29 Weeks - Holy Fastness Batman - Time is flying

How far along? 29 weeks

Total weight gain:  no change (up four)    

  

Size of baby:   Acorn Squash (According to the Bump)

Milestones (What Baby Center Says:):

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Butternut Squash looks so much bigger to me than an Acorn Squash!!

I like what the Bump says this week as well - your baby at 29 weeks!

• He's getting a little cramped in there, since he's growing so fast. But you probably already realize that, since you're getting all those jabs and kicks.
• He's growing white fat deposits under his skin, and his energy is surging because of it.
• Feel a subtle twitch? It might be baby hiccupping.

Maternity clothes?  I am wearing both maternity and non-maternity.  I feel more comfortable in maternity tops (since they are longer and not so snug).    

Food cravings or aversions: Sweet cravings are still present and making themselves known.  Ugh I have to stop.  No aversions...     

  

Sleep:  Sleep has been good this week.  I'm exhausted and I feel the most comfortable sleeping with all my pillows.  I have a pillow on each side of me now (and I still sleep in a more upright position).  Poor Alex, he grabs my hand once in a while, I think he misses me and has a hard time finding me with all the pillows everywhere (hee hee). 

Symptoms:  This week had some stress.  On Monday afternoon (4/23/12) I was going to leave work a little early because my mom wasn't feeling well and I wanted to get home to take care of Anderson so she could rest up.  I went to the bathroom, like I always do before I leave work because it takes me over an hour to get home, and I noticed bright blood on my pantiliner.  OMG, my heart sank.  I thought this must be normal.  So I went back to my desk and Googled 'bleeding in pregnancy third trimester'.  The first thing I read (BabyCenter) said that bleeding in the third trimester is not normal call your practioner as soon as possible.  So that is what I did.  The receptionist said she would let the nurse know and call me back.  I waited.  Two minutes later the nurse called and she asked me a bunch of questions.  She said the office was going to close soon so she thinks I should go to the birthplace to get checked out, but she was going to call the doctor and confirm and get back to me.  I decided to leave the office anyway, so I went to the bathroom again and didn't see any new blood and just then the baby kicked so I felt much better (although it was a softer than normal kick).  By the time I got back to my desk I already had a message from the nurse telling me to head to the birthplace and they would be expecting me.  Off I go with a lump in my throat and a fast pace in my step - my adrenaline was pumping. Thank god I wasn't feeling the same pain in pelvis that I did last week or I would have taken much longer to get to the hospital. 

I decide NOT to call my mom since she said she wasn't feeling well.  I thought she may panic and throw up (since she felt sick to her stomach).  I decided not to call or tell anyone because I would sob all the way to the hospital.  So I held myself together and only got a little teary on the train and in the car.  I canceled walking via text (we always do a group walk and have dinner on Monday nights with the girls).  I tried to remain calm - 28 weeks and a few days is enough to live, this baby is ok.  We are ok.  Well I decided to call Alex to see if he could get home and take care of Anderson since I didn't know how long the hospital would take.  What if I had to be admitted? He was in Melrose tearing apart a bathroom and he still had 3 hours left of work and they were in the midst of dismantling this antique bathroom with tons of cement.  He couldn't leave.  I cried.  I told him I was ok, and felt no pain, but I was scared.  He assured me that I shouldn't worry to wait and see what the doctor says before I panic.  He said to let him know as soon as I knew something.  I immediately regretted calling him, because now he has to work with a heavy heart not know what is going on.  I needed to get myself together so my blood pressure wouldn't rise.  I put on some classical music and tried to remain calm.  It was a long drive but I made it.  I grabbed the first spot I found (which come to find out is a reserved spot for doctors, oops).

At the window the receptionist is on the phone and a nurse is waiting behind her.  I gave her my name and the nurse says come on in I have been waiting for you.  She seemed so nice and eager to see what is going on.  I was surprised I wasn't asked any financial questions (name of insurance provider, employer, etc).  She wanted to get a urine sample.  I was trembling but relatively calm (I guess I was calm, I wasn't crying or anything).  She had me hop on the bed, she asked me questions (has this happened before, any contractions, is the pain from last week better, do I have a fever, anyone at home sick, etc). 

Finally the monitor is hooked up and heartbeat found!!  YEAH.  I am happy.  My blood pressure was perfect (wow, shocking).  My sugars (that I tested myself) are fine.  The doctor performs an internal exam and then checks my cervix.  Nothing is unusual and the cervix wall is hard.  The monitor is hooked up for about an hour or so and there are no contractions and the baby is moving a lot and not stressed.  THANK YOU GOD!  I followed up with the OB on Tuesday (4/24/12) and all seems ok and no more bleeding. 

