So I woke up in the middle of the night on Sunday night to shooting pain in my left ribs and back - uh! I skipped the pool and headed to the doctor who confirmed what I thought the problem was - the mostly likely culprit - a pulled muscle - SO SORE! Needless to say that yesterday was probably the most uncomfortable day I've had during the pregnancy - between the pulled muscle and the baby taking extra kickboxing punches on my right ribs I felt like I had been beat up. I forgot how much you use your "core" muscles for - rolling over in bed (probably what caused this nice pain in the first place!), leaning, getting in and out of the car, the list goes on and on - swimming this morning I could feel the muscle stretching out but I didn't push it - slowed my pace and only did about 800 yards and only freestyle and breast stroke - no butterfly for sure!
Hitting 33 weeks tomorrow I got to cancel my doctors appointment next week after yesterday's surprise visit and once I hit 36 weeks (1/21) I'll be going for weekly checks. Doctor had me start doing kick counts - making sure a few times a day I get at least 10 kicks in a one hour time frame.
Happy new year if I don't post again!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Week 32 - Merry 1/2 Christmas to the baby
So this year's Christmas was marked by both mine and the baby's first fried turkey experience - nothing caught fire or blew up and the turkey was great!!! We went to church on Christmas eve with our friends & neighbors the Krears then went to bed watching the Pope's service from the Vatican - such a beautiful place! We woke on Christmas morning went for a walk, (Chris got to run - no fair!) then had breakfast and opened presents. We had Christmas dinner with the Krear's next door where Abbie Krear serenaded us with a song she wrote!!! To work off the fried turkey and other amazing goodies we consumed we broke out the Wii and had a bowling tournament - so much fun!
We got to visit with Nana on Friday and her only advice to me (after 8 kids herself) "Don't be nervous" - oh great! So the next time I see her she'll either have three great grand daughters or have her first great grand son....make sure to get your bets in!
The baby is kicking away like crazy - more so right before I go to bed - right after I get comfortable when I lay down. The head is still up by my right ribs and with the weight and size it's gaining everyday there are some moments that are becoming just plain uncomfortable. Uh!
It's crazy to think that next year at this time we'll have a 10 month old making it's away around the house...we'll have to rethink some of the decorations we put out for sure and all breakable tree ornaments will either stay in the box for a year or so or be place really high on the tree!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Baby's first Christmas ~ sort of!
So the baby is already being represented on the tree! Thanks Melissa!!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Week 31 ~ December 17th
What the experts say is going on in there....
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. It weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. It can turn its head from side to side, and the arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath the skin. It's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Not much to report this week - baby still trying to push out of the right side of my belly - it's so lop-sided. I told Chris the other night that the movements are really starting to be significant - sort of feels like a mini-earth quake when the big rolls/flips happen! Swimming is still making my swelling managable and I'm looking forward to taking full advantage of all the holiday goodies that are around this time of year!
I'm amazed at how much I really have to "adapt" to doing things - simple things like getting down to check the water in the Christmas tree stand or getting up from laying on the couch - it's like a mass production to get my momentum going...then other times I'm just fine. Thinking back to when we were at the Cape and rented a car - gosh it was 10 weeks ago - there were times I couldn't get out of the car without a push - now if I had to get in and out of it I probably would rethink my choice of vehicle. Thankfully both Chris and I have SUV's so it's just a matter of stepping up and using the handles whenever possible. That's all for this week...thinking about next Christmas when we'll have 10 month old and wondering what decorations I will dare put out!
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. It weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. It can turn its head from side to side, and the arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath the skin. It's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Not much to report this week - baby still trying to push out of the right side of my belly - it's so lop-sided. I told Chris the other night that the movements are really starting to be significant - sort of feels like a mini-earth quake when the big rolls/flips happen! Swimming is still making my swelling managable and I'm looking forward to taking full advantage of all the holiday goodies that are around this time of year!
I'm amazed at how much I really have to "adapt" to doing things - simple things like getting down to check the water in the Christmas tree stand or getting up from laying on the couch - it's like a mass production to get my momentum going...then other times I'm just fine. Thinking back to when we were at the Cape and rented a car - gosh it was 10 weeks ago - there were times I couldn't get out of the car without a push - now if I had to get in and out of it I probably would rethink my choice of vehicle. Thankfully both Chris and I have SUV's so it's just a matter of stepping up and using the handles whenever possible. That's all for this week...thinking about next Christmas when we'll have 10 month old and wondering what decorations I will dare put out!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Week 30 ~ December 10th
I can honestly say I never had heartburn or nose bleeds before pregnancy - now - heartburn is like an every other hour occurance and nose bleeds - about every other day - uh! I'm hoping once the baby turns a bit the heartburn might subside just a little - right now the head is just under my stomach so every time the baby moves I know I'm getting ready for a nice dose of heartburn.
Still swimming every morning - my endurance has improved from what it was when I started four weeks ago - I now do about 1000 yards every morning, which comparing that back to my competitive swimming days is not much but for me right now - I might as well be running about 4 miles - that's about how I feel when I get out of the pool and this morning I actually was able to do full butterfly - only about 25 yards of it but still - my shoulder muscles were burning after that! What is nice though is my swelling goes down after my swim and I feel about as relaxed as when I get a massage so I'm determined to continue my early morning swims as long as possible.
My tiredness that I had during the first trimester seems to be coming back - by 3:00 in the afternoon I'm shot and going to bed after 10:00 makes me wake up groggy. Thankfully I'm sleeping ok (knock on wood) - I've managed to find a comfortable position thanks to all the pillows in the bed.
My email mailbox had my week 30 write up waiting for me this morning - I can't believe I only have 10 weeks left!!!!....the baby is about 15.7 inches long now, and weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds it, but that volume will decrease as it gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. The eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after birth, the baby will keep its eyes closed for a good part of the day. When it does open them, it will respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means it can only make out objects a few inches from its face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
Still swimming every morning - my endurance has improved from what it was when I started four weeks ago - I now do about 1000 yards every morning, which comparing that back to my competitive swimming days is not much but for me right now - I might as well be running about 4 miles - that's about how I feel when I get out of the pool and this morning I actually was able to do full butterfly - only about 25 yards of it but still - my shoulder muscles were burning after that! What is nice though is my swelling goes down after my swim and I feel about as relaxed as when I get a massage so I'm determined to continue my early morning swims as long as possible.
My tiredness that I had during the first trimester seems to be coming back - by 3:00 in the afternoon I'm shot and going to bed after 10:00 makes me wake up groggy. Thankfully I'm sleeping ok (knock on wood) - I've managed to find a comfortable position thanks to all the pillows in the bed.
My email mailbox had my week 30 write up waiting for me this morning - I can't believe I only have 10 weeks left!!!!....the baby is about 15.7 inches long now, and weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds it, but that volume will decrease as it gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. The eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after birth, the baby will keep its eyes closed for a good part of the day. When it does open them, it will respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means it can only make out objects a few inches from its face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday, December 8th - itchy....
Had my regular 2 week interval doctors appointment this morning - saw Dr Buckley who is probably my favorite one to see of the five at the practice - he's very calming and informative. I realized as I was checking out that I've only seen 3 of the five doctors at the practice so my next two appointments are with the other two doctors - I have to see all of them because they have no way of knowing which one will be on duty when I go into labor. Two of the ones I have seen are pregnant themselves - a bit behind me but I think it's nice to know they know first hand what I'm going through!
My stats from this appointment - baby's heart beat is going strong at about 140 bpm - my blood pressure was high when they first took it but upon a recheck, it was at my normal "pregnancy level" which has been a bit high for me but still normal (as I usually - prepregancy - have a low blood pressure). He said the numb fingertips are probably from a pinched nerve due to my swollen arms/hands and again is nothing to worry about until after the baby arrives and it's still around. Also he gave me some recommendations for some decongestants because I've had a stuffy nose since conception! Hopefully they will help the noise level of my snoring - Chris has been such a good sport and has lived with ear plugs since about week 20. The doctor laughed and said that this was one of the most common complaints and that it too would all go back to normal after the baby's arrival.
Got the go-ahead to eat as I wish for the holidays since my glucose test came back good - YEAH! Cookies here I come!!! I weighed myself this morning after swimming and our scale at home said I had gained 10 lbs since my last visit - I was SOOOO relieved to step on their scale and find I had only gained 2 lbs since the last visit 2 weeks ago which is right on target for what they told me (1 lb every week till the baby arrives). After telling Chris about this he said that he knew the scale at home was broken - wish he had told me! I was wondering how 10 extra lbs could be on my body and me not notice - I mean something would have to be fitting different for 10 lbs! I know that's why my blood pressure was up - I was so excited that it was 2 instead of 10!!!!
The cold weather has brought with it my usual dry winter skin and the pregancy 'stretching' is making me itch like I have poison ivy. Of course it's my back and shoulders that are itching - where I can't get lotion to - oh well - I've just put my disney back scratcher in my purse and I carry it at all times - a bit cumbersome but very helpful!
Oh! Also, I came home to a box fully of goodies from an old college friend Helen on Friday - we have a bunch of bath stuff now....slowly I feel like we are getting prepared - I think the only other "necessity" thing we need to go and get is the car seat well, and clothes, etc. It's amazing how much I feel like we have already accumulated but looking at the lists of what you should have - we are nowhere near ready! Thankfully my pregnancy hormones I think have taken away my panic as I have this really non-worrisome attitude towards it all. I'm thinking my panic will hit in the upcoming weeks - hopefully Chris will be able to calm me down!
