39 weeks, OB update

So the story is, I've been having contractions for the last week or so...enough to time them and take notice. Yesterday, I started getting this tight ball at the top middle of my belly when I'd feel myself tighten--like a baseball! NOT a baby body part, either, because it wasn't moving--it just tightened, then loosened. So we started thinking, "Oh, goody, contractions!" and thought things might be moving. We remember when I was in labor with Andrew that I had Drew feel my stomach tighten in the same way...the difference with him was, it was also accompanied by the contractions in the lower abdomen.

Alas, I saw my doctor today and she said, yes, different parts of the uterus contract at different times...but it doesn't do anything to actually change your dilation or cervix--they're just uncomfortable and annoying!!

So, yeah, the "contractions" aren't doing anything except making me semi-miserable off and on all day! BUT, the good news is, I know what to look out for--the lower, menstrual-like cramping I had when labor started with Andrew. My first contraction when I woke up that day was low and felt "different," and sure enough--labor time! They just got more intense and closer together and all that--so that's what we're waiting for now.

In other news, I haven't dilated any more and may be even dilated less because of how he's sitting. In fact, my cervix was so high that she couldn't be sure even of the 2cm and she had planned to sweep my membranes--but said it would've been hard to do, and really uncomfortable for me. Obviously that wasn't a good option and she really prefers to "let nature take its course" so I'm glad for that.

He hasn't moved any lower and things haven't really progressed in a week--except that I FEEL better and gained .5lb. instead of losing! I know I've eaten SO much better in the last week, and now I can imagine how much more he needed and how much I needed even more than that. I definitely wasn't "eating for two" and I regret the time I spent feeling so miserable and not understanding that my body just needed more fuel. Live and learn. It helps that the anxiety is so much better--that makes a huge difference. In fact, the last couple of days I've felt super-energized and clear-headed, which has been nice--and my appetite is back! YEAH!

So no real "news," except that we're probably looking at another week. Well, and my blood pressure and his heart rate and all of that were all beautiful--which is a HUGE blessing!!

I've got a women's luncheon to help out with at church Sat. (I would like to be there--it should be fabulous!) and hopefully my Blessingway with a few close friends Sat. night--looks like I'll make it! I go back to the doc Tues...then Wed. is my due date--and after that, I'll be getting pretty antsy! I don't mind going past-due--I told my doc I'm totally OK with going to 41 weeks. I would, however, like him safely in my arms by Mother's Day!!

So here's pictures from today--it's getting hard to find tops that cover my enormous belly, so I opted for this dress--but it made me look massive!!

39 weeks and HUUUUGE!!



No wonder people looked at me warily in Target--I truly do look like I'm about to POP!!!



At least here you can see that I do still have a waist!! :)



And the neked belly yesterday.



We'll see how many more of these updates I'll do--my doctor said she'd love for today to have been the last day she sees me in the office!! Good thing GOD IS IN CONTROL!!

37 weeks...92% done...3 weeks from EDD!

Most sources call 37 weeks full term, others go with 38.

I have now completed 37 weeks--three weeks to my due date!!

Here's me at about 36.5 weeks on Easter Sunday.



My ankles were very puffy when we returned from Easter Sunday, which is strange because I didn't have to DO anything all day! We did walk to my parent's nearby park and back, but that was less than an hour on my feet. Doesn't take much, I guess!!



Here you can see it even better, especially my right ankle. Whoooa.



I am also 1 week from the "birth month," which places your due date in the middle and gives you two weeks on either side--which is when 85% of babies are born. So I'm still earlier than "normal" and that's fine by me because Drew is set to go out of town next week and return just after I hit 38 weeks. I'll be "keeping my legs crossed" until he returns, and then still not "trying to get things started" until I hit 39.

I'm putting quotes around everything because it is not, of course, up to me!! Only God knows when this baby will make his appearance!!

