30th Week

...and I thought black was supposed to be slimming?!        

30 weeks and still a winter squash...or a head of lettuce as per "What to Expect when you're Expecting".

Well, these Braxton Hicks are occurring with alarming frequency.  I know that it's a normal process...practice contractions so to speak.  But anytime I have to tackle a set of stairs or walk any distance, they feel like they come back to back.  I'm sure I gave a few people a scare at the grocery store the other night, when I stopped dead in my tracks in the cereal aisle and grabbed my belly.  I was waiting for the intercom announcement "standby for clean up in aisle 2"!  :p  Apparently being dehydrated is one cause of frequent BH so I will try to increase my water intake.  And of course I will mention to my OB on Tuesday - perhaps she will tell me I shouldn't walk anymore!? lol

Need some pics in the frames and the rocking chair.

I finally purchased a crib!   I actually bought it at Walmart of all places. I'd been looking for a long time and never really saw anything I liked within my budget.  (And let's be realistic...why spend $400+ on a crib that will eventually become riddled with little teething tooth marks!) It was a great price, and a good name brand (Storkcraft).   It will eventually convert from a crib, to a toddler bed with safety rail, then a day bed, and finally into a full size. The whole process was an excellent demonstration of physics. Loading it onto my cart required leverage (as there was no one in sight to assist...plus I'm stubborn and hate asking for help). Gravity was used to get it into the car as I literally pushed it off the cart and hoped it landed squarely in my rear hatchback, and unloading at home demonstrated the principle of friction as I dragged it from the driveway to my door.  Once inside I carted it piece by piece up the stairs - where there is a will, there is a way!  It assembled quickly and easily...although I do have some extra bolts!! (Which I'm hoping are supposed to be used for the conversions?!)  And yes Mother, I already got in trouble for doing it alone!!

Oh and is it just hormonal me?  Or does this sneaky pampers commercial get you too?  I'd like to think that my emotions have been on an even keel this last trimester (poor AF had to walk on eggshells for the first 6 months as I would cry at the drop of a hat)  but then out of nowhere, this commercial comes on and I'm a sobbing mess again!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxbRdxbBROI

What's happening with Baby this week? "Woohoo! You can finally see the finish line now that you're in the final quarter of the race!!! Whether you felt like your pregnancy's been flying by or slower than a snail scaling Everest, you've arrived in your thirtieth week and your baby's cookin' beautifully! In animal news: the fine lanugo hair that covers their little monkey-like body will start falling off this week in preparation for the big day.  Still, don't be too shocked if your baby is hairier than you'd anticipated. Some babies keep their lanugo after birth - which is totally normal, and it will fall off eventually. Checking in on the fat factory: your little porker is getting even cuter with increasingly pudgy arms and legs, thanks to their ever-growing layers of subcutaneous brown fat. In terms of numbers, your big ol' baby should be weighing in at around 3 pounds 12 ounces (or more!) and be nearly 17.5 inches long! Keep up the good work you two!"

61 days to go.... (Eeeek!)

29th Week

 29 weeks?!  Where has the time gone.  It seems like only yesterday that I was counting the "teen" weeks!

Well, Baby is definitely running out of room. What used to be gentle kicks and twitches have now been replaced by grinding elbows and knees! (2 mins in the penalty box for elbowing!!) I think he is still laying across my abdomen because most of the "kicks" are to my sides.  He is actually supposed to flip "head down" soon.  I guess as they run out of room laying sideways, they naturally gravitate towards a "head down" position for more space. That will be when the "rib kicking" starts. Let's just hope he doesn't turn head up instead!

I attended my first pre-natal Yoga class this week.  Conveniently, I have a yoga studio literally 3 blocks from home and had attended classes there previously.  However, up until now they didn't have anything for "preggers" so I called the owner to inquire.  Turns out they couldn't find a trained instructor until just recently.  Better late than never I guess, although I think it would have been more beneficial to start at an earlier stage.  There were only 4 of us, 2 who were obviously pregnant, and 2 who barely had a bump.  The other girl and I were certainly struggling to get into and out of certain poses with our cumbersome bellies in the way.  I think for fairness...the instructor and the "little bellied" girls should have had to strap on a beach ball.

