Week 37: Swiss Chard (length)

It's official kids ... I'm full term and he can come whenever he likes from here on out!!! My belly continues to get bigger and bigger and everyone is noticing. Even my president ... who shyly said "I think your belly gets bigger every day now". I let him know ... that it's not just his mind ... that it really is. Babies tend to grow between 1/2 pound and a pound a week the last few weeks. So if you think about it, he's gaining at least an ounce each day. He felt better knowing that I didn't think he was calling me fat. Hahaha!!

The room is truly ready to go ... simply waiting for Mr. Futz's arrival. We got creative with the poofy bumper that came in the bedding set and put it on the wall as a decorative border and got everything washed and put away. We've made a few stops to Babies R 'Us for the last of the essentials that we feel we need for us to feel ready. The only thing left really ... pack our bags. It's so hard to pack for that though!! There are things that I want as comfy, home items that I'm still wearing!! I don't want to put them in a bag and have to try something else to keep me happy while I'm lounging at home. That's just not fair. :P But we'll get it done this week.

We'll be working on our "who to call when going into L&D" and "who to call once he's made his debut" call lists. Of which we'll be handing over to the grandparents to help out. Just as a reminder ... the grandparents (Debbie/Don and Debbie/Gary) will be the first people called as soon as we realize that it's legitimate labor!!! No matter how much we love you ... you will stress me out if you call/text/email me each day looking for me to tell you I'm in labor. :) We'll be in touch ... have no fear ... we're SO very excited to share his arrival with WHOMEVER is willing to listen ... that we'll be yelling it from the rooftops!!!

And on to the update ...

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing:

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though his quarters are getting cozy, he should still be as active as before.

Surprising Facts: Signs of labor

There's no way to predict when labor is going to start. Your body actually starts "preparing" for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near.

Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:

• Your baby drops. If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts as your baby descends lower into your pelvis. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.

• You note an uptick in Braxton Hicks contractions. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time.

• You pass your mucus plug. The mucus plug is the small amount of thickened mucus that blocks the cervical canal leading to your uterus. The plug may come out all at once in a lump, or as increased vaginal discharge over the course of several days. The mucus may be tinged with blood (which may be brown, pink, or red), in which case it may be referred to as "bloody show."

• Your water breaks. Most women start having regular contractions sometime before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. (If contractions don't start promptly on their own, you'll be induced.) Whether the amniotic fluid comes out in a large gush or a small trickle, call your doctor or midwife.

How can I tell if I'm in false labor or true labor?

Sometimes it's very hard to tell false labor from the early stages of true labor. Here are some things that might help you sort it out:

• False labor contractions are unpredictable. They come at irregular intervals and vary in length and intensity. Although true labor contractions may be irregular at first, over time they start coming at regular and shorter intervals, become increasingly more intense, and last longer.

• With false labor, the pain from the contractions is more likely to be centered in your lower abdomen. With true labor, you may feel the pain start in your lower back and wrap around to your abdomen.

• False labor contractions may subside on their own, or when you start or stop an activity or change position. True labor contractions will persist and progress regardless of what you do.


This Week's Activity:

Figure out how to install your baby's car seat. You can't bring your baby home without a car seat and it's harder to install than you think, so don't wait until the last minute. Some car seat manufacturers have a toll-free number for you to call so an expert can walk you through the process. Or get a car seat safety inspector to help you. To find one in your area, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site or look in your local phone book.

As for me ...

• Braxton Hicks contractions are definitely becoming more frequent. And a little more intense.


• I've already completed my Group B Strep test and passed. Which means I will NOT have to get antibiotics during labor.


• Sleeping is getting harder that's for sure. But like normal, once I figure it out, I have to change it up again. But I really do think I might have figured it out this time with my body/pregnancy pillow. And Mike has truly become an excellent massage therapist for me and been really taking care of me. (what a guy!!!)


• Mr. Futz has dropped although part of me feels, for some reason, that he hasn't totally settled in yet. Guess we'll find out later this week


• We have the car seat and know how to put the bases in and secured. We'll be doing that this week (early) as well. We intended to do it today but the day ran away from us.


