Grow Baby Grow!

What a difference 13 weeks makes! The picture on the left is me at 13 weeks, and the picture on the right is me, 13 weeks later at 26 weeks! I didn't realize how big my belly had grown until I put these images side by side! 

27 Weeks!!!!!

May 3rd-May 9th 

How Far Along: 27 weeks!!!  Third trimester!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Size of baby: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended.

My baby this week: He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Sleep: Been sleeping really badly so far. Now that the weather is starting to get hot, I'm getting even more uncomfortable. 

Best Moment of the Week: Attending the Bellies to Babies expo! 

Movement: Love feeling my little man move! Although his movements are supposed to be irregular, it still freaks me out when he has his lazy days and doesn't move as much! 

Food cravings: Still could go for a Passion Tea Lemonade and some spicy salmon sushi!

Gender: BOY!!!!!!

What I Miss: Being able to easily put shoes and socks on. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Shopping for summer maternity clothes!

Milestones: Made it to the final trimester! Baby boy has completed two thirds of his stay in the womb hotel! 

Emotions: Feeling geriatric and frustrated at my inability to do things I used to! Also, realizing that I am outgrowing my maternity shirts is really depressing! 

Symptoms:  Nothing new. Nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, acne, braxton hicks, round ligament pain, pelvic pain, heart burn. 

Sixth Midwife Appointment

May/1/2013

26 weeks, 5 days

So today I went in for another midwife appointment. I was pretty excited to know that I would be coming every two weeks for my appointments, instead of four weeks. The first thing I was asked when I got there, was why I was coming in again so early, considering that my last appointment was only two weeks prior. This really annoyed me, because I was not the one who scheduled the appointment or told me to come in after only two weeks. I just feel like all of the midwives that work in the clinic should be on the same page and that I shouldn't be made to feel stupid for their mistakes. Sigh. So this midwife told me that after 28 weeks, I need to be coming every 2 weeks, but then my next appointment wasn't scheduled until four weeks later! 

After that fiasco, I discussed my concerns about my recent weight gain. Luckily, I did not gain any weight for the first half of my pregnancy, but from weeks 20-27, I gained 10 pounds! 10 pounds may not seem like a lot considering that I am just entering my third trimester, but a ten pound gain in less than two months is a little scary. My midwives assured me that it was normal and that I would be gaining more weight from now on, as the baby is growing so much! Considering that I don't wait to gain a pound a week for the last trimester, I've decided to cut back on my treats and make an effort to be more active. The problem is, with morning sickness and nausea, I try and eat whatever I feel like I can stomach, which is carbs a lot of the time. Also, with asthma and pelvic pain, it's hard to do any activity without being in pain and losing my breath. 

The results from my GTT were discussed, and I was assured that I do not have any problems with my blood work! 

The midwife also took my blood pressure, which was good as usual. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat again, which was 150 BPM. The midwife measured my uterus, which measured at 29 weeks. Considering that the baby is measuring 2-3 weeks bigger at each appointment, I may be sent to have a growth ultrasound so they can better determine his size. I guess I will find out at my next appointment if I will be sent for another ultrasound or not...

Glucose Tolerance Test

April 28th 

26 weeks, 1 day

So I decided to get the dreaded glucose tolerance test (GTT) over with as soon as possible, so I went on a Saturday so that my husband could be with me. 

First of all, I had to get up early-which normally wouldn't be so bad, but ever since getting pregnant, I feel so tired that my whole day is shot. 

Secondly, I had to fast for ten hours prior to the test-I couldn't have water, food, or even gum! Asking a pregnant woman to not eat is torture!!!!! 

When I got to the clinic for my appointment, I realised that I forgot the stupid requisition form so Jamie had to go all the way back home to pick up the form before returning to the clinic. Because of this, I was a half hour late getting started and that meant I had to go even longer without food. 

Since I went on a Saturday morning, the tiny little clinic was packed and it was really stuffy. I asked if I was allowed to go stand outside or walk around and I was told that I had to remain seated for the whole two hour duration of my test! For me, having to sit still for two hours in a crowded, stuffy clinic is really taxing. 

