19 Weeks = 4 and a half Months

Wow - 19 weeks. So exciting! I'm only one week away from being half way done with this pregnancy. It's amazing! Here are the details on Week 19 (http://www.babycenter.com/). My comments are in GREEN today.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch (I wonder if he/she is going to be one of the people that over analyze the taste of their food like Eric! Oh, the agony! That will be twice the eye rolling on my part. Very exhausting.) 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 (Eric: This DOES NOT MEAN you need to continue to scream at the baby. He/she can hear you just fine in your normal voice.)

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato (Normally I post the veggie of the week on these posts but I was unimpressed with the "heirloom tomato". I thought the babycenter.com picture was far better and a little funny too!). 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.(Is the "it" in this statement referring to my baby???? My baby would have pickled without the vernix caseosa? My kids going to have to have some tough vernix caseosa to keep from pickling. I'm a DIE HARD pickle eater.)


How your life's changing:

Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. (Hmmm...) As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain (I've had a lot of this already. Hard to believe that it just continues throughout your whole pregnancy). The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? No. Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." (None of these yet but I'll keep you posted. All I've really noticed is the acne.)

These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

Bad Dreams

I had really bad baby dreams last night. Ugh. I hate those!

Basically - I had a dream that I gave birth and didn't even know it. (I know Mom...very funny ....) Aparently, I started going in to labor and it sent me in to some sort of shock induced coma. (Ok, that part is kind of funny.) Anyway -- when I woke up it took a few days to realize that I wasn't even pregnant anymore. And when I did realize I wasn't pregnant anymore I was so so so sad!So sad! Finally, I figured out that I wasn't pregnant anymore because I'd actually given birth and at that point I was somewhat relieved but not totally.

Once all that was cleared up I spent a good portion of the dream looking for my baby. I just could not find that kid anywhere!! And of course that sent me in to a panic. Eventually I found my baby and I didn't like it. It was ugly and it had really really bad hair. When I realized I wasn't in love with my baby I was upset with Eric's Mom because she tells me all the time that I will NO DOUBT love my own baby like nothing else -- and I didn't. (I forgive you Elaine!) =)

By the way, the baby I had, looked like a Garbage Pail Kid. In hind sight I'm sure that would mean that Eric would think that was "totally bad ass" but for the record -- I would NOT.

Baby Registry

Registering for a baby is like - WOW! For the most part I have a pretty good idea on what we need. I mean, I know all the bath time essentials, diapers, onesies,etc. I ran in to a bit of a debacle when trying to decide on the car seat/stroller situation.

We are very lucky to have friends that are loaning us some stuff while they're on baby making hiatus. This is wonderful because it is a big relief on the wallet, plus, it saves me from having to make too many decisions. We are also blessed because we have SO MANY friends who have recently had babies that can tell us what items they liked vs. didn't like. Our house is small so we don't want to over load it with a bunch of baby crap that we can't use.

I must say -- I'm most excited about putting the nursery together but I know that is quite low on Eric's priority list. Knowing that our crib is going to sit in the box untouched for 2 or 3 months is killing me inside. KILLING ME.

Crib N' Changer

I'm very excited to say that I think we found our crib! In an earlier post I put up a different crib but just disregard that. I think I mentioned that I was a little stressed out trying to figure out how I was going to fit all the needed baby furniture (crib, changing table, rocker, dresser)all in the nursery. Our home -- I love it -- but it's old and the rooms are small. Anyway -- this crib answered my prayers! It's a crib and changer in one! AND it's a 4 in 1 so it will convert to a toddler bed and then eventually in to a twin. Yay!



We found it on craigslist.com and the seller didn't like the color so it's still in the box! They asked for $300 and offered $280 and bam!

Thank you Grandma Av and Grandpa Dave!

Nosebleeds

Lately I've had a bunch of blood in my nose. I know, I know -- gross! Well, the good news is that I've not actually had a full on nose bleed AND I didn't get my bloody nose from Chris Brown! Ha! No, but seriously, I don't know what I'd do if I had a real live nose bleed since I've never actually had one. But whatever -- the point is that what I am expiriencing is both gross and uncomfortable. Nobody wants to deal with bloody tissues in the bin.



It turns out that nose bleeds during pregnancy is common and here's why......



(From http://www.babycenter.com/)



Is it common to get nosebleeds during pregnancy?


Yes, nosebleeds do tend to occur more often during pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause the blood vessels in your nose to expand, and your increased blood supply puts more pressure on those delicate vessels, causing them to rupture more easily. Although it's unpleasant and inconvenient, an occasional minor nosebleed is generally harmless.You're especially likely to get a nosebleed when you have a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, or when the membranes inside your nose dry out, as they do in cold weather, air-conditioned rooms, airline cabins, and other dry environments. Trauma and certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or a clotting disorder, may cause nosebleeds as well.



To combat this issue I sleep with my humidifier on at night. Also, at work I have an over-the-counter saline solution that I squirt in my nose, if necessary. Dry office air combined with the dry heat coming from the space heater under my desk can create some of the most uncomfortable nose bleed action!

18 Weeks

Week 18 is the beginning of my 5th month of pregnancy! I feel like it's all getting really exciting now!

Details from http://www.babycenter.com/ My comments today are in.....PURPLE

How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he 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 (I'm noticing them now - but of course I want MORE MORE MORE! I usually feel the baby at work when I'm sitting at my desk or at night when we're watching TV on the couch.). His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit ("standing out from his head a bit", Like my brothers?). A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born (If you haven't done so already please donate to my MS Walk! MS is the breakdown of the Myelin that my baby is now growing. How wonderful would it be if my baby could be kept from the worry of having MS!) . If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place (Yay!). If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound. (I've really never known any boys that like to hide their genitals, have you?)



How your life's changing:

Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow. (You can say that again!)

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than 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 do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort. (I have really grown to love my body pillow, especially now that Eric is sleeping in the other room. I wake up with fewer aches and pains and I find I can really get comfortable. It's great. I've also started prenatal massage so no more massages for me on my back or my belly!)

If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon (March 23rd at 9am and I can't wait!!!). This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album! (The form I got says that our ultrasound will be 3D which is SO GREAT! The 3D ultra sounds are amazing!) I've attached an example below of a 3D Ultrasound. Isn't that crazy!!!!

Childbirth Prep Classes

Eric and I are now signed up for Childbirth Prep classes starting on June 1st. The Childbirth Prep Classes consist of 4 (1 per week) classes that start at 6:30pm and ends at 9:00pm. These classes are supposed to provide "essential information on pregnancy, labor, birth, relaxation techniques and the early post partum period. The class also includes discussions on medication, anesthesia and cesarean birth." I'm not going to kid myself and say this is going to be the most exciting class I've ever taken -- I just know that I'll feel better having taken it. I'm a planner at heart and the more information I'm given up front the better. It keeps me from going totally insane with panic from the unknown.

I also signed us up for the Maternity Tour. I'm particularly excited about this part. It's a tour of the Maternity Ward so I can become familiar with where I'll be delivering. It's only an hour long and it costs $0, which is nice.

We are delivering at Alexandria Hospital. Most of my friends have either delivered at Alexandria or Fairfax. I've heard that Alexandria is better because they have"Private rooms with hotel-like amenities" -- not to mention it's closer to our home.

I thought about taking the breast feeding classes but a few of my friends said it's not really worth the money. Eric's Aunt Patti is a delivery nurse at Alexandria and she said that you get that lesson during your stay at the hospital anyway. Plus, they have lactation specialists at Alexandria too. Whatever, I'm counting on this breast feeding process to work. You can't tell me that God gave me these enormous bazoombas for nothing!