Making progress

Here we are just four days away from meeting the little man!

We are definitely getting closer. On Tuesday I had what I think were Braxton Hicks-worse than menstrual cramps but nothing compared to contractions. Very irregular though, and they quit after a few hours, right before my doctor appointment. My doctor didn't seem concerned and told me in true man style-"You're fine, you're not having this baby today." I love how blunt and to the point men are!
And tonight I am experiencing the bloody show-(now you know the reason why this isn't on my regular blog.) Everything I have read tonight says that labor will start anywhere from 24 hours to a few days, although I have read before and even heard it's up to a week. So we'll see, nothing else is happening so I think I still have a little more time.
Things are happening and well, honestly it's helped both Anthony and I get on it and get some stuff done before the main event.

That's about all for now!

I'm nine months pregnant and cranky....

I have to admit I have been a little on the cranky side lately. I am in the uncomfortable stage and people are really annoying me. Whether it's the slow drivers (seriously, 5-10 miles UNDER the speed limit people?) or the people at the checkout in front of me who take ten minutes...I have no patience. I am actually going to buy a shirt that says, "Dude, I'm nine months prego and cranky. I take no responsibility for my actions." I will admit I am always a bit impatient but jeesh...being pregnant during the holiday season is probably not the best time for me. I even shooshed a woman at the doctor's office who was smacking and crackling her gum. (And then I quickly looked away once I realized what I had done.) That is my biggest pet peave ever and again-no patience. Plus-nobody wants to hear you chomp on your gum lady.

Okay, enough of crazy cranky me.
Now for something that makes me happy! (Besides chocolate covered gummi bears. Mmm.)

Angie and Leiann threw me a really awesome baby shower last week. I have to admit I am not a big shower fan so when Leiann approached me about having a shower I was a bit hesitant. After some thought we decided to go the non-traditional route. Thus "Baby Shower Happy Hour" was born. We had a group of 10 of my closest friends, who were all greeted with a hug and pomegranate martini upon entering Leiann's home. Mmm. Even the virgin ones were delish. There were no games, because does anyone really like the games anyway? And no children allowed. I think everyone enjoyed that. Some of my friends don't have kids and my friends that do have kids seemed to enjoy sipping martinis, not worrying about what their kid was getting into. And not listening to other kids screaming and crying. It was perfect. I loved catching up with my girlfriends and just having girl time for a few hours. I received some really adorable presents and it's now safe to say that the little man is set for clothes.

I have 10 days left until the scheduled arrival. There have been no signs of early entry as of this point. No contractions, nothing. His room is ready, clothes are organized, Sydney's promised to change many dirty diapers-we are set. I do have a bit more organizing to do before he arrives -I really want our bedroom to be spotless so I can have my nice quiet area. This involves folding some laundry that's been stacking up for quite a while. We'll get there, that's on the schedule for the next couple of days.

Oh yes, and something else that makes me happy. Apparently I whined just enough to my doctor about how bad my heartburn has been. Seriously, even with popping the Zantac, I have had the worst heartburn. He prescribed me some amazing medicine that has completely made my heartburn go away-amazing. I feel like a whole new person and I haven't been sick in the morning for days. Why didn't I get my whine on months ago? Silly me.

Last Ultrasound

Today was my 36 week ultrasound. Apparently most insurance companies don't cover this anymore (what the...) so it was optional. I decided to call my insurance company just to check it out and sure enough, they aren't as lame as I thought!

Anthony came with Sydney and I today and we were able to confirm that yes indeed, baby O is in fact still a boy. Phew! Turning the boy room back to a girl room would have been a pain. He is also approximately 6 lbs and 6 ozs. I thought babies gained a pound a week until they were born so I was thinking I was going to deliver a 9 pounder, but the ultrasound tech assured me it's like 1/2 a pound and he'll most likely be in the 7's somewhere. And the little man has hair! I had her check for us since Sydney has always been blessed in the hair department. She takes after me, believe it or not I had way more hair than her at her age. My guess is he'll take after Anthony and have blonde hair, just not as much as Syd. We'll see! He might put us all to shame in the hair department and have tons of thick dark hair.
He's been slowing down in the movement area the past two days. He's hanging in there and I can't believe I'll be holding this little man in my arms in three more weeks from today!

