Week 32

We're baaaack!!!! After a two-hour delay, we arrived back in Buffalo at 11:30pm on Friday. The 20-something degree weather was NO comparison to 80-something degree weather we were having in Florida.

We had a GREAT time. We got to visit with Aunt Margy, Uncle Tom, Matthew, & Alexis (Dan & Katharine's kiddos), Mara & Jackson, Gen, Tim, and even Dan (he was in overnight). We did a LOT of walking, basked in the sun, swam as much as we could to keep cool, and ate ate ate (when I was feeling well).

I did end up feeling better by Thursday and Friday. Of course, just in time to go home. I knew I was feeling better when I woke up in the middle of the night hungry and needed to eat as soon as I got up in the morning. I didn't realize I would miss eating as much as I did.

I received many ooos and ahhs with my belly sticking out. Along with those ooos and ahhs came many predictions. In the end it was even - as many boy predictions as girl predictions. Dan even bet $100 it will be a boy - we'll see!!!

On Saturday we got right back to work. We ended up finally purchasing a crib, a mattress, rails (to convert the bed to a toddler bed and then full-size bed some day), and a dresser.

This was a very drawn out process that tested both Todd and me. I'm not sure why it ended up being so difficult. Maybe because we were trying to find furniture that our child would tolerate for the next 18 years of his/her life - not too fancy in case we have a boy, not too masculine if it's a girl, simple lines, not too dark, not too light - ahhhh!!!! We were able to leave the store with the crib and mattress (you know...just in case). However, we will pick up the dresser once Todd's parents come back from Florida.

We also hit Pottery Barn Baby and decided on bedding, curtains, and other room decor that we could put on a registry in addition to our Babies R Us registry. It feels good to finally be making some final decisions in preparation for a shower put on by my kindergarten teammates on March 12th, a shower Todd's mom and sister-in-law, Kim, are throwing on March 22nd, and then a shower my cousins, Alex and Wendy, are hosting on April 5th. We're so excited and so lucky to have this many people to share this exciting time with!!!

On Sunday Todd and I built/assembled the crib. It definitely took two of us to interpret and follow the directions. Of course, it couldn't be built without running into a small hitch. But it wasn't anything we couldn't handle using our free Black & Decker version of the 'Dremel.' The next step is to clear out the room, put the mattress, bedding, and frame in storage downstairs. And then we'll need to paint the room and start putting it together.

We'll keep you up to date on the building of the baby's room!


Baby's Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• The baby is up to 3.75 pounds now and is 16.7 inches long.
• You might notice s/he's not moving around as much now. Don't worry! S/he is fine -- just running short on room. S/he still has plenty of growing to do though, believe it or not!
• All five senses are working. Your little one is fascinated and practicing testing these out as much as possible!
• Toenails are completely formed even though s/he may not be quite ready for a French manicure.
• Hair on your infant's head continues to grow in.
• Brain scans have shown that babies have periods of dream sleep (REM) starting around the eight month. What do you suppose the baby is dreaming about?
  
  
  (pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Week 31

Weight: 129 lbs. (+ 16 lbs)
Fundal height: 30 cm (determined by measuring from the top of the pubic bone the top of the uterus (called the fundus) which is quite a bit above the belly button right now)

Had an appointment (on Valentine's Day) where we got to meet with another one of the midwives, Elaine Clutterbuck. At this time we received the necessary info just in case something should happen in Florida - keep your fingers crossed! Believe it or not, it was my last 'once a month' appointment as I will now be going every 2 weeks for the next month. Come April, I will need to go every week until delivery.

On Saturday we left for Marco Island, FL to stay with Gram. The flight was pretty good, although the baby wouldn't stop moving. I wonder if the baby can feel the changes in pressure at all? It was SOOOOO nice to arrive to sunny and 84 degree weather. This is exactly what we needed!!

Unfortunately, I'm actually not feeling that great. I almost feel as though I am in the first trimester again. I'm feeling nauseated and quite picky about what I can/want to eat. Of course, this is making Gram worry so I did call the midwife today. She said what I expected - to stay hydrated and call with any pre-labor signs (I LOVE the fact that when I call I am able to speak directly to a midwife immediately. This would NEVER have happened with my former obstetricians). Let's hope either I am battling a minor stomach bug and/or the discomforts of traveling and being pregnant in very warm weather. Now I understand what my mom said about making sure I stay cool.

We are scheduled to fly back Friday which seems too soon. However, it will give us the weekend before it is time to go back to work for my last five weeks. I will let you know on Monday how the rest of our week went!

