37 Weeks

Today brings two beautiful words: full-term. Now, whenever baby's born, he's likely to thrive. Also thriving? Your nesting instincts, which are behind those sudden urges to bake, clean, or embroider a onesie. (Feminists, take your issue up with nature, not with us.)

Baby's now the size of a watermelon!
Your full-term (yay!) baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. He's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).
Average size is around 6.5 pounds now! The baby practices breathing movements preparing for life outside the womb. His/her grasp becomes firm, and s/he will turn toward light.

Vaginal discharge may be heavier now and will have more cervical mucous in it as your body prepares for labor. What position is your baby in? Is it head down or butt first? Whichever position your baby is in now is generally the way s/he will stay. If your baby is breech, you may need a cesarean or your care provider might recommend an external version in which your abdomen is manipulated in such a way that it turns head down. This is successful 60 to 70% of the time.
If you're planning to return to work outside the home at some point after delivery, you can still breastfeed your baby. Many moms pump their breasts at work so that baby's careprovider can feed her with expressed breast milk in bottles. Other moms are able to visit the baby during the day for a few feedings while other others take their babies to work with them. Explore your options BEFORE you go back to work (preferrably before you begin maternity leave). Read our articles:

36 Weeks

Baby should soon descend into your pelvis, which will give your lungs a little room to breathe (literally). The bad news: This puts the brunt of baby's weight on your hips and pelvis, and will make them pretty sore. Add in your ever-loosening ligaments, and you may soon be taking on that oh-so-adorable pregnancy waddle.

With four weeks to go, our baby is almost ready. S/he could drop into the birth canal at any time now. This week, the fat is dimpling on the elbows and knees as well as forming creases in the neck and wrists. The baby's gums are very rigid.

Baby's skin is getting smooth and soft, her gums are rigid, her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune system are basically good to go. Her lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day she gets a little closer to breathing on her own.

About a month to go ~ you'll probably be visiting your care provider once a week at this point. The average weight gain now is between 25 and 30 pounds. You should be consuming about 2400 calories per day. Make them count! Your body is working hard now and needs quality fuel.

Here are some of the signs that labor is approaching. You may not experience all of these symptoms or be aware of them.

• Lightening ~ aka the baby dropped
• Bloody Show ~ aka the mucous plug
• Rupture of Membranes ~ aka your "water broke"
• The Nesting Urge ~ aka you want to clean everything in sight
• Effacement ~ aka ripening of the cervix
• Dilatation ~ aka opening of the cervix
• Diarrhea ~ aka you know this one
• Contractions ~ aka OUCH those labor pains!

35 Weeks

With baby's head pressing squarely on your bladder, you're probably clocking some quality time in the bathroom. On a similar note, if you're finding it tough to poop, load up on the fiber. Whole grains, veggies, and dried fruits (but not all at once!) should loosen things up.

Your care provider may begin regular checks of your cervix some time in the next few weeks for signs of effacement and dilation and to see what position your baby is in. Your baby cannot pass through a normally closed cervix. The process of labor is the stretching, thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation) of your cervix to allow the baby to pass through. Your cervix is fully dilated when the opening measures 10 centimeters.

From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (He's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) His hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches), and if he really is a "he," his testes have probably completed their descent.

The average sized baby is around five and a half pounds now! The fat accumulations plump up the arms and legs this week. The baby has gotten big enough to take up most of the uterus, and there's less room to move around.

34 Weeks

No, it's not (just) the lack of sleep that's making your vision fuzzy. Pregnancy hormones and fluid buildup can affect your eyes' curvature and tear production, making them extra-itchy and sensitive. No matter what your vision's like, take a look toward the light -- less than two months to go!

You've probably felt some Braxton Hicks contractions for the past several weeks but they may intensify now. They are usually painless and non-rhythmical. These are preparing your body for the real thing.

Baby can recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, baby will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!

The baby responds as a newborn with its eyes open while awake and closed while sleeping. She is developing immunities to fight mild infection. Those sharp little fingernails are at the ends of the fingertips already, and you might need to clip them during the first few days after birth.

33 Weeks

At this point, the amniotic fluid is at the highest level in the pregnancy. The amount will remain constant until delivery. Rapid brain growth has increased the baby's head size approximately 3/8 of an inch this week. Fat continues to accumulate which turns the baby's skin color from red to pink.

You'll be gaining about a pound a week. Mild edema is normal but if you experience severe headache; seeing "spots" or "flashing lights" while at rest; sudden increase in swelling, such as over 2-3 days, especially of the face; abdominal pain; and nausea, vomiting, and feeling sick, contact your caregiver immediately. You could be developing pre-eclampsia which is characterized by swelling, high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It is a very serious complication of pregnancy.

Hiccups

Today was the first day I could really feel her hiccuping. I could see it to. It was a really cool thing to experience. For over 10 minutes there was a consistent tapping. I ran around the house to show everyone. Unfortunately Ricky wasn't here so I am hoping she will get the hiccups again.

