My mom wants to host another Blessingway, so I'm looking into themes and motifs for the occasion. I found this bird-themed inspiration board at "Tiny Talk." I love that it's boyish and sticks to the blue and brown color scheme!!
Birdy inspiration
Monday, December 29, 2008
Looking ahead
So once we get into 2009, I have only four calendar months before the baby comes!! YIKES!!
My mom wants to host another Blessingway, so I'm looking into themes and motifs for the occasion. I found this bird-themed inspiration board at "Tiny Talk." I love that it's boyish and sticks to the blue and brown color scheme!!
Birdy inspiration
My mom wants to host another Blessingway, so I'm looking into themes and motifs for the occasion. I found this bird-themed inspiration board at "Tiny Talk." I love that it's boyish and sticks to the blue and brown color scheme!!
Birdy inspiration
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Nursery dreamin'
This is "Max" at Babies R Us. I like the blues and browns but I especially like the combo of polka dots and stripes!!
We're not sure what our nursery set-up will be. Andrew roomed with us for 2.5 years! I'm picturing the baby in our room, but with a "wall" where the co-sleeper/pack-n-play/crib would go and shelves above for framed pictures, cute nick-knacks and baby goodies.
This one is totally cute!! Love it.
We're not sure what our nursery set-up will be. Andrew roomed with us for 2.5 years! I'm picturing the baby in our room, but with a "wall" where the co-sleeper/pack-n-play/crib would go and shelves above for framed pictures, cute nick-knacks and baby goodies.
This one is totally cute!! Love it.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Belly at 19 weeks
Those of you that follow my pregnancy blog get the pleasure of seeing the bare belly shots!! :) This is me On Dec. 9, around 19 weeks.
Ultrasound pictures!!!
Here's our little Ethan, looking right at ya!! I believe that's a paw right up by his chin.
And here he is, profile, with that little paw up by his head again! He had his hands by his head quite a bit, Andrew did that a lot as a newborn, too. I have no idea what the rest of that stuff is...ribs, spine?? All I know is, he's got a cute face!!
As if waiting for the ultrasound wasn't bad enough, now we're all dying to know how much the boys will look alike!! I saw video of Andrew when he was just a week old, and, man, do I love me a squishy little newborn!! Oh, I can hardly wait to meet this little man!!
And here he is, profile, with that little paw up by his head again! He had his hands by his head quite a bit, Andrew did that a lot as a newborn, too. I have no idea what the rest of that stuff is...ribs, spine?? All I know is, he's got a cute face!!
As if waiting for the ultrasound wasn't bad enough, now we're all dying to know how much the boys will look alike!! I saw video of Andrew when he was just a week old, and, man, do I love me a squishy little newborn!! Oh, I can hardly wait to meet this little man!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
December 22nd "The Big Day"
This day will be one I hope to never forget. It's the day I found out that I'll be the mother of two sons. Here's the story.
I slept poorly the night before, just like I always do on Christmas Eve, or the night before any exciting event. I spent the morning of the 22nd busying myself with cleaning up, doing laundry and taking care of Andrew. We ended up planning to take Andrew with us, so I wasn't sure how that would work out at the office.
I didn't drink for the 1.5 hours leading up to the appointment so when Nannie and my mom arrived, I was relieved to get to the clinic!
I wore a blue turtleneck with black pants, partly to commemorate the baby boy of my suspicions.
We arrived and I was checked in quickly, and Drew arrived shortly after. Nan, my mom and Andrew were on the right side of the waiting room and I was told to wait on the left to be called, so Drew and I sat there. I wasn't figuring they'd let all five of us troop back so when I was called, I asked the tech and she said, "Let's do the measurements and all the business, then we'll have them come back for a look." Great plan. We were so excited, we didn't even tell the gang the plan. Later I found out that they had never seen Drew come in, so they also never knew we'd gone back!!
Ours was the first room and we went in and it was dark. She had a computer and the keyboard in the middle of the room, then there was a bed facing a TV mounted on the wall. She had me lay down and she spread the gel on my belly, and Drew sat on the other side of her. She got right to work, finding and measuring the baby from top to bottom. She told us she's been a tech for this company for 32 years, longer than I've been alive!!
She showed us what she was looking at, starting with my full bladder, and moving to the placenta, the umbilical cord and the baby itself. We saw everything from the chambers of the heart to the backbone, the kidneys, the femur, the heart pumping away beautifully, the tiny bladder (she said it must've just peed, lucky baby), the ribs and the brain, among other things. She would let us know where she was looking, too, so we knew whether it was the belly or the head! The baby didn't move a whole lot, but did have its hand or hands up by its head several times as she looked around.
When she was showing us the baby's bran, Drew, in his usual way, said, "Well, I don't see any horns, it must be human," and she didn't miss a beat and said, "Yeah, they grow those later." Heehee.
We had looked mostly at the back of the baby, and some at its belly and organs, then she asked, "Do you want to know what you're having?" I replied with an adamant "YES!"
So she moved the wand lower and it was mere seconds before she said, "Well, what does that tell you?" and that nutty baby had it's legs spread as wide as you please and I said, "A boy!" Oooooh, it could not have been more clear, just like he wanted us to know for sure! I'll never forget that image. She said, "Oh, yeah, no doubt about it!"
I told Drew triumphantly, "I was right! You were wrong!!" I just kept thinking, "I can't believe I'm having a boy...I can't believe I'm having a boy..." just like after I had Andrew and laid in surgery saying, "I can't believe it's a boy..." over and over. Wild.
As she looked around some more, I would say to Drew, "Honey, it's a boy! We have a son! You have TWO sons! Andrew is getting a brother!" Oooooh, I was so excited!! I really thought it would be a boy. We often have a family with four boys (teenagers) sit in front of us in church. They are all handsome, tall and unique and it's beautiful to see them in a row with their parents on the end, as they worship together. I have teared up many times as I imagined the possibility of being the mother of boys. I have a few friends with just two boys, and I have always admired that. One of my oldest, dearest friends has two boys and every time I see pictures of them together, it just gets to my heart. I thought of them a lot this week, thinking how wonderful it would be if my Andrew got a little brother.
