And about as big as a coffee bean!! amazing, huh??
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Just 14%????
UGH!!! I put up that percentage ticker and it's kind of bumming me out at a mere 14%!! I'm barely more than 10% done?!?!?! Yikes!! BUT, 7 out of 40 weeks...yeah, that's about right. I'm no mathematician but that sounds close enough!! I found out I was pregnant earlier this month so, yeah, we're just barely getting started! I'll be glad to get into a new month! I can't start getting impatient YET!
Chinese Gender Prediction
...based on me being 30 when I conceived in August!
Monkey was conceived right around Feb. 27 but, of course, it's possible that it was March 1...but according to me being 27 when I conceived in February, he was supposed to be a boy--and he was!! :)
Fun stuff! Just seeing that balloon makes me yearn for an all-pink baby shower...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
week 7
The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.
If you could see inside your womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.
Can you believe it....my uterus has doubled in size in the last 5 weeks! WOW!
If you could see inside your womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.
Can you believe it....my uterus has doubled in size in the last 5 weeks! WOW!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
OB update
I had my first OB appointment yesterday with a new doctor that came recommended from a friend. The office was in a...how do you say...SEEDY part of town?? But, they are moving to the offices across from Banner Estrella hospital (which is where I'd be giving birth). That's only about 5 miles from home, so that's doable.
The office itself left a lot to be desired and it was definitely busy. I was left in the exam room wearing nothing but the paper stuff for almost 45 minutes! Not fun, especially when you're already nervous! But I did like Dr. LaBranche and I'm glad she's a WOMAN! She seems very down-to-earth, knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor. Plus, she's a Christian! She attend North Phoenix Baptist! So that's a bonus.
I didn't get to ask all of my questions but I'll be going back in a month when I'll be at about 11 weeks so I hope to "interview" her a bit better then. I know I can birth naturally so I'm not really worried, as long as she respects my wishes and we communicate well.
My uterus measured at right around 8 weeks, which is just right. She found a cyst in my left breast so I'm getting a sonogram on that. Beyond that, there weren't any concerns. I get a blood test this week, too.
So far, I haven't had any cramping or bleeding. This Friday will mark when the miscarriage was complete last time, so getting over that "milestone" will be reassuring!!
She talked to me about supplements, nutrition, additional tests, etc. and I turned down extra tests and an early ultrasound. We talked about my due date and since I know when I conceived, it's pretty accurate, despite my longer cycles.
So...it went fine and I plan to stick with her, barring any red flags the next time I'm there. I know what I want and what I have to do (regarding pregnancy and birth) and I know Drew will be my best support so beyond that, I just need to know that she won't work against me during the actual labor/birth. I think we'll be fine.
I'm asking everyone to continue to pray for the health of the baby (and me). I feel mildly nauseated basically all the time, but it does come in waves. I feel fine sometimes, too! Food and I have a love-hate relationship. I am tired and fatigued a lot. But it's all worth it and I know the second trimester will bring relief!!
And as a P.S., we are investigating the total cost of the pre-natal care and birth (our insurance pays 80% of the bill)...and there's a chance paying a midwife would be cheaper, so that may still be an option, and one I'm open to. In fact, I'd love to go back to my midwife and try another homebirth. But, it's a complicated decision, financially and otherwise...so pray for wisdom!!
The office itself left a lot to be desired and it was definitely busy. I was left in the exam room wearing nothing but the paper stuff for almost 45 minutes! Not fun, especially when you're already nervous! But I did like Dr. LaBranche and I'm glad she's a WOMAN! She seems very down-to-earth, knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor. Plus, she's a Christian! She attend North Phoenix Baptist! So that's a bonus.
I didn't get to ask all of my questions but I'll be going back in a month when I'll be at about 11 weeks so I hope to "interview" her a bit better then. I know I can birth naturally so I'm not really worried, as long as she respects my wishes and we communicate well.
My uterus measured at right around 8 weeks, which is just right. She found a cyst in my left breast so I'm getting a sonogram on that. Beyond that, there weren't any concerns. I get a blood test this week, too.
So far, I haven't had any cramping or bleeding. This Friday will mark when the miscarriage was complete last time, so getting over that "milestone" will be reassuring!!
She talked to me about supplements, nutrition, additional tests, etc. and I turned down extra tests and an early ultrasound. We talked about my due date and since I know when I conceived, it's pretty accurate, despite my longer cycles.
