33 weeks!
16 Sep 2011 4 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, Me, pregnancy
What’s going on this week:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He’s rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren’t fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don’t entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
My Update:
Due Date: November 4, 2011 – 49 days to go! (Whoa. That’s not a lot of time.)
Weight Gain: +21 lbs from pre-preg weight.
Symptoms: I don’t think it is necessarily a pregnancy symptom, but I’ve been sick this week – some kind of cold or something. I’m finally feeling better -thankfully it was mostly short-lived. But it does seem to explain the sudden increase in snoring that I mentioned last week. One night this week, Scott actually had to go sleep in the guest room to get away. Sorry dude. I think it’s been better the last couple of nights, though!
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing in particular – this has been a boring heading, really. I still like pretty much everything I normally liked.
Sleep: Well, now that I am not quite as congested, a bit better. Monday and Tuesday night were rough, but we’re on the upswing now!
I am loving: How awesome Scott has been through this whole pregnancy. I have not wanted for anything, (I mean, you know, since I just SUFFER through life, usually.) and he’s been very attentive and involved. Caving to my whims and pretty much just pampering me and the baby.
I miss: Alright – I’ll admit it. Red wine. I’d really like some. Totally looking forward to having a guilt-free glass (or 2) once this baby arrives. (And, (see above re: pampering) Scott managed to score a bottle of the amazing red wine that we had at our wedding dinner that we all loved (especially Shane!) and that I managed to spill a glass of on the white tablecloth. We’re going to crack that sucker open post-delivery as a treat. I’ve been anticipating it for months.
Movement: Still really impressive – I feel like he is actually moving more lately! I thought he would start kind of slowing down and chilling out as he got more cramped in there, but he’s stayed really active. He always seems to know when I am reading (since I rest my Kindle on my belly) and he always starts giving good thumps right where it is pressing into his space. This behavior does not bode well for him letting me have some reading down-time after he’s out of the belly.
Nursery progress: OK…we have some progress! The old carpet is all gone, Scott drilled about a kazillion screws into the existing plywood floorboards and there is not one single squeaking spot left in that room. He’s leveled out the unevenness of the plywood, and the next step is laying down the new flooring boards.
Exercise: Eh…being sick kind of trumped exercising this week. Not being able to breathe very well, due to nasal congestion combined with baby pushing on my lungs was just not a combination I wanted to mess with.
Looking forward to: Only one week until the baby shower and all the family visiting! I’ll get to snuggle some babies and have some good visiting time.
Belly Shot:
No face this week, since it's very tired looking, and also read and splotchy from so much nose-blowing.
Check-up Check-In
13 Sep 2011 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, Home Improvements, Me, pregnancy
I had my 32 week appt today and all was well. It was a very uneventful visit, so that’s good – everything looked fine and my BP was a little high again, but since I seem to show a pattern of one visit high, the next visit normal, they aren’t concerned. I don’t have any swelling or headaches, and no protein in my urine, so no other signs that there is any problem. I got praised for my excellent weight gain, and told that I am very healthy! I love passing tests. Sandra, the midwife, was able to feel that the baby was still head down, and she was able to pick up a butt, a head and an arm during her poking around. And while she was checking his heart rate, he gave a couple of good kicks that made the doppler unit bounce, and she was able to tell that when he kicked his heart rate went up, which is exactly what you want to happen. It indicates he’s got good oxygen flow. I go back in 2 weeks for the next visit…
Other than that, not a lot to report on, so this is just a quick update post.
(Although I did manage to get the new baseboards and the clothing rod for the closet painted this weekend (outside, with very good ventilation), and Scott tore off all the old baseboards and pulled up the tack strip, so now he just needs to secure the existing plywood boards down tighter to eliminate the squeaking, and we’re on to new floor installation!)
32w4d
We have lost our minds.
11 Sep 2011 1 Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, Home Improvements, pregnancy
So, with only 8 weeks to go, you would think that we were about ready to clear out the last of the miscellaneous stuff from the baby’s room, and start putting together the crib and folding clothes, and hanging pictures on the wall, etc. However, on Scott’s birthday yesterday, clearly dementia began to set in for both of us, and instead, this is what we decided to do:
We thought it was a great time to put in a new floor! And really, it needed to be done – the floorboards underneath the existing (gross) carpet were really squeaky, and it was bothering both of us. And since the whole room is getting a decoration overhaul, it makes sense to go ahead and replace the floor and the baseboards and give it a complete fresh start all at the same time. Thankfully this is not Scott’s first flooring replacement rodeo, so at least we know what we are in for.