So, yeah. A boy. I knew it!!
Not long after that, i got to go to the potty and then we brought in the rest of the family. I kinda felt bad that they missed "the big moment," so I told them up front, "We already know what it is." I didn't want to have to pretend to be surprised!
She also showed them the brain, umbilical cord, heart, etc. then said, "Let's try to get a look" and scanned around, but he'd flipped over and had his back facing us!! She whispered to me, "It's being a booger, it moved! Should I just tell them??" She could catch a glimpse of it, kinda from the side, but not a straight on like we'd seen!! Mom and Nan eagerly said, "Just tell us!" She said, "You can kinda see something there...it's a boy!" They were so excited and my mom was kissing Andrew
and hugging Drew, it was funny. She would say, "It's an Ethan! You get a brother!" Later, she told me she kinda thought it was a boy but had gone with the majority when she voted. Mmhmm. My mom also has a thing for kissing baby toes, so the tech made a point to show us the baby's foot and toes. He was sort of crouching down, almost squatting, and we could see his bony little heel, with his foot pressed against me, and all five toes. So precious!
So they got to see a few more of HIS features, and it was fun at that point to refer to him as HE. I was still in kind of a wide-eyed state of shock. She showed them his face, too, and got a picture of him facing us. It was also cool when she showed us the umbilical cord and turned on some kind of infrared that showed where the blood was flowing. She said it looked healthy and strong! I said, "That's what we've been praying for!"
I asked her about his head, thinking it'd be nice if this baby's head was smaller than Andrew's for an easier birth. She said, "Well, it's actually quite average." I guess that's OK.
This was funny, too...as we all left and thanked her, Andrew went up to her, took her hand and said, "Thank you, sir." WHAAAAT??? He's never done that before! She didn't bat an eye but said, "Oh, you're welcome, sweety." I told her, "That's a new one!" Who says that??? We all thought it was utterly charming.
After we left, I was in a bit of a daze, but managed to call my sister-in-law (the one that lives with us), my mother-in-law and my dear old friend from Florida. Meanwhile, I helped my mom navigate the Chik-Fil-A drive-thru for salads all around.
When we got home, I was too excited to eat--and too busy calling more people. I talked to my boss (we agreed that I'm "in for it," but we both love boys), my other sister-in-law, my hubby's aunt that lives nearby, my father-in-law and my aunt in Florida. Almost everyone was guessing girl, so I'd tell them, "Well, you were in the majority that were WRONG! It's a boy!!"
Everyone seemed thrilled. I was thrilled!!
I finally got to eat and in the midst of it all, gifts appeared. My mom produced a box wrapped in blue and said, "I told you I knew!" I told her I knew she had a pink one still in her trunk!! She bought it when my SIL was having her ultrasound over two years ago, and she had a boy, so Mom had just changed the name! Back into the top of the closet it goes!! HA!
My grandmother gave me a gorgeous gold cross necklace with emerald-hued stones, a replica of the necklace President Kennedy gave Jackie when she found out they were expecting Caroline. Evidently, she never took it off during the entire pregnancy and even had them pin it to her gown during her C-section. I said, "Oh, emerald is May's birth stone!" Come to find out, when President Kennedy had jewelry made with gemstones, they were always green to commemorate their Irish heritage. And our baby will be named Ethan Ryan, meaning "Strong Little King" after my mom's Irish heritage. The fact that the May birthstone is emerald is just a bonus, plus it's perfect for Christmas, which is what I'll look back on as "when I found out." Pretty cool!!
There was another surprise, too, that they brought in as we were cooking up a way to tell my dad, grandmother, brother and SIL the news when they came over for dinner later. It was a small rosemary Christmas tree, decorated with tiny blue ornaments!! So we added blue garland and a blue bow and put it on a blue baby blanket on my craft table with all my blue baby clothes underneath and covered it with a blanket. When "the gang" arrived, we had them turn around then we unveiled the tree and had them turn to see. My brother was the first to say, "A boy!" I was too busy cooking after that to hear the reaction but it sounded like a good one!
The other surprise was a lovely cake, which the lady at the bakery made to say, "Congrats, it's a..." and left it "blank" for Mom to place either a pink or blue rattle, so that was pretty funny!
My boss had left me both a boy and a girl outfit so it was fun to look at the boy one again--the sailboat gown and matching blanket are precious. It's wild to imagine my baby wearing it!!
I am so relieved to know now so we can move on with the holidays and with 2009! I love referring to the baby as HIM and calling HIM by name! He's been moving more and more every day so that, combined with knowing it's a boy, makes everything seem so much more real.
What an amazing day!!
I slept poorly the night before, just like I always do on Christmas Eve, or the night before any exciting event. I spent the morning of the 22nd busying myself with cleaning up, doing laundry and taking care of Andrew. We ended up planning to take Andrew with us, so I wasn't sure how that would work out at the office.
I didn't drink for the 1.5 hours leading up to the appointment so when Nannie and my mom arrived, I was relieved to get to the clinic!
I wore a blue turtleneck with black pants, partly to commemorate the baby boy of my suspicions.
We arrived and I was checked in quickly, and Drew arrived shortly after. Nan, my mom and Andrew were on the right side of the waiting room and I was told to wait on the left to be called, so Drew and I sat there. I wasn't figuring they'd let all five of us troop back so when I was called, I asked the tech and she said, "Let's do the measurements and all the business, then we'll have them come back for a look." Great plan. We were so excited, we didn't even tell the gang the plan. Later I found out that they had never seen Drew come in, so they also never knew we'd gone back!!
Ours was the first room and we went in and it was dark. She had a computer and the keyboard in the middle of the room, then there was a bed facing a TV mounted on the wall. She had me lay down and she spread the gel on my belly, and Drew sat on the other side of her. She got right to work, finding and measuring the baby from top to bottom. She told us she's been a tech for this company for 32 years, longer than I've been alive!!
