28 weeks!

Week 28: 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.
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My little eggplant has grown into a Chinese cabbage, soon a nice plump squash! This little one sure is active, rolling about quite often now and responding to touch/pressure. This morning I was talking to my mother-in-law on the phone, who just left on Thursday from Christmas, and the baby starting kicking. Might have been a fluke, but I think she knew who was on the phone :D She even felt major movements on Christmas day.. very special!

And yes. I still think this is a girl!

I got positive results for Group B Strep, as I did with Ben, so no shock there. I haven't gone for my three hour Glucose test yet, but will go soon. Ben has been sick with a cold, and therefore none of us have been sleeping the greatest. Plus with the holidays just wrapping up, there were perhaps a few too many treats ;) Time to get back on track! Or at least after New Year's!! I also have to get my Rhogam shot in the butt.

It feels crazy that I am now in my third and final trimester. Soon my dr appointments will be bi-weekly, and then weekly. I am feeling pretty good, getting that "big" feeling, but at the same time loving the belly. It doesn't last forever.. gotta enjoy it while it lasts! Other than getting up with Ben periodically, I have been sleeping pretty good, not getting up to go pee much. That will change soon though! My wonderful hubby gave me a heavenly foot rub last night, too, which was divine. Wish I could have that every evening!!

Nursery wise, things are coming along. I have most of the plans complete at least! I have an idea for paint, the light fixture, fabric to re-do the armchair/ottoman (thanks K & T!).. just gotta get it done! I would LOVE to get most of it done this month, and have February to get last minute things, stock-up on things and get the bags ready. Who knows if this one is going to be late like Ben! Easter weekend (the due date) would be lovely though!

Belly shot!

Here I am on Saturday (post scare.. hence the tired, tired eyes from crying.. oy) at 27 weeks :D

Happy that my wee one is okay! Gotta love stretch marks...

Merry Christmas!

27 weeks and 1 day :)

Week 27: This week your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement 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 isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
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Well it's been an interesting week! With being busy with last minute Christmas preparations and whatnot, we have sure been busy. Company is here now for the week, and we are looking forward to Christmas morning with Ben!

Last night I had a horrible scare. We were doing our bedtime routine with Ben (bath, stories, etc) and I had gone pee. Then like 30 mins later I had to go again — not that out of the ordinary! Well, I then noticed that I had been bled all over in less than an hour without even knowing.. I had been wearing a pantiliner and it was soaked. Dark red blood. I tired to breathe, not panic and went upstairs. I told Mike as calmly as I could, went and cleaned up and think about what to do first. I was having no pains, cramps, etc so I was shocked. Mike was then on Ben duty as I called my doctors office for the on-call physician.. no answer (paged) but was too nervous to sit and wait. I called the BC Nurseline and they advised to go to the hospital right away (not 911).

So, seeing as Ben wasn't going to sleep, Mike bundled him up and drove me to the hospital. I was too nervous to drive anyways and didn't know what was going on, nor how long I would be there. He dropped me off (wishing I could have him there for support) and I got checked in right away, sent up to the Maternity ward and given a bed pronto. Having never been to this hospital, I was so pleased with how well I was treated.

I had a wonderful nurse, I think she was Trinidadian (had a slight similar accent at least) named Comfort. She was so nice and, well, comforting! The doctor there was the on-call physician at my Maternity Clinic, and he came in right away. I gave a pee sample, and got changed, hooked up to a monitor to check the baby. I had bled a bit more, and the nurse saw that on the pad I was wearing. Comfort put the monitor on my belly to get the heartbeat and as soon as I laid on the bed, the baby started to move. I think that is what I was most nervous about was that I hadn't felt the baby move in a while, but was trying to tell myself that it was sleeping, as it usually doesn't start getting active until the evening. Sure enough, that was the case. It even kicked the little round monitor so hard, I had to help hold it while she strapped the velcro on LOL! Go baby go!

The doctor checked me, asked me more questions, BP fine, no fever, but blood in my urine. The the horrible physical exam.. ugh. My cervix was closed, and no blood from the exam. Phew. But why was I bleeding so bad earlier? The took a sample, and had determined it to be a bladder infection. Waiting for the results.. probably won't get them until Thursday. In the mean time I am on medicine, which I also have to keep an eye on as it is in the Penicillin family, which I am allergic to. I am just baffled though as I have no symptoms of a BI. *shrug*.

All in all I was out of there in like an hour, called a taxi and went home. Got a big hug from Mike, called his mom to let her know all was well (he had called her earlier to find out his blood type.. I couldn't remember at the time the doctor asked me as they were going to do my Rhogam shot then, but decided to delay it until next week) then I drove to the drugstore to get my prescription filled. Late night.

