25 Weeks -- Late Edition

This was written Monday, March 11 as an email to my family...

I hit 25 weeks last Friday (March 8). Not much has changed in a week so I'm not going to do a full update. We have had a great time so far in Tucson and Scottsdale and the weather keeps getting warmer and warmer (low 80s today).

We've been doing some hiking. Yesterday we went to Lost Dutchman State Park and hiked partway up Superstition Mountain. It was 2.5 miles with an elevation of 500 feet. And it was gorgeous!  A mom of three small kids near the top told me she was amazed that I was doing this while pregnant.  I told her that my lung capacity was having a rough go of it, but that it felt good.  She said it was one of those things where you get out of shape while pregnant, then back in shape and then get pregnant again.  We'll see if that happens or not -- not going to hold my breath!  We then drove a very windy and scenic road to Tortilla Flats but couldn't find a parking spot so didn't get to stop and explore. Today we walked around Old Scottsdale and spent some quality time reading poolside.

Baby is active and seems to like the weather too.

New bump picture on that page.  

24 Weeks

How far along?: 24 weeks 

Baby Development:Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: . At my doctor's appointment this week I was at 142. (I think at my last appointment 4 weeks ago I was at 137, so right about 5 pounds in 4 weeks and 7 - 10 pounds total)

Gender: It's fun to listen to people guess.  I woman I used to work with saw me and announced "It's a girl."  We'll see.   

Movement: Yes -- last Saturday (February 23) was the beginning of being able to feel movement outside.  Yesterday baby was both kicking and punching me I believe as it was across my whole belly area.  

Maternity Clothes: Pants -- 100% maternity.  Still trying to wear some sweaters and shirts from pre-pregnancy, but mostly in maternity tops.  I love watching and feeling my belly growing.  Looking forward to breaking out some shorts, capris and dresses next week in Arizona!

Sleep:  Sleeping is better, but my hips get so sore from flipping back and forth throughout the night.  Getting up at least twice to go to the bathroom.  

What I miss:  Can't think of anything.  I love being pregnant!

Cravings: Burgers & fries from Culvers, chocolate, toast, and must have chocolate milk EVERY day!

Aversions:  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell (I can eat both).  No Chinese food.  Poultry and I still have a hit or miss relationship. Bananas & peanut butter are no-go.

Symptoms:  Hungry all the time, tired, irritable and moody, feel like my center of gravity is changing and my balance, which is not so great anyway, is getting worse.  I'm expecting my belly button to pop out at any moment!  With my short torso, sometimes I feel like breathing is more difficult, as baby is taking up more and more space.  Congestion.

Best Moment this Week: At my OB appointment on Friday I passed the glucose screening test with flying colors even though I almost didn't make it there within the hour timeframe of drinking the glucose due to the weather (my level was 98, they like it to be below 130).  This means no 3 hour test - yay!

So many people have been stopping me in the hallways at work to congratulate me and tell me how adorable I look (flattery will get you everywhere -- especially when I'm gaining weight!).  Someone even told me I looked like I was made to be pregnant.  

Mr. Foo, the cat, has started laying on my belly this week (after me not allowing him to for the first 20 weeks and him choosing not to for the last 2-3 weeks) -- very relaxing.  It's funny to have him laying there and feeling the baby kicking.  He appears to not notice.  

Last weekend we went to Minneapolis to visit friends, and to go to Ikea, where we completed the shopping we needed for furniture for baby's room.  

Looking forward to: We leave in 6 days for vacation in Scottsdale.  Can't wait to not have to be bundled up and to sit by the pool reading and relaxing.  

Making more and more progress on the nursery.  

Who Found the Baby?

This past  Tuesday, several of my coworkers brought in treats for Fat Tuesday.  One coworker brought in a King cake (http://foodreference.about.com/od/traditional_foods/a/King-Cake.htm).  She had mentioned at our huddle that morning that it was in the kitchen, and following with tradition, there was a baby hidden somewhere in the cake.

Several of us proceeded into the kitchen after huddle and while others were cutting into the festively decorated almond filled cake, I got a bagel and chatted (yes, I was having a bagel and cake at 8:30 a.m. -- baby was hungry).  I went to cut a piece of the cake and as I was cutting it offered it to one of my colleagues.  She stated no, she would cut her own, so I put the piece of cake on my plate, turning it on it's side as I did so.  And here's what I found...

Everyone got a good laugh out of that one.

And it looks like I get to host next year's Fat Tuesday celebration -- according to tradition.

