35 weeks!

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We have made it to 35 weeks, which in and of itself is amazing. I am feeling great. It's really hot out, but as long as I take it easy outside & drink tons of water, I am good. 

I've been spending a lot of time in the pool and at the beach. I actually prefer the pool these days, since I can just sit in the water and relax in the coolness. The beach is hot & the water makes me uneasy, since I have such bad balance as my girth increases. I think Rambo likes the beach though; he moves a lot while I am there. I wonder if the ocean is loud enough for him to hear. 

Our nieces and nephews have been terrific sources of name suggestions for the baby. Right now we've received some great ideas. Most notably, "Shameeka Sunshine" and "Chocolate Factory," both of which four-year-old Morgan suggested. Ella (age 5) and Joseph (age 4) both say to name him "Michael," and Mia (age 3) won't answer the question! Trey (age 2) has not given his input, but he has told me that the baby is his and that I'm not the mommy. I'll let him take over the diaper changes, if he wants.

Here's my list of things I still have to do the following before Rambo arrives: 

1. Install the car seat, both in my car and John's. Inspection is on July 7th by the County Sheriff's office. 
2. Pack our hospital bags, and make a list of what needs to go in there when we leave that isn't already in there. 
3. Make sure our cameras (DSLR, point & shoot, and the Flip) are ready, charged and packed or handy. 
4. Finalize a birth plan (roll your eyes if you want) and discuss it with my Dr. 
5. Call a pediatrician and set up a consultation, if they do this.   Appointment is 7/6
6. Get cradle from Uncle Pat (he's making it), and get bedding/mattress to go with it. Change of plans. We're now planning on using the bassinet feature on the pack and play at night and having Rambo nap in his crib and bouncer during the day.So, that means John needs to put together the Pack N Play
7. Attend birthing class at hospital (6/26). 
8. Attend infant CPR class (7/23)
9. Attend breast feeding class (8/4)
10. Oh, yeah, agree on a name. Don't even get me started! 

And here is the weekly survey! 

How Far Along: 35 weeks, 4 days

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: He's got to be between 5-6 lbs now. I don't think the estimate near the honeydew above is accurate.

Other things baby is up to: From thebump.com: "Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month."

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I haven't weighed myself yet this week. Last week it was 22. I'm kind of scared...

Movement: He's all over the place. My belly looks like there are waves in it sometimes. 

Sleep: I'm sleeping very well these days. I have a boppy body pillow between my legs and in front of me, a wedge pillow under my belly, and an Ewok under my chin.

Symptoms: Back pain, hip pain, bloody noses, difficulty breathing, irritability

 

Cravings: sweets.    

Aversions: Chicken. 

Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah.

Belly Button: Still in, but mighty small and cute.

 

Milestones: I reached 35/35 this week. This basically means that I am 35 weeks pregnant with 35 days left to go! One more month until I hold my sweet boy!

Looking forward to: Holding my baby, feeling his tushy, hearing his little squeaks and noises

What I Miss:  Coffee & being comfortable 

Next appointment: Next week with my OB. I'm hoping for a cervical check to see if I'm dilated and I'll be getting the Strep B screening. You can Google that one yourself.

Times I used the Doppler in the last week: 0

Weekly bump pic: 

34 Weeks

NOTE: THIS ENTRY WAS WRITTEN A WEEK BEFORE IT WAS PUBLISHED. THE PUBLISH DATE WILL SAY JULY 5TH, BUT IT WAS WRITTEN THE WEEK BEFORE. 

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So we are 34 weeks now! I cannot believe it. We still have a good deal to do, but we're in great shape for Rambo's arrival. 