I get home at 7 and my mom looks so pale/sick.  I told her that everything is fine, and told her all about the hospital visit and the bleeding.  She was  relieved all was good and she said she was surprised that I didn't come home sooner!!  Come to find out she had a stomach bug (and Anderson too).   

My pain from last week seems a lot better.  I still get some pain but not as bad.  I still haven't figured out how to use the support belt, but I have to.  The OB (Dr. Kalinda Dennis) said the pain is going to get worse before it gets better, especially as the baby gets bigger.   

Medications: I am currently taking 120 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers (with the goal of having less than 90 for fasting and less than 120 two hours after meals).  The numbers continue to be on the higher side, especially at night (after supper).  I have increased the NPH units in the morning (before breakfast) to 32 (beginning on Thursday 4/26/12 - after my call with Dr. Parseghian on Wednesday afternoon). 

I continue with BP medication twice a day (no change). 

I thought I may get the stomach bug (Wednesday night 4/25) because I had some stomach issues (and Anderson and my mom both had the stomach bug) but that seems to have passed (so I skipped the Colace for most of this week)

I have been taking my pre-natal and continue to take folic acid every day and on most days I take a DHA vitamin with dinner (but I tend to forget). 

My breathing is good and I have used the inhalers on a limited basis.     

Gender:  Not know.  This week I really wanted to know.  Not sure why but I guess with all the drama and pain and doctor visits I want to know what's in there causing this much action in my belly!!  Alex and I were going to open the envelope on Tuesday morning, but Anderson woke up sick and we never got around to it.  I'm leaning toward girl this week.  The nurse at the hospital said she thought it was a boy....hmmm. 

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Holding my baby and knowing all is ok with him/her.                

Worries:  I worry about my body giving out too soon and being in a lot of pain during the last TEN weeks. 

    

What is different this time around:  Not preparing the nursery and buying a bunch of things.  I did prepare a list of things we need for Baby B#2.  The list is long so we better get cracking.  Also, I determined my maternity.  I am going to be home for three months (not four like last time), bummer. 

Miss Anything?  Not really (big drink maybe to help with the stress). 

Movement:   Lots and lots and I am very happy about that.  I don't feel the belly move as much, so the kicks are getting softer.  Poor baby, must be getting tight in there. 
   

Labor Signs: None.    

Best moment of the week:  At the hospital when the doctor said all was fine after our scary bleeding incident.  

Big Brother moment of the week:  Anderson enjoys pointing to my belly and saying baby.  He also points to his belly and says baby.  When we snuggle on the couch or glider Anderson lays on my right side and leaves plenty of room for my belly and baby.  Surprisingly he's relatively gentle.  I have started to tell Anderson that baby will be coming out soon to join us (he has no clue). 

Here's hoping for a quiet week….

Week 28 - Third Trimester - in like a lion

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain:  no update, feels like a hundred      

  

Size of baby:   Rutabega (According to the Bump)

Milestones (What Baby Center Says:):

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Maternity clothes?  Pretty much the same as last week; I wear both maternity and non-maternity.  I have some non-maternity shirts that are ok still.  

Food cravings or aversions: Relatively calm week.  I still crave sweets.  No aversions...     

  

Sleep:  In bed I have a hard time falling asleep, but once I'm down, out.  Last night I didn't even woke to go pee.  I fall asleep pretty easily on the couch (seems like every time, even if I like what's on)!  I continue to sleep in the upright position with lots of pillows and I am awake for some time before dozing off.   My cough is much better and all but gone (thank goodness).  And my breathing seems a lot better as well.  

