20 Months - February

How did I forget 20 months!  One day I will update these with more than just a love note. 

Anderson, February is the month of love.  I love you more than a 100 Valenties...

Love,
Mommy

20 Weeks - Half way there!!

How far along? 20 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 pound

Size of baby:   Banana according to the BabyCenter

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).
See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Wore maternity pants for the first time.  I love them!   

Food cravings or aversions: Chocolate, sweets in general .  I feel like a spiral effect once I have a little for Valentine's day, I have to have more and more.  Ugh.   

  

Sleep:  Good this week, as long as I sleep in the upright position (propped with pillows).  I can no longer lay straight and sleep on my back.  It's weird how my belly gets in to a "cone" shape when I lay on my back - but it is not comfortable.        

Symptoms:  I feel good, not tired or overly emotional.  Still some belly hardening at night and I asked the doctor about it.  She thinks I need some type of support for my belly.  I have tried to do the treadmill as often as I can as it seems to help with overall well being (stress, constipation, sugar readings, hard belly, etc).    

Medications: I am currently taking 60 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.  BP medication twice a day (no change).  Sugar readings have been high in the morning.   

Gender:  So tempting to find out.  I am so undecided. We had the anatomy scan this past week and Alex and I debated all week but never really resolved/decided.  I can tell that Alex doesn't really care and he says it is up to me.  I couldn't decide so I said no.  I want the surprise on the day, but knowing would be super helpful to know (for planning purposes).  If the ultrasound were today, I would find out because I regret not finding out on Tuesday.  We will have the opportunity in two weeks because the baby was hiding and they need to finish the evaluation/scan.        

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Meeting this baby.  Taking pictures of Anderson meeting baby..I'm so excited to have my "entire" family meet and come together (even though I know we will have some adjusting to do during the first few months).     

Worries: That I can be strong enough and have the resolve to eat well and tackle the diabetes.  I struggle with sugar cravings and I want to be better about it and resist.  It is hard to make the best choices all the time.        

What is different this time around:  We were shopping for furniture and making a shower list and starting to get the nursery ready.  This time we are not doing much since the babies will share a room (at least at first).           

Miss Anything? A nice frozen margarita would be great (especially since I am meeting a friend for dinner tonight).  Did I miss wine during our date night last week, YES.  Soon enough I guess.  I'm such a lush.      

Movement:   Not yet.  

Labor Signs: Nothing.  Continue to have “hard belly” moments.     

Looking forward to:  Part II of the anatomy scan and having everything turn out ok (and finding out the gender of the baby?). 

Best moment of the week:  Watching the baby during the ultra sound, and hearing the heartbeat at the OB's office.  

Big Brother moment of the week:  Wearing his Big Brother shirt to the Anatomy scan!  Anderson looked so cute. 

Week 19 Update

How far along? 19 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 pound (no update)

Size of baby:  Mango according Mango according to the bump - for week 19.

 

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

Your baby's sensory development is 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 about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — 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 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.
See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Not Yet. Belly seems ready for some maternity clothes!   

Food cravings or aversions: Chocolate, sweets in general (I'm sure that has to do with Valentine's day!).  My appetite  is back and craving sweets. 
  

Sleep: Was good this week.  Nasal congestion is finally better!  I am still using a pillow to prop me and I am sleeping in the upright position (nearly sitting) and putting the long pillow on my side.  It seems to cradel my belly and I feel comfortable.      

Symptoms: This week has been pretty good.  I feel good, not too tired.  Still some belly hardening at night (I think it is trying to tell me REST, STOP).   I occasionally get sharp pains on the lower left side of my abodomen (very painful) when I cough or sit for too long.  Walking helps.  The treadmill/walking is still not back to 100% but I know I hve to get back to it.  

Medications: I am currently taking 56 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.     BP medication twice a day. 

Gender: No idea yet.  Should we find out???  I am so torn.  I want the surprise.  But I want to know!!  UGH.  Feb 21 is decision day.  If the ultrasound were today, I would NOT find out because I can't wait to call everyone once the baby is born to let them know. .      

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Same as last week...A health anatomy scan, better sugar numbers.  Holding the baby in my arms.  Plus eating some sweets (skittles and caramel and chocolate).   

Worries: That I can be a good mom to both my children.  I want to raise happy healthy well rounded children who become productive members of society and loving/happy/successful adults.  Is that too much to ask?  Can I do it?   So much on my shoulders.      

What is different this time around: Last time I was wearing maternity clothes around this time.  I am almost ready to get those maternity jeans and just might pull them out this weekend.            

Miss Anything? Nope.  Maybe tonight I will miss wine when we have dinner with a friend.  And tomorrow I will miss having dessert during date night...and miss the wine during dinner.     

Movement:   Not yet.  

Labor Signs: Nothing.  Had a couple of “hard belly” moments.     

Looking forward to:  Tuesday's scan!!  Holding my two babies.  OH boy. 

