22 Weeks...

Your baby weighs about 11 ounces, measures about 7.6 inches from head to rump, and is growing eyelashes and eyebrows. These two latest developments will be a key method of communicating his or her happiness, frustration, confusion, or interest until he or she can talk.







*Your baby weighs close to a pound at this point!
*Your baby can now hear your conversations more clearly than before!. When you talk, read, or sing, expect her to hear you. Studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero.
*Eyelids and eyebrows are fully formed.
*Fingernails have grown to the end of the fingers.
*Be prepared for all those "Why" questions coming! Your baby's brain has entered a stage of rapid growth, especially in what's called the germinal matrix. This structure deep in the middle of the brain serves as a kind of factory for brain cells and disappears shortly before birth. But the brain's amazing expansion program continues until around the five birthday.
*With some help from mom, baby's liver is starting to break down bilirubin, a substance produced by red blood cells.
*If your baby is male his testes begin their descent to the scrotum.
*Primitive sperm have formed and he is producing testosterone.
*Length is 10.94 inches (27.8cm); weight is nearly 1 pound (430gm).

Busy… Busy… Busy

It has been such a busy weekend and week… I’m exhausted! All weekend we were busy moving John out of the apartment. His one friend that was supposed to help us on Sunday didn’t show up. Thank goodness for Joyce and Greg or we would have been totally screwed! I felt bad that there wasn’t more that I could do to help them. We got a lot done and had fun while doing it. The four of us get along really well and have a lot of fun. So now everything is moved out and we just have to go in and clean the place from top to bottom before Friday. Fun… Fun… Fun. I can’t wait until it is all done with. I’ve been passing out every night between 9:30 and 10:30. We’re talking middle of a conversation pass out. Haha. I honestly don’t mean too, I just do. Last night we were laying there watching TV and John was checking his email. He said that I just laid my head on his shoulder and the next thing he knew I was out like a light. I told him that on Sunday it is going to be our day off. A fun day if that’s what you want to call it. There will be no working around the house, trying to organize things, or doing chores. NOTHING! Just fun stuff. I think we may take a trip to BabiesRus to start looking around and maybe start our registry. I am just so clueless on what it is we need to get for the little guy. That’s something we have to do soon but it will be fun I’m sure. So we’ll allow it.

Other than that I think we’ve decided to keep the baby name we had in mind. We haven’t come up with anything better that we like and the name we’ve been using is really growing on me. So if anyone doesn’t like it they can just go and have their own child so they can pick whatever name they want. Haha. We both like it, I’m sure the baby will like it and that’s all that matters. This whole having to pee every 5 minutes thing really stinks! I’ve made more trips to the bathroom today than ever and I know it’s only going to get worse in the next couple of months. I need to go and buy some comfortable shoes. The pair that I’ve been wearing just isn’t cutting it anymore. They aren’t comfortable especially if I have to walk back and fourth or stand a lot for the day. My belly is getting bigger and bigger. I feel yucky. I’m seriously hoping that I stay within the 15-20 pound total weight gain with my pregnancy. So far I’m doing pretty good and haven’t gained 1/2 that. So hopefully I’ll be able to keep up with that for the next 18 weeks. I say that as I sit here and eat a milky way mini. Haha.

I think that I’ve mentioned it before that I’ve been able to feel the baby move. Just little bubbles and butterfly motions. Well, they are getting stronger now and sometimes if I just lay my hand on my belly I can feel it from the outside. Just a quick jumpy motion. Well, John has been feeling a little left out because he can’t feel anything yet or at least he couldn’t until last night. Last night we were laying in bed and watching TV and I felt the baby move. So I told John and he was like really?? So I took his hand and put it on my belly in the spot where I had felt it and told him to just sit there and pay attention. Well, sure enough he waited and he felt the baby move. He was so happy and excited. So it made me happy too. Other than that things are good. I’m just really tired because we’ve been so busy. Hopefully things will slow down soon. Oh, and I bought some really adorable stuff for the baby. Like shoes and clothes and stuff. I can’t help myself. Maybe I’ll take some pictures and post them later.

