Pregnancy Diary | Ultrasounds | Belly Shots | Nursery
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Grant's Birthday!: 4/27/06 Grant Adam was born on 4/27/06 at 7:06 pm!!! He was 9 lbs, 5 oz at birth, and 22 inches long. I went into the hospital at 7:30 Wednesday night and they put me on Cervadil. When I woke up on Thursday, I was still only 1.5 cm dilated which was very discouraging to me!!!!! But my OB was positive and said things were moving in the right direction. At 9:00 am Thursday morning they started me on the Pitocin and then broke my water at 10:00. As soon as they broke my water, my contractions started kicking in, and after about 45 minutes or so, I had them give me the epidural. The contractions were making me really grit my teeth and cry a little bit, so I figured I'd get the epi better sooner than later! After they broke my water, I was in labor for about 9 hours. I had to push for about 2.5 hours, which my doctor said is not bad for a first time (and 9+ lb) baby. When they brought him into my room that night to breastfeed, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. He was all clean and swaddled and in a little hat. He is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen in my life. He is sooooooooooooooooo adorable. And he is breastfeeding like an absolute champ! He is such a good eater! I still cannot believe he is here! It is just so unreal to me. I am having a really hard time associating this little baby boy with my pregnancy and all the preparation for his arrival. It is just unbelievably amazing and really indescribable. OK I'm off to get like 1 hour of sleep til he starts crying. LOL. :) For more updates in the future, you can go to my regular journal at shadesofjaim.com. And if you'd like to see pictures, go to shadesofjaim.com/grant :) Thanks for following my pregnancy story and for all your well wishes!! xoxo Jaime Week 40: 4/25/06 OK! Grant officially has a birthday: 4/27/06! I will be going into the hospital tomorrow night at 7:30. They'll give me Cervidil (to "ripen" me up) and then I'll get a sleeping pill so I can (try to!) sleep for 12 hours. Then Thursday morning they'll induce the labor with Pitocin and he will be born on Thursday. I am so relieved to have a date now! Thank goodness! :) :) :) My last OB appointment today was a mess! I cried the entire time I was in there because I was so scared she wouldn't agree to induce me, and at the same time so scared about being induced. Good thing my doctor is very sweet, plus I'm sure she's used to us crazy hormonal pregnant ladies! Wish me luck!!!!!!! Week 40: 4/22/06 There is nothing fun about the 40th week of pregnancy. :( I've now spent my entire first week of maternity leave with no baby. My stomach hurts from being so stretched. It's hard to get comfortable, even laying down on the couch. I've been eating spicy foods, taking short walks every day, etc. but nothing is working. Those wivestales to bring on labor are exactly that - a bunch of bogus wivestales. This baby is just not going to come out until he's ready. I'm trying so hard to enjoy these last few days of "me time" and "me and Jay" time, but it's *really* difficult. How can I enjoy my time alone when all I can think about is meeting my baby, you know? I had my 40 week ultrasound this week on 4/19. He's got plenty of amniotic fluid, should he decide to hang out in there for another week, so that is good. (The longest they will let him stay is 1 week late.) His lungs are fully working and everything about him is looking perfectly healthy! She measured him TWICE and is guessing him to be 9 lbs 4 oz!!!!! Holy cow! She told me she is *rarely* off by more than half a pound... she said MAYBE 1 lb at the most... so he is 8 lbs 4 oz MINIMUM right now. Awwwwww... MY BIG BABY BOY!!!!!!!! My next OB appointment is Tuesday 4/25 at 11:20 a.m. If I still haven't gone into labor by then, we will talk about inducing. Please send labor vibes my way!! Week 39: 4/12/06 - 4/18/06 Well - I made it to the 39th week! This is the last week before my due date! I can't stand the uncertaintly of not knowing when he is going to come, but there's not much I can do about that, other than just keep waiting. :-) I had my 39 week doctor's appointment and it's still the same old, same old - I am still 1 cm dilated and 60-70% effaced. I have an ultrasound scheduled for the 19th to make sure he is still safe in there. If he is happy and safe, they will leave him in there for 1 more week, and if I'm still pregnant on 4/26, they will talk to me about inducing options. I hope it does not come to that!! I am still very crampy and uncomfortable. The cramping comes and goes at random, so I'm guess they are still just more Braxton Hicks contractions / false labor pains. What fun! I had 1 really sharp, painful cramp (contraction?) on Friday, 4/14. It made me stop dead in my tracks, and I really thought it might have been my 1st real contraction, but I haven't had any like it since. Labor is just so