36 weeks

This is my 36th week of my pregnancy-holy cow how 36 weeks seems so much further along than 35. I can't believe I only have three weeks to go.

I started packing my hospital bag tonight. Not that I think I am going into labor early, I mean the c-section is already scheduled a week before my due date and well-Sydney was two days late. BUT...this is just way too planned out, just the way I like it. I can totally see getting thrown for a loop because this will be way too easy. We'll see. I like to be ready anyway. Now if only I can remember all the things I need to bring with me... I know it's only been three years but I feel like I am new to this.

The little man is about 6 pounds according to my e-mail updates. I can't believe I have 6 pounds of baby in my belly! He's actually been moving around more now than ever. I keep reading that the movements may slow down a bit since he is running out of room, but really not seeing that yet. He's been moving around most the day. And he constantly has hiccups. Poor kid has been cursed with the hiccups just like his big sis. Sydney gets the hiccups constantly.

34 weeks and crazy dreams

I am halfway through my 34th week. Yowza, it's going fast! Let's see, the baby weighs nearly 5 pounds and is about 18 inches long. Hard to believe he is that big in my belly. Sydney is kind enough to remind me that my belly is getting bigger and bigger and bigger...

I have had some crazy dreams. Quite honestly, I remember most of my dreams pretty vividly the next morning and I always have weird dreams. Maybe a tad bit stranger while being prego. I've had a couple about the baby. Then a few weeks ago I had a dream that I was Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. I was me but as thin as Carrie (yes please) and Big bought me a dress. And then he wanted to make out in his towncar and that's when I realized I was prego and not thin like Carrie. I politely explained I was married and pregnant.

The other night I had a dream that Anthony had someone else on the side...a man. Yup. I told Anthony this dream and well-I think he thinks I am crazy. LOL. Poor guy. If you don't know Anthony, then you don't realize he is a guy's guy and this thought need not enter my mind ever again.
What I dream most about is Death Cab for Cutie. Yes, the band that features Chris Walla who I went to school with. I literally dream about them twice a week. Usually I am just chatting with Chris. A couple months ago my dream entailed Chris asking me to go on a motorcycle ride with him and his friends through California. I explained that I was married and pregnant and this was probably not a good idea.
The one I had two nights ago took place at an Albertsons, where Chris was working in the frozen food section. I was trying to convince him to play another show since they are coming to town the night before I am scheduled to give birth and I really want to see them live one day. Then I convinced him to let me hang out backstage at the next concert. And I worked on him and his band to play our next high school reunion...in five years.

So yeah, that's what is going on here. The heartburn is still a major pain, and I am still getting sick a couple times a week. I had a hot flash today which I haven't had since I was prego with Sydney. Thank goodness for the air conditioner we still have hooked up in our bedroom.

Five and a half weeks...

Wow, I can't believe I have just 5 1/2 weeks left until the little man arrives! I am definitely feeling more prepared. Mam-o came up from California this weekend and worked on the baby room with me. Okay, actually with Anthony. I painted half the big stripe around the room, Beverly and Anthony did the rest. Nice work guys!
The room went from ballet and princesses to car and truck mania all in one day. It looks great! I'll take a picture when all the bedding arrives. We also organized all the little man's clothes by size so we actually have clothes in the drawers now. I have literally bought about five things, the rest have been some really great hand me downs from friends. Thanks girls!! All we need to do is put Sydney's old swing together, along with buy a new crib mattress since we moved the other one into Sydney's toddler bed. Okay, and a few more things too. I just let out a sigh of relief though, I was getting nervous that baby boy would be living in a pink room for a while. And that he'd have no clothes to wear.
I am officially 34 weeks prego this week too. Woo hoo! I can't believe December 10th is coming up so fast. I am so ready. Well, I think so anyway. Two kids just seems so much harder than one. I can take Sydney anywhere, managing a baby and a toddler-a whole new world.

