2 Months Old

Her second month of life was full of learning new things; for both baby and mom! She started to coo in the beginning of the month and it's been so neat to watch her "talk." She loves her changing pad; she usually calms when we lay her down on it when she's fussy. I have started to understand her different cries and figuring out her personality. 

We have noticed that she goes through an extra fussy period almost every evening starting around 7pm for an hour or so. It's a time when nothing really calms her and we all just try to get through it without her getting too upset. Our pediatrician calls it a "witching hour." 

Since 6 weeks she has been sleeping through the night! She'll go down around 10:30pm and wake up around 8:30am. She grew out of newborn clothes and diapers at around 5 weeks and has been in 0-3 month clothes and size 1 diapers ever since. She eats every 2 hours during the day (4oz bottles).

She's had good check-ups so far at the pediatrician. At her 2 month appointment her weight and height were both around the 50th percentile. She took her shots like a champ, but mommy couldn't help but tear up! 

She's growing so fast and getting stronger and smarter everyday! 

1 Month Old

I'm getting to these monthly updates late, but better late than never. On October 29th my sweet baby girl turned 1 month old! It was a busy, wonderful, stressful, and amazing month! It's crazy how alert she has been from the get-go. We had many issues with breast feeding and the first few weeks I dealt with a tough case of baby blues.

My dream was to breast feed Maggie for as long as possible, but I never imagined as long as possible would have been only a month. I will never know why my milk didn't fully come in; that was the cause of all of our problems. My body never produced more than an ounce or two everyday. It has been an emotional roller coaster dealing with all of this, but I'm slowly coming to terms with formula feeding.

Baby blues - oh boy! I didn't realize how crazy hormones could get after giving birth. Those first 2 weeks were something else! Lots of tears and worrying; doubting myself as a mother and sometimes even doubting my sanity. But just as quickly as it hit me, that phase went away, thankfully.

During the first month she wore newborn clothes and diapers. She slept anywhere from 2-4 hour stretches during the night. We took a lot of naps together during the day. She ate around .5-3oz every 1-3 hours. She got to meet a lot of her family for the first time and we just loved seeing her with our parents and siblings.

I was healing more and more everyday after birth. Since having an episiotomy, I was pretty sore, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. Most of the soreness happened at night and while using the bathroom. I had a lot of swelling in my ankles and feet which lasted at least 3 weeks. I lost all my baby weight and then some within the first month! Although my stomach looks nothing like it did pre-pregnancy!

Marcus has been amazing through all of this. He spent many nights in the first month letting me cry on his lap and telling me that everything was alright. He has been a wonderful and loving husband and dad and I don't know what I would do without him. We just love our daughter so much!

Maggie is here!

I got a call Saturday afternoon from the on-call doctor at the hospital that they didn't love a part of the NST from the day before. Her heart rate dropped for a brief time and they wanted me to come back just to monitor it again. Off we went thinking we'd be back home in an hour or two. Again, they didn't love what her heart rate was doing (but it was very stable at the end of the NST) so they decided it was best to induce me that day instead of waiting on Tuesday. I was freaking out. I was so ready to meet her, but knowing that they were going to induce me right then and there really was emotional. Here goes:

Saturday, Sept 28 - Cytotec was inserted around 5:45pm. Contractions quickly became regular. They wanted to have me on that and check me in 4 hours. At 10:00pm I was still at a 1 so they wanted to attempt the foley bulb. After 4 very painful unsuccessful attempts to insert a foley bulb (which was the most painful part of birth for me), they decided to go with the Pitocin.

Sunday, Sept. 29 - Long morning of very painful contractions. I was checked at 7am and was only at a 2. Contractions became unbearable by 8:30am and I decided to get the epideral. AhMaZing! It was the weirdest thing not being able to feel my legs and belly, but it took away the pain completely. At 11am I was a 3 with a bulging bag of water and at 1pm I was at a 5. At 3pm I was still at a 5 so they decided to break my water. An hour and a half later, at 4:30pm, I felt an intense "I've got to poop NOW!" feeling. I called the nurse right away to be checked. Sure enough I was fully dilated! I went from 5 to 10cm within an hour and a half! I couldn't believe it and I still honestly thought I was going to poop all over my bed! They wanted to see how I pushed so we started around 4:45pm. After 6 contractions I was ready to deliver her, but they made me stop to call the doctor! Ugh so frustrating to not push through those contractions! Once the doctor got there she was out in 3 contractions. I saw the whole thing through a mirror in the ceiling and that was the best decision I made! I will never forget watching it all happen! The doctor did have to give me an episiotomy, which was NBD. Also, the cord was wrapped around her neck, but they took care of that right away.

She was born at 5:58pm on Sunday, September 29, 2013. 8lbs 5oz 20.5in. The hospital stay wasn't too bad and we got home yesterday morning. I am feeling better and better everyday!

Bumpdate: 40 weeks

I am officially overdue! I can't believe I have made it to 40 weeks! A lot happened this week. Symptom-wise, this week was a lot like last week; random contraction, cramping, and lots of walking.