I feel fine now, no more bleeding, but I tell you I was sure terrified.

Picture to post tomorrow once I get it off of the camera :)

26 week doctor appointment

So my appointment was yesterday, and all is well. I gained 2 pounds in 4 weeks (can you tell my appetite is back?! Hello Christmas goodies!), BP good, pee good this time. The baby's heartrate was regular — the standard 150 it's been — and I am measuring right on track.

But. And there is always a but. The baby was in a breach position so once again it was impossible to determine the gender. It's butt was waaaayyyy down in my pelvis, couldn't even get a peek! Dr. H of course thinks it is funny, because every time we go to peek the baby is not not NOT allowing it! And I want to know!! So much for my Christmas wish! LOL! It's okay that the baby is breach right now, as it has lots of time to move (or be moved!). Fingers crossed.

And another but. But this time a butt. I swear this is a girl because I am getting a butt.

I got to go in 2 weeks to get my Rhogam shot. In my big butt. Then go back on January 14th for the routine check-up. I will be 30 weeks. 30 weeks!! Holy doodles.

26 weeks

Week 26: Your baby's becoming more sensitive to sound as the network of nerves in her ears develops. If dad talks to her now, she might learn to recognize his voice. The more she hears it, the more likely she is to find it soothing after she's born. If he feels strange just talking to the baby, he can read the newspaper or a book out loud.
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Time is flying by! I can't believe that I am 26 weeks already. I am feeling good, cold is finally going away. Slept great last night (was not coughing up a storm!) due to lack of stress now — I passed my road test! This is huge in my life! I have struggled for a long time with getting the courage to drive and now I am one step closer to having my license! Unfortunately I am stuck in that Graduated Licensing Program, so now I have to display a green "N" (for Novice) sign for a couple years, then do another road test, but that is fine by me! I was so nervous yesterday morning before the test, I thought I was going to throw up. I was snapping at Mike, trying to take big breaths and r-e-l-a-x. Easier said than done. Even threw a bit of a wobbly in the parkade before heading up. But it's done!!

No more dizzy spells or seeing spots, etc. Thank goodness. I feel that everything is okay though and it was due to stress, being sick with a cold and just got over a brutal flu (that made every part of me hurt & ache!). I go back to the doctors on Monday, and hope to talk to him about the three hours GTT test. Maybe if the levels weren't too high for my one hour test I could just repeat that? One can hope! Either way I am waiting to do it until after Christmas. Easier that way. And hopefully I can get a sneak peek of the gender on the ultrasound! He said that there was a very good chance of being able to see the sex this time..

I have gained back a couple of the 5 pounds I lost with the flu. I feel it is all going to my bum this pregnancy! Cathy says that is a sure sign of a girl! LOL! After 5 girls in a row I think she knows a thing or two ;) Mike is nice and says no, not that I care anyways. I am making a baby afterall! This is a big job!

Next week I enter my third trimester. My GOODNESS!!

*sigh*

So I got a call from my Maternity Clinic this afternoon. I knew it was going to be about my test results.. turns out the results from me GD were a bit high so they would like me to do the three hour test. NOOOO! That really sucks.

I never had to do this with Ben, so I am hoping that all is well. It's just not fun to have to do. I have to take time out of my work day ($) to get it done, not to mention the fasting. Oh the fasting! So I will take my iPod, a book, magazine and my book to review as Friday morning is my Road Test. Another thing to worry about.

Just please don't snow!

25 weeks

Week 25: Eggplant! Average size — 34.6 to 37.6 cm, 660 to 1005 grams. Let your spouse put an ear to your belly — he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.
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15 weeks to go!!

Besides having the flu this past week, and now having a cold, not much is new! 7:20am this morning I went to the BC BioLab to do my blood work and the Gestational Diabetes 1 hour test. Dr. C said that if there is anything wrong (BI or otherwise) they would call me. And for my next appt on the 17th I have to go get my Rhogam shot in the butt. Woot!

My body is sure getting tired already, my hips mainly. They aren't as sore as when I was really sick (oh the body aches!!!) but I can sure tell I am pregnant!

I have noticed that in the last couple weeks, that when I have Ben sitting on my lap, the baby really starts to kick. It makes me smile :D

A bit of a scare...

Yesterday, while I was working, I started to experience a bit of blurred vision and then started to see spots. I tried to see if it would pass but after a while it got a bit worse. I called my friend Cathy to ask her if this ever happened to her, because the day before I had a dizzy spell on my walk home from daycare. We both agreed that it would be best for me to call my doctor and see what they said. I left a message, and did some research as I new that this could be a sign of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. I knew it wasn't the latter as I would have other symptoms.