unpredictable!! I started my maternity leave this week, on Monday 4/17. I just couldn't take it anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so uncomfortable in my work clothes, and I just couldn't keep sitting upright for 8 hours per day anymore. Plus I kept crying at my desk and I was really irratable and moody around all my coworkers. It was just no good! LOL. I never realized how hard these last few weeks would be on me, both physically and mentally... Week 38: 4/5/06 - 4/11/06 Not much longer now!!! I am still hoping that I might go early, but so far, no such luck. They baby is still extremely active in there - kicking and jabbing me like crazy! As much as I want him to be born, I really am going to miss this. Once he's out, he's out for good, you know? I'll never have him all to myself, ever again! Work is getting really difficult for me. My emotions are completely out of control and I keep crying for no reason. I asked my HR Manager about possibly taking some time before my due date, but she said it would be considered part of my 12 total weeks off, allowed through FMLA, and my boss will not commit to giving me any more than the 12 consecutive weeks allowed. I would LOVE to make this Friday my last day, but every day I take off beforehand is 1 day less I'll have at home with him afterwards. So I guess I will just keep doing my best and try to keep working. UGH. Well, we'll see what happens! Keep your fingers crossed that he may decide to come a little bit early! I am still dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced. I also found out this week that I tested positive for Group B Strep, which means I have to go on antibiotics during delivery. Ahh, what fun! Week 37: 3/29/06 - 4/4/06 April is finally here - the month Grant will be born!! I am officially full-term this week. :) And holy cow - this little guy wants OUT. He is squirming around and jabbing me so much now... it is insane. I can't believe I am carrying a full-term, fully-sized baby around in my body now. It actually hurts a bit when he kicks, now. He is getting really strong!! I really hope he comes a little bit early because I am getting really uncomfortable. I am at this stage now where the thought of putting my clothes on every day is completely unbearable. Nothing fits me any more, but it's way too late in the pregnancy to buy new clothes, you know? I have been having a lot of cramping this week. I went in for my 38-week visit 1 day early because I was concerned about the cramping, but unfortunately they appear to just be false labor signs. (As opposed to early labor, like I was hoping!) I keep hoping they will get more consistant and turn into real contractions, but so far, they are very random and spaced-out. I am dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced, but I know that really doesn't mean anything. I could go on like this for 2-3 more weeks... :( Want to see new belly pics? Hurry up baby Grant! We can't wait to meet you! Week 36: 3/22/06 - 3/28/06 Wow - my last week before I am officially full-term!! :) These last few weeks of pregnancy are the longest. I just can't wait to meet my little boy! I am also getting really uncomfortable... the pain in the left side of my torso is really becoming unbearable now, not to mention the peeing and the heartburn and the extra weight. Plus he is so strong now, and his jabs are really starting to hurt! I am also really starting to get worn out at work. It's so hard to sit at a desk in uncomfortable clothes all day, not to mention nobody there has anything to say to me anymore except for asking me when I start my maternity leave. Lately I have just been shutting my door to avoid everybody. I wish I could go on my maternity leave early, but the disability pay is just so terrible... It's already bad enough how much money we will be losing during the 12 weeks after Grant is born. I had my 1st internal exam this week. No dilating yet, and my doctor doesn't think I will go early. I am still hopeful, though! I don't think I've had any Braxton Hicks contractions yet, but I'm really not sure. I have felt a lot of discomfort and pressure... and I'm really not sure what those BH contractions are supposed to feel like. Week 35: 3/15/06 - 3/21/06 I am feeling pretty good. A little "stretched" and uncomfortable at times... Well a lot of the time! But I really can't complain! My only real complaint is that I can't be home in my pajamas all day! My clothes have gotten terribly uncomfortable and getting dressed is one of the worst parts of my day. LOL! I am also still fighting the terrible heartburn, but I know it won't be too much longer now! :) We had our final ultrasound this week. I was hoping to get a really good picture of his face, but he is too big now to really "see." All we really saw were random body parts - Ha ha! But it was so nice to hear that he is healthy and everything looks normal. They told me that right now, he is 6 lbs and 12 oz. If he goes another 4 weeks he could be 