had a great terrace and overlooked the water. We weren't expecting great food but decided to go there for the sunshine and the view. The food was actually pretty good and we were pleasantly surprised. We spent the next couple of hours walking up and down the coast and were beat by the end of the day. I am so glad we went because it just wouldn't be the same when it is cold and rainy.

On the pier. A lot like American piers with carnival games and rides and lots of fried food stands.

Brighton town behind me. The beach is not sand but rocks. It was really clean and well kept.

A nice view.

It was so sunny!

Facing the sun at lunch without my sunglasses. Homemade ice tea was delicious!