41 weeks!!! 4-21-11

I really didn't think this would happen, but I am 41 weeks pregnant!! The last few weeks have been really difficult waiting, but tomorrow the waiting ends! I am being induced tomorrow morning at 8am. I didn't want to have to be induced, but by now I'm just ready to see my baby girl and hope everything goes well :)

I'm a little nervous, but not too bad, more excited and ready than anything :) I guess its kind of nice I'll be in the hospital over the weekend, so Joel won't have to take time off work (he'll have all of next week off though) and people can come visit on Saturday/Sunday. It will be strange being in the hospital on Easter, but we will definately remember it :) I'll have to bring her Easter dress with me to take a few pics of her first Easter in the hospital.

It's pretty crazy that this journey is at the very end, 9 long months of anticipation is about to be fulfilled; my daughter will be here and a new journey will begin! My world is about to be turned upside down, but I think I'm ready :)

I appreciate all your prayers!!

38 weeks!! (3-31-11)

This very well could be my last blog before the baby is born! :) Tomorrow is my last day of work, and I'm ready to get the show on the road :) I feel huge, nothing fits and I just want to hold that sweet girl in my arms!

I'm more excited than nervous, people ask if I'm nervous, and I say not really. I know labor is not going to be a picnic, it's going to hurt and be exhausting, but almost every woman does it, and I'm ready too. Or maybe reality just hasn't hit yet ;) sometimes I look in the mirror and still can't believe that I am pregnant. I'm going to have a baby. I'm going to be a mom. It's so crazy to think about! But I know when the contractions begin and when she is finally in my arms, it will all be real!

Had a doctor's appt yesterday, everything is good and I'm dilated 2 cm! That doesn't really indicate anything, as I could go in tonight, or it could be another 2 weeks before I dilate any more.

Not really anything else to write about I guess...just waiting for when this baby girl decides to show her face to the world :)



How Big is the Baby at 38 Weeks Pregnant?
At 38 weeks pregnant your baby is rapidly approaching 6.3 pounds, and the length will remain about 19 to 20 inches from now until birth.

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is still focusing on putting on weight. Did you know that after delivery, your healthcare team will conduct an Apgar test on your baby? Many parents become obsessed with the Apgar score their child receives after birth, so it is worth a mention or two.

The Apgar score is simply a way that your doctor can evaluate the overall condition of your newborn immediately after birth. This score may sometimes be helpful for evaluations that occur later.

An Apgar evaluation is given one minute after birth and then again after five minutes of birth. Your doctor or nurse will make note of the following things:

• Your baby's color after birth (bluish or pink).
• Your baby's respiration.
• Your newborn baby's heart rate.
• Your newborn baby's muscle tone.
• Your baby's reflexes.

The one minute score reflects how easily your baby handled the birthing process. A high score generally indicates that your baby will do well in the postpartum period. A low score might indicate that your baby requires observation or further tests to make sure that everything is ok.

The second test is given to measure how well your baby is handling his new environment outside the womb.

Your baby is given a score based on the following parameters:

• Color - 2 points for pink body, 1 point for close to pink with blue arms or legs, 0 for blue or pale coloring all over.
• Respiratory - 2 points for a strong cry, 1 point for a slow or weak cry, 0 points for no crying.
• Heart Rate - 2 points for heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, 1 point for a heartbeat under 100 beats per minute, 0 points for no heart beat.
• Muscle Tone-- 2 points for vigorous movement, 1 point for small flexing of the limbs, 0 points if the baby is still.
• Reflexes - 2 points if your baby cries during the test, 1 if your baby makes a little bit of a fuss, 0 if your baby doesn't make any noise during this exam.

Generally a high score, or a score between 8 and 10, means that your baby is in very good condition. A lower score might necessitate some further testing.

36 weeks! (3-17-11)

Less than a month to go!!! Only 4 weeks...its so hard to believe I was saying down to single digit weeks 5 weeks ago! I am so incredibly excited and ready to be DONE with pregnancy! I know I will miss feeling her move around inside me, which makes me smile so much, but I know it will be ever better to hold her in my arms and kiss her sweet little face!

Yesterday as I was driving to work, it kind of just hit me. "I'm going to have a daughter. I'm going to be a mom." It's such a crazy feeling, scary and exciting at the same time!

My final shower was last Saturday with my dad's family, it was so much fun, all my aunts are so crazy fun and I wish I saw them more! I got lots of nice gifts and I think we have everything we need, for her arrival anyways. Monday night we went to Target and bought the last few things we needed and ordered an extra carseat base and my breast pump online which came in the mail yesterday. I still need to do some of her laundry and pack my hospital bag, but other than that, I'm ready!!



