On the bus this morning, I realized that including today I only have 51 work days until my maternity leave starts! And that's assuming that he doesn't come more than two weeks early AND that I don't end up on bed rest AND that I don't just call it quits earlier than March 13. 51 days isn't that many, especially since this one is half over already.
On July 17 when we got the positive home pregnancy test, it seemed like eons had to pass to get to 2009, let alone get to the end of March. But here we are, two days away from 2009, and it's finally feeling like time is passing. I was telling Dan this morning that I shouldn't be wishing for time to pass...but it's so so hard. I am really looking forward to some time off from work, and most importantly to meet our little jumping bean. Our life is about to change so amazingly and I can't wait!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
27 Weeks
Only 13 weeks to go!! 27 weeks today, and our little peanut is super active. Here's what babycenter.com has to say for this week:
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. 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.
I'm pretty sure he's bigger than 2 pounds, but since I don't know for sure how heavy he is, we'll stick with the average estimates. I've read more about how his little eyes are opening this week and how he can start to see light that filters in through my stomach. Crazy! Not only that, but he's probably sucking his thumb to get his cheeks and jaws strong enough for feeding in three months. This week is also the last of the second trimester. Time is still dragging and speeding by at the same time, so I'm not sure how I feel about this year coming to a close! I can't wait to meet this little man, but there's still so much to do to get ready (and so much growing he needs to do before *he's* ready!).
His movements are getting stronger, and there are times we can see my stomach jump from him doing his exercises. I know I've said it before but I love it when Dan can feel him. I feel kind of selfish experiencing pregnancy so it's nice to share. Sometimes I wish that Dan could carry him for a day or two to give me a little break (my back is killing me and I'd pay good money to sleep on my back or stomach), but since that can't happen it's nice to be able to share his acrobatics.
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. 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.
I'm pretty sure he's bigger than 2 pounds, but since I don't know for sure how heavy he is, we'll stick with the average estimates. I've read more about how his little eyes are opening this week and how he can start to see light that filters in through my stomach. Crazy! Not only that, but he's probably sucking his thumb to get his cheeks and jaws strong enough for feeding in three months. This week is also the last of the second trimester. Time is still dragging and speeding by at the same time, so I'm not sure how I feel about this year coming to a close! I can't wait to meet this little man, but there's still so much to do to get ready (and so much growing he needs to do before *he's* ready!).
His movements are getting stronger, and there are times we can see my stomach jump from him doing his exercises. I know I've said it before but I love it when Dan can feel him. I feel kind of selfish experiencing pregnancy so it's nice to share. Sometimes I wish that Dan could carry him for a day or two to give me a little break (my back is killing me and I'd pay good money to sleep on my back or stomach), but since that can't happen it's nice to be able to share his acrobatics.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
The snow is falling again and we are warm in our house with the kitties. The ice on the roads has forced us to postpone our family Christmas celebrations, but we're thinking of all of our family and friends today and tomorrow.
We had our fourth Centering Pregnancy class last night and amazingly our whole group made it in. It was scary getting there and back but we made it. For two hours, I forgot about the weather and road conditions and my cabin fever. It was really nice to be around other people, especially since we're all looking pregnant these days. One of the couples brought cookies and fudge and toffee too, so that helped. We all had our glucose level screenings yesterday. It was nice to have some extra sugar after our blood draws, since we were supposed to lay off the sugar for a day before the test.
I think today we're going to work on cleaning our house and then we're going to make sugar cookies!
Merry Christmas! :)
We had our fourth Centering Pregnancy class last night and amazingly our whole group made it in. It was scary getting there and back but we made it. For two hours, I forgot about the weather and road conditions and my cabin fever. It was really nice to be around other people, especially since we're all looking pregnant these days. One of the couples brought cookies and fudge and toffee too, so that helped. We all had our glucose level screenings yesterday. It was nice to have some extra sugar after our blood draws, since we were supposed to lay off the sugar for a day before the test.