I'm pretty sure I felt Baby Beans' hiccups for the first time on Monday Oct. 3rd.  Coincidently, I had just been reading an online forum about hiccups and thought to myself that it was odd I hadn't felt any.  Well that same day, I felt this odd rhythmic twitching, underneath all the regular rolling and kicking.  Too cute.  Poor Beanie Boo!

The crib bedding arrived...and I think the internet pictures didn't do it justice.  Much more vibrant with its deep chocolate browns, rusty reds, creams, and blues.  Also, it has so many different textures with faux suede, and corduroy...I love it!  Although as I was telling my Mother, the matching mobile plays the wonkiest version of Rock-a-Bye baby I've ever heard. Maybe I didn't wind it up enough but as is, it doesn't sound too "soothing". :s  And as I suggested in my last blog, I disassembled the bumper pad. (Don't know why they even include them in crib sets anymore when they're associated with SIDS!)  Anyway, there is a ton a fabric that will be perfect for constructing a new valance (that will fit my large window) and throw pillows.  I can't wait to buy the crib so I can put it all together!!

What's happening with baby this week? " This week your baby weighs in at 2.6 pounds, (which will double or probably even triple before birth), and measures at about 16 inches. Hard to believe it now, as you probably feel like you are already at maximum capacity. The baby's head is in proportion, and the head is growing along with all the brain expansion. Don't worry, the flexible structure of the skull allows for that big noggin to pass through during birth. (Let's hope!!) The brain is controlling breathing and maintaining body temperature, although not perfectly. Even newborns have problems keeping their body temperature in check, thus you need to be careful not to overdress or allow them to get too chilled. Sensory awareness continues to be more and more sophisticated, and baby probably already has some taste and odour preferences and dislikes as well. Baby will be moving to a head-down position in the next few weeks most likely, however some babies will pop back and forth making it a guessing game until the end."

Only 70 days to go....Excited and nervous!!

28th Week

Yay I’m a squash!!!  Yikes…we’re getting into some pretty big produce now.  Gulp! 

So we’re back from our Babymoom in the Bahamas.  A gorgeous spot!  While the weather  didn’t cooperate (thanks to tropical storm Ophelia) we still had a great time just being together with no agenda or stress.  The resort was pretty crowded, and I actually saw a few baby bumps. However, I didn’t see any “Bare” baby bumps on the beach...just mine...which I ended up sunburning!  (My belly is just a touch closer to the sun than the rest of me I guess!) 

After much online searching, I settled on a crib set...even though I don’t even actually have a crib yet. :s I really didn’t want anything too cutsie which is a difficult task in regards to anything baby related.  At one point, Mom and I were looking at fabric to make our own custom creation but that didn’t seem to be any easier.  So, I found one that feels kind of vintage/cottage with its muted tones, stripes and plaids.  I think it will look nice with the slate blue paint and dark wood furniture.  It’s a 6 piece set, with a bumper, dust ruffle, fitted sheet, quilt, valance and diaper stacker. (I also bought the matching mobile) Probably won’t use the bumper  pad in the crib, but will make throw pillows out of it instead. (One for the rocking chair that Mom and Dad are generously refinishing/re-upholstering) Of course the set could only be found in the States and the taxes, duty, and shipping cost nearly as much as the bedding.  But a small price to pay for the place that Bryce will lay his head every night.

I finally had to go get new uniform shirts for work.  (Yes, even though I’m not on the road, they still makes us dress as medics including steel toe work boots everyday…which my swollen feet/ankles really appreciate!) The shirt was becoming a safety hazard to myself and those around me.  We were all sitting around with safety glasses on waiting for the lower buttons to pop.  In fact...there was even a "pool" to see how far they would fly!  lol  Oh and the replacement “maternity” shirts are just so lovely.  I think my Mother would refer to them as  “hatching jackets”.  But the good news is, if I’m ever stranded somewhere, I have my very own wearable tent!!  Just squat down, pull my head and arms inside, and I’m well protected from the elements!!! 