How Big is the Baby at 36 Weeks Pregnant?
By 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is now 5.9 pounds and about 18.6 inches or longer! Your little one will soon enter the ranks of heavyweight champs as you continue your pregnancy week by week and you approach delivery!

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is still working on putting on weight during pregnancy week 36. While that may not seem very exciting, keep in mind that this is his primary job from now until delivery. This is probably the one time in your baby's life where he they can put on pounds with wild abandon.

Did you know that some researchers believe your baby actually releases a signal to trigger labor? There are several theories. Some believe that when your baby's brain is completely mature, it sends a signal to the fetal adrenal glands. These glands then start to secrete the hormone cortisol, which may alter the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone, resulting in labor.

Other researchers have postulated that the fetal lungs secrete signals indicating they are mature, as well as enzymes that result in the release of prostaglandins, which help the cervix ripen and help the uterus to contract. This is highly likely as the body does release prostaglandins around the time of birth.

Your Growth and Development
You may think you simply can't get any bigger at 36 weeks, but don't forget you still have four weeks of growing left! Some women may even have a little bit more!

The capacity of the uterus and abdomen to stretch during pregnancy is truly a remarkable phenomenon. At no other time will the body transform at such a rapid rate than during pregnancy. Amazingly that, while it takes nine months for the uterus to stretch to many times its normal size (from the size of a small pear to beign able to hold a seven pound baby), by your six week checkup your uterus will already be back to its normal pre-pregnancy size already.

35 weeks! 3-10-11

Wow the last 2 weeks have just flown by! My website business has been pretty slow the last year or so and then all of sudden I have like 4 new projects! Definitely making the evenings pass by! Work has been quite busy too and the weeks are just flying by :) Only 5 more til my little munchkin girl is here!

I had a baby shower for Joel's side of the family on Sunday. It was beautiful and great to see his extended family that I rarely ever see. I got so many nice gifts too! One more shower for my dad's family this Saturday then I'll be done with showers for life(for me anyway)! We are pretty much set, just need to buy a few more things. Our apartment is SO crowded, I'm really looking forward to moving in July!

Went to the doctor twice this week, on Monday for ANOTHER (3rd) UTI and Wednesday for my regular checkup. Doctor says she is head down and measuring on track :) I was hoping she may be a little bit ahead and come early, but oh well ;) She will come when she's ready! Hopefully not late though! Next appt is in 2 weeks, pelvis exam :( then will be going every week until she's born.

How Big is the Baby at 35 Weeks Pregnant?
Wow! By pregnancy week 35, your baby probably weighs more than 5.3 pounds and is 18.2 inches long!

Your Growth and Development
By pregnancy week 35, your baby is still working diligently on gaining more fat to keep her safe and warm in the first weeks after delivery. Your baby's suckle reflexes should be well developed now. If born prematurely at pregnancy week 35, most babies will still be able to breastfeed with little trouble.

Your Growth and Development
Your uterus at 35 weeks pregnant is a whopping 6 inches above your belly button. You may have gained close to 30 pounds by 35 weeks.

33 weeks! (2-24-11)

7 weeks to goooo! 7 isn't a bad number at all :) I still have quite a bit to do before the baby comes, and 7 weeks sounds close enough that its not forever away, but enough time for me to prepare :)

This past Sunday was my 1st baby shower! It was wonderful and so great to see my mom's family and friends and received so many cute gifts! The only thing I would change was the weather! A nice snow storm came in just a few hours before the shower started and it snowed and snowed and snowed! We had a decent turnout though and everyone made it there and home safely :)

Monday was our 2nd birthing class and we watched a birth video. I never saw one in school so it was my first and a little scary to be honest! But I feel like I know more what to expect now and feel more prepared. I got teary when they put the baby on her chest and I know I'm going to bawl when they put my sweet girl on mine :)

Wednesday was Dr. appt, all is well except I gained too much weight, 6 pounds in 2 weeks ha! So I guess I have to lay off the cookies a bit ;)

How Big is the Baby at 33 Weeks Pregnant?
By pregnancy week 33, your baby weighs 4.2 pounds and may be 17.2 inches long!

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is busy concentrating on weight gain during week 33 and throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your amniotic fluid may be at its highest level this week. Your baby's brain is busy maturing and increasing in size, and your baby's skin will soon start changing from red to pink as fat begins to accumulate beneath its surface.

