Friday, May 17, 2013

I am still pregnant and at 41 weeks and 1 day. We have had a number of doctor visits over the last few weeks to track my progress, or lack there of. They told me I was going to be late, but, that it was completely normal for a smooth first pregnancy. May 8th, we went in for our 40 weeks appointment and despite all my efforts to get labor going, the doctor told me I was only 1cm dilated.  We left scheduling an appointment for May 17th to do an ultrasound and non-stress test to make sure everything with the baby was still okay.
Between Monday and today, Friday, I have continued to try everything to get things going and make some progress. My mom and I have amped up our walking to almost 7 miles a day. I bounce on the exercise ball every night, I have eaten eggplant numerous times, been drinking raspberry leaf tea (sounds yummy, but its not, don't try it), having sex (I know that's probably TMI), eating pineapple and strawberries.
So, today rolls around, and still no baby. The ultrasound had a little bit of good and a little bit of unexpected news. The good news is that the baby is showing no signs of stress, therefore, we didn't not have to do the non-stress test. The baby was moving great and breathing well. The unexpected news is that the amniotic fluid is low. The way the doctor explained it was, that if the fluid is measuring at 6 cm they start to watch the fluid closely. If its at 5cm they start to plan a C-section, and obviously anything lower than that, its an emergency C-section and the baby needs to be delivered asap. I am measuring at 6.1cm. They also re-checked me and despite all my efforts, I am still only 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Therefore, they have decided to be safe than sorry, and have moved my induction date to Sunday night. The doctor said he thinks that my uterus and cervix might not be transmitting the message to each other to start laboring. I have a lot of contractions but because my cervix isn't thinning out and opening, that's probably why nothings happening.
The induction will start with me going in on Sunday night to start the medication to thin out and open my cervix. Then, they will start me on the Pitocin Monday morning. With being induced they are notorious for being a long, slower, and more drawn out labor, but at least the end is near. Doctor said Tuesday, at the latest, we will have a baby! :)

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Well folks, we are getting near the end. Today marks 37 weeks 3 days!
Baby is around 6 1/2 lbs and is as long as he/she is going to get at about 20-21''. The baby is the size of a watermelon. The baby gains about a half of an ounce per day. Baby is continuing to shed vernix and lanugo from its skin. Which is a white cheese like substance that has been on the baby to protect its skin from the amniotic fluid. In these final weeks the lungs are about the last thing to reach its final stages of development. Although, the lungs are never fully developed until they take their first breath.

As for me, I am still kicking. I feel great. Everybody keeps asking me if I am miserable yet. I do have the back aches, heartburn, swollen feet some days, and a hard time breathing at times, but that's nothing. I can't complain. Its been pretty enjoyable and I am very thankful for that. I am going to miss being pregnant, but I can't wait to see this little peanut!
I have been going to my weekly visits with the OB. Baby is still head down and staying in the right position. I still have not had any Braxton Hicks contractions yet. They told me its totally normal and some don't get any until the last week and even the last few days of their pregnancy. 

Just want to remind everybody that it's not too late to mail in your guesses for the baby pool. Its been so fun to get and see the guesses from those of you that have sent them in. Also, I want to clarify its $2/guess/category. So, if you guessed for each category (day, time, weight, and length), you would send $8. Also, don't count the gender in your amount total. That will only be used in case of a tie.


 
35 Weeks 5 Days

 
36 Weeks 1 Day

 
Almost finished, just waiting for the shades to arrive

 
36 Weeks 2 Days


Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter to everybody! Hope you are having/had a wonderful day with your loved ones.

I was told that our "Guessing" Pool was a little confusing, so I am hoping to clear it up a bit.

Each category (date, hour of the day, weight, and height) will have a winner. You have up to 4 chances to win. If there happens to be a tie in a category, we will use the gender as the tie breaker. If there is still a tie, then the money for that category will be evenly divided between the winners. You can have as many guesses as you'd like. Each guess is $2.

I also got some specifics on Brian's birth stats. He was not as big as he thought, thankfully. :) He was 9 pounds 11 ounces, 22 3/4 inches long and was born at 4:14pm. I don't think I mentioned it, but I was born at 11:29am.

I hope you all are interested in playing. The more guesses and people that participate, the more money you have a chance at winning! :)

One another note, I had my 34 week appointment on Wednesday. Baby is still doing great. After waiting in the lobby for 45 minutes to be seen. The doctor felt bad and gave me a free ultra sound. It was so wonderful to see the little peanut again! Baby has gotten so big! He showed me that the baby has moved into the right, and ideal birthing position. Head is down, and the baby's spine is forward against my belly. :)

 
Beautiful 75 degree sunny day. 34 weeks 3 days

 
Had to let the bump out. :) Baby loved the warmth.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Hello Again -- We are 33 weeks 3 days!

