Week 20

Lots is happening this week. I have a new symptom that is sorta driving me nuts. Last week I started with the sniffles and this week I still have them. This is called rhinitis of pregnancy. Or if could just be really bad allergies that don't seem the least bit effected by claritin or any other over the counter drug. The doctor told me that it's fine to take Claritin and Mucinex and anything with the decongestant component. But since they don't seem to be helping I am not taking anything for it. I will just have to look sick. It seems only bad on occasion. Having really super soft tissues with lotion really seem to help.

Baby is moving more...I can feel it usually before I am about to eat and usually immediately after. Or if something makes me excited or nervous. I can't feel it from the outside yet but I am pretty sure it's baby. It seems to like my lower left side at the moment. Some days more than others, like yesterday. Sandro and I went to see a IMAX movie sponsored by his company and seriously the excitement of it all made the baby go crazy. I felt bad for Sandro since he couldn't feel it yet.

So here is what is happening in Week 20.

How your baby's growing: Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against her torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of her head to her bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, she's measured from head to toe.)

She's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

Weekly Update

How far along? 19 Weeks 1 Day
Total weight gain/loss: Well I started at 203 and now I am about 211. Doc said that it's perfectly acceptable weight gain. So 8 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Exclusively. Though I do have some larger pants that I am still wearing..under the belly.
Stretch marks? It does appear that my old ones are resurfacing. I lost a lot of weight they went away...they are back now.
Sleep: Just the normal having to wake up 2-3 times a night to pee. The dog doesn't help here are at all.
Best moment this week: Learning the sex of the baby and finding out that it's doing really well.
Movement: Flutters mostly. Starting to get more than I was before. Like really fast and then I try to reach down and catch them...it immediately stops.
Food cravings: Amazingly fruit and vegetables. Like cantaloupe and tomatoes. Mainly because I am just so hot.
What I miss: Being able to tolerate the heat. I have a feeling this Texas weather is going to be the death of me.
What I am looking forward to: V Day..(26 weeks) The baby can technically survive out of the womb by this point. Of course I would never want to have a premature baby that early. I hope babygirl stays in there for a while.
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to get overwhelmed with all that you have coming up in the next several weeks. I have sorta started the nesting phase and really want to get everything ready for the baby.
Milestones: Finally cleared of complications and is a normal pregnant lady with normal appointments.

This weekend Sandro and I started looking at baby room things. He likes the idea of doing a border. Mostly like a divider for the room. We looked at home depot and we found one that had a tiny touch of lavender but was mostly blue. They quoted us like $125 dollars for that border. Way to much. So of course in my spend thrift ways I decided to start looking and pricing it out. I found the perfect border that looked a lot more girly and fit the stars and moon look. It was only $21 with shipping. I actually got two sets up it which will be more than enough for that room. So excited. I hope it's as cute as it appears in the picture. It discontinued and I found it for about $33 dollars on other sites. I am still wondering why the price was so much lower. I have read the description several times and it appears to be the same as the others. So I consider this a score!

Colors and Quilt

My dad came down for a quick visit. Norma has made me this beautiful patch quilt that had a different colors so she could give me ideas of what looked good together. As I mentioned to she very talented when it came to colors. I am still in the process of researching cribs to find the the best deal. Dad and Norma have offered to get this for us. Trying to find the best value but also high quality since I will probably using this with the next baby. It was so hard to decide what colors I liked the most. Most people think I am strange but I am not a huge fan of pink. So I really wanted to incorporate as many other colors as possible. I love blues, browns and lavender. I also think yellow is a great color for babies. But not the crazy bold yellow for the soft smooth yellow.

Babygirls's First Toy...it plays a lullaby given by Dad and Norma.

The colors I was thinking for the room. But the bedding would mostly brown and lavender with a touch of yellow,pink and aqua blue.

My first puchase for Babygirl. I actually got it off amazon with a giftcard I got for my birthday from mom. So cute.

The inside of the record bookThe middle yellow is what I was thinking for the space.

I like the dark wood expresso finish for the crib.

The room the nursery will be.
Ignore the air mattress. Obviously that won't be there.

Now the fun Part...The Nursury

My awesome talented stepmother is planning to make the quilts for the baby bedding so I now I can pick out all the fabric. I believe I have a pattern at home at home that she will be using. Not sure where I put this. To me they can be a bit on the gender natural side so if for some reason she (our daughter) happens to grow a penis that it will work out. I will probably get some paint chips together and show the colors together. But I am thinking browns, lavender, blues and hint of yellow. Here are few sets that I really like. I really like the bottom picture the most, however it's missing the brown I want to incorporate into the room.