The first part of the actual test involved a blood draw, which tested my sugar levels, as well as my iron and blood cell count ect. After the blood test I had to chug this glucose drink that looked like orange pop and tasted like extra sweet, flat orange pop. I was amazed with myself that I was able to chug that nasty sugar drink in 30 seconds and keep it all down!!!! 

After waiting for an hour, I had to have a second blood draw. And after waiting for another hour, I had to have a third blood draw. Unfortunately for me, I have really crappy veins and I had to have all three blood draws taken from the same little vein in my arm. Eight days later and it's still bruised...

Thankfully, there is this awesome on line service called Myehealth, where you can access the results of lab work. Later that night, my results were posted and I learned that ALL of my blood work came back normal-which means that I do not have gestational diabetes! 

What a relief! I was convinced that I would get it for sure, so I was really happy to learn that I avoided that complication. 

This is my poor arm the day after the test...the picture doesn't even come close to capturing how awful the bruising really is. 

26 Weeks!!!!!

April 26th-May 2nd

How Far Along: 26 weeks! The last week of the second trimester. 

Size of baby: He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

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

Sleep: Sleep is okay. I mean, how good of a sleep can a person have when they're getting up multiple times a night to pee and are tossing and turning until they can finally find a comfortable position?!

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing my husband's face when my baby kicked his hand for the first time!!!! Also, my sister in law feeling him kick and the baby kicking and moving around so much that myself and others can see him moving through my shirt! 

Movement: Yes. Some days the baby is moving non-stop and other days he barely moves at all. Very random. I like the days when he's moving a lot! 

Food cravings: Spicy salmon sushi! FINALLY, after craving it this whole pregnancy, I had a delicious mouth watering piece of salmon sashimi and a couple pieces of a spicy salmon roll. SOOOO GOOD! 

Gender: Boy!!!

What I Miss: Being able to paint my toenails!

What I'm Looking Forward To: Making it to the third trimester! 

Milestones: At 26 weeks, a baby has an 80 percent chance of survival if born. 

Emotions: I think I've been fairly emotionally stable. 

Symptoms: Same old, same old. Nausea, vomiting, acne, heartburn, exhaustion, braxton hicks.

  

25 Weeks!!!!!

April 19th-April 25th

How Far Along: 25 weeks!  Only 1.5 weeks until the third trimester!!!

Size of baby:  Your baby rivals the average rutabaga in weight -- about 1 1/2 pounds. (Length: 13 1/2 inches, head to heel.)

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

Sleep: Sleep has been okay. My Snoogle is a life saver and I definitely would not get enough sleep without it! I still get up at least twice to pee, but that is to be expected. 

Best Moment of the Week:  SEEING my baby kick! So cool seeing my baby kick when I lifted up my shirt. 

Movement: Yes-he moves every day and throughout the day! 

Food cravings: No consistant cravings, although I am eating ice cream perhaps too much...

Gender: BOY!!!!!!

What I Miss: Salmon sushi!!!!!!!!!!!

What I'm Looking Forward To: The third trimester! 

Milestones: The baby growing so much that I can see him moving-both with and without my shirt on! 

Emotions: Feeling frustrated that I still have so long to go. 

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, acne, braxton hicks, heart burn. 

Free Stuff!

25 weeks 1 day

Jamie and I have been lucky and blessed to receive a lot of baby items for free and today we scored big! 

Today we were given an exersaucer, a swing, a musical toy, an infant carseat, a bathtub, a baby seat, a closet organizer with matching hangers, 20 sleepers/onesies, a bib, and a washcloth all for free!!!!!!! 

From another friend, I was given a couple outfits, a picture for the nursery, a playmat, a bouncy seat, a nursing pillow, and a Jumparoo! And...we got a pack and play from someone else! 

Since I have a few duplicates of things, I can pass them on to others who need them as well! 