8 lbs and 12 oz. I am due in about 5 weeks... So we'll see what happens. He is head down now, which is really scary for me! He still moves around a lot but it's different now because he is too big to really turn around. He just sort of jabs me and squirms all day. Awwwww I can't wait to meet our little man! This week was also my family baby shower, thrown by my mom. We got so many wonderful gifts! I feel soooooo thankful and fortunate! We are ALL SET now... all we need is the baby! Want to see some pictures from the shower? OMG - My brother bought *Coach* shoes for the baby! :-) And his girlfriend Lauren bought me a Kate Spade diaper bag. I could not believe it. What wonderful surprises! When I got home after the shower, I was SO overwhelmed. The baby's room was wall-to-wall boxes!!!! Thank goodness Justine was with me for the weekend. She was so extremely helpful in getting everything unboxed, assembled, and organized. We threw out all the boxes, washed all the crib bedding, and organized everything in his room. I can't believe we made it all fit!!!! Want to see updated pictures of the nursery?? Week 34: 3/8/06 - 3/14/06 Holy cow - Where have the last 34 weeks gone? Only 6 more to go! I am getting bigger... and bigger... and bigger... Want to see? We picked out a pediatrician this week. So that's one less thing to worry about! It seems like a really nice practice. They have 6 MDs and 4 NPs - 2 of which are lactation consultants. They're also right around the corner from our house. I hope we like them once we actually start using them. Next week is my final ultrasound! I don't actually need any more, but my OB is letting me have one more, since I really want to see him, now that he has gotten so much bigger! I love my OB! :) Next weekend is my family baby shower at my mom's house. I am so excited! I can't wait to get the nursery completely put together. This week we got the window sheers, mobile, and one of the lamps - Yay! They were a gift from my boss. And after the shower on Saturday, we should have pretty much everything we need... except the baby! I am still feeling really good, other than minor aches and pains. I am still having heartburn but it is managable with the Zantac and Mylanta. If I stay in bed too long, my hips absolutely kill me. I sleep on my side(s) and I think my sciatic nerves are shot!! I am so extremely tired, now that we are getting down to these final week. But other than that, I feel great! I got to hold a newborn this week for the first time ever - my co-workers baby. She is only 3 weeks old. She is absolutely precious, and she definitely made me want to meet my own baby even more!!! I wonder what day he will be born?? Week 33: 3/1/06 - 3/7/06 Hello! My 33 week appt went great! Grant's heartbeat is still 148 bpm and I am measuring exactly 33 weeks. (My uterus is 33 centimeters). I only gained 1 more lb, bringing me up 35 total. Not bad! :) My bp was 116/70. And my OB told me that is is no problem if I want another ultrasound!!! (Which I do!!!) WOO HOO! So I'm having my next (and final!) ultrasound on 3/16! My next appointment (35 weeks) on 3/16 is my last 2-week appointment... After that I go in at 36 weeks for my 1st internal exam and then they are weekly visits from there on out! YIKES! This week Jay and I went to a 2.5-hour breastfeeding class at The Care Connection - a local lactation and wellness center. It was really informative and I feel even better about my decision to breastfeed. I know it is going to be a real commitment and a lot of hard work, but it is nice to know there are local organizations that can help if I am having problems. She said that the majority of breastfeeding problems are easily correctable -- you just have to ask for help early on. You can take your baby in there at any time and meet with one of their consultants to make sure your baby is latching properly and getting enough to eat. They even let you weigh your baby at any time for free, which is much nicer than going to the doctor's and paying a copay! They also sell a really nice selection of nursing pillows, nursing bras, breast pumps, etc. I bought the most awesome nursing pillow! It is called a "Bosem Baby" and it is sooooooo soft and wonderful. This week we also went to a 2.5-hour "Baby Basics" class at the hospital. I don't feel that we learned a lot of new stuff at it, but we got some great handouts and checklists to read, plus I don't think it can hurt to keep hearing things over and over, even though I've heard them before. There were 2 guest speakers - a local pediatrician and also a teacher who talked about reading to infants. Next week we are going to a local pediatrician to "interview" them. I already have a list of about 15 questions prepared. Hee hee. I started taking Zantac (the generic) for my heartburn and it has been SO much better, so that is a relief! Week 32: 2/22/06 - 2/28/06 Hi! I am doing great. The baby is very active and we just can't wait to meet him. Only 8-ish weeks to go!! This week