21 Weeks

How far along?: 21 weeks 

Size of Baby:  According to Baby Center, our baby weighs about 3/4 of a pound and is about 10.5 inches long -- the length of a carrot.  

Baby Development: 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.  

Total Weight Gain/Loss: My starting weight was between 130 and 135 fully clothed.  I'm guessing I'm in the 5-7 pounds gained range.  

Gender: We'll know in 19 weeks.  A friend texted me a gender prediction article based on a variety of things and it predicted it will be either a boy or a girl!  

Movement: Yes -- some days lots and some days not much. I keep putting my hand on my stomach to see if I can feel it on the outside, but so far not so much.

Maternity Clothes: Pants -- 100% maternity.  Still trying to wear some sweaters and shirts from pre-pregnancy, but mostly in maternity tops.  I love watching and feeling my belly growing. 

Sleep:  I think it's gotten better in the last week...yay!

What I miss:  Nothing!  I love being pregnant!

Cravings: Fruity candy (Twizzlers, Skittles, gummy bears, Starbursts), chips and dip, burgers & fries from Culvers, chocolate, toast -- really healthy stuff!  This week my new obsession is chocolate milk -- can't get enough!

Aversions:  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell (I can eat both).  No Chinese food.  Poultry and I still have a hit or miss relationship. Bananas are no-go.

Symptoms:  Hungry all the time, tired, irritable and moody, feel like my center of gravity is changing and my balance, which is not so great anyway, is getting worse.

Best Moment this Week: Last week I went to a family Super Bowl party.  While there, baby's 3-year-old cousin Quinntin came up to my belly, kissed it and said "I love you!"  

I forgot to mention last week that baby is registered for daycare at Mercy's Child Development Center.  

Looking forward to: This week I am getting a massage and going to prenatal yoga - both of which I am looking forward to.

Vacation is now less than 4 weeks away!

Continuing to clear out nursery...

20 Weeks -- Halfway There!

How far along?: 20 weeks -- how did that happen?

Size of Baby:  According to Baby Center, our baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces and is the size of a banana. However, the ultrasonographer last week said baby was 10 ounces a week and a half ago, so I have to think baby weighs more than 10 1/2 right now.  

Baby Development:  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).

Total Weight Gain/Loss: My starting weight was between 130 and 135 fully clothed.  At my appointment on Friday I was at 137 pounds, so a weight gain of somewhere between 2 & 7 pounds so far.  I think it will pick up from here. 

Gender: We don't know, but it's sure fun to hear people's thoughts.  

Movement: Yes -- some days lots and some days not much.  At times it almost takes my breath away because it feels so strong.  I asked the doctor how soon we would be able to feel it on the outside and she said it is different for everyone.  She said because of my tight abs (yes, I started laughing at that point -- you can too), it might be closer to 25 - 30 weeks.  

Maternity Clothes: Pants -- 100% maternity.  Still trying to wear some sweaters and shirts from pre-pregnancy, but mostly in maternity tops.  I love watching and feeling my belly growing.  It still amazes me there is a baby growing in there!

Sleep:  Not great, but can't complain too much.  I get up a couple of times during the night to go to the bathroom and to move around.  Not sure I will ever get used to sleeping on my side. 

What I miss:  Nothing!  I love being pregnant! (okay -- maybe I miss sleeping well sometimes...)

Cravings: Fruity candy (Twizzlers, Skittles, gummy bears, Starbursts), chips and dip, burgers & fries from Culvers,  milk, and this week I think I've had Rice Krispies each night before bed (and I don't really even like cereal)
 

Aversions: Becoming less and less.  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell.  No Chinese food.  Bananas, poultry and I still have a hit or miss relationship.

Symptoms:  Hungry all the time, tired,  irritable and moody (I can go from happy to sad to upset in 10 seconds or less), having to use the bathroom frequently, dry red skin on my cheeks.

Best Moment this Week: My 20 week appointment on Friday was great and I heard a very strong heartbeat.  Baby was moving a ton so she had to keep moving the Doppler to hear it.  

Continuing to clear a bunch of stuff out of the house to donate and make room for baby!  

We have been so fortunate to have friends and family who have offered to let us borrow items for baby that they already have and aren't currently using.  What a blessing!

Looking forward to: Starting a prenatal yoga class next week.  Doing more shopping online for fabrics for the nursery.  

19 Weeks

How far along?: 19 weeks

Size of Baby:  According to Baby Center, our baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. However, the ultrasonographer this week said baby is 10 ounces right now

Baby Development:  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.