I think today we're going to work on cleaning our house and then we're going to make sugar cookies!
Merry Christmas! :)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Snow Adventures
So we finally busted out of this place! Dan and I went on a pretty good walk around our neighborhood. There are a good 8 inches of snow on the sidewalks and roads, and no layer of ice underneath (so it's not too slippery). It was a pretty good workout and a really nice break from the couch. Here's a picture of me, 26 weeks and 1 day pregnant:
And if angels could get pregnant, this is what they'd look like in the snow? I know, I know...it's a stretch. Not only that but it's not exactly a flattering picture. But you know what? Who cares! I haven't made a snow angel in probably 20 years, and there was no stopping me today! :)
We saw our neighbors out a block or two from our house. They were cross-country skiing, and offered to take our picture together. Again, not the most flattering shot I've seen of myself, but you get the picture!
But now we're back home...and Dan's out clearing our porch and stairs of snow. We had a good 3-4 inches on our porch too - our *covered* porch! So now I'm back inside with the cats who don't know what to do with themselves. I think Sprinkles has the right idea though...
Happy Winter Solstice! I think our baby wants some hot chocolate...
And if angels could get pregnant, this is what they'd look like in the snow? I know, I know...it's a stretch. Not only that but it's not exactly a flattering picture. But you know what? Who cares! I haven't made a snow angel in probably 20 years, and there was no stopping me today! :)
We saw our neighbors out a block or two from our house. They were cross-country skiing, and offered to take our picture together. Again, not the most flattering shot I've seen of myself, but you get the picture!
But now we're back home...and Dan's out clearing our porch and stairs of snow. We had a good 3-4 inches on our porch too - our *covered* porch! So now I'm back inside with the cats who don't know what to do with themselves. I think Sprinkles has the right idea though...
Happy Winter Solstice! I think our baby wants some hot chocolate...
Saturday, December 20, 2008
26 Weeks and Trapped
We have hit 26 weeks today! That means only one more week until the third trimester starts. Here is what babycenter.com has to say about what's going on 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. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. 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.
We're pretty sure he weighs more than a pound and two-thirds by now, but I buy that he's getting long. It's very interesting to feel him move more often with more subtle movements, not kicks or punches. It feels like he's stretching out and trying to find the boundaries of his little world. Dan has started to feel the stretching movements too which is fun for both of us!
I'm going to add more info on how Baby Boy is growing from 3dpregnancy.com:
Deep breath! Air sacks are developing in your baby's lungs, which means it just might be possible for your baby to take a breath at the end of this week. The air sacks (technically called alveoli) will continue to grow for the next nine years. The membrane that keeps the alveoli separate from the blood vessels is now thin enough to allow for that oxygen–carbon dioxide exchange we call breathing. Other highlights this week:
The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week—all the better to see you with. Well not you, per se, because his eyes are still sealed shut and it's really dark in there, but your baby's eyes are now fully developed.
Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable in baby's noggin this week. That means baby's brain is registering things like sound and light. He can't understand what any of it means yet, but he's on track to comprehend an entire episode of Blue's Clues in no time!
As hearing continues to develop, your baby will start to recognize your voice. One hint that your karaoke rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is not the best would be when the baby starts banging on your gut. Your bambino will also start to recognize your partner's voice. He may feel silly talking to your stomach, but assure him that somebody other than you is definitely listening. Research has shown that newborns actually recognize familiar sounds after birth. Proof that your baby has been paying attention all along.