My stats from this appointment - baby's heart beat is going strong at about 140 bpm - my blood pressure was high when they first took it but upon a recheck, it was at my normal "pregnancy level" which has been a bit high for me but still normal (as I usually - prepregancy - have a low blood pressure). He said the numb fingertips are probably from a pinched nerve due to my swollen arms/hands and again is nothing to worry about until after the baby arrives and it's still around. Also he gave me some recommendations for some decongestants because I've had a stuffy nose since conception! Hopefully they will help the noise level of my snoring - Chris has been such a good sport and has lived with ear plugs since about week 20. The doctor laughed and said that this was one of the most common complaints and that it too would all go back to normal after the baby's arrival.
Got the go-ahead to eat as I wish for the holidays since my glucose test came back good - YEAH! Cookies here I come!!! I weighed myself this morning after swimming and our scale at home said I had gained 10 lbs since my last visit - I was SOOOO relieved to step on their scale and find I had only gained 2 lbs since the last visit 2 weeks ago which is right on target for what they told me (1 lb every week till the baby arrives). After telling Chris about this he said that he knew the scale at home was broken - wish he had told me! I was wondering how 10 extra lbs could be on my body and me not notice - I mean something would have to be fitting different for 10 lbs! I know that's why my blood pressure was up - I was so excited that it was 2 instead of 10!!!!
The cold weather has brought with it my usual dry winter skin and the pregancy 'stretching' is making me itch like I have poison ivy. Of course it's my back and shoulders that are itching - where I can't get lotion to - oh well - I've just put my disney back scratcher in my purse and I carry it at all times - a bit cumbersome but very helpful!
Oh! Also, I came home to a box fully of goodies from an old college friend Helen on Friday - we have a bunch of bath stuff now....slowly I feel like we are getting prepared - I think the only other "necessity" thing we need to go and get is the car seat well, and clothes, etc. It's amazing how much I feel like we have already accumulated but looking at the lists of what you should have - we are nowhere near ready! Thankfully my pregnancy hormones I think have taken away my panic as I have this really non-worrisome attitude towards it all. I'm thinking my panic will hit in the upcoming weeks - hopefully Chris will be able to calm me down!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Busy 29th week ~ December 6th
So this week we hit week 29...baby is somewhere around 15 inches long and about 2 1/2 lbs - althought I've been feeling "creature" kick and move for about 11 weeks now, this week I could SEE it move. It's been "twitching" for the past couple weeks - I'd catch a bit of movement out of the corner of my eye during the day - however, this week there has been lots of VERY noticable twitches and kicks. Thursday night I got a front and center kick that was about 1/2 inch high and then when I moved to laying on my side - I had either an elbow or a knee or what could have been a foot or hand, creeping along the side of my belly for about 30 minutes. So cool!
All this came after my last yoga class that Chris came with me to. We learned a bunch of partner positions and Chris did REALLY good - he only laughed for about the first five minutes!
Today we got to go see the baby on 3D ultra sound. I've got a bunch of pictures posted below - so cute! The head is up under my right ribs - butt down at my left hip and facing my back - feet are way up by the face and Teddy was holding onto them for most of the time. He/she was stretching out its toes and fingers - long fingers and pudgy arms! It's not in the ideal birthing position so we are hoping that it reorients itself in the upcoming weeks. The lady doing the scan didn't think we would get to see the face so she was going to have us come back but low and behold - it turned and stretched a bit and we got some great face views. We also got a DVD of the entire session which ended up being almost a hour! We saw a few yawns and the eyes were open a bit - lots and lots of movement going on - it still amazes me that I can't feel a lot of it and what I am feeling must be huge energy exertions for the baby.
Chris liked the place immediately - they had the special parking spots he likes taking advantage of!
Middle of a yawn...mouth open
Our favorite shot of the 90+ pictures - so cute! All snuggled up! Cute ski-jump nose!
Feet up at the face! So flexible - Chris was amazed it could be in this postion - he just kept saying that it couldn't be comfortable!
Showing us it's long fingers and cute feet!
The heart beat - so neat to see all the chambers pumping away while listening to it beat and watching the chart of the beating...
One of the last shots before it curled back up and turned back to my back...bye, bye for about 11 more weeks ~
For all of those who are still trying to guess - we didn't post any pictures that you can see anything to distinguish the sex - however we can say we confirmed 100% what the sex is...I started to worry that a second opinion wasn't a bad idea!
All this came after my last yoga class that Chris came with me to. We learned a bunch of partner positions and Chris did REALLY good - he only laughed for about the first five minutes!
Today we got to go see the baby on 3D ultra sound. I've got a bunch of pictures posted below - so cute! The head is up under my right ribs - butt down at my left hip and facing my back - feet are way up by the face and Teddy was holding onto them for most of the time. He/she was stretching out its toes and fingers - long fingers and pudgy arms! It's not in the ideal birthing position so we are hoping that it reorients itself in the upcoming weeks. The lady doing the scan didn't think we would get to see the face so she was going to have us come back but low and behold - it turned and stretched a bit and we got some great face views. We also got a DVD of the entire session which ended up being almost a hour! We saw a few yawns and the eyes were open a bit - lots and lots of movement going on - it still amazes me that I can't feel a lot of it and what I am feeling must be huge energy exertions for the baby.
Chris liked the place immediately - they had the special parking spots he likes taking advantage of!
Middle of a yawn...mouth open
Our favorite shot of the 90+ pictures - so cute! All snuggled up! Cute ski-jump nose!
Feet up at the face! So flexible - Chris was amazed it could be in this postion - he just kept saying that it couldn't be comfortable!
Showing us it's long fingers and cute feet!
The heart beat - so neat to see all the chambers pumping away while listening to it beat and watching the chart of the beating...
One of the last shots before it curled back up and turned back to my back...bye, bye for about 11 more weeks ~
For all of those who are still trying to guess - we didn't post any pictures that you can see anything to distinguish the sex - however we can say we confirmed 100% what the sex is...I started to worry that a second opinion wasn't a bad idea!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
YEAH! Glucose test is NORMAL!
So no more testing needed - my glucose test from last week came back normal which is great - no gestational diabetes - whew! I started doing my typically worrying - "did I take the drink at the right time?", "did I eat the right food the day before and the morning of?" - I figured it would be my luck they would get an inconclusive reading and I would have to redo the test!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Happy Turkey Day
So "creature" as I've been calling the baby is moving around like crazy and just par-took in it's first Thanksgiving. Thankfully it did not cause me any avulsions to turkey or any other goodies this weekend and I hope that when it joins us in the outside world it loves Thanksgiving as much as I do! We had a wonderful day with mom, dad, josh and uncle geoff and aunt donna. I ate way to much but loved every minute of it as always! And I could not have pulled it off this year without my mom in the kitchen - my finger/hand strength is so bad - there is no way that I could have cut any potatoes or squash let alone get the turkey in and out of the oven - so THANKS mom!!!!!
So creature pulled the same thing it used to do for Chris for my dad - mom felt it move quite a few times - every time dad tried - no movement! One of my distant cousins and his wife are also expecting - I think she is about three weeks ahead of me...she told mom recently she had been having some braxton-hicks contractions - mom asked me if I've had any and I said nope! Upon doing a bit of research I not only discovered I am having them but have been having them for quite some time! One of the things that can bring them on is exercise and that is when I normally feel them. I can remember back to before I felt the baby even move (and that was week 18) having that tight sensation that a few of the books described. Now, it's mostly after I swim but they also seem to happen during the day when creature is moving all over the place.
The nursery is just about done - dad and Chris put up the ceiling fan and other than the oh-so-comfortable chair (that I know we'll be spending lots of time in) is on its way things are just about done. We've got a great START in the clothes department and mom brought a bunch of my old stuff down this weekend - sweaters, booties and hats that people made for me when I was a baby. ALSO - our stroller is on the way - YEAH! My BOB stroller - I'm so excited!!!!
Just waiting for my glucose testing results now...fingers crossed those come back just like all my other tests - good and normal! We get to do our 3D ultra sound this weekend - they said since we are so far along we should get some really great pictures - I'm so excited!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
28 Weeks - November 26th
So to celebrate hitting 28 weeks what did I do - drink that god awful glucose testing fruit punch - YUCK! So rules were I had to drink it in 5 minutes and be to the doctor 45 minutes later to have my blood drawn promptly 1 hour after drinking. We got there early, met with the doctor - heard the heartbeat - still chugging along quite intensely - then got my blood drawn. Results should be back by Mon/Tues and since I'm not really in any 'risk' group they said they are expecting all to be fine.
Baby is moving around like crazy - big strong kicks...swimming in the morning seems to put my creepy crawly creature (as I'm calling it right now) to sleep but as soon as I get home from the gym and hit the shower - it's back up and moving. Short nap! Lately it's felt like popcorn popping in my upper right abdomen - just under my ribs - not sure if the baby is practicing using a punching bag or what but it feels neat!
Most of the time the baby seems to hang out on the right side and lately has been horizontal during the day - trying it's hardest to push out the right side of my belly - funny that the baby pushes the right but have those joyful round ligament pains on the left side - the body does weird things.