Best moment of the week:  Getting over this cold.  Getting a Valentine's day card from both my babies!  So much love I think I may bust!!

18 Weeks of Baby #2 - Hearing the HEART BEAT!!

How far along? 18 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 pound

Size of baby:  Bell Pepper according to Baby Center.

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

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. 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. 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're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Not Yet. Belly seems to be fuller.

Food cravings or aversions: None.  My appetite was not the greatest this week, due to fighting a cold and nasal congestion.  

Sleep: Was pretty good this week (thanks to some help – I took some Tylenol PM).  My nose is still blocked (worse than ever – I was sure I had a sinus infection).  I am using a pillow to prop me and I am sleeping in the upright position (nearly sitting) because of my stuffy nose and cough.    

Symptoms: This week has been pretty good.  I have had some aches and pains in the belly area (and some hardening).  I get sharp pains on the lower left (and right) side of my abs (very painful) when I cough - OUCH.   I asked the doctor, nothing to worry about.  I have been fighting a cold and have been super tired, but I forced myself to rest.  (The treadmill has been dropped, but I will get back on it this week!). 

Medications: I am currently taking 55 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers.     BP medication twice a day. 

Gender: No idea yet.  This week has leaned toward a girl.  Still not sure if I want to find out.  Feb 21 is decision day.  If the ultrasound were today, I would find out.  I want to KNOW.    

What I'm looking forward to the most:  A health anatomy scan, better sugar numbers.  Holding the baby in my arms. 

Worries: Insulin and diabetes.  I would like to stabilize my sugar readings (especially in the am fasting).  The doctor made a comment on the amount of insulin I am taking and I am worried.  I feel like I am taking so much and I am not even half way there (and I just started).  I need to cut out carbs and get better about my nutrition.     

What is different this time around: I worry that this baby is not getting enough attention from me.  I love being pregnant and the baby, but this pregnancy is different than Anderson’s, because my attention is focused on so many things (especially Anderson).  Here is a blog post from someone in a similar situation…          

Miss Anything? At the Super Bowl party I could have had a nice cold beer.  I settled for Water!   

Movement:   Not yet.  

Labor Signs: Nothing.  Had a couple of “hard belly” moments.  They must be Braxton Hicks.     

Looking forward to: Feeling some baby movement!

Best moment of the week:  Hearing the heartbeat for the first time.  On Tuesday February 7, 2012 I had a follow up OB appointment and we finally heard the heartbeat on the Doppler!!  YEAH!!

Week 17 for BABY B part Deux

How far along? 17 weeks

Total weight gain: 4 pounds (have not weighed in this week)

Size of baby:  Turnip according to Baby Center.

Milestones (What the BabyCenter says:):

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about 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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Maternity clothes?  Not Yet.  (Clothes do feel a bit tighter, stomach seems “fuller and harder” – first time I noticed a pouch in my bully!)

Food cravings or aversions: None.  I did have days that I felt very hungry – increased appetite.    

Sleep: Continues to be un-restful.  I continue to have weird dreams and I wake up so frequently to pee.  My nose is still blocked (worse than ever).  I am using a pillow to prop me up because of my stuffy nose.  I really need a good night sleep.   

Symptoms: Bloating has been better this week (!), aches and pains in the belly area seem a bit better(!), but every once in a while I get sharp pains on the lower left hand side of my ab (very painful).  The end of the day sleepiness seems a bit better this week too.  (Maybe I feel better because I have been trying to walk on the treadmill lately.  I'm glad to have started that, but I find myself dragging myself on, but feeling good after.)  

Gender: No idea yet.  No strong feeling either way.  Still not sure if I want to find out.  Feb 21 is decision day.  If the ultrasound were today, I would not find out.     

What I'm looking forward to the most:  A health anatomy scan, better sugar numbers.  Holding the baby in my arms. 

Worries: Insulin and diabetes.  I would like to stabilize my sugar readings (especially in the am fasting).  I would like to eat better and work on my diet to avoid a lot of this.  This week I have not had any sugary treats (like skittles, ice cream, etc).  I feel like my body has gone through withdrawals.  Funny how your body craves them less if you don't give in to the cravings!  I have to work on pasta and rice next...

What is different this time around: I worry on the effects of the new baby on Anderson (but I am getting better about it!).  I wonder if they will be friends and if Anderson will want to kiss the baby as soon as his the baby is born or will he be stand offish?  I feel I was more disciplined with sugar testing last time.  I am finally getting into a routine of testing my sugars more routinely (but I have to still get better).     

Miss Anything? Not really, but at a recent party at my neighbors house – I could have used a nice glass of Sangria…My favorite.  Also we went out for dinner on Sunday and I nice mixed drink would have been nice.  

Movement: None yet. 

Labor Signs: Nothing.  No severe pains like last week.  

Looking forward to: Feeling some baby movement!

Best moment of the week:  Teaching Anderson that there is a baby in mommy’s belly!!