Here's my list of things I still have to do the following before Rambo arrives: 

1. Install the car seat, both in my car and John's. Inspection is on July 7th by the County Sheriff's office. 
2. Pack our hospital bags, and make a list of what needs to go in there when we leave that isn't already in there. 
3. Make sure our cameras (DSLR, point & shoot, and the Flip) are ready, charged and packed or handy. 
4. Finalize a birth plan (roll your eyes if you want) and discuss it with my Dr. 
5. Call a pediatrician and set up a consultation, if they do this.   Appointment is 7/6
6. Get cradle from Uncle Pat (he's making it), and get bedding/mattress to go with it. Change of plans. We're now planning on using the bassinet feature on the pack and play at night and having Rambo nap in his crib and bouncer during the day.
7. Attend birthing class at hospital (6/26). 
8. Attend infant CPR class (7/23)
9. Attend breast feeding class (8/4)
10. Oh, yeah, agree on a name. Don't even get me started! 

I can tell that Rambo is getting bigger in there. At night I lay on my left side to sleep. Without fail, he snuggles down into his spot between my abdomen and the bed. If I roll back to my back, You can actually see a huge lump on my left side! I can't wait to see the little guy that is snuggled up in there. 

No signs of labor yet. I got a birthing ball (exercise ball) and I rock on it at night. It's supposed to open up your pelvis so that the baby can more easily come down. I thought he was getting lower this week, but then I woke up on Wednesday, and he was back up in his normal position! I can hardly believe my eyes when I see my belly in the mirror. BIG MAMA! 

I've discussed my birth plan with my OB, and luckily almost all of it is a go. In fact, most of it is already common practice at my hospital and with my OB. I'm grateful for that, as not all OBs and hospitals are so up on the newer methodologies. 

And here is the weekly survey! 

How Far Along: 34 weeks, 3 days

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: He's got to be between 5-6 lbs now. Maybe more. I'm not sure!

Other things baby is up to: Here's what the babycenter.com says for week 34: "Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +22 (total).

Movement: He's been alternating his acrobatics. Lazier some days, and rarin' to go others... 

Sleep: I'm having a hard time falling asleep at night, and the desire to sleep during the day. I guess my body is getting me ready for a newborn.

Symptoms: Back pain, shortness of breath when I exert myself, ligament pain

 

Cravings: Cereal.   

Aversions: Chicken. 

Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah.

Belly Button: Still in, but mighty small and cute.

 

Milestones: At 34 weeks, I have reached the point where my Dr. will no longer try to stop labor if it happens. I could have a son at any time! Also, I've read that if the baby were to come now, I'd probably not need a steroid shot to help with his lung function.

Looking forward to: Holding my baby.

What I Miss:  Coffee, being comfortable.  

Next appointment: 2 weeks with the OB. Then I'll get my strep B test--that's a fun one!

Times I used the Doppler in the last week: 0


Weekly bump pic:   Instead of a bump pic, here is a video taken on Wednesday, June 28th (34w2d) at the beach. You can see Rambo squirming around in there.

Nursery Progress

Still to do:
1. Set up his monitor (but maybe we'll put it in our room first).
2. My cousin has commissioned a painting of a sailboat on a plaque for over the dresser/changer.
3. Set up his diapers (once I know what size he is). I have some NB and size 1, but I don't want to open them until I know how big his bum is.




Here's the progress so far, including 2 pictures of J painting. I think everything is pretty obvious as to what it is. Below is a list of items & which stores they are from. If you have any questions, ask away!

 

Dresser and Crib: Munire Essex

Glider/Recliner and Ottoman: Dutailier Ultra Motion

Cubby Organizer: Closet Maid from Target

Blue and Red Star Bins: Pottery Barn 

Bedding, Pillow/Sham, Mobile, Throw Blanket, Whale Rug, Lamp Shade, Nightlight: Pottery Barn

Lamp Base: Target

Nautical Picture Frame & Boat Bookcase: Christmas Tree Shop

Anchor Wall Art: Home Goods

Quote Picture Frame: Etsy, Seller--"Photo Frame Originals" 

Nightstand: Amazon.com

Navy Blue Baskets: Target

Blue Woven Basket (on changer): Babies R' Us

Beige Baskets in Closet: Home Goods 

Drawer Organization: Ikea 

Drapes and Rods: Target

Bull Rocker: Target

John Deere Tractor Rocker: Online

Black Diaper Bag: Vera Bradley

Navy Diaper Bag: Diaper Dude

Over the Door Hook: Bed, Bath, and Beyond

33 Weeks!

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Well, I've been lazy when it comes to keeping up with this blog lately. I'm sorry, Baby. It has nothing to do with not caring, it's just been kind of hard to get up the energy to do anything after work. Now that school is out for the summer, I promise to do a better job. 

