37 weeks

How far along: 37 weeks

Baby's size: A Watermelon

Ella is officially full-term! Yay! She's gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. She could now be born at any time and likely thrive. But while she's waiting, it's practice, practice and more practice! She's brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (she's getting strong!).

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, hip pain .... had swollen ankles for the first time last Friday! But I'm sure that's just because I spent Thursday night cleaning the entire house! Probably pushed it a little too much. I was exhausted on Friday!

Sleep: Same old story here.

Total Weight Gain: 29 pounds

Maternity clothes: Yup, definitely wearing them!

Best moment this week: Dr. B "checked" me for the first time at my appointment on Friday. Ok, so that wasn't exactly the most fun moment, but definitely exciting!

Movement: I can definitely tell she's getting bigger! Her movements are starting to get more uncomfortable for me.

Food cravings: Still none ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: No contractions or symptoms of labor. On Friday Dr. B said I was 1 cm dilated and Ella's head is at station 0. Dilation is the width that the cervix is open. The cervix needs to dilate from zero to 10 cm. Station refers to how high the baby's head is in the pelvis, and is determined by feeling inside the vagina. This is typically measured from -3 to +3. 0 station means the baby has dropped or engaged well into the pelvis and that her head rests right at the level of the ischial spines. +3 means the baby's head is visible at the opening of the vagina, also known as crowning. So for 36 1/2 weeks we're off to a great start!

What I miss: Feeling comfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby in 3 weeks!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestone: I guess I've officially "dropped"!

Emotions: I'm feeling completely torn. Part of me feels like this little girl is coming way too quickly! The other part of me feels like she can't come soon enough! I feel like there is still so much to be done, and so much I do not know! But I simply cannot wait to see her face and meet her for the first time.

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36 weeks ... one month to go!

How far along: 36 weeks

Baby's size: A Honeydew

Ella's skin is getting smooth and soft, her gums are rigid, her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune system are basically good to go. Her lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day she gets a little closer to breathing on her own. Most of her bones and cartilage are are quite soft (they'll harden after the first few years of life) - allowing for an easier journey as she squeezes through the birth canal at delivery. At this stage, the skull bones are also not fused together yet so that her head can easily (well, relatively easily) maneuver through the birth canal. Her growth is slowing down now, both so she can fit through the narrow passageway to the outside and also so she can store up all the energy needed for delivery.

Symptoms: My back pain is getting worse - I really need to get in to see a masseuse or chiropractor. My friend rib pain still won't leave my side. I'm also experiencing more discomfort in my hips. I'm assuming this is because they are loosening for delivery. After sitting or standing (or even laying) in one position for a while they are pretty sore. But I'll take that as a good thing if it means easier delivery!

Sleep: Same old story here. With my back pain, I can't ever seem to get comfortable at night. Sleeping on my side puts more pressure on my back. Sleeping on my back feels the best for my back, but that's not very comfortable with my belly weighing down on my. The best position is about half way between on my back and on my side - with a pillow propped behind and in front of me. Makes it pretty hard for hubby to get anywhere near me!

Total Weight Gain: 27 pounds

Maternity clothes: Did some outlet shopping this weekend. Bought a dress, a cardigan, a 3/4 sleeve shirt, a tshirt and a tank top all for about $40! None of which were maternity. I'm still having more luck finding styles that accommodate a belly, or simply buying a larger size. Maternity clothes just don't seem to fit me well - or if they do, they're often too expensive for my taste!

Best moment this week: Had my second "unofficial" baby shower on Sunday. Got together with all my girlfriends from college for cider, yummy fall desserts, and some good catch up time. They all went together and bought me a white and pink BabyBjorn. So sweet!

Movement: Yup, still moving! I never did get around to start doing kick counts. I guess she moves so much that it hasn't seemed necessary.

Food cravings: Still none ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: None. Thankfully!

What I miss: Feeling comfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby in 4 weeks!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestone: One month to go!


Emotions: Pregnancy hormones can be really annoying at times! A simple inconsiderate comment, that would normally just roll off my back, can send me into tears. Poor hubby doesn't know what to do sometime! But he is so sweet and considerate and never makes me feel stupid. He just listens - which is usually all I need anyway. Not sure how I got so lucky to have him!

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35 weeks ... 35 days to go

How far along: 35 weeks

Baby's size: A Honeydew

From now on, Ella's growth is mostly in the plumping up department - though she won't get much longer, she'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. BAck in the middle of pregnancy, Ella's weight was made up of only 2% fat; now she's about 15% and will be about 30% by full-term.) Her hearing is totally developed (though she responds best to higher pitches.) Also continuing to grow at an amazing pace is her brain power. Luckily, the part that surrounds that amazing brain - the skull - remains soft. And for good reason: a soft skull will allow her to squeeze more easily through the birth canal. God was really thinking this one through - imagine trying to push out a rock-hard head ... ouch!