Baby J's "Stats":
Head to Heal: 20 inches
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Size: Pineapple

The baby continues to grow and gain weight rapidly. The level of the amniotic fluid has reached its max. There now is more baby than fluid. Which means the pushes, nudges, kicks, punches, and squirming around is no longer as cushioned as before. I am feeling everything these days! :) Its pretty amazing and a great feeling. Baby's starting to really get some power behind some of those movements though. LOL The baby is starting to keep its eyes open while its awake. As the uterine walls continue to get thinner the baby will become more and more aware of day and night, when to sleep and when to be awake. Lets just hope he/she remembers once it enters the world. :) The digestive system is all set. The baby's immune system is up and working and will be able to prevent mild infections and will start to create antibodies that he/she will get from me. The baby's fingernails now reach the end of the fingertips.

Things are going well for me. Getting bigger and bigger each week, which is a good thing. Its welcomed; I want a nice healthy baby. I am still teaching yoga and I am hoping to be able to continue through the end of April.  For the most part I am still able to do everything. Its definitely different doing yoga and having a big belly, though.

My work baby shower went great! We played some fun games, and had good food. We got some cute clothes and some things off our registry.

The nursery is still a work in progress. Brian is in the process of getting the chandelier installed. The crib mattress and changing table are ordered and just waiting for them to arrive. The last "big" thing is to find a glider.
I went out and bought a bunch of newborn clothes, in both boy and girl. I was starting to panic that I didn't have any clothes and that the baby would have nothing to wear in the hospital and the first few weeks at home. Between what I have found and what my mom found, I think we are all set with newborn clothes. My stress level continues to decrease as things are being crossed off the list! :)

Brian and I started a Baby Jeffery "Guessing" Pool. If you'd like to participate and win some money you can mail me our guesses and money. Then, we wait for the big day to see the winners. Its $2 per guess and we have 4 categories:
*Date
*Time (by the hour) ie: 12:00pm, 6:00am, etc...
*Weight
*Length
The doctor said the baby is average size. Its not too big, but not too small. He thinks I will have no issues and will go full term. I haven't had any health problems or anything else that would lead to an early delivery. And I am still contraction free. Brian was a BIG baby, I think he said he was 10 or 11 lbs and 23 inches long. I was 7 pounds 2 ounces and 20 inches long. My due date is May 9th. I don't think I am missing anything. That should help you make your guesses.
We are also asking that you pick a gender. We will use that as a tie breaker. If there is still more than one winner in a category, the money will be divided among the winners. Email me if you have any questions or if you need our mailing address. bkjeffery14@gmail.com

 
31 Weeks 3 Days, Baby shower day!

 
32 Weeks

 
Months 7 (28 weeks) & 8 (32 weeks)

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Hello Family and Friends!

Today, I am 30 weeks and 2 days. We have about 68 days to go.

Baby is about 18 inches long and weighs about 3.2 pounds. The baby should gain anywhere from 3-5 more pounds in the next 10 weeks. Baby's all 5 senses are now developed. Although, he/she wont use the sense of smell until it enters the world and takes the first breathe of air.

I can sure tell the baby is getting bigger. The moments are completely different than they were just weeks ago. Now, the full body movements are felt throughout my entire belly. I can feel movement from both the left and right side of my belly. I am still trying to figure out whether the baby likes or dislikes music. I usually play music a couple times a week in the morning. The baby will move around like crazy and as soon as the music starts the baby stops moving until the break in between songs, and then kicks/moves until the next song starts. I like to think its because he/she likes music, like mom and dad.

As for me, I am doing well. The tiredness has been making a come back, but its a piece of cake compared to the first trimester. I am feeling pretty good!
We got the results of the glucose test back. I do not have gestational diabetes. The test results can back normal. I am, however, anemic. Its not a big surprise to me. I have been anemic in the past and knew that it could be a possibility at some point in my pregnancy. I am taking an iron supplement a couple times a day, in hopes to get my levels back up before delivery day.

Brian and I have made progress on the nursery. Brian got the chair rail up and refinished. The crib was also delivered and Brian got that put together as well. Right now we are working on getting the closets cleared out. There is a lot of crap to go through! Purging, rearranging, and organizing is not something I was looking forward to, but its got to get done.

Brian and I have finally picked out our names. We have two names for each sex. We both think it will be a clear decision once we see and meet our little munchkin for the first time. But just like the sex, you'll have to wait til the big day! :)

We have our next visit March 8th, with our doctor. Its just a normal 20 min check up. But we will also start our hospital paper work and schedule our labor and delivery hospital tour!

I have my work baby shower tomorrow! I am looking forward to that; it should be fun. I can't seem to think of anything else. We are just rolling along!


 
I forgot to put this one last time.

 
27 weeks 5 days

 
Video of Baby at 28 weeks 4 days

 
Chloe getting some snuggling time in with baby!


Brian working on the chair rail
 
 

 
Finished crib!

 
Brians been so sweet and gives me foot massages whenever I ask!