I washed all of his sheets, blankets, and quilts for the nursery. Everything is starting to become very surreal for me. I've become completely adjusted to this baby living inside of me... I feel him almost every hour of the day. But the thought of him being born in less than 2 months and being a real, living, breathing child in our lives... it is just the most amazing thing in the world, even though I really cannot even imagine yet what it will be like. I can't wait to see what he looks like, sounds like, feels like... I can't wait to hold him and sing to him and feed him and play with him... I just can't wait! :) My OB doesn't plan on giving me any more ultrasounds, but she said if I really want one (which I do!) she can probably get me in for one. I haven't seen him since the 24th week so I'd really like to see him in there and make sure everything is OK. I officially registered him for daycare this week. It is a really nice daycare and I really like the staff and the facility. They are also right next door to where I work so I am hoping I can go over there on my break(s) during the day and see/feed him. I won't have to worry about any of this until mid-July (I am taking 12 weeks off of work) but at least now he is secured a spot there, in case it fills up. My heartburn/acid-reflux at night has been TERRIBLE. This week alone it has become about 10x worse than ever before. One night I actually woke up out of a dead sleep and got sick! I try to prop myself up on lots of pillows but then I can't fall asleep. I am only comfy enough to sleep on my side with 1 pillow below my head and my body pillow on the side, and then the heartburn is just unbearable. Even the Mylanta doesn't help anymore. Oh well - like I said... 8-ish more weeks to go!! :) Week 31: 2/15/06 - 2/21/06 Hello! My 31 week appointment went really well. Grant's heartbeat was good - 148 bmp. He was moving all over the place. :) I am measuring exactly 31 weeks which is perfect. (Apparently that means my uterus is exactly 31 cm?) My blood pressure was great - 110/70 and I gained a few more lbs. (Up 34 total) And that's about it! Next appt is in another 2 weeks! We got the wallpaper border up! Want to see? Grant's room is really starting to come together, now. I can't wait until he is here and all moved in. Less than 2 months to go! Wow!!!!! This week I went and had a pre-natal massage. Mmmmmmmmmmm it was heaven! He did 20 minutes on my back (my feet, legs, and neck) and then 20 minutes on each side (lower back and thighs). I wish I could go for one of those every single week! :) I have been feeling really good. Other than that same old pain near my left ribs, and the awful heartburn/acid reflux, I really can't complain. Week 30: 2/8/06 - 2/14/06 Hello! I cannot BELIEVE how much Grant has been moving around. I love watching my stomach change shapes when I am laying down, and I keep feeling like his little feet are getting stuck up in my ribcage now! LOL! He must be getting really big because sometimes I can feel him way up by my ribs at the same time as I am feeling him way down in my lower stomach. According to babycenter.com, he can open and close his eyes now, and follow a light with his eyes. I love to play games with him by laying near a bright light and then passing different things over my belly to change up his lighting in there. Ha ha. My co-workers threw me a baby shower this week and it was so much fun! I can't believe how much great stuff we got for the baby. We got a mattress pad and sheets, toys, shopping cart seat cover, Diaper Champ, diapers, clothes, bottles, grooming kit, blankets, a photo album, a homemade quilt, nursing stool, and a laundry basket PACKED with stuff: wipes, binkies, thermometers, rattles, teethers, etc. My boss also bought me the window sheers, mobile, and one of the lamps for the nursery! That was so generous of him! :) I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful, loving friends and family. So far I have had 2 showers (my mother-in-law threw me one on New Year's Eve and the work one was this week) and then my mom is throwing me a big family one on March 18th! I just feel so lucky and appreciative. Grant's room is really coming together, now. Want to see? We still don't have the wallpaper border up, or his crib bedding, or a lot of other things for the room (wall decorations, hamper, lamps, etc.) but I've got the crib, dresser, Pack-n-Play, Diaper Champ, bookshelf, and my glider/ottoman all set up, and all of his clothes and toys are somewhat organized for the time being. I've scrubbed down the dresser, drawers, crib, and bookshelf 3x now with Murphy's Oil Soap so I think the room is clean enough for now! By the way - what they say in the pregnancy books is true - I offically bought bigger shoes and sneakers! Yikes! I signed us up for a 3-hour infant care class on 3/6 and also a 2.5-hour breastfeeding class on 3/4... So those should be interesting and informative! They are both 100% covered by insurance so we may