Symptoms:  This week was a hard week for me.  On Monday morning (4/16/12) I woke up with the largest charlie horse!!  It was reminiscent of my painful leg cramps with Anderson.  I sobbed.  It lasted 5 minutes or so, but for the rest of the day I was pretty pain free…until Tuesday afternoon (4/17/12).  After lunch I started to feel lots of pain and pressure on my lower stomach (lower ab area).  What is this pain?  I figured it would go away (like the hard belly, braxton hick type contractions I feel occasionally).  But no, as the night approached I felt even more pain.  Like keel over in pain kind of pain.  It stopped me in my tracks.  I took a warm/hot shower and it helped, yeah!  But on Wednesday on my way to the subway I started to feel this achy sharp pain in my lower ab and had to literally stroll (very slowly to the office).  I sit in an office all day but I still felt some pressure, especially after lunch.  I started to feel lots of pain and as the afternoon progressed I wondered how I would get home.  I started to panic ... is this what life is going to be like for the next 12 weeks?  Is everything ok with the baby, am I going into labor?  So of course, I Googled my symptoms and I found that this pain is normal.  I had a little pity party and cried at my desk.  I couldn't stop crying.  Eventually, I slowly walked to the train and back to my car with some/lots of pain and as soon as I got home I took a shower (which made me feel much better).  By bedtime I was having serious pain again and decided to take a second shower (which helped).  On Thursday (4/19/12) I woke up with the same constant pain in my lower pelvis area and decided to call the OB.  I thought they would want to see me, but the nurse asked a few questions (to make sure it wasn't labor or some type of virus) and told me that what I was feeling was normal.  The ligaments in my abdomen are stretching due to the weight of the baby.  This is painful and par for the course, especially with second babies.  Apparently the muscles have been stretched with the 1st baby and now have no ability (or little ability) to hold the baby.  She suggested I take Tylenol (as needed, every 6 hours and it is fine to take while pregnant), hot compress (no worries for the baby, unless I over heat myself), hot showers, and a support belt.  The nurse went on and on about the support belt.  I am hesitant because I think I will feel uncomfortable and not want to wear it.  However, since I was in pain, I called the woman and set up a fittling.  ON Friday (4/20) I left wearing the support belt and still feeling some pain (it was a little better) but I felt the belt was too tight and I as I commuted to work I couldn't feel the baby.  So after stressing about my baby I took the belt off at work and within a few minutes I felt some quicks.  Now I have to figure out how to use this belt and see if I can get use to this...       

Medications: I am currently taking 110 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers (with the goal of having less than 90 for fasting and less than 120 two hours after meals).  The numbers continue to be on the higher side.  On Saturday (4/14) I started taking 10 units of NPH in the morning (before breakfast).  I have increased this amount to 15 units. I continue with BP medication twice a day (no change).   Lately, I have started taking Colace daily and sometimes skip my prenatal (because of  constipation).  I continue to take folic acid every day and on most days I take a DHA vitamin with dinner (when I don't forget).  My breathing seems a lot better so I do not need my inhaler as much.   

Gender:  Still no idea.  I want to guess boy because I keep referring to the baby as a he.  I was tempted to look at the envelope but I did NOT.  My mom is tempted to go up and look at it, but I don't think she has yet. 

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Holding my baby.  Also, having my body back.              

Worries:  I worry about my body giving out too soon and being in a lot of pain during the last couple of months.  Eleven weeks to go...we can handle this.  Right?  Bring it on.     

    

What is different this time around:  If I recall correctly I was feeling fine at 28 weeks.  I started to feel this overwhelming fear of my body losing it around 34 weeks (with leg cramps and pain).  I am 6 weeks early this time.  Yikes. 

Miss Anything?  I miss NOT having pain in my belly (and maybe a drink to help with the stress)!                  

Movement:   Lots and lots and I am very happy about that.  As I type this (Friday 4/20/12 afternoon) I am feeling hiccups for the first time (at least it feels like constant little jabs).  I hope to get Anderson to feel the belly move.    

       

Labor Signs: None.  Keep on cooking little one.  I can take the pain.  Bring it on! 

Best moment of the week:  We have started to reconstruct a portion of our back yard into a play area for our kid(s).  We are designing it with the intention that two kids will play there!!  I know it will be Anderson this year, but I have visions of sitting out there with both my kiddos.  I love the thought of both of them playing together (and driving each other crazy). 

Big Brother moment of the week:  Anderson has enjoyed playing outside this week; he has enjoyed looking at the blooming trees & flowers, seeing lots of birds, watching planes overhead and helping Daddy shovel dirt in the backyard.  I mentioned to Anderson that he will be teaching his new baby brother or sister so much new stuff this summer (in a very eager tone)!!  He seemed so excited (but he doesn't seem to understand what I am saying, just my tone of excitement).  Anderson is going to be a great teacher and this baby is so lucky to have him.  He makes us laugh all the time; his sibling is going to love him.  (I pray pray pray).       

Until next week….

27 Weeks - High sugars, end of second trimester, still coughing (Thursday April 12)

How far along? 27 weeks

Total weight gain:  4 Pounds.     

  

Size of baby:   Cauliflower (According to the Bump)

Milestones (What Baby Center Says:):

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
Maternity clothes?  Pretty much the same as last week; I wear both maternity and non-maternity.  I feel more comfortable in a maternity shirt because it is not so short.  The clothes are tighter by the end of the day.

Food cravings or aversions: Sweets, still.  I was much better this week, but I still had a few left over Easter candies.  I definitely was not out of control like last week.  Still no aversions...     

