Week 23: LARGE Mango

Wow … I can’t believe it … this is going by so fast … it really is … CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!

How your baby's growing:Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

How your life's changing:
You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.Exercise helps you sleep.

Decision Guide: Should you bank your baby's cord blood?
Cord blood banking is a procedure in which the blood left in your baby's umbilical cord and placenta after birth is collected, frozen, and stored for future medical use. Cord blood is prized because it's a rich source of stem cells — the building blocks of the blood and immune system. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into other tissues, and cord blood can be used to treat a host of diseases, including leukemia and sickle cell anemia. Only you can decide whether banking your baby's cord blood is right for your family. Factors to consider:
• Cord blood research is showing promising preliminary results.Studies are under way around the world, and many researchers are optimistic about the future. For instance, cord blood researchers believe that one day some adult cancer patients may benefit from their own cord blood stem cells that were harvested at birth. The hope is that stem cells could be used to treat cancers that aren't genetically based.
In light of recent animal experiments, many researchers also believe that cord blood will eventually be used to treat diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heart failure, stroke, and serious neurological diseases.
However, many experts caution parents to take such studies (especially those conducted on animals) with a grain of salt, because it's difficult to predict when, if ever, these treatments will become available for humans. The March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies, sums it up this way: "The use of umbilical cord blood stem cells for transplantation treatment holds exciting promise, but this area of medical science is still largely investigational."
• It's expensive.Private cord blood banks usually charge an enrollment and collection fee of about $2,000 or so, plus annual storage fees around $125.
• Chances are that your baby cannot be treated with his own cord blood.If your child has or develops an illness with a genetic basis — which is often the case with conditions that could benefit from a cord blood transplant — his cord blood contains the genetic instructions for that disease, so it's not a suitable treatment. Most banked cord blood is currently used to treat siblings.
• You probably have a better chance of finding a stem cell match in the public cord blood system than in your own family.The chance of an exact tissue match between two siblings is only about 25 percent, according to Dennis Confer, chief medical officer for the National Marrow Donor Program, a nonprofit organization that maintains the largest public listing of umbilical cord blood units available for transplantation in the United States. In contrast, the chance of finding a cord blood match in the nation's public banks is 75 percent, he says.
• Doctors aren't ready to universally recommend banking your baby's cord blood.The American Academy of Pediatrics and some other experts have expressed reservations about private cord blood banking for the general public because they believe the chances a family will ever need the blood are slim and because they support a public cord blood donation system (similar to blood banks). However, cord blood banking is encouraged when there's an immediate family member who's already been diagnosed with a condition that may be treated with cord blood transplantation. (In this situation, you may be eligible for a special cord blood banking program called "The Sibling Connection," in which your baby's cord blood will be collected, processed, and stored for five years at no cost to you. Call 866-861-8435 for more information.)
• If your child belongs to a minority group, private storage may be of more value to you.According to July 2003 figures, a Caucasian patient has an 88 percent chance of finding a matching donor through the registry of the National Marrow Donor Program, while an African American's chances were significantly lower at 58 percent.
• For more information, see:Cord blood banking: An overviewPrivate cord blood banking: Is it for you?Finding a reputable private cord blood bankDonating your baby's cord bloodIf you decide you want to bank your baby's cord blood, talk to your caregiver and start researching both the public and private banking options now. Most private cord blood banks prefer women to sign up during the second trimester. If you wait too long, you may have to pay late enrollment fees.

This Week's Activity:Write a letter to your baby. You and your child will treasure this gift for years to come. Go with your heart and follow your inspiration. If you need help getting started:
• Describe your feelings toward your baby and what it's like to know she's growing inside you.
• Imagine a perfect day with your baby and what you'll do together.
• Write down your hopes, dreams, and wishes for your baby.
• Think about what being a mother means to you and your definition of what makes a good mother.
If writing isn't your style, put together a collage or a memory box of pregnancy mementos, says Diane Sanford, a clinical psychologist whose focus is on helping women make the transition to motherhood.

As for me …

• Definitely have swelling. Although I think it started at first because of my lack of movement because of my RIGHT foot not being healthy. But each day … even with all the games … it’s getting better. Moving more and more … although I didn’t know to sit with my legs out while I’m at my desk so I’ll have to start that. And the left side is already my “go-to” side anyways. And I’m sleeping with my feet up. Guess my bad foot has me starting better habits for my feet in general.


• Have to keep an eye on the swelling … mom reminded me that my cousin had serious preeclampsia issues so I need to be aware of my body.


