12 Days To Go...

...If he decides to stay on board awhile longer! Could be any day or could be another 3 weeks!

Breastfeeding class was fine. I don't think I learned anything though. But that's what happens when you spend basically the last nearly 2 years reading up on these things. My latest delve is "Saying No To Vaccines" by Dr. Sherry Tenpenny. Wow! What a resource. It is pretty clinical, but I am still half way through. Very interesting stuff and info I feel everyone should know, not just parents facing the decision of whether to vaccinate their children, and if so, how much, which ones and when. Everyone should read this book.

But back to this week's haps. We also had our 38 week appointment yesterday, before our 2nd birth class. It was actually a bit of a CF if you ask us. It's kind of a long story. We had a very unnecessary "scare". Basically the Midwife thought his heartbeat was pretty low a couple times with the doppler. He was moving around while she was trying to find it, so much so that my stomach was rolling before our eyes. Nonetheless, she thought we should use the fetal monitor for a 30 minute non-stress-test to get a better picture. I was a little freaked and felt like she was not directly telling us what might be happening. I appreciate her trying to keep things light and not cause undue stress, but in that type of situation, you just want straight forwardness.

So we go upstairs and hook me up to the monitor. She sets it on my right side and we can hear a very regular heartbeat. At this point she is feeling better, but is watching for certain peaks or raises to confirm a certain level of response from him. He gave us some peaks but apparently they weren't as tall as she would like to see. Then she steps from the room to go downstairs. (Turns out she's calling the Nurse on-call for her opinion.) As soon as she steps away the heartbeat disappears-he's moved to the other side. So Jack gets up and gets a closer look at the monitor and the read out to this point. He notes to me that the pattern to right before we lost him entirely is not random at all, and looks very much like something is not hooked up right.

Upon returning to the room, we promptly tell her what's happened. While she is preparing to and moving the monitor to the other side she is telling us that she and the Nurse feel I should go across to the hospital for 2 hours of monitoring! So as I am fighting tears, Jack is praying and she is resetting the monitor. Boom, there's our Baby Boy! Loud and strong and regular with beautiful peaks and an abundance of movement! The Midwife states that everything is beautiful and that she really thinks he was just resting or sleeping....

We have a different theory: We think she plain jumped the gun. We think her doppler exam was hap hazard as he was moving all over. And then we think the monitor was not set up right or in the right place for the first part of the test. We stayed on for another 30 minutes after the change and he was perfect.

They of course withdrew the recommendation of hospital monitoring. But did ask me to come back tomorrow (Friday) for another test with them. Our theory on this is that they are just looking to save face. I mean, sure, they were concerned and felt they had reason to be. But if there was a real threat we either would have been sent to the hospital, or at the very least they would have wanted me back today, not Friday.

Jack was pretty bent about the whole thing. We in no way are questioning our care. At all. We feel the same situation could easily happen in a more medicalized environment and that the outcome would likely have been more invasive, even possibly to a major fault. We appreciate the Midwife's concern and the Nurse's safe is better than sorry approach. But we don't entirely agree with the diluted information and skirting of questions that occurred in the process. I will very likely be talking to them about it after we have the Baby. I think it is something she has already learned from, as she actually apologized to us three times. But I do want to make sure she gets some feedback on that. If I was a Midwife or any caregiver, I would want to know how the people felt so I could do better next time.

I am not one tiny bit nervous about tomorrow. I am just irritated that I have to drive back down there tomorrow! This will be the third time this week. And I feel it is not needed. However, if I refuse it, they may require it anyway. And this is because Colorado is very much in control of the Center and they must abide by the State regulations over them or be shut down. So I totally get it.

So that's what happened. And after all that, we did make our class, but I was a little blah-ed out over the whole fiasco. Oh well, it's over!

I love this Baby Boy so much. I can't wait til he is old enough for me to tell him these stories! This post could get really long, if I add in about some recent videos we've watched and other tid bits. So I'll just stop here and maybe save that for the 39 week entry!

Thanks for reading. I sure do love you all. XOXOX

38 weeks right around the bend....

I will add a picture to this post this week! I'll have Jack take one before class since I will be presentable! I just wanted to post in and say how entirely excited we are. We are finally sooo close! I can't believe how much work we have ahead of us. Mainly the labor...the parenting, sure, but whoa...the labor!

I am finally at the point where I can non-prematurely start looking for signs of the approaching extravaganza. Particularly, maybe some Show. My practice "contractions" (I will call them rushes) have started to increase just a little. But certainly nothing too exciting.

Mostly, I am spending my time walking in the morning, making lists and checking them off, resting in the afternoon, taking care of the house, necessary massages, and stretching in the evening. The path to the Birth Center is becoming more well worn. We have gone down a couple different routes and they are pretty close to the same in time.

I've got a stack begun on my dresser of things to take with us, and just a thing or two left to pick up. One more shopping trip as far as household/food items is in order. Got over 20 freezer meals prepared, now just need some bulk side items and Jack's lunch staples. This way, he'll only have to pick up fresh items when shopping for us in the early weeks before I will take Baby out!

I think we are as ready as we are going to be. Jack does want to finish this particular job he is on, which should be Tuesday of this week. Then he will be basically working from home the next 4 weeks. We are feeling so blessed by this. I mean seriously, what a wonderful thing!

Yep, BRING ON THE BABY! It's time to meet this snuggly pooper face to face!

35.5 Weeks...and...39 Years!

Here I am almost a week ago in my kitchen for Jack's 39th BDay party! Tuesday we will be 37 weeks....full term...here...we...go....! Oh, I added a couple more...Mommy and Daddy-Still in love after almost 10 years. Look how skinny Jack is. He is trying to make me look LARGE AND IN CHARGE!