On Tuesday I had my 40 week appointment. First, we had an ultrasound to check the fluid level and her size. Everything looked really good! She is measuring in the 38th percentile at 7lbs10oz. The fluid level was at a 10 which was normal. They could see calcium deposits on my placenta, but this is normal. The placenta starts to age at this late in the game.

Then we had my regular check-up with my doctor. My blood pressure was a little high at 138/80, but she assured me that it's normal for it to creep up at the end of pregnancy. I didn't gain any weight this week so still at +16lbs. I had another cervical check and I made some progress! I was 1/2cm dilated and 75% effaced! My doctor also said that she has dropped some since last week too. I was very happy to hear that something was progressing!

We also scheduled an induction date for next Tuesday the 1st at 8pm. They will start me out with Cervadil right away and then start Pitocin the next morning. So no matter what we will have a baby by Wednesday!

• How many weeks are you? 40 weeks / 1 day
• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a newborn baby :)
• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much
• Any big milestones or updates? At 40 weeks her brain has developed remarkably over the past 9 months, but it will continue to expand crucial neural pathways for the next few years following birth.
• Symptoms? Same as last week...random contractions and cramps. No indication that I will go into labor anytime soon.

Bumpdate: 39 weeks

Very uncomfortable this week! Every movement comes with aches, pains, and cramps....especially while sleeping! I am so ready to meet her! I have started feeling "real" contractions and not just Braxton Hicks. I got a few in a row a couple days last week, but they never stuck.

I had my weekly appointment today. I've gained 2lbs and I am now at +16lbs for this pregnancy. My blood pressure looked good at 132/80. Fundal height is 40cm and her heart beat was 155bpm. I was checked again and...surprise surprise...no change AT ALL! Still not dilated and only 50% effaced. I was pretty bummed to hear this since I have felt so different this week.

• How many weeks are you? 39 weeks
• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a watermelon!
• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much
• Any big milestones or updates? At 39 weeks her organs are well-developed and ready for function outside the womb. She continues to practice breathing and her lungs continue to produce surfactant.
• Symptoms? Started to feel "real" contractions this week. More pressure and cramps. Very uncomfortable doing almost everything!

Bumpdate: 38 weeks

We had a pretty laid back week. After my appointment last Wednesday up until Sunday I wasn't feeling any Braxton Hick's at all. Monday hit and I was feeling a ton of pain in my upper right abdomen...called my doctor and she said it was normal and probably just the uterus expanding and brushing my ribs. I've been still feeling cramping and some contractions this week, but nothing substantial.

I had my 38 week check-up today. I've lost a pound since last week putting me at 14 lbs total. Blood pressure was good at 132/80. Fundal height was 38cm which is perfect. Baby's heart beat was in the 160's which my doctor was fine with. Had another cervical check and, of course, no progress has been made since last week. Bummer! I agreed to a membrane sweep, but obviously they couldn't do it since I'm not dilated yet. We will try again next week. Once I got home I noticed a ton of dark brown discharge which I am assuming was just because of the cervical check.

• How many weeks are you? 38 weeks
• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a watermelon!
• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much
• Any big milestones or updates? At 38 weeks baby is still getting heavier each day. By now she weighs close to 7 pounds. Her digestive system has not fully developed, in part because it had not yet begun processing food. Her first taste of breast milk after birth will help her digestion develop further.  She has spent some time swallowing proteins in the amniotic fluid which will help form her first bowel movements. 
• Symptoms? A lot less contractions, but the same amount of cramping. I also experienced some dizziness which I hope doesn't come back! 

Bumpdate: 37 weeks

FULL-TERM, baby! Very happy we have made it this far and that we are both healthy! This means we have 3 weeks until my due date! I really think she will not be making her appearance anytime soon.

This weekend was my last baby shower on Sunday. We had a great time, had nice weather, and got everything we needed for her. We got a bunch of big ticket items (swing, monitor, and high chair) along with many other things including tons of clothes! I went to Babies R Us the next day to return some things and buy the remaining items that we will need. I think we are all set for her arrival!

Sunday night was rough for me. After a long day I was having horrible lower back pain. It was constant and the only thing that I could do was rock on my yoga ball. Finally after 4 hours of this I was able to fall asleep and when I woke up the next morning I felt better. I was getting worried that it was the start of labor, but I am glad that it stopped!

Today I had my 37 week check-up. It was a pretty boring appointment. Blood pressure was good (I forgot to ask what it was), I gained 2 lbs this week, and my urine sample came back fine. Fundal height is measuring 38cm and her heart beat was in the 150's today. She checked me again and I have made little to no progress since last week. Still not dilated and 50% effaced. But the baby's head is still down which is good news. We'll see if there's any change next week!

• How many weeks are you? 37 weeks
• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a watermelon!
• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much this week!
• Any big milestones or updates? At 37 weeks she continues to practice breathing, moving around, sucking her thumb, and blinking. Her vagina, clitoris, and labia majora are now well-developed.
• Symptoms? Back pain, cramps, and the same amount of Braxton Hicks. Still have good energy!

