4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
14 weeks
15 weeks
16 weeks
18 weeks
20 weeksSaturday, March 31, 2007
Look how far we've come!
Thought it would be fun to post some pics early on to now of my growing belly!
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
14 weeks
15 weeks
16 weeks
18 weeks
20 weeks
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
14 weeks15 weeks16 weeks18 weeks20 weeks
20 weeks-1/2 way there!
20 weeks today....20 more to go! Still no major complaints, just the usual minor ones. It's becoming harder to do things like shave my legs, put on socks/shoes (thankfully with summer I won't need to do that anymore...socks/shoes that is), etc. But, I am very thankful that I feel overall very good! Here are my belly pics!
20 weeks
Here's what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)
A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)
Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
How your life's changing: You've made it to the halfway mark —Congratulations! The top of your uterus is at the level of your belly button now, and you've likely gained about 10 pounds. Expect to gain an average of about another pound each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron for your developing baby and the placenta, and to keep up with your expanding blood volume. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils and other legumes, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals.
If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one. Whether you're a first-timer or a pro, you can benefit from a structured class that helps prepare you for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, all-day session. Ask your doctor or midwife for a recommendation. At 37 weeks, you'll be considered full-term, so plan to be done with classes by then."
Also, I think I'll start including the picture they have of what the baby looks like now:
I think I have gained right around 10 pounds (forgot to ask the last visit but according to my scale, that's about right) and really my appetite isn't that different, besides having to eat more often. We will sign up for child birth classes soon, also, through the hospital we will deliver at, Centerpoint. We're excited because it is a new hospital and it is right down the street!
Haven't done anymore to the baby room. Still deciding on bedding but will probably start painting in April to get that done. The crib should arrive by then, too, so we can start to assemble the furniture. Once we decide on a name, I think we'll put his name on the wall (everyone does it, but it's too cute!) so that should be fun.
I think I have felt our little man move around a few times but I'm not sure. The first couple of times were during the 16th and 17th weeks and then I thought I did last night. I guess when he really starts moving I'll know for sure if that is what I've been feeling. Should be soon that he will move around more often and hopefully Eric will get to feel him, too!
Hope all are doing well!
20 weeks
Here's what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)
A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)
Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).
How your life's changing: You've made it to the halfway mark —Congratulations! The top of your uterus is at the level of your belly button now, and you've likely gained about 10 pounds. Expect to gain an average of about another pound each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron for your developing baby and the placenta, and to keep up with your expanding blood volume. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils and other legumes, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals.
If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one. Whether you're a first-timer or a pro, you can benefit from a structured class that helps prepare you for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, all-day session. Ask your doctor or midwife for a recommendation. At 37 weeks, you'll be considered full-term, so plan to be done with classes by then."
Also, I think I'll start including the picture they have of what the baby looks like now:
I think I have gained right around 10 pounds (forgot to ask the last visit but according to my scale, that's about right) and really my appetite isn't that different, besides having to eat more often. We will sign up for child birth classes soon, also, through the hospital we will deliver at, Centerpoint. We're excited because it is a new hospital and it is right down the street!Haven't done anymore to the baby room. Still deciding on bedding but will probably start painting in April to get that done. The crib should arrive by then, too, so we can start to assemble the furniture. Once we decide on a name, I think we'll put his name on the wall (everyone does it, but it's too cute!) so that should be fun.
I think I have felt our little man move around a few times but I'm not sure. The first couple of times were during the 16th and 17th weeks and then I thought I did last night. I guess when he really starts moving I'll know for sure if that is what I've been feeling. Should be soon that he will move around more often and hopefully Eric will get to feel him, too!
Hope all are doing well!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
19 weeks today!
Hello all....today is 19 weeks! Don't really feel like much has changed since 18 weeks, besides continuing to grow and the stupid hip pain when I sleep. The "snoogle" is helping and I love sleeping with it, but is hasn't gone away. My friends tell me it probably won't and I can look forward to even more aches and pains as I progress....joy! All for our little boy, though, which will be all worth it!
We bought our crib and dresser today at Nebraska Furniture Mart. We decided to get the convertible crib and found one we liked for a good price:
Here is the matching dresser/changing combo:
We were able to get the dresser today but the crib is on order. Now we need to find bedding to help us make a final decision on the paint color, move furniture out, paint, and organize! Here are a few bedding options we are considering.....