My doctors office called me back right away and they said I should get in right away to be sure everything was alright. I then had to call Mike, but where he was working on site was a bad service range and had no reception. Darn it! So I had to call his foreman and leave the message for him to call home right away. I hate leaving messages like that! So he did and I said I needed him to come home so I could go to the doctors.

BP was fine, but my urine had some blood and whiteblood cells in it. So they suspect that I might be getting a bladder infection, which left untreated can cause kidney problems. This doesn't explain the spots or vision problems, but if it happens again I have call them right away. I have to go get some bloodwork done tomorrow morning though, and do my diabetes screen at the same time. Joy! Fasting from 8pm tonight! No snack before bed! Luckily the lab opens at 7am so I will be there as soon as I can! Now that we are over the flu, I like food again! Don't leave a pregnant woman hungry!!

So I go back as scheduled on the 17th to see my own doctor, and if anything is abnormal with my results they will contact me. Keep you posted!

24 weeks

Week 24: Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance **that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
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6 months! I am feeling great for the most part.. only complaint is the pains I get in my hip, and the tiredness. It is all manageable! At this point with Ben, I had major heartburn all the time, and swollen feet (thanks to the warm weather!). Now I think I am going to have a hard time trying to keep my belly covered as I outgrow my winter coat! Ben has his first stomach flu right now, and I hoping the vomiting stops, as it sure triggers my gag reflex! Ick! He was at his grandparents for the past 4 days, and I think the baby sure noticed when he was home!! He was sitting on my lap, we were chatting, and the movements were incredible! A great feeling!

If all goes well I will get another belly pic soon.. it grows more and more each day!

A photo at last!

Saturday night was Mike's Christmas party, so we got all dressed up :D The baby moved a LOT when the band was playing (yes, there was a band. Don't ask.), especially during YMCA. Funny! We'll hope it was simply because it was so loud in there.

Here I am at 23 weeks and the three of us!

23 weeks

Week 23: Still a papaya! Feeling energetic and excited about the upcoming birth? If you find yourself dancing around the house with joy, your baby will hear the music and feel you sway, since his hearing and sense of movement are well developed now. He's also started blinking his eyelids. Once you reach this 24th week of pregnancy, your baby becomes "viable". This means that he has a chance of survival if born now. With each week that passes, he becomes more and more mature and better able to cope with the outside world.
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I have been feeling regular movements now, at the same times of the day (or night!) and it is wonderful! I was awake last night for what felt like forever, just feeling the baby move! Same with this morning.. Mike can feel it all the time now, big hard kicks.

Tonight is Mike's Christmas party for work, and I am really looking forward to it. We get to stay overnight at the hotel (Granny and Grampa came to watch Ben! And the dogs!) and relax. And sleep in a king size bed! Then go for breakfast the next morning! And I won't have a hangover this year! LOL! The time is muchly needed for us though, and appreciated 100%! Thanks Mom and Dad! I will be sure to get a picture taken of me all glammed up :D

22

I am 22 weeks and 5 days today. Today is November 22. I am due March 22. That is four months away! FOUR! Or less if the baby decides to come early.

I have a lot of stuff to do!!

Week 22 check-up...

And we still don't know the gender! He looked (and I even drank half a can of 7-up to get the baby moving, which worked!) but it wasn't in the proper position. He said maybe by next visit he can tell more, as it will be even more developed. How great would that be? Find out a week before Christmas what we are having?!?

But everything else is A-OK. I gained just a pound and a half, BP was great, good pee! Dr. H said to keep up the good work! And the ultrasound results were perfect! Woot!

Nothing much to share, but I did record the heartbeat on my phone! A nice consistent 150 :)

22 weeks

Week 22: Papaya. Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in up to 10 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

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I like all the *her references above! As my mother-in-law says, we should just start calling her by name!

Things are moving along! I am not 5.5 months, and feeling pregnant more than ever. My hips are already starting to get quite sore, and the waddle is settling in because of it. Oh well, the nausea has gone away for the most part, and I only get bits of heartburn when I go to bed (from laying down).

Good news is that Mike felt the baby move on this week! That was very exciting.. I am sure he could have felt it before, but we never had the time to sit down and try. It was a nice big kick, that he said made his hand move! It seems to be a quiet baby, I don't think it is quite as active as Ben was at this stage. That might be a good thing! Looking back at how busy Ben was in my tummy, sure does show how it relates to their personality now! Oy vey!

Monday is my doctor appointment. We will discuss the ultrasound results, etc, and see if he can see the baby's gender on his machine. I think this time I am going to drink a Coke before going in. Gotta get this baby moving! Would love to be able to go back for another scan...

Will get a photo taken this weekend :D

21 weeks (and one day!)

