Doctors office called:
Sugar levels fine - no gestational diabetes - Yay!
Iron levels VERY low - need to take iron supplement 3 X per day. Common problem during pregnancy. No problem.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Week 28 - Perfect
We had our last monthly Dr. appointment yesterday and now we are on the every other week plan for the remainder of the 3rd trimester. It was a great appointment. I gained 1.8 pounds in the last month (actually I drank quite a bit of water before going in ... my scale at home shows 0.5 gain) and she while I am still 1 pound under where I began (little does she know that by the time I saw her I was already down 10 pounds from the actual "beginning" of the pregnancy), at the rate that we are going, I should gain a total of 15 pounds during the pregnancy. Very few women can accomplish the range set by thier doctor, so for weight gain, I am perfect.
My blood pressure was once again perfect. (Remember it was high early on so these perfect readings are really wonderful)
The baby's heart rate is 150, and was strong and loud - again perfect.
The baby moved 4 times while she was listening for the heartbeat. She said that was great and that we now need to beging counting movements for the remainder of the pregnancy. We need to start couonting when we wake up and need to have 10 movements in by 6:00pm. She thinks we will have no problem since it seems our baby is VERY active. She was right. This morning it took 10 minutes to count 10 movements.
An hour before the appointment I had to drink this sugary drink (tasted like those teeny weenie drinks of childhood... that you could only drink one of before having a sugar high like no other ... ya, the amount I had to drink was like 3 teenie weenies) so that they could draw blood to test for gestational diabetes, the results will be back this afternoon. They also test for anemia, again results will be back this afternoon.
On my way out I got a flu shot and a Rho-gam shot. The flu shot to protect me from - you guessed it - the flu. Apparently, when a pregnant woman gets the flu, she is at high risk for developing flu-pneumonia. This often leads to being on a respirator and often death. So yikes! THe Rho-gam shot is because my blood type is negative and Jim is positive, so there is a chance that the baby's blood is positive. If that is the case, and the baby's blood mixes with my blood, which can happen through various ways (including birth itself) especially in the 3rd trimester, then my negative blood will react by building up antibodies to this supposed invader and reject it... "it" is the baby. So Rho-gam prevents this reaction. I get one shot now at 28 weeks and another just before delivery which then protects me from developing the antibodies after birth so that I would be able to safely carry another baby later. Interesting stuff, eh?
On the next topic - sleeping - suffice it to say I am not. It is very uncomfortable. I even bought a new pillow support to help, and it does, but still not enough. My hips ache by the morning. But ther is only 12 weeks left, right?
So that is my weekly update.
My blood pressure was once again perfect. (Remember it was high early on so these perfect readings are really wonderful)
The baby's heart rate is 150, and was strong and loud - again perfect.
The baby moved 4 times while she was listening for the heartbeat. She said that was great and that we now need to beging counting movements for the remainder of the pregnancy. We need to start couonting when we wake up and need to have 10 movements in by 6:00pm. She thinks we will have no problem since it seems our baby is VERY active. She was right. This morning it took 10 minutes to count 10 movements.
An hour before the appointment I had to drink this sugary drink (tasted like those teeny weenie drinks of childhood... that you could only drink one of before having a sugar high like no other ... ya, the amount I had to drink was like 3 teenie weenies) so that they could draw blood to test for gestational diabetes, the results will be back this afternoon. They also test for anemia, again results will be back this afternoon.
On my way out I got a flu shot and a Rho-gam shot. The flu shot to protect me from - you guessed it - the flu. Apparently, when a pregnant woman gets the flu, she is at high risk for developing flu-pneumonia. This often leads to being on a respirator and often death. So yikes! THe Rho-gam shot is because my blood type is negative and Jim is positive, so there is a chance that the baby's blood is positive. If that is the case, and the baby's blood mixes with my blood, which can happen through various ways (including birth itself) especially in the 3rd trimester, then my negative blood will react by building up antibodies to this supposed invader and reject it... "it" is the baby. So Rho-gam prevents this reaction. I get one shot now at 28 weeks and another just before delivery which then protects me from developing the antibodies after birth so that I would be able to safely carry another baby later. Interesting stuff, eh?