This one is cute for the colors and it is a sun, moon, stars theme:
This one for the colors for sure:
Eric and I saw this and other similar bedding at 3 stores today and Eric really liked it. I'm not a huge theme person but the jungle theme is really cute and has great colors:
So, what do you think???
Here is what babycenter has to say about 19 weeks:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the length of a small zucchini. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing six million eggs in her ovaries. They'll dwindle to fewer than two million by the time she's born.
How your life's changing: You're just a week shy of the halfway mark. You may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen (perhaps extending to your groin) or even a quick, sharp, stabbing pain on one or both sides, especially when you change position or at the end of an active day. This is round ligament pain, and it's caused by the stretching of the muscles and ligaments that support your growing uterus. It's nothing to be alarmed about, but if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes persistent and severe, call your practitioner.
You may also have noticed some skin changes lately. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from increased estrogen. Patches of darkened skin are also common during pregnancy. When they show up around your upper lip, upper cheeks and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may see these splotches on your arms or other areas that have been exposed to the sun. Your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva may also darken during pregnancy. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." All of this darkening is due to a temporary increase in melanin, the substance that colors your hair, skin, and eyes. For most women, these darkened spots will fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders."
I don't have the "dark line" or the "mask of pregnancy". I have occasional pain, which could be the round ligament pain...who knows. I did buy 3 more maternity pants. I shouldn't have to buy any more pants (have 5 now), probably just a couple pair of capris, couple shorts, and a few summer shirts. I'll wait to buy those, though, until I actually need them and it is warm enough. I will wear Emily's dress tops for work...thanks again, Em!
Well, next week will be half way through...amazing! I DEFINETELY must eat every 2-3 hours or the rest of my day is blown to nothing. I accidentally didn't eat for 4 hours on Friday and even though I ate the rest of the day about every 1-2 hours, my energy level was shot and I was just drained. So, I always have a granola bar and a piece of fruit with me, at my office, and in my car!!
I've been telling my kids on my case load at work this month and they are funny how they react to the news. They just smile and say something like "oh..." but aren't quite sure what else to say....teenagers.... :)
Thanks for reading and I'll post pics of the nursery as we start to put it together....
We bought our crib and dresser today at Nebraska Furniture Mart. We decided to get the convertible crib and found one we liked for a good price:
Here is the matching dresser/changing combo:
I like this one for the colors and that it is neutral without a theme:
This one is cute for the colors and it is a sun, moon, stars theme:This one for the colors for sure:
Eric and I saw this and other similar bedding at 3 stores today and Eric really liked it. I'm not a huge theme person but the jungle theme is really cute and has great colors:
So, what do you think???
Here is what babycenter has to say about 19 weeks:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the length of a small zucchini. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing six million eggs in her ovaries. They'll dwindle to fewer than two million by the time she's born.
How your life's changing: You're just a week shy of the halfway mark. You may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen (perhaps extending to your groin) or even a quick, sharp, stabbing pain on one or both sides, especially when you change position or at the end of an active day. This is round ligament pain, and it's caused by the stretching of the muscles and ligaments that support your growing uterus. It's nothing to be alarmed about, but if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes persistent and severe, call your practitioner.
You may also have noticed some skin changes lately. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from increased estrogen. Patches of darkened skin are also common during pregnancy. When they show up around your upper lip, upper cheeks and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may see these splotches on your arms or other areas that have been exposed to the sun. Your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva may also darken during pregnancy. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." All of this darkening is due to a temporary increase in melanin, the substance that colors your hair, skin, and eyes. For most women, these darkened spots will fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders."
I don't have the "dark line" or the "mask of pregnancy". I have occasional pain, which could be the round ligament pain...who knows. I did buy 3 more maternity pants. I shouldn't have to buy any more pants (have 5 now), probably just a couple pair of capris, couple shorts, and a few summer shirts. I'll wait to buy those, though, until I actually need them and it is warm enough. I will wear Emily's dress tops for work...thanks again, Em!
Well, next week will be half way through...amazing! I DEFINETELY must eat every 2-3 hours or the rest of my day is blown to nothing. I accidentally didn't eat for 4 hours on Friday and even though I ate the rest of the day about every 1-2 hours, my energy level was shot and I was just drained. So, I always have a granola bar and a piece of fruit with me, at my office, and in my car!!