35 Week Appt/Newborn Class

Today marks just 30 days to go before my estimated due date! The midwife said 80% of first time Babies come around 10 days after the EDD. But I still wonder if ours will come closer to Oct 5th due to me knowing when we conceived more definitely than others going by their last period? I will ask that question this week at 36 week appt.

So last Thursday we had our 35 wk appt which went just groovy. I am measuring right, have gained 25 lbs (hope to not gain more as I am catching up to Jack) :-( His heartbeat was 140ish. And the midwife showed Jack how to find the head, body and hiney, so therefore the feet and knees too! I already knew where he was, but it was neat to see Jack learn that. And he did get to squish down hard and feel the head. Yes, Baby is still head down. The chance of him flipping breach now is slim to none, what a relief! I didn't mind this midwife (we have met all but 1 now) but Jack said she was too jumpy and made him nervous. I hope she is not the one on call when we go in! I don't need the MW making my birthing partner nervous! So far there are 3 out of 6 that i am hoping for. Hopefully when we meet the last one she can make that 4 out of 6.

After the appt we had our newborn care class which was fantastic. Jack listened quite intently. I learned one or two small things. But the information was just good, and flowed well. It was funny to hear the teacher (who is a biologist) mention how we came from primates and about the moro reflex we all developed as a defense mechanism for when we might fall out of a tree millions of years ago. Haha. I laughed. But that's a biologist/scientific mind for you.

One interesting thing about the class, was the other couples. When going around the room to introduce and chat, all the women except one (and myself) expressed their fear and anxiety of "losing their life as it is now" and "not being able to pick up and run, spend time alone with their husbands, losing sleep, those types of things. All legitimate, of course. But I found it surprising. There was only one other couple that actually seemed like they planned their Baby and really wanted it! The other dynamic I noticed, was the men were more interested in learning than the women. As far as, many men had specific questions, mentioned they had already done some reading, things like that. It was really cute. But strange to me. But it is just a different society now I spose.

I feel deeply that I am going to be a natural. Although I did and still do lots of reading and research on various things, and I don't regret the time I have spent or the confusion I have brought on myself at times, I don't know that I needed much of it. I can visualize myself caring for this little baby very clearly and easily. I am almost ecstatically looking forward to the "Baby Moon" we have decided to have. I have known from before I was pregnant that I wanted a period of just us three when he is born, but I did not know there was a name for it or how highly recommended it is. I have since read about its importance and the teacher spoke heavily on the subject as well. I will post separately on our Baby Moon plan!

This week, Tuesday, we have breastfeeding class! This one I am going to try and devour. I am thankful that the 6 hours after he is born I will have the midwife there to assist me with the number one goal (besides our health of course) of establishing breast feeding. And if after I get home we encounter trouble, I can call for help and I will have it. Friends have said go into breast feeding with an open mind because often times "it doesn't work" and is "a pain in the ass" and "does not come natural". They say be ready to just do what you need to do and offer a bottle and even formula. I say not me. I am going to breast feed this Baby. That's the end of it.

Friday, we have our 36 week appt/class. It is a 2 hour appt where we do the usual check up, but then go over all of the getting ready to labor and birth a Baby stuff! This class for me begins to mark the final weeks. Starting the natural birth classes the following Wednesday seals the deal.

I cannot say how excited I am for this life change blessing. I praise God every day for His awesome loving kindness and willingness to bestow on us this treasure. And I am so very happy for you all to be a part of the joy. I love you! Thanks for reading?

My Baby Shower!

So I was so blessed to have a beautiful Baby Shower given for me! What a wonderful memory. So many dear friends and my Mom and Sisters there too! What more? The Shower was just gorgeous, and we were given so many gifts for the Baby. We have everything we need for his arrival. Thank you again, to everyone.. We love you so...

33 Weeks! Only 7 Until His Debut!

http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-33.aspx

Grandma Was Here!!

One word...WOW! No, three...Wow, THANKS MOM!!

My Mom did a little shopping. She "got good prices" and had and "needed to get it out of her system"...We'll see! Baby Boy has plenty of clothes now and lots of other little things he will need.

I am a blessed Girl, and this Baby is so blessed too. Thanks Gramma! We love you!

29.5 weeks picture

I had Linda take some of Jack and me together, but she has not gotten them to me yet...Will post those ASAP.

29 Weeks Yesterday!

And counting down the 11 or so weeks until we finally meet this Baby Boy! He is awake as I type this and says "Hey 'dere" in his scruffy voice to all who might be reading! So far, he kinda sounds like Black Betty, if any of you remember her voice. :)

So I was very relieved and excited to pass both my thyroid check and my glucose tolerance last week at my 28 week visit with the midwives! Nancy says I'm measuring right on and of course we heard his strong heartbeat pounding away. She also was pretty sure he had moved from his before breech position (from 20wks) to head down! She said of course he might certainly move but that once she confirms him head down at 32 weeks that babies rarely move after that.

His movements have changed as his space gets more limited. Not as many kicks and punches more knees elbows rolls and twists! I always talk and sing to him when he is awake. Often if I push back he seems to respond.

I am sometimes able to hear his heart thru the stethoscope Mom sent out to me. And Jack can sometimes find it just with his ear listening. We have a lot of fun trying, and enjoy watching my belly bounce all over the place.