It's a Girl!

She didn't want to show her stuff. At this point there is a 90% chance it's a girl. Sandro and the Tech saw the three lines two different times. She was moving around like crazy and was being bashfull and wouldn't open her legs long enough for a good picture. ;) She weighs 8 oz. and measuring prefectly. Her heart had all 4 chambers. She had a round belly and a big head. Very healthy. The u/s tech says save your recipts only because girls are way harder to call but at this point it does appear to be a girl.

The SCH is really small...almost not worth mentioning. The doctor is confident that it will disappear now. I won't get a U/S for at least 3 months. Which is awesome. I did gain 4 pounds but the Dr. said this prefectly normal and a pound a week is good. Overall a good appointment.

Picture #1 The baby is waving..The hand is next to the mouth.

Picture #2 The baby arm is going down to it's side.

Picture #3 Profile picture.

Pictue #4... The u/s tech was trying to capture the lines. Baby moved to quickly. Can't see much in this picture.

Weekly Update

How far along? 18 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Last time I went to the doctor I only gained 6 pounds. I am sure this will increase at the next appointment. I weighed at home at I gained total 8 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Mostly pants. I can still fit most shirts if they are long enough. The outfit to your right is not maternity. Just stretchy material.
Stretch marks? My belly is itchy lately
Sleep: I have been waking up to pee a lot. About 4 times a night. I guess the baby is on my bladder.
Best moment this week: Watching my beautiful cousin commit to her husband Eric. It was a beautiful wedding.
Movement: Some flutters..some gas. I really have to be in a completely quiet atmosphere to feel the baby.
Food cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary.
Labor Signs: Nope..Many weeks away from this.
What I miss: Eating junk food without getting sick.
What I am looking forward to: Finding out the sex today. We hope! Depends on if the baby cooperates.
Weekly Wisdom: No matter how much you think you can eat junk food I advise you to think again. It will do a number on your already sensitive belly.
Milestones: None this week.

Last night I had a terrible reaction to the dinner I had. I thought I was doing better so Sandro and I went to have pizza at Campisi's We had pepperoni and black olive pizza with a small dinner salad. Well I went to sleep at 8:30 and was awoken by my stomach feeling like it was about to explode. I was rolling in pain. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me. I could feel my stomach cramping up. I was praying to the baby gods that the little one would be okay. I never felt pain like this from gas ever. I had two sessions of diarrhea and came back to bed and Sandro rubbed my belly to calm down the little one. OMG it was bad.

We are so excited about the appointment today. We hope we have a good outcome. Of course I am really worried about the baby and I just hope that he/she is healthy. The spotting has stopped since May 2nd. That's almost 3 complete weeks. I am hoping that they give us a clean bill of health.

I hope you like the picture this week. Just look how beautiful the bride is. I will be editing her pictures this weekend. One my favorite parts of wedding photography.

Week 19

So I am getting nervous by the minute. Tomorrow is the big u/s. I think it's because sometimes I feel flutters and other times I do not. I know this is normal during this particular time but it still makes me nervous. I never got one of those heart rate monitors because I felt that it would only add to to my nervousness. I didn't want to be obsessive about trying to find the heartbeat every single moment of the day so I am trying to get through this with out it. My tummy is getting tighter and my lower belly is starting to match my upper belly. I am carrying high (my mother did as well) and my belly is sorta uneven at the moment.

So here is what is happening in week 19. For more info click here.

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Their brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that it may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to them, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. The arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of their body now. The kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on the baby scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on their skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

Green Poop

This is going to be a gross TMI blog. But lets just say the crazy pregnancy stuff your body experiences can't be ignored. So this weekend I went to my cousins wedding in Clarksville, Tennessee. When you are on the road it's increasing hard to eat well and keep your self hydrated. Mainly because we would have to stop every hour for a pregnant woman's bladder. So I didn't drink nearly as much water as I traditionally do. I also normally eat a primarily organic diet expect for the occasional night/breakfast dinner out.