  

Sleep:  Same - continue to sleep in the upright position with lots of pillows. I sleep pretty well for most part.  I do find myself having a hard time falling asleep when I am sitting upright.  But I eventually dose off.   The cough was better and then all of sudden it was nagging again (and I was coughing up a lung).  I do find myself winded and out of breathe when I get to bed. 

Symptoms:  I feel huge, and I feel like my belly is a basketball.  I feel it is too early to be this huge.  I was no where near this huge with Anderson (at least I don’t think so).  Is it really just in my mind??  We have three months to go!!  This week was the transition from three digits down to double digits (97 days to got)!  Time is flying by!  I suspect this baby will be born on or around July 6th.  So that 3 month mark came and went very quickly and the realization gave me a little anxiety.    

Medications: I am currently taking 105 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers (with the goal of having less than 90 for fasting and less than 120 two hours after meals).  The numbers are sneaking up to the higher side, especially after I had a great dinner and dessert (ice cream) during a date night with Daddy (we were celebrating Alex’s completion and passing of his US citizenship paperwork and testing!).  The Easter candy must be affecting my numbers too (dahhh). 

The OB said (during our visit on Thursday 4/12) to start taking 10 units of NPH in the morning. 

Alex came to the appointment and got to hear the heart beat! The doctor was in some kind of rush because he literally kept the monitor there for 2 beats.  I was so bummed because Alex hasn't heard the heart beat.  The OB was concerned with the sugars but not alarmed.  He said this is expected now that we are getting closer to 28 weeks. I also had some protein in my urine (which means I may be dehydrated – again the doctor was not too concerned and didn’t even mention it).  Another appointment was set for two weeks. 

I continue with BP medication twice a day (no change).    Also I have been taking my inhaler more lately.  I get winded easily and more toward the evening. 

Gender:  No idea.  Daddy forgot what the envelope was and started to open it.  He swears he didn't see what was written because the paper was folded and he remembered as he was tearing the envelope.  Oh how tempting.  It's still there on our head board.  I love this baby whatever it may be.  I am getting more and attached to the baby (as I get bigger and bigger and feel it's presence more and more) which is making me swell with love (my heart is pounding).

What I'm looking forward to the most:  To find a double stroller we like.  We searched this week but had no luck.  Also, I can't wait for labor and delivery to be over.  I want to be holding my baby, with Anderson, Daddy and Vovo by my side in the comforts of our home.  I got my eyes on the prize.            

Worries:  My head has been better this week.  Thank goodness.  My physical well being is starting to be a major concern because (even though I feel fine) by the end of the day I am exhausted and I am feeling some soreness around my lower abs (pelvis).  I can handle it, for sure, but the unknown is making me nervous.   

    

What is different this time around:  Last time we were registering for birth classes and going to Baby's R Us.  I was so overwhelmed by strollers, cribs, car seats, registering, names, how much clothes to buy?...it was all so overwhelming.  I remember crying thinking about all I needed to get for my baby and how will I ever get it straight.  It is so NOT a big deal now.  My biggest concern now is getting a double stroller and Anderson's reaction (that is key).  I'm also not working out consistently and I am feeling tired by the end of the day.  

Miss Anything?  Wine with my Easter meal.  Nothing really.                 

Movement:   Lots and lots.  I can see my shirt move when my belly is getting kicked!  I feel movement everywhere in my belly (but mostly down low around the abs).   

       

Labor Signs: None.  (Occasional tight belly, which at the doctor's office said is normal). 

Best moment of the week:  Playing classical music in the car!  Hearing the heart beat with Daddy.  (I think Daddy is feeling a little left out and the appointment made it a bit more real for him).  Ending the Second Trimester….Bring it on third semester...  

Big Brother moment of the week:  He wore his big brother shirt to school and it is so fun that Ms. Jackie is excited for this baby.  We also need to decide if he should be moving Anderson to Toddler 2 the same week the baby is born.  Decisions, decisions.   Celebrating Easter this week was wonderful.  Next year I will be celebrating with my complete family!     

Another great week!!   

Week 26 - spring cough and cold!

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain:  2 Pounds.     

  

Size of baby:   Iceberg Lettuce (According to the Bump)

Milestones (What BabyCenter says:):

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

I also like the BUMP this week: - your baby at 26 weeks:  

• Her eyes are forming, and his eyes will soon start to open.
• And her eyelashes are now grown, too.
• She's getting her immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up your antibodies.
• She's taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice

Maternity clothes?  I definitely unbutton the pants and deal with the short sweaters.  I brought the "spring" maternity clothes from storage from my first pregnancy out, but it hasn't been warm enough to wear it!      