Sleeping is getting difficult - not sure what other word to use besides that - it's hard to get comfortable and when I do I'm awakened by my bladder which has become a trampoline of sorts for the creature - at least it's at the same time every night 2:00 a.m. - I'm up. The baby usually kicks when I get up or readjust during the night as if to remind me that I've disturbed it - then it goes back into no-movement mode. My right arm more so than my left falls asleep when I lay on that side and it seems to take longer than normal to get all the pins and needles out of it.
That's all for now...from this point until I hit 36 weeks I now go to the doctor every 2 weeks instead of 4 - OH! We are going to do the 3D ultra sound next weekend - should be fun - we haven't seen the little creature since week 19 - hard to believe that was almost 10 weeks ago! So we'll be posting pictures like this one (below) sometime soon! Everyone that says they have done this LOVES it and I also figured it would be a good time to confirm the sex. One of the girls that works with Chris just had a baby - was told it was a girl and yep - came out a boy - so I don't think getting a second opinion is a bad idea - even though all baby items we have bought or been given could be used for either!
http://www.triangle4dbaby.com/
Baby is moving around like crazy - big strong kicks...swimming in the morning seems to put my creepy crawly creature (as I'm calling it right now) to sleep but as soon as I get home from the gym and hit the shower - it's back up and moving. Short nap! Lately it's felt like popcorn popping in my upper right abdomen - just under my ribs - not sure if the baby is practicing using a punching bag or what but it feels neat!
Most of the time the baby seems to hang out on the right side and lately has been horizontal during the day - trying it's hardest to push out the right side of my belly - funny that the baby pushes the right but have those joyful round ligament pains on the left side - the body does weird things.
Sleeping is getting difficult - not sure what other word to use besides that - it's hard to get comfortable and when I do I'm awakened by my bladder which has become a trampoline of sorts for the creature - at least it's at the same time every night 2:00 a.m. - I'm up. The baby usually kicks when I get up or readjust during the night as if to remind me that I've disturbed it - then it goes back into no-movement mode. My right arm more so than my left falls asleep when I lay on that side and it seems to take longer than normal to get all the pins and needles out of it.
That's all for now...from this point until I hit 36 weeks I now go to the doctor every 2 weeks instead of 4 - OH! We are going to do the 3D ultra sound next weekend - should be fun - we haven't seen the little creature since week 19 - hard to believe that was almost 10 weeks ago! So we'll be posting pictures like this one (below) sometime soon! Everyone that says they have done this LOVES it and I also figured it would be a good time to confirm the sex. One of the girls that works with Chris just had a baby - was told it was a girl and yep - came out a boy - so I don't think getting a second opinion is a bad idea - even though all baby items we have bought or been given could be used for either!
http://www.triangle4dbaby.com/
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ask and ye shall recieve....
So I had barely posted yesterday when all of a sudden - some strange movement in belly started - yep - first case of the hiccups - I had just finished writing that I hadn't felt any of those yet! The episode lasted for about 40 minutes and then he/she was done. Wondering if it will start again today - I guess I got them about the same time every day when my mom was pregnanat with me.
Also - SURPRISE! I came home from yoga last night to two surprises - first was another box of goodies from Aunt Dori - I swear I have enough maternity clothes now not to wear the same outfit twice for the remaining +/- 89 days! The second - Chris set up the crib! I'm going to try and get what we have already bought for the nursery organized this weekend - add some shelves to the closet, get the bedding all washed/set up and curtains hung - I would rather have stuff done early than be scrambling when I'm more swollen than I am now!
Besides my countdown to baby right now I'm counting down till Thanksgiving dinner - yeah!!! I love having a house full of people, food cooking and LOTS and LOTS of leftovers!
Also - SURPRISE! I came home from yoga last night to two surprises - first was another box of goodies from Aunt Dori - I swear I have enough maternity clothes now not to wear the same outfit twice for the remaining +/- 89 days! The second - Chris set up the crib! I'm going to try and get what we have already bought for the nursery organized this weekend - add some shelves to the closet, get the bedding all washed/set up and curtains hung - I would rather have stuff done early than be scrambling when I'm more swollen than I am now!
Besides my countdown to baby right now I'm counting down till Thanksgiving dinner - yeah!!! I love having a house full of people, food cooking and LOTS and LOTS of leftovers!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Week 27 - November 19th
So who knew 27 weeks could go by so quickly....here' my info about what the baby is up to, I haven't had any hiccup episodes yet but there is lots and lots of movement going on -
This week, the baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with its legs extended.
It's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing its eyes, and perhaps even sucking its fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active. While the lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if the baby was 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 the baby, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
This week, the baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with its legs extended.
It's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing its eyes, and perhaps even sucking its fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active. While the lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if the baby was 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 the baby, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Day two for morning lap swim
Such a wonderful way to start the day - swimming laps! I feel amazing after getting out of the pool and even just after two days, I am bound and determined to keep this routine up till the baby's arrival - if possible! I only did about 700 yards this morning (and even remembered my goggles) but got out and felt like I did yesterday - like I actually worked out. After about 10 minutes in the pool I could move my fingers better than I've been able to in weeks and my morning swelling went down and stayed down until I hit the warm water shower! Oh well - any non-swelling time I can get, I'll take!
For those of you who live around me - here's a local recommendation - Healing Waters Day Spa - just across the street from The Streets at Southpoint. I've had a gift certificate for the place for over a year (thanks Melissa) and I just haven't been able to get there - well needless to say I went last night and it is great! They use the pregnancy pillows so I could lay on my belly and I was treated to what I firmly believe was the best massage I've ever gotten! REALLY! The baby was moving all over the place the entire time - such a funny feeling to have someone rubbing your shoulders and then having this rubbing sensation in my belly. I guess the baby liked it and wore itself out because as soon as the massage was finished - no movement. I think the baby was in pure bliss like I was!
Between swimming yesterday morning and the massage last night - I slept SO soundly last night and woke up bright and early ready to hit the pool again.
http://www.healingwatersmedspa.com/
For those of you who live around me - here's a local recommendation - Healing Waters Day Spa - just across the street from The Streets at Southpoint. I've had a gift certificate for the place for over a year (thanks Melissa) and I just haven't been able to get there - well needless to say I went last night and it is great! They use the pregnancy pillows so I could lay on my belly and I was treated to what I firmly believe was the best massage I've ever gotten! REALLY! The baby was moving all over the place the entire time - such a funny feeling to have someone rubbing your shoulders and then having this rubbing sensation in my belly. I guess the baby liked it and wore itself out because as soon as the massage was finished - no movement. I think the baby was in pure bliss like I was!
Between swimming yesterday morning and the massage last night - I slept SO soundly last night and woke up bright and early ready to hit the pool again.
http://www.healingwatersmedspa.com/
Monday, November 17, 2008
Lap Time - November 17th
I feel better when I exercise - not just physically but mentally. I have always known that and my running routines over the past few years have done nothing but back up that belief. Needless to say, as much as I know I need to exercise and as much as I've pushed myself to do so, it's just been miserable - except for yoga, which although it's exercise I don't really count it - I end up with swollen fingers and lately, finding comfortable workout outfits has been a chore!
As good as walking feels I end up with sausage fingers and swollen ankles and the swelling hurts if I go for the amount of time I would like - so last week I decided I would try swimming laps at the gym in the morning, the pool is there - it is just a matter of getting into a swim suit instead of walking clothes. Today was my first day and ahhh - wonderful. I was worried the water would be cold but nope - perfect temp and after my swim the swelling in my fingers had actually gone down - so nice! At a few times during my time in the water I was actually breathless, like I had gone for a short jog - something that walking just doesn't do for me - I guess I can't get a fast enough pace going....not having swam laps for a few years I forgot how many muscles you work - needless to say I know I'll be sore tonight but I'm already looking forward to my lap session tomorrow morning.
Got my flu shot this morning also - because I'm pregnant and haven't had a shot for a few years I had to sit there to make sure I didn't have any type of reaction - uh! What a way to start a Monday - not fun!
As good as walking feels I end up with sausage fingers and swollen ankles and the swelling hurts if I go for the amount of time I would like - so last week I decided I would try swimming laps at the gym in the morning, the pool is there - it is just a matter of getting into a swim suit instead of walking clothes. Today was my first day and ahhh - wonderful. I was worried the water would be cold but nope - perfect temp and after my swim the swelling in my fingers had actually gone down - so nice! At a few times during my time in the water I was actually breathless, like I had gone for a short jog - something that walking just doesn't do for me - I guess I can't get a fast enough pace going....not having swam laps for a few years I forgot how many muscles you work - needless to say I know I'll be sore tonight but I'm already looking forward to my lap session tomorrow morning.
Got my flu shot this morning also - because I'm pregnant and haven't had a shot for a few years I had to sit there to make sure I didn't have any type of reaction - uh! What a way to start a Monday - not fun!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Week 26 ~ November 12th
Well - other than the already reported swollen fingers, and now my hands and arms falling asleep at night if I lay on my side too long - there is nothing new and exciting to report for this week. The baby seems at times to be doing laps in my belly - pushing all the way to the right and then shooting upward to hit that great spot it loves just under my ribs - managing to take my breath away and make me yawn more so than normal - such a weird sensation. The other day as I was standing in a check-out line the baby all of a sudden came UP very quickly - made me lurch up and forward - the poor man behind the counter was worried to death! Once I laughed and told him the baby was just moving he seemed OK - but I think he was ready to call a doctor.