I have also been really thrifty and have scored awesome deals from Craigslist, Value Village, and a local thrift shop and have been able to purchase a glider with a matching ottoman, a travel system, a bassinet, a dresser, toys, shoes, clothes, and books second hand and in excellent condition! Also, I have bought several new books and clothes on sale or in baby outlet stores. 

Babies are REALLY expensive, especially the first baby because you have to buy everything. Other great ways to save, aside from buying from Craigslist, thrift stores, and second hand shops, is to make things yourself. 

I made some of the decorations for the baby's room myself and I also plan on making my own baby wipes because it is super easy! I also outsourced all of the bedding, curtains, and the diaper bag to my sister in law, who was able to make me exactly what I wanted at an awesome price! 

Also, sharing things with other moms, borrowing, and asking people for any unwanted baby items is a great way to get a lot of stuff. 

24 Weeks!!!!!

April 11th-April 18th

24 Weeks-Eggplant baby! 

How Far Along: 24 weeks!  Only 3 weeks until the third trimester!

Size of baby:  Almost a foot long (length of an ear of corn) and weighs over a pound.

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

Sleep: Laying down is more uncomfortable as the baby gets bigger. Sleep has been pretty rough this week. 

Best Moment of the Week:  Feeling the baby KICK! 

Movement: Yes, I am feeling the baby move every day now and I finally felt my first kick! 

Food cravings:  No particular cravings.

Gender: BOY!!!!!!

What I Miss: Having energy. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: More sunny days and the arrival of summer! 

Milestones: Making it to the age of viability! At 24 weeks, the baby can survive outside the womb with medical assistance. 

Emotions: I've felt a huge sense of relief now that my baby is viable. Other than that, I've been feeling pretty normal. 

Symptoms:  Nausea, vomiting, heart burn, acne, exhaustion. 

Fifth Midwife Appointment!

April/17/2013

24 weeks 5 days 

So today I had my last monthly appointment and now I will have an appointment every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks! 

Today the midwife talked about the 3 hour glucose tolerance test I have to take between now and 28 weeks to test for gestational diabetes. I've been DREADING this test because I have to fast for at least 10 hours and I won't be able to eat until after the test is finished. I just know I will be terribly nauseous and I don't know how I'm going to get that sugary drink down! Also, my big concern is that I will end up with gestational diabetes (GD) and that will come with a lot of appointments and complications. 

My midwife also took my blood pressure, which was good like always and I weighed myself and realised that I have gained five pounds in one month! I guess five pounds isn't bad considering that is the only weight I have gained yet. My uterus is measuring at exactly 26 weeks, witch is 9 days ahead but is apparently normal. We got to hear baby's heart beat and he it was the same as last month-140 BPM! Also, this time I felt him moving quite a lot while the midwife was using the doppler. 

The most exciting news is that I am able to switch hospitals and go to the hospital I really wanted to go to all along! The best thing about this hospital, is that it has a birthing tub so I can choose to have a water birth, which will be great for reducing pain and pressure during labor and delivery! 

23 Weeks!!!!!

April 5th-April 11th

23 Weeks-Ear of corn baby!

How Far Along: 23 weeks! Only 4 weeks until the third trimester!

Size of baby:  He's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango).

My baby this week:   Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that he's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see him squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him 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 him when he hears them outside the womb.

Best Moment of the Week: Feeling him kick me! 

Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty badly lately. I've been getting up anywhere from 2-5 times and tossing and turning all night.

Movement: Yes. I felt my first kick this week and I can feel  him rolling around in there. He seems to move in the mornings and in the evenings-especially once I go to bed. 

Food cravings:  Majorly craving a large passion tea lemonade from Starbucks but I can't have it because it contains hibiscious, which is bad for babies. 

Gender: BOY!!!!!!

What I Miss:  Being able to sleep on my back. Whenever I lay down, I get major pelvic pain, which sucks too. 

What I'm Looking Forward To: Spending a long weekend in Seattle. 

Milestones: Feeling baby boy kick! 

Emotions: Mood wise I've been pretty level this whole pregnancy-even my husband agrees! 

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, pelvic pain, round ligament pain, acne.