Here's what I've been up to... 

Summer is here and that means a big mama like me is sweating a lot and I have the joy of beautiful cankles. School was unbearable. No air-conditioning.  It was bad. I've been home relaxing for the past two days and it's amazing--my legs and ankles look normal again! Eureka! Although that normalcy is often short lived. Even a short walk blows them up. Thank God we have air-conditioning in our house. 

I also had my baby shower almost 2 weeks ago.  It was thrown by my mom, sister, and mother-in-law, and it was beautiful. I got so many wonderful gifts for Rambo, including many gift cards. I was able to go to Babies R' Us the next day and get the rest of what he needs for his first few weeks and beyond. He has more clothes than me and John put together! He is one very lucky little boy, and we are beyond blessed to have such wonderful family and friends supporting us.

John and I spent the past weekend in Cape May at a great Bed and Breakfast. Just the two of us. We spent all day on the beach, and then walked around the outdoor mall area. We enjoyed dinners and just the whole relaxing vibe of the town. I loved it. On the beach, John had to get me an umbrella, since I am so much less tolerant of the heat. I slept under it most of the day while he got a tan in the sun. It was bliss. The ocean water was finally warm enough to go in, but my balance is kind of off. I got hit by a tiny wave and got bowled over. I high-tailed it out of there and watched John swim while I stood at water's edge. We're already thinking about going back next summer. My mom lives about an hour from there, so we're thinking that it would be quite easy to drop Rambo off with Grandma and Grandy for a weekend on our way! 

After we got back from Cape May, I went into crazy-lady-organization-mode. The baby's room is ready. I washed all his linens and made his bed, washed all his burp cloths, socks, bibs, onesies, pjs, and clothes, and put them all away in an orderly fashion. His Boppy and Brest Friend are ready. His room just needs vacuuming, and it will look beautiful. 

I still have to do the following before he arrives: 

1. Install the car seat, both in my car and Johns. Inspection is on July 7th by the County Sheriff's office. 
2. Pack our hospital bags, and make a list of what needs to go in there when we leave that isn't already in there. 
3. Make sure our cameras (DSLR, point & shoot, and the Flip) are ready, charged and packed or handy. 
4. Finalize a birth plan (roll your eyes if you want) and discuss it with my Dr. 
5. Call a pediatrician and set up a consultation, if they do this. 
6. Get cradle from Uncle Pat (he's making it), and get bedding/mattress to go with it. 
7. Attend birthing class at hospital (6/26). 
8. Oh, yeah, agree on a name. Don't even get me started! 

The good news is, we have 6 and a half weeks to get all that done. I think we're in pretty good shape. Right?

And here is the weekly survey! 

How Far Along: 33 weeks, 2 days 

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: 2 weeks ago, he weighed 4 lbs, measured in the 60th percentile, and his head measured in the 90th percentile. I'm a little scared about the head measurement. My nether-region is scared too. I bet by now he's over 5 lbs. 

Other things baby is up to: Here's what the bump.com says for week 33: "Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and his brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, he'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, his bones are hardening, and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake."

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +20 (total).

Movement: He's very active. My belly goes nuts when me moves now. Last night I felt his butt. He likes to snuggle down on my side (when I'm laying on my side), next to the couch or bed. You can actually feel his whole body when he does this. It's pretty incredible.

Sleep: I'm starting to have the old 3rd Tri-wake-up-to-pee thing going on, but other than that, I sleep pretty well. 

Symptoms: Back pain, swollen ankles, gigantic belly, low tolerance to heat, heartburn. 

 

Cravings: Key Lime anything.  

Aversions: Meat. 

Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah.

Belly Button: Still in, but mighty small and cute.

 

Milestones: Well, since summer is here, I am done with work until December or later! Woo hoo!