• Cord Blood banking. Mike and I have discussed it in the past but never came to a definitive conclusion. Although I have lots of info on it and have been contacted by two separate entities that do it … we’ll need to decide sooner than later if we’d like to … it’s a “just in case” scenario that you pay for and hope to never use.


• I like the weekly activity although I know I’m not likely to complete it this week … too many games to barely even think. But I LOVED getting the one I wrote myself in High School for my college graduation and I even had one in there from Elementary for my High School graduation. I think this would be the perfect thing to put together by both Mike and I … sign, seal and put in the safe deposit box for a certain date in the future. Or maybe a few different ones.


• Fetal movement … I’m feeling him more and more. I actually got a few swift kicks yesterday morning but Mike missed it as he was sleeping. I truly believe he would’ve felt those on the outside of my tummy. So we’re getting closer and closer to being more aware of him every day … I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL MIKE CAN FEEL HIM KICK!!!!

Lastly … an update on my foot. I am still having troubles with it. The swelling and tenderness on the top where I smacked it on the ground is still tender and keeping me from doing normal “Dani” things with it. And I unfortunately have discovered some scar tissue under the scar that has been left behind from the scratch. The good thing ... the trainer that was the first to my aid offered to help me last night at the game. I got permission from my boss to reach out to him to see about setting up a time to go see the trainer to work out the scar tissue, etc.

This truly is Mike and I’s “busy” time. I’m in the middle of 6 games in 11 days and Mike has lots of upcoming events. My next appointment on March 2nd is when I’m supposed to complete my tests for gestational diabetes. Fortunately Kaiser’s lab in WC is open on the weekends so I’ll be able to take care of that on Saturday March 6th with no issues.

Hope everyone is doing well … sorry we’ve fallen off the face of the earth the last few weeks. We exist … I promise. We love you all …

Week 22: Papaya

Here we are … week 22 … it’s going so fast I can’t believe it!!!

How your baby's growing:At 11 inches (the size of a papaya) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

How your life's changing:At this point, you may find your belly becoming a hand magnet. It's perfectly okay to tell folks who touch your tummy that you'd rather they didn't. And if people are telling you that you look smaller or bigger than you should at this point, remember that each woman grows — and shows — at her own rate. What's important is that you see your practitioner for regular visits so she can make sure your baby's growth is on track.

You may start to notice stretch marks on your abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby. At least half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks by the time they give birth. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color). Although they most commonly appear on your tummy, stretch marks may also show up on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. There's no proof that lotion helps prevent stretch marks, but keeping your skin moisturized may help with any itching.

Surprising Facts: Body changes beyond your belly
You expected your belly to grow — and perhaps your breasts, too — but the following physical changes may take you by surprise. As with many pregnancy changes, hormones play a role in most of these alterations in your looks.
• Thicker, more lustrous hair You're not actually growing more hair, just losing less than normal. During pregnancy, your body sheds hair much more slowly than it did before. What to do: If thicker hair is a boon for you, enjoy it. If it's making your mane more unruly than ever, ask your stylist to do some thinning at your next cut. These changes won't last forever. After your baby's born, you'll start to lose this excess hair, sometimes in clumps.
• Faster-growing fingernails Your fingernails may grow more quickly than usual, and you may notice changes in texture. Some women's nails get harder, while others' get softer or more brittle. What to do: Protect your nails by wearing rubber gloves when you're cleaning, and using moisturizer on them if they're brittle.
• Skin changes Some pregnant women report that their skin has never looked better. If that's you, enjoy the proverbial "glow." Others find the hormones of pregnancy aggravate skin conditions such as acne. What to do: Wash twice a day with a gentle soap or cleanser, and make sure that any moisturizer or makeup you use is oil-free.
• Stretch marks As your belly expands to accommodate your growing baby, you may get tiny tears in the supportive tissue that lies just beneath your skin, resulting in striations of varying color. These marks will begin to fade and become considerably less noticeable about six to 12 months after you give birth. There's not much you can do besides trying not to gain more than the recommended amount of weight. Heredity is responsible for the natural elasticity of your skin and plays a role in determining who will end up with stretch marks.
• Skin discolorations Increased melanin can cause splotchy patches of darkened skin on your face. These pigment changes may become intensified if you spend time in the sun. What to do: Protect your face by using a sunblock that offers both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing a hat with a brim, and avoiding the sun during peak hours of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
• Larger feet Your feet may go up half a shoe size or more. Lax ligaments may make your feet spread a bit — permanently. Swelling can make your shoes feel tight as well, although it will go away after delivery. What to do: Buy comfortable shoes to accommodate your growing feet. This Week's Activity:Check out your rings. It's common to have some swelling in your fingers as your pregnancy progresses. If your rings are feeling the least bit snug, do yourself a favor and take them off now before it's too late (or at least keep an eye on them). If you can't bear to be separated from your wedding band or another important ring when you can no longer sport it on your finger, loop it on a chain and wear it close to your heart.