Bumpdate: 36 weeks

This week brought on many new changes with my body. I am really starting to feel more pressure down there along with the uncomfortableness of her dropping on my bladder! I am also getting cramps and Braxton Hick's contractions.

Yesterday's appointment went really well! Didn't gain any weight this week so I am still at +13 lbs. Blood pressure was the same as last week at 136/80. My doctor was really happy with the report of my NST from last week and she said everything looked perfect. Baby's heart beat was much better at 155bpm yesterday. I also found out that I do not have Group B Strep so that's good news! She did another cervical check and although I am not dilated she could tell that my cervix has softened and that baby has dropped since last week! Making progress! I go back next Wednesday for my 37 week check-up!

• How many weeks are you? 36 weeks
• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a honeydew!
• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much this week!
• Any big milestones or updates? At 36 weeks she weighs about 6 pounds! Her bones have been storing calcium and have become stronger, but they are still somewhat pliable. The flexibility helps the baby accommodate the limited diameter of the birth canal without injury. Fetal kicks may actually feel more like a sliding motion now as she begins to run out of room.
• Symptoms? As I mentioned above, I am feeling a lot of pressure, cramps, and Braxton Hick's contractions. 

Here are my 7, 8, and 9 month belly shots! 3rd trimester bump!

Bumpdate: 35 weeks

35 weeks pregnant -- 35 days to go! I can't believe it! This week wasn't too exciting. We had a free weekend so we decided to go visit my in-laws and new nephew! It was nice to see everyone.

I had my 35 week appointment today and it didn't go as I expected. My blood pressure was okay at 136/80, I have gained 3 pounds which puts me at a total of 13 pounds for the pregnancy, and my urine sample came back normal. We did the GBS test which was a breeze and I had a cervical check for the first time today. No dilation. I didn't think there would be anything substantial since I am still pretty early for cervical checks. But she is still head down which is great!

Then she checked baby's heart beat with the Doppler. It was very high...around the 190's. She kept the Doppler on her for a couple minutes, but it didn't go down. She immediately wanted me to go to the hospital for a NST (non stress test). When I got there I was taken back and hooked up to the monitors. A monitor to catch baby's heart beat and another to monitor any contractions. Baby was super active which the doctor's were very happy about. Her heart rate would go up when she was moving and then back down which is what they wanted to see. I was having quite a few contractions, but they were not concerned. After and hour of monitoring they discharged me. They said that everything looked great and I shouldn't be worried at all. They attributed the little scare to a very active baby and the fact that I hadn't eaten anything all morning. I was planning on eating right after my appointment (which I always do), but being sent to the hospital didn't allow me to eat and by that time it was lunch time.

I am so relieved that Maggie is okay. I am happy that my doctor took the necessary precautions by sending me to the hospital, but I don't want to go back there again until I am in labor!

• How many weeks are you? 35 weeks
• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a honeydew!
• Cravings/Aversions? Gummy bears... so odd!
• Any big milestones or updates? At 35 weeks she is mostly developed now with the majority of her effort geared towards rapid weight gain. Her skin is now less wrinkled as she gains even more body fat. Studies show that if she were to be born at this stage she would probably do very well, with little to no long-term health issues.
• Symptoms? Same amount of Braxton Hick's as last week.

 

I have scheduled all of my weekly appointments up until 40 weeks! Next Tuesday is my next one and I will be checked again for dilation/effacement at every appointment from here on out.

Bumpdate: 34 weeks

34 weeks was pretty low key. Not too much going on. We had our 4th and final Lamaze class on Sunday. I can't believe that our classes are over! We really enjoyed them and hope they make somewhat of a difference when I am actually in labor. We still have our breast feeding class coming up in 2 weeks.

• How many weeks are you? 34 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a honeydew!

• Cravings/Aversions? Tortilla soup from Max & Erma's.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 34 weeks she can now open and close her eyes. Research shows that her pupils also constrict when exposed to bright lights. Finger nails and toe nails are now well-formed and may often grow up from the nail bed to reach the tip of the fingers and toes.

• Symptoms? Same amount of Braxton Hick's as last week. My energy is definitely not where it used to be.

Bumpdate: 33 weeks

We had our 3rd Lamaze class over the weekend and again, it went really well! I wish we had a class each week up until my due date and not only 1 more left! This week we learned about the many medical interventions...the pros/cons, advantages/risks to each. Then we did a bunch of pushing exercises which was interesting! 

The nursery is pretty much done! I can't believe it all came together so wonderfully! We still have a shower in a few weeks so I will be putting the finishing touches on the room once that's over. I will post pictures on here once it's done!

• How many weeks are you? 33 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a honeydew!

• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 33 weeks she weighs about 4 pounds and will continue to gain about 1/2 pound each week until birth! In addition to nutrients, the umbilical cord is supplying her with immune proteins called antibodies that will help her fight infections after birth.

• Symptoms? More Braxton Hicks's. Feeling more and more pressure "down there." Not much else went on this week, symptom-wise.