32 weeks! (2-17-11)

The last 2 weeks have flown by, I hope the next 8 do the same! :) This past Monday (Valentine's day!) we started our birthing class! I'm really glad we decided to do them, I learned so much and feel so much more prepared after only 1 week. We have 2 more Monday night classes. My first shower is this Sunday as well! I have no idea where everything is going to go in our little one bedroom apartment, but we will figure something out! Everything seems to be coming together and getting closer! There IS an end to this pregnancy :) I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts I guess, but I'm just so excited to see my baby girl!!






How Big is the Baby at 32 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby continues to put on weight each week of your pregnancy. At 32 weeks your baby weighs 3.7 pounds and measures about 16.7 inches long.

Your Baby's Growth and Development
By 32 weeks pregnant, your baby's fingernails have grown long enough that they reach the tip of his fingers. Some babies will have settled into their labor position - with head down, chin tucked into chest, and bottom up. Your baby may even be smiling. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, it is not uncommon for unborn babies to smile, sticking out their tongues, and even make faces.

At this stage of pregnancy, your baby's face is much more rounded and adorable!

30 weeks! (2-3-11)

Wow 30 weeks today!! Seems like I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel :) Only 10 more weeks to go! I looked in the mirror this morning and went "Woah! I'm getting huge!!" I can't image how ginormous I'll feel at 40 weeks! I'm definitely looking forward to this load be taken off :)

I got a cold last week Tuesday and I think I'm FINALLY over it! Not fun because there isn't much you can take being pregnant and I had bad sinus headaches 4 days in a row and couldn't do much about it!

I got a diaper bag last week, my registry is done and my first shower is only 17 days away :) This is finally starting to feel real! In about 10 weeks, I'm going to be a mom! It's a pretty crazy feeling, but definitely exciting :)



Week 30

How Big is the Baby at 30 Weeks Pregnant?
By 30 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs 2.9 pounds and is just about 15.7 inches long!

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is continuing to grow and develop at 30 weeks, filling out your uterus more and more every day. You have probably noticed an arm or leg moving across your belly at one time or another. Many parents have a lot of fun playing "guess the body part" as their unborn baby moves inside the mom's belly. This game is even more interesting as your pregnancy continues week by week. A hard round lump is likely either the head or your baby's bottom, whereas a longer flat surface may be your baby's back. Your healthcare provider may be able to help you identify your baby's bumps and lumps at your next prenatal visit.

The volume of amniotic fluid in your belly will slowly start to decrease as your baby starts to take up more and more space.

28 weeks!

I am 28 weeks today! Only 12 more weeks to go :) I am in much better spirits then my last blog! I have an occasional dull pain on my right side, but nothing too bad, just my normal back pains of pregnancy :P

I finally finished my registry and decided to only use Target. Babies R Us and Walmart were just too difficult! I would go online to register for things and they would only be available online and not in store, and then the items I registered for in the store weren't available online and when you pulled up the registry, it didn't even have a photo or price!

I've been buying clothes and little things here and there and they are starting to pile up quickly! I can't image all the stuff she will have after my 3 showers! We definitely won't be lasting in our 1 bedroom apartment very long! We looked at a 2 bedroom this week, and we are aloud to move into a 2 bedroom before our lease is up at the end of July because we've already completed a lease. We want to wait as long as possible though to save money and have good weather for moving :)

Well I guess that's about it for this week, just trying to be patient! I can't wait to hold my baby girl and kiss her sweet little face!!



How Big is the Baby at 28 Weeks Pregnant?
By 28 weeks pregnant your baby is 14.8 inches or more! She weighs in at about 2.2 pounds.

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Up until now if you were to look at your baby's brain it would appear smooth. By about 28 weeks pregnant, the brain starts to mature and form grooves that we commonly associate with a human brain. Your baby may also be growing longer hair on her head now, though many babies will come out bald at birth. Others will be born with lovely locks of hair that will fall out and even change color some time after delivery.

27 weeks

Well I am feeling much better than this time last week. It has been a looong week and I'm still in some pain. This whole ordeal is just really confusing. They thought the pain was either from a kidney stone or kidney infection. I haven't passed a stone and my antibiotics are now gone. I have more pain meds but haven't been taking them because I want to know how I really feel.

Monday night was REALLY bad. I was at my grandparents "watching" the national championship game with Joel. I was having some pains so decided to go lay down in the guest room. After about an hour the pains kept increasing and I was able to take my meds again, but they didn't do anything. Joel came in and I cried and cried because the pain was more than I could bare.