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ...and started getting a little heartburn in the evenings sometimes.

Sleep: Getting comfortable at night is nearly impossible. But once I fall asleep I seem to sleep well. Thankfully I don't really wake up to go to the bathroom much at all. But IF I do wake up for another reason, it most certainly means a trip to the bathroom!

Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds ... my weight gain seems to be slow lately - not that I'm complaining! Hopefully it's nothing to worry about. I continue to measure right on schedule at every OB visit, so I'll just wait and see!

Maternity clothes: My wardrobe is getting more and more limited. I've been pretty lucky so far that a lot of my regular clothes have still worked. But more and more of my tshirts are not making it over my growing bump! But I guess with only 5 weeks left there doesn't seem like much point in buying more maternity clothes, so I'll just make due!

Best moment this week: Had my first baby shower on Saturday. It was SO fun to have so many come, especially a lot of my cousins who surprised me by driving up (many from out of state) for the afternoon.

Movement: She's moving just as much as ever. According to Dr. B and Dr. F, she's been head down for over a month, but she loves to stick her butt out near my belly button ... I told her daddy he's going to have to talk to her about being modest :)

Food cravings: Still none ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: None. Thankfully!

What I miss: Feeling comfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby in 5 weeks! And my second shower this weekend.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestone:

Emotions: Kind of freaking out about the whole labor and delivery thing - mostly because I simply don't know what to expect, so it seems impossible to have any sort of realistic 'plan' in place. But lamaze class is helping, so we'll see.

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34 weeks

How far along: 34 weeks

Baby's size: A Honeydew

Ella can now recognize and react to simple songs ... time to start practicing my lullabies! In fact, she will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Her fingernails now reach the end of her fingertips and may even curl over the tip - sounds like a mother/daughter trip to the salon will be in order! Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Better get the diapers ready!

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ... I've been to the bathroom 4 times already this morning! Starting to feel more and more uncomfortable the bigger I get. Simply sitting on the couch is even more uncomfortable these days.

Sleep: Still sleeping well, just not all that comfortably. And I never seem to get enough of it!

Total Weight Gain: 25 pounds

Maternity clothes: We had dinner with some friends of ours this weekend who have a 2 month old little girl. She had just packed up all her maternity clothes, so she sent me home with two bins of clothes! She's quite a bit shorter than me, so most of the pants didn't work - but I did score quite a few long sleeve tops that will be great now that it's getting colder!

Best moment this week: Our crib and bassinet arrived! Hubby's mom brought over the bassinet, which was made by her father. And she picked up the crib down in the city - it's now prominently placed in our garage. We won't be putting it up until our new house is finished, but it's so fun just knowing it's there!

Movement: She is getting so big! Her jabs have started to feel slightly uncomfortable. It feels like she's jabbing me in the side with her elbows. And sometimes headbutting me in the bladder. So fun! But thankfully she's stayed away from my ribs so far.

Food cravings: Still none ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: None. Thankfully!

What I miss: Jeans that fit.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby in 6 weeks! And my first shower this weekend.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestone:

Emotions: So much to be done. But I don't even know where to start! This whole building a house thing really complicates the planning process. There is so much that I would normally be doing right now, but I'm waiting until we're in our new house to do. However, I know there are things I should be doing right now to prepare for this baby that I'm just not thinking of! Thankfully my mom is coming this weekend for the shower, hopefully she can help me make a plan!

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33 weeks

How far along: 33 weeks

Baby's size: A Honeydew

Things are heating up inside! Ella may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and her brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, she'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, her bones are hardening, and she's started to keep her eyes open when she's awake. The level of amniotic fluid in the uterus has reached its maximum this week, making it likely that there's more baby than fluid now. That's just one reason I'm feeling lots of nudges and pushes - there's less liquid to cushion the blows. Ella has reached another important milestone about now as well: the development of her own immune system (along with antibodies).

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ... a new one this week is achy hip joints. I can feel that the ligaments are getting looser!

Sleep: Still sleeping well, just not all that comfortably. And I never seem to get enough of it!

Total Weight Gain: 25 pounds

Maternity clothes: Comfort seems to be key these days. Fewer and fewer things in my closet are fitting. But I'm also loosing interest in buying a ton more maternity clothes; seems like a waste with only 7 weeks to go!

Best moment this week: We found out at last weeks appointment that she's already in a head-down position. Looks like she's just as excited to meet us as we are to meet her!

Movement: She is getting so big, and moving so much!

Food cravings: Starting to think I may never have any ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: None.