Weeks 21-24 (Month 5): Papaya. Average size — 26.7 to 30 cm, 360 to 600 grams. Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.
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Now that things are moving along in the pregnancy, the updates get jumbled more into the months instead of the weeks. But we have made it to Papaya stage! I laughed this morning when I read that the nips are sprouting.. I shouted to Mike (and the baby probably heard!) that our daughter's boobies are starting to sprout! He countered me by saying "Oh ya, our boy is getting boobs?". Maybe he said pecks. But either way he is still on the blue team!

Feeling movements more and more now, and funny little jabs. Yesterday I felt a small one from the outside of my belly, so it's just a matter of time before Mike can share in this cool experience once again! Being closer to Christmas, my stress levels have been increasing, but thanks to a great hubbie I am trying to not let it get to me. Financial issues + Christmas just aren't fun. Not at all. Can I hope for a miracle?!?

The ultrasound.. dum dum DUM!

Well, the ultrasound is done. And..... we don't know what we are having! A baby obviously, but they decided to be stubborn the whole visit and not show us the bits. And when I say stubborn, I mean it! I had to lay on my back, then my side, my back again, my side. Walk around in the hallway, jump up and down, back, then side.. and that was all to just get the basic measurements of the heart and whatnot! The baby was laying on it's stomach basically and not wanting to flip over!

When Mike was allowed in, the technician went over everything and showed us the baby together, saw it stretching, opening it's mouth, moving hands/fingers.. very cool. Then when she moved down to the nether region, surprise surprise! The legs were crossed. They would open slightly, then snap shut! Then repeat. I think she tried for what felt like 10 minutes! She said that it looked like a girl sometimes, then a boy so she couldn't be sure. I personally saw girly bits, but who knows.

I go for my doctor appointment on the 19th, so we'll see what he sees on his machine, and whether or not he needs me to go again (please please please!).

Overall it was a humorous day, and something to remember and share in the future! I am happy that it's healthy and growing (heartrate was 148!) and looks cute as a button :)

Tomorrow is the day..

It's more exciting than Christmas!

Of course it's all I could think about all day, this and my mum. I know she is rooting for me! My Grandma called me this morning, wishing me luck. She is so anxious to find out what we are having ("We didn't have this kind of technology when I was having babies!"). And the girls at work were all super excited yesterday when I went in — "Is tomorrow the day we find out if we are having a girl!?" Yes WE! LOL! It's nice to know so many people care so much about this baby and us!

I am not sure if I am going to get much sleep tonight, thinking about seeing the little one in further detail on the screen. And for Mike to see, too! Getting a picture or two or three to share! I know everything is fine, that it's all healthy and growing and whatnot, but the butterflies are from excitement — that and now I am getting DEFINITE jabs!

20 weeks!!! Five months!!!

Week 20: Cantaloupe. Average fetus — 16.4 cm, 300 grams. Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

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Now that is what I like to hear — baby's genitals are now fully formed! LOL!! Which means when we go for our ultrasound on Friday we will almost be guaranteed to find out who is growing inside me! So excited!

I felt the baby move the most yesterday, very exciting. When I don't feel it for a period of time, I just have to tell myself that it is still early yet and in a couple weeks (or sooner!) I will be REALLY able to feel movements. Then Mike will be able to feel it.. that will be so great. Hopefully it isn't shy :D Ben sure wasn't!

19 weeks and 5 days..

Took this picture of myself in the bathroom mirror yesterday. Belly is a growing! Ben is so cute about it now.. he is lifting my shirt up more and more, saying "baby!" and giving kisses & pats.

8 days until the ultrasound!!! I don't think I am going to be able to sleep the night before!

19 weeks!

Week 19: Mango. Average fetus — 15.3 cm, 240 grams. Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.
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Almost halfway there! I read earlier today that the baby's teeth are starting to form in their gums. How crazy is that?!?

I am back at my tired stage.. ugh. Baby must be growing more because I am really starting to feel sluggish. There are definite movements now, starting to feel them more often, usually when I am going to bed! It's getting harder to fall asleep now, trying to get comfortable. Body pillow is now needed!

We are getting really excited for our upcoming ultrasound, so are our friends and family. I spoke with my Grandma this morning on the phone (her 72nd birthday!) and she can't wait to find out what we are having. She too is thinking pink!

Ben is starting to "learn" that there is a baby in my tummy. At least that is what we like to think! Now when I ask him where the baby is, he lifts up his own shirt and says "baby!" It's adorable. When I tell him that there is one growing in my tummy, he HAS to lift up my shirt and look. Yesterday he even gave kisses — which tickled! Such a funny little monster..

Pregger brain

It is a terrible thing! I can't even count how many stupid things I did when I was pregnant with Ben, not to mention how forgetful I was at times. It is boggling! I like to think that I am normally not a forgetful person, so when this happens, I feel even more like an idiot!