She showed us what she was looking at, starting with my full bladder, and moving to the placenta, the umbilical cord and the baby itself. We saw everything from the chambers of the heart to the backbone, the kidneys, the femur, the heart pumping away beautifully, the tiny bladder (she said it must've just peed, lucky baby), the ribs and the brain, among other things. She would let us know where she was looking, too, so we knew whether it was the belly or the head! The baby didn't move a whole lot, but did have its hand or hands up by its head several times as she looked around.
When she was showing us the baby's bran, Drew, in his usual way, said, "Well, I don't see any horns, it must be human," and she didn't miss a beat and said, "Yeah, they grow those later." Heehee.
We had looked mostly at the back of the baby, and some at its belly and organs, then she asked, "Do you want to know what you're having?" I replied with an adamant "YES!"
So she moved the wand lower and it was mere seconds before she said, "Well, what does that tell you?" and that nutty baby had it's legs spread as wide as you please and I said, "A boy!" Oooooh, it could not have been more clear, just like he wanted us to know for sure! I'll never forget that image. She said, "Oh, yeah, no doubt about it!"
I told Drew triumphantly, "I was right! You were wrong!!" I just kept thinking, "I can't believe I'm having a boy...I can't believe I'm having a boy..." just like after I had Andrew and laid in surgery saying, "I can't believe it's a boy..." over and over. Wild.
As she looked around some more, I would say to Drew, "Honey, it's a boy! We have a son! You have TWO sons! Andrew is getting a brother!" Oooooh, I was so excited!! I really thought it would be a boy. We often have a family with four boys (teenagers) sit in front of us in church. They are all handsome, tall and unique and it's beautiful to see them in a row with their parents on the end, as they worship together. I have teared up many times as I imagined the possibility of being the mother of boys. I have a few friends with just two boys, and I have always admired that. One of my oldest, dearest friends has two boys and every time I see pictures of them together, it just gets to my heart. I thought of them a lot this week, thinking how wonderful it would be if my Andrew got a little brother.
So, yeah. A boy. I knew it!!
Not long after that, i got to go to the potty and then we brought in the rest of the family. I kinda felt bad that they missed "the big moment," so I told them up front, "We already know what it is." I didn't want to have to pretend to be surprised!
She also showed them the brain, umbilical cord, heart, etc. then said, "Let's try to get a look" and scanned around, but he'd flipped over and had his back facing us!! She whispered to me, "It's being a booger, it moved! Should I just tell them??" She could catch a glimpse of it, kinda from the side, but not a straight on like we'd seen!! Mom and Nan eagerly said, "Just tell us!" She said, "You can kinda see something there...it's a boy!" They were so excited and my mom was kissing Andrew
and hugging Drew, it was funny. She would say, "It's an Ethan! You get a brother!" Later, she told me she kinda thought it was a boy but had gone with the majority when she voted. Mmhmm. My mom also has a thing for kissing baby toes, so the tech made a point to show us the baby's foot and toes. He was sort of crouching down, almost squatting, and we could see his bony little heel, with his foot pressed against me, and all five toes. So precious!
So they got to see a few more of HIS features, and it was fun at that point to refer to him as HE. I was still in kind of a wide-eyed state of shock. She showed them his face, too, and got a picture of him facing us. It was also cool when she showed us the umbilical cord and turned on some kind of infrared that showed where the blood was flowing. She said it looked healthy and strong! I said, "That's what we've been praying for!"
I asked her about his head, thinking it'd be nice if this baby's head was smaller than Andrew's for an easier birth. She said, "Well, it's actually quite average." I guess that's OK.
This was funny, too...as we all left and thanked her, Andrew went up to her, took her hand and said, "Thank you, sir." WHAAAAT??? He's never done that before! She didn't bat an eye but said, "Oh, you're welcome, sweety." I told her, "That's a new one!" Who says that??? We all thought it was utterly charming.
After we left, I was in a bit of a daze, but managed to call my sister-in-law (the one that lives with us), my mother-in-law and my dear old friend from Florida. Meanwhile, I helped my mom navigate the Chik-Fil-A drive-thru for salads all around.
When we got home, I was too excited to eat--and too busy calling more people. I talked to my boss (we agreed that I'm "in for it," but we both love boys), my other sister-in-law, my hubby's aunt that lives nearby, my father-in-law and my aunt in Florida. Almost everyone was guessing girl, so I'd tell them, "Well, you were in the majority that were WRONG! It's a boy!!"
Everyone seemed thrilled. I was thrilled!!
I finally got to eat and in the midst of it all, gifts appeared. My mom produced a box wrapped in blue and said, "I told you I knew!" I told her I knew she had a pink one still in her trunk!! She bought it when my SIL was having her ultrasound over two years ago, and she had a boy, so Mom had just changed the name! Back into the top of the closet it goes!! HA!
My grandmother gave me a gorgeous gold cross necklace with emerald-hued stones, a replica of the necklace President Kennedy gave Jackie when she found out they were expecting Caroline. Evidently, she never took it off during the entire pregnancy and even had them pin it to her gown during her C-section. I said, "Oh, emerald is May's birth stone!" Come to find out, when President Kennedy had jewelry made with gemstones, they were always green to commemorate their Irish heritage. And our baby will be named Ethan Ryan, meaning "Strong Little King" after my mom's Irish heritage. The fact that the May birthstone is emerald is just a bonus, plus it's perfect for Christmas, which is what I'll look back on as "when I found out." Pretty cool!!
There was another surprise, too, that they brought in as we were cooking up a way to tell my dad, grandmother, brother and SIL the news when they came over for dinner later. It was a small rosemary Christmas tree, decorated with tiny blue ornaments!! So we added blue garland and a blue bow and put it on a blue baby blanket on my craft table with all my blue baby clothes underneath and covered it with a blanket. When "the gang" arrived, we had them turn around then we unveiled the tree and had them turn to see. My brother was the first to say, "A boy!" I was too busy cooking after that to hear the reaction but it sounded like a good one!