On the next topic - sleeping - suffice it to say I am not. It is very uncomfortable. I even bought a new pillow support to help, and it does, but still not enough. My hips ache by the morning. But ther is only 12 weeks left, right?
So that is my weekly update.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Nursing 101
Last night we had our first “parenting class”. Most of our classes we will take at Isis Maternity in Needham and I was carefully able to select our instructors based on their bios. I am very excited about these classes. However, since we will be delivering at BIDMC, they ask us to take this one particular class with them directly. It is called “Breastfeeding Basics”. For all of these classes, they ask that mom AND dad attend. To begin with “Dad” couldn’t understand why he had to attend this first class since it is regarding breast feeding and well, he won’t be doing that now will he? I finally convinced him that it is not ME that is asking him to go, but that the class is for couples and he is the other half of this couple so… His classic line is “I’ll go because you have asked me to go.”
And so last night we both left work at 4:40 (ish) to meet at home to drive into Boston to the BIDMC for our first class. This should have given us ample time to get home, grab a quick bit to eat and head off to class arriving at 6:45 to meet our instructor in the lobby and head up to class which was to begin at 7:00. No problem … except that there was a Patriot’s home game last night and while I left Wayland at 4:40, I did not arrive home (a 30 minute drive … 45-50 in traffic) until 6:00. Jim was better off going 495 to 24 and having no traffic, so he stopped at BJ’s to get a rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and stuffing so that I would have something to eat before class (other than the 3 minute mac and cheese that I was thinking of). SUPER nice of him! Unfortunately, this caused him to arrive home just after I did and the potatoes and stuffing needed to be heated and once all was heated and I had made a plate for dinner to take in the car we ran out the door and were on our way at 6:30 (remember we were to meet our instructor in the lobby at 6:45 for our 7:00 class… and it takes 40 minutes to get there)
Jim dropped me at the lobby entrance and went to park. The instructor left directions for us on how to get to the conference room where the class was meeting. Once I had retrieved the directions from the info desk, I waited for Jim to arrive since he had left his cell phone at home so I could not call him. He arrived in about 3 minutes and away we went.
We arrived at the board room and entered quietly apologizing for our lateness and found the feeble instructor sitting at a table with one other couple. This was slightly uncomfortable, but okay let’s just get this done. We introduced ourselves around and sat down. The instructor, Sandra, a grandmotherly aged woman, told us that she had a bit of *sniff * allergies and so if she had a coughing fit just to talk amongst ourselves and also she has a shaky hand so just try to ignore it. (yes, she sniffed to prove her stuffy nose) I can only describe her voice by comparing it to the MAD TV sketch with the momma and little boy that Beth Pitts used to imitate …Stuart? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80NZDbndC-8&feature=related Ya that is the best I can do. To describe her voice, but now think of a monotone version. Okay.
So, Sandra asks us if we can think of any benefits to breast feeding. I said, um bonding? Then she asked Jim for a benefit. Seriously, I wish I had a video to share. He thought about while his eyes darted wildly around the room looking for an answer to drop out of the sky. He must have gotten one because he said, um, isn’t it supposed to be, like, better? She said yes and talked about the nutritional benefits etc. She said the other couple had answered the same two benefits.
Then she asked us if we had any concerns about breast feeding. I shook my head no as did Jim. The other couple did the same. So she held up an artsy watercolor picture of this worried looking woman. And explained that many women feel anxious about breast feeding (remember we are in Stuart’s voice here) and she holds up these large red laminated cards with all the concerns written on them and read them to us. Then she told us that there was really nothing to be worried about (good, cause we said we weren’t worried) and she flipped the artsy picture over to reveal the same woman with a humongous smile on her face now. But you will discover this once you have your cute little baby.
I couldn’t even look at Jim because I would burst out laughing, but out of the corner of my eye I could see him looking at me with that “Are you serious? We have to sit through 2 hours of this?” look on his face. I kept my gaze focused on Sandra.