as well take advantage, you know? Knowledge is a good thing! :) Week 29: 2/1/06 - 2/7/06 My 29 week appointment went great... which is always a relief! Oh my god... my last monthly visit! I start going every 2 weeks now. Time is flying! My blood pressure was great - 124/70. My weight was good - I'm up another 3 lbs, for a total of 30 lbs right now. My uterus was measuring exactly where she wanted it to be, and the baby's heartbeat sounded perfect - 144 bpm. Saturday was our all-day birthing class at the hospital. It was pretty informative -- I'm glad we went! It was also so cute seeing so many preggos together in one room! Ha ha! Anyways... I think we're as prepared as we are going to be. (Gulp!) It's good to know what all the equipment will look like, what tools they may use (forceps, etc.), what different scenerios may happen, what pain relief drugs are available, etc. We watched a video of a natural birth and a C-Section. We also got to go on a tour of the maternity wing. Awwwwwwwwww, the newborns in the nursery were SO adorable - Jay and I were both tearing up watching them kicking their pudgie, pink, little legs! So, I think my "nesting instinct" has officially kicked in. I have been so productive! This week, I completely organized all of my kitchen cupboards; I scrubbed and organized all underneath my bathroom counter, I assembled the bookshelf for the baby's room, put the Pack 'N Play together (which we are using as a changing table too), and I scrubbed down the crib with Pledge for the 3rd time. Jay also finally hauled the old computer cart out of that room and we threw out four giant shipping boxes that have been laying around (Pack 'N Play, tub, bouncer, and glider/ottoman). I am so excited. It is finally coming together! I can't wait until I get all my bedding, window sheers, wallpaper border, and decorations, etc. to finish the room up. 2.5 more months to get it all done! :) Week 28: 1/25/06 - 1/31/06 Hello! According to babycenter.com, Grant can now open his eyes — which now sport lashes — and he'll turn his head toward a continuous, bright light from the outside. Awww! :-) His fat layers are beginning to form, too, as he gets ready for life outside the womb. I had my RhoGAM shot this week. It was no big deal at all. I'm sure by the end of this pregnancy, I will be a pro with the shots and the bloodwork! LOL... well... we'll see about that! Next week Saturday is our all-day birthing class at the hospital on 2/4. I hope we learn a lot. April is not too far away, now! I put up 2 new belly shots this week... I'm all dressed up for my company's Awards Dinner. :-) Week 27: 1/18/06 - 1/24/06 Hello! I am feeling great and the baby has been moving around like crazy! One night this week he woke me up out of a dead sleep with all his kicking. Awwww... it was like the poor little guy couldn't get comfy in there! Next week I have to go to the hospital to get a rhogam shot. I need it because my blood is A- and Jay's is A+, and if the baby's blood turns out to be A+ and mixes at all with mine, it could be harmful to any future babies that I have. Jay and I signed up for an all-day birthing class at the hospital on 2/4, and also a 2.5-hour infant care class on 3/6. They're both 100% paid-for by our insurance so we may as well take advantage of them. Hopefully they will help us better prepare for our little newcomer! According to babycenter.com, Grant can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. With more brain tissue developing, his brain is very active now. I wonder what he's thinking? :-) I got some really exciting news this week - one of my best friends is pregnant! Yayyyyyyyyy! Now we can go through this together. Our babies will only be 6 months apart in age. :-) Week 26: 1/11/06 - 1/17/06 Holy cow - I am in my 3rd Trimester now! These weeks are just flying by!!! Our little Grant is just about as big as this 2 lb sweet potato! LOL! :-) I am feeling really good this week. Just the same old "upper left torso" pains that I've had for 2 months now, but I'm learning to just deal with it. As long as my doctor is not worried, I'm not worried. Plus she did admit to me that shorter women are very often more uncomfortable during pregnancy than taller women... Just imagine how my organs are all crunched up in there! Yikes! I am also having lots of awful heartburn... and he won't stop kicking my bladder!! :-) But other than that... not too much to report this week. I took a new belly picture... now you can see how big I'm getting! :-) P.S. I passed the Glucose Test! Week 25: 1/4/06 - 1/10/06 Everything is going great. The baby is kicking like crazy and I just love feeling (and seeing!) him moving around in there! It's getting harder and harder to do everyday things... like sit up out of bed, or shave my legs, or paint my toes... LOL! But it's all good. :) I had my 1-hour glucose screening test this week. It was not too bad. I was supposed to fast for 10 hours, but I *forgot* the night before (D'OH!!!!) so I actually