What I miss: Not having a constant pain under my ribs. It's getting more severe lately, and extremely uncomfortable!

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby in 7 weeks!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestone:

Emotions: Stressed beyond belief with everything that needs to be accomplished in the next 7 weeks!

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32 weeks

How far along: 32 weeks

Baby's size: A Squash

Ella's getting ready for her big debut! The past few weeks it's been all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb - from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, she's been able to suck her thumb for a while now. She's also becoming less transparent and more opaque, as more and more fat accumulates under her skin. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in my increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier.

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ... my belly is also getting ichy as my skin is stretching more and more these days.

Sleep: Still sleeping well, just not all that comfortably. And I never seem to get enough of it!

Total Weight Gain: 24 pounds ... though my weight has fluctuated quite a bit this week - which is different than the rest of this pregnancy has been. May need to keep an eye on this. But then again, it may be nothing to be concerned about.

Maternity clothes: Comfort seems to be key these days. Fewer and fewer things in my closet are fitting.

Best moment this week: Finally bought Ella's crib this weekend!

Movement: She is getting so big, and moving so much!

Food cravings: Starting to think I may never have any ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: No labor signs yet, but I have felt a few random pains along my right side. Maybe Braxton hicks? Or maybe just weird cramps.

What I miss: Cuddling with hubby at night, and generally just being comfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby in 8 weeks!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestone:

Emotions: Stressed beyond belief with everything that needs to be accomplished in the next 8 weeks!

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31 weeks

How far along: 31 weeks

Baby's size: A Squash

At three-plus pounds and nearly 18 inches long, Ella is quickly approaching her birth length - though she has another 3 to 5 pounds to go before D-day. She's going through major brain and nerve development these days. Her irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (She won't pick up anything from her nose until after birth, though - smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.) She's also putting in longer stretches of sleep, and developing more defined patterns of wakefulness and rest.

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ...

Sleep: Still sleeping well, but hard to get comfortable. I'm finally starting to feel a little uncomfortable laying on my back, with the weight of my belly. But side-sleeping isn't the most comfortable with back and rib pain either. I've started propping a pillow behind my back, which has done wonders!

Total Weight Gain: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes: Fewer and fewer of my regular shirts can be stretched over my belly these days.

Best moment this week: Laying in bed with hubby watching my belly move is still my favorite!

Movement: She is getting so big, and moving so much!

Food cravings: Starting to think I may never have any ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs: This question actually be relevant so soon!

What I miss: Cuddling with hubby at night, and generally just being comfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby in 9 weeks!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestone:

Emotions: Just really happy and content with life right now.

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the big 3 - 0

No I'm not turning 30! Just made it to 30 weeks. I can hardly believe I'm that far along already. Ella will be here in just 10 short weeks. I'm feeling like it can't come soon enough! I can hardly wait to meet this little girl who we love so much already. Can't wait to see what she looks like, and what kind of little personality she will have.

But part of me is terrified by the fact that we only have 10 weeks left. There is still so much to be done! I don't have a pediatrician picked out, a daycare lined up, I haven't bought the crib yet, haven't found the perfect rocking chair ... and the list goes on.

But really her arrival is not some big deadline, it's only just the beginning! Yes there are things that need to be done before she arrives, but there is still so much time AFTER she arrives as well!

How far along: 30 weeks

Baby's size: A Squash

As Ella's skin smooths out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. Her bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells (before, tissue groups and then the spleen took care of producing the blood cells.) This means she'll be better able to thrive on her own after birth. So it's in with the new (brain cells, red blood cells) and out with the old (lanugo.) Much of the lanugo - the soft, downy hair covering her body - is beginning to disappear now because both fat and the brain are regulating her body temperature (so no need for that furry coat anymore!) She's also adding some brawn - her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ...

Sleep: Still sleeping well, but hard to get comfortable. I may need to add a few pillows to the bed soon!

Total Weight Gain: 22 pounds

Maternity clothes: Loving my new maternity jeans, and leggings. Even some of my larger sized pants are becoming too snug.

Best moment this week: I told hubby last night that we needed to take new belly photos because I was thirty weeks. He just looked at me and said, "Wow, we're going to have a baby!" It was so cute, he could not be any more excited!

Movement: Still feeling her all the time. Still haven't started counting kicks, maybe this week ...

Food cravings: Starting to think I may never have any ...

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Cuddling with hubby at night, and generally just being comfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: My baby shower. Just scheduled it for October 16th!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: We preregistered for giving birth at the hospital this morning! It's really just a simple little form with my contact and insurance info, but wow does that makes things real.

Emotions: Just really happy and content with life right now.