My next appointment I have the joyful task of downing the glucose drink before I go - yuck! What makes it worse is that I can't even start the day with my normal fruit smoothie - no sweets or fruit....that will screw me up more so than having to drink the drink.
Report about what is going on with the baby....The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. It may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. It's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of the lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when the baby is born and takes that first gulp of air. And it's continuing to put on baby fat - now weighing about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches from head to heel.
My weight gain hasn't been added to for a few weeks which is nice (I feel huge enough as it is already!) although I'm reminded of the extra weight I do have when I go to do something like try and put on socks or tie my shoes - it's amazing how I don't notice my belly moving around but bending over - yikes! This cartoon came in my weekly email - made me laugh because I ask Chris each morning after I get dressed for work "does this look OK?"
I'm trying not to get in a rut of wearing the same clothes and thankfully the warmer temps have allowed me to wear some of my summer clothes a bit longer and I really do have a great selection due to all the great hand-me downs and the my good fortune of hitting a few maternity store sales where I got the missing 'staple' pieces of my wardrobe. With the cooler temps coming I've sorted through the maternity clothes I do have and made sure I have some easy decision outfits for those cold mornings when I don't feel like getting out of my comfy clothes - you know khaki pants, white shirt or black shirt and warm socks. Oh well - that's all for now - until next week....
Monday, November 10, 2008
We have fire!! Whoops I meant kicking!
So Friday night Chris tried yet again to feel the baby kick. We were sitting there watching Castaway....JUST as Tom Hanks is trying to make fire and gets his first spark and yells FIRE!!! Chris got a big ole kick from the baby! How funny was that timing!
Friday, November 7, 2008
25 weeks, 3 days ~ November 7th
Doctors appointment this morning - blood pressure is finally back to being normal for me - LOW rather than being NORMAL which is high for me - the nurse actually took it twice to confirm because it worried her that it dropped, then when she looked back and saw my normal readings from before I was pregnant she was fine with the reading she got. I'm measuring at 26 - whatever that means - from what the doctor said that is right in line for where I'm supposed to be. The heartbeat is really strong - so cool to hear - the baby in the mornings is down low - near my right hip - when the doctor went looking to be right over the heart she found it, right down by my hip - amazing how loud it was! I'm holding steady at 29 lbs gained to-date, been that for a few weeks now - I have to say - I do look forward to the day that I get my hip bones back! I can still feel them in there - it's amazing how much "cushion" you get without even realizing it.
The baby is moving like crazy - Chris still hasn't felt him/her - I have constant movement all day - every 5/10 minutes - and by the time I get home - still. Everyone that I I tell that too has the same reaction as me - maybe Chris's touch is soothing and it will remain that way when the baby comes out - meaning every time Chris picks up the baby it will go to sleep - fingers crossed - I know it's probably wishful thinking but it can't hurt to hope! It's nice though, the baby seems to be sleeping all night and then upon my first movement - it starts rumbling around as if to say "why'd you wake me up!"
Had yoga last night - it's funny, each week all of us are talking about the same things - this week it was day cares. Chris and I went on our first day care tour on Wednesday and the place is our first choice. As hard as I know it will be to leave the baby when I do go back to work - after seeing the place - I think I would want to be left there! They have a great staff and all the kids - even the little ones - seemed to be having a blast! It's literally RIGHT behind our house and from talking to people we know, it is a great choice and from the other mom's in my class - their first choice also. We are on the top waiting list right now for June 1st - that's when I would go back to work - so it would time perfectly.
I got my "doctors note" today to PARTICIPATE in massage therapy - I've had a gift card for a spa down here for a year now and they do pre-natal rub-downs but you have to have a note. After my doctors visit today she agreed with me that a massage would be great! Needless to say my wonderful husband has already booked me one for TOMORROW morning (YEAH!) and I'm so excited I'm not sure if I'll sleep tonight! They could just rub my legs for an hour and I would be in heaven! Speaking of sleeping - besided the fact that we have had to invest in ear plugs for Chris - I've been SNORING since conception - I've discoved a position that allows me not to flip and flop all night - body pillow behind me, laying into it so I'm not on my back but not on my side. Laying on my side was awful - after about 2 hours my hip would start killing and my arm would fall asleep and I would have to FLOP to the other side - taking with me my body pillow and 1/2 the blankets on the bed - needless to say, ear plugs or not, Chris was waking up with me every time I had to move. For about the past week now, I know the new position hasn't helped my snoring, I wake up in the same position I fall asleep in and have been SLEEPING SOUNDLY. The baby must like it because as I'm falling asleep I feel it 'snuggle' down and slowly stop moving - so peaceful.
I have started cleaning out the room we are going to use as the nursery, cleaned out all the NON-baby stuff last weekend - still have the bed that is currently in the room to dismantle and hopefull that will be this weekend.
The baby is moving like crazy - Chris still hasn't felt him/her - I have constant movement all day - every 5/10 minutes - and by the time I get home - still. Everyone that I I tell that too has the same reaction as me - maybe Chris's touch is soothing and it will remain that way when the baby comes out - meaning every time Chris picks up the baby it will go to sleep - fingers crossed - I know it's probably wishful thinking but it can't hurt to hope! It's nice though, the baby seems to be sleeping all night and then upon my first movement - it starts rumbling around as if to say "why'd you wake me up!"
Had yoga last night - it's funny, each week all of us are talking about the same things - this week it was day cares. Chris and I went on our first day care tour on Wednesday and the place is our first choice. As hard as I know it will be to leave the baby when I do go back to work - after seeing the place - I think I would want to be left there! They have a great staff and all the kids - even the little ones - seemed to be having a blast! It's literally RIGHT behind our house and from talking to people we know, it is a great choice and from the other mom's in my class - their first choice also. We are on the top waiting list right now for June 1st - that's when I would go back to work - so it would time perfectly.
I got my "doctors note" today to PARTICIPATE in massage therapy - I've had a gift card for a spa down here for a year now and they do pre-natal rub-downs but you have to have a note. After my doctors visit today she agreed with me that a massage would be great! Needless to say my wonderful husband has already booked me one for TOMORROW morning (YEAH!) and I'm so excited I'm not sure if I'll sleep tonight! They could just rub my legs for an hour and I would be in heaven! Speaking of sleeping - besided the fact that we have had to invest in ear plugs for Chris - I've been SNORING since conception - I've discoved a position that allows me not to flip and flop all night - body pillow behind me, laying into it so I'm not on my back but not on my side. Laying on my side was awful - after about 2 hours my hip would start killing and my arm would fall asleep and I would have to FLOP to the other side - taking with me my body pillow and 1/2 the blankets on the bed - needless to say, ear plugs or not, Chris was waking up with me every time I had to move. For about the past week now, I know the new position hasn't helped my snoring, I wake up in the same position I fall asleep in and have been SLEEPING SOUNDLY. The baby must like it because as I'm falling asleep I feel it 'snuggle' down and slowly stop moving - so peaceful.
I have started cleaning out the room we are going to use as the nursery, cleaned out all the NON-baby stuff last weekend - still have the bed that is currently in the room to dismantle and hopefull that will be this weekend.
Monday, November 3, 2008
YEAH!! Ankles!!!! ~ November 3rd
So I was getting a bit worried - my fingers have been swollen in the past few weeks and when I wake up in the morning my feet usually take a few minutes to get back to normal size, just from being in bed all night, but this past weekend I got worried when all of a sudden on Friday night my ankle bones were gone! YIKES! It hurt to point my feet - my skin just stretched! AWFUL!
Chris had been feeling awful also and since we both made it a point to drink lots of fluid and eat normal food on Saturday and Sunday - waking up and feeling normal today (and by normal I mean my ankle bones were back), we realized that that the food we ate last Thursday and Friday had WAY more salt in it than we usually eat - lesson learned for me - no more eating anything salty during this pregancy - NOTHING!! Now I'm not talking about an occasional potato chip or french fry here and there, but NO food that has salt already added is entering my mouth!
I didn't realize how much it affects my body until now - uhhhh! The scale also reflected this nice uhhh feeling - in about 36 hours I lost four pounds! These days any extra weight that I'm carrying makes a difference so if staying away from salt helps - I'm swearing off the stuff!
Chris had been feeling awful also and since we both made it a point to drink lots of fluid and eat normal food on Saturday and Sunday - waking up and feeling normal today (and by normal I mean my ankle bones were back), we realized that that the food we ate last Thursday and Friday had WAY more salt in it than we usually eat - lesson learned for me - no more eating anything salty during this pregancy - NOTHING!! Now I'm not talking about an occasional potato chip or french fry here and there, but NO food that has salt already added is entering my mouth!
I didn't realize how much it affects my body until now - uhhhh! The scale also reflected this nice uhhh feeling - in about 36 hours I lost four pounds! These days any extra weight that I'm carrying makes a difference so if staying away from salt helps - I'm swearing off the stuff!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Week 24 ~ October 29th
So not much to report other than what I've already posted this week...I'm hoping that this weekned Chris will be able to finally feel some of the kicks I've been feeling for a few weeks now. Last night a few of the harder ones made my belly move...freaked the cat out I think because he was looking for a lap to sleep on and the decreasing size of mine (now added with the occasional 'bump') is only frustrating him more and more.