So the trip began as normal. We first stopped at Cracker barrel and I ate biscuits in gravy. Then we didn't eat lunch for about 5 hours later. We stopped at Ruby Tuesday (never had been and I know that they are chain in Dallas) and I got Mini Burgers and Fries, then when I got to Clarksville I ate a lean pocket. Not a terrible day but not exactly the healthiest. I didn't really drink much water that day.

The next day was the wedding. Sandro and I ate breakfast as Shoney's (this is probably where I made the mistake) it was on breakfast buffet. Total waste of money. I didn't pick the best options and really left feeling gross. Went to help my cousin Katrice at the wedding and Sandro showed up about 3 hours later with cheese pizza and water. I had couple of pieces but I didn't want to over indulge since the wedding was in a couple of hours. I ate at the wedding a few of my favorite tortilla roll ups and pasta. (I believe the pasta was vegan..since I saw my cousin eating it) By the time I got home that night I was rolling in stomach pain. I had diarrhea but knew I had to eat something for dinner so I had another lean pocket.

The next day I was determined to eat better. On the way back we stopped at Cracker Barrel and I had some sort of skillet and potato thing. It wasn't fried and tasted pretty good. Then we stopped at Subway much later that afternoon. Sandro made me a small sandwich for dinner.

This morning I woke up to Green Poop. Literally as bright green as an pastel colored easter egg. It was a really bizarre site. I never saw green poop before. Two things could have caused this..the fact my diet changed from mostly organic to road food or I am just not getting enough water. 2) the increase/rejection of the iron I am getting from the prenatal pill. Overall, it scared the crap out of me. Going back to my mostly organic diet and sticking away from junk for a while.

Week 18

So what's happening this week you ask...Well I think my tummy has popped. It's harder and it appears that I am carrying mostly high. My stomach is lopsided but it could be related to way the baby is positioned. I have been feeling more movement this week. It's the coolest feeling. I can see why people say butterflies in your tummy but it also feels like a fish swimming around touching you with it's fins. Sometimes I feel nothing and then boom after I eat there it is again. At this point it doesn't have to be frequent so that is perfectly fine.

Today I went on the scale. Last night I was so bloated and terribly miserable. So I slept with my big pillow for tummy support and leg support. I woke up feeling much better. So I decided to weigh. Amazingly my weight hadn't change since the last time I was on the scale. Yet my belly is bulging more. Maybe it's the fact I really didn't increase my calories all that much. I don't really eat fast food (other than the occasionally Chipotle) of course this is all Sandro's influence. He doesn't feel that pregnancy cravings are real and will be stubborn when I request certain things. However, honestly I don't have a big craving for any of that. I get on these modes that some days I just want Italian foods like pasta and pizza then I want Mexican foods. Of course most of these are made at home. But no sweets cravings. Maybe this is helping me keep my weight under control. I used to have 1200 calories a day when I was dieting...well obviously this isn't enough for pregnant ladies. I do indulge in more juices and lemonades though.

So here is what is happening in Week 18.

Our little one is nearly half a pound now and very human looking. Pads are forming on the fingertips and toes, and the eyes are looking forward rather than out the sides of the head. Meconium, the baby's first bowel movement, is accumulating within the bowel. If your baby is a boy, his prostate gland is beginning to develop.

If you notice your belly making jerky movements in sync, don't panic; your baby may have the hiccups!

Weekly Update

How far along? 17 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Last time I went to the doctor I only gained 6 pounds. I am sure this will increase at the next appointment.
Maternity clothes? Mostly pants. I can still fit most shirts if they are long enough.
Stretch marks? My belly is itchy lately
Sleep: Same but last night the dogs woke me up at 3 and baby didn't want to go back to sleep. He/She was moving around a lot.
Best moment this week: The baby was moving around last night when I was trying to fall asleep. I told Sandro to listen to my belly. He told me he could hear the baby moving around. He listened for about 5 mins. Makes me feel like I am not losing it when I feel it.
Movement: Feeling a mostly flutters after I eat or when I am trying to rest.
Food cravings: Cherry Pie. I made one for mothers day and it was completely gone.
Labor Signs: Nope..Many weeks away from this.
What I miss: I feel like I am not missing much.
What I am looking forward to: Finding out the sex in 9 days.
Weekly Wisdom: Bending over will become increasingly difficult the further along that you are pregnant. Learn to bend with the knees.
Milestones: None this week.

For mom I am posting a picture of me with Nana's pearls. So does anybody think my face looks thinner?? ;) Oh and self portraits are hard.