The other surprise was a lovely cake, which the lady at the bakery made to say, "Congrats, it's a..." and left it "blank" for Mom to place either a pink or blue rattle, so that was pretty funny!
My boss had left me both a boy and a girl outfit so it was fun to look at the boy one again--the sailboat gown and matching blanket are precious. It's wild to imagine my baby wearing it!!
I am so relieved to know now so we can move on with the holidays and with 2009! I love referring to the baby as HIM and calling HIM by name! He's been moving more and more every day so that, combined with knowing it's a boy, makes everything seem so much more real.
What an amazing day!!
OB report
I took my grandmother to my OB appointment today so she could meet my doc. My uterus is measuring at about 22 in. at almost 21 weeks, which is right on. She found HIS heartbeat on the right side, way higher than last time, and it was so strong. In the 140s, just like at the ultrasound. She found it, he moved a little, and she found it again. She was awake but just kinda swimming around, so she said he seemed happy. Weird, huh? I liked hearing that! :) My blood pressure was 122, which impressed Nannie!
I did gain weight, of course, but she expressed no interest in how much--I think 8 lbs. total, according to them.
She did remind me that after 20 weeks, it's all downhill!! HA!
I asked her about rupturing membranes during labor and she said she almost never does, but rather let's nature take its course. So that's good! And I asked her when she wants me at the hospital and she said I could come whenever and if I wanted to wait until the last possible moment, fine! I'd love to get there when I'm fully dilated and just about ready to push so I can walk in, get in the room, and have this baby!! So that was good news, too.
So all is well for the next month! I showed her the pictures of our baby boy and she was glad I did. I took her a lil' goody for Christmas, too. I'll see her again in 2009!!
I did gain weight, of course, but she expressed no interest in how much--I think 8 lbs. total, according to them.
She did remind me that after 20 weeks, it's all downhill!! HA!
I asked her about rupturing membranes during labor and she said she almost never does, but rather let's nature take its course. So that's good! And I asked her when she wants me at the hospital and she said I could come whenever and if I wanted to wait until the last possible moment, fine! I'd love to get there when I'm fully dilated and just about ready to push so I can walk in, get in the room, and have this baby!! So that was good news, too.
So all is well for the next month! I showed her the pictures of our baby boy and she was glad I did. I took her a lil' goody for Christmas, too. I'll see her again in 2009!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
NEWS!!! Boy or girl??
It's official!!
IT'S A BOY!! It was obvious to us and the tech said there's no doubt--definitely a boy!! He was not shy and let us have a good look!
We are beyond thrilled. Drew said that while he thought it was a girl, he wanted a boy. Two sons!! We're so excited!!
The scan went well and everything looked great--it was so cool to see the heart, spine, kidneys, the umbilical cord...truly amazing stuff.
We're celebrating tonight and just over the moon!
Please leave a comment--it'll make my day! :)
IT'S A BOY!! It was obvious to us and the tech said there's no doubt--definitely a boy!! He was not shy and let us have a good look!
We are beyond thrilled. Drew said that while he thought it was a girl, he wanted a boy. Two sons!! We're so excited!!
The scan went well and everything looked great--it was so cool to see the heart, spine, kidneys, the umbilical cord...truly amazing stuff.
We're celebrating tonight and just over the moon!
Please leave a comment--it'll make my day! :)
The night before the big ultrasound...
...and I seem to be the only one in the house who cares!! :)
My feeling is definitely excitement. It's as bad as Christmas Eve, which ironically, is only three days away! I'm notorious for not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, because I'm so excited and my head is swimming with how people will react to my gifts and what gifts I'll get! Tonight, my mind flashes between pink and blue, between raising a daughter (tea parties, fluffy dresses, ballet, prom) and raising a son (football practice, camping trips, muddy sneakers, Boyscouts).
It's similar to finding out you're pregnant. That second line changes EVERYthing. In an instant, your life takes a turn. And while tomorrow's result doesn't technically change anything, it does set the course for the rest of my life. Will Andrew have a brother or a sister? Will I be raising two boys or the idyllic boy and a girl?
The boy vs. girl quandary is a big one. I definitely don't have a strong feeling either way. What am I HOPING for?? Well...I definitely want a girl...someday! But I am really enjoying being the mother of a son and I'd love another boy, and would love for Andrew to have a brother. In a perfect world, if we could request the gender, I'd probably have asked for two boys and then a girl.
Each one presents its own issues. With another boy, it's going to be hard to imagine a baby in there who isn't Andrew. And when he is born, it will be hard to not expect it to look and act like Andrew. He and Andrew could be complete opposites!! But boys are so much fun and seem to be more low-maintenance.
With a girl, it's a whole new ballgame. Girls tend to get on my nerves more because they can be emotional and clingy, or just plain strong-willed. I know we'll butt heads, too, and compete for attention. Yikes!
I'm actually hoping for boy news tomorrow. The girl news would be somewhat more exciting, just because it'll be different than Andrew and let's face it--buying baby girl gifts is a blast!! The pink baby showers would be fun, and having a girl to raise next will definitely be challenging!! But I know how to do a boy and I adore my boy, and I think Andrew would make a better big brother to a boy right now. He'd love a sister, too, though!! Brothers sure are cute...
So I'm probably at about 51% boy, 49% girl. Neither will be disappointing. I really just want to know what to call this baby and to know what our new family dynamic is going to be.
Most of all, I want the reassurance that the baby is growing well and that it is healthy. The boy/girl thing is just a bonus. And there's always that chance that the baby won't cooperate, so I can't get my hopes up too much!!
The baby poll is definitely leaning toward girl. Out of 21 votes, 16 are for a girl!! So we'll see if Amy, Drew and others are right, or if I'm right!!
I'm just so excited to see the baby and what it looks like in there, and just the whole ultrasound process.
I'm so tired, I hope I can sleep!!
I'll post the big news ASAP!!! We should be home by about 2:00 Arizona time!
My feeling is definitely excitement. It's as bad as Christmas Eve, which ironically, is only three days away! I'm notorious for not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve, because I'm so excited and my head is swimming with how people will react to my gifts and what gifts I'll get! Tonight, my mind flashes between pink and blue, between raising a daughter (tea parties, fluffy dresses, ballet, prom) and raising a son (football practice, camping trips, muddy sneakers, Boyscouts).