We are sticking with the laminate flooring that we have used throughout the downstairs, since it it easy to install, and doesn’t dent or scratch. Easy to clean, too! Which will be handy in a little boy’s room, when you consider the likely “pee” (or other bodily fluid ) events that are going to happen, and later on, the throwing and dropping of toys, etc. We chose a relatively neutral color so that it will (hopefully) blend with any future wall and furniture colors. For the time being though, we’ll just put down an area rug that coordinates with the room colors, for a nice soft spot to play or hang out.
We’ll Scott’ll have this flooring project done in no time, and together we’ll have all the details completed by the time everyone is in town for the shower on the 25th, so you can rest assured that you will get to see a cute, finished nursery if you will be here in person. But, if not, don’t worry, I’ll make sure to post lots of pictures!
And just a quick snippet to say Happy Birthday to the best husband ever. This will likely be our most eventful year so far, but I am sure it will also be our best. I’m so happy to be bringing this baby into the world with you. I love you!
32w2d
32 weeks!
09 Sep 2011 3 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, pregnancy
What’s going on this week:
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You’re gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she’ll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
My Update:
Due Date: November 4, 2011 – 56 days to go!
Weight Gain: +20 lbs from pre-preg weight.
Symptoms: Excessive snoring – is that a pregnancy symptom? Sorry Scott, I know that one affects both of us! And aching hips after I’ve been sitting for a while, and a touch of sciatica again.
Cravings/Aversions: I just want food. It all sounds fine – whatever you’ve got. I’ll eat it.
Sleep: Meh- this week was a little hit or miss. The above-mentioned snoring has been an issue – poor Scott’s bearing the brunt of this one, unfortunately. But getting comfortable is getting more and more challenging, and changing positions is an effort. When I am asleep, I’m sleeping hard, though, so I guess that’s good.
I am loving: That the cleaning company is starting today- this makes me so happy!
I miss: Sleeping on my stomach – still. Again last night, there was nothing I wanted more than to flip onto my stomach and just sprawl out!
Movement: Good…on Wednesday it was a really quiet day – not a lot of action, but he made up for it on Thursday with non-stop action for most of the afternoon and evening, it seemed like. He is very fond of my right side, and of jutting (what I am guessing is) his butt out just to the right of my bellybutton. It’s funny to see how the shape of my stomach shifts and stretches.
Nursery progress: Mostly we just organized and moved some stuff around in order to make it easier for the cleaning people to access the space. I think we’ll gt the dresser this week, and hopefully a small bookshelf, too.
Exercise: just walking this week…I have Stevie Nicks contractions (as Scott called them) pretty regularly now as we walk – they come and go, come and go – and the best way I have been able to describe it, is that it feels like a bowling ball inside my stomach and it’s being pressed forward towards my bellybutton. Lots of tightness and pressure and weight, but no real pain. Then it just subsides and I’m good for a while. I can keep walking through them, but sometimes we’ve stopped for me to sit to take a break.
Looking forward to: Baby shower #2, and all the family visiting!! Only about 2 weeks left. Guess we’d better get on that nursery progress since that’s what everyone wants to see!
Belly Shot:
Representin' for the Saints vs. Packers game last night. I think they knew my shirt was being stretched to the max, and they lost.
Houston Shower Recap (FYI…this will be very detailed becase that’s how my mom likes it.)
04 Sep 2011 7 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, baby shower, Family Fun, Gearing Up!, pregnancy
A roaring success! Thanks to Aunt Frances and Aunt Marilyn for hosting and for Karen and Kim for helping out. (Well, and for Douglas and Jim and Scott for also chipping in, against their will, and assembling sandwiches and whatnot.) We had a great time, and I will always be glad for the reminder of how many good people there are in the world. In this instance, good people that have never met me before (although most knew, or had at least met, Scott before), but still came and wanted to shower us with gifts for this baby – they were just happy to be there and to ooh and ahh over all the baby stuff.
Now, seeing as I had never met ANYONE at this shower, except for the above mentioned family members that helped out with it, I will now wow everyone with all of the names that I can remember of the guests as they appear in the pictures. Bonus points for remembering how everyone is related to one another. (If I mix anyone up, I’m sorry, I did my best! I’ll be sure to get it right on your thank-you note.)