What’s happening with baby this week? “In the beginning of the seventh month, your baby is really looking like, well, a baby! His head hair is growing long, if he is so genetically inclined. His eyebrows and eyelashes are distinct and his eyes are completely formed. If you were to look inside, you would see him blink, grimace, and squint. His body is starting to plump up as his muscles and bones have grown and developed. Fat will soon begin to accumulate as well. While your baby would need constant medical attention if born now, his lungs are capable of breathing. Your baby is now 2.2 pounds in weight and about 15 inches long.  As your baby runs out of room, you will really feel his twists, turns, and kicks. He is going to be more and more cramped in the coming weeks, and you will notice your baby making waves across your belly.

Only 74 more days to go....

27th Week

Still an eggplant?  Come on!  I don't even like eggplant!!  Another website used cauliflower as a size comparison for this week.

Well because I am a very loved and very spoiled girl, "Daddy" is taking us on a 4 day Babymoon this weekend. A tropical paradise for sunshine and relaxation which I think we could both use before the excitement of December!  To keep you guessing on our destination, I'll only say that there is a drink named after the island...with the word Mama in it.  It's a place that I have ALWAYS wanted to go. A "Water Babies" dream!  (I just hope with my big white belly, that no one thinks I'm a beached aquatic mammal...and tries to return me to the sea!!)

I've been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions for the last couple of weeks.  Probably only 1 or 2 every couple of days.  It's painless but I can definitely feel a "tensing".  It's as if there is a drawstring through my tummy and somebody tugs on it for 30 secs or so...AND my abdomen gets rock hard!!  It's a little scary-stops me in my tracks. (Even though I know they're harmless and just preparing me for labour.)

I FINALLY heard Baby's heartbeat at home using an iPhone application "My Baby's Beat".  Yup..there's an App for that!!  :)   You can even hear the "whooshing" of the placenta (which matches my heartbeat) in the background!  Very cool.  Take a listen.

What's happening with Baby this week? "Most babies this age, yours included, still like to snuggle in a slightly curled position inside the uterus (thus the term "fetal position"). Even so, beginning at this stage, your baby's length will be measured from top of head to toe — which makes your baby nearly a full 15 inches now. And at just over two pounds, he or she has doubled in weight from four weeks ago.
 
Your baby's auditory development (hearing) is progressing as the network of nerves to the ears matures. And even though the sounds your baby hears are muffled (thanks to the creamy coating of vernix covering those ears), he or she may recognize both yours and your partner's voices.  So this might be a good time to read and even sing to your baby (or rather, your belly) — and a good chance to start boning up on those nursery rhymes and lullabies you'll need to be repeating (and repeating) pretty soon. And while you're at it, here's another way to have some family fun. If your partner presses his ear to your belly, he might be able to hear the baby's heartbeat.
 
Your baby's taste buds are very developed now too (with more taste buds than he or she will ever have outside the womb, actually). Need a taste test? If you eat some spicy food (you hot mama, you), your baby will be able to taste the difference in the amniotic fluid (but keep in mind that you'll have different mealtimes, with your baby's coming about two hours after yours). Some babies will even respond to that spicy kick by hiccupping. And although hiccups (which feel like belly spasms to you) may seem like they're disturbing to your baby, he or she isn't stressed at all. It's just one more sensation that babies need to get used to."

Only 84 days to go.....

26th Week

I'm still an Eggplant...honestly?! Sigh.  Well here is a picture anyways! (which is a little blurry but then so am I these days!)  :)

Anyone ever wonder where the saying "barefoot and pregnant" came from??   Well apparently not only does your belly swell during pregnancy, but so do your feet!  Women from financially restricted backgrounds could not afford to buy new shoes when their feet would swell, so they would just walk around without shoes or slippers hoping for the return of their normal shoe size after delivery. However, this increase in foot size is generally permanent. Our feet get bigger because pregnancy hormones cause all the ligaments in our body to  loosen...to accommodate our growing size.  Good thing I don't have a closet full of Jimmy Choo's or Manolo Blahnik's to replace!!!