Week 32

Week 32 already. Things are going well. I am definitely getting more uncomfortable and as much as I would love to meet the little man, we're just not quite ready yet. This weekend I will be doing some much needed cleaning-Sydney's closet is still stuffed to the gills with my old stuff. That is my #1 project right now. The weekend after Mam-o will be here and we are going to work on the little man's room.

I've had a yucky cough for about a week and a half now. No fun. I've still been getting sick a couple mornings a week also. All in all, this pregnancy has been really good to me and I am just treasuring my last few weeks of being pregnant since this is most likely my last pregnancy. I am 99% sure on that one. Honestly, if I could be promised a little girl just like Sydney for our third child than we would consider another. It's just the unknown I am worried about. I also prefer that the kids don't have to share bedrooms, and the bedroom downstairs is just too far away for my comfort level. I can't imagine having Sydney all the way down there.

My week 32 appointment was this week and everything is going well. My blood pressure is still normal and the heartbeat was at 137. It was a pretty quick appointment and I start going in every two weeks now.

Here's the baby update....

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

Week 31

Yesterday I wore socks for the first time in a LONG time. I will admit-I am not a fan of the socks and if I could wear sandals or flip flops year round, I'd be allll over it. I went to put on my socks and realized it wasn't as easy to put them on now compared to back in March. Eek. Luckily Anthony was home and helped. That and he even clipped my toe nails because I haven't made it in for a pedi lately and the toes needed some help. Bending over just isn't that easy anymore! What a good hubby. I am fairly certain he'll be scheduling my pedicure for me shortly-this won't be lasting long. LOL

Week 31 and 8 weeks left!!!!!

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Week 30

Today I am 30 weeks prego. Wow, seriously-time flies by! I can't believe I only have 9 weeks left!!!
Apparently God is preparing me for the sleep pattern I will be on soon as I am not sleeping now. The problem is I wake up every two hours to go to the bathroom. Every two hours is a bit ridiculous really. I wake up tired and look forward to 2pm when I will be napping with Sydney. I need a stretch of 5 hours of sleep to fully function. Luckily Anthony works a later shift so I am able to sleep in a bit most days but oh boy-how I miss my sleep. Do they make sleeping pills for prego ladies? Maybe even a catheter?

Here's the 30 week update:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Only 10 more weeks left!

Ten weeks from now I will be holding my one day old son! I can't believe I have just under 10 weeks left. Oh, so much to do until then. So much organizing, painting, shopping-oh boy!
Sydney is constantly kissing and hugging my belly, she is so excited to have a baby brother although I wonder if she will really be this excited when he arrives. Her whole world is going to change.

Week 29:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

It's On!

It's official, I'm really having this baby...well, in 2 1/2 months. I received a letter today from my doctor that my c-section is scheduled for December 10th at 7am. According to the letter, I should have a baby by 7:10am. I have to be there at 5am...ugh. I am so not a morning person but I guess it's probably worth it and all, LOL.

Sydney and her baby brother will be exactly 3 years, 3 months and 3 days apart. So excited for that! And the baby will be born a day after daddy's birthday. Just like me! I can't believe I only have 2 1/2 more months until the little man arrives. So much to do!

Glucose test

I received the results back from my glucose test today and yippee, it was negative! Sooo glad I don't have to do the next test. I can't imagine fasting for 12 hours. Seriously, how do pregnant women do that?
I'm still a little low on iron, you are supposed to be at 25, and I am at 23.5 so I went out and bought some iron pills today. Apparently this is pretty normal and the iron pills should help. Everything else is going good and I am officially in my third trimester today!

Week 28:
How your baby's growing:By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

28 weeks

Tomorrow I hit the 28 week mark, and the first week of my third trimester, yippee!

I had my doctor appointment and everything went well. I had my glucose test first, man that stuff is gross. I can't believe somebody hasn't invented a pill or something to replace that sweet syrup-y drink. Ick. The ultrasound was next and baby boy actually cooperated! It took a little bit, apparently his favorite position is face and belly down, spine up. I can't even tell you how many pictures we have of little man's spine. We finally got the shots of the heart we needed and all is well there. He weighs 2 lbs and 8 ozs and is in the 40th percentile for size. His head measured a bit big but not freakishly big according to the u/s tech. It must be all those brains. (It measured two weeks bigger than he did.)