I had my 33 week appointment on Thursday the 8th and everything went really well! Baby's heartbeat was a strong 155bpm. Blood Pressure was good at 132/80. No weight gain which is really exciting! My fundal height was only measuring 2 weeks ahead (35cm)...my doctor said that the belly measurement is evening out now. I go in for my LAST bi-weekly appointment on Wednesday the 21st where they will do my GBS test and also check my cervix for the first time. Then we are on to weekly appointments! Crazy!

Bumpdate: 32 weeks

We had a pretty busy week! Thursday was the grandparent class that I attended with my mom. It was good for me to go since Marcus and I aren't taking a "newborn care" class and this was very similar to that. Mom liked the class a lot too. 

Our nephew was born Saturday, July 27th! My sister-in-law, Jordan, gave birth via c-section to an 8lb handsome little boy. Marcus and I took the trip up there Saturday afternoon to visit all of them. It was awesome to meet our nephew for the first time! We are planning on taking the weekend of August 17th to go up there and visit them again.

Sunday was our 2nd Lamaze class and hospital tour. I really hope the relaxation techniques we are learning will be put to good use. I really enjoyed the different breathing & labor positions that we learned. Our hospital tour went really well! Makes me even more excited to have this little girl!

• How many weeks are you? 32 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a squash!

• Cravings/Aversions? My appetite has increased this week. Not cravings or aversions, but I always feel hungry!

• Any big milestones or updates? At 32 weeks her skeletal muscles are growing stronger and her bones are hardening even more. She's looking like a newborn every day. As her circulation continues to improve and she gains more fat, she can regulate body temperature better and may start to shed the fine layer of hair called lanugo. More hair is starting to grow on the top of her head and, due to increased pigmentation resulting from more melanin production, it now has some color.

• Symptoms? More Braxton Hicks's. Lot of uncomfortable heartburn at night.

Bumpdate: 31 weeks

Very busy week! We had an info meeting with the pediatrician we are going to use and it went really well! We really like the practice and they had great hours. I'm excited to get that off my to-do list. This weekend Marcus's family came down and we got to swim some which was nice.

We had our first Lamaze/labor/birth class on Sunday; the first of 4. We really liked it! I really really like our instructor and the way she teaches. This week focused on the process of labor and delivery, signs or labor, and breathing techniques through each contraction. Next week we have a hospital tour included!

Tuesday was our check-up and growth scan. Because my fundal height was measuring 3 weeks ahead at our last appointment my doctor wanted me to go in for an ultrasound this week. Well, everything looks perfect! Baby measured in the 45th percentile and currently weighs 3lb 12oz! They estimate that she'll weigh just under 7.5 lbs at birth! She's even head down! The fluid level also looks great and the tech thinks she will stay head down the rest of the time. I hope so! Her heartbeat was 146bpm.

My blood pressure was a little better than last week and my doctor was very happy with the readings from my at-home monitor this past week. I gained 2lbs since my last appointment 2 weeks ago so my total is at 10lbs now. She measured my belly and I am now measuring at 37cm!!!! That's 6 weeks ahead! However, she wasn't concerned at all since baby is at such an average weight.

• How many weeks are you? 31 weeks / 1 day

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a squash!

• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much this week!

• Any big milestones or updates? At 31 weeks she is starting to move around more, flip upside down, rotate, and even turn her head from side-to-side. Her brain is now fully developed, with speech and language centers in the process of development. Complex neurological connections and learning will continue throughout the pregnancy and long after birth.

• Symptoms? I had a few Braxton Hick's contractions the other day, about 4 back-to-back that were really intense. Hoping that doesn't happen again for awhile! 

My next appointment is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th at 8:10am!

Bumpdate: 30 weeks

I've hit yet another milestone! I am officially in the 30's! The countdown has begun!

• How many weeks are you? 30 weeks!

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a squash!

• Cravings/Aversions? I have been loving my ice cream this week! This summer heat isn't making this craving manageable either...I eat a bowl almost every 2 days! Fruit is also a craving.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 30 weeks fetal REM activity occurs at this stage indicating distinct sleep and wake cycles. She may spend much of the time sleeping, but her sleep cycle is not necessarily timed with mine. She can now open, close, and blink her eyes. Her vision is still rather poor at this stage and will remain so for a few months after delivery.

• Symptoms? Same as last week. BH's & sleep issues. 

We had our first baby shower this past weekend! It was hosted by my aunts, sisters, and godmother and it was at my parent's house! It was a wonderful day and they decorated the space inside so beautifully! The shower was an owl theme; owl fruit bowl, owl cupcakes, owl decor! We had about 20 people show up and we all had a great time. Baby girl received many gifts! We got her Rock N' Play, Pack N' Play, travel system, blankets, toys, and TONS of clothes!

Bumpdate: 29 weeks

I had a pretty good 29 week appointment yesterday. Baby's heartbeat sounded great at 153bpm!

First and foremost, I officially don't have GD! I passed! I just got the call this morning that I passed with a 93! Even better number than last time. My hemoglobin level is still below where they like to see it. I got a 11.8 and they want to see it at 12...no biggie!