So...it went fine and I plan to stick with her, barring any red flags the next time I'm there. I know what I want and what I have to do (regarding pregnancy and birth) and I know Drew will be my best support so beyond that, I just need to know that she won't work against me during the actual labor/birth. I think we'll be fine.
I'm asking everyone to continue to pray for the health of the baby (and me). I feel mildly nauseated basically all the time, but it does come in waves. I feel fine sometimes, too! Food and I have a love-hate relationship. I am tired and fatigued a lot. But it's all worth it and I know the second trimester will bring relief!!
And as a P.S., we are investigating the total cost of the pre-natal care and birth (our insurance pays 80% of the bill)...and there's a chance paying a midwife would be cheaper, so that may still be an option, and one I'm open to. In fact, I'd love to go back to my midwife and try another homebirth. But, it's a complicated decision, financially and otherwise...so pray for wisdom!!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Week 6
Woo-hoo!! I have completed six weeks!
Here's the 411:
How your baby's growing: This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.
My pregnancy journal also says that the baby's heart started beating today!!
Drew is leaving town for the weekend Thurs. night and this weekend corresponds to when my miscarriage started last time...so pray that we will have an uneventful, restful weekend and for health and safety for all.
Here's the 411:
How your baby's growing: This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.
My pregnancy journal also says that the baby's heart started beating today!!
Drew is leaving town for the weekend Thurs. night and this weekend corresponds to when my miscarriage started last time...so pray that we will have an uneventful, restful weekend and for health and safety for all.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Start of week 6
For cryin' out loud, it's so goofy, this pregnancy timing...
I have completed five weeks but today starts the sixth week. So while I'm IN my sixth week, I am technically now officially five weeks pregnant. Right??? :)
Here's the 411 on this week:
Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.
The neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.
His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.
The third layer, or endoderm, will house his lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.
I have completed five weeks but today starts the sixth week. So while I'm IN my sixth week, I am technically now officially five weeks pregnant. Right??? :)
Here's the 411 on this week:
Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point, he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm — which will later form all of his organs and tissues.
The neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — is starting to develop in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel.
His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue.
The third layer, or endoderm, will house his lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas. In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.
Ugh
Gotta love being nauseated and tired all day. Just a tad--enough to be annoying. can I hear an "UGH??"
Friday, September 5, 2008
Shopping
...or the lack thereof. It is so tempting to start buying baby stuff!! And maternity clothes!! But I have resisted so far. Ok, well, I did buy one girl onesie that has a sparkly banner across the front and says "Future Beauty Queen." I can give it to someone if I don't use it--and it was only $2.
It helps that I don't know the gender and maybe won't until it's born. That sure limits the possibilities!!
Fall/winter maternity is already out. I am definitely not prepared to be at my biggest in early spring. That messes me up. Almost all of my maternity clothes are capris and sleeveless tops or tees. Certainly I can wear short sleeves and sweaters, but I'll need some long pants!! I have a handful of long-sleeve tops but that's about it so hopefully I can justify some new maternity clothes later--maybe for my birthday or Christmas!
Being due in May is super-exciting. We have nothing going on that time of year so it should be wiiiiide open for baby showers and then birthday parties. Woo-hoo!! God's timing is soooo perfect!!
It helps that I don't know the gender and maybe won't until it's born. That sure limits the possibilities!!
Fall/winter maternity is already out. I am definitely not prepared to be at my biggest in early spring. That messes me up. Almost all of my maternity clothes are capris and sleeveless tops or tees. Certainly I can wear short sleeves and sweaters, but I'll need some long pants!! I have a handful of long-sleeve tops but that's about it so hopefully I can justify some new maternity clothes later--maybe for my birthday or Christmas!
Being due in May is super-exciting. We have nothing going on that time of year so it should be wiiiiide open for baby showers and then birthday parties. Woo-hoo!! God's timing is soooo perfect!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Week 5 begins
Ok, this blows my mind. I was looking at a calendar today, the same one I was using to fill out my pregnancy calendar. I had May 13 marked as my due date. I got to thinking about the timing of the miscarriage and wondering how far along I'd been...and I thought, "Wait a minute. May 11 was Mother's Day...Monday, I went to work and felt miserable...and Tuesday was when the actual miscarriage happened."
On...the...13th!!
I am due the exact day I miscarried last time.
Isn't that such a God thing?? I was in amazement. What are the odds?? That's no coincidence, folks! I feel like it's just another affirmation from God that we're right where He wants us to be this time. Like He's smiling on us. I love that.