Looking forward to: Meeting the little guy attached to that cute tushy

What I Miss:  Margaritas, moving more easily.  

Next appointment: next Wednesday, 6/29 with my OB

Times I used the Doppler in the last week: 0

Weekly bump pic: 

Quite a difference from my last post, huh??

 

What's going on in there?

Taken on Friday night (28w4d). Aunt Gina made tacos & Rambo approves!

Weeks 27 & 28

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So, I missed a week. I have been exhausted. Entering the third trimester has hit me like a ton of bricks. It's almost like the first trimester all over again. I can't get up in the morning, I yawn all day, fall asleep after work or by 8pm on the couch, and repeat that routine the next day. The only foods that seem appealing are grossly unhealthy (such as Golden Oreos--raise your hand if you're sick of hearing me talk about them), and I am too lazy to make anything healthy anyway. Thank God I have John to pack my lunches with good things and make my smoothie every morning. He's also been really great about making dinner, even though I get home 3 hours earlier than him. I just can't do it sometimes.

Well, being tired isn't the only thing that the third trimester has brought to me. I have a whole new list of symptoms to note, ones that happened seemingly over night. I'll describe them in the survey below, but be forewarned: some be straight up nasty, yo.

John and I also might have agreed upon a name. We haven't locked it in yet, but we're getting close. Don't ask, we aren't telling until we see him for ourselves. Sorry! 

Well, without further ado, the weekly survey: 

The Weekly Survey! 

How Far Along: 28 weeks, 4 days

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: I saw him on May 10th and he weighed 2 and a half lbs. He was in the 62nd percentile for size at that time. I think he's gotten bigger in the past week because my stomach feels like it has so much pressure in it.

Other things baby is up to: Besides playing games with my ribs and punching my vagina?

"Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments."--thebump.com 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +15 (total). :(

Movement: He moves a lot. My whole abdomen moves with him. I love the feeling. 

Sleep: I'm exhausted, and I sleep like a champ.

Symptoms: Well, besides the gigantic belly, I have started to experience some symptoms that are typical in late pregnancy. They are as follows (in no particular order): heartburn, back pain, front pain, sciatica, leaky boobies (not too bad yet), and pressure on my cervix/vagina. I also find myself wanting to tell everyone about the pressure on my cervix/vagina. Consider yourself warned. 

 

Cravings: Nothing major. Sweets, if anything. 

Aversions: Anything I have to cook.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah.

Belly Button: In, but it's shrinking. I don't foresee it being an outie though.

 

Milestones: Hellooo, Third Trimester!! Also, the baby is head down, which is going to come in handy when he's born. Oh, and now that we're in the Third Tri, we have Dr. appointments every 2 weeks. 

Looking forward to: I want to hear what he sounds like.

What I Miss:  Nothing really. Despite my complaints, pregnancy is pretty awesome.  

Next appointment: 6/1 with my regular OB, 6/8 with the MFM Specialist. 

Times I used the Doppler in the last week: 0. Rambo is very well-behaved and plays a lot.

Weekly bump pic: This was taken in the morning. By the evening I look like King Hippo from Mike Tyson's Punch Out (which I still have, by the way). 

26 weeks!

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I'm tired. Really tired. 

All this week at school, we've had state testing, so it's been less than pleasurable. My building is not air conditioned, and I could not turn the fan on during testing because the papers would blow around. Needless to say it was hot. Airless. On top of that, during testing, it is mandatory to walk around and observe the students at all time. It was hard for someone who is getting a little weeble-ish. 

Almost every afternoon this week, I've fought the urge to sleep right after school. This led to falling asleep by about 7:30-8:30 each evening. Like I said, I'm tired. 

Oh, I almost forgot! Rambo's furniture came this week! It's gorgeous and we think it looks great in his room. Can you believe it? He has a room. With furniture. A place to sleep that's all his. Amazing. 

The Weekly Survey! 

How Far Along: 26 weeks, 4 days

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: See above, I guess. I  will probably find out on Tuesday when I see the high-risk specialist for a scan.  

Other things baby is up to: He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +10 (total)???. I didn't weigh myself this week. 