I thought I would start to keep track of my "instances" of pregger brain.

- A couple weeks ago I went to work (I usually go into the office one day a week) and I forgot my power cable. Yes, for my Mac Book. Which means the battery wouldn't last all day and the boss' husband had to bring his in so I could continue working. Doh!

- I was making Mike's coffee for him the night before a work day, and getting his lunch together. Trying to be a good wifey. Well, the next afternoon Mike thanks me for doing all that, and says that the coffee usually tastes better when you put WATER into it! Ohmigod. I thought he was going to tell me that I killed the coffee maker. Thank goodness I didn't.

Those are just a couple that stand out the most right now, (I am sure I will think of more!) this early in the morning, but forgetfulness is a regular occurrence. I forget things to take to daycare for Ben (like the cheque to pay her, or miss a day to pay her for).

Thankfully, I know I am not the only one! And when I have a REALLY awesome day, like at work, I can joke that I have the help of an extra brain :)

Another check-up

And everything was a-ok! BP good, pee was good, gained 4 pounds but I think that brings my total to about 11 or 12 pounds so far.

The heart rate was about 150 again. Sounds so fast! We were curious to see what would be visible on the office's ultrasound machine, if the doctor could guess on the gender! But as soon as the baby was on the screen, we both laughed and saw that it would be impossible! The wee one was in a much different position from last week. Instead of a nice side profile, it was like looking with a birds eye view! The head was tucked in, knees to it's chin and legs crossed. I could even see all of the toes! Amazing :) I am now even more excited to see what it will look like at the BIG ultrasound!

I asked the doctor if they got my records from my previous doctor, regarding my pregnancy/birthing of Ben. I was curious to see what it said about the bleeding problems I had as it was never explained to me. Dr. H says that it was most likely due to the labour happening so fast that my cervix didn't have enough time to "prepare". Hopefully it doesn't happen again (the bleeding!) but at least they know about it.

18 weeks!

Week 18: Sweet Potato. Average fetus — 14.2 cm, 190 grams. Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.
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I have DEFINITELY been feeling flutters, especially the last few days. Such a neat thing, and knowing that they are just going to get stronger is very exciting. Well, except for when the baby is kicking into my ribs or bouncing on my bladder! I just love that it is compared to a sweet potato.. so cute. Reminds me of Toy Story when Mrs. Potato head calls Mr. Potato her little sweet potato!

As I grow bigger, I can feel the waddle coming on, more so after a long day, or when I am walking home from taking Ben to daycare. My rain coat is snug, and it sure shows I have a pregger belly! Gonna have to come up with a solution for that, one that doesn't involve a poncho!

And I will try once again to get a decent picture taken of me! Maybe Cathy can take one this weekend if we go for a visit :D

17 weeks and 2 days!

Week 17: Average fetus — 13 cm, 140 grams. Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.
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A few days late on my blog updating — we went to the Island this weekend and didn't have time to post before we left!

Things are moving along so fast, and I can't believe that in a few short weeks, I will be halfway there! And the ultrasound is approaching so quickly..

Last night I had my first baby dream. It was craziness.. I was giving birth, and it happened so fast, and out came this gorgeous chubby girl with dark hair. And I instantly named her what we have picked out for a girl. I was sobbing and happy and it was wonderful! Then Ben came into the room, threw Teddy at me and climbed into my bed. Lovely. Oh well, it was a nice dream while it lasted! Let's hope it means something! PINK PINK PINK!

Which brings me to another subject.. names. I have had two names picked out for quite some time, probably over a year, and Mike and I have discussed them. He likes them, I LOVE them. I wish I could use them both! But when people ask me if I have names, I struggle with the fact of "Should I tell them or not?" and then I do, and I get sometimes horrible reactions! And these aren't strangers I am telling, either. It honestly hurts when they can't just zip up their big fat gobs and keep their opinions to themselves. And some of these faces/reactions have been from family members. They aren't horrible names! They aren't opening doors for years of teasing (well at least I don't think so!) and they aren't something I just thought of last week. So I have come to the conclusion that I either won't tell people at all, or at least until we know what we are having and then we can "name" him/her and if I DO tell people there will be a disclaimer: I have had these names set aside for quite sometime. I really like them. They have sentimental reason's to them also. Sorry if this sounds rude, but I don't care what people think about them because I love them. And yes, Mike likes them too."

And then I will stick out my tongue at them. Well, kidding about that, but sometimes I seriously want to.

So, until I know if it is a miss or a mister, all you out there that know our names, keep it hush until I say. Thanks ;D

16 weeks!