• This is my last week of work before going on leave. We have our annual seat upgrades being held at the arena. I will be running the show at check-in so I won't be running around the arena or up and down stairs so have no fear!! We're getting fed and I have help that I can lean on if I need it. My boss and another director running the show at the event have made me promise to tell them if I need anything or need to go home. There are contingency plans in place for me needing to go home because it's too much or because Mr. Futz is ready to make his grand entrance. So not to worry ... the Warriors are certainly thinking about me.

This week we have our next appointment on Friday June 4th. We'll keep you posted after that.

Have a great week and we hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!! We know we did!!!!

--
danielle & mike

Week 36: Honeydew Melon

Wow ... I'm in my 9th month. Holy heck! One more week and I'm "full term". My body is starting to get uncomfortable. My tummy is growing even still. I didn't think I could get much bigger but yet I still get bigger. The update is below ... read on!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a honeydew melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement (actually the first several says the doc, teach, midwife and our friends with kids).

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying he'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly.

How your life's changing:

Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.

Surprising Facts:

The stages of laborFor first-time moms, labor takes an average of 15 hours, though it's not uncommon to last more than 20. (For women who've previously had a vaginal birth, it takes eight hours, on average.) The process of labor and birth is divided into three main stages. Here are the highlights on how childbirth progresses:

First stage
The first stage begins when you start having contractions that progressively dilate and efface your cervix and it ends when your cervix is fully dilated. This stage is divided into two phases, early and active labor.

It can be tricky to determine exactly when early labor starts. That's because early labor contractions are sometimes hard to distinguish from the inefficient Braxton Hicks contractions that you may have been feeling for some time.

Unless there are complications or your midwife or doctor has advised you otherwise, expect to sit out most of your early labor at home. (Be sure, though, to check in with your caregiver to make certain.)

Early labor ends when your cervix is about 4 centimeters dilated and your progress starts to speed up. At this point, you enter what's known as the active phase of labor. Your contractions become more frequent, longer, and stronger.

The last part of the active phase — when your cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters — is called the transition period because it marks the transition to the second stage of labor. This is the most intense part of the first stage, with contractions that are usually very strong, coming about every two and a half to three minutes and lasting a minute or more.

Second stage
Once your cervix is fully dilated, the second stage of labor begins: the final descent and birth of your baby. This is the "pushing" stage of labor, and it can last anywhere from minutes to a few hours. (It's likely to be quicker if you've previously given birth vaginally.)

Your baby's head will continue to advance with each push until it "crowns" — the term used to describe the time when the widest part of your baby's head is finally visible. After your baby's head comes out, your midwife or doctor will suction his mouth and nose, and feel around his neck for the umbilical cord. His head then turns to the side as his shoulders rotate inside the pelvis to get into position for their exit. With the next contraction, you'll be coached to push as his shoulders deliver, one at a time, followed by the rest of his body.

You may feel a wide range of emotions now: euphoria, awe, pride, disbelief, excitement (to name a few), and, of course, intense relief that it's all over. Exhausted as you may be, you'll also probably feel a burst of energy, and any thoughts of sleep will vanish for the time being.

Stage three
The final stage of labor begins immediately after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of your placenta. The contractions in the third stage are relatively mild.
Get a more detailed account of what happens during each stage of labor.

This Week's Activity:

Create a grapevine. Make a list of all the people you want to hear about your baby's birth — with their phone numbers or e-mail addresses — and pass this along to a friend who can spread the news. That way, when you're ready for others to know, all you have to do is make one call. Include at least one person from work on the list, so they can spread the word there.

As for me ...I have been eating less but more frequently. But I've always been one to graze eat anyways so it's not much different. As you all know from my update from after the appointment with the midwife that Mr. Futz has started to drop and that he is in fact head down. More and more Braxton Hick contractions ... getting stronger. All good things.