So now about the "Trapped" part of today's post title. We're stuck in our house because of snow! We bought a new car right after Thanksgiving (a Hyundai Santa Fe) for just this situation. It snowed and roads are icy, and in case we need to go somewhere, the Santa Fe is a better option than my rear-wheel drive car. Right? Apparently not. When Dan went out yesterday morning to start the car, it wouldn't. Not only would it not turn over, but it didn't even try. The power door locks didn't work or anything. We called Roadside Assistance and they sent someone out to jump the battery. But it wasn't the battery. So then we called back to get a tow to the dealership but of course with the weather, there weren't any tow companies that could come help us. We kept our names on their list, and at 9:30 this morning, a tow truck showed up! Granted, his tools were iced shut and the first set of trailer wheels had a flat, but Dan and the driver just left to take our car in. The most frustrating part of this whole thing is that we bought the car specifically to use right now, and this is when the car fails us! The dealership is lending us a car to use until they can figure out what's wrong with ours, so maybe we won't be stranded for much longer. I know Dan's been suffering from cabin fever and there are only so many games of Scrabble he can school me on before we both go a little batty. The good news is that I've been able to rest a lot and keep my legs elevated. That seems to be helping with my swelling. We haven't been out of the house since Wednesday evening, so even though there wasn't room for me in the truck, I'm glad Dan's getting the chance to get out and about. Hopefully we'll have a chance to get to the store today before part two of this storm rolls in this afternoon. I'm okay with another few inches of snow, as long as we don't lose power.
Man, and I used to love the snow...
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. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. 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.
We're pretty sure he weighs more than a pound and two-thirds by now, but I buy that he's getting long. It's very interesting to feel him move more often with more subtle movements, not kicks or punches. It feels like he's stretching out and trying to find the boundaries of his little world. Dan has started to feel the stretching movements too which is fun for both of us!
I'm going to add more info on how Baby Boy is growing from 3dpregnancy.com:
Deep breath! Air sacks are developing in your baby's lungs, which means it just might be possible for your baby to take a breath at the end of this week. The air sacks (technically called alveoli) will continue to grow for the next nine years. The membrane that keeps the alveoli separate from the blood vessels is now thin enough to allow for that oxygen–carbon dioxide exchange we call breathing. Other highlights this week:
The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week—all the better to see you with. Well not you, per se, because his eyes are still sealed shut and it's really dark in there, but your baby's eyes are now fully developed.
Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable in baby's noggin this week. That means baby's brain is registering things like sound and light. He can't understand what any of it means yet, but he's on track to comprehend an entire episode of Blue's Clues in no time!
As hearing continues to develop, your baby will start to recognize your voice. One hint that your karaoke rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is not the best would be when the baby starts banging on your gut. Your bambino will also start to recognize your partner's voice. He may feel silly talking to your stomach, but assure him that somebody other than you is definitely listening. Research has shown that newborns actually recognize familiar sounds after birth. Proof that your baby has been paying attention all along.
So now about the "Trapped" part of today's post title. We're stuck in our house because of snow! We bought a new car right after Thanksgiving (a Hyundai Santa Fe) for just this situation. It snowed and roads are icy, and in case we need to go somewhere, the Santa Fe is a better option than my rear-wheel drive car. Right? Apparently not. When Dan went out yesterday morning to start the car, it wouldn't. Not only would it not turn over, but it didn't even try. The power door locks didn't work or anything. We called Roadside Assistance and they sent someone out to jump the battery. But it wasn't the battery. So then we called back to get a tow to the dealership but of course with the weather, there weren't any tow companies that could come help us. We kept our names on their list, and at 9:30 this morning, a tow truck showed up! Granted, his tools were iced shut and the first set of trailer wheels had a flat, but Dan and the driver just left to take our car in. The most frustrating part of this whole thing is that we bought the car specifically to use right now, and this is when the car fails us! The dealership is lending us a car to use until they can figure out what's wrong with ours, so maybe we won't be stranded for much longer. I know Dan's been suffering from cabin fever and there are only so many games of Scrabble he can school me on before we both go a little batty. The good news is that I've been able to rest a lot and keep my legs elevated. That seems to be helping with my swelling. We haven't been out of the house since Wednesday evening, so even though there wasn't room for me in the truck, I'm glad Dan's getting the chance to get out and about. Hopefully we'll have a chance to get to the store today before part two of this storm rolls in this afternoon. I'm okay with another few inches of snow, as long as we don't lose power.
