Week 30

Only 10 more weeks...

Our baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in the uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

"You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size."--babycenter.com

Changes

Mark bought me a maternity support band yesterday because I was in a lot of pain. I was having lots of pressure on my pelvic bone because I am carrying Charlotte really low. She is kicking me inside of my pelvic bone. My doctor and my LaMaze instructor both suggested that I get a support band because I carry her really low. I started more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as well as lots of pressure on the upper part of my stomach. The band makes a huge difference, except the Velcro on parts of it can get scratchy. 

My belly-button is diffidently an outie in every possible way. Even through several layers of clothes is sticks out. Apparently, I have started snoring at night. Not to blame this on my daughter, but I wonder if this has something to do with the difficulty breathing because the baby is smooshing everything inside. Also, I can tell I have many moods lately. Not that I switch from moods often or quickly, but I can tell that I am in particular moods. Yesterday I was anxious and very worrisome, while today I was lackadaisical. 

LaMaze Class

This week in class we began with another wonderful labor video. We actually watched 3 or 4 video of birth this week, all of which are from the 80s, and I think are trying to scare us. The one person who chose to get an epidural, didn't seem like she was in much pain. 

We toured the hospital this week as well. They showed us the labor and delivery room and then the rooms upstairs in the Family Center where we will stay for 48 hours (96 if a C-Section). The rooms are all very nice. The birth center has showers, birthing balls, rocking chairs, and all kinds of freedom (we can wear whatever we want to labor and don't have to just wear the hospital gown). Also, we can have as many people as we want in the birth room, although, I think it will just be Mark, me, the nurse, and the doctor. 

The anesthesiologist came and gave a demonstration (not a real one) of the epidural. Baylor actually uses a combined spinal tap and epidural. The needles weren't too big. I actually hate IVs (believe it or not, as I have had so many in my life), because I always get scared I am going to rip them out. I didn't know the epidural is like an IV. So, this part scares me the most. But, it will be nice to have a continual release of medication. 

We learned how to use a birthing ball during pregnancy and birth. I actually already own one because it is just a work out ball. We are suppose to use the ball to help relieve pain and stretch during pregnancy and then we can use it for comfort during labor. I have basically just been sitting on it and rolling/bouncing while watching t.v.. I don't know how much it helps.

Nursery

The chandelier for Charlotte's nursery came last week. We are excited to install it, but Mark is waiting for his dad to come out and help. Here is a picture of it....

We decided that instead of spending $30-60 for a mobile, which Charlotte could only use for 6 months, that we would take that money and put it towards a mini chandelier for her room, which she can use for years. I think that this chandelier will be perfect for Charlotte's nursery.

On Saturday, Mark and his mom and I have plans to go to Canton to look for decor and trinkets for Charlotte's Shabby Chic room. We have heard of and seen some products that are super cute and have come from Canton. I am really excited because I actually have never been, and I know it will be a lot of walking. I am looking forward to see what we find. 

Work Shower

My co-workers and bosses (in the Dean's office at Truett Seminary) threw a lunch shower for Charlotte today. We had McAlister's and cupcakes from SImply Delicious... yumm! It was such a wonderful blessing to celebrate with them!

Here are a few pictures of the day. The first few pictures are of my co-workers and bosses. Then there are a few of me opening up presents. 

All of Charlotte's presents in her crib at home...

Charlotte and I...
(Pardon the clothes. I have raided Mark's dresser for my lounge clothes. His clothes are a little big on me, but they are comfortable for around the house.)

Week 29

Our baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, I'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, I need to be sure to drink milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in our baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Illness

I have been really fortunate to be healthy this whole pregnancy (besides pregnancy complications), and haven't really caught any illnesses or had allergies. However, these past few days have been long. I am trying really hard to keep food down for the baby to get her nutrients and trying to rest and eat popsicles to keep the fever down. Hopefully it will pass soon. In the meantime, I am getting some much needed rest after a long week at school last week. 

The doctor seems to think I caught a stomach flu, however, I think I am just having really bad heartburn. Anything, no matter if it is water or crackers is having a hard time staying down. Also, I have been sleeping in the recliner because it is the only way I can feel comfortable, as soon as I lay down I get ill. So, I think I am just going to have to find a way around this heartburn. I am already taking between 6-8 Tums a day. I might have to stick to a bland diet eaten in small portions for a while.

I have been taking my anti-nausea medication all week, and it is really strong. It pretty much knocks me out. And, while I am out, Mark claims I say and do things which I can't even remember. Apparently, I asked him to get me a water bottle and chocolate from the gas station in the middle of the night. So he went and got me a water bottle and some M&Ms and helped me open them so I could eat them. I would say he is lying, except for the M&M wrapper I found the next day. So, I think I am going to lay off the medication for a while. 