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29 weeks

How far along: 29 weeks

Baby's size: A Squash

Ella's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath her skin. This fat is different from the earlier brown fat that she accumulated. Brown fat is necessary for body temperature regulation while white fat (the fat adults have) actually serves as an energy source. And since she's growing so fast (her weight will double or triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. Soon her kicks will be more vigorous than before (and also less erratic) as she gets stronger and excitedly responds to all sorts of stimuli - movement, sounds, light, and that cup cake I ate half an hour ago!

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ...

Sleep: Still sleeping well, but hard to get comfortable. I may need to add a few pillows to the bed soon!

Total Weight Gain: 21 pounds

Maternity clothes: Went shopping with my mom over the weekend and finally bought the maternity jeans I've been eying for over three months! Also gave in and went bra shopping ... after trying on close to 50 bras, finally found four that worked - two of which came home with me. Bought my first nursing bra!

Best moment this week: My parents came up for Labor day. We had a great time looking through baby stuff, planning the nursery, and shopping for cribs and gliders.

Movement: Still feeling her all the time. Thinking I should start counting this week.

Food cravings: None ... well, made a chocolate cake last week just because I wanted a piece ... does that count? Hubby thinks it does. Didn't seem that different than a normal pms chocolate craving.

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Being independent. It's extremely hard for me to let others lift things for me!

What I'm looking forward to: Making plans for Ella's room.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: 3rd Trimester! wow how did that happen! 

Emotions: We've had a TON going on in our life lately, so I've been so absent from the blog world. Besides Ella, I've been crazy busy at work this past month, and we've got other exciting news in the works as well. Hopefully once I get through this week, things will start slowing down a bit at work and I can get caught up on my blog ... and getting my butt in gear with my baby check list!

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28 weeks - 3rd trimester

How far along: 28 weeks

Baby's size: An Eggplant

Ella may be dreaming! Brain wave activity measured at this stage shows different sleep cycles, including the rapid eye movement phase, the stage when dreaming occurs. New tricks this week including blinking, coughing, more intense sucking, and perhaps most important, better breathing. Ella's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, she has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). Her skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

Symptoms: Back pain, rib pain, leg cramps, frequent bathroom trips ... other than that doing pretty well. I am starting to feel bigger, and have noticed I'm starting to walk a little different to compensate my growing bump.

Sleep: Still sleeping well, but hard to get comfortable. I may need to add a few pillows to the bed soon!

Total Weight Gain: officially hit 20 pounds!

Maternity clothes: I'm thinking it's time to invest in a new bra, a larger one! And now that fall is just around the corner, I need to start looking for a pair of maternity jeans.

Best moment this week: My favorite time of the day is when hubby and I crawl into bed (when that actually happens at the same time). Ella thinks 11pm is play time, or dance time. It's so fun to lay there together and watch her dance across my belly!

Movement: Still feeling her all the time. Wondering if I'm suppose to start counting kicks soon?

Food cravings: None.

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Being independent. It's extremely hard for me to let others lift things for me!

What I'm looking forward to: Making plans for Ella's room.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: 3rd Trimester! wow how did that happen!


Emotions: I have no idea how it got to be 3rd trimester already! Honestly, I've really been enjoying being pregnant. It's been a really fun time for hubby and me to share. And I rather fond of all the attention as well. I feel great (relatively speaking), and honestly feel pretty cute too! There is just something about being pregnant that makes you feel more alive and more like a woman. At the same time I am also SO excited to meet Ella. Despite enjoying being pregnant, November CANNOT come soon enough!

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27 weeks

How far along: 27 weeks

Baby's size: An Eggplant

Ella's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means she's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in the womb means every "breath" is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey - it's progress. Ella's auditory development (hearing) is progressing as the network of nerves to the ears matures. And even though the sounds she hears are muffled, she may recognize both mine and hubby's voices. Her taste buds are very developed now too; she would be able to taste the difference in the amniotic fluid if I ate something super spicy! (Though her meal time is about two hours after mine.) She may even respond to the spice by hiccuping. And although hiccups (which would feel like a belly spasm to me) may seem like they're disturbing to baby, she isn't stressed at all. It's just one more sensation that she needs to get used to.

Symptoms: Besides the pain in my ribs and back, the only really noticeable symptom is an increase in leg cramps. I mostly get them at night or first thing in the morning, if I point my toes and stretch too hard.

Sleep: Still sleeping well, but hard to get comfortable. I may need to add a few pillows to the bed soon!

Total Weight Gain: no weight gain this week, still at 19 total

Maternity clothes: Yup, I like them.

Best moment this week: I read on one of my iPhone apps that you may be able to hear the baby's heartbeat from outside. So the other night hubby put his ear up to my stomach, and sure enough he heard her heartbeat right away!