I've been getting some great advice - anything from the good kid friendly cookbooks (not sure I'll be able to make the beet pancakes no matter how good they taste!) to helpful hints about what to stock in the nursery for the first month - it's nice to have someone say "I wish someone told me..." Highlight of the day - I get to go to yoga tonight, ahhhhhh.
For those of you tracking my progress with my food comparison reports - here's what I've got for this week (see below). I can honestly say the soccer ball comparison is just about the right size for my belly and on my next visit I get the 'yummy' glucose drink - oooo can't wait!
Your baby’s growing steadily…having gained about 4 ounces since last week – that puts its total weight at just over a pound. Since it’s almost a foot long – roughly the size of an ear of corn – it cuts a pretty lean figure at this point but every day its filling out proportionally and will soon start to plump up. 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. Most women will have the glucose screening test between now and 28 weeks.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Being creative....
…so dealing with the fact that my enhanced belly is here - and here for a few more months - I have come to discover ways that it comes in handy – I’m not talking about the good parking spots at the grocery store and strip malls for “expectant mothers” but I’m talking physically how it can come in handy….let me explain…
1. Normally when we are riding the car, to be comfortable I usually have to keep my arms crossed in front of me – Chris mistakes this for me being cold which might be the case 1 of out 10 times. Now, with my belly – I have a place to rest my hands – and feeling the baby kick and move around is just an added bonus.
2. With my nice stiff fingers that I have for the morning hours of every day – squeezing shampoo bottles, toothpaste – and my newest challenge – a new bottle of conditioner, is sometimes a difficult task. HOWEVER, as I discovered this morning – the conditioner bottle, which regardless of my stiff fingers is a hard bottle to squeeze with one hand – I can use both hands and use the belly as a table – squeeze what I need onto the top of my “table” using BOTH hands on the bottle (I just need to be out of the stream of water from the shower so my conditioner doesn't get washed away!) – problem solved!
As I come up with more uses (or hear of other uses - it's fun hearing pregnancy "war stories") I’ll be sure to add them to my list…..
1. Normally when we are riding the car, to be comfortable I usually have to keep my arms crossed in front of me – Chris mistakes this for me being cold which might be the case 1 of out 10 times. Now, with my belly – I have a place to rest my hands – and feeling the baby kick and move around is just an added bonus.
2. With my nice stiff fingers that I have for the morning hours of every day – squeezing shampoo bottles, toothpaste – and my newest challenge – a new bottle of conditioner, is sometimes a difficult task. HOWEVER, as I discovered this morning – the conditioner bottle, which regardless of my stiff fingers is a hard bottle to squeeze with one hand – I can use both hands and use the belly as a table – squeeze what I need onto the top of my “table” using BOTH hands on the bottle (I just need to be out of the stream of water from the shower so my conditioner doesn't get washed away!) – problem solved!
As I come up with more uses (or hear of other uses - it's fun hearing pregnancy "war stories") I’ll be sure to add them to my list…..
Monday, October 27, 2008
The baby has been to Mayberry
Another addition to the baby's travel log - we spent the weekend in Mt Airy - better known to some as Mayberry. Not having ever watched the Andy Griffith show I was a bit clueless about some of the "main street attractions" but it was fun. We visited two great winery's - Elkin and Shelton - and although I had to skip the wine tasting I did get to enjoy two great dinners with some great friends! I would highly recommend both places if you are heading that way. Here's my week 23 picture....
Friday, October 24, 2008
Ahhhh...yoga.....
So – my first prenatal yoga class – my first yoga class period – was wonderful! It’s through the hospital (Rex) where we’ll be having the baby. There are six of us in the class, one was missing last night…going across the row, what each of us was having, we have – boy, girl, boy, boy/boy, girl – I’ll tell you what I’m not for sure…I’m NOT the boy/boy – identical twins – whew! I will give you a clue…I was one of the ones next to twins (won’t tell what side!) for those of you still trying to guess!
Anyway – what a joyful hour that class was – so nice and relaxing and nice to be around people who are dealing with the same things I am RIGHT now – swollen fingers, finding a comfortable way to sleep, etc. It made me feel good too – one lady was at 20 weeks and another was at 25 and me being right in between at week 23 – if you looked at our bellies size-wise – we looked like a natural progression.
Our instructor is a mom of three and grandmother of seven! She’s been doing yoga for eight years and was wonderful. It was interesting to watch her get into the position she wanted us to get into and think “ah – not hard” – however, I tend to momentarily forget about this beach ball belly that I’ve grown and the difference in my muscles so yeah – not to easy! It made me want to try yoga once the baby is born when my “normal” body/muscles are back.
We learned all about the nice hormone relaxin, did cat/cow (which we did in Pilates so that was nice and familiar!) and then triangle and then ended with the best part savasana - I sort of saw it as getting the baby ready for nap time in day care! Because we are not supposed to be on our backs we do this pose on our sides – so relaxing…amazing how good certain exercises can make you feel. It was so nice to do something other than walking or riding the stationary bike – I’m so excited for next week already!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Week 23 - Let's vacuum!!
Another belly picture from our trip up north a couple weeks ago...
So...week 23...about the only thing new to report is the baby's favorite spot to PUSH and settle - right side, just under my ribs - pushing on my ribs & lungs. I've had this "ache" on the right side of my chest for a couple of weeks now but only recently since the baby has really started kicking did I realize it was the baby. I just assumed I pulled a muscle! The sensation makes me feel like I've just finished a run as I get an out-of-breath sensation. One of the girls I work with said to try and "massage" the baby out of that area and so far it has worked! However, as soon as the baby moves it goes straight to pushing on my bladder so I've go a choice - out-of-breath or bathroom every ten minutes.
My new craving - wanting to be able to go for a run. I see people out for a run in the morning and uh, I just want to put my sneakers on, turn on my iPod and hit the pavement. Seeing runners on the sidewalk mezmerizes me...with the weather changing these cool mornings and afternoons - it's my favorite time of the year to be outside and exercise. We went to Umstead Park this past weekend - Chris rode and I walked, which felt great, but it killed me to see all the runners flying by - so jealous!
Update on what's happening with the baby...
Week 23...Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With its sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that its more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large MANGO), you may be able to see it squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in its lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing it 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 it when it hears them outside the womb.
So...week 23...about the only thing new to report is the baby's favorite spot to PUSH and settle - right side, just under my ribs - pushing on my ribs & lungs. I've had this "ache" on the right side of my chest for a couple of weeks now but only recently since the baby has really started kicking did I realize it was the baby. I just assumed I pulled a muscle! The sensation makes me feel like I've just finished a run as I get an out-of-breath sensation. One of the girls I work with said to try and "massage" the baby out of that area and so far it has worked! However, as soon as the baby moves it goes straight to pushing on my bladder so I've go a choice - out-of-breath or bathroom every ten minutes.
My new craving - wanting to be able to go for a run. I see people out for a run in the morning and uh, I just want to put my sneakers on, turn on my iPod and hit the pavement. Seeing runners on the sidewalk mezmerizes me...with the weather changing these cool mornings and afternoons - it's my favorite time of the year to be outside and exercise. We went to Umstead Park this past weekend - Chris rode and I walked, which felt great, but it killed me to see all the runners flying by - so jealous!
Update on what's happening with the baby...
Week 23...Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With its sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that its more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large MANGO), you may be able to see it squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in its lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing it 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 it when it hears them outside the womb.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sad day...
So not even the cheering of a future fan could pull the the Sox through (Chris picked up this shirt on our last trip up north) - it just wasn't their year....positive thought to come out of it - at least the baby won't be born in a year that the Yankees are the defending world series champs...it will be born into a world of baseball where teams like the Red Sox and the Rays top the charts!
Friday, October 17, 2008
A cup of tea for a Friday giggle....
One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me. I was maybe 2 1/2 years old and had just recovered from an accident. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favorite toys.
Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought Daddy a little cup of 'tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mom came home.
My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was 'just the cutest thing!' My Mom waited, and sure enough, here I come down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy and she watches him drink it up.
Then she says, (as only a mother would know... :)
'Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?'
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Now I ask you...
Ok...so one of my maternity clothes purchases has been a black pencil skirt and I love it! It's plain and simple goes with everything and is one of the the maternity pieces that I will probably wear it out long before 40 weeks comes along.
Everyone knows - even those who have not been pregnant - the key to maternity clothes is the STRETCH - so WHY on earth - I ask all of you - would a maternity skirt be made of a stretchy material but then have a liner INSIDE that is not stretchy? I've been sitting here all day and wondering just that - then my eyes fell on my scissors....needless to say I just performed surgery on my skirt in the bathroom and whew! so much more comfortable...I would guess that this skirt was designed by a man as the material is not one that even needs a liner as it is thick! Problem solved and liner is history....I can now breath a bit easier....
Last vacation before baby ~ October 14th
So last week we headed north to Cape Cod – a vacation with NO set schedule and cooler temps. It was wonderful! Chris ran on the beach every morning while I walked and watched the seals & birds. Walking has become my exercise of choice and as long as I move my arms or even hold them over my head (yeah looks funny!) my fingers don’t swell too much. Each day after our morning exercise we set off to find something fun to do. We toured all over the cape – Provincetown, Nantucket, Woods Hole and ate lots of seafood! By the end of the week we both wanted burgers and fries! We shopped in all the small towns and found lots of fun stuff for the baby! Books like “Good Night Cape Cod” and “A Vermont Alphabet” now are part of our growing library collection and even an onesie from Cape Cod Potato Chip factory – so cute!