The theme of the shower was monkeys, and the ladies didn’t disappoint in the execution. (Lisa, I told them all you would be jealous!) There was an all-chocolate monkey cupcake-cake..it was very tasty! (oh look…guess I should have cropped out the tips of Scott’s feet from the bottom of the picture – oh well…keeping it real.)
And lots of monkey table decor to coordinate:
The punch in that bowl was called 'almond tea' and it was amazing!
We started off on the right foot with all the introductions….here is Marilyn giving me the run-down.
From left to right: Marilyn, (me-hidden behind her), Delaine, Carol, Jeanine, Geneva and Lucille (I think). Lucille is Jeanine’s Mom.
From left to right: After Lucille, Peggy Wise (she’s a cousin), Doris, Gina (?) and Yevette (mostly hidden – daughter of the lady sitting next to her, I think it’s Gina?)), and the back of Betty (Geneva’s Mom), and just the very edge of Peggy (daughter in law of Gina.)
After all the introductions were complete, we got down to the important stuff! Presents – and lots of good ones! By this time, my picture-taker had removed himself to the kitchen with his Dad and Uncle, so there is only 1 picture taken near the end of the presents, but that’s OK, because I can just tell you what we got!
Lots of stuff off the Babies R Us registry, which was so nice, plus some extra bonus items thrown in for fun! Lots of clothes, of course, and quite a few that were monkey-themed, to match the shower decor. 🙂 2 very soft and cuddly blankets, several crib sheets, the “womb-sound” teddy bear for the crib, sun-shades for the car windows, a tummy time playmat (with music!), a reclining bathtub, digital ear thermometer, and the Red Cross healthcare kit, several bibs, the breathable crib bumper, baby spoons, some diapers and wipes and my (much anticipated) stroller! And there were several cards with money and giftcards included, (even some from people who couldn’t make it it to the shower, but still wanted to give something!) Seriously, we were feeling the love.
Opening/fighting with the stroller in the background:
This picture also includes Karen (white shirt) and Frances (black headband), who are both leaning over to help me wrangle the stroller. Also, there’s Kim standing up behind the couch. She’s Douglas and Frances’ daughter. We wore the same dress, but hers was black and white striped, and might I say, definitely more flattering on her than mine was on me. Maybe horizontal stripes weren’t such a good idea.
Posing with one of the table-decoration monkeys.
The food was excellent, and plenty of it…chicken salad sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches, chips, olives (black and green!), fruit salad, cupcakes, a cheese-ball with crackers, punch, and some seriously delicious deviled eggs.
More monkeys!
The loot!
All in all, it was a great shower….thanks again to the ladies that put it all together for us. We are so appreciative of the thoughtfulness, and are so glad that this baby will be welcomed into a family that is so excited to meet him and be a part of his life.
31w2d
31 weeks!
02 Sep 2011 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, Me, pregnancy
What’s going on this week:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He’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.
My Update:
Due Date: November 4, 2011 – 63 days to go!
Weight Gain: +19 lbs from pre-preg weight.
Symptoms: Can’t think of any for this week!
Cravings/Aversions: Nothing. Please feed me.
Sleep: Still good, amazingly enough. Some nights I am aware of every time I have to adjust and change position, but other nights I sleep like rock, so it all balances out.
I am loving: All the smiles I get in public…people are finally starting to ask me about when I’m due, what I’m having, etc. Everyone seems to love a pregnant belly!
I miss: Not much.
Movement: The movement has changed recently…much more fluid and smooth movements…I can very often feel the curve of a butt or a back pressing out against the front of my stomach, and sometimes something harder and more defined, like a knee or a foot. And then just as soon as I can feel it, he shifts and the landscape changes again.
Nursery progress: No change this week. The next steps are: clear out the last remaining things of Scott’s out of the room, then paint touch ups to the walls, and then, once that is done, crib assembly, and dresser assembly (once we buy it, that is) and all the rest of the set up and organizing and arranging.
Exercise: I went for a swim this week….the pool was totally empty for the whole hour I was there, and it was wonderful! I swam laps, and it was nice because I felt like I got my heart-rate up, and got to really work out all my muscles with some cardio, but it wasn’t jarring at all, so it was the best of both worlds. I’m definitely planning on doing that some more. And since it seems like we will have an endless summer, I don’t have to worry about the weather changing and ruining my plans. Scott and I have also walked several more times this week, as well. Those walks usually last for and hour or so, and they wear us out!