Symptoms Update

Two new symptoms have appeared. The first was that my tailbone hurts when I walk. Not sure why that is...but I have read that's it's common in week 17 of pregnancy. Just google is and it will come up with all these people experiencing pain. I can't think of any reason my tailbone would hurt. Other than maybe sitting on it too much. The second crazy symptom that has appeared is my new belly line. Which is the linea negra. I have been told that will may be really dark but it goes after pregnancy.

How for existing symptoms. My boobs hurt seriously bad. They just don't look normal at all. I have bought several types of maternity bra's and nothing is helping. I went and got sized and I was at about a 38DD (sometimes smaller like a 36DD) before I got pregnant and now I am a 40E..Yes you read that right. A freaking 40E. It's just not normal. I am only about half way through this.

The heartburn happens but seems to only come at unexpected times. Usually when I lay down and it comes back up. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night just to take some tums. My appetite increased though which is good...but also can be bad. I am so scared to get on the scale next Thursday. I blame my boobs for the weight gain. :)

So yesterday I got a positive compliment from Mother in law. She told me I look like I am losing weight in my face. Which always makes a pregnant lady feel better about gaining weight in other place (boobs and tummy) but it was nice to here that at least my face doesn't look like a bloated whale.

Just want to make it clear. I am not upset about having symptoms nor do I want my post to come out this way. I am so exciting about this baby. I can't wait to have this new addition. Every time I see a child I can't help but think about the future and have that overwhelming feeling of wanting to be a mom. It's certainly not unappreciated that I am pregnant. I am thankful every single day. I cherish every single moment.

Week 17

So I was reminded by my Aunt Marilyn that I hadn't posted in a while. This week really flew by. Which is sorta good because learning the sex is getting closer and closer. Then all the fun starts. This week I was told that I was visiting too many personal internet sites. Even though there isn't a soul at this company that doesn't. It's the nature of my business. It's not as if my customer service level is effected by me checking my email. Perhaps if they hadn't moved me to this spot then I would feel less like a prisoner and more like professional. Can you tell I am getting bitter?

So what's happening in week 17.

Your baby is anywhere from 4.4 to 4.8 inches by pregnancy week 17 and weighs almost 3 ½ ounces! If you were to hold your baby at 17 weeks pregnant, she would fit snuggly in the palm of your hand. Your baby is about the size of a small pomegranate by pregnancy 17 weeks.

Whoohoo 16 Weeks!

How far along? 16 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Last time I went to the doctor I only gained 6 pounds. I am sure this will increase at the next appointment.
Maternity clothes? I had to purchase a few things this weekend with birthday money. Cami's and some shorts for the spring.
Stretch marks? The Linea nigra
has made it's appearance.
Sleep: You would think after being in the second tri that I would not be as tried. But I have been sleeping more than ever. Actually falling asleep by 7:30-8:00. I just feel tried and sleepy after eating.
Best moment this week: I would say the flutters.
Movement: Feeling a few flutters. (at least I hope that is what they are)
Food cravings: Hawaiian Punch and Chipolte.
Labor Signs: Nope..Many weeks away from this.
What I miss: Being able to eat a few of my favorite things. Lately nothing tastes good. (except above mentioned cravings)
What I am looking forward to: Finding out the sex in 17 days.
Weekly Wisdom: The swine flu isn't the end of humanity. It's just a flu. Wash your hands and avoid sick people and you make it through it. It's not as it we turn to Zombies or something.
Milestones: Made it to 16 weeks. The doctor had told me if I made it this far that most likely the baby will be fine.

This weekend was my birthday. On the actual day it's self I was feeling really tried. I also had a spotting incident but it was very light and disappeared as quickly as it appeared. As always just brown junk. On top of that I was just feeling so tried that I had no energy. I laid on the couch for most of the time. I took a 3 hour mid day nap. Let's just say it wasn't that exciting of a Birthday. Sandro's parents did come over and have pizza (Whole Foods) and eat some cake. It rained for the majority of the day. Perhaps this is what zapped my energy.














On Sunday I went to Sandro's parents for breakfast. She has made some pita. She also had made a cake. So we did the whole birthday thing over again. This time with my SIL and BIL. Then Sandro took me shopping at the mall. Later he gave into my promise of Chipotle. I had to not mention it for 4 days or he would not take me again for 2 weeks. It was hard not to mention it since that is all I am craving. :) It was fantastic.