Swing Set

Mark's parents decided to build a swing set for their grandchildren to play on when they come visit. They finished the whole thing in about 2 weeks, and it looks great. Here is a preview... I am sure Charlotte will have a blast! 

Nursery

This past weekend, I spent some time working on Charlotte's bedding for her nursery. Her is a little preview.... this is the bumper laid out around the top of her crib. 

And, this is part of her quilt...

Registry

Mark and I spent some time registering for baby supplies at Target and Babies R Us. Everyone would think this would be a fun task; and it is. However, it is a bit overwhelming as well. There are so many things on the baby checklist, and we don't know if we need all of them. And, if we do think we need them, then we have to figure out the difference between all the different options. It took us at least two trips to each store to complete the registry because we would get headaches from being over-stimulated and have to go home. But, we did it. We decided to forgo the electronic bottle warmer and the microwave sterilizer... if this was a bad decision, please let us know. And, we were trying to find cute girly things but keep the larger purchases more gender neutral, so we could use them in the future. All in all, we are excited for our baby's arrival and slightly overwhelmed at the number of baby products we will need.

Childbirth Class

Mark and I had our first LaMaze class this past Sunday, and it was very interesting. We walked in and the very first thing the instructor did was show us a movie. I think they were trying to scare us, because this movie wasn't very pleasant. It basically showed many women in lots of pain. After the initial shock or scare, we were able to meet some of the other couples. There are 13 couples in our class. I wasn't expecting the class to be so big. I would say that most couples range anywhere from 20-30 years old. This is everyone's first baby except for two couples who this is there second after a 10 year gap. I found it kind of funny to see all 13 of us pregnant ladies waddling around to the bathroom and the snack machine. And, I thought I ate a lot, our class together cleaned out the snack machine, and I didn't even eat anything but my grapes and almonds I brought from home.

We learned about a lot of interesting things such as the anatomy of pregnancy and the baby. We also learned about the signs of labor. I didn't know this but nesting and the feeling of wanting to stay close to home are strong urges or instincts that happen within 2-4 days before labor begins. So, if Mark comes home and everything in the house is clean, he should prepare for me to go into labor in the coming days. 

My favorite part of class is the last 45 minutes where Mark (my "labor coach") has to learn how to "relax" me. I get to lay on blankets and pillows while he has to "conduct my breathing" and I tell him what relaxes me (i.e. a back rub). We also learn long slow breathing techniques, which are very relaxing within themselves. I almost fell asleep. Try to take 6-9 deep breathes in 60 seconds and see how relaxing it is. I enjoy these relaxation techniques, but let me just make one thing clear, I am open to any and all available drugs during my labor. :)

Bump

Here we are... both of us are growing!

Week 28

***edited on 4/23 because I highly medicated when I first attempted this post

By this week, our 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 (although we know that she is weighing in a little bigger than this). 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 the womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Dr. Appt.

We had another doctor's appointment this week. At this appointment, we received the results of some tests I done in the past few weeks. The blood-glucose tolerance test came back within the normal range, which is good and means that my hypoglycemia is under control. However, some of my other blood work showed that I am anemic. I do have chronic anemia, so this just means that medications needed to be adjusted. The doctor also added a few supplements so I would have more energy. 

We also got to hear Charlotte's heartbeat. Her little heart beats so fast! 

We found out that I gained 6 lbs last month, which is within normal range, and means that our baby is just going through a growth spurt. This puts my total weight gain at 18 lbs, which is right where I should be according to my doctors. Although, I thought I was only suppose to gain 25 lbs total, I guess we will see.

Mark is worried about the due date because he has a moot-court competition June 26-28th. They took an alternate on the team in case I go into labor. The doctor told us that we are looking at a 10 day window on either side of the due date. I think most everyone is hoping for healthy June baby except Mark. But, I think the closer the date comes, the more Mark will hope for a June baby as well. 

Tired

I just have been wanting to sleep all the time lately. I basically sleep at any and every opportunity. The doctor says that the baby is growing a lot right now, and my body just needs more rest. And, the doctor said that once my medications get adjusted I probably will have a little more energy. 

Week 27

This week, our baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, our baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. I should chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements I 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 they don't bother her, however they will tickle me.

Charlotte has been very active and very responsive. She is getting bigger as I am getting bigger as well. And, I have been swelling more and more. I started wearing my rings on my necklace this week because my fingers are almost always swollen. Also, I crave chocolate pretty much all the time. I don't know if I had shared but my main cravings the last month have been cheetos, cherry coke, and chocolate sprinkles. But, now it is just chocolate, but not chocolate ice cream, more like chocolate candy bars and chocolate milk. I try not to give in all the time, but everyday at least I drink chocolate milk. I have always been a big fan of chocolate, so this isn't surprising. If Charlotte is anything like her mom she will be a chocoholic herself. 