It's similar to finding out you're pregnant. That second line changes EVERYthing. In an instant, your life takes a turn. And while tomorrow's result doesn't technically change anything, it does set the course for the rest of my life. Will Andrew have a brother or a sister? Will I be raising two boys or the idyllic boy and a girl?
The boy vs. girl quandary is a big one. I definitely don't have a strong feeling either way. What am I HOPING for?? Well...I definitely want a girl...someday! But I am really enjoying being the mother of a son and I'd love another boy, and would love for Andrew to have a brother. In a perfect world, if we could request the gender, I'd probably have asked for two boys and then a girl.
Each one presents its own issues. With another boy, it's going to be hard to imagine a baby in there who isn't Andrew. And when he is born, it will be hard to not expect it to look and act like Andrew. He and Andrew could be complete opposites!! But boys are so much fun and seem to be more low-maintenance.
With a girl, it's a whole new ballgame. Girls tend to get on my nerves more because they can be emotional and clingy, or just plain strong-willed. I know we'll butt heads, too, and compete for attention. Yikes!
I'm actually hoping for boy news tomorrow. The girl news would be somewhat more exciting, just because it'll be different than Andrew and let's face it--buying baby girl gifts is a blast!! The pink baby showers would be fun, and having a girl to raise next will definitely be challenging!! But I know how to do a boy and I adore my boy, and I think Andrew would make a better big brother to a boy right now. He'd love a sister, too, though!! Brothers sure are cute...
So I'm probably at about 51% boy, 49% girl. Neither will be disappointing. I really just want to know what to call this baby and to know what our new family dynamic is going to be.
Most of all, I want the reassurance that the baby is growing well and that it is healthy. The boy/girl thing is just a bonus. And there's always that chance that the baby won't cooperate, so I can't get my hopes up too much!!
The baby poll is definitely leaning toward girl. Out of 21 votes, 16 are for a girl!! So we'll see if Amy, Drew and others are right, or if I'm right!!
I'm just so excited to see the baby and what it looks like in there, and just the whole ultrasound process.
I'm so tired, I hope I can sleep!!
I'll post the big news ASAP!!! We should be home by about 2:00 Arizona time!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
20 weeks
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)
He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).
How your life's changing:
Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.
He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).
How your life's changing:
Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.
Half way!!!
The widely-held belief is that pregnancy lasts a total of 280 days--266 from conception. So, day 140 marks the half-way point.
Now, I know I ovulated at about day 21 so I'm estimating that my May 6 due date will come and go and that I'll be closer to MY original due date of May 13. But I'm still saying I'm half way there!! :)
THAT is a milestone worth celebrating!!
I've been clicking on the "Babystrology" icon just for fun cuz it says 20 weeks down...20 weeks to go! Then 140 days down...140 days to go!! heehee Now the weeks and days to go will outnumber what I've already done--hooray!!
Yes, I'm looking large and in charge...I think I'll have gained somewhere around 8 lbs. at the next OB appointment! Thanksgiving started a major growth spurt, but that's how it was with Andrew, too. I gained 30 lbs. total with him and I'm at a total of about 11 lbs. gained so far, so even if I gain a pound a week now, that'll put me right at 30 again. He was a healthy, fat boy at 8 lbs. 4 oz. so I'm all for gaining enough weight--but not too much!!
It seems like it has gone by quickly but the best part is, the pregnancy is going well. YEAH!
And, baby movement is gradually increasing day by day. I even felt a tiny bump from the outside last night--it made me so happy!! I feel like I'm finally getting to know the little person in there!! Soon, I'll be able to call him or her by name!! My grandparents arrive this week and stay for two weeks so I'd love for them to feel a baby bump. It could happen!!
Now it's only 5 days until we find out if all is well and hopefully whether it's a boy or a girl!! Woo-hoo, I can hardly wait!!
Phew. It's all down hill from there, right??
Now, I know I ovulated at about day 21 so I'm estimating that my May 6 due date will come and go and that I'll be closer to MY original due date of May 13. But I'm still saying I'm half way there!! :)
THAT is a milestone worth celebrating!!
I've been clicking on the "Babystrology" icon just for fun cuz it says 20 weeks down...20 weeks to go! Then 140 days down...140 days to go!! heehee Now the weeks and days to go will outnumber what I've already done--hooray!!
Yes, I'm looking large and in charge...I think I'll have gained somewhere around 8 lbs. at the next OB appointment! Thanksgiving started a major growth spurt, but that's how it was with Andrew, too. I gained 30 lbs. total with him and I'm at a total of about 11 lbs. gained so far, so even if I gain a pound a week now, that'll put me right at 30 again. He was a healthy, fat boy at 8 lbs. 4 oz. so I'm all for gaining enough weight--but not too much!!
It seems like it has gone by quickly but the best part is, the pregnancy is going well. YEAH!
And, baby movement is gradually increasing day by day. I even felt a tiny bump from the outside last night--it made me so happy!! I feel like I'm finally getting to know the little person in there!! Soon, I'll be able to call him or her by name!! My grandparents arrive this week and stay for two weeks so I'd love for them to feel a baby bump. It could happen!!
Now it's only 5 days until we find out if all is well and hopefully whether it's a boy or a girl!! Woo-hoo, I can hardly wait!!
Phew. It's all down hill from there, right??
Thursday, December 11, 2008
19 weeks & milestone
Almost half way!!
The big news is that I definitely felt the baby move last night and Drew even felt a bump or two as well! I had just eaten ice cream so either the sugar or the cold woke the baby up! I felt a weird sensation, followed by some subtle movements...but definite baby bumps and not gut rumblings! It went on sporadically for over an hour. Naturally, it was after 10:00pm, so I'm probably creating another night owl!!