We've already begun talking about our list to call. When to call who and if we should have a list of us to call and then maybe a list for the parents to call. We'll figure it out ... we want to make sure that everyone gets called. We're so excited ... we want people to share in the excitement with us IN THE MOMENT as opposed to 2 weeks later when they've heard through the grapevine. We're getting more and more excited and finalizing all the "stuff" we need to be truly ready.

We'll be working on getting our bags packed for the hospital. And we've been working on organizing not only the nursery but the whole house. Nesting has settled in for both of us. And Mike is a great assistant. He'll clean about anything but the toilet ... I can handle that one. Lol!!

We only have one class left and that's really only for me. But I have two more scheduled appointments with the doctor. My last day with the Warriors will be June 4th. Maybe even June 3rd since I found out that I have 12 hours of vaca that I'll lose if I don't use it.

Time to get going ... I'm tired ... long week since last Saturday ... and stuffed after Nicole and Nick wine and dined us with amazing steaks, asparagus and yummy mashed potatoes!!!! And Mike enjoyed Nick's Margarita's especially with the Grand Marnier floater. I think I'm in a food coma. Lol! Enjoy the week everyone ... --danielle and mike

Week 35: Honeydew Melon (weight)

Hey everyone … yesterday was amazing!! So many people at the shower that it was more like an event then a baby shower!! Everything looked amazing, the food was delicious and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. Thank you Debbie and Auntie Joyce for making my baby shower so very special!! Mike and I can’t thank you enough. Truly!! Mom … everyone loved the cake and both Amy/Nicole asked where you got it!! Turns out, Primrose Bakery is the bakery that did Nicole’s wedding cake! So no wonder she liked it. Lol!! I can’t believe we only have ~5 weeks.

As of today I have 34 days!!! Eek!! As you’ll see below, he’s still growing in there and I can’t believe how big he’s getting. Holding Joey yesterday was a real eye opener. And I’m so happy Mike got a chance to hold him too! Now that all the presents are in the house, we have to get reorganized again. So we can all things in place and set up, as well as all the clothes washed. I’ll sift through and see what we should leave with tags on just in case he’s too big (i.e. newborn sized clothes). But other than that … one step at a time. I almost wish I’d given myself one more week on my maternity leave! :P But we’ll make due … Mike is such a big help.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is our hospital tour. Wednesday is my first appointment with the midwife and some tests, as well as an internal exam. :P Hopefully all is still well and she can make a guess at how big he really is!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

How your life's changing:

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a vaginal and rectal culture to check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS). (Don't worry — the swab is the size of a regular cotton swab, and it won't hurt at all.) GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.

This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our form will help you focus on specifics — like who'll be present, what pain management techniques you want to try, and where you want your baby to stay after you deliver. It will give you a starting point to discuss your preferences with your medical team. Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your plan to the letter, but thinking about your choices ahead of time — and sharing your preferences with your caregiver — should take some of the anxiety out of the process.

3 Questions About...Arriving at the hospital

Q1.How can I prepare for my arrival at the hospital?

Long before you go into labor, you and your partner should map out the most direct route to the hospital or birth center. Find out where to park, keeping in mind that you'll be leaving your car for at least 24 hours. Ask the hospital staff where you should enter if you arrive after-hours. Most hospitals offer tours of the obstetrical floor at designated times. Taking advantage of these tours will give you a chance to do a dry run before the big day.

Q2.What should I do when I get to the hospital?

If you've preregistered, you should follow the instructions you've been given, which probably include breezing right by the front desk and going directly to the maternity ward. If you haven't preregistered, you can probably still head directly to the maternity ward. There's usually a check-in desk once you get there. The staff there will help you deal with any necessary paperwork.

A nurse may lead you directly to a birthing room and pair you with a labor and delivery nurse. If it's not clear that you're in active labor or need to be admitted for other reasons, she'll most likely bring you to an exam room first. Your caregiver will evaluate you there to see if you're ready to be admitted.

The nurse will ask you for a urine sample and have you change your clothes. Then she'll check your vital signs and ask when your contractions started and how far apart they are, whether your water's broken, and whether you've had any vaginal bleeding. She'll also want to know if your baby's been moving, if you've recently had anything to eat or drink, and how you're coping with the pain.