P.S. I'm feeling fine. A little low on energy at times, even breathless, like everything is harder. Very HOT. Definitely hungry and thirsty all the time. A little woozy from time to time but otherwise, GREAT!
On...the...13th!!
I am due the exact day I miscarried last time.
Isn't that such a God thing?? I was in amazement. What are the odds?? That's no coincidence, folks! I feel like it's just another affirmation from God that we're right where He wants us to be this time. Like He's smiling on us. I love that.
P.S. I'm feeling fine. A little low on energy at times, even breathless, like everything is harder. Very HOT. Definitely hungry and thirsty all the time. A little woozy from time to time but otherwise, GREAT!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
We did it!!
Yes, we are pregnant!!
I thought we'd timed everything right and as the days dragged on, I had my suspicions. A cheap test a couple days ago only made me question myself but today, TWO positive tests confirmed what I suspected. I'M PREGNANT!! I am still in shock.
Especially after a few negatives, you really can't believe your eyes when it's positive. It still doesn't seem real.
I stood there and watched the second line appear almost immediately and thought I was losing my mind. Like I was seeing double! It can't be!
I left the bathroom for a moment then walked back in and...sure enough...two lines! I re-checked the instructions. Yes, two lines means you're pregnant! And there are two lines!!
I mean, there's no denying it. None of the squinting or second-guessing. Two lines. TWICE. It even showed up clearly in my camera phone.
So I sent the phone picture to my hubby and SIL. I uploaded the pics to send an e-mail to my parents. Then I went ahead and e-mailed my hubby, then called him. He wasn't surprised. He's a pretty mellow guy but I could tell he was excited. Or maybe just relieved. He knows the "trying" makes me crazy.
My family has this thing with the number 11. And the time 11:11. It's weird. My mom and I were born in November, the 11th month. My hubby was born October 11. When I found out I was pregnant with our son? He was due in November, too. And I announced the pregnancy on March 11. My mom's mom was born on July 11. My brother's birthday is Dec. 11 and he married a gal with a November birthday and married her on June 11, not even really on purpose. Their son was also born in November, two months early!
Then today, I took the test then got the camera out to take a picture and I grabbed my marker and wrote the date on it. I thought, "9-2, that should be significant." Then it hit me. It adds up to 11!! My number! Our family number!! I thought, "Oh, Lord. You are so funny." A little extra confirmation.
My parents get the 11 thing, so to surprise them with the news, I sent an e-mail with a picture of the positive test and the subject read "9 + 2 = 11." I called and said, "Hey, y'know what today is?" My mom thought about it and goes, "September second. Nine two." I go, "Which adds up to..." "Eleven!" she says. I told her, "I sent you a fun e-mail about the number 11. Go check your e-mail and call me." She called right back and opened it and was like, "Oh! What is this I see?? Two lines?? Did it really happen??" She figured it out!! She said later that she'd thought it was some kind of e-mail forward about a funny math game. Heehee. I got her!!
Then I called my father-in-law, mother-in-law, other sister-in-law and other sister-in-law, plus my dear old friend in Florida who's also pregnant! I sent the phone pic to my boss, too. She'd been asking me about it today but, of course, I had nothing but my own suspicions to tell her. My plan is to send a batch of pictures to my grandmother via her local Walgreens (which we do a lot) and sneak in that fist picture of me into the mix and have her call me to go through them. Surprise!!
It's an exciting time, of course.
And yet there is this slight hesitation to get too attached to the idea, considering that I lost the last pregnancy before I was even to 6 weeks. I feel differently about this one. I feel symptoms already, or at least I think I do. It feels more...real. It feels like God is in it, but I felt that way last time. That's the trick: to feel at peace, regardless. I've heard David Crowder Band's "You Never Let Go" yesterday and today, appropriately. I will praise Him for the good and the bad!! God is the same, no matter what my circumstances. But I know He wants me to have a healthy baby and that is what we're praying for.
I've already e-mailed people, asking them to pray.
Will you pray, too? For my health and the health of the baby. For strong implantation and the perfect cellular activity to be happening. For high hormonal activity. For peace for me.
I'd made an appointment with a new ob/gyn for Sept. 15 but will have to reschedule it for a pre-natal visit. I'm going to tell them I miscarried last time but I don't know how that affects things, if they'll want to see me sooner or anything. If not, it'll probably be several weeks before I have to go in.