The baby really started moving around last week – lots and lots of rolling and kicking – nothing strong enough yet for Chris to feel, but I was assured at my doctor’s appointment yesterday that the strong kicks would start soon. Thankfully right now the baby wakes up when I do and seems to quiet down around ten o’clock at night. The fluttering and small kicks I feel are a great wake up call and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can enjoy full nights of sleep for a while still.
My measurements and the baby’s heart beat both were right on track. The only bad symptom I am having is really, really stiff fingers and hands in the morning when I wake up – I told the nurse that it felt like my hands had aged 50 years. My finger joints just ache and running my hands under cold water and rubbing them is about all that helps. Thankfully the discomfort is not in my wrists as carpal tunnel syndrome is very common during pregnancy due to all the extra fluid in your body. Tomorrow I hit 22 weeks – my 21 week update provided the following estimates and I also added the 22 week info - here's my week 20, day 6 picture....
21 weeks - Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long – the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like its practicing martial arts as its initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to its activity.
22 weeks - At 11 inches – about the length of a spaghetti squash - and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Its lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and its even developing tiny tooth buds beneath the gums. Its eyes have formed, but the irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair that covers the body and the deep wrinkles on the skin, which the baby will sport until a padding of fat fills them in. Inside the belly, the pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.
The baby really started moving around last week – lots and lots of rolling and kicking – nothing strong enough yet for Chris to feel, but I was assured at my doctor’s appointment yesterday that the strong kicks would start soon. Thankfully right now the baby wakes up when I do and seems to quiet down around ten o’clock at night. The fluttering and small kicks I feel are a great wake up call and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can enjoy full nights of sleep for a while still.
My measurements and the baby’s heart beat both were right on track. The only bad symptom I am having is really, really stiff fingers and hands in the morning when I wake up – I told the nurse that it felt like my hands had aged 50 years. My finger joints just ache and running my hands under cold water and rubbing them is about all that helps. Thankfully the discomfort is not in my wrists as carpal tunnel syndrome is very common during pregnancy due to all the extra fluid in your body. Tomorrow I hit 22 weeks – my 21 week update provided the following estimates and I also added the 22 week info - here's my week 20, day 6 picture....
21 weeks - Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long – the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like its practicing martial arts as its initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to its activity.
22 weeks - At 11 inches – about the length of a spaghetti squash - and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Its lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and its even developing tiny tooth buds beneath the gums. Its eyes have formed, but the irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair that covers the body and the deep wrinkles on the skin, which the baby will sport until a padding of fat fills them in. Inside the belly, the pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Last day of Pilates....so sad ~ October 2nd
So yesterday I hit 20 weeks and came home to TWO huge boxes of clothes (THANKS AUNT DORI it was like Christmas!!!!) While there were a few items that just didn't work (no matter how hard I tried my 5'2" frame just doesn't make it into the clothes from a 5'10"? frame) - most will make the next 20 weeks a lot more comfortable and a lot more stylish! It's amazing how well maternity t-shirts fit better than regular t-shirts - ahhh, the small things in life (like a bit more extra fabric and elastic) make me so happy!
Sad day today...my last day of Pilates for I'm not sure how long. I start my prenatal yoga classes in a few weeks, which will be nice, but I'll miss my morning sessions with Amy and the girls (Mitzi & Donna you better stay in touch!). It's amazing how much better I feel after thoses class - right now it's the one exercise that doesn't make my fingers swell up like sausages! Considering I've gone at least once a week since like May of 2005 it's going to feel really weird not going for a while. I'll miss you girls!!!
So each week in class I got the question from Mitzi - how big's the baby this week? Thus as I get my weekly emails that equate the size/proporations of my growing child to that of something in the fruit or vegtable world I'll do these posts in honor of her....
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now and is also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana.
Althought we got the measurements of about 7 inches and 9 oz last week at our appointment this is probably about right on. Also the weekly email has this funny tidbit of info in it...good for a laugh if nothing else!
Count your blessings
• The penis of a rhinoceros is 2 feet long.
• The penis of a mosquito is a hundredth of an inch long.
• The praying mantis bites her mate's head off while he impregnates her.
• Elephants are pregnant for two years.
• Many animals give birth to a dozen or more babies at a time.
• Your baby won't be born with hooves.
Last but not least...YEAH!!!! Some cooler air has arrived in the south - the blast of fresh cool air has already made me feel about 10 lbs lighter than I really am! It's so much easier to breath and as much as I'll miss the few items of clothes that I'll have to put away due to the cooler temps - its nice to have Fall arrive.
Finally...GO RED SOX and keep your fingers crossed that NCSU has a better game this weekend against BC than last weekend....
Sad day today...my last day of Pilates for I'm not sure how long. I start my prenatal yoga classes in a few weeks, which will be nice, but I'll miss my morning sessions with Amy and the girls (Mitzi & Donna you better stay in touch!). It's amazing how much better I feel after thoses class - right now it's the one exercise that doesn't make my fingers swell up like sausages! Considering I've gone at least once a week since like May of 2005 it's going to feel really weird not going for a while. I'll miss you girls!!!
So each week in class I got the question from Mitzi - how big's the baby this week? Thus as I get my weekly emails that equate the size/proporations of my growing child to that of something in the fruit or vegtable world I'll do these posts in honor of her....
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now and is also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana.
Althought we got the measurements of about 7 inches and 9 oz last week at our appointment this is probably about right on. Also the weekly email has this funny tidbit of info in it...good for a laugh if nothing else!
Count your blessings
• The penis of a rhinoceros is 2 feet long.
• The penis of a mosquito is a hundredth of an inch long.
• The praying mantis bites her mate's head off while he impregnates her.
• Elephants are pregnant for two years.
• Many animals give birth to a dozen or more babies at a time.
• Your baby won't be born with hooves.
Last but not least...YEAH!!!! Some cooler air has arrived in the south - the blast of fresh cool air has already made me feel about 10 lbs lighter than I really am! It's so much easier to breath and as much as I'll miss the few items of clothes that I'll have to put away due to the cooler temps - its nice to have Fall arrive.
Finally...GO RED SOX and keep your fingers crossed that NCSU has a better game this weekend against BC than last weekend....
Monday, September 29, 2008
Pudgy fingers ~ September 29th
So yesterday I went for a walk - a long walk - by the end of it - my fingers we so swollen I could barely bend them! If you had paid me $100 to make a fist you would have been able to keep your money! I know it was a combination of the humidity and the fact I don't hold my hands up above my head when I walk but still - uh! After a cool shower and laying down with my feet elevated and my hands on my head for 25 minutes I had normal sized fingers again!
Nothing new to report as of today....baby movements every so often - Saturday night I could feel the baby - high up on the right side of my belly, just in front of my ribs - all of a sudden I had this unusually hard lump there - slowly it must have moved back to the "middle" of my belly as the lump I could feel was gone and I felt some movement. At times lately I've felt huge...however, talking with other mom's they laugh and I've heard stats of 45, 65 and 75 lbs gained...right now I'm at 20 lbs - the few that have laughed at my weight gain so far have said just wait! Uh!!! I'm just glad the hot, humid weather is on the way out....cooler air will make this weight gain a bit easier to deal with.
Updated belly shot....
Nothing new to report as of today....baby movements every so often - Saturday night I could feel the baby - high up on the right side of my belly, just in front of my ribs - all of a sudden I had this unusually hard lump there - slowly it must have moved back to the "middle" of my belly as the lump I could feel was gone and I felt some movement. At times lately I've felt huge...however, talking with other mom's they laugh and I've heard stats of 45, 65 and 75 lbs gained...right now I'm at 20 lbs - the few that have laughed at my weight gain so far have said just wait! Uh!!! I'm just glad the hot, humid weather is on the way out....cooler air will make this weight gain a bit easier to deal with.
Updated belly shot....
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Face of Skeletor – a bit scary…but SO CUTE – 19 weeks ~ September 24th
Ok – start with the easy stuff, stats….my measurements put me right at 19 weeks today – due date – February 18th…changed by a day oh well, everyone knows that it’s just an estimate anyway! Heart beat 144, weight 9 oz (just over a half a pound), approximate length 7 inches – in addition we saw the kidneys, the heart, the spine, the bladder (FULL), the femur and lots of other things – SO COOL!!! Two arms (moving A LOT!) and two legs, all curled up….we still don’t know what it is so don’t ask and even when we do - we are not telling! OH - we also got to see the umbilical cord in a few different views – the tech did a second view of the cord where we could see the blood flow, it was like when they show the water temperatures on the Doppler for the weather…everything was grey/black/white then the blood was red/yellow…that was neat. Chris said they way they did all the measurements (of the skull, femur, etc) was like AutoCAD – point to point and then adjusting the circle.