Week 16: Avocado. Average fetus — 11.6 cm, 100 grams. Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.
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Well here I am — 4 months! Seems like not that long ago I found out (before 5 weeks!). Time has really flown by. Now the wait is on for the big ultrasound on November 9th. Cannot wait! Starting to get the furniture for the nursery (a dresser, and a dresser that is going to be used as a change table). Just got to get it cleared out of the junk to make it less of a storage room!

I can't wait to be able to feel the baby move, and have Mike feel him/her. EEks!

Belly shot..

So my lovely hubbie was instructed to take a photo of me, but a) didn't tell me when he was actually taking it and b) refused to take another when I saw how BAD it looked.

As Kerry put it, "The face just makes me laugh, you could be wearing one of those english guard outfits with the big black hats...LOL." So, you all get the doctored photo — but at least you get to see the belly!

Saturday I am 4 months and will update again then.. perhaps Mike will take a better pic :D

15 weeks

Week 15: Naval orange. Average fetus — 10.1 cm, 70 grams. Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms.
And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your baby is squirming
and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't
feel the movements.

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One more week and I am 4 months along! Been feeling okay, but been sick a couple times this week and hope I am not now getting morning sickness in my second trimester! Let's hope for the best :D

Getting started on the spare room, slowly, which of course will be the new baby room! Got to get a lot of stuff moved into the crawlspace (Ben's old toddler bed, etc) and re-organize the closet. Of course a lot of it has to wait until we find out what we are having, in terms of going through the clothes. Got the crib, getting a dresser from my Aunt which we will convert into a changing station and also getting a lovely dresser from the family that goes with Ben's dresser (which used to be mine when I was born!). This one matches it, and has a gorgeous mirror on the top. Would sure look fab in a girls room!!

Madame Zaritska's reading

Thanks to Cathy for sharing this :D

Madame Zaritska, our resident clairvoyant, wants to help you prepare for the arrival of your child. Here she does her best to predict certain aspects of your labor and birth experience.

What she senses for you
The day you deliver, outside will be cloudy. Your baby will arrive in the early evening.

After a labor lasting approximately 3 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and will be 21-1/2 inches long. This child will have green eyes and some blond hair.

Second Trimester Blues..

My lemon is giving ME a sour-face! I threw up again this morning, complete with dry heaving. ICK ICK ICK!

Could it be possible to be getting morning sickness in the 2nd trimester?!? I haven't experienced this before.. but twice in the same week makes me wonder :(

Maybe a sign that I really am on the pink team! LOL...

14 weeks, 2 days

Week 14: Lemon. Average fetus — 8.7 cm, 43 grams. Your adorable little baby is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth.

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We are back from our whirlwind trip to New York! It was amazing, but exhausting. I am very glad to be home.. missed my boys terribly. Will post pics soon on my other blog.

This morning was my 14 week appointment, I got to see a new doctor, and he is great. Am MUCH happier with him. Down to earth, a sense of humour, covered all the bases.. 100% different from the other one. So I will be seeing Dr. H from now on. I gained 3lbs (blaming that on all the yummy food I got to eat in NY!) but that only makes I think 5lbs the whole pregnancy so far. I was really looking forward to hearing the heartbeat — which was nice and steady at 150. What was even better was I got to SEE the baby! They have a wee ultrasound machine right in the exam room, they turn the lights out and I get to look at a TV mounted on the wall and see my wee babe! Dr. H said that all is well, thought it was funny that the baby seemed to be just relaxing, looking very comfortable. One hand was at the face, as if to be sucking. I am even more excited to go for our big ultrasound in November!

Had an icky experience this morning though.. I got sick! The first time so far. Was so strange because I felt fine. Was eating breakfast with Ben, finished my toast and tea, then ugh. Didn't feel so great. Ran to the bathroom (and of COURSE the door was closed and I didn't notice.. yes I ran into it. Yes you can laugh!), the dogs started barking, made it in time, then Ben started calling me telling me he is done. "Done! Pease! Done!" Joy of joys. Then missed our bus. Twice. Don't ask.. transit was not on my side today at all.

13 weeks

Week 13: Peach. Average fetus — 7.4 cm, 23 grams. Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

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This week is a big week for wee bébé and I — we are flying to New York! My peach and I are going to the big apple! I get to go with work for a trade show and am very excited. It will be a nice break but super strange to travel with no family. No husband and no son. I will miss them terribly, but that just makes coming home that much nicer ;)

Nothing else new though... belly continuing to grow and I feel hungry almost all the time. I go to the doctor in a couple weeks and am very anxious to hear the heartbeat. And then we have the ultrasound to look forward to! We have the names already picked out (have had them picked for quite a while!), and once we find out what we will having, I think we will share them. I can't wait to know who is growing inside of me!