I will miss being pregnant, but I am starting to know the discomforts of the 3rd trimester as baby grows. I wake every 2-3 hours and cannot fall back to sleep. I already have to prop pillows under my belly and wedge my self between the cat and said pillow. It is interesting every night! I have taken to napping on the couch when possible which is more comfy! :)

The nursery is pretty much as ready as it is going to get. I have pictures still to have Jack hang, and I was going to have him build onto my changing table/dresser as I have no where to set the changing stuff like the wipes and that. I have looked online to find a rolling cart of sorts but can't decide.

I did botch the whole bedding set and put it on Craigs. We decided not to use a bumper at all, as we figured we would worry more about SIDS or smothering. So why keep the other stuff? I hope I can make some money back on it! So far no bites though. :)

The replacement glider back arrives tomorrow!! I am so excited to put that thing together! It will complete the nursery as it was the last piece of furniture to arrange and try out. As I told Tami, that Baby and I are gonna work that thing over!

11 weeks still seems a ways off to me, but I know it isn't. Jack gets more excited everyday as he is imagining "all the things they will do together." I do hope our little guy shares some interests with Jack. But as I explained to him, I believe that it is how the parent relates to the child and conveys the hobby that makes them either like or dislike a certain thing. If the child has good experiences in the garage with Dad and can be hands on and not get in trouble he will likely enjoy it. Same with any other task or hobby. It comes down to the experience and not getting bored just watching! Jack will have to work on that, as will I. We have talked about how our first role in parenting is "teacher" and how we teach will define the relationship and the child. We'll get this done. God has a wonderful plan for us and for this little boy.

I am still keeping my hopes up to try for another when he is about a year old. Jack is sure that one is good, but he has agreed to humor me for awhile. We will see what God has to say about it. It's His decision just as this Baby was and is His. I would just like for him to have a sibling to play with. I would actually hope for a boy at that point. Rather than a Girl for us to balance it out or have one of each, I think it is more likely to be better for them to be the same gender. But again, it's God's plan that will determine. :)

Is anyone reading this? Hahaha...

Well, we missed our slot in the 8/11 Natural Birthing Class and now cannot start until 9/15! Our last class falls ON OUR DUE DATE! I told the Girls at the Center "well, I guess I will get my 4th class the old fashioned and hands on way if I am in labor!" They whole heartedly agreed. :) We are taking our Breastfeeding and Newborn Care classes before we take our birth class! I am really excited about all of the classes. They are also working with me trying to combine appointments with my trips down to help a bit. It takes us almost an hour to get there in traffic.

I do hope when my labor gets to where it's time to go down, that it is very early morning like 4 or 5 as traffic will be light but we may also have had a wink or two of sleep to that point. Hey, a girl can dream! I already pray for the labor and birth everyday. I will be curious to see what God has up his fleece sleeve for me, and for Jack. Judging by this Baby's strong and pretty constant movements since week 16, I feel like he is a real trooper and will work with me through the process. He seems very tough and purposeful to me.

It's going to be a great experience!

Are you still there?

Love you all!! :)

26 1/2 Weeks! Officially in the 3rd Trimester!

What a difference 1 month makes!

22 Week Picture!

Tami really thought it was time for another belly shot although it has been just 2 weeks! So here it is. I don't think I look any bigger? The maternity pants are AWESOME! I love these things. And of course I do have some shirts, but I am just wearing a regular one today. :)

20 Week and 1 Day FUN FILLED Appointment!

Ok! I've come back to add text to this beautiful picture post! Our 20 week appointment went FANTASTICALLY on Thursday. It's hard to explain how much fun it was to watch our Baby moving around and looking so much like, well, a Baby! Turns out I will be unable to format the DVD into an emailable or postable format, so I will get to office depot this week to get some blanks, burn, and send. I watch the DVD everyday at least once! I do wish we could have captured Jack's look of surprise when the tech paused the movement to highlight and tell us "It's a boy!" He looked shocked, and said "Seriously?" So she said "Yep, seriously!" As she typed the words onto the screen next to the proof! It was funny! He really thought he knew it was a girl.

As far as the rest of what they look at, everything does appear to be present and where it should be. We had a lot of fun with the tech, and then saw Dr. D after for just the run down that all is well. I have only gained 5-7 pounds so far, which is great since I am already at the heavy end for my height to begin with. The time with the doc was pretty rushed as usual. She is very nice, but, I am looking forward to checking some other options this month and next to find a better fit for my personality.

So now that we know, I have packed the girl clothes I had accumulated into a storage bag for later. I would like to wash his clothes and put them in his drawers, but will wait for the new washer so nothing gets ripped. We are going to keep his room the slate blue that it is, and keep the safari bedding, as it all goes great for a boy!

I can't believe we are over halfway through the pregnancy. I know everyone says "oh, the last couple months is terrible, you just want the baby OUT!" but I am really trying to focus on enjoying each week, because I know it will be over in a blink, and he will be here! The first trimester was rough, but overall I really enjoy being pregnant, and I think it agrees with me.

Hope we can do it again in the future!

Thanks, God! You are so cool. :)

19 weeks and 5 days...Whoa Nellie!

Wow! I don't know what's bigger, my belly or my shnoz! But please at least enjoy the beautiful background scenery. Is that a boy in there or a girl? We'll know tomorrow!

18 Weeks and 4 Days...My First Mother's Day!

You can see that Linda took this picture, as she labeled my belly "Grandbaby" for me so it would not just look like I love beer and krispy kremes...(my words). :)

I love this floor cleaner!

So I am taking a break from cleaning the hard floors with this Hoover upright automatic whiz that Mariela passed on. No, it doesn't do corners, but neither did my Clorox mop. I like this thing. You can see the dirty water which makes me feel like I've actually accomplished something in mopping.