Your caregiver will check the frequency and duration of your contractions as well as your baby's heart rate. Then she'll perform an abdominal and vaginal exam. If it looks like you're not in labor or are still in early labor— and everything is okay with you and your baby — you'll probably be sent home until your labor is further along. Otherwise, you'll be admitted.

Q3.What will happen once I'm admitted?

The nurse or your caregiver may ask if you have a birth plan. Even if you don't have a written plan, share your needs and preferences with the staff, including your feelings about using pain medication during labor.

Then you'll have blood drawn (to find out your blood type among other things) and an IV may be started. You'll definitely need an IV to get antibiotics if you test positive for Group B strep, for hydration if you can't keep fluids down, if you want a spinal or an epidural, if you need oxytocin (Pitocin), or if you have any health problems or pregnancy complications.

Your nurse or caregiver should also orient you, showing you where everything is in your room and where your partner can get ice for you. Don't be shy about requesting things you might need, like a rocking chair, a cool washcloth, or another blanket, or asking any lingering questions you might have. And if you're going to have continuous electronic fetal monitoring and are interested in how it works, ask her to explain which lines on the strip show your contractions and which show the heartbeat, and let her know if you'd prefer the volume on the machine to be turned up or down.Talk to your caregiver about preregistering at the hospital. If you prepare the paperwork now, you won't have to worry about it on the big day.

This Week's Activity:

Prepare food to eat after your baby's born. If you cook, start doubling recipes and freezing half. You and your partner will be too exhausted to cook in the first weeks after you bring your baby home and you'll be thrilled to have healthy meals you can heat up fast. If you don't cook, go around your neighborhood and pick up all the takeout and delivery menus you can find. You'll be grateful for all the options at your fingertips.

As for me …

• I swear he’s bigger than 5 ¼ lbs!!
• Fortunately … knock on wood … heartburn has only been once in a while and bearable. I think I’m also good about staying away from things that I know would cause it in my normally.
• I actually won’t see the doc every week just yet. I’m at every 2 weeks until Week 38 then it’s every week. Kaiser doesn’t have you come in as frequently especially since I haven’t had any complications. *knock on wood again*
• Fortunately we know how to get there and where we’re going.
• I have my pre-registration paper work completed but I need to turn it in on Wednesday.
• And we’ve got our hospital tour tomorrow (Tuesday).
• Freezer meals … Jaime/Nicole have given me some great recipes for freezer meals and Nicole and I were looking at going to Dream Dinners (http://www.dreamdinners.com/main.php?static=index) to get some pre-made as well when I’m on maternity leave.

That about sums it up … things are picking up a bit as we get closer to cancelling the straggler accounts and getting ready for seat upgrades for our accounts. The annual upgrades that we host for our accounts to change their seat locations to improve or change price categories will be my last big Warriors related project. It’s a long 3 days but it’ll be good. Thank you everyone for all your love and encouragement … and of course your gifts. Mike and I feel so truly blessed. We love you!!


-- danielle & mike

Week 34: Cantaloupe (weight)

6 weeks and counting everyone!! I wanted to share with you our family website that we had started a while back. This is where you can find the story of us, and all of the updates that I've done throughout the pregnancy. This is also where we'll update photos of Mr. Futz, etc after he shows up. http://thenewcivellofamily.blogspot.com/ If you haven't already ... don't forget to put in your guesses in our baby pool!!! http://bebepool.com/go/?a=babycivello As normal ... below you'll find my weekly update ... :)

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How your life's changing:

By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Up to one percent of pregnant women develop PUPPP, which is harmless but can be quite uncomfortable. See your practitioner so she can make sure it's not a more serious problem, provide treatment to make you more comfortable, and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Also be sure to call her if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem.

3 Questions About...C-sections
Q1.What are my chances of having a c-section?

About 30 percent of pregnant women in the United States give birth by cesarean section these days. In certain cases the surgery is scheduled in advance. In others, it's done in response to an unforeseen complication.

Q2.Why might I need a c-section?