So then she tells us about the anatomy of the breast. She has another big laminated poster of a breast and she tells us all about the ducts etc. and how your cute little baby will be telling your body how much milk to produce etc. Then, however, she reaches down on the chair beside her where this stuffed doll is wrapped in a blanket and begins to unwrap it… while explaining that “this cute little baby is Ted” and pulls out from under Ted’s blanket a stuffed breast. I really thought I was going to lose it and I still could not look at Jim. She peals back a layer to reveal the inner workings of the stuffed breast just to further elaborate her teaching.
Then she explains that you don’t have to be worried about nursing in public because you can make it a completely unnoticed event. “You just pick up your cute little baby once you start getting the clues (Sandra wanted to make sure that we knew the cues and so she imitated the cute little baby) that your cute little baby want to nurse and lift your shirt, attach your cute little baby and nurse.” She was holding the doll against her fully clothed body at the time and she asked us, “See you can’t even tell I am nursing, can you?” We all shook our heads no. and she said, “some people use these elaborate cover ups which really just draw attention to what you are doing. You don’t need these at all.” I was thinking, ya if the baby can suck the milk out through a layer of clothing there is not a problem, but I will gladly accept the wrap that I registered for at babies r us so as to cover my own naked breast if I should be nursing in public, thanks anyway.
So she said, Lets take a little break to use the restrooms and then we will come back and finish up. Oh but wait, I forgot to tell you something. And she went on for about 15 minutes more about stuff she had already told us, and then showed us 3 nursing positions explaining the nursing pillow etc. And how to know if the cute little baby is attached properly and she imitated the cute little baby’s mouth which reminded me of a guppie.
Then off to break and when we come back maybe you can try these positions with our cute little baby. So Jim and I took off for the bathrooms and when we got outside the room we were busting a gut laughing. Everything we had stored up during class we let out in the hallway. I was crying.
We made our way to the restrooms and then back to the board room and when we got near Jim began to make the guppie mouth motion and we both burst out laughing again.
Sidenote - You know that noise you make when you have a mouth full of air and you puff out your cheeks and push the air out through clenched lips? Okay well hold that thought.
We pulled it together to re-enter the room and when we entered Sandra was working with the other couple and the cute little baby demonstrating the holds. I was on the verge of laughing, barely keeping it together when we sat down at the table again. Then Sandra takes the doll and brings it to me and says, “Do you want to give this a try with your cute little nipples?” Jim, sitting beside me burst out laughing while trying to suppress it and made THAT NOISE as he ran out of the conference room. I too burst out laughing and could not regain control for every time I did regain control I could hear Jim in the hallway still laughing in this high pitched laugh. It was awful. It went on for like 5 minutes during which time Sandra said “Well maybe we will save that for after class then.” And put the cute little baby back on the chair. I apologized when I had regained a bit of control and said I just can’t get control when I can hear Jim in the hallway… and I stood up to go into the hallway when I heard Sandra say “yes, maybe close the door” which I did once I stepped to the other side of it. Jim and I continued to laugh in the hallway when he all of a sudden gained control and rejoined the group leaving me in the hallway this time. I finally regained control too and rejoined the group in time to talk about pumps, fill out the evaluation and leave. Sandra did ask if I wanted to try the positioning with the cute little baby but I declined.
This experience did remind me of our Engaged Encounter weekend where Jim and I had a similar uncontrolled laughing fit over another word choice incident.
As I said, I have hand picked our other instructors and am quite sure that our Isis classes will go a bit better.
*Preparing for Childbirth – given by Becky, a Massage Therapist specializing in prenatal, postpartum and instruction on infant massage, a former actress and High School teacher who understands that entertainment and learning are complimentary and tries to educate with energy and humor. She sounds great.
*Newborn Essentials – Given by Carole, a registered nurse, certified childbirth educator and Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Having worked at many area hospitals including Brigham and Woman's, St. Elizabeth's and Caritas, her passion is supporting and nurturing expectant parents into their new roles. Carole is also the founder of Newborn Nurses, a company that provides postpartum assistance to parents with new babies. She has helped many families through those first few challenging weeks after birth and has a huge success rate in helping babies sleep through the night. Sounds great!