Saw the doctor for a few minutes and we still haven't pinpointed my u/s date of Dec 10th, but he did put it on his schedule. It's just not set in stone yet, argh. Work with me people, I am a planner and need to know this stuff now!! Everything else went well! Only 11 more weeks or so, woo hoo!

Weeks 25 and 26 and 27

Wow, three weeks of updates. I guess I am a bit behind.

Well, the pregnancy is...moving forward. My heartburn is horrible and I can't wait to take my Pepcid morning and night. The hours in between are no good. I've also been getting nauseous and sick again. With Sydney I was nauseous the whole pregnancy and began getting sick in the six month through the end. Frequently. Well, apparently I mentioned to too many people that I felt great, because it has snuck up on me. I've been sick a few mornings now, argh. C'mon little man, be good to mommy.

I've started organizing the little man's clothes. Leiann brought me over bags of Kaden's old clothes which are great-pretty much all Janie and Jack and Gymboree. Yes please. I have purchased a few things of my own so it's nice to go through everything and we are off to a great start. Sydney was excited to see all his new clothes and told me she will help me dress baby ever day. I have a feeling she is going to be a great little helper.

Here's the update for each week:

Week 25
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Week 26
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take two to three days.

Week 27
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Next week is the first week of my third trimester!!!

Week 24 doctor appointment

Yesterday was my 24 week doctor appointment. Everything went well. We had an ultrasound first since baby boy didn't cooperate last time and show his heart and organs very well. And this time...same thing. He was curled up in a ball with his back towards us the whole time. The ultrasound tech said, "I don't want to say he's stubborn, but...." We tried for quite a while to get him to move but he just wasn't going for it. So I get another ultrasound in 4 weeks! The tech assured me everything looks fine but they still like to get a very clear picture of the heart to double check everything. So thanks little man, I enjoy seeing you at every doctor visit!

The baby is measuring exactly right on date wise, and he weighs 1 pound and 9 ozs.

Here's the 24 week update:
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.

Weeks 22 and 23

The pregnancy is going mucho bueno. Baby boy O is kicking like crazy-Sydney never kicked this much. He is definitely a party animal at night, and the party starts in my belly at approximately 10pm or so. Today I was watching tv with Sydney and I noticed out of the corner of my eye my belly completely move-like a tidal wave. Up until now I have felt it but never saw it. Whoa nelly-it was crazy. Apparently he picked up some stuff while watching Gymnastics at the Olympics.

The heartburn has been horrible. Although he is going easy on me with very little nausea, the heartburn has been BAD. I am recommending dumping your money into some Pepcid stock because I will be inhaling the stuff like crazy over the next few months. Wowzers. Oh yes, and junior also loves to tap dance on the bladder. Not nice. I still get up to hit the bathroom a few times a night. I miss full nights of sleep.
Sydney is pretty excited about baby brother. She talks into the microphone (my belly button) and says hello. She kisses and hugs my belly, and recently started cuddling with my belly, it's so sweet. Today she put a balloon up her shirt so she could be pregnant too.

I mentioned before how I was so excited to buy boy clothes-well the excitement is gone. It was fun for a while, but like Kellye mentioned, EVERYTHING has cars and trucks on them, and once you buy a few, the thrill is gone. Then I find myself browsing into the baby girl section and saying, "oh, they didn't have this when Sydney was a baby." I finally end up in the toddler girl section where I buy a few things for Sydney. I have bought more clothes for Sydney recently than baby boy. sigh. I really do have an addiction to girl's clothes, hence Sydney's 17 pairs of shoes*. And yes they all fit now, I don't buy them in advance or anything. I need to get professional help. GCA-girl clothes anonymous. The kid has more clothes and shoes than Anthony and I combined.

*In my defense-a couple pairs of shoes were cute hand me downs from Ari and Ivy, so I didn't buy them all.