I've been telling my kids on my case load at work this month and they are funny how they react to the news. They just smile and say something like "oh..." but aren't quite sure what else to say....teenagers.... :)
Thanks for reading and I'll post pics of the nursery as we start to put it together....
Saturday, March 17, 2007
18 week belly pic
I almost forgot to add my belly pic!! I will probably post one every 2 weeks from now on so you don't get sick of seeing my belly ;) Here ya go!
18 weeks
18 weeksP.S. Happy St. Patty's Day!!
Our little man is 18 weeks and counting!!
With the new due date of August 18th, today is 18 weeks! Not much to share since Thursday as all is still wonderful!! I bought a maternity pillow called a "snoogle" that is curved in the shape of a "C" and helps with back and hip pain. I used it for the first time last night and liked it. Makes me feel supported. I still had some hip pain, but it helps and maybe it will get better after using it each night.
Today Eric & I went to Babies R Us and looked at cribs. We want an espresso or cherry finish crib and of course, our favorite are ones are the more expensive ones. We are still deciding between a convertible bed or just a crib. Any advice either way, mommies?? The debate is whether to buy a crib that turns into a toddler bed and then a full bed that grows with the baby but a new crib would have to be bought for future babies OR buy just a crib and keep it for subsequent babies and buy toddler and full beds for each child as they grow?? The convertible cribs are more expensive and you have to buy the rails additionally, so the price difference between a regular crib and convertible crib ends up being a couple hundred bucks at least. My debate is whether a bed would last through entire life of a child (still in style, whether the child likes it or not, etc.) BUT, in the long run if it did, spending an extra couple hundred dollars is definitely cheaper than buying a toddler bed and then a full bed for each child. As usual, decisions are difficult....What do you think??
"Non" convertible crib (minus the bedding, of course ;)
Convertible crib
We also picked out a few paint colors and looked at crib bedding. It's all too cute and will be hard to decide! We still like the idea of using tan for the wall color and using blue and green for the bedding and other decor. Fit for a boy, but also for a girl (for the future, that is :)
Oh, we have a "new to us" car now. My dad is selling us his 2001 Nissan Pathfinder for the price that I can sell my Honda Civic. We really like the Pathfinder and it will give us the much needed room for future stroller and other packing. We will be sending out an email to everyone with the details of the Civic if anyone is interested in purchasing it, or knows someone who is. It's a great car and has had no problems for the 6 years I've owned it (and bought brand new!). Here's a picture:
Here's what babycenter says about 18 weeks (change the "she's" to "he's", of course ;):
How your baby's growing: Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a large sweet potato) and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
How your life's changing: Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline increase. Look for specially designed maternity clothes that can accommodate your expanding belly.
You may have heard that it's best to lie on your left side during your last two trimesters. Here's why: When you lie on your back, your uterus can compress your pelvic veins — in particular, the inferior vena cava, the vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body back to your heart. Lying on your left side helps remove this pressure. Try placing a pillow behind you, or under your hip or leg for comfort.
Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during your second trimester your blood pressure is probably lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.
If you haven't already, you'll probably have an ultrasound done sometime this trimester (usually between 16 and 20 weeks). This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking her thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!"
Have a great weekend!!
Today Eric & I went to Babies R Us and looked at cribs. We want an espresso or cherry finish crib and of course, our favorite are ones are the more expensive ones. We are still deciding between a convertible bed or just a crib. Any advice either way, mommies?? The debate is whether to buy a crib that turns into a toddler bed and then a full bed that grows with the baby but a new crib would have to be bought for future babies OR buy just a crib and keep it for subsequent babies and buy toddler and full beds for each child as they grow?? The convertible cribs are more expensive and you have to buy the rails additionally, so the price difference between a regular crib and convertible crib ends up being a couple hundred bucks at least. My debate is whether a bed would last through entire life of a child (still in style, whether the child likes it or not, etc.) BUT, in the long run if it did, spending an extra couple hundred dollars is definitely cheaper than buying a toddler bed and then a full bed for each child. As usual, decisions are difficult....What do you think??