Food cravings or aversions: Sweets, sweets and more sweets.  I caved this week too, big time.  I had candy all around me because of Easter baskets and I would just have one, then two, then three...oh what the hell, let’s have a whole bunch.  I have been a bit out of control.  I did do the treadmill a couple of times, but nothing to consistent.  Still no aversions...     

  

Sleep:  Same - continue to sleep in the upright position with lots of pillows.  I do find myself taking a lot of time to fall asleep (up with worry, see below).   Plus I was sick this week with a cold, so my nose was blocked and I had a sore throat and I was coughing a lot.  UGH!  I did end up taking a little pill to help me fall asleep (approved by the doctor).  I also took some Tylenol because my throat was hurting and my head and sinuses.  I did snore a lot (Daddy even slept down stairs on Thursday night 4/5). 

Symptoms:  The tiredness seems less this week.  I feel huge, and I feel like my belly really grew a lot.  I feel a lot bigger now than I did at this time with Anderson (but maybe that is just in my head).  I also worry how I am going to be in the last month or so. 

Medications: I am currently taking 100 units of NPH at night time to help with the fasting numbers (with the goal of having less than 90 for fasting and less than 120 two hours after meals).  Again the numbers are ok, but most are over 100 for my fasting numbers (candy maybe?).  After my appointment on Tuesday (4/3/12) I had to bump up my insulin a lttle bit, but he said that I continue to be doing good.  The doctor said to watch for some swelling in the legs.  He wants to see me in One month (which I thought was far out, I thought two weeks).  I continue with BP medication twice a day (no change).   

We did have an ultra sound on Tuesday (4/3/12) and the doctor said the baby was perfect and they found no issues!  Best news!  Thank you God.  They want to see me in one month!  Wow.   I thought two weeks!  I was going to bring Anderson and Daddy, but the appointment was early and they slept in.  I have to say it was nice to just focus on the baby!  Baby and me time!  I loved it.  The baby kicked a lot and moved a lot and had his hands on his face (peek a boo) and he looked like a soccer player (he moved his legs a lot).   I asked how the baby was placed in the belly, and she outlined the head at the top of my belly (way up top) with the spine on my right side and his/her arms and legs on my left side.  I'm amazed.  The baby is weighing 2 pounds and is in the 60th percentile. 

Gender:  No change.  The envelope is still tempting me.  I ignored it this week as best I could.  I have been leaning toward girl.  At the store I had so many cute girl things in my line of vision, but I left everything behind! 

What I'm looking forward to the most:  Holding my baby and knowing all is ok with him/her and starting our new adventure this summer as a family of four.        

Worries:  I continue to waste so much time worrying and it gets me nowhere.  I think of what I need to get done before the baby comes, how my life is going to change, will I be a good mom, do I think I am a good mom, what will my legacy be?  How will my kids remember me?  Will my kids be friends, what if they are not?  What about bully’s?  How can I protect my children?  Will they be productive members of society?  Do I think I am doing everything I can to make sure I am the best mom I can be?  What changes should we make??  Could I reduce my hours?  Should Alex change his job, what will happen when he does, will he like it, how will it affect our routine, our life, our kids, our marriage...?  Did I pay this bill this month?  I hate late fees.  What are all these bills from doctors – I have to pay the deductible?  Why am I always so disorganzied with our tax material?  When can I find time (ALONE) to gather our tax stuff so we can get them done?  I took a day off from work (sick - and I was sick) and looked at our paperwork.  Which gets me thinking about other stuff...Am I saving enough for Retirement?  For College?  Should we refinance?  Should we move?  I spiral out of control and  my brain can't stop (and therefore I reach for the candy).
    

What is different this time around:  Feeling huge earlier than with Anderson.  I also feel this baby kick so much more than with Anderson.  With Anderson I felt more pain in my lower groin region, but this pregnancy hurts my stomach more.  The baby likes to strech (apparently) and tightens my belly really hard. 

Miss Anything?  Nothing.               

Movement:   Lots and lots.  Alex felt movement!!  My mom (Vovo) felt movment (4/7/12). 

       

Labor Signs: None.

Best moment of the week:  Bonding with my baby during the ultrasound! 

Big Brother moment of the week:  I held another baby at a birthday party this week and Anderson freaked again.  Bummer.  We went shopping and I saw some newborn clothes and I asked Anderson if we should buy it for baby and he said YES!  Yeah!  (Not sure he new what I was talking about but I asked him again a little while later and he said no, so he must have not liked the clothes).    

22 Months Old - April

I love being your mommy...you are so much fun and make laugh everyday. 
Happy Birthday my beautiful sunshine.  You warm my soul. 

Love Mommy