Movement: Daily. One night it felt like he was riding a bicycle. Rambo had me worried today though, as he was very lazy. I came home from work and ate a row of Peeps to see if he'd get moving. He did.

Sleep: So tired!

Symptoms: I look like I swallowed a watermelon. 

 

Cravings: None this week. Maybe all the extra sleep is helping? Eh, maybe I'm just too tired to eat. 

Aversions: None that I can think of.

Maternity Clothes: Mostly. Still in regular sweatpants and huge t-shirts around the house.

Belly Button: In

 

Milestones: Rambo's room has furniture in it. Also, it's my last week in the 2nd Trimester! Woot! 

Looking forward to: Seeing Rambo on his ultrasound on Tuesday. 

What I Miss:  Coffee. I want some Blackberry Cream from Java Girl. 

Next appointment: May 10th for a visit with the MFM Specialist (high-risk Dr.) for a follow-up to our problem a few weeks ago (see 22 weeks) and for a growth scan. That should be a fun ultrasound since they have level II machines. 

Times I used the Doppler in the last week: 0, although if the Peeps didn't work today, I would have had to bust it out. 

Weekly bump pic: Baby got front. 

 

25 weeks!

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I am exhausted this week! After being home from work for 19 days (due to doctor's orders and spring break), I went back. It wasn't bad, for the most part. The only part that was bad was the heat. We hit over 80 degrees this week around here, and working in an almost 50-year old school with no A/C, believe me, I felt that heat all the way. It was bad. I have a fan in my classroom, but it didn't do much to help this big ole' pregnant lady cool down. By Thursday, I was sending students to the nurse to get me ice packs! Other than that, I liked being back there. I missed my students (who I really love) and I missed my co-workers too (they are the best). It was nice to be back into the world again. 

We spent last weekend (Easter weekend) with John's family and had a great time. John's parents gave us money to order Rambo's mattress and to pay for his crib. We ordered the mattress on Monday and it was here by Friday! It's a Natural Mat Coco Mat crib mattress. Hopefully, Rambo finds it to his liking.

There was also some sadness this week. Wednesday, April 27, marked what would have been Peanut's due date. I was more upset than I thought I would be. It was really hard. I know that I have a beautiful boy inside of me now, and I would not trade him for anything, but I miss my other baby too. I think John feels conflicted about Peanut sometimes. It's obvious that he still loves and misses Peanut, but I think he feels guilty if he gets sad--like he is betraying Rambo. Those are feelings that I have all the time too.  

Is it OK to feel sad and miss a baby that you lost so early when God has given you a blessing that is right here, kicking and rolling inside of you, loving you already? 

I think most people think it's stupid to think about, or I am being over-the-top by still talking about it, but that was my baby, is still my baby, and I miss him/her. Happy Birthday, Peanut.

The Weekly Survey! 

How Far Along: 25 weeks, 5 days

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: See above, I guess. I had a very quick ultrasound this week, but she didn't measure him.  

Other things baby is up to: As he gets bigger, his heartbeat is getting louder. In fact, it is now audible with a stethoscope, and may be audible by putting an ear to my belly! The formation of tiny capillaries is giving Rambo a healthy pink glow. He's also soaking up my antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Rambo's eyes are forming too; I wonder if they'll be blue or green.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +10 (total). Dr. L didn't mention it, so I guess that is OK.

Movement: Lots. He was jumping on what felt like my bladder before lunch at work the other day. Totally weird.

Sleep: I'm falling asleep everywhere.

Symptoms: I'm hot, tired, and emotional.

 

Cravings: Sweets. Sugar and I are old lovahs.

Aversions: None. Feed me, Seymour.

Maternity Clothes: Mostly. Still in regular sweatpants and huge t-shirts around the house.

Belly Button: A widening innie. I can fit 2 fingers in my belly button right now, it is so stretched out. Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?

 

Milestones: I passed the 1-hour glucose tolerance test! This means I do not have gestational diabetes, which is super good news for a chunkster who loves candy. There are also 100 days left until my due date! Woo hoo!

