Week 33

From week 33-36, baby is the size of a honeydew. And since baby is currently probably the size of an average 36 week baby, we'll be moving along shortly to the size of a watermelon (eek!).

This weekend, Jeff and I had childbirth class, but after class on Sunday it was still warm enough to hit the pool. Class was very helpful and we met some really nice people who are due around the same time we are. Maybe we'll see them in the hospital, who knows. Everyone will be proud to know that Jeff was a master when it came to Childbirth Family Feud (the review game we played at the end of class). Our teacher did a great job of covering a lot of information in a short amount of time. The videos were outdated (as she noted) but probably much more entertaining that way.

Have It Your Way

Something I'd been meaning to blog about was my recent experience with the turnpike rest stop.  A few weeks ago, I drove out to my friend's in Bedford and then again last weekend for the wedding.  On the way, I stopped for a meal and, given the limited choices available, I figured I would get a salad or a snack rather than a meal.  The woman in front of me in line at Burger King ordered a veggie burger and my eyes snapped up to the menu searching frantically (veggie burger...when did that happen??).  I found it, and after confirming its presence, ordered one for myself.  Now, I do recognize that veggie burger cooked at Burger King is still probably not the healthiest choice, but when on the road and in need of substance, it'll do the job!  This was an exciting discovery for me and I'll be interested to see if other fast food joints follow suit.  Of course, it will probably take me quite a while to catch on if they do since I rarely patronize them, but still a step in the right (ish) direction.  PS - the burgers are Morningstar Farms.

My Hero!

Jeff had to make his first late-night (ish) run.  For us, late night is 10:30.  I've been having a nagging cold and last night it was stepped up to slightly more than nagging.  This is the first time during pregnancy that I knew I needed some meds and wanted to make sure that it was safe.  The only cold medicine we had was NyQuil and I couldn't find anything to indicate that it is definitely safe, but both Benadryl and Sudafed definitely are...so I did what any 8 month pregnant woman would do and sent him to the store.  And, I got some sleep!  Thanks Honey!!!!

Quantity and Quality

At tonight's appointment a measurement was taken to the top of the fundus of 35 cm.  I read in "What to Expect" right before being taken back to the exam room and learned that the centimeters correspond directly to the "week/size" estimation.  Soooo, what all that means is that baby is measuring 35 weeks ... at 32 weeks.  So, we're three weeks ahead of schedule, but in the time since the last ultrasound (2 weeks) baby has made 2 weeks growth.  Jeff thinks she's just so excited to meet us that she's decided to grow a little faster and get here a little earlier than scheduled.  With that in mind, check out the poll to the right to give your opinion on baby's pending arrival (early, late, right on time) keeping in mind the EDD of July 19th.  Also, since the baby's the size of a 35 week baby, I guess she's not the size of a squash anymore...hmm, what's next? 

Yaris Made the Top 10..er 12!!!

12 Greenest Cars of 2009

Week 32

This weekend's balcony may look slightly different. This shot is brought to you from Indian Lake Resort, site of my college roomate, Melissa's, wedding reception. Baby had fun dancing the night away on Saturday night. Appointment coming this week.

Ten Toes

Feet have been added - see below!

Week 31

Baby is still the size of a squash.

Baby will be going to her first wedding next weekend - congratulations Melissa and Galen!

Work Shower Thank You Scrapblog

Baby Bump and 1/2

So, last night we had an ultrasound and found out that baby is a bit big for date. Tonight's appointment was a big relief. For one, my glucose screening test came back with sugars in the normal range, so I don't have to repeat that and don't need to worry about gestational diabetes either. The doctor reassured us that we'll wait to see what the next ultrasound tells us about baby's size because our ultrasound 4 weeks ago measured baby in the 50th percentile and last night's ultrasound measured baby in the 90th percentile and the doctor indicated that simply doesn't normally happen. Her inclination was to think that one of those measurements was off and the next ultrasound will give a better indication of baby's size. Also, one way or another baby's not that big. Her head measured for 30 weeks (right on target), but her belly measured 33 weeks. Overall, we'll keep an eye on the "situation."

Playing Footsies

Baby had a photo shoot tonight - you know, an ultrasound. I found out that the placenta has moved out of the way, so much so that it wasn't even in the picture anymore - great news! Baby was not feeling up for the paparazzi, so the best pic we have is of her feet, which is still pretty awesome! (As soon as I can get it scanned clearly, I'll add it to this post) To be honest, I was getting bored of all these perfect profiles (jk). In other news, baby is a smidge on the HUGE side. I know that's shocking to those of you who have seen me lately. Baby is currently weighing in at 4 lb. 7 oz., which may not seem big, but keep in mind that she's not done cooking - we still have two months to go here...or do we? We have a pre-natal appointment tomorrow, so we can find out more about that as well as the results (possibly) of the glucose tolerance test, which may also shed some light on baby's current weight class - she's in the 90th percentile. So, stay tuned for more - coming tomorrow.