Drew and Andrew are tagging along to my OB appointment today, which is exciting--Drew has never met her before. Ethan, meanwhile, is definitely active this morning and I am feeling some pressure down low--but I had all that at the end with Andrew, too. I didn't have a whole lot of warm-up with his birth except a few Braxton Hicks after a long day...but when that first "real" contraction hit, there was no stopping it and I knew that was "IT." No false labor or anything, although we did time contractions the day before briefly but they were very mild and never picked up. Hopefully, I'll remember what the real thing feels like--no false alarms!!

My anxiety is all but gone, although I do have to keep myself busy and pray a lot to keep it at bay. Like today, knowing I'm going to the doctor, the anxiety levels start to try to creep up--but I'm keeping it positive and reminding myself that these doctor visits are the most exciting!! The hemorrhoids are also gone and not bothering me, assuming I rest and don't sit for long periods of time. I do have a card order to fill but I'll sit on the Boppy while I work! My weight gain got stuck again--we'll see what her scale says. I swear, this baby just takes exactly what I'm putting in, cuz I feel like all I do is eat, and I make sure it's all healthy, too! Weird.

My midwives never checked my cervix when I was pregnant with Andrew and I still question why it's done routinely. No matter what she tells me, it's really meaningless. You can be totally closed up and then change in a day, or open to 2-3cm for weeks!! The reason I'll allow it today is because Drew is going out of town. I want a head's up if anything is "happening" and knowing it's not would be comforting, too.

P.S. I just checked myself and my cervix is VERY high and decidedly closed, so we'll see if my doc agrees!!

I'll post the OB report when I get back! :) Oh, and maybe a belly shot, too. At this point, it'll be fun to compare once he "drops," so I'll probably post a picture once/week.

36 weeks...9 months...4 weeks to go!!

I would say that week 35 was probably my most "eventful" to date, for several reasons.

1. I experienced my first true adverse symptom of pregnancy--anxiety. It started Wednesday night and looking back, I think it was because I'd been re-living Andrew's birth as I recounted his birth story, then added to it by reading a book about the finer points of birth. My symptoms were sweaty hands and feet, feeling a little "foggy-headed" and just a general feeling of something like impending doom. It was like the thought of actually having this baby soon set in--and freaked me out!

I got through the night but it started up again as soon as I woke up Thursday, to the point that I couldn't eat and was just hanging on by a thread mentally, mostly due to ominous thoughts that were completely UNrelated to birth. I had my OB appointment that afternoon and my friend offered take me to lunch beforehand and drive me there and back, God bless her. I was anxious all through lunch and couldn't touch my food--I just drank water and tried to not think about anything but the present moment. I felt better at the doctor's office and everything checked out perfectly, so I knew there wasn't anything truly "wrong." She told me it was hormonal. The sweating, the anxiety, the feeling foggy-headed...all hormones.

Friday was another challenging day with a lot of time spent on the couch, just trying to focus my thoughts and get through. Friday night, Drew and I did a lot of talking and praying and I was able to sleep better.

Saturday was my shower and I was a little better, but still not myself. I just felt...anxious! It was toward the end of the shower that I felt the fog sort of lift, and Drew said he thought it was partly because I was just anxious about the event itself--which is very unlike me!! Normally, I'd be anxious/excited and maybe have a stomach ache but the other symptoms were new to me! By the time we got home, I was so relieved to be feeling better that I just laid on the couch and chilled.

Sunday, I spent the morning in bed, again, relieved to be feeling back to normal, and spent a lot of time just resting in the Lord and praying. Drew and I got to talk more about what happened, too. I think hormones were at work at first, but were exasperated by my re-living my last birth, then made worse by the stress of the doctor visit and the impending shower. Hormones do funny things to you! Plus, it dawned on me after a Starbucks tea on Saturday, that I hadn't had caffeine since it all started, so I was probably experiencing withdrawals!! Sheesh.

Drew and I prayed about it and god was reiterating the word PEACE. So since then, I've been trying to take my thoughts captive, rest in God's peace, view my circumstances through a lens of peace and pass peace on to others--all of which have helped me feel almost 100% normal ever since--save some sweaty hands and feet!