I had another Doctor's appointment this week where I learned that I've gained 20lbs!  Gulp!  It's water weight....I swear!  My belly (fundal height) was also measured again.  At each prenatal visit, the doctor measures this height as an indication of whether the baby is growing normally. (It's the distance between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus). About mid pregnancy, the measurement of the fundal height should correspond to the number of weeks of the pregnancy. (+ or - 2cm) For example, at 27 weeks of pregnancy, the fundus should measure 27 centimeters. At 26 weeks 5 days, mine was measuring 29cm!  Oops. She didn't seem concerned though and even said "your baby is really growing well!"   I seem to be carrying all out front...like a torpedo belly...which may play a part in measuring bigger. (At least that's what I'll tell myself)  It has nothing to do with "Mr Cravings" who reappeared after a short absence and brought me delicious Butter Tarts today.  (Which I consumed with pure gluttony!) :s 

We've been talking about taking a "Babymoon"  It's apparently a hot trend in pregnancy... a clever take on a honeymoon. A babymoon has the same goal and that is to provide you and your partner some special time together. Many hotels even offer babymoon packages with pampering in mind. Some packages include mini-fridges stocked with pickles and ice cream, or a couple's massage with a pregnancy-trained masseuse. I think a little weekend away together would be a lovely chance to relax before our lives change (for the better) forever! :)

Last night while laying in bed, Bryce was extra squirmy!  I tried to capture some of it on film.  Take a look.

What's happening with baby this week? "Baby continues to make breathing movements, but there is no air in his lungs yet. Hands are active and muscle coordination is such that he can get a thumb into the mouth. Thumb sucking calms the baby and strengthens the cheek and jaw muscles. The fetal brain scan will show response to touch. Touching and playing with the baby is possible now, as they may respond to your touch through your belly wall. Brain growth continues with brain wave activity for the visual and auditory systems starting to develop. Baby is probably very active in the womb, as the most active weeks are typically between weeks 24 and 28. You may begin feeling your belly tighten and relax at odd moments or irregular intervals. These are Braxton Hicks contractions. They are painless and help the uterus prepare for the birth. Many babies have developed a predictable routine for sleep and active periods. The end of week 26 marks the end of month six, which is the last month of the second trimester".

Hello 3rd trimester...nice to meet you!  Please be kind and do not give me special gifts of aches, pains, swelling, varicose veins, stretch marks and other goodies associated with later stage pregnancy!  Thank you!

  

25th Week

Still an eggplant...although another website used a Cucumber as a "length" comparison for this week.

Epidural without guilt? Turns out the epidural debate is as hot as the Breastfeeding debate.  Ask a handful of women and you're bound to cause a heated discussion.  I was speaking with two medics yesterday who are just back from Maternity leave. They praised the epidural saying it allowed them to "enjoy the experience more because they weren't distracted by the pain."  But then speaking to others, they say that the pain is PART of the experience and warned me that the risks of an epidural outweighed the benefits including;    lowering baby's heart rate,  stalling labour, nerve damage AND allergic reaction.  Some will even go so far as to say that the endorphins released from the pain of childbirth, help you to bond with your child faster!  On the other hand, some say that the risk of tearing is less with an epidural because you are more relaxed!?  Up until this point I always just expected I would go natural, as my Mother and Sister have done.  I thought that I wouldn't truly "experience" the birth without the pain.  But if I'm so focused on the pain, I may actually MISS the experience!?  Perhaps I'm just getting cold feet as the delivery date approaches!! :s  I guess I can always leave the option on the table and take it one contraction at a time!