Man, and I used to love the snow...
Thursday, December 18, 2008
100 Days
The countdown to Baby Boy Mudgett is about to hit double digits! We have 100 days to go until the due date and that's pretty amazing. We started the countdown at 280 days, so it feels like we're finally getting somewhere!
Last night, the little man waited until I was trying to sleep to start his dance party. Dan wanted to see if he could help calm him down by rubbing my stomach, but it didn't seem to help. The plus side of that was that Dan got to feel A LOT of movement. It felt like entire arms or legs were being flung against the walls. Dan thinks he was practicing his breakdancing. I think that's probably right! He is such a strong baby and I'm grateful everyday that I can feel him so I know he's okay. One of our friends from our Centering class still doesn't feel much so I feel really lucky.
100 more days (give or take) and we can all meet this jumping bean!
Last night, the little man waited until I was trying to sleep to start his dance party. Dan wanted to see if he could help calm him down by rubbing my stomach, but it didn't seem to help. The plus side of that was that Dan got to feel A LOT of movement. It felt like entire arms or legs were being flung against the walls. Dan thinks he was practicing his breakdancing. I think that's probably right! He is such a strong baby and I'm grateful everyday that I can feel him so I know he's okay. One of our friends from our Centering class still doesn't feel much so I feel really lucky.
100 more days (give or take) and we can all meet this jumping bean!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Snow!
I love snow. I love how peaceful it is and how nice everything looks covered in it.
This winter is a little different though. I'm scared of the snow! It's not like I want to fall down normally, but I'm terrified of falling and hurting the baby this year. Dan and I literally didn't leave the house the whole weekend, even though the streets and sidewalks are clear. We are lucky that there wasn't any rain to freeze over under the snow so it's not as slick out there as it has been in past years. We left for the bus stop extra early this morning so that we weren't rushing and taking unnecessary chances. If it does get super icy, I'll be working from home for a while. It's not worth the risk!
So while we were holed up, we had a good time watching movies and playing Scrabble. Of course, Dan is the master, but I managed to eke out two wins yesterday. The first two of the day! But then Dan woke up and showed me no mercy. The rematch is on next weekend!
This winter is a little different though. I'm scared of the snow! It's not like I want to fall down normally, but I'm terrified of falling and hurting the baby this year. Dan and I literally didn't leave the house the whole weekend, even though the streets and sidewalks are clear. We are lucky that there wasn't any rain to freeze over under the snow so it's not as slick out there as it has been in past years. We left for the bus stop extra early this morning so that we weren't rushing and taking unnecessary chances. If it does get super icy, I'll be working from home for a while. It's not worth the risk!
So while we were holed up, we had a good time watching movies and playing Scrabble. Of course, Dan is the master, but I managed to eke out two wins yesterday. The first two of the day! But then Dan woke up and showed me no mercy. The rematch is on next weekend!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Just Under 25 Weeks
Tomorrow we cross over 25 weeks in this pregnancy. There are 15 weeks left until my due date, and at most 17 weeks until we meet the little kickboxer that I've been growing for the past 5 and a half months!
I'll go back to 3dpregnancy.com for this week's baby update:
Get ready for pat-a-cake! Baby's hands are now fully developed and he spends most of his awake time groping around in the darkness of your uterus. Brain and nerve endings are developed enough now so that your baby can feel the sensation of touch. That doesn't mean he can feel it when his father pokes your stomach, however, so tell him to knock it off. Other highlights include:
Your baby's arms and legs have grown to almost the proportions they will be at birth, which is still sort of short. So don't be alarmed when your newborn's arms barely clear his waist. Baby's nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, clear out (like he's taken a super-dose of Sudafed) and he can practice breathing through the nose. The structures of your baby's spine are now made up of 150 joints, 33 rings and some 1,000 ligaments. Can you believe you're growing something that complicated inside of you?