Here are the 22 and 23 week updates-

Week 22:
At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) 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.

Week 23:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that he'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 him squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him 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 him when he hears them outside the womb.

Week 21 update

Twenty one weeks already! Wow, only 18 weeks left. Oh boy, we still have so much left to do! Changing Sydney's nursery into baby boy's nursery, emptying out my craft room which will be Sydney's new big girl room. And the hardest part-getting my husband to clear out his man room to make room for "our" room-an office. The latter is the biggest challenge.

Baby boy has been moving around like crazy lately. He is also a night owl, his biggest movements are after 9pm, just like Sydney was. He especially loves cereal-this gets him bouncing around like a crazy little man.

Here's the 21 week update....

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 he's practicing martial arts as his initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to his activity as you get to know him better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.

It's a...

BOY!!!!

We are beyond excited to have one of each. We saw the boy parts a few times since our not so shy guy kept flashing his goods, which was great for us! Everything looked great, although we weren't able to get a clear picture of the heart since he was facing the other way. In four weeks I'll have another ultrasound to look at things again...yes please. Bring on the ultrasounds!The baby boy is 12 ounces and is in the 50th percentile at this time. And the doc says we're still looking good for the Dec 10th c-section, so if everything goes well than that will be the big day! Only 19 weeks left!Sydney was with us for the ultrasound and she was so excited to hear the baby is a boy...that's what she really wanted. Anthony just beamed. He kept saying he would love to have another little girl, but I know deep down he wanted a little boy. Sydney even talked to baby and he moved a little for her! He loves his big sis already.Okay...off to start online shopping! I just received a coupon for 20% off baby Gap and Old Navy...perfect timing.

20 more hours or so...

In 20 more hours we will know if we are having a boy or girl if the baby cooperates...seriously, can the time go any slower? I will admit, patience is not one of my strong points. I just can't believe we will know tomorrow, and by this time tomorrow I will most likely have a cute new outfit for baby...haha.

I've been feeling movement and fluttering for the past couple of weeks. This baby is a night owl and moves around mostly at night like Sydney did. I have to say I love the movement though, it really makes everything feel real. Sydney loves talking to baby and gives her baby big hugs and kisses daily. She is going to be such a good big sis.

Here's the week 20 update on baby:

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. (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).

Okay seriously...

I have two and a half more days until we find out if I am having a boy or girl. It's killing me people, I must know NOW! Yesterday I was thinking of calling a 3D/4D ultrasound place to see if they could squeeze me in today for a quick check. Today I realized that it'd cost me a hundred bucks if I could even get in, and it's free if I wait until Thursday. That's a nice amount of baby clothes-or two cute outfits from Janie and Jack if I'm lucky. So here I wait...wondering.

And what do I think I am having you ask? I am 60% thinking it's a boy, 40% it's a girl. However keep in mind I was 99.9% sure Sydney was a boy and look how that turned out. So really I obviously have no clue.
C'mon Thursday at 10am.

Boy or Girl?

The most common question I get is whether I want a boy or girl.
The answer is...I don't really care!
Okay, I know everyone says that but really I don't care, in fact I am torn on what I want.

I absolutely love having a little girl, so having another one would be terrific. I always wished I had a sister so it would be great to have sisters as children. Plus we already have girl things-nearly all of Sydney's old clothes and even the nursery wouldn't have to be re-done. And in all honesty-boys scare me a bit. They are just a bit more rambunctious than girls. Okay, I know not every boy is like this but many are and it makes me a smidge nervous.

Then I start thinking that since this is our last child, one of each would be great. I am sure my baby boy would be perfect (ahem) and I know Anthony would love having a little boy. I would love having a mini-Anthony, he was pretty much the cutest little boy ever. And it might be good for me to have a boy. I've never even changed a boy's diaper. How does that work??? LOL

So there you have it-either way I feel blessed. Boy or girl, I know this child will be amazing just like his or her big sister. And this baby will complete our family.

Six more days is the big ultrasound....I cannot wait! This week is going to go soooo slow.