21 Weeks...

Your baby weighs approximately 10.5 ounces and is about 7.2 inches from head to rump and is busy moving within your uterus, surrounded by amniotic fluid. He or she is learning how its arms and legs move, and using its hands to feel its facial features, which you may be able to see on an ultrasound. Most clinics and hospitals offer to videotape your ultrasound for a nominal charge; it's a great keepsake!





*White blood cells are under production. Leukocytes (or white blood cells) form our body's defense sytems. They help fight infections and diseases.
*Your little one's skin has changed from translucent to become more opaque.
*Your infant's tongue is fully formed. If you were able to peek you might catch your son or daughter practicing giving you a raspberry!
*If your baby is a girl, her womb and vagina are formed. Unlike males, females have a limited supply of eggs in their lifetime. At this point your daughter will have 6 million eggs. This amount decreases to approximately one million by birth.
*Baby swallows more this week. After your baby takes in amniotic fluid, his body absorbs the water in the liquid and moves the rest into the large bowel. This is good practice for his digestive system!
*Wake and sleep periods become more consistent. Some research suggests that baby sets her internal clock to match the outside world's even before birth! Your eating and sleeping habits as well levels of light and noise serve as her signals.
*Length is now measured crown to heel.
*Baby measures about 10.51 inches (26.7cm) and weighs nearly 12.7 ounces (360g).

Just some thoughts…

I was reading an article with Amy Grant the other day and they were interviewing her about her family and stuff. They asked her what has been the most surprising thing to her about raising kids. Her reply was…

“I have three sisters and they all live in Nashville. One of my sisters gave me great insight; she already had four children. She said you basically have three increments of time, each [lasting] five years. For the first five you’re their playmate and it’s kind of physically tiring. The second five years are the most fun because you get to introduce them to everything you love. From ages 11 to 15, they take all those things you’ve introduced them to and they want to do them, but they want to do them with their friends. By the time they’re 16, the shaping is long over and you are just there – hopefully – to help pick up the pieces when they crash.”

I just thought that was a really neat way of looking at parenting and probably very true. I think only the first year or so would be physically tiring because the baby needs so much attention and you have no idea what they want until they are able to talk and tell you what they want or what is the matter. After that I think it would be a lot of fun. Being your little ones playmate isn’t a bad thing. Or at least I don’t think it would be. Reading books, coloring, watching cartoons, playdates, visits to the park and stuff sounds like fun to me. I guess I’ll be finding out soon enough on my own...

Fluttery butterflies...

Well, for the last week or two I've been able to feel the baby move. Or at least I think it is the baby moving. haha. It isn't anything big, just little flutters and almost bubbly or butterfly type feeling things going on in my abdomen. It's hard to describe and feels weird. I tell John about it and I think he gets a little jealous that he can't see or feel the baby moving yet. He talks to him all the time though and has a smile so big that it looks like the top of his head is about to fall off. He is so excited that he's going to have a son so he can work on cars with him and get all greasy and stuff. Oh he has big plans for this little guy and he isn't even here yet. haha.

I have so much to do. I went for my state exam today and didn't pass. I passed the first part but not the second part. So I'm going to have to go back and retake it again in the next couple of weeks. I'm a little disappointed and feel like I should have done better or studied harder. When I was driving back to work I felt like I could seriously cry. Yesterday I was studying for the exam at work and ended up stressing myself out so bad about it that I puked my guts up. Like violently puked, it was horrible!

We still have to go and register for the baby, some family members are starting to get on me about this. I have no idea what we even need to get. I've been looking around online in the little spare time that I have had and I find all sorts of neat little outfits and onesies for the baby. Oh, and cool shoes too. Again, I have no idea what sizes to buy or how to buy for a baby that isn't here yet. I could seriously do some damage with buying baby stuff, it could be addictive! We are still trying to firm up a name. We are catching some slack about the name that we picked out and I'm starting to second guess myself. I'm like oh what if he gets teased when he's in school or later in life or something. I don't think he will, the name isn't that far off the charts. John's answer is to tell them that when they have a baby of their own they can name it whatever they like. I just laugh. Other than that things are good. I'm just tired, very clumsy, and can get sloppy without even knowing it. I took some pictures last night so that I can put them in the baby's book that I am making. Maybe later I'll post them here as well. I think that's about it for now, I'm exhausted after the day I've had.