I'm certainly not taking anything for granted this time. This early phase of pregnancy is so fragile and such a miracle. "God, protect this little life and help it to grow perfectly. Knit it together in my womb. Rush health to it, help it to suck up the nutrients it needs, send the hormones and the blood supply. Help me to be well and at peace. Bless this precious baby-to-be. Amen."
Feel free to write your own prayer, too! Thank you!
I thought we'd timed everything right and as the days dragged on, I had my suspicions. A cheap test a couple days ago only made me question myself but today, TWO positive tests confirmed what I suspected. I'M PREGNANT!! I am still in shock.
Especially after a few negatives, you really can't believe your eyes when it's positive. It still doesn't seem real.
I stood there and watched the second line appear almost immediately and thought I was losing my mind. Like I was seeing double! It can't be!
I left the bathroom for a moment then walked back in and...sure enough...two lines! I re-checked the instructions. Yes, two lines means you're pregnant! And there are two lines!!
I mean, there's no denying it. None of the squinting or second-guessing. Two lines. TWICE. It even showed up clearly in my camera phone.
So I sent the phone picture to my hubby and SIL. I uploaded the pics to send an e-mail to my parents. Then I went ahead and e-mailed my hubby, then called him. He wasn't surprised. He's a pretty mellow guy but I could tell he was excited. Or maybe just relieved. He knows the "trying" makes me crazy.
My family has this thing with the number 11. And the time 11:11. It's weird. My mom and I were born in November, the 11th month. My hubby was born October 11. When I found out I was pregnant with our son? He was due in November, too. And I announced the pregnancy on March 11. My mom's mom was born on July 11. My brother's birthday is Dec. 11 and he married a gal with a November birthday and married her on June 11, not even really on purpose. Their son was also born in November, two months early!
Then today, I took the test then got the camera out to take a picture and I grabbed my marker and wrote the date on it. I thought, "9-2, that should be significant." Then it hit me. It adds up to 11!! My number! Our family number!! I thought, "Oh, Lord. You are so funny." A little extra confirmation.
My parents get the 11 thing, so to surprise them with the news, I sent an e-mail with a picture of the positive test and the subject read "9 + 2 = 11." I called and said, "Hey, y'know what today is?" My mom thought about it and goes, "September second. Nine two." I go, "Which adds up to..." "Eleven!" she says. I told her, "I sent you a fun e-mail about the number 11. Go check your e-mail and call me." She called right back and opened it and was like, "Oh! What is this I see?? Two lines?? Did it really happen??" She figured it out!! She said later that she'd thought it was some kind of e-mail forward about a funny math game. Heehee. I got her!!
Then I called my father-in-law, mother-in-law, other sister-in-law and other sister-in-law, plus my dear old friend in Florida who's also pregnant! I sent the phone pic to my boss, too. She'd been asking me about it today but, of course, I had nothing but my own suspicions to tell her. My plan is to send a batch of pictures to my grandmother via her local Walgreens (which we do a lot) and sneak in that fist picture of me into the mix and have her call me to go through them. Surprise!!
It's an exciting time, of course.
And yet there is this slight hesitation to get too attached to the idea, considering that I lost the last pregnancy before I was even to 6 weeks. I feel differently about this one. I feel symptoms already, or at least I think I do. It feels more...real. It feels like God is in it, but I felt that way last time. That's the trick: to feel at peace, regardless. I've heard David Crowder Band's "You Never Let Go" yesterday and today, appropriately. I will praise Him for the good and the bad!! God is the same, no matter what my circumstances. But I know He wants me to have a healthy baby and that is what we're praying for.
I've already e-mailed people, asking them to pray.
Will you pray, too? For my health and the health of the baby. For strong implantation and the perfect cellular activity to be happening. For high hormonal activity. For peace for me.
I'd made an appointment with a new ob/gyn for Sept. 15 but will have to reschedule it for a pre-natal visit. I'm going to tell them I miscarried last time but I don't know how that affects things, if they'll want to see me sooner or anything. If not, it'll probably be several weeks before I have to go in.
I'm certainly not taking anything for granted this time. This early phase of pregnancy is so fragile and such a miracle. "God, protect this little life and help it to grow perfectly. Knit it together in my womb. Rush health to it, help it to suck up the nutrients it needs, send the hormones and the blood supply. Help me to be well and at peace. Bless this precious baby-to-be. Amen."
Feel free to write your own prayer, too! Thank you!
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