25 Weeks

April 24 – April 30, 2012

 How far along? 25 weeks

How are you measuring? 24 weeks ( I should have showed that last week I technically measured 23 weeks based upon my doctor appointment and my belly size…oops!)

Size of baby? The baby is measuring 13.5 inches and 1.5 pounds! - the size of a rutabaga (I don’t even know what this is, but it sounds big!).

Baby Development This Week? The baby now has a sense of equilibrium and knows which way is up and down.  I have definitely noticed this because when I change positions during the night sometimes I can feel him moving.  I am starting to tell which side he doesn’t like me laying on!  The baby’s brainwave patterns are beginning to develop which helps the baby to remember things like voices!

Heartbeat? 145 at the doctor’s appointment on April 19th.

Total weight gain/loss?  Based on my weight last week and this week ,I didn’t show any more weight gain on the scale.  Looks like I’m still at my total weight gain being 11 pounds.       

Maternity clothes? Yes, and the maternity clothes are fitting better, which means little man is growing!

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? I had a normal week of sleep, but a great weekend of sleep.  I actually slept in over the weekend which is out of the norm for me!  It was really nice!  Still waking up to use the restroom, but I am use to it now.      

Best moment this week? This week was really low key, and there really wasn’t a “stand out” moment.  B and I had another weekend at home and really didn’t do much.  It was nice.  I know we will look back and be envious of the weekends at home once the summer months roll around. 

Movement? You may remember last week me talking about how his movement had slowed down...I am happy to report he has kicked it back up in there!  I guess starting Friday I really started feeling him move, and he didn’t stop all weekend.  Even B was amazed at seeing his movement.  At one point my entire belly did “the wave”.  He must have slept when I was sleeping because Saturday and Sunday I felt him almost all day, especially around meal times.         

Food cravings?  I think I made up for the lack of food cravings in past weeks...  This week I craved a chocolate shake, greasy unhealthy Captain D’s fish, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and fruit roll ups.  I am counting all of these things as cravings because they are not normally things that I like.  I love ice cream, but don’t usually want chocolate chip cookie dough! 

Gender predictions? Baby Boy!

What I miss: I am still having a hard time adjusting to having a large belly.  I miss being able to sleep in any position I want to (especially my stomach and back), and I miss being able to hug and snuggle with B without my belly getting in the way.  I realize these are just “little things” that won’t matter when the little one gets here, but it is all an adjustment.    

What I'm looking forward to: I’m looking forward to getting in gear to work on the baby’s room.  I really have been slacking in this area, but maybe the “nesting” phase will kick in soon! 

How are you feeling? Feeling good!

Symptoms? I had a little trouble this week in the bathroom department.  Sorry to provide too much information, but I want to remember even these things!  I changed pre-natal vitamins and I think that is what caused it.  I have increased my fiber and water intake, so hopefully there won’t be any more problems!    

24 Weeks

April 17 – April 23, 2012

How far along? 24 weeks

How are you measuring? 24 weeks

Size of baby? The baby is measuring 12.5 inches and 1.25 pounds! - the size of an ear of corn. 

Baby Development This Week? The baby’s skin is becoming more opaque with a new pink glow due to capillaries that have recently formed.  The baby’s nostrils are also beginning to open this week so he can begin to take “practice breaths” even though he is in amniotic fluid. 

Heartbeat? 145 at the doctor’s appointment on April 19th.

Total weight gain/loss?  Looks like my best guess last week was accurate!  I have gained a total of 11 pounds so far according to my doctor’s visit on April 19^th.

Maternity clothes? Yes, but I am starting to get a little frustrated.  I am in between sizes in some of my maternity clothes.  One of my favorite pairs of maternity jeans is now really too tight and my others are so loose that they sag in my rear end.  Work clothes are still pretty good – I can still wear some of my pre-pregnancy tops!  

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? This week sleep has been ok, but towards the end of the week my back has been getting sore.  It is pretty stressful trying to sleep on only my sides, but I don’t want to complaint too much yet! I know as I get bigger sleep will be even more challenging.  