Movement: She's quite active! I absolutely LOVE feeling her move throughout the day. But her favorite time of day by far is around 11pm, right when I go to bed.

Food cravings: None.

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Being independent. It's extremely hard for me to let others lift things for me!

What I'm looking forward to: Making plans for Ella's room.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: 

Emotions: This pregnancy is flying by, and I still have so much to do!

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26 weeks

How far along: 26 weeks

Baby's size: An Eggplant

Ella's soaking up my antibodies, getting her immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and she'll soon be practicing the blink ... perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes at her daddy. (Her eyes have been closed the past few months so that the retina, the part of the eye that allows images to come into focus, could develop. She can now see what's going on around her, unfortunately the view in my uterus isn't all that exciting! The iris, the colored part of the eye, still doesn't have much pigmentation, so it's too early to start guessing her eye color. (Even the color she's born with might not be the permanent shade.) Ella's brain-wave activity is kicking in at this stage in fetal development as well, which means she can not only hear noises but can now also respond to them. She's growing and will soon be feeling a little cramped in my uterus. My little gymnast will soon have less room for those somersaults and cartwheels that I always feel!

Symptoms: Still feeling like my ribs are pulling apart, and getting back pain. Other than that, feeling pretty good. Noticing that I get short of breath quicker than normal.

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping pretty well. But it is very hard to get comfortable at night. Hubby is starting to complain that I never want to cuddle with him anymore.

Total Weight Gain: 19 total

Maternity clothes: I'm finding myself reverting to the same couple pairs of pants that I know are comfortable, rather than bothering with the bella band.

Best moment this week: Touring the hospital yesterday. It's starting to all feel so real!

Movement: Still feeling her move everyday. Hubby's mom was able to feel her for the first time last weekend!

Food cravings: None.

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Being able to comfortably cuddle with hubby.

What I'm looking forward to: Making plans for Ella's room.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: Taking our first prenatal class.

Emotions: This pregnancy is flying by, and I still have so much to do!

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25 weeks - 6 months

How far along: 25 weeks

Baby's size: An Eggplant

Ella's oh-so-handy sense of equilibrium is kicking in, and she's learning to distinguish right side up from upside down. Her skin is turning pinker; small blood vessels called capillaries are forming under the skin and filling with blood. Later this week, blood vessels will also develop in Ella's lungs, bringing them one step closer to full maturity - and one step closer to taking that first breath of fresh air. But her lungs are still very much works in progress. Though they are already beginning to develop surfactant, a substance that will help the lungs expand after she is born, the lungs are still too undeveloped to sufficiently send oxygen to the bloodstream and release carbon dioxide when she exhales. Ella's nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open this week as well. This actually allows her to begin taking practice breaths - of course since there's no air in there, she is really only "breathing" amniotic fluid.

Symptoms: Still feeling like my ribs are pulling apart, and getting back pain. Other than that, feeling pretty good. Noticing that I get short of breath quicker than normal.

Sleep: I'm actually sleeping pretty well. But it is very hard to get comfortable at night. Because of the pain in my ribs, sleeping on my back is actually the most comfortable - but they advise against it. So I try to make sure I role over onto my side before I actually fall asleep.

Total Weight Gain: 18 total

Maternity clothes: Maternity clothes are my friend! But I've had a hard time finding maternity clothes that actually fit me and look flattering. I've had just as much luck finding regular styles that work as maternity.

Best moment this week: We went camping/canoeing with my extended family this past weekend. Many of them I have not seen since I first found out I was pregnant. So it was so fun to see them all and have them comment on my baby bump!

Movement: Still feeling her move everyday. Her movements are getting bigger and stronger. Last night I felt her moving for an hour and a half straight! This weekend my mom was able to feel her move, she's the only one who's felt her move besides hubby.

Food cravings: Still no major cravings! I do notice that I'm in the mood for sweets more often.

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Being able to sit normally, without needing extra lower back support.

What I'm looking forward to: Making plans for Ella's room.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): I learned from my What to Expect app today that research has linked good dental health and oral hygiene with longer pregnancies! Who would have thought? Apparently gingivitis can progress to periodontitis - which has been linked to premature birth and even an increased risk of preeclampsia.

Milestones: 6 months!

Emotions: This pregnancy is flying by, and I still have so much to do!

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24 weeks

How far along: 24 weeks

Baby's size: A Papaya

Ella's skin is becoming more opaque as the fat starts to pack on. And, thanks to the formation of small capillaries, her newly thick skin is taking on a fresh pink glow. If we could get a glimpse inside, we'd almost be able to tell who she looks like now. Her face is almost fully formed. But she needs to gain a little more weight still. At this stage of growth she's gaining about six ounces each week - with much of that gain coming from fat, in addition to growing organs, bones, and muscle. Ella can now hear all kinds of sounds: from air exhaling from my lungs, gastric gurgles produced by my stomach and intestines, even loud sounds such as honking horns, barking dogs, or wailing fire trucks, and best of all hubby and my voices!