Not too many updates...garage sale is not happening this summer after all, via our neighborhood, so we will have to load up all this stuff and bring it to Jack and Linda's for their hood' sale the 14th. I will be glad to get this stuff out of my front room, and this way will be a month sooner than it would have been, so that is good news to me! Maybe we'll make a few bucks, but mainly we just want the stuff out of here.

It will be different not going to Missouri this summer as I have every year since moving back. Tami is coming in June and might even stay 2 weeks! I hope she can, as we always feel like it's over before it began with the usual 7 or 8 day visit. She wants to shop for Baby a bit too, which will be fun! And by then we will know gender so that will help. yikes!

It is getting closer to that big day. I will be 18 weeks tomorrow, and then just 2 weeks left until the ultrasound. I went through all my medical bills today and FINALLY some of it actually went toward my maternity deductible! Yay! Only 278.00 so far, with 2200.00 to go. But chipping away at it feels like the burden will be less in the Fall when it all rolls out...and the fat lady sings!!

I just finished my second childbirthing book and am almost done with the Baby 101 book. The childbirthing books were amazing (thanks, Lis) and I gleaned maybe a few tids from the Babycare, but not a whole lot. I know most of this is going to be hands on, but I felt it was the responsible thing to do! I will likely just ask for help if I have a question.

I have been waking up really early, and I wonder if God is prepping me for my all nighters/early mornings. I did find that in my first trimester, when I was super exhausted most the day, that by evening I felt like crying. It is weird what fatigue does to you. Megan says she will come up a couple times a week or so for as long as I need. I read about post partum depression and all that stuff. Of course I don't anticipate having it, but I am not a "it'll never happen to me" type person and I would rather plan for back up relief and not need it then feel isolated when the time comes. there would not be much to do with the baby for her, as I will be breast feeding, and that is fine. But I have read that getting a meal on the table, shopping, and even getting a shower can be a challenge with exhaustion. It will be fun to have someone go shopping with me? And I LOVE HER COOKING so am eager for her to maybe make me dinner a time or two!! :) I also know that our Mother's generation would likely read this and say "I did it all with no problem." And I very well might! But again, I am just thankful to have a dear friend waiting in the wings just in case. Mariela also has offered (and practically demanded) that I call in for her support as well. I am a very lucky girl! And Megan if you're reading this, I have not mentioned to you yet, that in the chance that Jack is passing out during my labor, I may call you in to take his place as doula, Hahaha! (This should all be quite interesting!) I am really so very excited. I am!

Been listening to a lot of Carpenters today, and enjoying that. Got some really old filing done as well. Guess it's back to the floors! Thanks for reading???

15 week 4 day appt was Monday!

I asked Jack to join me again for this last appointment on Monday...I knew we would be listening for the heartbeat, and I was feeling a little nervous. I have decided that this pregnancy will probably just be a little like that until I hold this Baby myself. I don't actively worry about it, but on appointment mornings the thoughts cross my mind still. With that said:

The visit went great! Dr. D'Ambrosia literally just put some gel on my low belly, set the doppler down in one spot and the resounding thud filled the room! She says a good range is 110-160 and Baby was beating 140. Jack was so surprised at the volume of the heartbeat that his mouth dropped open and his eyes popped. He said "Wow!" and I said "yes, that's what's going on in there!"

Next visit is 5/20. As we all know, we will be getting gender then. I asked Dr. D what else we will be looking for. She said we'll be looking at all the organs and everything in between for proper development and placement. She said the machine would be on Baby for a good half hour. I don't like this at all. I was tempted to ask Jack if we could skip it. I don't have a bad feeling about it, but I will be praying that God places His hand over Baby's ears to block any noise and that He protects from any negative effects or experience.

Oh, and I have maintained my weight since the last visit as well, and was only up a pound or two at that point. This is very surprising to me, as my bras are too tight and my jeans are uncomfortable in the belly. At this rate I could be in my jeans with a bella band for awhile longer but...we'll see what happens...

Apparently Baby is going to double in size in the next 3 weeks, so it is normal that I am having lots of pulling and twinges as my uterus stresses against my round ligaments. I have really been tuning in trying to see if I can feel Baby yet, but with all the twinges it is hard to tell. I am pretty sure I have not felt her/him yet.... My low back and sciatica have been really acting up the last week or so. I have been doing yoga, which sometimes seems to help and other times seems to make my abs sore. Kacey and I also walked 45 minutes yesterday, which was not as pleasant as usual, but if I tuck my butt in and keep my back from swaying out it feels better! I've been staying pretty well out of the office chair too, and that helps alot. Not complaining, just sharing symptoms. :)

I got an email from Mountain Midwifery yesterday confirming that my health insurance is accepted there! I will post more about that another day.

Is anyone even reading this? :)

Week 15: "Our little hairy baby"

Fetal development in pregnancy week 15: fetus in fourth month Your nearly four-inch long gymnast is happily mobile inside your womb and if you're really lucky, you’ll notice a point when your sneezing, coughing or laughing results in a little kick here or a poke there. Still, many women don't feel anything until the 17th week or later. Although the poking and kicking isn't very charming during sleeping hours, it’s a good sign as it means your baby is actually reacting to outside events. Yay! You’ve got yourself one active healthy baby! Their little elbows and knees are bending more freely this week and their little legs are finally growing longer than their arms and getting pumped up for prenatal Richard Simmons. Many of their major organ systems are increasing in capacity—particularly that amazing tiny heart and complex circulation system, which is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood per day, and will increase to a very impressive 200 quarts per day by the end of the pregnancy. As far as hair goes, we’ve got some new scalp patterns beginning to develop on the head, although actual head hair is not yet present.