only fasted for about 8.5. Hopefully it will not screw the test up! I told the lady when and what I ate, and she marked it on my forms, just in case. I was worried about having to fast, but I went really early in the morning (6:50) and I had food in my stomach by 8:15, which is about when I normally eat anyways, so I made out OK. The orange sugar water was absolutely disgusting, especially on an empty stomach, but oh well!! Week 24: 12/28/05 - 1/3/06 Happy New Year! I had another ultrasound and OB appt. this week and Grant is doing great! He weighs 1 lb, 14 oz and is measuring about 1 week ahead of schedule right now. The cp cysts are gone now and everything in the ultrasound was absolutely perfect! He is sooooooo cute and I just love seeing him up there on that screen. I even have some video clips to share this week! Moving his mouth (with his hand over his face) and Yawning The most amazing thing started happening this week - my stomach has started moving around! I can see him moving around from the outside, now! Every time I see him moving I have to call Jay over to watch. It is the most incredible thing in the world. We shared Grant's name with Jay's parents this week and they both loved it! So I am relieved - all 4 grandparents love the name! Phew! My mother-in-law threw me my 1st baby shower on Sunday. I got my stroller/carseat/carrier, bouncer, baby positioner, about 10 adorable baby outfits, a good amount of cash and gift cards, and lots of cute little things like frames, blankets, etc. :) I actually have 2 more showers if you can believe it. My co-workers are throwing me on in February and my mom is throwing my big family one in February or March. I feel so spoiled!!!!!!!!!!! but very fortunate! Week 23: 12/21/05 - 12/27/05 We've finally decided 100% on the baby's name and we've decided to share... Grant Adam. :) My mom has been begging me for months to share with her, and it just didn't make sense to keep it a secret any longer. On Christmas morning, after we were all done with presents, my mom brought out a few more gifts "for Baby J." And then after we opened them, I gave HER one final gift... I wrapped up a cute baby brag book that she actually picked out for herself about 5 months ago, and on the To/From label I wrote To: Grandma, From Grant Adam. Hee hee. She stared at it for a few seconds, then her eyes kind of glazed over, and she was like, "Is that his name??" She had this huge smile on her face and she said, "I love it!" My dad also had a big smile and he said he loved it too. Even my brother really likes it, and he is usually hates everything! I was very relieved that they all really like it, and now I don't have to hide it anymore. Hooray! We're going to tell Jay's family next weekend when we see them for New Year's. Jay's mom is actually throwing me a baby shower on New Year's Day, so that will be a lot of fun! I had one scary incident this week... On Christmas Eve, I fell down the last 2 stairs at my uncle's house! Augh!!! I had a drink in my right hand (side the hand-rail was on) and when I stepped on the 2nd last step, the carpet came up from the steps and I slid right down onto my butt, and my right side hit the steps. I don't think the impact could have possible hurt the baby since I fell on my butt and side (more towards the back of my side, not the front). Plus he has been kicking away ever since, so I think he is just fine. How scary, though! The baby has been kicking my bladder like crazy this week... Oh what a fun part of being pregnant! LOL! :) I am so glad he is moving around a lot in there though, especially after I fell down those stairs. Yesterday, I swore I even saw a little movement from him on the outside of my stomach... but maybe I was imagining it... Can't wait for our next u/s on 1/3! Week 22: 12/14/05 - 12/20/05 Hello! According to babycenter.com, our baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. :) I am doing really good. I'm still having aching in my stomach/rib area, especially after I eat, and I have some back pain, but it's all fine with me, as long as baby is healthy and happy! Every time he kicks me, I smile and forget about every ache and pain. :) I've also been getting horrible heartburn every night, but a bit of Mylanta takes care of that. I have been feeling kicking every single day now; it is just the most amazing feeling, feeling this little human being growing inside of me. I just can't wait to meet this little guy!! And I am soooooooo excited because Jay can feel the kicking from the outside now, too! The other night he had his hand on my belly, and I said, "Did you feel that kick?" and he said, "I felt something!" and then the baby kicked again and I asked if he felt that one, and he said, "Yes!" :) It made me so happy. Now we can both feel him kicking in there! I most definitely look pregnant now! Yesterday I walked up to a counter at the Bon Ton and the lady said to me, "Awwww when are you due?!" :) Good thing I am pregnant or that could have