Symptoms: Still getting a daily side-ache on the right side ache, feeling like my ribs are pulling apart, and getting back pain. Other than that, feeling pretty good

Sleep: Sleeping is starting to get more challenging. It's tough sleeping on your side all night, especially with sore back and ribs.

Total Weight Gain: 18 total

Maternity clothes: I'm finding maternity clothes, especially pants, increasing appealing! I still have my eye on a couple pairs of maternity jeans ... but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Best moment this week: Having complete strangers come up and tell me how cute I look and congratulate me. It's fun to be obviously pregnant, and not mistaken for just a little chubby. It's also fun to have everyone so excited with us!

Movement: I feel her move everyday, periodically throughout the whole day. She's the most active right around 11pm when I go to bed. I can really tell that she is growing too! The other night I felt her move on the right side of my belly AND below my belly button at the same time!

Food cravings: Still no major cravings!

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Not having back pain and rib pain everyday.

What I'm looking forward to: Starting our baby registry!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: choosing a name!

Emotions: I am feeling like there is SO MUCH TO DO! Need to research and pick a car seat, stroller, crib ... need to lineup a daycare ... need to figure out my maternity leave ... need to start a baby registry ... and the list goes on and on!

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23 weeks

I have so many updates, but no time to get them posted! Hopefully soon I'll be able to catch up. Summer is flying by faster than I can imagine. Our next appointment with Dr. B is next week already!

How far along: 23 weeks

Baby's size: A Papaya

Baby's little face is fully formed ... minus the baby fat, of course. This week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain. Her weight in the next four weeks alone should double! We've been hearing her heartbeat through a Doppler all along, but now it can also be heard through a standard stethoscope. The next task at hand for baby: sprouting two teeny-tiny nipples!

Symptoms: Still getting a daily side-ache on the right side ache, feeling like my ribs are pulling apart, and getting back pain. Other than that, feeling pretty good!

Sleep: Sleeping is starting to get more challenging. It's tough sleeping on your side all night, especially with sore back and ribs. I've started sleeping with a pillow between my legs, which helps a little. Side-sleeping also isn't very kind on the shoulder - I tend to wake up with an arm that has fallen asleep. The tempurpedic pad we have on top of our mattress is literally saving my life these days, or at least my sleep! It takes so much of the pressure off of my shoulder.

Total Weight Gain: 2 more pounds this week, 17 total

Maternity clothes: I'm finding maternity clothes, especially pants, increasing appealing! I've got my eye on a couple pairs of maternity jeans. Just wish the good ones weren't so expensive!

Best moment this week: I just love feeling her move all the time. She especially seems to move more when I'm laying down or when there is music playing!

Movement: Feel her moving all the time! I can tell she's growing too. I used to only feel her down by my waist line, but now I'm starting to feel her move all over my stomach.

Food cravings: I have yet to experience the stop-everything-gotta-have-it food cravings!

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Buttoning - or even zipping - my pants. Sleeping on my stomach. Sitting with my legs scrunched up to my stomach. Slouching, or even just leaning forward in my chair without feeling like I'm going to suffocate. Bending over without at least a little discomfort. Lifting heavy things ...

What I'm looking forward to: Starting our baby registry!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: 5 months! How crazy is that!?

Emotions: I am feeling like there is SO MUCH TO DO! Need to research and pick a car seat, stroller, crib ... need to lineup a daycare ... need to figure out my maternity leave ... need to start a baby registry ... and the list goes on and on!

Read more...

22 weeks

I've been traveling for work the past two days, so I'm a little late in getting this update out. But better late then never, right?

How far along: 22 weeks

Baby's size: A Papaya

Baby's settling into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It's not hard to figure out when! All I have to do is pay attention to when all her kicks and somersaults start and stop. This weeks she is starting to make more sense of the world as she develops the sense of touch. In fact, her grip is quite developed by now too - but the umbilical cord is probably the only thing she has to grab onto in utero. The sense of sight is also getting more developed. She can now perceive light and dark much better than before (even though her eyelids are still fused shut.) Her eyelashes and eyebrows are well formed now too, and even more hair is sprouting atop her cute little head - but at this point it has no pigment, so it's bright white!