I've been feeling some flutters today, too, it seems, even sitting down. Just a "twitch," like a fish flipping its tail, as it is commonly described. I love this phase--feeling Andew move was my favorite part of being pregnant and definitely not only made the pregnancy feel more real, but helped us bond as well. The movement is in the right place, too--low, under the belly button, and sometimes to the side. It was about 21 or 22 weeks when we actually saw Andrew kick, just to the right of my belly button! So exciting!!
And here's me and the belly at almost 19 weeks at our church's women's ministry Christmas party Tues. night.
Yup, I'm feelin' cute!
Here's this week's 411:
BABY:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
ME:
Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.
You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."
These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.
The big news is that I definitely felt the baby move last night and Drew even felt a bump or two as well! I had just eaten ice cream so either the sugar or the cold woke the baby up! I felt a weird sensation, followed by some subtle movements...but definite baby bumps and not gut rumblings! It went on sporadically for over an hour. Naturally, it was after 10:00pm, so I'm probably creating another night owl!!
I've been feeling some flutters today, too, it seems, even sitting down. Just a "twitch," like a fish flipping its tail, as it is commonly described. I love this phase--feeling Andew move was my favorite part of being pregnant and definitely not only made the pregnancy feel more real, but helped us bond as well. The movement is in the right place, too--low, under the belly button, and sometimes to the side. It was about 21 or 22 weeks when we actually saw Andrew kick, just to the right of my belly button! So exciting!!
And here's me and the belly at almost 19 weeks at our church's women's ministry Christmas party Tues. night.
Yup, I'm feelin' cute!
Here's this week's 411:
BABY:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
ME:
Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.
You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."
These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Big brother
Andrew has been infatuated with my belly button since he was about 1.
And thank the Lord because it was my saving grace when we were weaning. "No milk, buddy. But you can touch the bee-bee!" and that would be close enough.
Yes, he can say "belly button" but prefers to call it by it's nick-name--"beebee."
He differentiates the beebee from the BA-by, though! The "bay-bee" is lower, at least for now!
But when he sees my belly button (like when Drew is admiring my expanding girth), or decides he needs a peek, he gets very excited.
Sometimes he just admires it. And then we talk about the baby and he says, "The baby is so big!" Yup.
Other times, he kisses, pats or blows raspberries on my belly.
But often he gets REALLY excited. He actually shakes with excitement. If you know Andrew in person, you've seen this signature move. He's done it all his life. It's like his little body can't contain his enthusiasm.
I think it's hilarious. It'll probably scare the new baby to death but we don't have to worry about that for another 5 months!
And thank the Lord because it was my saving grace when we were weaning. "No milk, buddy. But you can touch the bee-bee!" and that would be close enough.
Yes, he can say "belly button" but prefers to call it by it's nick-name--"beebee."
He differentiates the beebee from the BA-by, though! The "bay-bee" is lower, at least for now!
But when he sees my belly button (like when Drew is admiring my expanding girth), or decides he needs a peek, he gets very excited.
Sometimes he just admires it. And then we talk about the baby and he says, "The baby is so big!" Yup.
Other times, he kisses, pats or blows raspberries on my belly.
But often he gets REALLY excited. He actually shakes with excitement. If you know Andrew in person, you've seen this signature move. He's done it all his life. It's like his little body can't contain his enthusiasm.
I think it's hilarious. It'll probably scare the new baby to death but we don't have to worry about that for another 5 months!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Something happened
But don't be alarmed.
I'm tellin' ya, I think I already "popped." My belly has been squishy and fleshy but suddenly today, there's this sort of hard "mass" on the left side of my belly, straight out from my belly button. Like a...uterus, maybe?? It feels almost like a hernia would!! Or not my uterus but my uterus "popped" and there's something new there I'm feeling.
At any rate, I feel like I'll feel this baby move any second now. I may have already but with all my gut rumblings and weird sensations, it's hard to tell!!
just wanted to record this new development. I can feel the weird little somethin'-somethin' right now!!
I'll keep you apprised.
***UPDATED later***
Yup, things are different. Tomorrow night marks the first of about twelve events in December, six of which being dressy holiday parties, so I had to get my wardrobe sorted out and figure out what I had to wear to all the festivities!!
Well. I tried on a lot of the stuff I drug out of the closet and I can tell you this--it looks different on me than it did even two weeks ago. My belly is ROUND. And bigger! And there's still these new sensations--maybe "twinges," fullness or even pressure, especially on my right side! I swear, that baby is moving around in there! I still haven't had the "WOW" kind of baby movement, but definitely a lot of activity, even if it's just weird internal stretching and twisting. I did feel a funny little "flip" sensation a few minutes ago in the same spot.
I expect the activity to increase over the next several days. I hope to get the big "WOW" movement SOON! But for now, I'm thrilled just to be looking more the part and able to wear all my winter maternity clothes more convincingly!!
Tomorrow night is Drew's company dinner and I'm not even wearing maternity clothes--just my favorite stretchy black pants and a sparkly top. So we'll compare the pictures to a few days ago and see what's what. The proof is in the pooch!!
I'm tellin' ya, I think I already "popped." My belly has been squishy and fleshy but suddenly today, there's this sort of hard "mass" on the left side of my belly, straight out from my belly button. Like a...uterus, maybe?? It feels almost like a hernia would!! Or not my uterus but my uterus "popped" and there's something new there I'm feeling.
At any rate, I feel like I'll feel this baby move any second now. I may have already but with all my gut rumblings and weird sensations, it's hard to tell!!
just wanted to record this new development. I can feel the weird little somethin'-somethin' right now!!
I'll keep you apprised.
***UPDATED later***
Yup, things are different. Tomorrow night marks the first of about twelve events in December, six of which being dressy holiday parties, so I had to get my wardrobe sorted out and figure out what I had to wear to all the festivities!!
Well. I tried on a lot of the stuff I drug out of the closet and I can tell you this--it looks different on me than it did even two weeks ago. My belly is ROUND. And bigger! And there's still these new sensations--maybe "twinges," fullness or even pressure, especially on my right side! I swear, that baby is moving around in there! I still haven't had the "WOW" kind of baby movement, but definitely a lot of activity, even if it's just weird internal stretching and twisting. I did feel a funny little "flip" sensation a few minutes ago in the same spot.