20 Weeks...

I'm 1/2 way there!!!! Only 20 weeks to go...

Your baby is now about 5.6 to 6.4 inches and weighs approximately 9 ounces. Your baby is now big enough that you may be able to tell when he or she is awake or asleep based on the level of activity. You can also see a lot of movement in the ultrasound image. Looking at ultrasound images of other babies can help you figure out what you're looking at when you see your baby's image.







*You're half way there!
*The rapid growth stage is about over. While things have slowed down, this next stage is vital to survival.
*The baby's heart grows stronger. Find a quiet place, lay flat on your back. Locate your own heartbeat by finding your pulse. Next lay your hand on your belly. You may be able to distinguish the two heartbeats!
*His legs are reaching their relative size. With the increase muscle develop occurring as well, you will start feeling much more than tiny flutter kicks soon!
*Immunities are being transferred from you to your baby now. These immune cells will protect her from viruses you've already had for up to six months after birth!
*The nerve cells for taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch are now developing in specialized areas of the brain. Production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections.
*Your baby may startle in reaction to loud sounds. Amazingly, she can actually hear noises outside of the womb. Familiar voices, music, and sounds that baby becomes accustomed to during her development stages often are calming after birth.
*If your baby is a girl, her uterus is starting to develop. She has approximately six million eggs in her ovaries. About one million will remain at birth.
*Baby is about 6.46 inches (16.4cm) and weighs around 10.58 ounces (300g).

Dear baby... part two

Dear baby,

Well, we finally know what your are going to be lil peanut. Thank you for sitting still yesterday like we asked you too. Even if it was just for a little while. You will be a boy but I guess you already knew that! We are not sure what your name will be yet but we have plenty of time for that. You have made me happier than I ever thought I could be. I can't wait to meet you my little man. I just keep thinking about doing guy stuff with you. We will be getting greasy while we work on cars together and playing catch and wrestling around. I can't wait to teach you to ride a bike. It is going to be a blast! You'll see. You have been making your mommy a little sick now and again but I know she won't hold it against you. You have a great mommy. She is beautiful, funny, and an awesome cook! She loves you very much as do I. I hope you can hear me when I am talking to you through your mommy's belly. I can't wait for the first time I get to feel you kick! I will do the very best I can for you son. I will never stop loving you.


Love, dad.

Fourth doctor's appointment...

Today we went to the doctor's for our follow-up appointment to see how things are going with the baby and everything. The doctor said everything looks great, all of my previous test results are good, the heartbeat is 146 which is really good, so basically everything is looking great! We talked to her about a couple of things and I got a note from her so I can go and get a massage next week. I can't wait!!! She had to do some bloodwork because I've been getting dizzy and feeling like I'm going to pass out every once in a while. So she just wanted to do a complete blood work up and make sure that everything is ok. She said that the dizziness happens once in a while during the second trimester because of the increased capillaries and blood flow and stuff. So we'll see, I'm sure everything is fine. We don't have to go back for another four weeks and as of tomorrow I'm 1/2 way there!!!!

Now that we know that the little munchkin is a boy we are really trying to come up with a name for him. We have one that we both like and have pretty much agreed on, I just feel like I want another one or two so it feels like I had a choice. If that makes any sense at all. haha.

Next step I guess is us having to go and register at Babies R Us or something like that. I already had a phone call from Cindy (my dad's wife) about when we're going to do it. So I told her that by the end of the month we will do it. Hopefully we'll be able to find the time to go and do it. I have no clue what we even need to get! I am soooo clueless when it comes to boys. I was raised in a house with all sisters and my mom, even our pets were all females! haha. Everyone is telling me that boys are so much easier than girls and that little boys love their moms like no tomorrow. I think they're just trying to make me feel better :P

Second ultrasound...