"Non" convertible crib (minus the bedding, of course ;)
Convertible crib
Oh, we have a "new to us" car now. My dad is selling us his 2001 Nissan Pathfinder for the price that I can sell my Honda Civic. We really like the Pathfinder and it will give us the much needed room for future stroller and other packing. We will be sending out an email to everyone with the details of the Civic if anyone is interested in purchasing it, or knows someone who is. It's a great car and has had no problems for the 6 years I've owned it (and bought brand new!). Here's a picture:
Here's what babycenter says about 18 weeks (change the "she's" to "he's", of course ;):
How your baby's growing: Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a large sweet potato) and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.
How your life's changing: Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline increase. Look for specially designed maternity clothes that can accommodate your expanding belly.
You may have heard that it's best to lie on your left side during your last two trimesters. Here's why: When you lie on your back, your uterus can compress your pelvic veins — in particular, the inferior vena cava, the vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body back to your heart. Lying on your left side helps remove this pressure. Try placing a pillow behind you, or under your hip or leg for comfort.
Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during your second trimester your blood pressure is probably lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.
If you haven't already, you'll probably have an ultrasound done sometime this trimester (usually between 16 and 20 weeks). This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking her thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!"
Have a great weekend!!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...beautiful boy!! (as sang by John Lennon)
Our beautiful boy wanted us to know right away and this was the first picture the sonogram tech took!!! I'll let the pictures speak for itself.....Houston, we have a penis (hehe)!!
His little weewee and buttocks
Here are two videos Eric took during the sonogram. You can hear the sonogram tech describe each part of the video:
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos
Obviously, we are VERY happy and besides finding out we have a little boy, he is very healthy and even measured larger than the due date! The sonogram tech estimated 18 weeks and 3 days but the doc decided to be conservative and change the due date just by 2 days making the new due date August 18, 2007. I am doing well, too, and have no issues to report. Woohoo!! We feel very blessed and are so excited to start the nursery and chosing names. We are thinking of painting a neutral wall color (light brown??) and using blues and greens for the accent colors. I had a feeling we had a little guy but of course, didn't know until now!! Mother's intuition! This will be the first boy for my side of the family (besides my cousin Andrew, that is), but Eric's side is accustomed to boys. Plus, ALL of my friends have girls, so our little one will throw in a little diversity into the mix :) He'll certainly have LOTS of girlfriends to choose from!!
We've been on cloud nine all day and while all we hoped for was a clean bill of health, we couldn't be more excited about soon welcoming a little boy to our family....
His little weewee and buttocks
Here are two videos Eric took during the sonogram. You can hear the sonogram tech describe each part of the video:Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos
Obviously, we are VERY happy and besides finding out we have a little boy, he is very healthy and even measured larger than the due date! The sonogram tech estimated 18 weeks and 3 days but the doc decided to be conservative and change the due date just by 2 days making the new due date August 18, 2007. I am doing well, too, and have no issues to report. Woohoo!! We feel very blessed and are so excited to start the nursery and chosing names. We are thinking of painting a neutral wall color (light brown??) and using blues and greens for the accent colors. I had a feeling we had a little guy but of course, didn't know until now!! Mother's intuition! This will be the first boy for my side of the family (besides my cousin Andrew, that is), but Eric's side is accustomed to boys. Plus, ALL of my friends have girls, so our little one will throw in a little diversity into the mix :) He'll certainly have LOTS of girlfriends to choose from!!
We've been on cloud nine all day and while all we hoped for was a clean bill of health, we couldn't be more excited about soon welcoming a little boy to our family....
Sunday, March 11, 2007
17 weeks (on Monday :)!!!
I realized I will be working late Monday night and thought I would just post the info for 17 weeks from babycenter and post more on Thursday after the sonogram. Enjoy and have a good Monday!!
"How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and he's around 5 inches long — about the size of a large onion. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.
How your life's changing: With more weight up high and out in front of your body, you may feel a bit off-balance as you walk around. Store away your high heels and wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble.You're likely to feel protective of your tummy, and that's good. Trauma to your abdomen could be harmful to your baby and dangerous to you, so be sure to buckle up when you're driving. Keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly and very snug across your hips for maximum protection."
"How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and he's around 5 inches long — about the size of a large onion. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.
How your life's changing: With more weight up high and out in front of your body, you may feel a bit off-balance as you walk around. Store away your high heels and wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble.You're likely to feel protective of your tummy, and that's good. Trauma to your abdomen could be harmful to your baby and dangerous to you, so be sure to buckle up when you're driving. Keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly and very snug across your hips for maximum protection."
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