And how's mom doing? Have your cheeks been rosier lately? (No, no, no-- we’re asking about your face.) Are you feeling especially radiant? This famed “glow” is brought to you courtesy of the pregnancy fairy who has waved her magical “rosy tinge wand” over you. Seriously though, your body is experiencing an increase in be aware that increased blood flow might cause your blood vessels to expand, resulting in a series of not-so-magical nosebleeds blood flow and you probably do have flushed skin and cheeks. Just be aware that increased blood flow might cause your blood vessels to expand, resulting in a series of not-so-magical nosebleeds for some women, which although perfectly normal, are a bit gory if you’ve got a day job. If you find the nosebleeds especially irritable, consider purchasing a humidifier to ward off future nose bleeds. Also, do your best to avoid irritants, such as aerosols, smoke, and dust.. Even though the placenta is regulating your babe’s hormones, you are still producing additional estrogen, which often causes swelling of the mucosa membranes, leaving you with a stuffy nose—potentially throughout the duration of the pregnancy. These are just a few of the charming physical experiences you can chalk up to the pregnancy fairy!

14 Week Baby "Bump"

Well, I received an email reminder today from What To Expect telling me that at 14 weeks it is time to record my first baby belly picture. I am not real excited about it, as I just feel blown out and pigged up at this point! ...So yikes...here it is...

Week 14...Shake it Baby!!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 14: fetus in fourth month Isn’t it glorious? You and your little buckaroo have roped your way right into trimester numero dos! Are you ready to rock!? Okay, okay… maybe just a little rolling and poking. Needless to say, your baby will definitely be making themselves known in the upcoming weeks. At about 3.5 inches long, their little body and limber limbs are coordinated enough for loads of complicated motions. In fact, their whole body is moving right now! You're not feeling it because their current size is still a bit too small to make an impact you'd recognize. Still, their movements are recognizable on an ultrasound. Speaking of which, you shoud be scheduling one with your health care provider! Week 16 is the classic date as you can usually determine whether your little one is going to pee standing up or sitting down. Your baby is also starting to develop the ability to move their eyes this week, although the eyelids still remain fused shut. What's more, they can make all sorts of fun facial expressions as they practice squinting, frowning, and grimacing. Cute development of the week: their little hands can grasp at things and they may already be sucking their thumb!

And how's mom doing? What’s in the forecast for your second trimester? We’ve got a heavy concentration of developing fetal movement, which will increase in magnitude in frequency through the duration of the second trimester before subsiding in the third trimester as womb-space becomes limited. If you think you’ve got the second trimester is typically experienced as the most exciting and enjoyable of the three— the morning sickness is gone, you definitely feel and look pregnant, but you’re not yet an overstuffed-lumbering-mammoth gas or some kind of odd bowel obstruction right now, it might actually just be your little one poking you hello! You’ll become more familiar with the sensation as the frequency and intensity increase (and you’ll never quite forget this special feeling!.

On to the less exciting news. In your second trimester, you will most likely experience some if not all of the following symptoms to varying degrees: dizziness, headache and back pain. Just like morning sickness during the first trimester, your chances of experiencing a given set of symptoms increases if you’ve already had them in a previous pregnancy. Unfortunately, if you’re starting to experience back pain, it will most likely increase as you gain more weight towards the end of the trimester. Although unavoidable during your waking hours, you don’t have to suffer so much during the night—there are some wonderful products out there such as the full body pregnancy pillow, which will help you make it through the night without too much undue suffering. Water retention is another fairly classic albeit annoying pregnancy symptom which typically leads to swollen fingers, toes, ankles and/or legs. These are all perfectly normal (and fairly bearable) symptoms that should not be a source of unnecessary stress. Despite these annoyances, the second trimester is typically experienced as the most exciting and enjoyable of the three— the morning sickness is gone, you definitely feel and look pregnant, but you’re not yet an overstuffed-lumbering-mammoth. Go team go!

Oops! I have one more week in the 1st!

I was thinking 3 x 12 weeks but that would make for a 36 week old baby! Oops! One more week to go in the 1st. I have not been nauseous consistently in a few weeks, and that has been great! I am also not getting as exhausted as early in the day. I am getting some things done around the house and working in the Baby's room. Jack is getting the paint for the dressers and will hopefully paint pretty soon, as I am anxious to have the room more set up. I got a pack of baby size hangers and am going to rehang some of those cutie outfits and sleepers my Mom has already delivered! We got the Queen bed out and the twin bed in, and there is so much more room in there now! (exciting)

Weather is getting beautiful. Time to fix the sprinklers at the little trees and start watering. Time to also continue getting ready for the June yard sale...need to get some more stuff outta here before we smother! I've been watching some of those specials on hoarders and it is hitting too close to home, me thinks! So far, the front dining room is partially filled, but there is alot to bring up from the basement, etc.

Here's the latest official Baby update:

Fetal development in pregnancy week 13: fetus in third month This is your final week in the first trimester and your little weed continues to grow and grow and grow. Of the three trimesters, this one has been the most important for your little one’s development. Assuming you’ve carefully adopted a healthy diet, continue to exercise and get ample rest, your little one is set up perfectly for even more growth and development in tri-two! Way to go! He or she now weighs about 2.5 ounces and is roughly 3.5 inches in length. Little hairs, known as lanugo, will start to cover their body this week, as their sense of taste and smell are further refined. Their cozy little amniotic sac is also increasing in size and mass as it continues to fill with more fluid.