As for me … - People are reaching for my belly. Fortunately it’s not strangers yet. Even accounts are looking longingly and then asking. I’m just grateful that at the moment … most people are asking.

I have found that as I talk to more and more accounts that know that I’m pregnant … they tend to stay more focused on me being pregnant than on the Warriors. Lol!! I even had one of my accounts exclaim, “I don’t know why … but I’m just so excited for you and your pregnancy!!”. This is one of my new accounts this season too.

• Thicker hair … well I have noticed I am losing about the same but that it has been awfully soft as of late. Which is crazy considering the last time I had it trimmed was DECEMBER 12th!!!


• Nails have been growing fast … so not worth getting a manicure. But now I REALLY can’t do my own pedicure so that has become a 2 week must instead of being able to stretch it out to 4 weeks.


• Skin … has its moments like normal. It’s gotten more oily like it’s supposed to but I’ve figured out how to combat that so I’m doing pretty good. Someone at the arena commented on how great my skin has been looking.


• Stretch marks. None on my tummy that I’m aware of. And once in a while I make Mike look for me. Although … my breasts (sorry boys) did grow rather quickly so I did get some there.


• Discoloration … I haven’t noticed any to date. I’ll keep an eye out for it though. - Larger feet … well they haven’t gotten longer but the swelling in my left foot has been annoying me. I think my mom was right … it’s swelling from me walking and moving differently because of hurting my right foot. I FINALLY started walking like a normal, human-being on Saturday and since then although my left foot is swollen, it’s not NEARLY the size it’d gotten to the week before.


• And the rings … still fitting like normal. In fact … I almost feel like they’re more lose at times than normal. Just trying to keep healthy … it’s been hard with Mike getting sick and the “young” kids in my department that are getting sick because all they do is work and party hard. But *knock on wood* I’ve managed to keep myself from getting sick. Now if only I could stop my random and VERY stressful dreams from occurring.

I’m not looking forward to the next 11 days except that I will have my mommy/daddy here for a few of them. That’s my saving grace with 6 games in 11 days. Love you all …

Week 21: Carrot (length)

Hey everyone … It’s been a hectic week and on Super Bowl Sunday I was too exhausted to get my update out. So here you go …

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

How your life's changing:You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.

You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

This Week's Activity:Create a baby registry. Even if you don't like the idea of asking for specific gifts, family and friends will soon be asking what you need or want — particularly if someone's throwing you a baby shower. If you prepare a gift registry, you'll know exactly what to tell them.

Two common mistakes to avoid:

• Registering for clothing. Don't waste your time: People can't resist buying baby clothes, and they generally pick out what they think is cute.

• Not registering for big ticket or expensive items. Don't worry: You won't be seen as greedy. Many shower guests like to go in on a "big gift" together, so give them something to sink their teeth into.

As for me … I’m doing pretty good considering I’m still hobbling a bit. But that has NOTHING to do with my pregnancy. I did have an account on Monday night ask if I was waddling or hobbling. J I’m not waddling yet. Lol!! Acne and skin in general has been under wraps. I’ve been able to keep my skin from freaking out like it did at first. So that’s good. Haven’t seen any varicose or spider veins creep up either thankfully. Only thing is my left foot is swelling every day now. I’m sure part of it is the pregnancy and part of it is me relying so heavily on it because of my right foot.

Baby registry … Mike and I started ours a while back just to get it started when we weren’t so busy. But only put 4 things on it originally. Did more research and once we found out baby was a boy we added more stuff on. Doing more research and adding on things as we see fit. So we’re already ahead on that one.

The one we’re behind is scheduling our classes. We can only schedule those over the phone and our schedules are so hectic and different through the Spring that we need to make time to do a conference call for them. We’re hoping to get those scheduled soon.

I’m starting to feel him more and more. Realizing its him moving in my tummy and not my tummy rumbling. But still don’t feel him all the time. Things have to be just right. But it sure is neat. J Alrighty … it’s taken me from 8:30am til 1pm to get this completed for you all … back to work I go. LOVE YOU ALL!!!