The capillaries, the teeniest blood vessels, are now forming in your baby's body, giving his formerly translucent skin a pink glow. The blood vessels in the lungs also develop this week. You'll see how well that worked out when your baby gives those lungs a workout while you're on line at the bank in a few months.
Your baby weighs about a pound and a half and is about 13½ inches long—roughly the length of one of those recorders you played in elementary school music class. Who's up for a round of "Hot Cross Buns?"
Crazy, huh? Oh, and I've also read that my uterus is now the size of a soccer ball. Woah! He's getting so big now, and his movements are so routine. I still get startled occasionally after a small period of non-movement when his first jab to the bladder comes, but other than that I'm getting pretty used to it. Now I can't imagine what it will be like when he's born and I don't feel him all the time! It's amazing how perspective changes.
I'll go back to 3dpregnancy.com for this week's baby update:
Get ready for pat-a-cake! Baby's hands are now fully developed and he spends most of his awake time groping around in the darkness of your uterus. Brain and nerve endings are developed enough now so that your baby can feel the sensation of touch. That doesn't mean he can feel it when his father pokes your stomach, however, so tell him to knock it off. Other highlights include:
Your baby's arms and legs have grown to almost the proportions they will be at birth, which is still sort of short. So don't be alarmed when your newborn's arms barely clear his waist. Baby's nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, clear out (like he's taken a super-dose of Sudafed) and he can practice breathing through the nose. The structures of your baby's spine are now made up of 150 joints, 33 rings and some 1,000 ligaments. Can you believe you're growing something that complicated inside of you?
The capillaries, the teeniest blood vessels, are now forming in your baby's body, giving his formerly translucent skin a pink glow. The blood vessels in the lungs also develop this week. You'll see how well that worked out when your baby gives those lungs a workout while you're on line at the bank in a few months.
Your baby weighs about a pound and a half and is about 13½ inches long—roughly the length of one of those recorders you played in elementary school music class. Who's up for a round of "Hot Cross Buns?"
Crazy, huh? Oh, and I've also read that my uterus is now the size of a soccer ball. Woah! He's getting so big now, and his movements are so routine. I still get startled occasionally after a small period of non-movement when his first jab to the bladder comes, but other than that I'm getting pretty used to it. Now I can't imagine what it will be like when he's born and I don't feel him all the time! It's amazing how perspective changes.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Relaxation
In our last Centering class, we talked about ways to find relaxation and relieve stress. I have found that massage works well for me. I am planning on getting one per week from now until I can't waddle that far to get one! Insurance is covering it, so it's very affordable.
Speaking of waddling, I do. I've hit the point where I'm really feeling the extra 20 pounds I'm carrying around with me. I have to roll myself up off the couch and out of bed. It's kind of funny, really. I imagined this would come, but I figured I'd have another 10 weeks or so. I can only imagine the places I'll get stuck between now and our baby's birthday. :) Luckily I've got Dan around almost all the time to help me out. He's been so amazing.
Also, it's Grandpa Marc's birthday today. Happy Birthday, Big Daddy!
Speaking of waddling, I do. I've hit the point where I'm really feeling the extra 20 pounds I'm carrying around with me. I have to roll myself up off the couch and out of bed. It's kind of funny, really. I imagined this would come, but I figured I'd have another 10 weeks or so. I can only imagine the places I'll get stuck between now and our baby's birthday. :) Luckily I've got Dan around almost all the time to help me out. He's been so amazing.
Also, it's Grandpa Marc's birthday today. Happy Birthday, Big Daddy!
Monday, December 8, 2008
14 Mondays to Go
I'm exhausted and not exactly excited to be starting a new work week. I'm trying to cut back on my hours and workload because I need to reduce my job stress, but I still have to be here. :P
I'll admit that I'm completely obsessed with being pregnant, so it's hard to concentrate on anything else. I'm tired a lot, and when I'm not tired I'm hungry. If the floor in my office wasn't basically concrete I would seriously consider curling up under my desk for an hour or two.