You may have an unplanned cesarean delivery for many reasons, such as if your cervix stops dilating, your baby stops progressing down the birth canal, or your baby's heart-rate gives your practitioner cause for concern. A planned cesarean may be recommended if:
• You've had a previous cesarean with a "classical" vertical uterine incision or more than one previous c-section. (If you've had only one previous c-section with a horizontal incision, you may be a good candidate for a vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC.)
• You've had some other kind of invasive uterine surgery, such as a myomectomy (the surgical removal of fibroids).
• You're carrying more than one baby. (Some twins can be delivered vaginally, but all higher-order multiples require a c-section.)
• Your baby is expected to be very large (a condition known as macrosomia).
• Your baby is in a breech (bottom first) or transverse (sideways) position. (In some cases, such as a twin pregnancy in which the first baby is head down but the second baby is breech, the breech baby may be delivered vaginally.)
• You have placenta previa (when the placenta is so low in the uterus that it covers the cervix).
• The baby has a known illness or abnormality that would make a vaginal birth risky.
• You're HIV-positive, and blood tests done near the end of pregnancy show that you have a high viral load.

Q3.What should I expect during a c-section?

Typically, your partner can be with you during the surgery. If you don't already have one, your medical team will start an IV and insert a catheter to drain urine during the procedure, and you'll be given an epidural or spinal block, which will numb the lower half of your body but leave you alert and awake. A screen will be put up so you don't have to watch the actual procedure. Once the doctor reaches the uterus and makes the final incision, she'll ease the baby out, lifting him so you get a glimpse of him before he's handed off to be cared for by a pediatrician or nurse. While the staff is examining your baby, the doctor will deliver your placenta and stitch you back up. When your baby has been examined, the pediatrician or nurse may hand him to your partner, who can hold him right next to you so you can nuzzle and kiss him while you're being stitched up. Closing your uterus and belly takes a lot longer, than opening you up. This part of the surgery usually takes about 30 minutes. When the surgery is completed, you'll be wheeled into a recovery room, where you'll be able to hold your baby and breastfeed if you want to.

This Week's Activity:

Make a labor contingency plan. You may go into labor early or have a complication that requires you to be in the hospital longer than you anticipated. Give at least one friend or neighbor the keys to your house in case you need something and can't get home. Line up people to do the following on a moment's notice:
• Take care of children
• Drive older children to and from school and to any afterschool activities
• Feed the dog, water the plants, get the mail
• Fill in for you at work or any other obligations

As for me ... I am starting to get tired more easily. Like I did in the first trimester but only at times is it as bad as it was then. Fortunately Mike has been great and helpful in letting me get some rest. No itchy red bumps or welts ... so that's great news. :) In our childbirth prep class this past weekend we talked about c-sections and Kaiser definitely doesn't like to do any unnecessary c-sections. They do not perform voluntary c-sections either. And this week's activity ... we already have keys out there to Debbie/Gary. And no pets to worry about and since he's the first, no other kids to worry about. The only thing we now have living at home are the plants. And although I'm stoked to have my herb garden again, they wouldn't die without being fed the next few days unless it suddenly hits 100degrees right now. :) We're getting everything set and looking forward to the shower. Looks like the rain may come in but could stay away. We shall see!! Next class is Tuesday ... Newborn Care class. Where we'll learn diapering and bathing, etc. I'm really looking forward to this class. After that, we have our tour of Labor & Delivery at Walnut Creek next week. My next appointment isn't until next week with the midwife. My last day of work will be Friday June 4th. I'll be off work for the two weeks leading up to his expected arrival. Hope all the mommies Mother's Day yesterday was a great one!! I sure enjoyed my first of many. :) -- danielle & mike

Week 33: Pineapple (weight)

Upcoming schedule …
Tomorrow – pre-natal appointment
Friday – podiatry appointment AND Childbirth prep class
Saturday – Childbirth prep class
Sunday – Mother’s Day!!