She has been moving around a lot more lately, sometimes it gets annoying because it hurts. The other day she moved for two hours straight! I am so excited to meet her, but so scared at the same time.

32 Weeks

Was that a contraction? Yup, but it's just for practice. Those strengthening Braxton Hicks contractions are just your body's way of prepping for the real deal. (If you feel more than four in an hour or have discharge, call the doc.) Farther north, your nipples are getting darker and (yes, it's possible) bigger -- all the better for baby to see (and latch onto) in a few short months.

Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If she's still head-up, don't panic -- there's still time for a flip before birth.)

All is well!

On Friday I went to fetal diagnostics because I hadn't felt baby move in 3 days. Which I got scolded for!

When I got there, they hooked the monitors up to my belly and the first thing we heard were hiccups! It was so cute. The nurse said that hiccups are a great sign of health. She was moving around, but she had gotten into a position that my placenta was making it hard for me to feel anything. She decided that once all eyes were on here though, to move around like crazy! My belly looked like it had waves.

It was great to know that she was fine. They also did an ultra sound and they said that her size is perfect for her age and that my amniotic fluid was also perfect.

Great news! =D

31 Weeks

Out of breath? Your still-growing uterus is squeezing your lungs, making it impossible for them to fully expand like they used to. Things will improve once baby drops, probably in the next few weeks. Until then, sit up straight with your shoulders back to get a little relief.

Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

A peek at our baby blob!!!

Definitely a girl!

Ricky and I went to get an elective ultrasound done so we could see our baby girl! We were getting impatient. Unfortunately, we were not able to get the best pictures possible because I have an anterior placenta and baby girl kept wanting to hide her face in it. Anyway, here are a few. She has chubby cheeks =D

Feet!

Hair!

Yawn!

Chubby Cheeks!

Smiles!

Ricky's Birthday!

Friday July 2nd was Ricky's big 25th birthday! He dislikes that I make a big deal out of but I say "Hooray to being able to rent a car, and get lower car insurance" haha. I think 25 a big deal. It's also his last birthday before our baby is born.

Wednesday, we went out with a group of friends for dinner. We all wore black to say goodbye to Ricky's youngers days! He thought we were going to kill him. It was a great evening full of laughs and lots of love! We are so blessed with the friends we have.

Friday Ricky still had to work so I went out and got him a Starbucks Frappuccino. Hand washed his car. Both cars actually with the help of my mom. (Thanks Mom!)Then made dinner and celebrated with family and friends.

Exciting news! We made an appt to have a 4D ultrasound down on Monday. So pictures to come!

Let the playing begin!

Long before we got pregnant I was having major insomnia issues. Now couple the existing issue with all these pregnancy issues...makes for very little sleep!

Baby Carleton moves a little throughout the day, but lately she has chosen to become most active around 11:00pm...of course.

Last night we went out with a group of friends to celebrate Ricky's birthday (July 2nd!) and we got home a little bit later than we would usually like during the week. Anyway, I was still up around 1:00am and she was stirring a lot. The last few days I can see her movements glide across the belly rather than just the crazy fast punches and kicks. Last night she would stick some part of her body out and my belly would slowly rise and fall in one stop so I would press down on that spot, hold it there for a couple seconds and she would punch/kick back and move. We repeated this quite a few times. Even though it was the middle of night I enjoyed playing with her and was laying there laughing while Ricky got some nice peaceful sleep.

Come 5:00am, I was no longer amused.

30 Weeks

Your massive belly and nighttime heartburn might be making sleep difficult to come by. If you are able to drift off, you're probably having some strange and vivid dreams -- your subconscious is no less anxious than your waking mind.

As baby's skin smoothes out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She's also adding some brawn -- her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

29 Weeks - Squash!

Thanks to your ever-expanding uterus, it's time to welcome back the constant bathroom dashes. And try your best to forget about any emerging varicose veins -- they might be ugly, but they're harmless and should fade after delivery. Until then, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and make sure to get some exercise (it'll boost your circulation).

Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath her skin. And since she's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

28 Weeks

Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, she has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). Her skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

27 Weeks - Third Trimester!!!

Baby's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in your womb means every "breath" is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey -- it's progress.

Got a sudden pain in your rear? That's just baby, settling into place for his upcoming debut. His head might be pressing on your sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and numbness down the backs of your legs. Don't worry -- it'll ease up soon after labor. For now, your aching back deserves a pat. You've reached trimester three!

Classes over!

Baby must realize I am much less stressed because she has been kicking up a storm! I officially passed my math class, THANK THE LORD Jesus, and got A's in my other classes so we are pretty happy. The last 5 days or so baby girl has been kicking all over the place and now they can actually be seen just by looking at the tummy. Pretty crazy!

26 Weeks

25 Weeks! Eggplant Status!

24 Week Picture

Beautiful Story

Okay I have slacked on the pictures. If all goes well two will be up tonight.

