Weekly Update - 19 weeks

How far along: 19 weeks

Total weight gain: unknown, I go to the OB on the 2nd so we'll see then.

Maternity clothes: I'm giving up regular pants. I had to wear pre-prego jeans two days this week and used my Be-Band one day. I think I'm done with that.

Sleep: Um, I got this awesome pillow called a Snoogle. I LOVE it! So comfy!

Best moment of the week: Getting a great prego pillow. Seeing my family for Thanksgiving.

Movement: Yes, especially when I am squishing her. Like when I'm laying on my tummy or have my knees pulled up in front of me.

Gender: Baby Girl

Labor signs: None yet

Belly button in or out: In but more shallow then ever.

What I miss: This week was the first week I have missed wine. A glass of wine with Thanksgiving dinner would have been nice.

What I'm looking forward to: Putting up the Christmas tree and the holiday season. Christmas music! Monthly appt with the OB.

Weekly wisdom: Have fun maternity clothes shopping. Stuff a sweater up your tank, put the belly on, enjoy it.

Milestones: Baby will start to taste what I taste. Time to start varying my diet.

What's happening with the baby: Her sensory development if 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 in at about 8.5 ounces and measures 6 inches from head to bum (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. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. Vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

What's happening with you: Think your big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness or brief stabbing pain in your lower abdomen - especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. Nothing to be alarmed about. Your skin may be changing, too. Red palms are due to a rise in estrogen. Chloasma or "the mask of pregnancy", a darkening of the skin around your cheeks, forehead and upper lip, is due to an increase in pigment. This can affect other parts of your body including the line running from your belly button to your pubic bone, called the linea nigra. These darkened spots will fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes.

How are you feeling: This week has been a fun week. We went to see Harry Potter 7 and I only had to run to the restroom once during the 2.5 hour movie. I say that's a success. I spent lots of time with peoples hands on my belly. Thanksgiving and a visit from a friend, everyone wants to feel her kick. She wiggles and squirms, but when I want her to just kick she sooo doesn't cooperate. My appetite is coming on for real now, so I may not have to worry about weight gain anymore. Thanksgiving helped, having all that food around. Black Friday was about getting maternity pants for cheap, so that was great. She really doesn't like me laying on my tummy and puts up a bit of a fight. I get little kicks and things if she is feeling smushed. My skin has felt very dry lately, hands and feet for sure. Good thing I have lots of lotion.

We're having a ............

GIRL!!!!!

Meet our baby girl.

She has all her fingers and yawned and wiggled for us.

Brad is excited, I think, to become a daddy to a little girl. He doesn't exactly know what to expect. But I know he can learn, after all, he learned how to mostly deal with me and I'm a girl.

I have another appointment on December 2nd. I'll get to see the baby girl again! Brad can't come so my mom is going to join me. Hopefully we'll hear only good news.

Dear Crystal,

I am sorry for being more of an ass last night than was strictly necessary.

Love,

Brad

Weekly update - 18 weeks

First shot in comfy clothes, I'm sure there will be others.

How far along: 18 weeks

Total weight gain: Not sure but I think I'm gaining now.

Maternity clothes: Still pretty good. Not fully in maternity clothes, However Saturday I took a trip to get some bras so we are officially in maternity bras. Not to mention going up two cup sizes.

Sleep: Still really good compared to what I thought it would be by now.

Best moment of the week: The 3D ultrasound and visit from Brads sister and Mom.

Movement: Yes, mostly a while after I eat or lay down.

Gender: GIRL!!!! 3D/4D Ultrasound was amazing. So much fun to have everyone there to find out.

Labor signs: None

Belly button is or out: In

What I miss: Not having to try on everything to know if it's going to fit before I buy or wear it.

What I'm looking forward to: Yummy Thanksgiving and a weekend without craziness.

Weekly wisdom: Have friends and family have kids before you. It helps a lot in planning what you have to buy or be given. :)

Milestones: Gender scan and developing bones.

What's happening with the baby: Head to rump, she's about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and weighs about 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs - movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. Her blood vessels are visible through her skin, and her ears are now in their final position, although they are still standing out from her head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. Girls uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. Boys genitals are noticeable now, but he may hid them from your during an ultrasound.

What's happening with you: Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead on empty calories. Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardio vascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester you blood pressure will probably be lower then 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 lie down, it's best to lie on your side - or at least partly tilted to one side. Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

If you haven't had a second- trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and the umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies your carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking her thumb.

How are you feeling: I'm feeling really good. I feel like the end of this week I just started to really begin to look pregnant. Everything is up high enough that I can still wear some of my regular pants. Bra shopping was crazy. I went on purpose to some place that would fit me and have the best knowledge of how my body would continue to change. It worked out and was less expensive then I thought. Other then that we are just absorbing that we are having a baby girl. A little bit of stretching and stuff in my abdomen but still very comfortable in my body.