Looking forward to: My first ever baby shower tomorrow! It’s so crazy to think about…I’ve been to my fair share of baby showers in my life, and it’s a bit hard to think that this one is for Scott and I , and OUR baby.
Belly Shot:
30 weeks! It’s a milestone!
26 Aug 2011 3 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, Me, pregnancy
What’s going on this week:
Your baby’s about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it’s not very keen; even after she’s born, she’ll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she’ll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
My Update:
Due Date: November 4, 2011 – 70 days to go! (in other words, exactly 10 weeks…wonder if he’ll come sooner or later?)
Weight Gain: +16 lbs from pre-preg weight.
Symptoms: I can pretty much pee on command. Even if I just went. I can go again. And I think I had my first Braxton Hicks contraction! Scott and I were out walking one evening and my whole belly got very tight and then after about 15-20 seconds it started to relax again. That’s the only one I think I’ve had so far….at least that I’ve noticed.
Cravings/Aversions: Still crushed ice. And the other night, just as we were laying down to sleep I wanted orange juice really bad. I didn’t get up and get it though, because drinking OJ right before laying down sounds like a recipe for heartburn if you ask me, and I’ve managed to avoid that uncomfortable symptom completely, so far – no need to tempt fate.
Sleep: OK….I notice that on Thursday nights, after we’ve gone to our childbirth class, and talked and discussed a lot of baby-related things for a couple of hours, (both in the class and then Scott and I by ourselves at dinner afterwards) my mind is buzzing, and I fall asleep fine, but tend to wake up after a couple of hours and have trouble turning my brain off. Thankfully we’ve only got one more childbirth class left, and so I expect that after that, my normal sleep habits will resume.
I am loving: Working from home has been great so far. Especially since we’ve been having record breaking heat day in and day out….not having to go out in it every single day has been so nice. I’m feeling very lucky!
I miss: Being able to take a full breath without really concentrating on it. This baby is definitely getting bigger and sometimes he is positioned in such a way that I can barely catchy my breath if I am sitting or all all scrunched up. It’s a really strange sensation.
Movement: Still good! Lots of kicks, and I *think* he’s still head down, considering where I feel the hardest and most frequent kicks (off to my far right side).
Nursery progress: No change this week.
Exercise: We branched out and went for a bike ride this week instead of walking. As Scott said about 3/4 of the way through, “Try to enjoy this ride, because it’s your last one.” I think he was feeling pretty nervous about my bike riding abilities while pregnant and was envisioning a bad crash and towards the end of the ride was fully convinced it was a bad idea to begin with. I don’t have that great of a track record with bike riding, but it was a pretty easy ride and I did fine. The worst part was kind of being hunched over on the bike…the belly doesn’t smush like it used to, so that was kind of uncomfortable. All in all, I’m not upset to not get back on the bike until after this kiddo is born. We’ll stick with walking , or the stationary recumbent bike that’s in the air conditioning.
Looking forward to: Still the Houston baby shower! And on this Sunday I’m having a girls day out that should be a blast!
Belly Shot:
Happenings
25 Aug 2011 Comments Off on Happenings
in Uncategorized Tags: Domestic Bliss, Home Improvements, Me
So, not a lot has been going on baby-wise this week, and I noticed the other day that I had some pictures on my phone that I thought might be worth sharing, at the same time I caught everyone up on the weekend recap.
This past weekend Scott and I got to spend a lot of quality time together. We started off on Friday night by deciding to go out to eat and then to a movie. But there wasn’t really much showing at the theater that we were interested in seeing, except ‘The Help,’ which I had planned on just going to see by myself one day since I considered it a chick-flick and didn’t think Scott would be interested. I loved the book so much, that I was really anticipating the movie coming out, but nervous that it wouldn’t live up. But… I had heard from friends that the movie was well done and a good representation of the book so I was hopeful! Anyhow, lacking anything else that sparked our interest, we just decided to go out to eat and then come back home and watch a movie here, so we went ahead and got ready to go. But when I came downstairs, there were 2 tickets to ‘The Help’ printed out and ready to go! Yay! So we had a fine time out to dinner, wandering around Barnes and Noble to kill some time, and then heading to the movie. MMMMmmm..Coke and Reese’s Pieces.
(Side note: The movie was very good. I was quite happy with it, and even Scott liked it a lot. Of course, there was a lot of stuff left out, and the characters can’t be quite as developed as they were in the book, which is understandable. There’s only so much info you can fit into a 2.5 hour movie. But overall, they did a great job with it. I even dreamed about those characters that night – and they were all knocking around in my head for day or two after, as well. Kind of like getting to see, and visit with, old friends, but then having to say goodbye again. They stick with you for a while!)