And how's mom doing? Congratulations on a successful first trimester! A lot has happened (and there’s a lot more to come). You should be proud of your hard work and sacrifice. Giving up lattes, soda, and wine is not easy. Even if you snuck in a few of these goodies over the past 13 weeks, don’t dwell on it—there’s a lot The good news is some fashion designers are realizing that being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t look sharp, sexy, sporty, or whatever your particular style might be to look forward to! Besides, now is the perfect time to rededicate yourself if you have had a few lapses. Remember, every day and decision is an opportunity to improve your eating and exercise habits—your baby and your body will thank you in the long run.

If you’re the planning type, you can celebrate the beginning of your next trimester by purchasing some choice maternity clothing to fit your elegantly evolving new shape. The good news is some fashion designers are realizing that being pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t look sharp, sexy, sporty, or whatever your particular style might be. Cruise the online stores for a preview of the range of fashion out there for pregnant women—even if the local shops are still stuck in the nineties, you can always hit up some chi-chi online store based out of NYC! If you’d rather wait a few more weeks (until you really start to show) before making any purchases, then get ready to dig out your sweat pants, over-sized t-shirts, and any other comfy loose fitting clothes you’ve got at your disposal. At the very least, just unbutton that top button on those pants that still “almost fit”. Come on, you’re pregnant! This is definitely not the time to suffer for fashion.

Week 12! Last week of 1st Trimester Begins!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 12: fetus in third month Even though your little Einstein’s body is still growing quite rapidly 2 inches long right now, the overall super-speedy growth of their amazing brain continues to leave the head proportionately larger than the body— and is actually slightly more than one third of their total body mass! The head and neck are still straightening at this point as can be seen by their little chin lifting off of the chest. Your baby is also actively rehearsing “breathing” by using amniotic fluid to prepare the lungs for future air respiration.

The big news: your little pooper is now officially going to need diapers! Although a majority of the waste produced is transferred to the mother’s system for discharge (to avoid having it linger in the amniotic sac), some urine is released to the amniotic fluid and your baby will actually breathe it in before it passing it on to your for discharge. Not to worry, urine--in this particular form, is completely harmless to your baby.

And how's mom doing? Logically, as your baby is growing bigger, so must your uterus. By now, your once-flat and relatively small uterus is stretched to the size of a softball (12-14 cm), but that’s nothing: by the time you deliver it will have grown to 15 – 17 inches (37 – 42 cm). Your uterus is slowly increasing at a Your uterus is slowly increasing at a rate of approximately one centimeter per week rate of approximately one centimeter per week. If you've got a burning sensation that extends from your breastbone to your throat, you've got heart burn or acid indigestion. To lessen this unpleasant experience: eat smaller meals and avoid fried, spicy, and fatty foods. Otherwise, there's always TUMS, but check with your healthcare provider first

As your pregnancy becomes more physically visible, you’ll have to adjust to people asking you when you’re due and giving lots of unsolicited advice from women who’ve “been there.” Additionally, this is probably the right time to share your pregnancy news (if you haven’t already) with close family and friends and anyone you want to have involved in your pregnancy. Allowing your friends and family to have role in your pregnancy encourages participation and support for the future—when you’re really going to need it

Easter is around the corner!

I am always looking forward to Easter, my favorite celebration of the year. This year, will be much different than last, and next will be even better! It will be such a welcome change or addition to include the egg hunts and basket making into this most special day. I am already looking at sites to get ideas on forming family traditions for both everyday and also holidays. I think this is one of the things I anticipate most about being a Mom; making traditions. And finding unique ways to incorporate the secular aspects into the real reasons to celebrate and recognize is going to be so much fun! I already have some specific ideas for both Santa and the Easter Bunny. :)

We are less than a week now away from the 12 week appointment. We did cancel the ultrasound, but we will listen for the heart on doppler which will provide me the same amount of assurance. There will not be much else to do at that visit.

It's been snowing all day here, and is to continue through the night. I imagine it will be the last of the snow fall, and that Spring is already waiting around the bend. I am very ready for it. I like to open the windows during the day, and sit on the deck at night with my arm around the strawberry blond back of my Kacey. It will be welcomed with open arms and parades of flip flopped smiles.

Another post to come next Friday!

Week 11! Just one week and we're outta the first!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 11: fetus in third month Maybe you’ve noticed… your baby is a super-duper grower! Your lil' fetus will be gaining a substantial amount of weight this week and has already achieved fruit-size-status comparable to a plum. What's more, your little scientist is already starting to explore their body, focusing most intently on touching their head, and especially their face and mouth. Their mouth in particular will provide them with hours of entertainment. This happens not only because your baby is gaining coordination, and is therefore able to move a hand on command, but also because their palms have gained sensation and can actually “feel” what it touches.They're also developing their swallow reflex this week. And lastly, your baby's smelling and other olfactory senses will begin developing this week, which when combined with the maturing taste buds, will provide your baby with their first experiences of taste and smell.

And how's mom doing? If you’re still enduring the joys of morning sickness, it should finally be subsiding to the point of non-existence by the end of this week. The growing placenta combined with your little one’s developing pituitary gland have given you a break on hormone production, so now your can focus on Think about it, if it’s not good for you, then it won’t do any good for your developing baby. If you’re finding that you’re still hungry after dinner, don’t simply default to having extra ice cream for dessert the fact you’re about to enter the second trimester of pregnancy, which can be most aptly characterized by lots of growth for both you and your little uterus-tenant.