When we started the ultra sound the baby was on my right side – head down toward my toes, arms flailing everywhere but mostly up around its face – by the time the tech had done all the measurements the baby had moved to be horizontal across my belly face down – hiding! We have a few good shots but the tech had to “chase” the baby around my stomach to get them – so funny! Here are just a few of the pictures she took…we have the face (the first picture below - looking right at you) the tech said the Skeletor look was a common one (kind of scary!), one of the baby laying on it’s back, arm up toward the face (round ball is the hand), then the final position it settled into – face down, curling up – legs tucked up underneath and arms right up around the face. Enjoy!
When we started the ultra sound the baby was on my right side – head down toward my toes, arms flailing everywhere but mostly up around its face – by the time the tech had done all the measurements the baby had moved to be horizontal across my belly face down – hiding! We have a few good shots but the tech had to “chase” the baby around my stomach to get them – so funny! Here are just a few of the pictures she took…we have the face (the first picture below - looking right at you) the tech said the Skeletor look was a common one (kind of scary!), one of the baby laying on it’s back, arm up toward the face (round ball is the hand), then the final position it settled into – face down, curling up – legs tucked up underneath and arms right up around the face. Enjoy!
Monday, September 22, 2008
September 22 ~ Musings for a Monday
So Chris got to go the Ryder Cup - arriving home at midnight on Friday he tried to show me the present for the baby he bought - our baby's first autographed copy of a book...The ABC's of Golf -
Friday I started using the Baby Plus monitor ...
other than just sounding like a drum and Chris saying the sound puts him to sleep, I think it might have stirred the baby. Sunday morning I think Teddy was moving around...it was a different sensation than I have ever had and it has occurred a few times since....asking all our friends who have been pregnant what it feels like when the baby first moves - I've had descriptions of it feeling like when you ride a roller coaster, having your stomach stirred with a big spoon and then just a movement sensation...this one was more like...hmmm....waves...it was interesting....
Sunday we went to Umstead - my old running grounds....my goal was to walk the 6 miles I used to run - I thought 'ah - it won't take me too long' - yeah right! I ended up only doing about 2-2 1/2 miles....I tried running and wow! My balance is going...not noticeable when I'm walking but running - I felt like I was so dizzy and running on unstable ground (not to mention having to go to the bathroom as soon as I got out of sight of the car!) I guess from this point forward it's the stationary bike and walking and running will be limited to the treadmill. It felt so great to be outside in the fresh air....
Cravings...my first BIG one - like can't live without type (I might need to buy stock in this product!)...cinnamon buns....I saw a commercial the other night and thought I was going to eat the TV....I swear I could eat them for every meal right now...not sure if it's the cinnamon or the icing - all I know is that they taste good! I'm guessing all the fruit and healthy food that I eat will balance out the sugar - right? Hopefully I'll still like them after the baby's here...right now the thought of Mexican food repulses me...and that was one of my favorites before pregnancy.....
Just found out I have a 'care package' coming from my aunt...more pregnancy clothes!!! These coming after she loaded me down with some great dresses, a sweater that I've already adopted as a second skin and some great gift cards!!! Everyone is telling me that after the baby is here and I fit into all my regular clothes again I will want to burn all my maternity wear...that might be the case but I'm telling you - I have this one pair of Capri khaki pants with the belly panel that I'm saving for future Thanksgivings - they are so comfortable!! Oh-so-pretty I know...but at this point and going forward, as long as it's comfortable and Chris doesn't make too funny a face at me when I ask him if it looks OK - I'm wearing it!
Friday I started using the Baby Plus monitor ...
other than just sounding like a drum and Chris saying the sound puts him to sleep, I think it might have stirred the baby. Sunday morning I think Teddy was moving around...it was a different sensation than I have ever had and it has occurred a few times since....asking all our friends who have been pregnant what it feels like when the baby first moves - I've had descriptions of it feeling like when you ride a roller coaster, having your stomach stirred with a big spoon and then just a movement sensation...this one was more like...hmmm....waves...it was interesting....
Sunday we went to Umstead - my old running grounds....my goal was to walk the 6 miles I used to run - I thought 'ah - it won't take me too long' - yeah right! I ended up only doing about 2-2 1/2 miles....I tried running and wow! My balance is going...not noticeable when I'm walking but running - I felt like I was so dizzy and running on unstable ground (not to mention having to go to the bathroom as soon as I got out of sight of the car!) I guess from this point forward it's the stationary bike and walking and running will be limited to the treadmill. It felt so great to be outside in the fresh air....
Cravings...my first BIG one - like can't live without type (I might need to buy stock in this product!)...cinnamon buns....I saw a commercial the other night and thought I was going to eat the TV....I swear I could eat them for every meal right now...not sure if it's the cinnamon or the icing - all I know is that they taste good! I'm guessing all the fruit and healthy food that I eat will balance out the sugar - right? Hopefully I'll still like them after the baby's here...right now the thought of Mexican food repulses me...and that was one of my favorites before pregnancy.....
Just found out I have a 'care package' coming from my aunt...more pregnancy clothes!!! These coming after she loaded me down with some great dresses, a sweater that I've already adopted as a second skin and some great gift cards!!! Everyone is telling me that after the baby is here and I fit into all my regular clothes again I will want to burn all my maternity wear...that might be the case but I'm telling you - I have this one pair of Capri khaki pants with the belly panel that I'm saving for future Thanksgivings - they are so comfortable!! Oh-so-pretty I know...but at this point and going forward, as long as it's comfortable and Chris doesn't make too funny a face at me when I ask him if it looks OK - I'm wearing it!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
18 Weeks ~ September 18, 2008
Whew! Traveling used to take a lot out of me and now, being pregnant, traveling this weekend took ALL my energy and I didn't even realize how tired I was until I laid down Monday night to go to bed. I hope by tomorrow morning I might actually be able to get up with out hitting snooze a bunch of times. The Samoset was as beautiful as ever - despite the fog & rain on Sunday for the tournament....
Spending the weekend with my family was great - so many pretty smiling faces! (well almost all were smiling - nice face Rachelle!) It was the first time my parents got to see me "rounded" - Dad thought it was funny!
I got lots of great baby advice, got some great hand-me-down maternity clothes (THANKS DORI!!!!) heard lots of great baby stories - got suggestions for baby names - being we were there honoring Papa - Uncle Chip had to point out that if the baby is boy the PERFECT name would be Albert. Why you might ask? Because of course it's his name but more importanly because it gives the baby the chance to have TWO nick names - Al or Bert. Needless to say I'm not sure if that name will be making the list - sorry Uncle Chip!
All weighed in their opinion on what the baby was going to be...the majority going with girl...with only Uncle Scott saying that it was going to be a boy...we shall see...
It was wonderful to meet Lauren Blair who is also pregnant - we spent the day roaming around Camden with the majority of the time browsing the children's section my favorite bookstore there. Her story is similar to mine and it was nice to talk about everything we've been through - so much is the same but then so much is different. She's about 3 weeks ahead of me (and about 10 lbs behind me!) and again I'm amazed at how everyone's body deals with pregnancy differently. (here's our belly comparision - me in black, Lauren in white)
And it seems that at every Grenert get-to-gether there is a new(er) arrival - with gosh, what are we up to 24 grandkids (10 of us there)- spread out from 33 years to 4 months and then there are already 2 great grand kids...lots of babies! This year Jake was in the stroller - he showed me how much he has already learned...(I'm sure this skill came from his older sisters - mom & dad are so proud!)
That's about it for now...my next appointment is on the 24th...until then~
Spending the weekend with my family was great - so many pretty smiling faces! (well almost all were smiling - nice face Rachelle!) It was the first time my parents got to see me "rounded" - Dad thought it was funny!
I got lots of great baby advice, got some great hand-me-down maternity clothes (THANKS DORI!!!!) heard lots of great baby stories - got suggestions for baby names - being we were there honoring Papa - Uncle Chip had to point out that if the baby is boy the PERFECT name would be Albert. Why you might ask? Because of course it's his name but more importanly because it gives the baby the chance to have TWO nick names - Al or Bert. Needless to say I'm not sure if that name will be making the list - sorry Uncle Chip!
All weighed in their opinion on what the baby was going to be...the majority going with girl...with only Uncle Scott saying that it was going to be a boy...we shall see...
It was wonderful to meet Lauren Blair who is also pregnant - we spent the day roaming around Camden with the majority of the time browsing the children's section my favorite bookstore there. Her story is similar to mine and it was nice to talk about everything we've been through - so much is the same but then so much is different. She's about 3 weeks ahead of me (and about 10 lbs behind me!) and again I'm amazed at how everyone's body deals with pregnancy differently. (here's our belly comparision - me in black, Lauren in white)
And it seems that at every Grenert get-to-gether there is a new(er) arrival - with gosh, what are we up to 24 grandkids (10 of us there)- spread out from 33 years to 4 months and then there are already 2 great grand kids...lots of babies! This year Jake was in the stroller - he showed me how much he has already learned...(I'm sure this skill came from his older sisters - mom & dad are so proud!)
That's about it for now...my next appointment is on the 24th...until then~
Thursday, September 11, 2008
17 weeks ~ September 11th, 2008
So we went to the "every four week" appointment this morning - it took all of about 15 mintues once we were back through the door. My blood pressure is back down to my normal readings which is great - that awful driver I was following to the last appointment must have made my blood boil! My belly is measuring right on track for week 17 which made me feel better about my ever growing midsection. About the only fun thing at today's appointment was hearing Teddy's heartbeat - it is still pumping right along - so cool to hear!!! According to the weekly email I get -
"Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — their lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and they around 5 inches long from head to bottom. They can move their joints, and their sweat glands are starting to develop."
"Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — their lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and they around 5 inches long from head to bottom. They can move their joints, and their sweat glands are starting to develop."
Monday, September 8, 2008
Short run & first tailgate ~ September 8th, 2008
So Chris went with me for a run yesterday - well more like a walk with a few short jogs every so often...my old route for my weekend "short runs" felt like it might as well have been a 1/2 marathon when it was only 4.5 miles! Sore legs and an even more sore bladder - yikes! I have to say it felt good though to be out in the fresh air - humid as it was.
Had a football game this weekend - first tailgate experience for Teddy (we figured if Nana could handle it - Teddy could too!) They opened the game with a jet fly by - needless to say if Teddy isn't hearing anything from the outside world yet - that was the first alarm clock of his/her life! My whole stomach vibrated when they flew over!!! Note to self - bring toilet seat covers and more handiwipes for the next game - port-a-johns are oh so much fun - espeically trying to navigate with the extra pounds that I've accumulated thus far!
Had a football game this weekend - first tailgate experience for Teddy (we figured if Nana could handle it - Teddy could too!) They opened the game with a jet fly by - needless to say if Teddy isn't hearing anything from the outside world yet - that was the first alarm clock of his/her life! My whole stomach vibrated when they flew over!!! Note to self - bring toilet seat covers and more handiwipes for the next game - port-a-johns are oh so much fun - espeically trying to navigate with the extra pounds that I've accumulated thus far!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The end of normal exercise as I know it ~ September 4, 2008
Well, the doctor said I needed to stop doing bike rides at 16 weeks and he was right on! Sunday we went for a quick 8 miler and it was good, couldn't keep up with Chris but that's normal - Monday on the other hand - yikes! My hips have adjusted themselves just enough - and I could feel it on Sunday just not as bad - that I have to sit different on my bike seat which makes it so I don't really have full power in my legs when I peddle. Monday's ride - I was always at least 1/4 to a 1/2 mile behind Chris and after 10 miles - yep - the bike is being retired for a few months.
I have till week 20 to stop Pilate's and modification is the word right now. Instead of roll-ups I do 1/2 roll downs and the best part (yeah Mitzi this is for you!) I don't have to do tree anymore! YEAH!!! Well I still have to do some of it - just not climbing down which was the part I hated anyway! YEAH! Chalk that pregnancy perk right up there with the great parking spots that Chris likes! Yoga will start mid October until then it's Pilate's - just modified.
Other than definitely having a belly that shows now, the only other symptom I'm dealing with is a bad case of Achilles Tendinitis - in both heels. I've never really gotten calf cramps either and those have also popped up here and there at weird times. Newly acquired skill set - I'm re-learning how to bend over and pick up things while I'm seated. With these newly added inches on my waist - reaching for something on the floor in the car the other day I got stuck about half way down - all of a sudden I just couldn't go any further - so confusing! My stomach also fills up a lot quicker now than just last week - I guess everything down that way is being rearranged. Amazing how your body just knows what to do -
I have till week 20 to stop Pilate's and modification is the word right now. Instead of roll-ups I do 1/2 roll downs and the best part (yeah Mitzi this is for you!) I don't have to do tree anymore! YEAH!!! Well I still have to do some of it - just not climbing down which was the part I hated anyway! YEAH! Chalk that pregnancy perk right up there with the great parking spots that Chris likes! Yoga will start mid October until then it's Pilate's - just modified.
Other than definitely having a belly that shows now, the only other symptom I'm dealing with is a bad case of Achilles Tendinitis - in both heels. I've never really gotten calf cramps either and those have also popped up here and there at weird times. Newly acquired skill set - I'm re-learning how to bend over and pick up things while I'm seated. With these newly added inches on my waist - reaching for something on the floor in the car the other day I got stuck about half way down - all of a sudden I just couldn't go any further - so confusing! My stomach also fills up a lot quicker now than just last week - I guess everything down that way is being rearranged. Amazing how your body just knows what to do -
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Can't sit still ~ August 31, 2008
So Thursday night I was so uncomfortable...couldn't sit still, all I wanted to do was read and watch TV - big request obviously! I couldn't sleep - woke up both Friday and Saturday mornings and felt like my belly had grown overnight! Such a strange feeling to not really have any control over what your body is doing...it's kind of on autopilot I guess.
Went shopping with a friend looking for some warmer clothes for my trip to Maine in a few weeks - I know living in stretchy skirts and sun dresses will be ok for down here - for at least a few more weeks - but I know I need some jeans or something warm for Maine and then for the winter...so I bought my first maternity clothes - still a bit big but the jeans will be warm and a few dresses that should last me through the winter. I am actually excited that I get to wear the stretch belly pants for turkey day! Perfect timing on that front - I might just keep those jeans handy for future Thanksgivings :)
Had dinner last night with some friends - the Schillings (missed you Eileen!) - and they gave me a beautiful saint charm to wear...
Saint Gerard - the paton saint of expantant mothers....I'll end this post with a few words from one of his prayers -
...let her remain ever conscious that she is privileged to be the instrument through whom God brings another life into the world. Encourage her for the good of her child and the glory of the Lord of life. Amen.
Went shopping with a friend looking for some warmer clothes for my trip to Maine in a few weeks - I know living in stretchy skirts and sun dresses will be ok for down here - for at least a few more weeks - but I know I need some jeans or something warm for Maine and then for the winter...so I bought my first maternity clothes - still a bit big but the jeans will be warm and a few dresses that should last me through the winter. I am actually excited that I get to wear the stretch belly pants for turkey day! Perfect timing on that front - I might just keep those jeans handy for future Thanksgivings :)
Had dinner last night with some friends - the Schillings (missed you Eileen!) - and they gave me a beautiful saint charm to wear...
Saint Gerard - the paton saint of expantant mothers....I'll end this post with a few words from one of his prayers -
...let her remain ever conscious that she is privileged to be the instrument through whom God brings another life into the world. Encourage her for the good of her child and the glory of the Lord of life. Amen.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Travel Log ~ August 26, 2008
Teddy’s travel log so far…
Boston (twice, three Red Sox games – attending just ONE makes you an automatic fan) and Bald Head Island – ahhhh relaxing…Uncle Josh joined us for a day enjoying the sun and beautiful surf....a nice start to life…..
While at the beach we made our first official baby clothes purchase (nice face Chris!) however Teddy will need to be about 6 months to wear it since 6 months was the smallest size they had.
Next on the adventure schedule…a trip to the Samoset in Maine, a place that hopefully many more family trips will be taken once Teddy’s living on the outside (and known as something other than Teddy!).
Only news to report is that our first trimester screening came back and everything is NORMAL. Never did I think that the word normal would make me so happy. The measurements for the nuchal translucency and blood work (all together now – my new favorite word) were normal. Other than that, I can say I’m feeling a bit more well endowed than normal and I’m already looking forward to getting back to my regular size. Improved symptoms…my trips to the bathroom every ten minutes seemed to have spaced themselves to about 20-30 minutes (sometimes even longer – YEAH!) which is great – it made the ride to and from the beach a bit easier than expected and besides the nice headaches which I’ve been plagued with since about week seven (no migraines thank the lord!) all is good.
Hmmm…what else….my friend Helen just welcomed into the world (by emergency c-section) a baby boy named Ryan – he’s a bit early (was originally scheduled to appear in October!) but from all reports doing well and the things he's going through are (again my favorite word) normal for a baby his age…they are in our prayers!!!!
Ok…so first belly pictures posted – the ones from the side make me look huge - maybe we'll back the camera up just a bit for the next round! So, here’s the before belly (nice and tanned)…and here’s the after…or rather, the current…
Boston (twice, three Red Sox games – attending just ONE makes you an automatic fan) and Bald Head Island – ahhhh relaxing…Uncle Josh joined us for a day enjoying the sun and beautiful surf....a nice start to life…..
While at the beach we made our first official baby clothes purchase (nice face Chris!) however Teddy will need to be about 6 months to wear it since 6 months was the smallest size they had.
Next on the adventure schedule…a trip to the Samoset in Maine, a place that hopefully many more family trips will be taken once Teddy’s living on the outside (and known as something other than Teddy!).
Only news to report is that our first trimester screening came back and everything is NORMAL. Never did I think that the word normal would make me so happy. The measurements for the nuchal translucency and blood work (all together now – my new favorite word) were normal. Other than that, I can say I’m feeling a bit more well endowed than normal and I’m already looking forward to getting back to my regular size. Improved symptoms…my trips to the bathroom every ten minutes seemed to have spaced themselves to about 20-30 minutes (sometimes even longer – YEAH!) which is great – it made the ride to and from the beach a bit easier than expected and besides the nice headaches which I’ve been plagued with since about week seven (no migraines thank the lord!) all is good.
Hmmm…what else….my friend Helen just welcomed into the world (by emergency c-section) a baby boy named Ryan – he’s a bit early (was originally scheduled to appear in October!) but from all reports doing well and the things he's going through are (again my favorite word) normal for a baby his age…they are in our prayers!!!!
Ok…so first belly pictures posted – the ones from the side make me look huge - maybe we'll back the camera up just a bit for the next round! So, here’s the before belly (nice and tanned)…and here’s the after…or rather, the current…
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