Well, this morning we went for our second ultrasound... the "big" one that we've all been waiting for. I have to say that the little munchkin was very cooperative when we first got there and the technician got all of the photos that she needed to get. It was amazing!!! Of course after a little while the lil beaner started doing kickboxing moves all over the place. It was crazy. Good thing I can't really feel much of the baby movements yet, just the flutters. We got a couple of good pictures a good profile shot and one of the lil one sucking on its thumb. About 1/2 way through the ultrasound I started feeling all sorts of dizzy and lightheaded. It all of the sudden felt like someone stuffed cotton in both my ears and I started sweating like crazy. I think my deodorant wore off! haha. All of the sudden my sister looked at me and was like Trae are you ok, you aren't looking too good. My reply was no, I'm not feeling too well I think I'm going to pass out! My face turned white as a ghost as did my lips. So the technician had me roll over onto my left side and got me a cold rag to put on my forehead. Apparently this is something that happens all the time during ultrasounds because of you having to lay flat on your back and the baby is laying on organs and your aorta which then limits the blood flow to the brain. So yeah, I totally almost passed out. You would think if this is something that happens alot they would have you propped up a little more or something. You know? She said it was good I said something when I did because most women don't say anything and they actually pass out or puke. Honestly if Sandy didn't say anything I probably wouldn't have either. haha. Anyway, back to the baby... I guess you would like to know what it is huh??? It's a Boy!!!! I actually almost passed out about 10 minutes after hearing this so as I felt like I was going to pass out I was thinking is it because they just told me I'm having a boy? I know this is crazy because I've had a feeling for a few weeks now and kept saying that I think it's a boy. So it really wasn't a surprise. So everyone is happy, I was a little disappointed at first because I really wanted a girl and I'm not going to lie about it. We'll just have to try for a girl the next time. John is happy, he just wants him to be healthy as do I and right now everything is looking great! He said it works out better because now when we have a daughter, she'll have a big brother to take care of her. My reply is what is he going to do when she starts having crushes on all of her big brothers friends. haha. There won't be any answering the door with a shot gun and tattoos showing to scare them away then. He says that's what I think. So I guess we'll see...

Here are the pictures from today's ultrasound. The first two are really good and the third, not so good. I guess they have a limit on how many pictures they'll give you or something. She printed out the profile one and then the one of him sucking on his thumb. I love the thumb sucking one but we really wanted the one with his lil wanker showing and where it said it's a boy. So we asked her to print that one out too and I think she got kind of pissed about it. So she gave us a horrible little 3x2 picture printed on regular size paper. I tried to scan it and print it, so hopefully you'll get the idea :-)

Dear baby...

Dear baby...

Tomorrow morning we are going to the hospital to get more pictures taken and to see you again. Daddy and I are VERY excited! Hopefully if all goes well and you cooperate for the camera this time we will get to find out if you are a girl or a boy. I know you already know but we want to know too so that we can start buying you all sorts of cool pressies for when you get here. So please do mommy & daddy a big favor and sit still for at least a few minutes during your photoshoot tomorrow so we can see you and get a good picture to show everyone. Also if you could just give us a little peak in between your legs so we can see what's there or what's not there that would be awesome too! haha. Don't be shy, everyone will love you no matter whether you're a girl or boy.

Love,
Mommy

Feeling much better...

I'm feeling much better than I was last week. The antibiotics and the ear drops seem to be helping me alot! I still have a little bit of a tooth ache but hopefully by the time my medicine is gone, the tooth ache will be gone too. Everyone is still saying that they think it is a sinus infection, so I am hoping that is what it is and I don't have to go and get a root canal. I also started taking my prenatal vitamins in the afternoon rather than right before bed and I think I am sleeping a little better at night. I don't know what the difference would be but if it's working that's all that matters, right? Even if it is just in my head. haha.

We had a really busy weekend and it just seemed to fly by. I can't wait until John is all moved in and we are settled. Then there won't be so much for me to worry and stress about. The weather has been gorgeous the past 3 or 4 days! It's sad to say that by Thursday it is supposed to get cold again. I guess this was just a little teaser for us of what's coming in the spring and that its right around the corner :)

I had a dream over the weekend and we went in for our "Big" ultrasound. The one we are going to on Wednesday where hopefully they'll be able to tell us if the little one is a girl or a boy. I saw it like it was real life and very vivid. They told us that the baby is a boy. So I told John that I think this is god's way of setting me up for the news of a boy since I wanted a girl so bad. But we'll see what happens on Wednesday morning. As long as the baby is healthy that is all that matters. Last night John and I were going through a couple of name books that I bought while we were laying in bed and we are having such a hard time coming up with boys names! Well, we did come up with one that we both like, so I guess that will work if we need it. Only two more days to go and we find out if the munchkin is a Girl or Boy!!!