At my appointment my blood pressure was a little high (140/80). They were concerned enough to write me a script for an at-home blood pressure monitor. I have to call in weekly to the nurse so they can record my readings. When I test at home my BP is always normal. Today it was 117/70. I must just get nervous at doctor's appointments.

I only gained 1 pound since my last check-up 4 weeks ago! I am so proud of myself and so is my doctor! I am up a total of 8 pounds for this pregnancy so far. The doctor wants me to be fully prepared for the natural birth that I want so she wants me to up my walking to every single day. I need that stamina when it comes time to push out this baby!

Lastly, they measured my fundal height and it was 32cm. That is 3 weeks ahead of where I should be for 29 weeks. My doctor wants me to come in for an ultrasound at my next appointment in 2 weeks. Hopefully baby is measuring okay!

• How many weeks are you? 29 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an acorn squash.

• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much this week. I have been drinking water like a fish!

• Any big milestones or updates? At 29 weeks her ovaries are well-developed. They now produce hormones and already contain millions of eggs! Her bones are beginning to harden and store iron, phosphorus, and calcium. The bones remain soft enough at birth to accommodate the tight birth canal.

• Symptoms? Still feeling a few Braxton Hick's everyday, but nothing to be concerned about. Sleep is still uncomfortable...this is surely the norm from here on out!

My next appointment is July 23rd at 2:20. We'll have an ultrasound and another check-up! My appointments are now every 2 weeks!

Bumpdate: 28 weeks

This week has been good! Nothing too exciting happened; the week went by very fast!

• How many weeks are you? 28 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an eggplant!

• Cravings/Aversions? Ice cream always sounds good! 

• Any big milestones or updates? At 28 weeks she is weighing about 2.5 pounds. Her kicks and movements have become more noticeable. Kicks are now feeling blunt and more forceful. She may be able to distinguish my voice from that of Marcus's.

• Symptoms? I am starting to get Braxton Hick's again. Over the last week I have noticed 2-3 of them per day. Marcus was able to see kicks while the baby was moving around like crazy in there! He saw my whole belly move and poke out when she was kicking! 

Bumpdate: 27 weeks. 3rd tri!

I have made it to 3rd tri! Wohooooo!

We took a trip to Texas for our cousin's wedding last week and we all had a great time. We stayed from Wednesday until Saturday and her wedding was on Thursday. It was great to see our cousins and relatives that we had not seen in awhile.

• How many weeks are you? 27 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an eggplant!

• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing this week.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 27 weeks we have reached the 3rd trimester! Due in part to her larger size, increased body fat stores, and more mature lungs, she has a better chance of survival if born today. Eyelashes are forming and she may now begin to open her eyes from time to time.

• Symptoms? After a day of traveling on Saturday my feet were pretty swollen. Baby's kicks and punches are becoming much more hard and sometimes even painful! I had to take off my wedding ring over the weekend, but I can still wear my engagement ring easily.

Bumpdate: 26 weeks

I am wrapping up my 6th month and a week away from 3rd tri :) Getting really excited about everything we have going on in July & August. It will make my last 3 months go super fast!

• How many weeks are you? 26 weeks / 1 day

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an eggplant! 

• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing too much this week.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 26 weeks she weighs almost 2 lbs! Her immune system, including the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen, are rapidly developing. She continues to practice breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. 

• Symptoms? I got really sick on Father's Day (25w4d). I golfed and bowled within 2 days and I think I just overdid it. I threw up a lot that night and even popped a bunch of blood vessels in my face! Ouch! Other than that, I am felling more tired and more uncomfortable during the day and at night. 

Bumpdate: 25 weeks

My shower invitations went out this week :) I am so excited for both of my showers coming up! My side's shower is on July 13th and my husband's side is September 1st. I can't wait! We are basically done with our registry (I have been tweaking it online every so often).

• How many weeks are you? 25 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an eggplant! 

• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing too much this week.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 25 weeks she is starting to grasp her hands and wiggle her fingers and toes. Nails are starting to form on her fingers and toes.

• Symptoms? Still feel great! Getting a little bit more tired as I get closer and closer to 3rd tri!

I had my monthly OB appointment yesterday. All looks good! Her heartbeat was 153bpm and my doctor had no problem finding her heartbeat right away. She measured my fundal height for the first time this pregnancy; it was 27cm. I read that any measurement +/- 2cm in reference to how many weeks you are is normal. My blood pressure was 132/70 which is great. I gained 3lbs since my last appointment 4 weeks ago making my total weight gain 7lbs! I am very satisfied with that number! She gave me the glucose drink that I will have to take at my next appointment and that wrapped up my appointment. Next appointment is scheduled for July 9th at 29 weeks! I think after that we start bi-weekly appointments! Moving right along :)

Bumpdate: 24 weeks. V-Day!

This baby girl has made it to viability! This means that the odds of survival, if I went into labor now, are significantly higher than before 24 weeks. As I get farther along in this pregnancy the odds keep increasing!

• How many weeks are you? 24 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a papaya!

• Cravings/Aversions? All summer foods! No aversions this week. 