*Infant CPR – Given by Jonathan, the Executive Director of NorthEast Emergency Medical Services, Inc., Jonathan's clinical background includes serving as a paramedic in several major metropolitan areas including greater Boston. Currently, Jonathan volunteers as the Vice-Chair of the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness (ACFASP) nationally and as a member of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Sounds Great!
Wish us luck. Please?
And so last night we both left work at 4:40 (ish) to meet at home to drive into Boston to the BIDMC for our first class. This should have given us ample time to get home, grab a quick bit to eat and head off to class arriving at 6:45 to meet our instructor in the lobby and head up to class which was to begin at 7:00. No problem … except that there was a Patriot’s home game last night and while I left Wayland at 4:40, I did not arrive home (a 30 minute drive … 45-50 in traffic) until 6:00. Jim was better off going 495 to 24 and having no traffic, so he stopped at BJ’s to get a rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and stuffing so that I would have something to eat before class (other than the 3 minute mac and cheese that I was thinking of). SUPER nice of him! Unfortunately, this caused him to arrive home just after I did and the potatoes and stuffing needed to be heated and once all was heated and I had made a plate for dinner to take in the car we ran out the door and were on our way at 6:30 (remember we were to meet our instructor in the lobby at 6:45 for our 7:00 class… and it takes 40 minutes to get there)
Jim dropped me at the lobby entrance and went to park. The instructor left directions for us on how to get to the conference room where the class was meeting. Once I had retrieved the directions from the info desk, I waited for Jim to arrive since he had left his cell phone at home so I could not call him. He arrived in about 3 minutes and away we went.
We arrived at the board room and entered quietly apologizing for our lateness and found the feeble instructor sitting at a table with one other couple. This was slightly uncomfortable, but okay let’s just get this done. We introduced ourselves around and sat down. The instructor, Sandra, a grandmotherly aged woman, told us that she had a bit of *sniff * allergies and so if she had a coughing fit just to talk amongst ourselves and also she has a shaky hand so just try to ignore it. (yes, she sniffed to prove her stuffy nose) I can only describe her voice by comparing it to the MAD TV sketch with the momma and little boy that Beth Pitts used to imitate …Stuart? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80NZDbndC-8&feature=related Ya that is the best I can do. To describe her voice, but now think of a monotone version. Okay.
So, Sandra asks us if we can think of any benefits to breast feeding. I said, um bonding? Then she asked Jim for a benefit. Seriously, I wish I had a video to share. He thought about while his eyes darted wildly around the room looking for an answer to drop out of the sky. He must have gotten one because he said, um, isn’t it supposed to be, like, better? She said yes and talked about the nutritional benefits etc. She said the other couple had answered the same two benefits.
Then she asked us if we had any concerns about breast feeding. I shook my head no as did Jim. The other couple did the same. So she held up an artsy watercolor picture of this worried looking woman. And explained that many women feel anxious about breast feeding (remember we are in Stuart’s voice here) and she holds up these large red laminated cards with all the concerns written on them and read them to us. Then she told us that there was really nothing to be worried about (good, cause we said we weren’t worried) and she flipped the artsy picture over to reveal the same woman with a humongous smile on her face now. But you will discover this once you have your cute little baby.
I couldn’t even look at Jim because I would burst out laughing, but out of the corner of my eye I could see him looking at me with that “Are you serious? We have to sit through 2 hours of this?” look on his face. I kept my gaze focused on Sandra.
So then she tells us about the anatomy of the breast. She has another big laminated poster of a breast and she tells us all about the ducts etc. and how your cute little baby will be telling your body how much milk to produce etc. Then, however, she reaches down on the chair beside her where this stuffed doll is wrapped in a blanket and begins to unwrap it… while explaining that “this cute little baby is Ted” and pulls out from under Ted’s blanket a stuffed breast. I really thought I was going to lose it and I still could not look at Jim. She peals back a layer to reveal the inner workings of the stuffed breast just to further elaborate her teaching.