I expect the activity to increase over the next several days. I hope to get the big "WOW" movement SOON! But for now, I'm thrilled just to be looking more the part and able to wear all my winter maternity clothes more convincingly!!
Tomorrow night is Drew's company dinner and I'm not even wearing maternity clothes--just my favorite stretchy black pants and a sparkly top. So we'll compare the pictures to a few days ago and see what's what. The proof is in the pooch!!
18 weeks
First of all, my breast biopsy OFFICIALLY came back benign (it was a fibrous something-something, I can't remember). He's going to keep an eye on it and wants to see me again after the baby is born. He said they're common in young women and can get bigger, stay the same or get smaller--thus, the waiting. So I'll see him again next summer! It shouldn't interfere with nursing so that's good news. All the way around, I am relieved and glad to have it over with!!
18 weeks seems significant!! I am a mere few weeks away from being half-way--woo-hoo!!
Here's the info. for this week--I'm hoping to feel REAL baby movement any time now!!
BABY:
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
ME:
Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.
Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.
From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.
If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!
18 weeks seems significant!! I am a mere few weeks away from being half-way--woo-hoo!!
Here's the info. for this week--I'm hoping to feel REAL baby movement any time now!!
BABY:
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
ME:
Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.
Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.
From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.
If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving
What am I thankful for? A healthy pregnancy and baby tops my list.
Here's me at 17.5 weeks in Globe, Arizona on my 31st birthday.
Here's me at 17.5 weeks in Globe, Arizona on my 31st birthday.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
17 weeks
Just like the age of 17, i7 weeks seems very...insignificant. BUT, it gets me that much closer to meeting our baby!!
I am VERY much looking forward to a long weekend with family and hopefully getting some time to kick back. Plus, it's my 31st birthday on Saturday!
Today we celebrate our son's 3rd birthday. Let's see...at 4:13pm on the day he was born, I was in a good labor pattern and around 5:00, I remember finally asking what time it was because I thought, "Gee, this is taking a while!" He wasn't born until 10:27pm. Maybe I'll toast my hubby with some sparking cider tonight at that time!
So here's this week and YES, it seems like we're both growing--and that's before the turkey and pie!!
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.
How your life's changing:
Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car — keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.
You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.
I am VERY much looking forward to a long weekend with family and hopefully getting some time to kick back. Plus, it's my 31st birthday on Saturday!
Today we celebrate our son's 3rd birthday. Let's see...at 4:13pm on the day he was born, I was in a good labor pattern and around 5:00, I remember finally asking what time it was because I thought, "Gee, this is taking a while!" He wasn't born until 10:27pm. Maybe I'll toast my hubby with some sparking cider tonight at that time!
So here's this week and YES, it seems like we're both growing--and that's before the turkey and pie!!
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.
How your life's changing:
Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car — keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.
You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Almost 17 weeks and lovin' it!
Here's me at Andrew's 3rd birthday party, Sunday, November 23rd.
Don'tcha love the "May Baby" shirt?? I like how it answers the two most-asked questions: "Are you pregnant?" and "When are you due?" Fabulous. Thanks, Nana!!
My friend/neighbor/boss was there and said, "Wow, you're really looking pregnant! You never wear anything tight to work!" I'm a baggy T-shirt kinda gal from 9-5. Or 8 to 12, as it were! :) So the bump is somewhat of a mystery!
So, yeah, lookin' pregnant here. And lovin' it!!
Don'tcha love the "May Baby" shirt?? I like how it answers the two most-asked questions: "Are you pregnant?" and "When are you due?" Fabulous. Thanks, Nana!!
My friend/neighbor/boss was there and said, "Wow, you're really looking pregnant! You never wear anything tight to work!" I'm a baggy T-shirt kinda gal from 9-5. Or 8 to 12, as it were! :) So the bump is somewhat of a mystery!
So, yeah, lookin' pregnant here. And lovin' it!!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
16 weeks
If you're here to log your vote on the baby stats, check out the right sidebar! :)
I have to admit...this pregnancy is going by quickly. I mean, 16 weeks?? Where has the time gone?? It seems like I was just at the 12-week mark! Phew, even the last week flew by and this week is equally busy so I expect it to go by super-fast, too.
With a total of 37 to 40 weeks, 16 is a nice chunk! I'm actually glad it's not going any faster and I am trying to enjoy each phase.
The nausea has definitely subsided but I do still have a very delicate tummy. I feel hungry, I eat, and about mid-way through, I have to force myself to keep going. I know I have to eat and I know the baby needs it but, man, sometimes it's hard to get it down! And I have a lot of achy feelings and little pains all over now, too. Mostly in the belly and back. I keep thinking it's baby movement, but...nothing yet!
Here's me today at the completion of 16 weeks. I swear, I'm gonna be half way before ya know it!
And here's my belly at 16 weeks with Andrew, just for for fun!
Here's the info. for this week. I do fully expect a growth spurt any time now.
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.
I have to admit...this pregnancy is going by quickly. I mean, 16 weeks?? Where has the time gone?? It seems like I was just at the 12-week mark! Phew, even the last week flew by and this week is equally busy so I expect it to go by super-fast, too.
With a total of 37 to 40 weeks, 16 is a nice chunk! I'm actually glad it's not going any faster and I am trying to enjoy each phase.
The nausea has definitely subsided but I do still have a very delicate tummy. I feel hungry, I eat, and about mid-way through, I have to force myself to keep going. I know I have to eat and I know the baby needs it but, man, sometimes it's hard to get it down! And I have a lot of achy feelings and little pains all over now, too. Mostly in the belly and back. I keep thinking it's baby movement, but...nothing yet!
Here's me today at the completion of 16 weeks. I swear, I'm gonna be half way before ya know it!
And here's my belly at 16 weeks with Andrew, just for for fun!
Here's the info. for this week. I do fully expect a growth spurt any time now.
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
OB appointment update
Today was my third OB appointment at 15.5 weeks and it was a quicky!