Best moment this week? B and I were finally able to have a relaxing weekend at home.  I’m not complaining about all the traveling we have done in weekends past, but it is nice to sit at home!  Saturday we cleaned the house a little.  Then we headed out to get B measured for a tux for Reid and Lisa’s wedding, buy a crib mattress, and begin registering for baby items!  We finished the night with a nice dinner at Texas Roadhouse!  On Sunday we didn’t do anything!!! We slept in and I read a book all day.  It was so nice to sleep in and stay in my pj’s all day! 

Movement? Maybe it’s my imagination, but I don’t think he is moving as much as he has in weeks past.  It may be that I have gotten use to the movements, but I don’t think he is kicking or punching me as hard.  He still doesn’t have a pattern, so some nights he moves a lot when I go to bed and other nights he doesn’t.  I am really thinking he will be a lot like his daddy – laid back and easy going!

Food cravings?  Sadly, I have no food cravings to report. I didn’t eat as healthy as I had been this week, so I am going to work harder this week to get back to eating right. 

Gender predictions? Baby Boy!

What I miss: I can’t really think of any major things that I have missed this week (besides those things I have already wrote about).  One little think that I missed this week was being able to order my steak medium.  Again, not a big deal. 

What I'm looking forward to: I’m looking forward to another laid back weekend this weekend.  I am really trying to get more serious about cleaning and organizing the baby’s room.  

How are you feeling? Feeling good!  

Symptoms? My back has been hurting a little bit, and I still have a heightened sense of smell.  It cracks me up when I smell things that B is oblivious to! 

24 Week Doctor's Appointment

6^th Doctor’s Appointment – April 19, 2012 

My 6^th (24 week) doctor’s appointment was today!  I really cannot believe that I am already 24 weeks pregnant!  What I thought was going to be an easy/fast appointment turned out to be quite a bit longer than I expected.  I

My appointment was at 8:40 and I arrived about 5 minutes before.  They immediately had me wait in the second waiting area for the doctor.  I gave my typical urine sample and the nurse quickly took me back to the exam room.  I was really impressed with how quickly this appointment was going!  The nurse took my weight first, and as I had predicted on my 23 week blog post, I have gained a total of 11 pounds this entire pregnancy.  It is pretty obvious this little boy is growing –I gained 7 pounds since my last visit a little over 4 weeks ago!  I actually felt accomplished with my weight gain since I was a little worried after my last appointment only gaining 4 pounds. 

After my weigh in the nurse took my blood pressure (I think it was 120/74) and then it was time to hear our sweet baby boy’s heart beat!  She found the heart beat quickly!  We listened for a few seconds and then he moved!  It was too funny – she said, “wow he is active”.  She found the heart beat again lower on my belly and the heart rate was 145!  I could tell by where she had the Doppler positioned that he was pretty low.  I have been thinking that he was positioned low due to his movements and me having to go to the bathroom all the time, and her Doppler position confirmed my suspicions.  After getting the heart rate the nurse told me the doctor would be with me shortly. 

I waited…and I waited…and I waited.  I waited over 30 minutes in the exam room and then my doctor appeared!  Apparently there had been a couple “patient emergencies” she needed to take care of –no big deal.  My doctor asked if I had any discomfort because there had been a small amount of white blood cells in my urine.   I haven’t been having any discomfort and I really accredit this to trying to limit my water intake at night so I don’t have to use the restroom 5 times a night! She didn’t seem concerned and just told me to call the office if I started experiencing discomfort. 

Then it was time for the belly measuring!  She measured my belly and I was 23cm.  My doctor explained that the number of weeks I am pregnant should be equal to the cm.  So, I am actually measuring a week behind.  Again, this was not a concern and within the normal range.  I actually would rather measure on the small end than the larger end!!!