I bet when March 13 comes and I start maternity leave that it'll seem like time flew by, but it's not feeling very fast right now. I hate to wish away time, but I can't seem to help it right now. I'm so excited to meet our little boy, and so unexcited to have to wait and work for almost 4 more months.
I only have 14 work weeks left until leave, and they can't pass quickly enough.
I'll admit that I'm completely obsessed with being pregnant, so it's hard to concentrate on anything else. I'm tired a lot, and when I'm not tired I'm hungry. If the floor in my office wasn't basically concrete I would seriously consider curling up under my desk for an hour or two.
I bet when March 13 comes and I start maternity leave that it'll seem like time flew by, but it's not feeling very fast right now. I hate to wish away time, but I can't seem to help it right now. I'm so excited to meet our little boy, and so unexcited to have to wait and work for almost 4 more months.
I only have 14 work weeks left until leave, and they can't pass quickly enough.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
24 Weeks and Still Going Strong
Today we're at 24 weeks and one day pregnant. To mix things up a little, we're going to rely on 3dpregnancy.com for this week's update:
Your baby isn't just sitting around (on your bladder) doing nothing, he's working hard preparing for life outside the womb—perfecting his lungs and packing on the pounds. He'll gain ½ pound this week alone. Other highlights this week:
Things are starting to get a little crowded inside the old womb as baby grows bigger and bigger. Your ribs are probably pining away for the good old days when they didn't have a foot permanently lodged between them. Hate to break it to you, but it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Your baby's ears are fully functional now. And since they are, you may notice that loud noises and sudden movements can startle the little bugger. He's getting used to the everyday sounds inside the womb: the sound of your heart beating, your lungs inhaling and exhaling air, the growling of your stomach because your partner promised he'd be right back with that double cheeseburger and he's taking forever! He'll even be able to hear your voice when your partner finally arrives and you ask him where the bleep he's been! So talk nice!
Baby's got a fully developed inner ear now. This means his sense of balance is working and he can tell whether he's hanging upside down or right side up. He can also feel you moving, so go ahead, pop in your favorite tunes and boogie.
Your little Wiener schnitzel is about the length of a foot-long Chicago hot dog and weighs about 1 1/3 pounds.
He has indeed been spending most of his time on my bladder. It must be the best punching bag he can find. Lately though, he has been focusing his attention further up around my belly button. Those kicks and punches are much more comfortable, not to mention that Dan can feel those better. He does seem to be sensitive to sounds and when Sprinkles wakes Dan and me up in the morning, the baby wakes up too.
For the most part, now that morning sickness is a distant memory, being pregnant isn't that bad. There are a few annoying symptoms (think constant heartburn and having to pee every 20 minutes), but it's not too bad. Yet. I am getting more uncomfortable as my midsection expands. My back hurts a lot and the extra weight is hard to lug around. I know that it will get worse as the next 16 weeks pass, but I can see it starting already. Luckily, my midwife wrote me a prescription for massages for the back pain! I found a massage center very close to our house that accepts my insurance and I have my first appointment tomorrow. I think I can handle a $10 copay in exchange for relief, no matter how temporary it is.
Grandpa Louie came for a visit this week. We don't see Dan's dad very often so it was good to spend time with him. It will be even better when he moves up this Spring.
Your baby isn't just sitting around (on your bladder) doing nothing, he's working hard preparing for life outside the womb—perfecting his lungs and packing on the pounds. He'll gain ½ pound this week alone. Other highlights this week:
Things are starting to get a little crowded inside the old womb as baby grows bigger and bigger. Your ribs are probably pining away for the good old days when they didn't have a foot permanently lodged between them. Hate to break it to you, but it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Your baby's ears are fully functional now. And since they are, you may notice that loud noises and sudden movements can startle the little bugger. He's getting used to the everyday sounds inside the womb: the sound of your heart beating, your lungs inhaling and exhaling air, the growling of your stomach because your partner promised he'd be right back with that double cheeseburger and he's taking forever! He'll even be able to hear your voice when your partner finally arrives and you ask him where the bleep he's been! So talk nice!