So it was a minor hiccup but I'm glad it's over and glad to be one week from full term!

2. I had my baby shower! :) I'll post pictures on my main blog and link back here ASAP.

3. I had my maternity portrait session! Find the link in the previous post

As for week 36...I am not--I repeat, NOT--going to psych myself up for "going early."

All pregnant women probably wish for their baby to be born at about 38 or 39 weeks--nice and ripe but not overly so. And every week at the end gets you another half-pound as far as the baby's weight, so two weeks can result in a baby that's a pound heavier! For a woman having natural childbirth, you kinda hope to not have any more weight on the baby than necessary!

Having gone 6 days past-due last time, I can honestly say that I have no desire to go past my due date this time. The caveat, however, is that Andrew was born at a healthy 8 lbs. 4 oz. and has been miraculously healthy ever since...so you can't argue with that! He definitely came when he was ready. He also had passed meconium, though (and the odds increase that they will, the longer they 'cook'), which created an "emergency situation" at the end of my labor, so that resulted in a less-than-ideal birth. So I'd like to avoid that this time, too, and thankfully, the odds are in my favor.

Today marks the first time I felt pressure on my cervix--just a tad, when I stood up from the computer. Right down the middle, though, and fairly intense! Ya never know, maybe I'll be dilated a little when I go in for my 37 week appointment next week!

35 weeks and lots to do!

There could be anywhere from two to SEVEN more of these week updates--yikes!! I am definitely reminding myself that I could go full term, or full term plus as much as 14 days, so as early as April 23 and as late as May 20!

I realize every pregnancy and every baby are different, but it may be helpful to note that Andrew was born 9 months almost to the day that he was conceived. He was conceived right around February 27, due November 20 and was born November 26, almost 9 calendar months to the day that he was conceived.

So, I looked back at my blog from when we were "trying," and I almost certainly ovulated on August 19. My doctor's due date is May 6 (which is 9 calendar months from my last period, incidentally), whereas my calculation was May 13 (266 days from conception). The 19th would be right at 13 days overdue and I doubt they'd let me go that long. I just know that I'm going to try my hardest not to get overly-antsy as May progresses.

Well, I'm VERY excited about the next several days!

THURSDAY: My OB appointment. I haven't seen her in a month cuz she was at a birth the last time I went and I have several questions and am eager to hear how we're growing. I haven't gained an ounce according to my scale and I don't even know what my chart says as far as total weight gain--and I'm wondering how he's growing, too.

FRIDAY: I hope to get my pedicure, plus there's my friend's birthday party (a great distraction), which includes dinner! YUM!

SATURDAY: My baby shower!! Then Mom and I are going to do a little shopping, mostly for the items for my hospital bag. This one is new to me because Andrew's birth was an emergency hospital transfer, so I had to rely on my sister-in-law to bring me what I needed. Yikes! This time, I will be prepared!

SUNDAY: My maternity photo shoot! There's two reasons why I'm super-excited about it: #1, it's FREE! My college roommate's sister is "making a go" of her photography business and has agreed to do the shoot if I'll advertise for her and if she can use the images to promote her business. #2, it's my friend's sister, whom I've met several times, so I'll be more comfortable. Drew wants to do some..."adventurous"...shots, so it'll be nice if I'm relaxed! Andrew and Drew are coming along so we can do some big brother and family shots--yeah!

My to-dos:
1. Group B strep test, which will happen tomorrow at my doc appoint.
2. pack the hospital bag, which we're doing on Saturday. I wanted to kind of do it all at once, probably at Wal-Mart. I found my cute, black and pink polka dot bag, so that's what I'm using--I just have to fill it!!

I found a great list on
TheBump.com

How am I feeling, you ask? Weeellll, I always say "I can't complain" because I know many women who deal with complications and all manner of discomfort at this phase, and I'm complication-free and really have no major issues, so...I'm thankful! My only "complaint" is the he feels so huge and so cramped, so being upright is not my favorite, but unfortunately, life requires a lot of it! Sleeping is funny...I sleep well overall, but wake up probably ten times/night to switch sides and readjust my pillows because of hip pain. Beyond that, the weird jabs and rolls up high and down low can be painful or strange, but at least I know he's happy and well!!