After measuring me the doctor mentioned the glucose test that they do at this appointment or the next appointment.  She asked me if I wanted to go ahead and get it done today.  My first concern was that I had already had a pretty big breakfast and I wasn’t sure if you should fast before the test, but she told me that wouldn’t be a problem.  I went ahead and told her I wanted to do the test today.  Basically the test consisted of me drinking a very sugary orange drink (blah) in 5 minutes, then waiting for an hour before getting my blood drawn.  I really should have told the doctor I would wait for the test until my next appointment because I was going to be sitting in the waiting room for another hour and I had already been in the office for an hour!  After my hour was up the lab tech drew my blood and told me they would have the results to me by tomorrow.  Overall it was an easy appointment full of good news, but the waiting was a little annoying.  I guess it was my own fault –I should have just waited for the glucose test at my next appointment, but I like to get things done and out of the way. 

I can’t believe I have reached another milestone in my pregnancy – now instead of waiting to go to the doctor every 4 weeks I see her every 3 weeks!  My next appointment is Thursday, May 10^th. 

 I really can’t believe how fast this is all going by, but I am so thankful for the blessing of a healthy little one growing inside of me.  Although I may complain about my growing belly and the changes taking place in my body, I know it will all be worth it in the end!  Thank you Lord for your blessings!     

23 Weeks

April 10 – April 16, 2012

How far along? 23 weeks

How are you measuring? 23 weeks

Size of baby? The baby is measuring 11.5 inches and 1.1 pounds! - the size of a large mango. 

Baby Development This Week? The baby is forming little nipples, and his face is fully formed now (except for the fat to fill it out).  The baby is now able to listen to my voice and my heartbeat.  He can even hear loud sounds like Bindi barking or car horns!   

Heartbeat? 146 at the doctor’s appointment on March 19th.

Total weight gain/loss?  My best guess is about 11 pounds total. I will know for sure at my doctor’s appointment on Thursday, April 19^th. 

Maternity clothes? Yes and loving them!  I am still able to wear a few of my dresses and a few tops that have room in the belly area.  I am only wearing maternity pants now (besides sweat pants and elastic waist shorts). 

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? I have been sleeping pretty good.  I still have to get up and use the restroom, but this has develop a sort of pattern.  I usually have to wake up at 12:30am, 3:30am, and 6:30am to use the restroom.  The 6:30am bathroom break usually gives me the extra incentive I need to get out of bed in the mornings! 

Best moment this week? Spending my birthday weekend at home.  It was a VERY quick trip and the main purpose was to surprise my future sis-in-law, Lisa, at her first wedding shower on Saturday.  I was able to squeeze in a visit with my grandparents and go to a movie with my brother.  It was a very fast/packed trip, but it was great!  My dad made a special breakfast brunch for me on my birthday and then I flew home Sunday evening!   

Movement? Still moving a lot without a true regular pattern.  I have figured out that if I have any type of drink with caffeine he usually goes crazy!  I am thinking it is because I really have avoided caffeine this whole pregnancy, but every now and then I will give in to a glass of sweet tea.  On Saturday night I gave in and had a Coke Icee while Reid and I went to the movie.  He didn’t stop moving the ENTIRE movie!  I am blaming the Coke Icee for the constant movement, but that was the first movie our little man has been in so it was probably pretty loud and strange sounds that also kept him up!  Our sweet boy also had his first case of the hiccups that I was able to tell.  It was pretty strange but there was a definite pattern to his movement that made everyone think he was experiencing hiccups.  It was awesome to have my brother, Lisa, and my grandparents feel our little one move for the first time.     

Food cravings?  No real cravings this week.  Well, I did want Chipotle while I was home with my parents, but I have always LOVED Chipotle even before being pregnant.   

Gender predictions? Baby Boy!

What I miss: I am thinking I may miss shorts this summer.  I just don’t have confidence like I use to with my growing pregnant belly to wear the clothes I use to.  My legs have changed a little (at least to me anyway) and have lost some of their muscle tone.  It really makes me not want to wear shorts.  Not to mention, my legs are blindingly white! Ha!

What I'm looking forward to: My doctor’s appointment on Thursday.  I am not getting an ultrasound, but it is always awesome to hear the baby’s heart beat and find out how we are doing!   

How are you feeling? Feeling great!  

Symptoms? It seems I have had a few aches and pains in my back this week.  It hasn’t been a consistent type of pain.  I have had a couple of Braxton Hicks contractions, but only a small number during the week and they do not last long. 