Baby's Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• The rate of physical growth slows down just a bit, but even though she doesn't get much longer, she will gain a lot of weight the rest of the pregnancy.
• Fat continues accumulating. This layer of fat turns her skin from red to the rosy pink she will have as a newborn.
• Calcium, phosphorus and iron are being stored and his bones are growing and hardening.
• The baby is 16.2 inches long and weighs 3.3 pounds.
• His/her brain enters another period of rapid growth, producing hundreds of billions of new nerve cells! Amazing!
• S/he may move to the rhythm of music. Studies with heart rates show that she also prefers some types of music to others -- already!
• Lungs are the only major organ left to complete development. Remember, that while you may be anxious to meet your little one that these last few weeks can be vital - with each day increasing your baby's ability to breathe on her own.

(pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Week 30

Ten weeks...can we believe it? Ten weeks...that's a marking period away!

I spent this past weekend keeping Todd company while he recouperated from a good ol' winter cold. He actually took Thursday and Friday off from work and then needed Saturday and Sunday to rest. He went back to work on Monday but not without a headache. He took many a naps, watched Band of Brothers marathon, and spent three nights on the couch.

Luckily, I have gotten away with staying healthy so far. Although I did have to remind him to please cover his mouth when he coughed. It took some explaining for him to understand that if I were to get sick I do not have the luxury of taking the drugs he was able to to stay comfortable.

In the meantime, my mom and I went to Mimi Maternity to get summer clothing for me to wear while Todd and I are in Marco Island next week. We were able to pick up enough clothes to last me the week. However, the big debate is whether to buy a maternity swimsuit or stick with my two-piece. The under 40 crowd tends to favor the two-piece option. They say, "Tan that belly. It's not like it's a beer gut." The over 40 crowd is not sure they are ready to see a pregnant woman's belly. I guess it will ultimately depend on if Old Navy has swimsuits because I've already checked at Target and Mimi Maternity with no luck.

However, before going shopping we went to White's Furniture to look at furniture (for the third time). This is turning out to be more of a pain than pleasure (smile). We can't exactly find a set we both love. But our inability to find a set we both like is stalling our purchase of other items like a glider (which I hear I'll need/want ASAP for feeding).

I have my 30 week appointment with a midwife on Thursday. My next appointment will be in four weeks, then I move to appointments every 2 weeks for my 8th month, and then during my last month every week until the baby arrives.

We've also scheduled our birthing class for Saturday, March 8th. I'm hoping that since we have decided to have a doula (Cindy) attend our birth that she will be able to fill us in on anything we forget or missed with it only being a one day class. Are there any other classes we should be taking beforehand too?

I won't be able to write next week since we'll be away - hopefully baking in some warm sun. In the meantime, send good vibes to Sacramento, CA as DJ will be taking his Acupuncture Board Exams on Wednesday - Good Luck Deej!!!!!


Baby Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• Your baby is nearly three pounds now.
• His/her head is getting larger to accommodate a period of rapid brain growth. Don't forget to continue to "teach" your baby in the womb by exposing to music, literature, and simply talking to him/her.
• A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him/her. As s/he grows and fills your uterus, the amount of amniotic fluid will decrease.
• S/he spends more and more time practicing opening and closing eyelids. His/her eyes can move from side to side, following a light source. S/he may even reach out to touch the light.
• Early lanugo is beginning to disappear that served to protect your baby's skin from the water in the womb. Your little one's own hair may begin to appear.
• Toenails are entering their final growth stage.
• Bone marrow is now in charge of red blood cell production. These red blood cells will continue to service your child's body by transporting oxygen and removing the wastes (carbon monoxide and other gases).
• Your baby has the capability now to produce tears -- yes, within the womb.
• By the end of this week, your baby is now 15.7 inches long and weighs 2.91 pounds.

(pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Week 29

For the past three days I feel as if I haven't stopped growing. Todd even made a comment today asking if I had grown since yesterday. My stomach feels like it is at full capacity for my skin, but I know I'll be proven wrong in the next 11 weeks. Can you believe it??? We're 11 weeks away - yikes!!!

Spent my wind day last week putting together a registry. There's just SO much to choose from. Good thing I have a bunch of friends and family who already have children so they were able to give me their two cents on a bunch of products.

Went to go see the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's Tribute to the Doors on Saturday with Mom and Dad Rassman and Jeff and Kim. It was a great concert! It was also nice to see a bunch of young people at a BPO event for once. I couldn't tell if the baby liked it or not, but s/he did not stop moving the entire concert!!

Well I need to stop procrastinating and begin/finish my purchase requsitions by Friday. Ta ta for now!!


Baby Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• Your baby's head is in proportion with body now. He appears more like a newborn each and every day!
• Fat continues to accumulate under the skin -- only now preparing for entering the *real world*.
• Your baby's brain can control primitive breathing and body temperatures.
• His/her eyes can move in their sockets. Soon he will be able to follow a blinking light.
• Your baby is increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell! Various studies show that your baby may indicate preferences (or disdain) for particular tastes or odors at this stage
• S/he is also moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, s/he will move to the head down birthing position. At times you may feel as if he is performing somersaults for a circus act!
• His/her length is now approximately 15.2 inches and weight is 2.54 pounds.

(pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Week 28 - Beginning of Third Trimester

Holy cow...I'm officially in the third and LAST trimester!!! Where has the time gone? Are we ready? Of course, not! But will we ever really be ready? Looking at the "What do YOU think we're going to have?" poll above, there are 83 days until my due date - less than 3 months...AHHHHH!!!!!

In the meantime, I sat for three hours and took my Glucose Tolerance Test on Friday (same day as April took hers) - I have the bruises on both arms (from being pricked four times) to prove it. Today, one of the midwives, Sarah, called to give me the results. Now at my first visit with Sarah, she said she would only call when the test results were of some concern which is why she called last week. So when I received the call today, I was thinking the worst. Luckily, I was wrong - I'm in the clear!!! Actually, both April and my glucose levels came back normal - few!! Like April said in her blog, I couldn't imagine cutting anything else out of my diet.

Just as April said, although being pregnant is a wonderful feeling, the comfort factor is starting to diminish. Which is hard to actually type knowing that April is carrying twins, therefore much bigger and I'm sure much more uncomfortable. Sleeping through the night is starting to become a rarity, sitting in certain positions are no longer an option, and I will no longer take for granted the ability to bend over and put on shoes and put pants on without sitting down.

Still, my favorite part of the pregnancy is feeling the baby move. With it getting bigger, I am not feeling it as much (it's starting to run out of room to roll around) - mostly in the morning and at night. However, it also means that s/he is becoming stronger and so the punches and kicks are definitely being felt and seen. But my favorite, favorite feeling is when an actually body part is pushing so 'hard' against my tummy that I can feel the outline of whatever part it is. Unfortunately, I have yet to figure out exactly what part I am feeling. Is it a foot? a knee? a bum? a head?

So here's to the last three months. We look forward to making our baby furniture purchases this coming weekend, our Marco Island vacation in two weeks, completing our baby registry, taking birthing classes, painting the baby's room, setting up the room, finishing my year at school, and just enjoying our time together as a couple.

PS- Check out Alysia and DJ & April's blogs (click the links above) - both have been recently updated!!!

Baby Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• Eyebrows and eyelashes are now very noticeable!
• Hair on baby's head is growing longer. Some babies are born with almost none at all, while others appear to be ready for their first haircut!
• Eyes are completely formed now. Quite a view from inside!
• Your baby's body is getting plump and rounded. Most of that increase is muscle tissue and bone. Fat will be added during the third trimester.
• Muscle tone is improving. Preparation for the Olympics feels like it is taking place in your womb!
• Lungs are capable of breathing now (but baby would still struggle and require medical attention if born now)
• Talk to your baby often, reading stories, singing songs and more. He or she can recognize your voice now and will often calm to it later on!
• Your baby weighs in now at 2.2 pounds and is 14.8 inches.

(pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Week 27

Oh man! With report cards being due this week, I really haven't had a chance to do much else. Well maybe a few other things...Todd and I decided to take advantage of the lake effect snow and go snowshoeing at the Clarence Nature Center again. We found a new path that ended up leading us to Uncle Carl's backyard!

But was I sore that night! This hasn't been the first time I felt discomfort especially after exercising so after self-diagnosing myself online (smile), I think I may actually have an acute case of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)?? I was actually a little fascinated with what I found. According to http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/,

"During pregnancy, your body produces hormones and body parts shift to meet the demands of your growing baby. Your body produces a hormone known as relaxin during pregnancy. Relaxin softens the ligaments in your pelvis to enable your baby to pass through your pelvis. Normally, the two halves of your pelvis do not move very easily because the symphysis pubis is strengthened by ligaments. If one side of your pelvis moves more than the other side, you can experience pain and inflammation. This can happen when you walk or move your legs and the pain can become severe."

In addition to my SPD (ha ha ha), Sarah, one of the midwives, called on Monday to let me know I'm slightly anemic and my glucose was slightly higher than it should be (my levels were 144 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood plasma - the cut off is 140 mg/dL). Luckily the anemia can probably be taken care of with an increase of iron and folic acid in my diet.

However, because my glucose levels were just above normal I have to go for a THREE HOUR glucose tolerance test on Friday - ughhh!!! That means I will need to fast for at least 8 hours (nothing but sips of water), go to a lab, have my blood taken, drink some glucose solution, and have my blood taken after 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours of sitting in the waiting room.