I thought I would share this cute story. Two different friends sent me the same one on the same day.



A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.”
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, “Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
God said, You will simply call her, " Mom ."

23 Weeks

Okay...so I am almost 24 weeks now but I did a bad job at posting the 23 week picture...again =D Here it is anyway! The growth of the baby is slowing down a bit, so she is still about the size of a Papaya.

Happy Mother's Day!

It is weird to think, even though she is still inside of me I am already a Mother! I feel so protective and I love her so much. Ricky took me lunch to yesterday and told me how much he appreciated me carrying our child. He is so sweet. He has been really supportive and proactive through all of this. God has really blessed me. It was a very special day for us. I woke up feeling her kicking and it was the first time I could place my hand on the spot and actually FEEL her kick on the outside. So I put Ricky's hand there and she went still then after a minute or two she kicked and he got to feel it. He was so excited! I have been able to feel movements the last few days and I felt bad that he did not get to share it. Now he can =D

22 Weeks Papaya Status!

=D

Kicking

So on Sunday morning around 1:30am (yes I know the time =) I felt the baby kick my bladder. I jumped!!! The next night she did it 7 or 8 times. Ricky tried to talk to her and asked her to be nice and she just kicked harder. =D Fiesty already!

21 Weeks

Oops. A little late in posting this, but here is the picture for 21 weeks =D Go Banana Baby Go!

20 week baby bump

I am posting it a week late but that's okay =D This is at 5 months (20 weeks) half way there already!



Our little girl is growing!

20 Weeks! Better known as 5 months!

We are at the half way mark! Hooray! 20 weeks on the 20th of April!

Though I got this little message this morning:

"Congrats! You're halfway there...and at one of the great milestones of pregnancy. Increased blood flow is making the pelvic area extra-sensitive, libido is resurging, and the weight gain has just barely begun."

Oh boy, if the weight gain has just begun, I am in trouble! I already can't see my feet! I guess it makes sense, the baby is approx the size of a Cantelope!

So weird to think something that big is just chilling out in my tummy.

Ultrasound Fetal Doppler

We purchased this Sonotrax B Ultrasound Fetal Doppler for a great price off of Amazon.com, so we can hear the babies heart beat whenever we want =D. We ordered it Saturday and it came Monday. 2 days earlier than they said it would. Literally within 5 minutes we had torn the box open, slathered some baby oil on the belly and Ricky made sure I knew that HE got to be the one to find the heart beat first! It was so neat. You can also hear when she starts to move around. We showed Gramma when she got home and then we listened again right before we went to bed. Ahhh. So exciting!

A little late in posting this

This is at 15 weeks. I am almost at 20 now.

Baby Bedding

For some reason, I am not able to save entire pictures from this website. It only saves a "square" of the picture so I am just going to post the links. Hopefully they will direct you to the right ones.

http://www.babybedding.com/eden-crib-bedding

http://www.babybedding.com/love-birds-crib-bedding

http://www.babybedding.com/lilac-damask-crib-bedding

There is a lot more, but these are just a couple that are really cute. Too bad they are pricey. Still fun to look at though!

Some babble

We have had a few days to let the news sink in. It's still hard to believe. Everytime we get to see or hear the baby, it is amazing but after I just keep wanting to make sure she is still in there! We are thinking about getting an at home doppler which would enable us to hear the heartbeat. They have some decently priced ones on amazon.com. I have an anterior placenta so I won't be able to feel the baby kick for a lot longer than most =(. The sonographer said not to expect anything until about 25 weeks.

It is amazing how many people have asked us if we have decided on a baby name within 24 hours of finding out! No, a decision has not been made and we are most likely not revealing the name until the baby is born.

I did something bad yesterday. I looked at baby bedding for the first time. Oh for goodness sakes there are some adorable things out there. I will make another post and show some pictures.

We are having...

Cool Website

This website allows you to see the changes going on in your body as you grow. I think it is really fun to watch the baby "grow."

http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/you/the-exhibit/your-beginning/make-room-for-baby/interactive/

3rd Appt

We went to our 3rd appt on Thursday. Our doctor had our test results back and every thing is normal! =D She let us listen to the heart beat. She had to chase baby blob around because he/she started moving when she tried to listen. The other really exciting part of this appt is that we got to make our appt for the Anatomy scan which lets you see baby, even the heart chambers but....we get to find out if we are having a boy or a girl!!! April 9th is the appt. So prayers that everything is still normal.

2nd Ultra Sound

This ultra sound was used to check for abnormalities. This is around 13 weeks. Everything looked great. It is amazing that such a small little being has hands and fingers and toes. Ricky and I got the chance to watch our little blob wiggle around and wave. We also got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. What an amazing feeling!

We are having a baby!

Now that we are safely into the 2nd Trimester we wanted to create this blog to share the blessing of our baby! The ultrasound below is the very first one we had to confirm the pregnancy. We started to call the baby our baby blob =D