So really, I can't complain! Two more weeks until I'm full term--I'll feel a lot better then...except that Drew's going out of town, so actually, I'll feel better at 38 weeks!

Baby is now the size of a honeydew!

From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (He's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) His hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches), and if he really is a "he," his testes have probably completed their descent.

32 weeks BELLY

Well, gee whiz, it's no wonder I'm finding it so much harder to...oh, let's see...BREATHE now?!?!?! And sleep and stand and just function without discomfort.

Here's me at 28 weeks...



and 32 weeks, in the same top! I've um...grown in a month.



Left side, 28 weeks...



...and 32.



So, yeah, no more wondering why all this discomfort now. And the best news is: it's only going to get "better!"

28 weeks

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

How your life's changing:
You're in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week. If you're like most women, you'll gain about 11 pounds this trimester.

At this point, you'll likely visit your doctor or midwife every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, you'll switch to weekly visits.

Around this time, some women feel an unpleasant "creepy-crawly" sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep. Try stretching or massaging your legs, and cut down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse.

27 weeks

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

How your life's changing:
The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then.

BIG 26 weeks update!

I'm in the home stretch now! heehee

I look at the three trimesters as 13-13-13 weeks so 26 weeks marks the start of the third and FINAL trimester!!

AND my "days to go" is now under 100! Double digits, baby!!

26 weeks counts as 6.5 months, eh?

I had to use the self timer so I had Andrew help me set up the shot. Here he is!



And this cracks me UP!! Me today at 26 weeks.



My two boys.



Ya think Ethan is saying "cheese" too??



And by myself, miraculously.



Then at 26 weeks with Andrew. I really GREW between 25 and 26 with him. I think I "popped" a week or two earlier with this one.



And the most exciting news is that I now have a BABY SHOWER on the calendar!! Saturday, April 4th. That's 4-4. I think we should do it at 4:00!! :) We've never had a spring baby in the family so this will be new to us!!

My dear friend, neighbor and "boss" Chrissy (I call her my fairy godmother) is the hostess and she throws the BEST parties! I know it will super-special and extra-wonderful! I'm excited to have that to look forward to.

Ethan is still squirming like crazy these days! He loves to kick the book resting on my belly or jab my hand when it's resting there. So cute. I love feeling his swishes and swoops! It takes my breath away sometimes!

Pregnancy is definitely taking a small toll at this point. I feel tired and achy sometimes and just plain worn out. I know the Braxton Hicks will start up soon so I try to intersperse lots of breaks with my work. Phew!



Here's the "official" stuff:
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

How your life's changing:
Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

25 weeks

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

How your life's changing
Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

24 weeks--6 months!!

This baby is a serious squirmy-worm!! It's nearly constant now and his movements are getting stronger. I can feel them no matter what position I'm in and sometimes it's that "Whoa!" reaction that almost takes my breath away! He made the book I was reading in bed last night move, and Drew got to feel probably 6 big bumps in a row! I love this part of pregnancy, especially before I get huge.

I'm thrilled to be at 24 weeks/6 months! That sounds so good! Another couple weeks and I'll be in the double digits of days left! Yippee!! I'm already getting anxious to meet this lil' guy.



OK, here we go:
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

How your life's changing:
In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

23 weeks

Well. If I hadn't "popped" yet, I definitely have now! Just in the last two days, my belly seems bigger and rounder.

Oddly enough, I had enough energy today to get a week's worthof chores done and to finally recover from my birthday and Christmas! But now I'm pooped!!

I can't believe I'm almost six months along! YEAH!

Wow, he's squirming around as I write. He's probably been sleeping all day due to my constant activity and is finally perking up!!



How your baby's growing:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

How your life's changing:

You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!