Then she explains that you don’t have to be worried about nursing in public because you can make it a completely unnoticed event. “You just pick up your cute little baby once you start getting the clues (Sandra wanted to make sure that we knew the cues and so she imitated the cute little baby) that your cute little baby want to nurse and lift your shirt, attach your cute little baby and nurse.” She was holding the doll against her fully clothed body at the time and she asked us, “See you can’t even tell I am nursing, can you?” We all shook our heads no. and she said, “some people use these elaborate cover ups which really just draw attention to what you are doing. You don’t need these at all.” I was thinking, ya if the baby can suck the milk out through a layer of clothing there is not a problem, but I will gladly accept the wrap that I registered for at babies r us so as to cover my own naked breast if I should be nursing in public, thanks anyway.
So she said, Lets take a little break to use the restrooms and then we will come back and finish up. Oh but wait, I forgot to tell you something. And she went on for about 15 minutes more about stuff she had already told us, and then showed us 3 nursing positions explaining the nursing pillow etc. And how to know if the cute little baby is attached properly and she imitated the cute little baby’s mouth which reminded me of a guppie.
Then off to break and when we come back maybe you can try these positions with our cute little baby. So Jim and I took off for the bathrooms and when we got outside the room we were busting a gut laughing. Everything we had stored up during class we let out in the hallway. I was crying.
We made our way to the restrooms and then back to the board room and when we got near Jim began to make the guppie mouth motion and we both burst out laughing again.
Sidenote - You know that noise you make when you have a mouth full of air and you puff out your cheeks and push the air out through clenched lips? Okay well hold that thought.
We pulled it together to re-enter the room and when we entered Sandra was working with the other couple and the cute little baby demonstrating the holds. I was on the verge of laughing, barely keeping it together when we sat down at the table again. Then Sandra takes the doll and brings it to me and says, “Do you want to give this a try with your cute little nipples?” Jim, sitting beside me burst out laughing while trying to suppress it and made THAT NOISE as he ran out of the conference room. I too burst out laughing and could not regain control for every time I did regain control I could hear Jim in the hallway still laughing in this high pitched laugh. It was awful. It went on for like 5 minutes during which time Sandra said “Well maybe we will save that for after class then.” And put the cute little baby back on the chair. I apologized when I had regained a bit of control and said I just can’t get control when I can hear Jim in the hallway… and I stood up to go into the hallway when I heard Sandra say “yes, maybe close the door” which I did once I stepped to the other side of it. Jim and I continued to laugh in the hallway when he all of a sudden gained control and rejoined the group leaving me in the hallway this time. I finally regained control too and rejoined the group in time to talk about pumps, fill out the evaluation and leave. Sandra did ask if I wanted to try the positioning with the cute little baby but I declined.
This experience did remind me of our Engaged Encounter weekend where Jim and I had a similar uncontrolled laughing fit over another word choice incident.
As I said, I have hand picked our other instructors and am quite sure that our Isis classes will go a bit better.
*Preparing for Childbirth – given by Becky, a Massage Therapist specializing in prenatal, postpartum and instruction on infant massage, a former actress and High School teacher who understands that entertainment and learning are complimentary and tries to educate with energy and humor. She sounds great.
*Newborn Essentials – Given by Carole, a registered nurse, certified childbirth educator and Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Having worked at many area hospitals including Brigham and Woman's, St. Elizabeth's and Caritas, her passion is supporting and nurturing expectant parents into their new roles. Carole is also the founder of Newborn Nurses, a company that provides postpartum assistance to parents with new babies. She has helped many families through those first few challenging weeks after birth and has a huge success rate in helping babies sleep through the night. Sounds great!
*Infant CPR – Given by Jonathan, the Executive Director of NorthEast Emergency Medical Services, Inc., Jonathan's clinical background includes serving as a paramedic in several major metropolitan areas including greater Boston. Currently, Jonathan volunteers as the Vice-Chair of the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness (ACFASP) nationally and as a member of the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Sounds Great!
Wish us luck. Please?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Reread...
So tonight I re-read my entire blog and realized that I used to be really funny... that was after the summer of Paula in 2006. Maybe after I am off with the newborn for a bit my funny bone will kick back in.
FYI - Fr. Matt, there is nothing at all questionable in here ... I guess I was paranoid because of thoughts that never made it to the blog. Maybe we can sit down and chat about that sometime... Thanks again for the prayers for the baby.
