Week 20: Cantaloupe (halfway there!!!)

Hi all ... Below info from www.babycenter.com ...

How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana or the size of a cantaloupe. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

How your life's changing:Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.

Surprising Facts: Getting a good night's rest
It may become more difficult to sleep through the night as your pregnancy progresses, thanks to some obvious and not-so-obvious changes taking place in your body. You may be surprised to find that:
• You start snoring for the first time in your life, thanks in part to more estrogen, which contributes to swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose and may even cause you to make more mucus. What to do: Sleep on your side and elevate your head slightly.
• Heartburn and indigestion can make it extra uncomfortable to lie down in bed. What to do: Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, give yourself two to three hours to digest a meal before going to bed, and try sleeping semi-upright in a comfy recliner or propped up with extra pillows under your upper body.
• Leg cramps jar you out of a deep sleep. What to do: Ease the cramp by straightening your leg, heel first and gently flexing your toes back toward your shins, or walk around for a few minutes.
• You toss and turn all night trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. What to do: Lie on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs. For extra comfort and support, arrange other pillows under your belly and behind your back. Or try using a contoured maternity body pillow.
• You become hot and sweaty in the middle of the night. It's common for pregnant women to feel a little warmer than usual thanks to shifts in your metabolism, hormones, and weight. What to do: Keep your bedroom cool and strip down to the bare essentials. Keep slippers and a snuggly bathrobe handy for those nighttime trips to the bathroom.
• Getting out of bed is harder than ever! What to do: Roll over onto your side so you're facing the edge of the bed. Dangle your legs over the side and use your arms to push yourself into a sitting position. Plant your feet squarely on the floor and then stand up.
Wear sleepwear made of a natural, breathable fiber like cotton. Avoid synthetics, which trap moisture next to your skin and can leave you damp and chilled.

This Week's Activity:
Treat yourself to something nice. You've made it to the halfway mark in your pregnancy, so celebrate with a little indulgence. Need some ideas?• For your comfort, try scented candles, a new nightgown or pajamas, or a prenatal massage.• For a keepsake, splurge on professional pictures of your pregnant self, or a beautiful frame for your baby's first picture after birth. (In the meantime, you can use an ultrasound picture!)• To feel like a hot momma, buy yourself a piece of clothing that makes you feel really sexy or get a free makeover at a department store.
I wanted to get my update out before a busy week back to work begins and takes over. The doctor appointsments went really well. Baby boy is progressing well and developing right on schedule. I measured only 1 day ahead at my appointment. We'll be scheduling all sorts of classes soon for later in the pregnancy. Guess you gotta schedule early. Things like a breastfeeding class, early child care, CPR, etc. And we can schedule a hospital tour any time moving forward. We also received the L&D phone numbers since I'm halfway there. Still not feeling fetal movement or that which I can tell is the baby for sure. There are glimmers in certain postions I'm sitting or laying in that I feel a flutter or poke. Doctor said it could be another 2-4 weeks before I feel him. I always thought my body was hypersensitive ... guess it just can't decipher it yet. Which of course is a small blessing I realize. This means that he can't wake me up in the middle of the night right now or make me irk during the day. :)

Round ligament pain is back ... almost any time I cough or sneeze it pangs. It's annoying and can take you out of commission for a moment but I know what it is so it helps relax me. Sleeping in general has been an issue this past week. Mostly because of my foot. But also because I can't lay on my back without feeling nauseous and my hips sticking.

Foot is getting there. Still hobbling. Still no way I'm driving. Fortunately I don't have a game until Saturday. So it's just in the office with my foot up and an ice pack. The swelling over my tattoo still is pretty big. It never goes down and hurts to the touch. My toes are going through funky bruising stages but are looking better. The scratch is healing and it's looking better and better each day now. Hopefully I'll be getting around even better within the next week. It sure is putting a cramp in my style. :) I can barely wear shoes on my right foot

Mike just finished painting the nursery. Right now we're starting with the base blue (Behr - Blue Feather). We'll take a look when it dries to see if we need to do a second coat. Then we'll add some clouds and one big stork and a few little ones. Mike promised one grey cloud for me. Mom ... you'll remember ... I'm always the little girl that LOVED Grumpy Bear because I wanted to make him happy. Same thing ... I wanted one not so dark grey cloud in the corner to remember that things are happier. :) Hope everyone has a great week ... happy mom and dad will be here even for only a short time.