And then on Saturday, we had planned to drive out to this gas station in Circleville (which is seriously a map-dot town about 20-30 minutes away from Georgetown) for lunch – Scott had a recommendation for fantastic hamburgers at a gas station there, from one of his co-workers, so we decided to be brave and check it out. I really wish I would have snapped a picture or two of this place, but there was no need to draw anymore attention to ourselves. I’m pretty sure they all knew we were ‘not from around those parts.’ It literally was an old, run-down gas station, kind of combined with an antique junk store, and it seriously looked like a perfect movie set for a scene where some hapless folks from out-of-town are driving through, and stop in for directions, never to be seen again. Obviously we made it out fine, and the burgers were quite good, but the place…well, I wish you all could have been there.
After lunch we drove around Taylor, Texas and Granger, Texas just for the heck of it. Mostly checking out the old, abandoned downtown areas and all the really cool old industrial buildings that Scott would love to get his hands on. And we stopped at this one really old historic home that was for sale in Granger and peeked in the windows and walked all around it, until we noticed some indicators that maybe someone actually still lived in it, so we got back in the car and took off before we got busted for being peeping toms.
Some shaved ice for me, and coffee for Scott, on the way home, and we were happy. I can’t really remember what happened on Sunday, so it must not have been too exciting, so we’ll just skip over it.
On to the random pictures!
So, Mom and I found this picture when I was in FL, and I loved it so much that I took a picture of it just so I could have it. It’s of me and Lisa and I really would love to know why I’m looking at her so suspiciously. She says she was probably pinching me under the towel. Also, be amazed, because Mom still has that towel in her possession.
Here is the finished china cabinet project! Which really wasn’t a ‘project’ at all – it was just me unpacking all the china and putting it in the cabinet, but it took a while…so…project! It turned out that every single piece fit just fine and looks quite nice, if I do say so myself. It is a full 12 place settings, with more plates for each setting than I really know what to do with, a coffee pot with sugar and creamer vessels, gravy boat with its own saucer, serving platters and a covered vegetable dish and an uncovered….other vegetable dish?
If anyone has a guess to why there are 14 coffee cups, but only 11 saucers, let me know.
I’m glad it’s done…hopefully the dishes will see some use, finally, during the upcoming holidays.
And just because the cats don’t get enough airtime here, a gratuitous picture of Bodhi in one of his latest favorite sleeping spots.
29w6d
29 weeks!
19 Aug 2011 9 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, pregnancy
What’s going on this week:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you’ll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby’s hardening skeleton each day.
My Update:
Due Date: November 4, 2011 – 77 days to go! (I’ve started going in for midwife appointments every two weeks now!)
Weight Gain: +15 lbs from pre-preg weight. No change this week.
Symptoms: Nothing particularly new here.
Cravings/Aversions: Still crushed ice.
Sleep: Pretty good the last 4-5 nights. Scott and I have been going for walks still in the evenings, and I think that is making is even easier for me to fall asleep and stay asleep really well.
I am loving: My belly. I really do love it.
I miss: Not feeling winded after going up the stairs.
Movement: Still really good! Lots of belly-shaking kicks. I like it especially when someone else gets to see them..it’s fun to share. 🙂
Nursery progress: I spackled the nail holes! Hurray!
Exercise: Still walking most nights…although I skipped yoga this week.
Looking forward to: The baby shower in Houston on the 3rd.
Belly Shot:
Thanks to Lisa for the hand-me-down dress. This was the first time I wore it and got 2 compliments!
Straight A Student
18 Aug 2011 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: 3rd trimester, Me, pregnancy
Well, to cut right to the chase, I aced both my glucose tolerance test and the BP re-check.
The glucose tolerance results came back perfect – my glucose was 81 (and they want it to be under 140), I’m not anemic, and my hemoglobin was behaving just right, as well. Yay! Cookies and desserts for everyone! Well, everyone that took a glucose test and passed it, that is. 🙂
And despite being worried about it for most of the day, my BP was 118/63 when I went in for my quick re-check. Heather, my midwife, was very pleased, and said to keep doing what I’ve been doing. So, whew.
And, that’s about all the updates I’ve got for you today.
So, here, have a picture of my belly, in all its glory.
28w6d