Kate - it was great to see you tonight! You no longer blend in with a white sheet and your energy is totally back. What a difference a week can make!
FYI - Jim is still upset that he missed LIFT tonight. He said he got a poster with the September, October and November dates on it. He had kids lined up to go NEXT week as was on the poster. He could have gotten a ton of kids for tonight b/c of the holiday and he is bummed for the missed opportunity to hear Sr. Olga.
Tonight's talk was so good. It really made me think of a couple of people who I have difficulty loving and forgiving as Jesus loves and forgives. I think I will resolve to rectify this in the coming year. Yes, I do think it may take a year to get there with those who I am thinking of.
Now, off to bed. THe holiday is over and there is much work to be done tomorrow.
Peace out.
FYI - Fr. Matt, there is nothing at all questionable in here ... I guess I was paranoid because of thoughts that never made it to the blog. Maybe we can sit down and chat about that sometime... Thanks again for the prayers for the baby.
Kate - it was great to see you tonight! You no longer blend in with a white sheet and your energy is totally back. What a difference a week can make!
FYI - Jim is still upset that he missed LIFT tonight. He said he got a poster with the September, October and November dates on it. He had kids lined up to go NEXT week as was on the poster. He could have gotten a ton of kids for tonight b/c of the holiday and he is bummed for the missed opportunity to hear Sr. Olga.
Tonight's talk was so good. It really made me think of a couple of people who I have difficulty loving and forgiving as Jesus loves and forgives. I think I will resolve to rectify this in the coming year. Yes, I do think it may take a year to get there with those who I am thinking of.
Now, off to bed. THe holiday is over and there is much work to be done tomorrow.
Peace out.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Week 26 completed
No Margo - I am not going to wait five months before posting again, but I thought perhaps weekly updates would suffice...
I remind you all that I do not read ahead in my book to find out what might be coming up as far as bodily changes and symptoms. I prefer to use the "What to Expect" book more as a "Should I have expected this?!?!" It is more fun that way, usually...
This week as I was reclining on the couch Saturday night after a long day of car shopping/buying (we got a corolla), and a I-ordered-way-too-much-food dinner of which I took half home for later, the baby shifted positions (probably as uncomfortable as I was with all that food bulging out the tummy), and I instinctively moved my hand across my belly in a "simmer down now" kinda fashion. Only this particular time I was caught off guared by an outward ridge where my perfect innie belly button once resided. I had to pull up my shirt to see what could possibly be stuck to my belly button and it was in fact MY BELLY BUTTON!!!
Breathe easy my friends, the belly button has since receded to an innie position again though more of a flattie at times. But it turns out this is common at week 26 in pregnancy... and yes, I should have expected it to pop like a well done turkey (just in time for thanksgiving, I guess) My mom and sister say their belly buttons never popped, but they also never puked, etc. I think they just didn't notice that change. But then again, they both gained weight during pregnancy and I, as I approach the end of my second trimester am still in the lost category. I am just saying, pregnancy is different for everyone and it the book says it is to be expected then who am I to judge...
Now for an update on the aforementioned puking. I had gone the past 2 weeks puke free until this morning. I had an early DRE meeting and I guess this little one does not do mornings ... or it could have been the blueberry bread that I had for breakfast that the 6th graders made last night. You never really know how a 6th grader's bread will turn out so I had to try it before we deliver it to the homebound. Jim's comment this morning after he tried a slice was, "Oh my gosh! Was that not the heaviest bread you have ever eaten? I don't think I will even need lunch today." That about sums it up...
I did have a good energy day this week on Wednesday, which was good since I had to shop for the bread supplies, shop for decorating supplies for the bread bags, shop for fleece to make baby blankets for Birthright, set up the hall in stations, and run between all the classes making sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to. (and yell at the 8th graders who were rotating between talking about the new marijuana law and something that "sucks" those were the two main things I heard coming from their room. I was their primary adult supervision as their teacher was in the hospital with his wife having a baby. This particular group of 8th graders (boys especially) need a full time supervisor ... and possibly tape over their mouths. Anyhow, it was good that I had energy cause I probably would have sat down and cried otherwise.