Week 19: Mango

Hey everyone ... laid up at home with my foot elevated and icing at the moment ... finishing my breakfast ... while working online awaiting a call list to get people out to our Sideline Club raffle on Wednesay and even a visit from Nicole and baby Kaitlynn later to lift my spirits ... I figured I'd get this weeks update off to everyone. As always ... the following info is from www.babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a mango. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

How your life's changing:Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."

These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

Decision Guide: Naming your baby
For many couples, settling on a name for their baby is a lot of fun. For others, it's a tortuous process of negotiation. Either way, it's an important decision because you're choosing something that will last a lifetime (unless your little one decides to rename herself along the way). Here are some factors to consider when you're deciding on a name:
• Sound and compatibility How your baby's name sounds when it's said aloud is one of the most essential things to think about. Is it melodious? Harsh? Does it go well with your last name? One thing to avoid: Choosing a first name that ends in the same sound as the beginning of your last name.
• Uniqueness An unusual name has the advantage of making your child stand out from the crowd. On the other hand, a name no one has heard of and few can pronounce can bring attention your child might rather avoid. Spelling variations can help make a name unique, but choosing a name with numerous spellings can cause confusion in your child's life for years to come.
• Relatives and friends Many parents choose to name their babies after a grandparent, another relative, or a close friend. Don't want too many Michaels in your house? Look way back in your family tree for hidden treasures. And if you're worried about hurt feelings, consider a first name from one side of the family and a middle name from the other. According to a BabyCenter survey, middle names are a must for most parents; 98 percent give their child a middle name, with 7 percent of those parents giving their child two or more middle names.
• Ancestry and heritage Your child's heritage is an essential part of who she is, and you may want her name to reflect that. Skim history books focusing on your family's country of origin to find appropriate possibilities.
• Meaning No one is likely to treat your daughter Ingrid differently because her name means "hero's daughter," but the derivation of your baby's name is something you may want to think about. Use BabyCenter's Baby Name tool to learn the meaning of over 5,000 names.
• Initials and nicknames People, especially kids, can be cruel when it comes to nicknames, so try to anticipate any potentially embarrassing ones. Consider your child's initials as well, so you don't inadvertently saddle her with a doozy like Z.I.T. or P.E.E.
One of the best tests for a baby name is to yell it out loud, preferably at a playground. If you feel uncomfortable saying the name in that setting, it might not be the best choice.
• Many people going through pregnancy like to refer to their growing baby by name — or nickname. What about you?

This Week's Activity
Start your childcare search. It may seem early to you, but the best centers often have long waiting lists and it's easier to go on tours now than when you have an infant in tow. You have many options, so review the pluses and minuses of daycare centers, nanny care, home daycare, and relative care. Put your name on a few lists even if you aren't sure what you'll do. When the time comes, you may be grateful for the options.

I had round ligament pain earlier in the pregnancy as I was stretching and growing so I'm at least familiar with it. But so far haven't felt it much recently. As for naming, Mike and I are working on a running list of possibilities. We'll happily take suggestions ... but please remember ... we aren't telling ANYONE what we decide until birth. Sorry kids ... we'll keep you guessing. Lol!!! As for a childcare search. I guess I'm ahead of the game. I started this last week a little bit. I don't think I'm using the write search tools and words so I'll have to work on that some more as we go forward. And yes ... we know EVERYONE is excited for our anatomy scan tomorrow ... we'll tell everyone when we're ready!! Love you all ... take it easy this week ... move slower and think of me while doing it ... with a belly getting bigger and using crutches ... I'm learning to take my time. :)

Week 18: Bell Pepper

Hi all ... here it is again ... anyone getting bored of these yet? Still enjoying them I hope. To provide an update ... since Mike asks me practically every day ... still not feeling movement. One of these days ... I'll get the next of many wonderful surprised feelings. As always ... all info below is from www.babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

How your life's changing:Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

Appetite is getting bigger ... thankfully it's supposed to. Energy is getting better and increasing but I still get exhausted out of now where. Just ask Mike. I could have a restfull night of 8+ hrs and I'll still fall asleep in the middle of the day on the couch at home on the weekends. I wish I could create opportunities to nap during the work week.