• Any big milestones or updates? At 24 weeks sections of the lungs are expanding and she is starting to produce lung surfactant which helps to keep the lungs from collapsing after birth.  Although very little hair color can be seen at this stage she has some hair growth on the top of her head.

• Symptoms? Feeling really great this week! I have been finally seeing her kick from the outside! Over the past week she has been very active and I love watching my belly! 

I have made it to 6 months pregnant! Which is so crazy to think about!

Here are my 4th, 5th, and 6th month belly shots! 2nd trimester bump!

Bumpdate: 23 weeks

I had a great week! This week we had Memorial Day weekend and my birthday was yesterday! It was really nice to have a 3-day weekend, but it was jammed packed with get-together's.

The morning of my birthday (22w6d), the baby started kicking and punching while I was still sleeping. Surely she wanted to get my attention to tell me, "Happy Birthday!" I rolled over and put Marcus's hand on my stomach and he felt her kick for the very first time! I was so happy I almost cried! Then she kicked for him 3-4 more times and then stopped. Best birthday present I could ever ask for <3

• How many weeks are you? 23 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a papaya!

• Cravings/Aversions? Over the last week I have been craving steak. I have no idea why. I don't usually like it when I am not pregnant, so this is a weird craving for me. No aversions.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 23 weeks she weighs a full pound! Taste buds have formed, but she won't taste anything for several more months. Most of her internal organs are now in place and begin to function well. 

• Symptoms? Nothing too bad this week.

Bumpdate: 22 weeks

The week went really fast. The only thing that was accomplished was that I bought my diaper bag and hospital bag this week! I had ordered my diaper bag off an Etsy shop and it arrived in the mail last Thursday. I bought my hospital bag at a store in the mall for $20! I love them both!

• How many weeks are you? 22 weeks / 1 day 

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a papaya!

• Cravings/Aversions? Craving ice cream, frozen yogurt, pasta salad, watermelon...summer foods! No aversions this week.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 22 weeks her brain is growing and starting to develop more complex neurological connections. Just below newly formed eyebrows and beneath newly formed eyelids are more developed eyes that continue to sense light. She can now hear my heart beat, my stomach churn, and hear the sound of my voice!

• Symptoms? Heartburn has been back over the last few days. I am finding it harder and harder to roll from side-to-side in my sleep. My belly is starting to get in the way! 

Bumpdate: 21 weeks

Week 20 came and went so quickly! We got a lot done this week and had a great 21 week appointment yesterday! I have been feeling awesome! I did experience morning sickness on 20w1d, but I am not making much of it. 


Over the weekend was Mother's Day! I am so thankful that we got to celebrate it with both my mom and Marcus's mom! Last Mother's Day is when we found out that we were miscarrying our first pregnancy and wow! what a change a year makes! For Marcus's mom we got her a Pandora charm that was a little bear with a pink ribbon. Then we got my mom a necklace with my sister's and my birthstones and initials. They both loved their gifts! My sister surprised me with a couple of really cute outfits for the baby and Marcus got me a prenatal massage! I can't wait to schedule an appointment! 

Our dresser that we ordered came in on Monday morning and we put it all together that night! I love it! We are using it as our dresser and changing table since we don't have room in the nursery for both! It took us awhile to set it all up, but it was worth it! The only furniture left to get is the rocker which is on our registry! The nursery is coming along!

Yesterday was our anatomy scan, monthly check-up, and my first GD test. I had to drink the fruit punch drink 45 minutes before my appointment and then they took my blood after an hour had passed from the time I finished the drink. It was basically drinking a can of sugar that had a hint of fruit punch. It really wasn't all that bad, but I am glad that's over. I got a call today that I passed!!!! I am so relieved!!! The normal range is anywhere from 65-139 and I got a 106! So happy! But they did see that I have a slightly lower than average hemoglobin level and I need to start taking an iron supplement....no biggie! My number was 11.5 and they like to see it at 12.

Then we had the anatomy scan! The ultrasound tech took about 25 minutes taking all the measurements of the brain, heart, legs, organs, etc. and she said that everything looked perfect! Baby measured in the 52nd percentile which is great! Her heartbeat was 142bpm and is weighing in at 13oz! It was confirmed that she was still a she :) 

 

  
At my check-up my blood pressure was 130/80 which the nurse was really excited about. I have gained 4 lbs so far and the doctor was really happy with that number too.

• How many weeks are you? 21 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a banana! She weighs 13oz!

• Cravings/Aversions? Nothing much this week!

• Any big milestones or updates? At 21 weeks she is developing body fat and a thin layer of hair called lanugo to stay warm. She now often hiccups as a means to practice breathing and swallows amniotic fluid in order to practice eating.

• Symptoms? If it weren't for feeling her kick and seeing my growing belly I wouldn't even think I was pregnant! I am feeling great right now!

Bumpdate: 20 WEEKS!

I am officially halfway through this pregnancy! Where has the time gone? I am so thankful that I have made it this far and we are that much closer to meeting our daughter.