At this point you should be making a conscious effort to gradually increase your consumption of healthy, vitamin-rich food, but remember: THIS DOES NOT MEAN LIFE IS NOW AN OPEN BUFFET. Think about it, if it’s not good for you, then it won’t do any good for your developing baby. If you’re finding that you’re still hungry after dinner, don’t simply default to having extra ice cream for dessert. Have a second helping of vegetables and fish, or whole grain bread with jam. Good nutrition is absolutely vital for your baby's brain and body development.

Additionally, make sure you’re taking “me-time” to center yourself and focus on your body’s interactions with your baby: listen to relaxing or inspiring music, read good books, think happy thoughts, you know, all the mentally stimulating stuff that puts you in a good mood and makes your pregnancy feel like a positive experience. In other words, watching international news isn't recommended. The better you treat your body and emotions now, the healthier and happier your child will be once “they’re on the outside.”

Week 10....

Fetal development in pregnancy week 10:fetus in third month Your astonishingly tiny baby has been hard at work growing as fast as possible—almost doubling in size in the past three weeks! Amazingly, you’re in for a repeat size doubling performance within the next three weeks! Your tiny champion still weighs less than a quarter of an ounce but has already completed the most critical stage of their development. Using Doppler technology, your doctor or gynecologist can let you hear their tiny rapid fetal heartbeats this week (145-165 beats per minute!). Chances for miscarriage are greatly reduced when the heartbeat can be detected, so take a sigh of relief if you’ve been needing one—it hasn’t been an easy ten weeks! What’s more, they’re getting ready to make their first baby poop! Your little one’s major organ systems are developing, including a functioning digestive tract capable of moving food all the way through their bowels. The final shiny gold star on their fetal behavior chart for the week: your little scrapper has already developed defense mechanisms to protect them on reflex!

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And how's mom doing? More good news for mom: the placenta has grown substantially in size and function and is now beginning to manage some of your child’s hormones, finally taking some of the hormonal burden off of you! Since the placenta has gradually taken over the hormone production for your baby, you should finally pregnancy is not a standardized procedure so much as an individual journey start to notice that much-awaited decrease in morning sickness symptoms. Like everything else, though, this is just a general guideline... if you have lingering effects for another couple of weeks, don’t fret (or fret, but don't blame us)—pregnancy is not a standardized procedure so much as an individual journey

Week 9 - Irish Eyes Are Smiling!

Week 9: An inch to grow on

Fetal development in pregnancy week 9:fetus in third month Congratulations! Your amazing growing baby has been accepted into to the fetus-club, a very exclusive and exiting new stage in their prenatal development. Basically, this means the little sweet pea has graduated from swimming embryo creature to a recognizable human being! This week in particular, the irises of their little eyes can function, but (frustratingly for them?) their eyelids remain fused shut for a while yet. Their external ears are formed and their inner ears are now filled with fluid—so your little one is already developing their sense of balance. Your baby's little swimmer legs are still relatively, although other bodily developments are going forward at a nice pace: their kidney is actually functioning now, which means they’ve started urinating (this might seem charming now but wait till you have to start buying diapers!).

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And how's mom doing? You’re nearing the end of the first trimester and while there are plenty of dynamic and noticeable changes going on inside of you, not many changes are noticeable to you, with the exception of a mildly bulging midline-- which doesn't look pregnant enough to stop people from wondering if you need to Having a baby is the ultimate test for your body—if you take care of your health now you’ll come out of the pregnancy on top of your health and ready to be an energetic mother lay off the donuts. Although your body might seem a little boring right now, you can expect the creeping-up-effect of weight gain as you will gain roughly 1-2 lbs gain per week (some more and some less). It’s not a bad idea to chart this to make sure you’re not over or underfeeding both of you. As you’ve entered into the Fetal Period, it might be a good time to evaluate your personal health regimen—that is, if you haven’t already. Are you eating enough protein? Remember, protein can be found in beans, soy products and nuts—it doesn’t have to be a 12 ounce sirloin! Are you sleeping well, exercising right, drinking enough (non-sugary) fluids and getting your vitamin C? Having a baby is the ultimate test for your body—if you take care of your health now you’ll come out of the pregnancy on top of your health and ready to be an energetic mother, if not, well, let’s just say, you’re increasing the chances of suffering from depression, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, and a multitude of little nasty viruses (think colds and flues) that good health could've beat before you even noticed they’d invaded.

8 Week Appointment Notes

Okay! A "real" post from me. We were exactly 8 weeks from conception on Thursday 2/25/10, the day of our first appointment with our new Doctor. I cannot tell you how nervous I was. I was already nauseated all day, and upon arriving to the office I could barely finish my paperwork. Jack offered to help even, I was so hose beasted. But we got it done, and only waited about 10-15 minutes for the Doctor. We loved her immediately! The first thing she said after introductions was "I bet you are really nervous...I just read your history." I said I was extremely nervous. And she asked if we would like to go ahead and see our Baby first, before we do anything else. She had literally read my thoughts that I had expressed in the previous weeks.

This time, there was no pause. There was no looking around desperately, while a horrible silence hung from the ceiling tiles. This time our little Blob was THERE! Measuring perfectly for our conception date and even moving around a little bit! Our Doctor said "Hi Mommy! Hi Daddy!" I was crying, the Doctor was crying, Jack was grinning and squeezing my hand off! The little heartbeat was pounding away at a very strong 180 then 177 beats per minute. (Hmmmm, could it be Daddy's Girl?)