Week 30

This weekend was not only the start of week 30 of this pregnancy, it also marked Mother's Day and The Race for the Cure. Fortunately I still (well sort of) fit into my team shirt for the Race. Baby is growing, and enjoyed the long walk today. Baby also enjoyed being outside on such a beautiful day after such rainy weather all week long. Hopefully the sun is here to stay. Ultrasound Tuesday and Dr's App Wednesday - busy baby week!

Tour Du Hospital

Today was our hospital tour associated with our childbirth class (which happens May 30th and 31st).  We had a really nice overview of where to go and what to do and what would happen once we were there.  Our teacher/tour guide is actually the mom of a girl who I went to high school with which was really nice too.  Everything was pretty clear, but being the nerd that I am, I took copious notes to which I plan to refer back to in moments of panic.  For example, there were certain time parameters associated with certain entrances that in the moments of labor could easily become muddled.  We also noted a sign concerning getting your car seat's installation checked, so I'm going to look into doing that soon to make sure we're all set for D day.

Glucose Tolerance

This morning, I took the glucose tolerance test.  I had heard how terrible this test was...I disagree.  I drank a bottle of orange soda and had two vials of blood drawn.  Not bad at all!  My stress level was waiting to register, because I drank the concoction at home between 8 and 8:05, I was told by the lab tech to down it within 5 minutes, I don't usually guzzle my beverages quite so quickly.  We got to the lab 15 minutes prior to the time I'd have to have blood drawn which MUST be exactly 1 hour after you're done drinking the fluorescent fluid.  But I was waiting in line, and got worried that I'd be late...even though the desk was steps away.  Like other things in life, it all worked out.  I got to the desk at 9:00, and they told me they'd call me at 9:05.  Plus, we had to be at the hospital this AM for our hospital tour, so it was a combo trip too.  The thinking was that we'd only have to pay for the parking garage once instead of coming in two times, but as it turned out, there was a flat fee for the parking garage today (jackpot!) of $1.00.

Baby Brain

If you were my race information packet for Sunday's Race for the Cure, where would I have put you?  Keeping in mind, of course, that I've looked all those places...

One Team, One Dream, One Cure

This Sunday is Mother's Day and I plan to spend the morning with my mama, and other family members walking in the Race for the Cure. I enjoy this tradition a great deal, and I hope my mom does too! It's nice to get out and enjoy the weather, go for a long walk, and do so for a good cause. If you'd like to check out our team page, either to join or donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation, please click here: One Team, One Dream, One Cure. Remember, every little bit helps!

Paraben Free Protection (from the sun)

Last week when the temperatures spiked above 90 (not such a problem this week..), I resolved to get out and find a paraben free sunscreen. My mind was set that I would pick up some "Kiss My Face" sunscreen since I had such success with their non-toxic, DEET free insect repellant which kept me safe in, of all places, Africa. Alas, when I arrived to look at the shelves and I took a closer look at Kiss My Face's sunscreen, it did in fact contain parabens - what?!? So, I started to really analyze my options and settled upon paraben free and the most economical option a sunscreen from JASON brand. To read more about my quest to eliminate parabens, read here.

Soon, I plan to comparison shop some prices from different retailers and online providers to find the best prices for different products, skin and food, that we use. I'll post back with my "findings".

Week 29

Baby is the size of a squash!

Check out our tomato plants in the background - also growing, just like baby! This weekend I went to a bachelorette party and a 1 year old birthday party. It was like "A Christmas Carol" with a ghost of the past and a ghost of the future! Baby is still moving and grooving and growing. We had a doctor's appointment this past Wednesday and we have an ultrasound and another doctor's appointment in two weeks. I'm still feeling good and keeping active, but not too active - Jeff will be coming to school this week to help move some furniture around - what a guy!

Recall Rollercoaster

Yesterday morning, while watching the Today Show, a crib recall was mentioned from the manufacturer that makes the crib we currently have set up in baby's room. So, I went to the computer and checked the website, and sure enough, there was the name of our crib. So, I went through the whole day fretting about getting it shipped back and picking out a new crib and getting that set up and now the drawers don't match...very trivial things in the grand scheme of things, I know. But then, I went on the website after school and looked for our model number and our model number WAS NOT part of the recall! An older model by the same name was, but not ours - which confirmed (well, sort of) my earlier thoughts. When a company has a recall, it is my belief that they work more diligently to ensure the safety of future products, and that's what we have (knock on wood) - a safer version. Our crib does not have a drop side, which eliminates one potential hazard, and in the morning when Jeff and I pulled on the slats, we decided these children must be awfully strong to be kicking right through them, but that's because they weren't kicking through THESE slats. Regardless, I called the company to be certain that our crib was not part of the recall. Overall, there were some ups and downs today and once more I feel very fortunate, mostly for the health of our baby, but also (now) that none of our "stuff" has been recalled...at least not today.