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.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: My starting weight was between 130 and 135 fully clothed.  Not sure since my last appointment.  Will know on Friday when I see the doctor.

Gender: E (11-year-old niece) says it's a boy and L (8-year-old niece) says it's a girl.  One of my co-workers swears it is a girl because of dreams she's had.    We'll see

Movement: Yes -- some days lots and some days not much.  At times it almost takes my breath away because it feels so strong.  Can't wait for P to feel it from the outside!  Don't think it will be too long now.

Maternity Clothes: Pants -- 100% maternity.  Still trying to wear some sweaters and shirts from pre-pregnancy.  Loving dresses right now, because they are so comfortable and baby bump is very noticeable in them.  This week 2 people actually asked me if I was pregnant!  (new pictures under "the bump" tab)

Sleep:  Not great, but can't complain too much.  I get up a couple of times during the night to go to the bathroom and to move around.  Not sure I will ever get used to sleeping on my side. 

What I miss:  Nothing!

Cravings: Fruity candy (Twizzlers, Skittles, gummy bears, Starbursts), chips and dip, burgers & fries from Culvers,  and pickles/olives.
 

Aversions: Becoming less and less.  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell.  No Chinese food.  Bananas, poultry and I still have a hit or miss relationship.

Symptoms:  Hungry all the time, tired,  irritable and moody (I can go from happy to sad to upset in 10 seconds or less), having to use the bathroom frequently, dry red skin on my cheeks, forgetfulness.

Best Moment this Week: The anatomy scan which showed baby is perfect (saw 10 fingers, 10 toes, 4 chambered heart, brain, kidneys, spine, 2 arms, 2 legs) and is measuring right on track time-wise.  When she turned on the 4D however, baby immediately covered up his/her face.  (I guess since we don't want to know gender, baby has decided we don't need to know what he/she looks like)

Spending time with family this weekend.  Going fabric shopping for nursery with my MIL and SIL.  My SIL also brought us a box full of board books -- some from her and P's childhood, and some from her daughters.  

Clearing a bunch of stuff out of the house to donate and make room for baby!  

Looking forward to: 20 week OB appointment on Friday, working more on getting the guest room cleared out for baby!

18 Weeks

How far along?: 18 weeks

Size of Baby:  Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long and he weighs almost 7 ounces.  In comparison, about the size of a bell pepper.

Baby Development:  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. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: My starting weight was between 130 and 135 fully clothed.  Not sure since my last appointment.  People keep telling me I look like I have lost weight -- so must be going all to baby.  However, with as much as I eat, I MUST be gaining!

Gender: We could find out this week at our ultrasound...but we won't.  As our friends' 5-year-old son so wisely said "Jenni has a baby in her belly and it is either a boy or a girl, but not a bird!"   

Movement: Yes -- some days lots and some days not much.  At times it almost takes my breath away because it feels so strong.  Can't wait for P to feel it from the outside!  Don't think it will be too long now.

Maternity Clothes: Pants -- 100% maternity.  Still trying to wear some sweaters and shirts from pre-pregnancy.  Loving dresses right now, because they are so comfortable and baby bump is very noticeable in them.  I love it when P says to me "that outfit makes you look pregnant!" nearly every morning.  I feel like some people look at me, then look at my belly, then me, and I imagine they are wondering if I just ate too much during the holidays or if I am pregnant.  (new pictures under "the bump" tab)

Sleep:  Continues to be inconsistent.  Still missing sleeping on my stomach.  

What I miss:  Nothing!

Cravings: Fruity candy (Twizzlers, Skittles, gummy bears, Starbursts) though chocolate is good now too, chips and dip, burgers from Culvers, Oikos Greek yogurt, orange juice, milk and cheese, caffeine free Diet Mt. Dew and pickles/olives.
 

Aversions: Becoming less and less.  Still not a big fan of onions or garlic smell, and poultry is hit or miss.  I ate a banana the other day and while it was fine, it won't be my go-to fruit anytime soon.

Symptoms:  Hungry all the time, tired,  irritable and moody (I can go from happy to sad to upset in 10 seconds or less), having to use the bathroom frequently.

Best Moment this Week: We bought a rocking chair for the nursery today!  Feeling more movement.  Booking tickets for a get-away trip in March for relaxation and sun!

Looking forward to: 2-D ultrasound this week.  More pictures of Baby!  Shopping for fabric for pillows and bedding and curtains this weekend with my mother-in-law.