T.G.I.F.

It has been a terrible week for me this week. I haven't been feeling well at all. I'm not sure if I'm coming down with something or now I'm thinking that I might have an abscessed tooth! I haven't been sleeping all week and not even the Tylenol PM was helping. I guess it was Tuesday night I woke up in the middle of the night with a throbbing toothache. It wasn't one specific tooth though, it was like the whole right side of my mouth... top and bottom teeth. Horrible throbbing pain!! At first I thought that I might have been grinding my teeth in my sleep or something but the pain never went away. I took Tylenol and everything and it didn't help one bit. I'm not one to jump on the phone and call the doctor right away, so I figured I would just wait it out and it would go away. So I haven't slept more than maybe 2-3 hours a night since then and then yesterday my throat and ear started to hurt me. So I figured that I probably have an ear infection or sinus infection and that's why my teeth hurt so bad. It's happened to me before. Well, this morning when I got into work I was in so much pain I called the doctor and they said they couldn't see me because they're all booked up. So I had another hysterical crying fit. This was the second one for the week. We won't go into the first one. I'm just tired, not feeling well, and an emotional mess! Anyway, I called my dad and had him call the doctor personally because they are old friends. I was sobbing so bad that I couldn't even get words out of my mouth so my sister had to take the phone from me to talk to him and tell him what was the matter. The doctor called me back immediately and I was still crying so he had me come in right away. He couldn't find anything with my ears or throat, but he said it could be my sinuses. So he gave me a prescription for an antibiotic and ear drops. I have a feeling it might be an abscessed tooth though. I am hoping that the antibiotics will help some and then if it doesn't go away I will have to go to the dentist next week. I just feel so crappy today, I've felt crappy all week but this is the worst day! My dad said I could leave work but everyone else has appointments and are out of the building so I feel bad. So I'm just going to stick it out and then go home and hopefully pass out.

On another note let me just say that I don't think the baby likes it very much when I get upset. Both times this week when I was so upset and crying I got all of these crazy flutters or bubbly feeling things going on in my belly. I'm assuming it is the baby and it is getting upset because I'm so upset. I am trying so hard to just relax and keep myself composed but it seems just about impossible this week. Thankfully the work week is over and the weekend is now here. Hopefully the antibiotics will work ASAP and I will be feeling better after I get some time to relax and hopefully get some rest.

Only five more days and we find out if the baby is a girl or boy :-)

19 Weeks...

Your baby weighs approximately 7 ounces and is about 5.2 to 6 inches from crown to rump. The exterior layers of skin tissue are developing to form your baby's one-of-a-kind fingerprints. The amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby allows for the free movement of the arms and legs and is also sometimes swallowed to practice digestion.




*Your baby has the same awake and sleep patterns of a newborn. He has a favorite position for sleep and recognizable active and rest periods.
*Throughout baby's body, nerves are being coated with a fatty substance called myelin, which insulates the nerves so that impulses can flow smoothly.
*Scalp hair becomes apparent this week. It has sprouted and continues to grow.
*The milk teeth buds have already developed and over the next few days the buds for the permanent teeth will begin to form behind the milk teeth.
*If baby is female the uterus starts to develop. If you're having a girl, the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes are in place.
*If it's a boy, the genitals are distinct and recognizable.
*Your baby is swallowing amniotic fluid and his or her kidneys are making urine.
*Your little one's size is around 6.02 inches (15.3cm) and 8.47 ounces (240gm).

Just because...

John seriously made my day!!! He sent me the most beautiful bouquet of Gerbera Daisies to the office today, just to make me smile. With a little note that just says I'm special and he loves me. His mission was accomplished :-)

Not feeling well today...

I'm not feeling well today. I just feel "off" or something. I have a terrible headache and cramps. I don't know how to describe it but I also feel a little off balanced and loopy or something. I'm tired and didn't get much rest over the weekend, especially last night. I don't know why I have such a hard time sleeping at night. I'm tired and exhausted yet I still can't sleep. Work seems to be dragging and I don't feel like doing anything but going home and trying to take a nap.