I am finally up about two pounds according to them, although my scale has barely budged. It's probably that huge Bunco meal from last night!
My doctor did find the baby's heartbeat, low just like last time. She could only hear it through the cord, because the baby was laying "far back." No wonder I haven't felt any flutters yet!!
The heart rate was 150, just like Andrew's usually was. Maybe we have another boy???? :)
Everything else came back fine! No worries, no concerns. I feel much better, too, over all.
My next appointment is actually for the "big" ultrasound on Dec. 22 and my next OB appointment is Dec. 23rd! I'll be at the half-way point then!!
Thankfully there's a lot to keep me busy to make the time go by faster!!
It was definitely reassuring to hear the heartbeat--there's a baby growing in there!!
Here's to another great month!
P.S. The number 11 carries a lot of significance for our family and today marks 111 days completed!! YEAH!
I am finally up about two pounds according to them, although my scale has barely budged. It's probably that huge Bunco meal from last night!
My doctor did find the baby's heartbeat, low just like last time. She could only hear it through the cord, because the baby was laying "far back." No wonder I haven't felt any flutters yet!!
The heart rate was 150, just like Andrew's usually was. Maybe we have another boy???? :)
Everything else came back fine! No worries, no concerns. I feel much better, too, over all.
My next appointment is actually for the "big" ultrasound on Dec. 22 and my next OB appointment is Dec. 23rd! I'll be at the half-way point then!!
Thankfully there's a lot to keep me busy to make the time go by faster!!
It was definitely reassuring to hear the heartbeat--there's a baby growing in there!!
Here's to another great month!
P.S. The number 11 carries a lot of significance for our family and today marks 111 days completed!! YEAH!
Friday, November 14, 2008
At my 31st birthday party
As a sidenote, the past two days have seen a let-up in the nausea department. Yeah!!
This is me at my cupcake themed birthday party, holding the cupcake mug my mom got me for my birthday and wearing the cupcake necklace my hubby got for me!!
The belly at 15 weeks. This is after three cupcakes and two cups of coffee! :)
This is me at my cupcake themed birthday party, holding the cupcake mug my mom got me for my birthday and wearing the cupcake necklace my hubby got for me!!
The belly at 15 weeks. This is after three cupcakes and two cups of coffee! :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
15 weeks
Well, the second trimester hasn't brought as much relief as I would like but it's still tolerable and only occasional so I won't complain.
I still hover around having gained only 1 or 2 lbs. My doc wasn't worried when I hadn't gained last time so we shall see. I definitely have to force myself to eat most of time, unless it's pickles. Those go down real easy. I swear, it's because I'm not eating sweets and drinking coffee like I did before getting pregnant--that's a lot of calories!! I ought to stick to that post-pregnancy!
Any day now, I expect to feel the baby move. They say it's usually between 16 and 21 weeks but with Andrew, I felt the first flutter at 14 weeks! Then nothing until 19. But still! With all the aches and jolts and weird sensations going on with my belly, I feel like at any moment, I'll feel that little "swish!" I can't wait!! That'll hold me over to the ultrasound! I'd just like to start bonding with this baby and being reminded that it's in there!!
I'm sleeping great, despite all the thoughts whirling around in my head, surprisingly NOT baby-related! More related to all the birthdays coming up, the holidays approaching, the gifts I'm going to make....so it's a good distraction!
**Side note. It amazes me that you could find out the gender this early! It seems way too soon for that kind of detail, but...as my pregnancy journal says, most everything has already formed, now it's just maturing and growing! Amazing! Good thing the next several weeks are jam-packed with activities so I'm not on pins and needles, waiting for the ultrasound on Dec. 22nd!!
Here's this week's info.:
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop.
Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")
So here's me tonight in a maternity tee and my new pants. So comfy!! This is at 15 weeks.
And here's one with a little perspective.
And I'm being brave now and posting a naked-belly shot, just to compare with Andrew's...and to warn any first-time moms that, YES, your body looks different the second time! I wasn't doing any crunches or anything, either, though!
Here's me now at 15 weeks...
...and at 15 weeks with Andrew! PHEW, those stretched-out muscles are obvious!! BUT, I always wished I looked more pregnant, so...be careful what you wish for!
I still hover around having gained only 1 or 2 lbs. My doc wasn't worried when I hadn't gained last time so we shall see. I definitely have to force myself to eat most of time, unless it's pickles. Those go down real easy. I swear, it's because I'm not eating sweets and drinking coffee like I did before getting pregnant--that's a lot of calories!! I ought to stick to that post-pregnancy!
Any day now, I expect to feel the baby move. They say it's usually between 16 and 21 weeks but with Andrew, I felt the first flutter at 14 weeks! Then nothing until 19. But still! With all the aches and jolts and weird sensations going on with my belly, I feel like at any moment, I'll feel that little "swish!" I can't wait!! That'll hold me over to the ultrasound! I'd just like to start bonding with this baby and being reminded that it's in there!!
I'm sleeping great, despite all the thoughts whirling around in my head, surprisingly NOT baby-related! More related to all the birthdays coming up, the holidays approaching, the gifts I'm going to make....so it's a good distraction!
**Side note. It amazes me that you could find out the gender this early! It seems way too soon for that kind of detail, but...as my pregnancy journal says, most everything has already formed, now it's just maturing and growing! Amazing! Good thing the next several weeks are jam-packed with activities so I'm not on pins and needles, waiting for the ultrasound on Dec. 22nd!!
Here's this week's info.:
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop.
Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")
So here's me tonight in a maternity tee and my new pants. So comfy!! This is at 15 weeks.
And here's one with a little perspective.
And I'm being brave now and posting a naked-belly shot, just to compare with Andrew's...and to warn any first-time moms that, YES, your body looks different the second time! I wasn't doing any crunches or anything, either, though!
Here's me now at 15 weeks...
...and at 15 weeks with Andrew! PHEW, those stretched-out muscles are obvious!! BUT, I always wished I looked more pregnant, so...be careful what you wish for!
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