Phew … lots going on!! And we’re running out of weekends for Mike and I to getaway for our babymoon. We need to figure that out!! Although these last few weekends have been really fun either going to Monterey, the Oakland Zoo or just relaxing. We might even try to go the Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building before my parents leave! It’s been nice to be able to do these things … and we can’t wait to be able to do more when Mr. Futz gets here.

How your baby's growing:This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

How your life's changing: As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling. Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge. And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course.

You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently.
Many women are still feeling sexy at this stage — and their partners often agree. You may need to make some adjustments, but for most women, sex during pregnancy is fine right up until their water breaks or their labor starts.

3 Questions About... Monitoring your baby's movements

Q1.How often should I feel movements?
Your baby should be moving as frequently as she has for the last month or so. Every baby has her own pattern of activity and there's no correct one. As long as you don't notice any major changes in your baby's activity level, chances are she's doing just fine.

Q2.Do I need to keep track of my baby's kicks?
For an added sense of security, many practitioners recommend that after 28 weeks, you formally monitor your baby's movements at least once or twice a day. There are lots of different ways to do these "kick counts," so check with your caregiver about how she wants you to track your baby's movements. Here's one common approach: Choose a time of day when your baby tends to be active. (Ideally, you'll want to do the counts at roughly the same time each day.) Sit quietly or lie on your side so you won't get distracted. Time how long it takes for you to feel ten distinct movements — kicks, twitches, and whole body movements all count. You should feel at least ten movements within two hours. (Don't worry; it probably won't take that long. Sometimes you'll feel ten kicks within the first ten minutes.) If you don't feel ten movements in two hours, stop counting and call your midwife or doctor.

Q3.What should I do if I think my baby's movements have slowed down or changed?
Let your practitioner know right away if you notice a slowdown of your baby's movements. A decrease in fetal movement may signal a problem, and you'll need a nonstress test or biophysical profile to check on your baby.

This Week's Activity:Wash your baby's clothing and bedding. You know all those adorable outfits you bought or received at your baby shower? You should wash anything that will go near your baby's skin to remove any irritants in the fabrics. The gentlest detergents are those designed for babies and those that are labeled hypoallergenic or good for sensitive skin.

As for me …

• I’m VERY proud to say … I’m still not waddling!!! I know it sounds silly but I do not want to waddle at all. I will only give myself the idea that it’s ok to waddle from week 38-40 but even then, if I can help it, I won’t waddle at all. In fact, I am still moving quite well thank you very much! Although finding comfy ways to sit and sleep are becoming more and more challenging as I am certainly getting bigger.
• No achiness or numbness in my fingers, hands or wrists. They are still working just as well as they used to. I will admit that my rings are getting a bit snug but still fitting pretty well.
• Although I have a kick count card I don’t use it. Because as a general rule, Mr. Futz is very active. I do realize that he may become a bit less active due to less space, but I’ve learned that instead of being less movement, it’s just more painful for me. I swear he’s rolling over when it hurts the most. It’s like his shoulder is going to POP out of my stomach at any moment. Regardless, I certainly pay attention to when he’s active and how active. This way if it is less … I know and can call L&D.
• Of which, this past weekend we took a quick gander at L&D at Kaiser in Walnut Creek when we were there for out class. We know that we’ll get a full tour but just wanted to be a bit more familiar with where it was since we’re so used to ONLY being at the Medical Offices there and NOT the hospital.
• This week’s activity, is hard when we have limited items to date simply because we haven’t had the shower yet. However, I will say that I have already purchased detergent, etc to wash his clothes and bedding. So when we have the shower and I can put together a load of laundry, I will be prepared.

Mike and I are still talking about maternity leave and when I’ll start. Figuring out a few last details and we’ll keep everyone posted. Although we’re looking at me either starting my leave on Monday June 7th or at least starting to work from home at that point.

Hope everyone has a great week … approximately 7 weeks and he’ll be here to great us all …

And to start this on the right foot of fun … go to this site and enter your guesses in for our baby pool. I’ll be emailing out the link to everyone else (family, friends, etc) later this week so we can get a decent # of entrants. Mike and I will come up with a prize for the winning guess!!!! http://bebepool.com/go/?a=babycivello

-- danielle & mike