This week I have been really feeling the "2nd tri bliss" that everyone talks about. Other than feeling a little human inside of me everyday and a growing belly, I don't feel pregnant. My energy is normal, there are no food aversions or sickness, and I can really enjoy this pregnancy. Even though we have a long way to go, I feel so ready to meet my little girl!

• How many weeks are you? 20 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a cantaloupe. What?!

• Cravings/Aversions? Pretzel M&M's as of lately. No aversions

• Any big milestones or updates? At 20 weeks she is getting bigger by the day! I AM HALFWAY THROUGH THIS PREGNANCY! Fetal kicks may be much more prominent at this stage.

• Symptoms? Heartburn is lessening, but still present at times. I am feeling her move every single day! Feeling really really great! 

Less than a week until our next appointment! We are getting our anatomy scan along with my monthly check-up and GD test. I am a little worried about the GD test, but hopefully I will pass. We'll see.

Bumpdate: 19 weeks

Lots to talk about this week! We told our families that we are expecting a little girl! We were originally going to keep it a secret until birth, but this was just too big of a secret to keep! I told Marcus that we had to spill the beans at some point so we did this past weekend! Everyone is so excited!

My mom and I went to a consignment sale last Thursday and bought a TON of clothes! It was a huge event and we ended up leaving with shoes, blankets, clothes, and a bouncer. My mom was the first person that we told and it was nice to be able to go shopping with her.

Our crib skirt and guard rail came in on Monday! When I had ordered it they said it would take up to 6 weeks, but we got it in the mail in 2! So awesome! I had to set it up right away!

And for the most exciting news....I felt baby kick for the first time yesterday! At 18w6d I was laying on the chair and I started to feel the fluttering feeling again and then all of the sudden a KICK! It was amazing! I had felt her roll a couple days prior and now I am feeling her kick for the first time finally! I don't expect to feel this kind of movement everyday yet, but I am happy to say that I have finally felt her!

• How many weeks are you? 19 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a mango!

• Cravings/Aversions? Still ice cream! No aversions this week.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 19 weeks unique fingerprints have now formed on the tips of her fingers and tiny blood vessels are visible under the skin. She is able to make more intricate facial gestures, such as frowning or smiling!

• Symptoms? Heartburn has been picking up a little this week, but still mostly in the evenings. She must have a head of hair on here already!  

Bumpdate: 18 weeks

Not much to talk about this week. Symptoms have been next to nothing and I have been feeling really good! Over the weekend my mom, aunt, and sister came over to paint the owl mural on the wall of the nursery! They did such a great job and I so much appreciate what they did. Baby is so lucky to have such a great family! Here is the finished product!

I feel really good with the progress we are making with the nursery. We still have a ton to do, but it seems we are on schedule! I am still on the look-out for a cheap dresser, but if I don't find one I am more than willing to buy a new one from the store.
 

• How many weeks are you? 18 weeks

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a sweet potato

• Cravings/Aversions? Ice cream has been somewhat of a craving, but not too bad. No aversions this week!

• Any big milestones or updates? At 18 weeks her reflexes are fully developed. She hiccups, yawns, and moves around inside the womb. Soft cartilage-like bones are starting to harden, making calcium and Vitamin-D.

• Symptoms? Still getting heartburn, but it wasn't as bad this week. I still have not felt movement, but have felt a few flutters here and there. My belly is getting harder.

Bumpdate: 17 weeks & Gender Scan!

I had a really great week! I was feeling good and really looking forward to our elective gender scan that was yesterday! It took the tech awhile to determine the sex, but we found out that we are having a little GIRL! I can't believe that my instinct from the beginning was right! We are so thrilled and we cannot wait to meet our daughter!

Her heartbeat was 160bpm and she measured 6 ounces...right on track! Baby is very lady like; she had her legs crossed the whole time. Although she wasn't cooperating with us, the tech said she was 100% sure that our baby is a girl!

I found out that I have an anterior placenta which means that the placenta is in front of the baby (in between my stomach and the baby) so movement probably won't be felt for a little longer. No biggie! Also, since my doctor is concerned about my weight, I have to take the GD test TWICE! I have to take it before my next appointment at 21 weeks and then again at 28 weeks. Hopefully there will be no problems.

• How many weeks are you? 17 weeks 

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an onion (which isn't even a fruit!). She is 6 ounces according to my appointment yesterday.

• Cravings/Aversions? No cravings or aversions this week. 

• Any big milestones or updates? At 17 weeks she can begin to hear sounds, like my heartbeat and the sound of my voice. Organs are now well developed. The kidneys create urine and the liver is starting to produce bile.

• Symptoms? Heartburn! I get is almost everyday now (especially in the evenings). Other than that I am feeling great! Getting a little more hungry these days, but not by much. 

We have our anatomy scan in 4 weeks on May 14th when I will 21 weeks along. I have to drink that GD test 30 minutes before the appointment and then they will take my blood when we get there. We then have the a/s which I am very excited about! Then I will have my regular monthly check-up!

First big purchase for baby!

My parent's had graciously offered to buy our travel system as a gift for us. When I let them know that on a particular day it was 20% off at Babies R Us they jumped on the deal. They ordered it and within 3 days it was on our front porch! We received it last night and put it together in under 15 minutes. It was awesome how easy it was to set up!