Week 19

This weekend marks the half way point with my pregnancy since I will be having a c-section at 39 weeks. It has gone by so fast but I know the second part will slow down quite a bit.
Here's the update for week 19...

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, taking 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 large heirloom tomato. 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.

Slacker

Okay, I've been slacking on this blog and I am sure the weekly updates aren't that exciting for everyone. Too bad, here they are....

Week 17
Your baby's skeleton is changingfrom 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 turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

Week 18
Head to rump, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and 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. 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, although he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Week 16

Here's the baby's progress for this week. We have an avocado!!

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.

Week 16 appointment

Today was my week 16 appointment with the doctor. Boy was it quick! We listened to the heartbeat, it was 147 beats per minute. The doctor jokingly said it was a boy, but then followed it up with, "That's an old wives tale, and if we could really tell by the heartbeat than I'd be on Oprah tomorrow." He asked if I wanted to take the blood test that possibly detects Downs and other issues. I decided against it because it has a 5% chance of inaccuracy and quite frankly, I'd be the 5% and then freak out the rest of my pregnancy. Obviously we are keeping the baby and if there are major problems then we'll see those at the 20 or 36 week ultrasounds.

At my first appointment the doctor told me he would schedule my c-section at my 20 week appointment. I asked today if this was still the plan and he said most likely yes. He said unless there are any problems, I will have a c-section either December 8, 9 or 10. I explained that the 9th was not my first choice because that is Anthony's bday and he feels that the baby shouldn't have to share his birthday. I disagree with that, I think it's cool but if he feels that way than it's fine. So the doctor said he understood and he penciled me in for December 10th, which is the day I want, woo hoo!!! Of course this could change at any minute but it's just nice to see it in the computer. Sydney and baby will be 3 years, 3 months and 3 days apart, and baby will be born the day after daddy. My brother and I were born 13 months and 13 days apart, and my birthday is the day after my dads birthday. Anthony and his sister are 4 years and 4 days apart...okay, so you get my drift. I like how the numbers add up obviously.

After my appointment I bought my first pair of maternity pants because mine are getting a smidge uncomfortable. I also treated myself to some Jamba Juice because what I love more than anything right now is fruit. I can't get enough. That's about it, 16 weeks tomorrow!

Apple is a nice baby name...

Just kidding...I'm not Gwyneth Paltrow.
The baby is the size of an apple though, wow. Baby is growing! Here's the 15 week update:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam.

Only five weeks until we find out if we're having a boy or girl apple!! :)

2nd trimester

I have officially entered my second trimester! Wow, this first trimester went by fairly quick...I am sure I won't be saying the same thing come November. I've been feeling really good this pregnancy, and sometimes find myself asking, "Am I really pregnant?" I've been nauseous only a handful of times and that was at the beginning of the pregnancy. I do wake up and go to the bathroom like 5 times a night, and man-the heartburn lately has been no good. Other than that I've been great. What a difference from my first pregnancy when I was nauseous every single day and still getting sick near the end of my pregnancy.

Here's the week 14 update:
Welcome to the second trimester! This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb. Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb. In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces.

Week 12 appointment

Today I had my 12 week dr. appointment. I met with the NP Kim, who is awesome. Totally love her. We heard the heartbeat on the doppler (Sydney was with me and heard it too.) Everything looks great. My blood tests from last time came back and everything looks good-except I am a little anemic- but barely. You are supposed to be at level 25 and I am at 24.5. The dr. told the NP it wasn't a big deal but I think I might take some iron supplements so it doesn't become a problem later on. My blood pressure is good (120/70 I think....now I'm not positive.) According to the NP it's perfect. Everything else looks great. I still haven't gained weight which is a good thing.

My 16 week appointment is July 1st and the BIG 20 week appointment with the ultrasound to determine baby's gender is July 31st, woo hoo! I can't wait!!!

Week 12 update

Twelve weeks already-I can't believe how time flies. Sometimes I really don't feel pregnant because I have been feeling so good. Then I get some awesome heartburn and I remember.

Here's the update this week:

The most dramatic development this week: Reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over two inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

Bonus!