22 Weeks

April 3 – April 9, 2012

How far along? 22 weeks

How are you measuring? 22 weeks

Size of baby? The baby is measuring 11 inches and 1 pound! - the size of a spaghetti squash. 

Baby Development This Week? The baby is starting to look more like a newborn!  He is also sleeping in cycles –about 12-14 hours per day! 

Heartbeat? 146 at the doctor’s appointment on March 19th.

Total weight gain/loss?  I’m thinking I’ve gained 9-10 pounds total.  I’ll have a more accurate weight after my monthly doctor’s appointment on April 19th.

Maternity clothes? Not much change from last week in the area of maternity clothes.  I’m still wearing one pair of my regular jeans (they must be super stretch to have lasted this long).  I love dresses and my maternity clothes are really comfortable!

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? No complaints in terms of sleep.  I can tell you I have had some crazy dreams!  One night I dreamt about being part of a football team that B was coaching.  We had to move a refrigerator that represented another player and in the drawer of the refrigerator were live lobsters??? Don’t ask – it makes absolutely no sense! 

Best moment this week? Spending Easter and my early birthday with Barrett’s side of our family!  It seems like all we did was eat, but it was fun!   

Movement? Man is this little one moving and grooving!  Saturday and Sunday of this week it seemed like he moved non-stop!  Sunday during the closing prayer at church Barrett and I were holding hands and his arm was across my belly.  Baby E kicked so hard about 3 times!  Even B had to take a peak during the prayer to make sure he was really feeling the baby kick!  It was too funny! 

Food cravings? No cravings out of the norm this week…I am still wanting sweets.  Maybe I craved candy a little bit, but I think it was mainly due to all the candy being out for Easter.    

Gender predictions? Still a baby boy!  We have a name picked out that I might share soon…we will have to see!

What I miss: I miss painting my toenails and not getting out of breath!  I know I should be thankful that I can still paint my own toenails since I am sure in a few weeks I won’t be able to reach my toes! HA! Barrett may need to start practicing painting them while I can still correct them!

What I'm looking forward to: Looking forward to my birthday weekend this next week!  

How are you feeling? Feeling good, just feeling bigger!

Symptoms? I haven’t really noticed any symptoms this week – besides my belly and those kicks!  

21 Weeks

March 27 – April 2, 2012

How far along? 21 weeks

How are you measuring? 21 weeks

Size of baby? The baby is measuring 10.5 inches and 12.7 ounces - the size of a banana.

Baby Development This Week? The baby is producing meconium (the tarry black substance found in the first dirty diaper).  

Heartbeat? 146 at the doctor’s appointment on March 19th.

Total weight gain/loss?  I’m thinking I’ve gained 6-8 pounds total.  I’ll have a more accurate weight after my monthly doctor’s appointment in a couple weeks.

Maternity clothes? Still wearing one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans and a few elastic waistband dress pants.  I have been wearing some pre-pregnancy tops and sweaters. 

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? This week I slept pretty good – no complaints here!

Best moment this week? Taking our Babymoon to New York!  We left on Wednesday, March 28 and came home Sunday, April 1.  We had an amazing time!  It was great to experience New York with 3 of my favorite people in the world (B, Mom & Dad).  I’ll be blogging about our trip in the next few days!

Movement? He has definitely kicked it up this week!  I can tell he is getting stronger!  Mom and Dad were able to feel him move while we were in NY.  He seems to move the most after I eat and when I lay down at night.  While we were in NY he didn’t have much of a pattern since my schedule was off! 

Food cravings? Still not really having any cravings.  We didn’t eat healthy in NY and I have been craving fruit especially bananas and strawberries. 

Gender predictions? Still a baby boy! 

What I miss: I’m not missing much this week.  I guess I missed my old energy level while we walked around NY.  I can definitely tell that I get winded a lot easier and can’t “go” like I use to without taking breaks.

What I'm looking forward to: Looking forward to spending Easter weekend with Barrett’s family and our sweet nieces.   

How are you feeling? Feeling good! 

Symptoms? Toward the end of this week I noticed that my belly was starting to itch – I guess that means it’s stretching!