Baby's got a fully developed inner ear now. This means his sense of balance is working and he can tell whether he's hanging upside down or right side up. He can also feel you moving, so go ahead, pop in your favorite tunes and boogie.
Your little Wiener schnitzel is about the length of a foot-long Chicago hot dog and weighs about 1 1/3 pounds.
He has indeed been spending most of his time on my bladder. It must be the best punching bag he can find. Lately though, he has been focusing his attention further up around my belly button. Those kicks and punches are much more comfortable, not to mention that Dan can feel those better. He does seem to be sensitive to sounds and when Sprinkles wakes Dan and me up in the morning, the baby wakes up too.
For the most part, now that morning sickness is a distant memory, being pregnant isn't that bad. There are a few annoying symptoms (think constant heartburn and having to pee every 20 minutes), but it's not too bad. Yet. I am getting more uncomfortable as my midsection expands. My back hurts a lot and the extra weight is hard to lug around. I know that it will get worse as the next 16 weeks pass, but I can see it starting already. Luckily, my midwife wrote me a prescription for massages for the back pain! I found a massage center very close to our house that accepts my insurance and I have my first appointment tomorrow. I think I can handle a $10 copay in exchange for relief, no matter how temporary it is.
Grandpa Louie came for a visit this week. We don't see Dan's dad very often so it was good to spend time with him. It will be even better when he moves up this Spring.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Baby's Exercise
Every morning when the alarm goes off, our baby boy starts moving. I'm not sure if he moves like that all night and I sleep through it, or if the sound of the alarm or my accelerated heart beat wakes him up, but he goes crazy. Thanks to a certain girl cat of ours who shall remain nameless, we were gently roused from our slumber -- okay, she was really frickin' annoying! -- at 5:45, so our little guy started his morning routine a little early.
Most of the time when I feel the movement start, Dan is in a deep sleep. But this morning he was up and got to feel our little boy on what Dan called "his morning jog". My favorite part of his morning routine is that his kicks are up high and stay away from my bladder. I don't feel them internally as strongly as his bladder kicks, but you can definitely feel them on the outside. Very cool!
Most of the time when I feel the movement start, Dan is in a deep sleep. But this morning he was up and got to feel our little boy on what Dan called "his morning jog". My favorite part of his morning routine is that his kicks are up high and stay away from my bladder. I don't feel them internally as strongly as his bladder kicks, but you can definitely feel them on the outside. Very cool!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December Already
Time is really flying! And it's also dragging... Here we are on the second day of December, 16 and a half weeks until our baby boy is due and that amount of time seems like too much and not enough at the same time. I am dying to know what he looks like and what his personality will be. I want to know if he has his daddy's blue eyes or my crooked little toes. Will he be as active when he's born as he is now? How big will he be and what will he like to eat?
Sixteen weeks isn't that long. After all, we've known he was coming for 19+ weeks already and that time hasn't passed too slowly. We've known for over three weeks that he's a boy, and I can still picture him squirming on the ultrasound screen. It's just such a weird experience to have him in me and feel him so much, but not know anything about him.
Not that I'm wishing time away, but I can't wait for March to get here to meet this little being that I'm so obsessed with!
Sixteen weeks isn't that long. After all, we've known he was coming for 19+ weeks already and that time hasn't passed too slowly. We've known for over three weeks that he's a boy, and I can still picture him squirming on the ultrasound screen. It's just such a weird experience to have him in me and feel him so much, but not know anything about him.
Not that I'm wishing time away, but I can't wait for March to get here to meet this little being that I'm so obsessed with!
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