Looking forward to: The furniture is coming next Thursday, and I am eager to see his nursery come together.  

What I Miss:  Diet Coke, now that it's hot. I was never a big soda drinker, so this is weird. I am also missing sleeping on my stomach so much! 

Next appointment: May 10th for a visit with the MFM Specialist (high-risk Dr.) for a follow-up to our problem a few weeks ago (see 22 weeks) and for a growth scan. That should be a fun ultrasound since they have level II machines. 

Times I used the Doppler in the last week: 0

Weekly bump pic: Large and in charge. And yes, there is only one in there, and he has measured normal up to this point. 

24 Weeks!

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This week marks two very special milestones: the first and foremost is that we have now reached the gestational age of viability (I call it V-day--click that link for more info).  I know that if he were to come now, Rambo would still face many, many difficulties, probably for the rest of his life. But "they" would be more able to save him now than they were next week, which is everything. Next week, the chances increase, and every week after that. I hope he waits until August though.

 

The second milestone, is that we have begun to decorate and fix-up Rambo's nursery. Fun! 

On Sunday, we ordered furniture: 

The color we chose for the furniture is more of a cherry finish than what is shown. It's being delivered on May 5th, and I cannot wait.

We also painted his nursery. Well, by "we painted," I mean John painted and I supervised. 

We also picked up a neat cubby organizer, an end table, and a cool bookshelf that looks like a boat. I'll post pictures when it all comes together in the room. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Weekly Survey! 

How Far Along: 24 weeks, 4 days

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: I have no idea. Probably close to 2 lbs. and at least 11-12 inches long. I'm guessing. I'll ask the Dr. to check next week at my appointment. 

Other things baby is up to: Rambo is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week.  Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. He is also beginning to hear completely.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +9 (total). Holy shit. No more ice cream for at least a few days.

 

Movement: I feel him all the time. Lately his busiest time is in the morning while I'm still laying in bed. He gets the hiccups several times a week now.

Sleep: Still pretty good. Stress and anxiety now have the potential to keep me awake, and the nightmares/weird dreams continue to wreak havoc on my nights.

Symptoms: Back pain, muscle stiffness (I need to ask the Dr. if I can start exercising), visible linea negra. 

 

Cravings: Sweets. After getting on the scale today, I need to put the kibosh on that. 

Aversions: Healthy food. I need to do better this week. 

Maternity Clothes: Mostly. 

Belly Button: A widening innie. 

 

Milestones: V-day, nursery progress. 

Looking forward to: Holding my baby. 

What I Miss:  Coffee, sleeping on my stomach.... the usual

Next appointment: Wednesday, 4/27 for a check up and the Glucose Tolerance Test. This was also Peanut's due date, so I'm dreading that day. 

Times I used the doppler in the last week: 0

Weekly bump pic: I look like a fat ass. Stepping on the scale really made me feel bad today. 

23 Weeks!

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So, this week has been pretty boring. Late last week, I got put on strict bed rest due to bleeding, cramping, and a super scary trip to L&D. You know that expression, "Bored to Tears"? Well, on Sunday, I cried from frustration, boredom, and loneliness. I had to lay in bed or on the couch ALL DAY and could only get up to go to the bathroom and I could shower once a day. It sucked. Well, it wasn't all bad. My mother-in-law and my cousin sent over delicious food, and I am so grateful. That definitely brightened my weekend. I also had some quick visits from some family members that made me smile.

On Monday, we went back to Dr. L (my OB) to follow up on the bleeding and get an u/s to check on Rambo. He looked wonderful, as usual. He was grabbing his ankles and had his feet up near his face. Just chillin' like that. We got a little view of his face and this week he looks like me. Last week, he looked like John. Here's the profile shot we got (where he looks like me): 

Here's the one from last week where he looks like John. It's a close up of his face with a level II machine. That's some schnoz! 

The Dr. was pleased that the bleeding has stopped, but cautioned that this is still a sensitive time for me. I am done with bed rest (hallelu-yer!), but I am now on a modified form of rest. I don't have to lay down all day, but I am not to go grocery shopping, to the mall, etc. Oh, and I am out of work until 4/26! You'd think I'd be happy about this, right? Well, I'm not. I want to join the world of the living. I'm lonely. 