Symptoms: By the end of the day my back and rib pain is pretty much driving me crazy. I constantly feel like there is not enough room inside of me for all my organs AND a baby! One positive is that it is forcing me to have better posture. It's extremely uncomfortable to slouch over; feels like my ribs are digging into my stomach. Problem is sitting up straight, or even leaned back, all the time is more work for my aching back! I pretty much daily get a side-ache on the right side of my ribs - I'm guessing it must have something to do with the way she is positioned in there - but that seems strange with how much she moves around!

Sleep: Mostly sleeping on my left sides these days because of the pain on my right side. Makes cuddling with hubby pretty tough ...

Total Weight Gain: I've hit the 15 pound mark!

Maternity clothes: Went shopping with my mom over the weekend and came home with a bunch of goodies - both maternity, and some that will just work as maternity. Found a dress to wear to the wedding hubby is in in two weeks!

Best moment this week: My baby bump is really starting to show! I was at a work conference this week and everyone was just oohing and awing over how cute I was! I'm loving this stage of pregnancy.

Movement: Still feeling her move off and on every day. They are still mostly pretty small movements, and come and go so quickly that it is hard to let others feel her. I tried to have my dad feel her last weekend, but as soon as I got him to come over she stopped moving. Hubby has been able to feel her several times though, just takes patience sometimes!

Food cravings: I have yet to experience the stop-everything-gotta-have-it food cravings!

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Buttoning - or even zipping - my pants. Sleeping on my stomach. Sitting with my legs scrunched up to my stomach. Slouching, or even just leaning forward in my chair without feeling like I'm going to suffocate. Bending over without at least a little discomfort. Lifting heavy things ...

What I'm looking forward to: Starting our baby registry!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: 5 months! How crazy is that!?

Emotions: I am feeling like there is SO MUCH TO DO! Need to research and pick a car seat, stroller, crib ... need to lineup a daycare ... need to figure out my maternity leave ... need to start a baby registry ... and the list goes on and on!

Read more...

21 weeks

How far along: 21 weeks

Baby's size: A Banana

Baby swallows at least several ounces of amniotic fluid each day - the taste of which differs from day to day depending on what I've eaten. She has very developed taste buds already. In fact, researchers have noted that babies who were exposed to certain tastes in utero were more eager to eat foods with that same taste after birth. Better start eating my veggies! Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. Ahh, something to look forward to! And, since baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop around one million by birth.)

Symptoms: Not feeling the round ligament pains anymore. But I think I'd prefer to have that back over the side aches and back pain! I think my abs are starting to separate to make more room for the baby. The ultrasound showed that she weighs 13 oz already, putting her in the 59th percentile.

Sleep: Primarily sleeping on my side these days. And just this past week I've been getting side aches on my right side almost every day, so I've been sleeping on my left side a lot. Sleeping on my back is still comfortable, but Dr. B said to keep that to a minimum if possible.

Total Weight Gain: 14 pounds

Maternity clothes: Found a great pair of black shorts on sale at Motherhood Maternity. They fall just above my knee, so they'll be great to wear at work all summer. Also found a great top at a boutique that isn't maternity, but has a band around the bottom and plenty of room for me to grow!

Best moment this week: Without questions, seeing our baby in the ultrasound and finding out she is a girl! But there have been so many little moments since then that hubby and I have had as the realization sinks in that we are going to have a baby girl soon! His excitement just melts my heart. Last night he told me that he couldn't wait until his little girl runs into daddy's arms.

Movement: She still has a great deal of room in the womb, and I've certainly been feeling the result of all the space she has for gymnastics practice!

Food cravings: No earth-stopping-gotta-have-it-know cravings. But definitely still craving sweets more ... I definitely had a lot of ice cream cones this past weekend!

Gender: Girl!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Buttoning my pants.

What I'm looking forward to: Now that we know we're having a girl, I can't wait to get start on our registry and nursery planning!

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: Ultrasound and finding out that we're having a girl!

Emotions: Overwhelmed at the idea of having a baby girl! Also overwhelmed at the fact that I'm over half way through this pregnancy, and I have SO MUCH planning and preparing left to do!

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wordless wednesday: 20 week bump

I realize now that this shirt doesn't exactly show off the bump very well.

But when you lift up the shirt it's a totally different story! I feel like the bump has really popped recently. I look at my side profile in the mirror and it just seems strange, seeing this bulge sticking out! And look at how much my belly button has popped out! And yes, I finally decided to take out my piercing. Hubby thought it looked weird, since he's never seen me with out it - and it does! Especially with my belly button like it is!

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20 weeks ... half way!

How far along: 20 weeks - I can't hardly believe that I've made it to the half way mark already. It really seems like just a couple weeks ago that I was sitting in the bathroom looking at the 2 pink lines!