been really offensive! LOL! Shopping is becoming a lot harder now... My feet are not fitting into my shoes properly and I am getting blisters, so after walking around for 2 hours at the mall, my feet were KILLING ME! I also had to use the bathroom 3 separate times! Yikes! And I am only halfway through this pregnancy???? Ha ha... My next ultrasound is 1/3... We can't wait! Week 21: 12/7/05 - 12/13/05 Hello! Our baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. I had my "20-week" appointment this week. The baby is doing great! It took awhile to find his heartbeat but we finally found him in there, and his little heart was beat beat beating away as always! He was moving all over the place. :) Later on in the week, I had a little bit of a scare. I know it's still early on in my pregnancy, but I have been feeling him moving for about 2 weeks now, and I didn't feel him *at all* on Sunday night, all day Monday, or Tuesday morning. I was so scared on Tuesday morning. I was crying before work, cried all the way to work, and then at 9:00 drove over to my OB's office. Turns out I was worrying for nothing! The doctor found his heartbeat immediately, and we could hear him kicking away in there like a little champ, even though I could not feel it. The doctor said he sounded like a little soccor player in there! Awwwww! :-) I am so relieved everything is OK. I'm so glad I went over there for peace of mind. And ever since I went in there, he has been kicking away like crazy! My mom, Jay, and I went back to Babies R Us this week, and we actually finished the registry! I am so excited. I can't believe how much stuff the baby is going to need. Yikes!! Want a sneak peak at my registries? Babies R Us Registry Bedding from Dreamtimebaby.com Misc. Potterybarn Baby Items Week 20: 11/30/05 - 12/6/05 Our baby about 10 inches long now, head to heel!!! He is growing like a weed. :) This week my mom and I went to Babies R Us to start my registry... I cannot believe how overwhelming it was! A great first start though! ;-) After 2+ hours, I was so tired and my back hurt so much, I went home and went straight to bed at 9:45. I think I will definitely need at least 2-3 more trips back there (plus some time on their web site) to finish this registry! I just cannot believe how much stuff there is and how many options there are. Even my mom was overwhelmed, as things have changed so much since she had her babies. We spent an entire hour in the Infant Care corner. After a LOT of help from the BRU staff, I registered for an Avent bottle kit, baby monitor, bathtub, Diaper Champ, boppy, sleep positioner, and lots of little things like thermometers, grooming kit, pacifiers, bibs, washclothes, spoons, etc. We pretty much came to a dead halt when we got to the car seats/strollers/infant carriers!! We spent 45 minutes with the guy working there looking at all the different options. There are so many options! I am leaning strongly towards the new Graco Mosaic. It's a little less bulky that the Metrolite, but has the same great features. It is very lightweight and folds up "umbrella style" - but it is really not an umbrella stroller at all. It is still a nice roomy Graco where the carrier snaps in and everything. I just love it! I think this is definitely the stroller for us. I just can't believe how much stuff we never even *saw* last night... potty seats, highchairs, Pack 'n Plays, clothes, swings, changing tables, toys... etc! Wow!! Week 19: 11/23/05 - 11/29/05 Our baby boy is growing so fast... He is about 8.5 oz and measures about 6 inches, head to bottom. His kicks still feel like little flutters to me, but it's still so reassuring to feel him moving around in there. :) I have been having a lot of back pain and pain in my left ribcage area... I am not sure if it is from my posture or my sleeping position or my bra or just general adjustments my body is making to accomodate the baby?? But hopefully it will go away soon. I have been laying down a lot and taking a few Tylanol every other day or so. I am wondering if a pre-natal massage would help me. I am going to talk to my doctor on December 8th. Next week my mom and I are going to Babies R Us to start my registry... I can't wait! Week 18: 11/16/05 - 11/22/05 It's a boy!!!!!!!!!! Everybody was wrong - our families, friends, coworkers... everybody! Ha ha ha. We had our 2nd ultrasound on 11/18 and he is doing great! He kept waving his little arms at us. I am so in love with him and I just can't wait to meet him in 5 more months!!! I just love feeling his little "flutter kicks" in there. Kick away little man! I love to know that you're in there. :) The ultrasound was amazing. He has grown so much and now you can see his spine, ribs, bones, fingers, toes, etc. He is measuring one day early, whereas last u/s he was 2 days behind. He must have had a growth spurt! He is about 5.5 inches long this week and he weights about 7 oz. His heart-rate is down in the 140's now. He does have a few cysts but turns out they