"what to expect" says that the baby should have started to open his eyes this week and would react if you held a flashlight up to your tummy "hey, what the heck is that bright light shining in my eyes" kind of way. Jim said "that just sounds cruel." I agreed. We won't be shining a flashlight in our baby's eyes.
Also, the baby's brainwave activity is kicking it so now can not only hear noises but respond to them as well by movement of course. The baby should be weighing in at approx 2 pounds this week and measuring 9 inches.
When we were at Brigham and Women's this week visiting a friend there was a young guy in the elevator. He was going to neonatal icu to visit his daughter who was born at 23 weeks. The mom's water broke and all they could do was deliver and hope for the best. He said the baby (and mom too) was doing great and was beautiful. That made us feel good since we were 3 weeks beyond that. Not that we are planning for that type of situation, but it was nice to hear that the baby was doing well. Just saying.
One more week of second trimester and we are on to the THIRD!! Yippee!!!
I remind you all that I do not read ahead in my book to find out what might be coming up as far as bodily changes and symptoms. I prefer to use the "What to Expect" book more as a "Should I have expected this?!?!" It is more fun that way, usually...
This week as I was reclining on the couch Saturday night after a long day of car shopping/buying (we got a corolla), and a I-ordered-way-too-much-food dinner of which I took half home for later, the baby shifted positions (probably as uncomfortable as I was with all that food bulging out the tummy), and I instinctively moved my hand across my belly in a "simmer down now" kinda fashion. Only this particular time I was caught off guared by an outward ridge where my perfect innie belly button once resided. I had to pull up my shirt to see what could possibly be stuck to my belly button and it was in fact MY BELLY BUTTON!!!
Breathe easy my friends, the belly button has since receded to an innie position again though more of a flattie at times. But it turns out this is common at week 26 in pregnancy... and yes, I should have expected it to pop like a well done turkey (just in time for thanksgiving, I guess) My mom and sister say their belly buttons never popped, but they also never puked, etc. I think they just didn't notice that change. But then again, they both gained weight during pregnancy and I, as I approach the end of my second trimester am still in the lost category. I am just saying, pregnancy is different for everyone and it the book says it is to be expected then who am I to judge...
Now for an update on the aforementioned puking. I had gone the past 2 weeks puke free until this morning. I had an early DRE meeting and I guess this little one does not do mornings ... or it could have been the blueberry bread that I had for breakfast that the 6th graders made last night. You never really know how a 6th grader's bread will turn out so I had to try it before we deliver it to the homebound. Jim's comment this morning after he tried a slice was, "Oh my gosh! Was that not the heaviest bread you have ever eaten? I don't think I will even need lunch today." That about sums it up...
I did have a good energy day this week on Wednesday, which was good since I had to shop for the bread supplies, shop for decorating supplies for the bread bags, shop for fleece to make baby blankets for Birthright, set up the hall in stations, and run between all the classes making sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to. (and yell at the 8th graders who were rotating between talking about the new marijuana law and something that "sucks" those were the two main things I heard coming from their room. I was their primary adult supervision as their teacher was in the hospital with his wife having a baby. This particular group of 8th graders (boys especially) need a full time supervisor ... and possibly tape over their mouths. Anyhow, it was good that I had energy cause I probably would have sat down and cried otherwise.
"what to expect" says that the baby should have started to open his eyes this week and would react if you held a flashlight up to your tummy "hey, what the heck is that bright light shining in my eyes" kind of way. Jim said "that just sounds cruel." I agreed. We won't be shining a flashlight in our baby's eyes.
Also, the baby's brainwave activity is kicking it so now can not only hear noises but respond to them as well by movement of course. The baby should be weighing in at approx 2 pounds this week and measuring 9 inches.
When we were at Brigham and Women's this week visiting a friend there was a young guy in the elevator. He was going to neonatal icu to visit his daughter who was born at 23 weeks. The mom's water broke and all they could do was deliver and hope for the best. He said the baby (and mom too) was doing great and was beautiful. That made us feel good since we were 3 weeks beyond that. Not that we are planning for that type of situation, but it was nice to hear that the baby was doing well. Just saying.
One more week of second trimester and we are on to the THIRD!! Yippee!!!
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