The Doctor was so pleased with all that she saw, and so happy for us, she printed off 8 pictures. She also pointed out the heartbeat, the head and rump, and the little limb buds starting to form into the arms that will someday hug our necks. And when it was time to move on, Doctor said "Bye Mommy! Bye Daddy!"

We can't say enough about our Doctor. Not just her lovely presence and personality, but her birth philosophy as well. She shares my views that childbirth should be a natural process as much as possible, and that intervention should only be in the case of a life threat to Baby or Mom. She says we can have an active birth at Rose, as the rooms are equipped with birthing balls, squat cubes, jacuzzi tubs and plenty of room to move around. I will not have to be tethered to a bed by monitors, sitting on the place I am trying to breathe a Baby out from! Yay!

There is one huge downside, as with most practices in Denver, if Yuko is not the Doc on call the day we deliver, one of her partners will attend. We will get to meet all her partners over the next 30 weeks. We are praying that God works that out, because even Jack said he would feel so much more comfortable knowing she would be the one there with us. And I am honestly a bit worried about his comfort a little more than mine! So prayers needed there...But Yuko did express genuine confidence and affection for her Group, and said that the birth philosophies are shared and will be honored.

So we got a lot of information that day. And 3 more appointments set up. We will be checking my thyroid every 4 weeks. Our 20 week appointment is May 20th....when we will learn the gender of our Bubbly Bubby. We are going to try and avoid any more ultrasounds before then.

Well, it's feeling like back to bed for me. I just finished some laundry, cleaned the kitchen and picked up, and now I feel worked! I do hope I get to feeling a lot better soon, or this will be a long 32 weeks ahead! But we are so thankful. All glory be to God through Jesus Christ forever and ever Amen! :)

Week 8!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 8:embryo in second month Woohoo! You've got one whole inch of baby inside of you! Your little embryo has finally reached the one-inch mark (30mm). And if it were possible to take a peek, you could actually see your tiny baby without a telescope! What’s more, your baby is finally starting to take on some very distinct human features. For starters, their little tail (really just the spinal cord) has disappeared completely. It’s nice to know your baby can no longer be mistaken for a sea creature! Additionally, both their toes and fingers are prominent with very little, if any, webbing. Upper and lower limbs all show recognizable joints (elbows and knees) and the lower limb bones are starting to ossify. But don’t expect your baby to resemble either parent quite yet. Right now, your baby’s head is disproportionately larger than the rest of their body--making up almost half of your little one’s height and weight!

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And how's mom doing? Your slightly-larger-than-a-cherry embryo is also starting to have a physical impact on you this week—and not just hormonally, as you may be noticing a slight bulge at your midline-- mostly from water retention. Most people won't even notice the subtle change to your belly's shape, but since you’re if you have been extra moody lately, that may start to subside this week, as the placenta is beginning to take responsibility for your baby’s hormone production tuned in to every little change in your body, it hasn’t slipped past. Good news for the hormonally tortured: if you have been extra moody lately, that may start to subside this week, as the placenta is beginning to take responsibility for your baby’s hormone production. This means your body will soon be able to relax a bit from its over-production of hormones as the placenta starts to regulate your baby’s hormones-- allowing your body to focus on producing more normal levels of hormones for yourself (see Week 10).

Week 7

Fetal development in pregnancy week 7:embryo in second month Your baby is really beginning to develop more physical definition this week – their oversized head isn’t just large and oblong anymore, it’s actually a little bit pointy. The tiny receding tail bud is now starting to be overshadowed by the growth of their legs, which are now complete with knees and the beginnings of toes. Their eyes and ears are the most visible features on their head and their miniature bones are starting to harden throughout their body. You also have some variation on a boy or a girl at this point, although their genitals won’t be visible enough to determine which color cigars you’re going to buy until around the 16th week.

Week 6

Week 6: There's nausea everywhere!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 6:embryo in second month This is going to be a busy week for your amazing little embryo. Their brain is still growing remarkably fast; miniature hand plates are starting to develop and the early formations of what will be their fingers are already visible. Also, the lower limbs do not develop quite as fast, so they’re pretty much still flippers. Up until this point, your baby has been very curled up with the head and tail in close proximity, but this week their trunk and neck are beginning to grow and straighten as their tail recedes into its resting position in the back. Even though your little miracle is only 6 weeks old, they’re already capable of demonstrating reflex responses to touch!

Week 5

Week 5: Teeny tiny baby steps

Fetal development in pregnancy week 5:embryo in second month The changes to your growing embryo are not quite as drastic this week as they've been in the last few weeks. Growth is now largely focused on their little head, which is starting to develop much more rapidly than the rest of their tiny body. This is because their amazing brain is undergoing some very crucial and rapid development in order to effectively regulate their heart rate, blood circulation, and other vital functions. As for the rest of their miniature body, what were simple limb buds last week are limb flippers this week and the tail is more expressed. Amazingly, within a mere five weeks your little miracle is already developing the rudimentary forms of their liver, pancreas, lungs, stomach and nasal pits while their little heart is already increasing its circulation. Your baby is now a whopping 4-6mm in length.

Where does the time go?

Well, I really took a long break from blogging. There is way too many wonderful things to catch up on. And a few sad times as well....

We will just start fresh from today and maybe blog about some of the past 6 month happenings to fill in gaps later.

Since I know I only have a few followers and that most don't truly follow, it is no surprise that the reason I started this blog in the first place back when I did has come back around full circle!

We are excited to share as we move along the path again, toward parenthood.

Shall I start with the first BFP? Will post a better one on a FRER tomorrow.

I love you! :)