We also had to cancel our trip to Florida for spring break next week. I am super bummed about this because I have been looking forward to it and I love Sarasota. We just can't take the risk of something happening while we're 1,000 miles away. If Rambo decided to come now, no one would be able to save him and I just couldn't face that away from home. Plus, John would be a nervous wreck the whole week. Staycation it is. 

I hope no one misinterprets my whining for ungratefulness. My number one priority is my son. Screw the vacation, Florida will always be there. Who cares about bed rest? My baby is healthy. I'd walk through fire wearing a catheter forever if it meant my baby would be safer. I mean that whole-heartedly. I'm just being a grouch on the couch. 

John and I were thinking of maybe taking a day trip somewhere for my spring break, since I'll be bored. We can't think of anything good to do--not too far, and not too active. Any suggestions? 

The Weekly Survey! 

How Far Along: 23 weeks, 2 days

 

Sex: boy

 
Size of baby: Well, last week he weighed 1 lb. 3 oz. (19 oz), So, he's got to be over 21 oz. by now. I've read that babies at this point in gestation gain an average of 3-6 oz. per week. I'm thinking he's about 12 inches tall. My baby is the length of an ear of corn! Grandpa would be so proud. 

Other things baby is up to: His body and head are now at the same proportions as a full-term baby, but he is still quite frail and wrinkled. He's just starting to gain body fat, so his skin is still translucent and see-through. Rambo's eyes are formed, but lack pigment, and thus have no eye color! Weird! He is practicing his breathing, and so, gets hiccups sometimes. I felt this the other day. The survival rate for infants born at 23 weeks is only 10%, and for those that survive, the rate of having serious health complications is over 90%. He really needs to cook a lot longer. 

Rapid eye movement and dreaming are beginning. I wonder what he's dreaming about. Maybe ice cream? He seems to like that a lot. He's also hearing a lot these days: air going into and out of my lungs, my stomach gurgling, my voice and John's voice (both of which he will be able to recognize at birth). I think this is definitely true because whenever John talks for a few minutes, like if he's telling a story, the baby starts to move a lot. He loves his daddy!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +6 (total). It was so nice not gaining for so long. I think those days are over.

 

Movement: Every day. I can feel it best when I am laying on my back. On Monday, I had an ultrasound and I got to see his arm move at the same time that I felt it.

Sleep: This week, sleep has been weird. I am waking up a lot at night and having bad nightmares. Poor John gets startled several times a week. The other night I had a dream that my sister used all the clean towels and I had none to shower with. John was awoken to a shrill, "WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW??" at three in the morning. Yep, I'm a sleep talker. Ask John what happened the time I had a dream I was being attacked by an opossum. He didn't appreciate it.

Symptoms: Fatigue. Back pain. Bad back pain at night.

 

Cravings: My cravings are not like those you see in the movies, where the lady needs to eat something particular and her husband goes out in a snowstorm to get it (remember Lady and the Tramp? "Watermelon! Oh, and some Chop Suey!"). It's more like, "Oh, banana pancakes sound good. Let's eat that." I can live without them, but why would anyone live without banana pancakes? 

Aversions: None that come to mind. I'm pretty hungry lately. 

Maternity Clothes: Mostly. 

Belly Button: Innie.Still.

 

Milestones: I felt Rambo's hiccups for the first time this week. 

Looking forward to: Squishing his tushie and kissing his toes.

What I Miss:  Sleeping on my stomach. I think I'd sleep much better if I could. 

Next appointment: Wednesday, 4/27 for a check up and the Glucose Tolerance Test. This was also Peanut's due date, so I'm dreading that day. 

Times I used the doppler in the last week: None. He moves a lot and I had an u/s on Monday, so I'm not too concerned about whether his heart is beating right now. Maybe later. 

Weekly bump pic: These are regular clothes, non-maternity. You can see the shirt getting a little short. I look like a fat kid in a cartoon.