What will it be?

What kind of parts will you have little Squishy? Will you stand up to pee or sit down? Mommy is guessing you'll be a sitter, Daddy will not guess. He says his feelings change by the minute. We will be finding out very soon, tomorrow at 4:15 pm to be exact! Please don't be modest, everyone is excited to find out what you are.

Weekly update - 17 weeks

How far along: 17 weeks


Total weight gain: +2 lbs total


Maternity clothes: Sometimes, still fitting into most of my pre-prego clothes


Sleep: my OB said it's officially time to start trying to sleep on my sides. If I wake up on my back, it's fine I just have to roll to my side to go back to sleep. Sleeping on my stomach is officially not comfortable without being propped up quite a bit. Sleeping well though.


Best Moment of the week: Our ultrasound with our families.


Movement: Yes, and getting stronger.


Gender: GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!! We found out on Saturday with Mom, Dad, Erin, Jake, Amy and Ethel. It was so much fun to find out all together. I wish everyone could have been there too.


Labor signs: None


Belly button in or out: Getting more shallow, I never thought that would happen.


What I miss: Not feeling like "small" things make me tired.


What I'm looking forward: A week without crazy amounts of things to do and weekend home.


Weekly wisdom: Include your family in things, it's fun to have them around.


Milestones: Found out the gender.


What's happening with the baby:Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord - her life line to the placenta - is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (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.


What's happening with you: 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. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up in the 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.


How are you feeling: I'm feeling pretty good. My appetite seems to be increasing. I was very excited to find out that we are having a girl. I always kind of wanted a girl first. My body seems to be changing everyday. The newest addition to the pregnancy changes is my face is getting dry, very strange for me. We had Amy and Ethel in town this weekend and it was tons of fun and good food. I"m still fitting into a few pair of my work pants and most of my shirts still fit. The shirts can be a little too short for my comfort some times, so I have to be prepared to possibly switch shirts before I find what works. Energy is decent but I get winded more easily and I don't think I could really dance now if I tried, without passing out. :)

Winter what?!?!

Welcome to winter, I guess. Friday they are calling for flurries. Can you believe that?! I'm not ready for snow. I'm just starting to look forward to Christmas, but that doesn't mean that snow is in my plans yet.

I mean, who doesn't love wearing sweaters and cuddling by the fire. However, with a belly on the way, I'm not looking forward to growing out of my warm coat and wondering if I'm going to be hot or cold, do I need short sleeves or a parka. Although, in my office you always need a parka.

Actually, I'm starting to really look forward to Christmas. It's my favorite season to decorate for and food to eat. I feel all cuddly and warm during Christmas. Thinking about the Christmas shopping just makes me excited. I mean, what girl doesn't like to shop and who doesn't like to shop for other people. It just makes me smile!

I hope everyone is ready for some cold weather. Get out those scarves and hats. I wonder where mine are?

Weekly update - 16 weeks

How far along: 16 weeks

Total weight gain: unknown. Dr.s appointment Monday so we will see. Brad is supporting more food in my belly though.

Maternity clothes: When I feel like it I wear my maternity jeans. I still have plenty of clothes that fit though.

Sleep: Still great

Best moment of the week: Realizing I was feeling the baby!

Movement: Yes! It feels like muscle twitches. Soo cool!

Gender: We'll know soon. I'm still feeling girl.

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: In, as is the belly ring.

What I miss: Not having to be so concerned about my weight.

What I'm looking forward to: A holiday next week, hearing the heartbeat on Monday and Amy and Ethel's visit.

Weekly wisdom: Buy used maternity clothes! Gotta love those second hand stores.

Milestones: Ear bones are developing so it's time to start really singing and talking to the baby. Mom bought a little seahorse that plays music so I will play that for the baby at least once a day.

What's happening with the baby: Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double it's weight and add inches to it's length. Right now, it's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long and 3 1/2 ounces. Their legs are much more developed, head is more erect than it has been, and it's eyes have moved closer to the front of the head. Ears are close to the final spot too. The patterning of it's scalp has begun, though locks of hair aren't recognizable yet. That heart is pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day and that amount will continue to increase as the baby continues to grow and develop.

What's happening with you: 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 may be feeling the most wonderful moments of pregnancy - feeling your baby move. 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.

How are you feeling: This week was a crazy week. Sunday I had a dance show and found that it's not as easy to recover quickly after a dance as it used to be. I also look AMAZING in a leotard at 16 weeks pregnant. (just kidding!) Wednesday and Thursday I stayed home from work because I was having dizziness when I shouldn't be and generally felt like crap. I found out it's because I was probably dehydrated (not really surprised). I"m feeling much better now and am looking forward to my appointment on Monday to find out all about the baby and stuff.