Have you heard of baby sign language?  The theory is that we are all  born with an instinctive need to communicate but speech requires motor skill that babies only master after a year +.  Studies show that while infants may lack these skills, they do have the ability to understand and use 'language" before they can actually 'speak'.  Babies who are taught to sign have the ability to communicate when they are tired, thirsty, hungry, or even when they want another story read.  Research has shown that babies who sign are less frustrated since they have a way of expressing their wants and needs.  BUT will this cause a delay in actual speech??  The same research says NO.  Amazingly, babies who are taught a few simple signs not only speak earlier than non-signers but have larger vocabularies and become better readers.  It has to do with stimulating more synapses of the brain.  Signing babies even have IQ's that are 10-12 points higher.  When you think about it, babies instinctively "sign" already.  For example, without being taught, a baby will raise his arms to be picked up.  The key is to emphasize the word verbally while also making the sign.  Now apparently this technique can't be used until the child is around 7 months but it would be fascinating to "communicate" with your child before they even utter their first word!  The problem I foresee is that unless everyone in contact with your child knows the signs, you are going to have one very frustrated 7 month old on your hands.  One who thinks some grown-ups aren't very smart!! :)

What's happening with baby this week? "Your little grower's physical proportions are pretty much birth-ready and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and a ton of nervous system development. The good news is: if your child were to be born premature, they'd likely survive without much trauma as their lungs started producing "surfactant" last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day. Yes, now's a good time for a minor sigh of relief and a quick pat on the back. All that hard work and conscientious living is really getting your child prepared for a healthy delivery. In mobile-fetus news: your baby should be scootching slowly out of the breech position (head upright, with their butt-n-legs down by your pelvis) and start rotating around for a head-first exit through the birth canal. If all goes well, and your little womb hi-jacker isn't a contrary one, they'll be locked-n-loaded in the next few weeks! Time is short (or really long, depending on who you ask) - just (still!) 14 weeks left before you can go back to being a single-resident human...with one tiny brand-spankin' new family member!"

 14 weeks left?!  I'm not ready yet!!! Gulp!

24th Week

Now I’m an eggplant!!  

There have been some “fun” things happening to me these last couple of weeks.  I have the joy of experiencing very annoying, "wake you from the dead",  leg cramps in the middle of the night.  It's like someone has stuck your leg in a vice while you weren’t looking!  From all that I've read…there is no definitive reason why.  Some say it's has to do with the extra blood volume, or even dehydration.  The only solutions I've found are to, eat a banana, drink a glass of milk, or take a calcium/magnesium supplement.  Another fun change is that my belly button has decided it needed a change and turned itself inside out.  Well, half of it is out and the other is still contemplating.  Let me tell you, that's a weird look. :s And as a result, I have finally had to remove my belly button ring.  I guess we all have to grow up someday! 

We've decided to share the name(s) we've chosen. It will be Bryce Anthony.  (Let's really hope the Ultrasound tech didn't make a mistake in their gender identification)  It's a name that "Daddy" has wanted for a long time…even before he ever imagined having a baby.  Its meaning is significant to us and we hope it will translate into a successful, happy life for little Bryce. 

  

We made our first real baby purchase this week.  A Stroller/car seat combo. I can tell you I never thought in a million years that I would EVER get to buy a stroller or car seat.  (This pregnancy is still very surreal!)  And it wasn't an easy decision with all the options out there!  After many days of searching online, I happened to come across the Britax brand.  It got amazing reviews for safety, comfort,  and ease of use.   I'm very excited for it to arrive next week.  I wonder if Maddie Dog will let me push her around in it for practice! What would the neighbours think?!  Lol

What’s happening with Baby this week?  “It's another week full of exciting developments for your magical growing baby! Just take a look at the checklist for this week: 1) ears: done; 2) fingernails: done; 3) (if you have a boy) testicles: taking their 3-4 day trip from the abdominal wall to the scrotum; and 4) lungs walls: secreting "surfactant". What's surfactant? It's basically what it sounds like: a surface-activated fat that helps your baby's little lungs inflate (where inflate = fill with air not get more expensive for no understandable reason). In the meantime, your submerged baby is still breathing in their amniotic fluid (and a bit of pee), preparing and rehearsing their lungs for an oxygen-filled life outside the womb. By the end of this week, your wee womb-squatter will be weighing in at a whopping 2 lbs and 14 inches long. All this new weight means your tiny baby is actually starting to fill out their skin, but they're not anywhere near their adorable fat-baby potential. Most of the fetal "filling out" is coming up in that long awaited (and slightly dreaded?) third trimester. Woo-hoo! Get ready!”

Only about 100 more days to go.....