The other day I was standing in front of Ben (he was in his booster chair) and he poked my tummy. I told him that there was a baby in my tummy and he gave me the most puzzling look. He lifted my shirt, pulled the band of my pants down and poked my belly button.. of course making me laugh. We'll see what he does as it grows bigger and bigger!

12 weeks!! Three months!!

Week 12: Plum. Average fetus — 5.4 cm, 14 grams. As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of baby's systems are fully formed.

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Well here I am! 12 weeks pregnant and feeling much better! I am hungry almost ALL the time, and need to snack often to avoid nausea. Will be interesting as I fly to New York this month for a whirlwind trade show with work.. my suitcase is going to be loaded with granola bars and crackers LOL! As you can see from my picture I already have a belly growing! My friend Kerry came over a couple weeks ago and she said "Ya, you look pregnant!".

I am anxious to hear the heartbeat, just for peace of mind and know all is well, but won't hear that until the 24th. Oh well. I will try to wait patiently!

11 weeks!

Week 11: Lime. Average fetus — 4.1 cm, 7 grams. Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through. But, fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds and nail beds are forming - setting up a significantly more attractive future.
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It's now a lime!! And this baby is making it's presence known — my waistline is growing and I am already having to wear my maternity clothing. Sure is comfy :D

I had my other doctor visit today.. the dreaded physical *shudder*. It wasn't that bad, but they are never GOOD! But it's not like they can do that much poking around, gentle gentle!! Was kind of disappointed that I didn't get a chance to hear the heartbeat, as the doctor said my cervix is tilted. Strange.. I don't remember being told this at all with my pregnancy with Ben, but then again not every pregnancy is alike! But good news is that I only gained half a pound, and I booked my ultrasound for November!! I will be almost 21 weeks, which means there is a good chance of finding the sex of the baby, perhaps without the added cost of the 4D scan (cha-CHING!).

I am thinking that I may want to change doctors though.. not saying that my current one isn't good, but I just don't know if I will get that relationship I would like to have with my doctor. My last one was GREAT, and I wish I could go see him again but it is too far to travel. I just feel that I have to ask too many questions, that certain things should be brought up by them and not me. I dunno. My next appointment is on a different day, which means I see someone different, and perhaps I will get a better feeling from him/her.

10 weeks!

Week 10: Prune. Average fetus — 3.1 cm, 4 grams. With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will too.)

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I can't believe it has been 5 weeks already since we found out we were pregnant! Time has flown by... luckily I have been feeling better, not as much nausea (thank goodness!) and I think my energy is starting to come back. Just can't over do it, and have snacks available to avoid the icky feeling.

This coming Friday I go for my physical and I get to hear the heartbeat! I am so looking forward to that.. then I get to book my ultrasound! Hopefully by 18 or 19 weeks we will find out what we are having!!

9 weeks!

Week 9: Green olive. Average fetus — 2.3 cm, 2 grams. Your little embryo has now officially graduated to fetus-hood. Adding to the excitement, a Doppler ultrasound device might be able to pick up the beating heart. With basic physical structures in place and increasingly distinct facial features, baby is kind of starting to look like... well... a baby!

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I can't believe that I have known I am pregnant for already 4 weeks! Time has just flown by, faster than I expected for the second time around. I am looking forward to the first trimester being over, and hopefully feeling less nauseous and have some more energy. Maybe?!?

At the doctor's yesterday, they gave me a big folder full of information, samples and papers. Kind of a care package! There was a brochure all about the stages of your pregnancy with pictures of the embryo/fetus. I have seen these before of course, but when I came to the nine week one, I was shocked! It is really amazing how in like a week or so, it suddenly looks like a BABY and not, say, tadpole like! And how fast they change in a weeks time. 217 days to go!

First doctor visit...

This morning was my first pre-natal doctor visit and it was great!! It was really neat being back at that type of office, as I got the same butterflies as I did with Ben. I get to be here! I am ALLOWED to be here because I am preggers!!! Very cool feeling :D

Since we have just moved here, I don't have a family doctor close to me so I was referred to the Maternity Clinic and they were so nice there. The receptionist was such a doll, and I think I will really enjoy my doctor. He is a nice man, seems pretty soft spoken and gentle. Don't think he will be cracking any jokes quite yet, but as long as he takes care of me and my baby, then all is good!! It is just different to not have the same doctor I had the whole pregnancy with Ben.

My blood pressure was good, weight good (no tsk tsk's there!!) and even went to get my blood work done right afterwards to just get it over with! I go back in two weeks for my physical, book my ultrasound, and hear my babe's heartbeat!!! I am so excited about that.

Time is sure flying by with this pregnancy already. It seems like I just made the appointment for the clinic.. maybe having a crazy busy toddler and working might have something to do with that!!

Oh! And I also got the official A-OK that I can fly next month! I knew that it probably wouldn't have been a problem, but now I know that I can with ease! New York here I come!!