We registered for the Graco Modes Click Connect Travel System which included the SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat and base. I did a TON of research on the perfect travel system for us starting around 8 weeks. I knew this was one of our biggest decisions to make (in regards to our registry) so I wanted to give myself plenty of time to do proper research. After looking up information online, watching YouTube videos, reading the "Baby Bargains" book, and talking to my friend's who are mothers, Marcus and I decided on this system.

I feel great having this portion of my registry over with. Now we can focus on the other things that we'll need! We will probably end up registering around weeks 18-20 weeks. 

Bumpdate: 16 weeks

Only 1 month to go before I am half way done with the pregnancy! Time is flying by! We are finally getting nice spring weather here in Ohio and I am loving my evening walks with Brutus! I can't believe in less than a week we will know the sex of this baby. Crazy!

Week 16 has brought on a few new pregnancy symptoms. Although I did not throw up at all in my 15th week, I have been getting heartburn. I have only had it 2 times and both were in the middle of the night. I hate heartburn and the way it makes me feel. I am going to need to keep a bottle of Tums on my nightstand.

Also, another strange thing happened to me on 15w5d. I was taking a long walk with my dog and at the end of the walk my stomach started feeling uncomfortable. Then everything tightened up: my belly and uterus. This happened twice and both lasted about 20 seconds. Once I got home I laid down and got a glass of water. I was looking this up on Google and everything was saying that I was experiencing Braxton Hick's contractions. Apparently, a woman can start feeling these sporadically at this point in pregnancy. Who knew!

• How many weeks are you? 16 weeks 

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an avocado! (Yuck!)

• Cravings/Aversions? This week all I want is a Jimmy John's sub which I know I can't have! So instead I get a hot sub from Subway, but it's just not the same! No aversions this week. 

• Any big milestones or updates? At 16 weeks baby is about 4 inches in length and weighing 4 ounces. Baby's chest expands and contracts, drawing amniotic fluid into the lungs to prepare the lungs for breathing.

• Symptoms? I did not throw up at all in week 15, but there were moments when I thought I might. I am feeling pretty good this week. I have been sleeping well (even with the heartburn and boob aches).

Bumpdate: 15 weeks

• How many weeks are you? 15 weeks 

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of an orange!

• Cravings/Aversions? I am craving Gummy Bears! Yumm! They always sound good when I need a little snack. Nothing has been grossing me out this week.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 15 weeks baby is demonstrating more purposeful movements, such as thumb sucking. Although its eyelids are still closed, the eyes themselves may now perceive light and begin to track light in unison.

• Symptoms? I threw up twice in week 14. I am guessing this isn't the end of morning sickness, but we shall see! Other than that I have been feeling pretty good! My energy is coming back and my sciatic pain is definitely lessening. I kept waking up last night with really bad breast pain. This is the first time I have had any kind of breast pain (other than the typical nipple sourness) this whole pregnancy. 

Last night Marcus and I cleaned out the rest of the nursery and put the crib up. We have had this crib unassembled in our closet for years and we weren't going to set it up for awhile, but Marcus really wanted to last night so we did! We love how it turned out!

We cannot wait to find out the sex of this baby; less than 2 weeks away!

Bumpdate: 14 weeks

This week has been pretty boring (except for yesterday) and I haven't really had any symptoms or problems. I have been cruising through this pregnancy so far *knock on wood* The only exception was yesterday; I threw up for the first time this pregnancy! It wasn't fun and it came out of nowhere! I am not sure what came over me, but today I am feeling better and I hope that yesterday was just a fluke. We'll see!

• How many weeks are you? 14 weeks / 1 day 

• What fruit size is your baby? Baby is the size of a lemon!

• Cravings/Aversions? Again, I have been craving water, especially at night right before bed. No aversions this week.

• Any big milestones or updates? At 14 weeks hair is starting to sprout on the baby's head, which is about the size of a gumball. The head is now in better proportion to the body size. Simple facial gestures may now be visible on an ultrasound, including grimacing and squinting.

• Symptoms? Except for yesterday I am still feeling very good! My sciatica pain seems to be lessening (although it might be because I am driving less) and my energy is finally coming back! 

I think I might have felt baby flutters for the first time last night! I had just ate dinner and was laying on the couch and I felt something right in the middle of my belly just above my pubic bone (right where baby is!). I know it wasn't gas since I was having some gas along with the flutters and I was able to distinguish both the feelings. It's hard to explain, but it felt like little taps from the inside. Very cool! 

Also, we have scheduled our appointment to find out the sex of this baby! It will be on April 16th (I will be 17 weeks pregnant). This is the same day as my regular OB check-up so we are paying extra to find out early what we are having! I am so so so excited, I can't even wait! Less than 3 weeks until we find out! 

When I was 13w2d I woke up with this huge belly! I don't know where it came from, but it was fun to actually look pregnant. Even though it has lessened since then I still have a noticeable bump! Even Marcus has pointed out that he can see my belly growing! So much changed from last week! I also feel like I am carrying low!