 
Most current photo, 30 weeks

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Well folks ... 3rd trimester! Today marks 27 weeks 3 days. We are down to double digits days, 88(ish) days to go!

Baby's weighing about 2.5lbs and measuring 16 inches from head to heel. This week the baby continues to increase his/her brainwave activity. Baby is starting to REM sleep, which means dreaming has started for our little peanut. I wonder what they dream about?

Hiccups, coughing, sucking, and swallowing are all mastered at this point. I now know the difference between the movement/kicking and the hiccups. Baby seems to have them at least once a day. I read that babies don't seem to notice the hiccups, many of them sleep right through. They typically only last 30 seconds.

Last Wednesday morning I woke up in lots of pain and could barely move. Turns out I pulled a muscle in the upper left part on my back while I was sleeping.  They just told me to use a heating pad, and have Brian massage it. It gets better as each day passes.

I did my glucose test on Friday. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was pretty easy to drink. I made sure to put it in the fridge; I heard its better cold. It tasted like flat orange soda. It did leave me with a tummy ache, since I had to fast for 12 hours prior. It was very sugary! We are just waiting for the results. I'm not sure if they will call us with the results or wait until our appt on Friday.

My wonderful co-worker, Bethany, is throwing me a work baby shower on 03.03.13. I am looking forward to that in a few weeks. It should be fun.

Well, I can't think of anything else new. I'll leave you with a couple more pictures. :)


 
25 Weeks 5 Days

 
26 Weeks 3 Days

 
27 Weeks 1 Day

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Baby J Update! They finally fixed the glitch. Make sure to check out the photos at the bottom! :)

Baby Js "stats":
Head to Heel Height: About 10 inches
Weight: About 1lb 10oz
Size: An Eggplant

25 Weeks:
Baby's starting to open its eyes. There is very little pigmentation in the eyes at the moment. As the weeks go on the pigment will fill in. A baby's eyes may change color until he/she is 1 year old. So who knows if Baby will have pretty green eyes like mommy or gorgeous blue eyes like daddy. :)
Brain wave activity is kicking into gear as well. Not only can Baby hear noises but he/she can now respond with movement and kicks. Baby's sense of touch is starting to increase. Its learning to feel its own face, and can sense touches from outside the womb. Mommy and Daddy are becoming very familiar and soothing for the baby. For the past few weeks, Baby has been mastering the technique of sucking and swallowing the amniotic fluid. They say I may even start to feel hiccups. I don't think I have though. I sure do feel lots of movement and kicks. I read that babies in the womb usually sleep about 16 hours a day... I don't believe our baby does. I feel movement all day, and when I wake up at night, baby's moving then too. I've also read that Brian may be able to hear the baby's heart beat now. Brian says he may have heard it, but that I had a lot of gurgling going on! Lol! I get to experience everything, but this would be something only HE would get to hear and experience. I thought that would be something special for him. We'll have to keep trying!

Maternity clothes are just around the corner for me. My days of regular clothes are limited. I am thankful to make it this long though. Also, my belly button is almost all the way out. Just waiting for the bottom part to pop out. :) Lol

We had our 24 week (6 month) check up, last Friday. Everything is still looking great! I knew I was getting near the time for the glucose testing. I was right. I have to drink the "yummy"  drink and get my blood drawn before our next appt. Glucose testing is to check for gestational diabetes. I get to fast for 12 hours, drink 10 ounces of pure sugary goodness within 5 minutes, and make sure my blood is drawn before an hour after drinking the glucose. Yay, sounds fun, right?! Hopefully everything comes back good though. I'd be very upset with myself, if I do happen to have gestational diabetes. I have been trying to be so good.
So, after my next appt on Feb 15, I will then be in my 3rd and final trimester, which means I will be in the OB office every two weeks (instead of every 4) until my last month, and then it will be weekly until I "pop". We are on the downward slope, people! Getting pretty excited. Can't believe how fast time has flown.

Brian and I met with the daycare provider last weekend. And we love her. Its a small world, turns out, Brian plays basketball with her husband. He said that hes a really nice guy too. We are very thankful to find someone. We think shes going to work out great. My neighbor, Darcy, is even going to put her boy in her daycare too, for when he starts kindergarten in the fall.

Well, I can't seem to think of anything else. Have a great weekend, all!


 
The old dresser my mom found while she was here. (Before)

 
After (You can also kind of see the walls we painted for the nursery. Just have to put up the chair rail.)

 
The cute little chandelier we found for the nursery. (Before)

 
After (I still need to find the right lamp shades for them. And obviously it still needs to be installed.)

 
Baby J's first outfit from Great Grandma Diane.

 
Baby's first Seahawks Jersey.

 
21 weeks 5 days

 
24 weeks 3 days

 
25 weeks, Baby's as big as an Eggplant. :) Little heavier though.
 
 
And lastly, a little video of our little munchkin bouncing, kicking, and moving around. Enjoy! :)