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!!!

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!!