are completely normal and will go away, so I am not going to worry!! Here is some info about them. I am feeling great. No morning sickness for over a week now. Hope this lasts...! Week 17: 11/9/05 - 11/15/05 Holy cow - these weeks are just flying by!! The baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and is around 5 inches long!! I am finally starting to feel little flutters this week!!! I can't even really explain how they feel... they're almost like occasional ittle "blips" in my lower stomach. OMG I still cannot believe that it is really a little baby kicking away in there. Every time I feel one I stop what I am doing and I second-guess it! They're barely there... but they ARE there. I can't possible be imagining all of them right? LOL. Usually I feel them when I am laying down at night. I am soooooo excited!!! I started walking again this week and I am determined to stick with it. I am 15 lbs up now (30 total up from my wedding!) and I want to do my best to be healthy and control the weight gain as best as I can during the 2nd Trimester. Wish me luck!! Next week is our next ultrasound and we will find out the gender. We are counting down the days! Week
16: 11/2/05
- 11/8/05 Week
15: 10/16/05 - 11/1/05 Week
14: 10/19/05 - 10/25/05 Week
13: 10/12/05 - 10/18/05 Week
12: 10/5/05 - 10/11/05 Week
11: 9/28/05 - 10/4/05 Week
10: 9/21/05 - 9/27/05 Week
9: 9/14/05 - 9/20/05 Week 8: 9/7/05 - 9/13/05 Hello. :) I *can't* believe the baby is already the size of a kidney bean. He/She is growing so fast!! :) I bought myself a big tub of cocoa butter and I've been rubbing it on my stomach every night before bed. Anything to help prevent more stretch marks!! I'm feeling better this week, especially during the days and afternoons. The nights are still rough. I am having really sour stomachs in the evening, and I'm still going to bed by 9:00 every night, but it's all good! There's good days and bad days, and it's all for the good of the bean! I found out that my parents still have the crib that my brother and I used, and it's in perfect condition! They're also giving me my 2 dressers from when I was little. NICE!! I am very excited about this. The last thing I want to worry right now is spending hundreds of dollars on furniture. And speaking of hundreds of dollars... I started looking at some daycares this week. Looks like the going price around here is about $200/week for infants. So far I've looked at one place, and I have 2 more tours lined up. I definitely want to look at as many places as I can and compare them all. Believe it or not, I'm actually REALLY into the whole daycare thing. Before I was even pregnant, I was very anti-daycare, and bitter about not ever being able to be a stay-at-home-mom... But you know what? Daycare is a GREAT thing, and it's worth every penny in my opinion. Do you want to know why? Here are my 4 major reasons: · Daycare will provide a scheduled, structured day for our kid(s). Daycare offers routine meals, playtime, naptime, snacks, outdoor time, etc. If I was home with my baby for 24/7, I think I would have a really hard time sticking to a schedule. And have you seen Nanny 911 or SuperNanny lately? So many families have problems because there is no structure. · I feel really good about the safety and security of daycare. My mom pointed out that we might be able to save a little money if we found a family member or neighbor or friend-of-the-family to watch our baby... But for the money, I think I will feel a lot better with my kid(s) in a daycare environment. Do I really want somebody running errands with my baby, carting my baby to the supermarket, driving my baby around in a car? What if something happened? I don't even want to think about it! · Daycare allows Jay and I can to both bring in a paycheck, and continue advancing our careers. This is definitely a good thing! · And lastly, of course, there is the social element of daycare. I like the idea of my kid(s) being around other kids their own age, from as early on as possible. Social interaction is such a great thing, as opposed to a neighbor or relative plopping my toddler in front of the TV all afternoon, or something like that. Do you know what I mean? I'm certainly not saying daycare is for everyone. And for those who have the luxury to stay home with their babies, of course I can't help but be a little jealous! :) But I just wanted to point out that there are a lot of great things about daycares that I never really thought about before recently. I think everything is going to work out just fine for us! :)
Week 7: 8/31/05
- 9/6/05 Week
6: 8/24/05
- 8/30/05 Week
5: 8/17/05
- 8/23/05 I
am soooooo tired! I've been trying to go to bed earlier and earlier
each night, but it's not helping. I am just downright fatiqued. Even
if I do allow myself a small cup of coffee, it doesn't help. Yawn!! Week
4: 8/10/05
- 8/16/05 Our
baby is officially an embryo this week... the size of a poppyseed!!
:-) Week
3: 8/3/05
- 8/9/05 Week
2: 7/20/05
- 7/26/05 |