One would think the best time to go would be first thing in the morning; however, I wouldn't get back to school in time to just take a half day. So I will be going on Friday at 1:45pm. It may actually kind of work out because I'm hoping it will be okay for me to get up at 5:30am to eat some cereal before going 8 hours without any food - yikes! Wish me luck and that I don't pass out from hunger!

Time to shuffle off to bed!!


Baby Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• Your little one's brain continues its rapid growth. Don't forget to share music, conversation, and even books with your baby!
• Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. Your baby's hearing continues to develop, he or she may start to recognize your voice as well as your partner's.
• Lungs continue to grow and prepare for functioning outside of the womb. Each day in the womb greatly increases survival rates!
• S/he also continues to take small breaths and although s/he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born.
• Eyelids are now open more. Your baby can distinguish between light and dark.
• Retinas have formed.
• Your baby will grow over a half inch this week alone! You may suspect this phenominal growth rate repeats in the preteen years!
• Average size is now 14.4 inches and 1.9 pounds.

(pictures from Pregnancy.org)

Week 26

Weight: 124 lbs. (+ 11 lbs)
Fundal height: 26 cm (determined by measuring from the top of the pubic bone the top of the uterus (called the fundus) which is just above the belly button right now)

It's been a busy week. I'll start with today's big event - our visit to our new caretaker: Nurse Midwifery Associates of WNY. Apparently, they used to be housed in a Victorian home on Linwood. However, as of July they joined the Kaleida Healthcare System and are now housed in a traditional medical building on Hertl near Elmwood. I can tell they miss the intimacy of the house, but I assume they had to merge with Kaleida probably for insurance cost reasons.

I will say that I had my doubts if I made the correct decision when we walked in - it was not the best decorated waiting room to say the least. But then I quickly learned that this building houses a few different practices which means you need to check in at a general desk and then wait in this room to be called by your specific practice.

To add to the doubts, we ended up waiting almost 45 minutes to be called back. We found out later that there was a problem earlier in the day and we can expect to be called back within 15 minutes of our appointment time from now on. My doubts continued as we were taken to the exam room which was just as bare and thin-walled as you can expect in a medical building.

Fortunately, things started to turn for the better when we met Sarah, one of the midwives. I think we spent at least 1.5 hours with her - answering medical history questions, asking questions, and then doing the exam as well. We then needed to wait another 30 minutes to have my blood drawn for the big glucose test. So Sarah brought us back to their office which was much more comfortable and inviting than the front waiting room.

There we met Mary (the woman I initially talked to on the phone) who was just as friendly and helpful. Another great aspect of this practice is that they encouraged us to set up appointments for the next four months so I could pick the exact time and date for each one to save Todd and me from taking time off from work.

And to top off the experience, while we were waiting, Sarah made sure we were introduced to the two other midwives, Martha and Elaine, who seemed just as friendly. In all my appointments at Audubon's Women Medical, I think I had only met three of the seven doctors by the time I left. Today I met all three in one day!! I even found a picture posted in the office of a student I previously taught who was delivered by the midwives!

Our next appointment is in four weeks - before we fly down to Marco Island for our last hurrah. I am only hoping my experiences will continue to be just as pleasant.

Rewinding to this weekend, Todd, his parents, and I went to H.A. Whites on Kenmore Avenue between Delaware and Colvin to check out baby furniture. Holy cow...what a selection!! It was initially quite overwhelming, but after a couple hours we were educated on crib manufacturers, car seats, and even strollers. Needless to say we did not make any selections. But our visit did do a good job of getting the wheels turning.

Fortunately, my cousin-in-law, Gen, e-mailed me her registry which at least gave us a starting point. I have also been working my way through the book Baby Bargains to help us start a list of items we would like to purchase. So much to think about and decide on!!!

Time for bed! Check back for new pictures. Will see you next week!!!!


Baby Development (from Pregnancy.org)

• Your baby may weigh about two pounds now (average is 1.7 pound, 760gm) and is 14 inches (35.6cm) in length.
• To support the fetus's growing body, the spine is getting stronger and more supple.
• Though no longer than the span of the average adult hand, it is now made up of 150 joints, 33 rings, and some 1,000 ligaments.
• Air sacs in the lungs form now.
• Lungs begin to secrete a greasy substance called surfactant. Without surfactant the fetal lungs would stick together and couldn't expand after the baby is born.
• Although they've been sealed shut for the last few months, your baby's eyes are opening and beginning to blink this week. Depending on ethnicity, some babies will be born with blue or gray-blue eyes (which may change color in the first 6 months of life) and some will be born with brown or dark eyes.
• Retinas begin to form.
• Brain wave activity for hearing and sight begins to be detectable.
• Fetal brain scans show response to touch. If you shine a light on your abdomen, your baby will turn his head, which according to researchers, means his optic nerve is working.

(from Pregnancy.org)