A gift!

A friend of mine mailed me a lovely little baby gift :) It is adorable and can't wait for my "spring chicken" to wear it in March!

Thanks Gillian!!

Two months already!

Week 8: Raspberry. Average embryo — 1.6cm. Your baby is growing like mad, putting on about a millimeter every day and continuing to straighten out in the trunk. Though you can't feel it yet, baby is moving those little arms, legs and (now only slightly) webbed fingers and toes like crazy.
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Things are moving along quickly! I feel pretty good, tired at times but have had a nice week (Ben has been at his Grandparents) to myself, doing things around the house. Mornings are a bit icky, but I know that I just have to get up and have a bite to eat before I feel sick. I don't look forward to brushing my teeth though.. not fun.

My clothes have already started to get snug around my mid-section, and have a bit of a bump growing. I guess things grow much faster seeing as I have already had a baby. Crazy... don't remember my body changing this much so quickly!

I go for my first pre-natal appointment on Friday morning and I am looking forward to it. I have some questions and hope that I like my new doctor. Once you go for your first appointment, things just start to feel that much more REAL! Then I can get the exact due date, book our ultrasound for around 20weeks and whatnot. Exciting!

I am so looking forward to feeling this little one move, and am really leaning for the pink team! I want a girl! Of course I will be happy with another little boy, but I really do feel this is a girl. Can't wait to find out what we are having :)

A couple weeks ago, we were looking at a new stroller (a sit and stand kind for Ben and the new baby) as they were on sale, got one, and was trying the infant carrier in it. Ben climbed into it, looked about 6 feet long in comparison to the car seat, and proudly said "Bay-bee"! It brought tears to my eyes.. he hasn't said "baby" in a while, but it was amazing that he just seemed to GET it. He is coming home today, and I can't wait to give him a big hug. And show him is new bedroom!!

The cat is out of the bag... mostly!!

Week 7: Blueberry. Average embryo — 1.3cm
Baby's brain -- both hemispheres! -- is growing fast, generating about 100 new cells every minute. Arms and legs are emerging as joints start to form, and a permanent set of kidneys (baby's third!) is now in place.
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Well we told the in-laws this weekend, and I feel much better now that they know :) Have lots of other people to inform yet, but they know!

I made Ben a t-shirt that says "big brother in training", and put it into a collage for one of those coffee tumblers for Mom (something that she has been wanting). We gave it to her after dinner, Ben helped her open it and then she was able to look at all the smiley faces of her grandson on it. Then she noticed THE picture! She read it aloud, then asked if he really IS a big brother in training! We nodded yes and then it was big hugs :) Now all feels right in the world that I can talk about it with Mom as she is such an important person on my life.

They leave tomorrow morning and are taking Ben with them for the week.. the timing couldn't be better! A week of relaxing and doing things around the house (and working of course!) will be very nice. Will miss the gaffer so very much, but will love him that much more when we see him on Saturday!!

The excitement of finding out!

Week 6: Sweet Pea. Average embryo — .63cm
Growing like crazy, baby is starting to sprout eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin. Those little hands & feet- still webbed like paddles- might wiggle by week's end, the heart is beating (almost twice as fast as yours!), and blood is starting to circulate.
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Having been sort of trying for about 6 months, and then every month finding out I wasn't pregnant, I had been focusing really hard to not think of "symptoms". A friend told me that sometimes when you don't feel pregnant, you probably are! Sure enough, I was. But I had been feeling REALLY tired, a huge sign, and just not like myself. Two days before my cycle was due, I took a test. Negative. The day of, I got up early to test. Another negative. Big *sigh*

I went back to look at the test, and ohmygoodness! 5 minutes later it was a big fat positive!

I took a picture of it on my cell phone and sent it to Mike (who was on his way to school). He said he received the picture and couldn't make out what it was. Keep in mind this is all before 6am! He handed his phone to his friend and said "What the heck is this?". Gavin looked at it and said "Dude. It's a pregnancy test. Congratulations!". Mike then called me back, and I was crying pretty hard at that point that he couldn't tell if I was happy or not!! I assured him that I was very, very excited.


After getting home late that night from work (and thinking about it all day, unable to concentrate!), I took another test and within a couple minutes it was positive. In fact, I went and looked at the first test I took and it was positive, too! Had I have waited a few more minutes I would have found out two days before!

Since having moved to a new city, I need a new doctor. I really wish that I could see the doctor I had with Ben, but it is too far to travel. I made an appointment at the Maternity Clinic for August 17th — my first prenatal check up!

Welcome to my pregnancy blog!

The Merriman's have another bun in the oven! We are so excited to be pregnant with our second child, a sister or a brother for Ben! Check back for updates :)