Surprisingly I've made it through the first part of the month with the multitude of games we have and still have coming up. Fortunately tomorrow's game is at 1pm. Thank you MLK Jt day. Even with parking or the closing of the club I'd still be home relatively early. That will help. Lots going on ... working harder than ever. Luckily for me, people are seeing it. Accounts, co-workers and bosses. Even other arena staff for SMG. Hope everyone has a great week ... thanks for all the love everyone ... it means the world to me.

Week 17: Onion

Hey everyone ... sorry it's late. It's been a wild week ... Like normal this is all from www.babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a onion), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.
See what your baby looks like this week.

How your life's changing:Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car — keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.

You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.
Dreams During PregnancyMany women report that their dream life shifts into high gear during pregnancy. Interestingly, during the second and third trimesters, you spend less sleep time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the cycle in which most dreams occur. Why, then, all those frequent and vivid dream memories?

It's probably at least in part because you may be interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee, cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache, or to shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.

It may also be in part that dreams seem so vivid during pregnancy because for most women pregnancy is a time of such heightened emotions — from joy to apprehension and everything in between — but no one really knows for sure.

This Week's Activity:Start a baby name list. Make a list of ten names you like. Have your partner do the same. Trade lists and each cross out one name on the other's list that you dislike. Keep taking turns until you have a set of names you can both live with. Talk about why you like and dislike certain names. Many couples even create ground rules, such as no names of former girlfriends or boyfriends and no names that have ever been used for family pets.

I've always been one for dreaming and remembering my dreams but they've certainly been vivid that's for sure. Even stressful sometimes. Which wipes out the effects even if it's a full night's rest. As for the actvity of the week ... we started that a while ago but need to add to it more. Don't forget ... we'll happily take any suggestions you might have. And of course we're both excited for our appointment in less than 2 weeks. Still deciding on whether or not to find out on that day or to have them write it down n we'll open it and find out later. Stay tuned. Have been pretty good getting some sleep. Resting as much as I can possibly can right now with the amount of work to be done. Lots of games and lots going on in the office for the games because we've got lots of events coming up for our accounts. Tummy is getting rounder and clothes are getting tighter. I finally told the rest of my department. All of them of which told me that were dying while waiting for me to tell them. Even one of the guys said, "well that's the least shocking news I've heard in a while, but congratulations". Even my boss told me if I hadn't I better because it was coming more obvious especially within the last week. Lol!! Even two of the girls are fighting over who gets to drive me to Kaiser-Walnut Creek should I go into labor at work. Hope everyone enjoys the week ... I'll try to get out the update on Sunday night of this week since I have another hectic week. Love you all ... and happy I got a chance to see my family ... no matter the circumstances.

Week 16: Avocado

Hello everyone … welcome to 2010!! The same as before … this info is from www.babycenter.com

How your baby's growing:Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

How your life's changing:The top of your uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, many don't feel their baby move until about 18 weeks or more. (And if this is your first baby, don't be too impatient — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so.) The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently.

This Week's Activity:
Plan a romantic getaway — even if you stay home. Once your baby arrives, it will be very hard for you and your partner to slip away for a weekend alone. Don't miss this chance to kick back together. And don't wait much longer because by your third trimester you may feel too tired and achy to hit the road. If you can't get out of town, plan local activities you can enjoy together — even dinner and a movie counts.

I keep a close eye on my body so I’m trying every day to see if I “feel” anything but nothing yet. Even Mike will have me lie very still to see if he can too. J We’re both looking forward to being able to feel the baby move around. I’m not so sure about “kicking” but we’ll see. As for a baby-moon … we’ve talked about one but haven’t started planning on where or when. We’ll see … but it’s definitely a thought. We began our registry this weekend … with a whole 3 items on it. Hahaha … we just wanted to get ourselves started on thinking about all these things. Before we know it … our shower will be here and with our busy schedule we decided it might be best to start thinking and planning now. We’re still looking into cribs and other furniture. Even strollers/car seats. Just trying to see what we might like. Even baby monitors. The basics. Busy weeks for us both … and it will only get busier. But somehow … like always … we make it through. Take care veryone!!