Hot... one words to describe how I feel most of the time. I am always hot. As you can see in the picture this week I am wearing a tank-top. I am going to have to invest in skirts and shorts to wear. I guess because there is so much fluid and hormones flowing through my body. This is so unusual for me because I actually have an extra sensitivity to cold normally because of my thyroid deficiency. 

The Bump

I don't know if I can still call Charlotte a "bump" as I am rather large. Here you go...

Getting Better

I started feeling under the weather Thursday night with my throat hurting. And, I just got worse until Sunday and Monday when I was miserable. Finally, I started getting better after sleeping almost 30 hours, and today I felt even better. I just keep sleeping a lot, and hope to get better. I was scared to take anything because it all says not to if your pregnant. The doctor did tell me I could have some Sudafed. 

It's official...

Mark and I have started our house hunt in Dallas. This is such a hard thing for me because I absolutely love our house now, but I know that Mark is going to be even busier when she comes and that it would makes more sense to move to Dallas. I want him to be able to spend as much time as possible and as he wants with her, and the only way to secure this is to be close to his school and work. 

On Monday, when we went up to Dallas and drove around some specific neighborhoods we were looking into to make sure they were places when would want to live. We did this before about a week ago as well. We found a house we really liked on Monday and did a drive-by. Mark called today to see if we could get a showing on Friday and it already has two applications in on it, which didn't make sense because it has been vacant since December. So, I googled our second favorite house and it said leased today as well. Then, there were three more properties on our list that also had leased overnight. So, I am thinking that houses that are nice and in our price range and neighborhoods are going to go quick.

Which brings me to my next point, our lease isn't up until the end of July. Our hope is that we can move June 1st, but we can't afford double rent. So either someone would want to move into our house earlier or the new houses is already vacant and the landlord would want us to move in early so it wasn't vacant and we would work something out where we get owner rent for the year or free time in the house.  I will keep you updated on any new changes.

Mark

Mark has had a pretty big last month with school. He has participated in several competitions with moot court through the school and traveled to Lubbock and New York as well as competed in Dallas. His team has done exceptionally well at this competitions. Also, this past weekend he had his final trial for his 2L year, which is like a big mock trial. He is now focusing on finals and he just started doing research for a professor this week. After finals he will focus on his judicial internship with a federal bankruptcy judge this summer and a moot court competition which he will compete in June 28-30 as long as Charlotte doesn't intend to make her arrival then. He is also trying out for moot court teams, applying to jobs, trying out for Law review, and trying to get into a clinic for next Fall in the next few weeks. So, he has been working hard.

Week 26

The network of nerves in our baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other (we believe she hears and responds to us). She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel (although our baby is a little bigger than this, probably at least 2 pounds already). 

Doctor's Visit

This week I went and had my glucose tolerance test. It wasn't at the doctor's office but at a lab across from the hospital. The sugary "drink" that they had me drink wasn't as bad as I had thought it was going to be... it was fruit punch flavored. However, within a few minutes of drinking it I started getting all shaky and eventually started blacking out, so they let me lay down. I had to keep down the drink for an hour and then get my blood drawn. Once I laid down I felt much better. I was laying on my side on the doctor's tables, which is kind of hard. And Charlotte was pumped up on sugar and very active. She kept kicking the table through the side of my stomach. I just laid there and watched/felt her kicking for about an hour. I am not sure when I will get the results of the test.

Pediatrician

I am filing the pre-registration paperwork with the hospital for the birth and there is a section where I am suppose to list the baby's pediatrician. I hadn't really even thought about choosing a doctor. So, if anyone has any recommendations for a pediatrician in Dallas (we are giving birth at Baylor Hospital in downtown) please pass along the name. I am not sure the process, but I guess we get recommendations and then contact the doctors to chose one. 

Birth-Class

Mark and I are all signed up for our birth classes at Baylor Hospital Dallas. We will go from 1:30-5:00 on three Sunday afternoons form April 19th through May 3rd. We are looking forward to learning, because we don't really know much about the whole process. However, it only means we are that much closer to giving birth!

Bricks and Tennis Shoes

I am not comparing my beautiful baby girl to a brick, but I am. People keep asking me how it feels to be carrying a baby. My answer, "it feels like there is a brick, or maybe two, in my stomach." That might be a weird comparison, but it is true. I love to feel and watch her move around, but sometimes she gets a little heavy. I might have to retire my tennis shoes. It is becoming very hard to tie and untie my shoes. And, my shoes get really tight when my feet start swelling, which leaves me in an awkward place in public struggling to loosen my shoes. 

One last Story...

to leave you with. Mark called today and I put the phone on my belly so he could talk to his daughter. When he was talking to her she started moving around and then keep kicking the phone. We know that she can hear us and responds to us. Also, I have gotten into the habit of resting books on my tummy when I am reading. Charlotte always ends up kicking the book, just to let me know that she is in there. 

And, the Bump...

people have been telling me that I "popped" or "doubled" lately. I am getting much bigger...