Baby's size: A Cantaloupe

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. So I need to start thinking about that when I'm packing my lunch in the morning! If baby is a girl, her uterus is fully formed already and her vaginal canal is starting its development. If baby is a boy, his testicles have begun their descent, though they're still located in the abdomen, waiting for the scrotum to finish growing so they'll have a place to drop into in a few weeks. Either way, we should be able to see the sex of they baby on Friday at our ultrasound!

Symptoms: Not feeling the round ligament pains as much this week, but feeling a different sort of pain up more by my ribs. Definitely getting more back pain too - especially after jet skiing yesterday!

Sleep: Not sleeping on my stomach much anymore, which has been my primary sleeping position my entire life (except for the two months I was in traction and then a cast from breaking my femur when I was 8.) I'm sleeping mostly on my back and side. Not sure if it's ok to sleep on my back, but so far it has been comfortable. Side sleeping is my primary position, which is very comfortable at home with my tempurpedic mattress pad - but anywhere else my arm tends to fall asleep after being in that position for too long!

Total Weight Gain: 13 pounds

Maternity clothes: Finally some success with maternity jeans! After trying on about 20 pairs at Motherhood Maternity, I finally found ONE pair of cropped jeans that not only fit, but look good too! I also got a cute tank that still has a lot of room for me to grown into. (Pictures to come later this week!) My lovely sister-in-law also gave me a couple pairs of regular jeans - that are a couple sizes larger than I normally wear - that she wore while trying to lose the baby weight from her 2 year old. It's nice to button my pants again!

Best moment this week: Hubby felt baby move on Thursday!

Movement: Since the first time last Sunday night, I've been feeling the baby move all week! It is by far the coolest part of pregnancy so far! Nothing compares to it. Nothing. Even better, hubby finally felt the baby move on Thursday evening too!

Food cravings: No specific cravings, but I've been finding myself wanting sweets more. This is strange because I've never had much of a sweet tooth! When I was a kid I used to give up dessert in order to have extra bread at dinner!

Gender: We find out (hopefully) on July 9th! Looks like you guys are with me thinking it's a boy. But team girl is gaining strength! Place YOUR vote in the sidebar! Only three more days until we find out!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Buttoning my pants.

What I'm looking forward to: Finding out if we're having a boy or a girl.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: Hubby feeling the baby move and making it half way in the pregnancy.

Emotions: I'm loving the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. I feel great, people are starting to notice my growing baby bump, and every week seems to bring something new! There are still so many things to look forward to, but I'm just really enjoying everything as it comes.

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19 weeks

How far along: 19 weeks

Baby's size: A Mango

My little action figure is already choreographing his own Matrix-like moves this week. Arms and legs are finally in proportion, neurons are now connected between the brain and muscles, and cartilage throughout the body is turning to bone. All these upgrades combine to give baby more control over limb movements. This totally explains all the kicking, stretching, and body surfing (or rather belly surfing)) I've been feeling! Something not so appealing (sounding) is happening this week too. Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells now coats baby's skin, shielding him from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense!)

Symptoms: I can definitely feel that my ligaments are starting to relax and joints are loosening - my lower back and shoulders haven't been feeling so great, and I can definitely notice that my abs are not as strong lately! Still feeling those round ligament pains every now and again.

Sleep: Crawling into bed at night has become one of my favorite parts of the day! I'm still sleeping pretty well, which I am very thankful for. Just this week I've started to notice that it is slightly less comfortable to sleep on my stomach. It's still ok in my comfy bed, but forget laying on the floor or outside on a beach towel! My little bump doesn't quite get out of the way like it used to! Side sleeping is becoming my new favorite position.

Total Weight Gain: I jumped 2 more pounds this week! 12 pounds

Maternity clothes: I got a whole laundry basket of maternity clothes from hubby's cousin and sister this week. Most are way to big (at this point anyway) but I'm thinking even those will come in handy late in my pregnancy. There were a few cute tops in there that I'm excited about though.

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move Sunday night. That is by far the coolest thing yet!

Movement: Yes, finally! It feels like a little quarter flipping over in my stomach. I mostly feel him on the bottom right side, but sometimes in the middle too. Which is the same places Dr. B found his heartbeat!

Food cravings: I was really craving pancakes last weekend at the hotel, but room service wasn't serving breakfast at 2am. Go figure!?


Gender: We find out (hopefully) on July 9th! Place your vote in the sidebar!

Labor signs:

What I miss: Buttoning my pants.


What I'm looking forward to: Finding out if we're having a boy or a girl.

Weekly Wisdom (aka what I learned this week): 

Milestones: Feeling the baby move.

Emotions: I'm loving the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. I feel great, people are starting to notice my growing baby bump, and every week seems to bring something new! There are still so many things to look forward to, but I'm just really enjoying everything as it comes.

Read more...