I was able to get home, took a bath, which eased the pain a little and went to sleep. Around 4:30am I was back up with more pain. I tried another bath but it didn't help. At 5am I got out a bag of frozen veggies and put it on the pain until 6:30am when Joel got up for work and I went back to sleep. The rest of the day I felt ok.

Tuesday I was out of pain meds and was worried I may need more if pain returned so I went into the doctor's office to refill my pain meds and they did a another blood test and said they would call me in the morning with the results. Yesterday, Wednesday, I laid down pretty much all day on the couch and didn't feel much pain unless I got up.

As of 1pm today, they never called me to tell me the result of the test, so I called them. They said my white blood count was normal and that's it. I tried to think of questions to ask the nurse while I had her on the phone but too many rushed through my head and I just said ok and hung up.

I'm back to work today and my right side is still hurting a bit. I'm not sure where to turn next. I feel they should be more concerned that something wrong could hurt the baby. I don't want to continue to take pain meds when I don't know what is even causing the pain and no effort to try to find out what it is.

My doctor wants me to go back the ER if the pains are bad again, but it seems like she should be able to try and figure it out or send me to the hospital for a test or ultrasound of my kidney. I guess I will wait til tomorrow and see if the pain is still there, I'll call again and seek answers again.

All this craziness is taking away from the happiness I should be having that I'm finally in the 3rd trimester and I get to meet my baby girl in about 3 months! Baby Girl seems to be doing good, moving around lots. I hope and pray none of this affects her health. I love her SO very much and would be crushed if anything were to happen to her.

27 weeks

How Big is the Baby at 27 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby at 27 weeks weighs slightly under 2 pounds. Your baby's total length is close to 14.4 inches. Your baby is now a perfectly formed albeit very tiny human being, but of course, he will continue growing as you continue your pregnancy week by week .

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby's systems continue to mature during pregnancy week 27 and your little one even starts accumulating some weight in the upcoming weeks.

Up until the 27th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, your baby's eyelids were fused together. After this week or next, they will open. The retina, the light sensitive portion of the eye, typically starts maturing at about 27 weeks of pregnancy. The layers that form in the retina will allow your baby's eyes to receive light and transmit the information it is receiving to the brain to form images. This basic process is referred to as "sight". Imagine that, at 27 weeks pregnant, your baby is a tiny, seeing human being!

26 weeks (+1 day)

Well yesterday was the worst day, probably in my whole life. I got up around 9am and emptied my bladder, I went to go lay back down but it still felt like I had to pee SOOO bad. So I got up because this has happened before and gone away, but it wasn't going away so I called my nurse. I went into the office at 11:30 and did a urine test, turned out I have a UTI (urinary tract infection). So got a prescription for antibiotics and went home.

I got home and just cried and cried because it hurt so bad. Joel went to pick up my prescription and I took it, but no relief. I also drank cranberry juice and water, but the pain was still there. I tried playing video games and watching movies to distract myself from the pain.

I started having diarhea and my right lower back starting hurting. I felt ok enough to eat dinner (my wonderful husband made me chicken, mashed potatoes and corn :)) but then the pain from my right lower back wrapped around my side to my front to my stomach/ab area.

A little before 8pm, I decided I couldn't take the pain anymore and something else must be wrong. I got dressed to go to the ER and got in Joel's truck. We were just about to leave and I told him to stop, I opened up the door and threw up the wonderful dinner he made me :( Sorry babe!

We got to the ER and got up to the OB section. The nurse was very friendly and helpful. I had to do another urine sample and a blood test. We had to wait foreeeever for the doctor, she was delivering a baby and ended up doing a c-section. It was not fun laying on the hospital bed for so long and in pain :( Joel and I wished we were there to have the baby, not for this!

When the doctor finally arrived, she decided I probably either have a kidney infection or kidney STONE! :( The thought of kidney stones went in my head earlier that morning but I really hoped that wasn't what was causing the pain.

The nurse hooked me up to an IV to hydrate me (not fun getting pricked twice because the first one wouldn't go in, OWWW!!!) and gave me a drug similar to Vicadin. I was very happy that relief was on its way! Within about a half hour the pained ceased and we were finally on our way home around 1am with a presciption for pain meds.

I also got a "hat" with strainer to put on the toilet to attempt to catch a kidney stone :( I really really hope and pray that its not, but I guess we will have to wait and see. They monitered baby girl the whole time and she is doing just fine :)