I feel like we got some stuff accomplished over the weekend although we still have so much more to do before the end of March. I was going through a bunch of old clothes and cleaning out my closets and stuff so that we have room for John's stuff. We also went up to the mall to get a couple of things and I ended up buying some more maternity shirts. Some pretty ones in spring colors. John was cute in the maternity store and I have to say not a big help. I took like 7 shirts into the fitting room with me and ended up buying 6 of them! He said everything looked great except for the one which we both agreed on it looking bad. So yeah, my maternity wardrobe grew a little, thank goodness for gift certificates. I can't wait for the spring to get here and this cold weather to go away. It seriously really bothers me! John makes fun of me because my feet and hands are always like icicles, especially my feet. I guess it must be hard trying to snuggle up with someone in bed that has ice blocks as feet. haha.

We also had Dog over at the house the whole weekend and I have to say that all of the animals got along pretty well for the most part. I was very happy about it. Miss Kit and Dog had a couple of small incidents yesterday, the last one being the cat having a major hissing fit in Dog's face but I smacked her and put her out of the room. So I honestly think we may be able to make this work. Jersey and Dog get jealous if John or I start paying more attention to one than the other but that's ok, they'll get used to it and we'll just have to let them know they are equal and we love them both.

Only 9 more days to go and we'll know if the baby is a girl or a boy. I can't wait! I should actually say that is if the lil munchkin is more cooperative during the next ultrasound and leaves the acrobatics out of the picture :-)

18 Weeks...

Your baby weighs about 5.25 ounces and is 5-1/2 inches long from crown to rump, or about the size of a large pickle. Your baby's digestive system is starting to produce meconium, its first fecal matter. Some new moms are scared at the sight of it in their newborn’s diapers and think something must be wrong with their baby, but it’s perfectly normal and will only last a few days after birth.







*Vernix (a white cheese-like protective material) forms on baby's skin with the lanugo (soft, lightly pigmented hair covering the body and limbs); both serving to protect your baby's skin during the months in water.
*Your placenta continues to grow and nourish the baby. Don't forget those prenatal vitamins!
*Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs. He'll be putting these lungs to good use in just a few months!
*Her vocal chords are formed. She goes through the motions of crying but without air she doesn't make a sound.
*Features of your baby's heart, including ventricles and chambers, should be visible during an utltrasound.
*Your baby measures about 5.59 inches (14.2cm) this week and weighs about 6.7 ounces (190gm).

A Crazy Day...

Today I went to see the general surgeon that my ob/gyn referred me to so that I could get a consult on the lump thingy inside my belly button. Let me just say the doctor was a complete quack!!!! He said it wasn't hernia, or this or that, so he was just going to call it something else. He said a long weird name, I forget what it was. He is basically blaming it on my piercings that I used to have which have been removed for about 6 or 7 months. I honestly don't think that it has anything to do with my retired piercings but I wasn't going to argue with him about it. Anyway, he went on about how he had to remove my belly button and that my belly button as I know it would be gone but he would try to give me a new belly button, but it would be more like a dimple. At first I thought he was busting my balls and messing with me but he was completely serious! Then he proceeded to go on saying that he "guesses" he could do it while I was pregnant, but any surgery you do during pregnancy can be risky and cause contractions and stuff but he would do it. I was so beside myself and didn't know what to say. I just kind of sat there in shock. I told him that I would wait and see if it got any worse and then go from there. He was going to write me a prescription for antibiotics or something to have just in case I need them but I didn't even wait for it. I seriously just about ran from the office. It was crazy.

Work this week has been crazy, I can't wait for the weekend to get here. Last night we tried to get Jersey, DaVinci, Dog, and the Miss Kit together to see how it went. There was only one minor fight between Jersey and Dog that had to be broken up and then just lots of aggravation. Jersey wants to be up Dog's butt. Dog just wants to be left alone. And DaVinci is just DaVinci. I really hope we can get them to all get along. I would hate to have to get rid of any of my babies.

Only 13 more days until we get to find out if the lil munchkin is a girl or a boy :)