I started spotting yesterday so I called my doctor's office immediately. I actually had a blood sac outside my uterus during my pregnancy with Sydney so this was pretty common, but it began at 7 weeks. I am a nervous nelly anyway so I called and I am glad I did. They got me in for an ultrasound the following morning and everything was fine. We saw the baby and the little heartbeat. It was very reassuring to see that, and I really appreciate the fact they didn't just send me away, telling me everything was probably fine. I really loved seeing the baby again...maybe I should rent an ultrasound machine like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes....no?

Everything else is going well! I am exhausted and take a nap nearly every day while Syd is napping. Part of the problem is I am up 4 times a night going to the bathroom. I never get GOOD sleep waking up that often. Thank goodness for naps-and not working. I don't think an afternoon siesta would fly at most offices.

Week 11 update

Your baby is just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig. She is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden. She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

Uhh...what's a kumquat?

Baby this week:

Although he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby now has completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature. If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

We saw baby!

This week I finally had my first doctor appointment. Anthony and Sydney joined me for my ultrasound and we saw the baby! Obviously I know I am pregnant but it just doesn't feel real until you see that little heartbeat. The heartbeat was at 171 beats per minute. Everything looks good and I really love my new doctor. One of these days I'll get the first ultrasound pic scanned in....maybe.

Grape with no tail

This weeks update....
Your new resident is nearly an inch long, about the size of a grape and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks.

Mmm, oreos

One of the things I have been craving are Oreos. My hubby and toddler are very happy about this because they also love the Oreo cookies. Yummy. I guess I forgot how much I love Oreos, because man...they are delish.

Here's what I am not craving:
Mexican food (huh?) and Ice Cream (noooo...)

If you know me well enough you know I LOVE Mexican food. It does nothing for me right now, except make my stomach churn at the thought of eating salsa and tacos. So weird. And ice cream, what the heck? I was at the store the other night and had absolutely no desire to eat any ice cream. So weird. And so not like me.

Fruit is pretty much the best right now, along with fruit popsicles. Oh yes, and Chinese. I haven't had any for a few days but I think Sydney and I may be heading to the nearest Chinese joint tonight. Mmmm...

We have a kidney bean!

Here's the week 8 update on baby's growth:

Your baby is now 5/8 of an inch long, about the size of a kidney bean. New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. His arms have lengthened, too, and his hands are now flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart. His knee joints have formed, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways.

Baby Dream

I had my first baby dream last night. I dreamt that we didn't find out what we were having until the birth, and we had a baby girl! In my dream we had absolutely no names picked out for baby, and took her home from the hospital with no name since we couldn't decide on anything and my last suggestion-Stella-was a no go.

So here's what this dream means. First of all I am probably having a boy because I am wrong 98% of the time when guessing what friends and family will have. (I was sure Sydney was a boy up until the big ultrasound.)
Also, apparently I am having issues with the fact that we have absolutely no name picked out for the baby. I know, I am only 8 weeks pregnant, but I am a planner and well, we had Sydney's name picked out before I was even pregnant. At this point we haven't agreed on any names. I think we'll buckle down when we find out the gender in three months.

Blueberry with a tail

Here's the week 7 update on baby O courtesy of babycenter...

Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.

I'm craving...chinese

The past week or so I have been a smidge nervous. I had some major pregnancy symptoms that pretty much went away. I was thinking about calling my doctor to see if I could come in before May 12th just to be sure everything was okay. Then yesterday during Sydney's school I felt like I was going to be sick, and felt that way for a while. Then I decided on the drive home the only food I could possibly eat and that I desperately NEEDED was Chinese food. NOTHING else would do. Huh? Not a normal craving for me. That's when I knew...everything was probably okay with the pregnancy.

new blog!

I decided to blog about my pregnancy on a separate blog. I'm not sure why...maybe to keep me occupied, maybe so I don't come off as a big whiner on my regular blog, and well...probably mostly because I love the idea of looking back at my dedicated pregnancy blog one day when baby O has arrived.

Anyway, this is it! My pregnancy blog. Check back soon for some fun stuff.