23rd Week Journal...

How far along? 23wks today
Total weight gain/loss: At official check in from the doctor, I'm about 17-18 lbs gain. 4 more than I was hoping for, but at least it still is just belly.
TP Test: 9 squares of toilet paper at last check - have to check soon
Maternity Clothes: Definitely wearing my maternity clothes but can still wear my normal shirts, it just shows more of the bump
"Morning" Sickness: Thankfully did not get sick during Thanksgiving weekend - but then again, I didn't eat a ton either
Signs of Pregnancy: Very dry skin (along my face, fingers, belly, legs & ankles), headaches & backpain, leg cramps, but no signs of swelling! I do have to say that since I've been using new lotion all over, the dry skin is getting a wee better and the Tums at night are definitely helping with leg cramps.
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR - my back is a torture chamber while sleeping. I can't sleep through the night because of the pain
Best moment this week:
*Dan buying clothes for Alexander - he picked them out all by himself (which are two outfits that I had been eyeing myself). Daddy was quite cute!
*Dan actually felt a kick rather than just hearing it
*Being able to spend time with Joan & Tess since we don't get to see them often. Aunt Tess made Alexander the cutest baby afghan (his first). It was very sweet.
*Spending time with Dan's friends (whom we also don't get to see often) and practicing with Anthony & Maria's 5 week old baby. It was good practice.
Not so great moment this week: Alexander received a NY Yankee sweatshirt, and since he'll be a Red Sox fan, I'm sorry to say he won't be wearing it.
Movement: Alexander was pretty quiet while we were in NJ, but thankfully we had our listening monitor so we could still hear him and continue with our nightly session.
Food cravings: Nothing specific this week...
Gender prediction: No guessing anymore - it's a BOY - Alexander Christopher
Labor Pains: N/A
Belly Button in or out? Still In
Wedding rings on or off? On - still a bit loose
Weekly Wisdom: Try to avoid long car trips because it does a number on your back & arse. Take tums to avoid leg cramps.
Milestones:
*Daddy feeling Alexander move for the first time
*Our Crib is ready to be picked up
*Our last Thanksgiving as a couple and not a "family"

23rd Week Growth...

How your baby's growing: Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.
By week 23, your baby is taking on the shape of a full-term baby — but her bones and organs are still visible beneath a thin layer of translucent skin.
Although your baby continues to add fat to her body, she still looks wrinkly. This happens because Baby's skin develops more quickly than fat accumulates. However, she continues to grow, and by the end of the week will measure about eight to nine inches long.
Here are other developments this week:
*She'll begin moving around more than ever, stretching and flexing the muscles in her arms and legs, fingers and toes.
*Skin pigment is being deposited this week to create your baby's skin tone.
The end of this week is an important milestone: Your one-pounder would have a good chance of survival if born now--about 85 percent if given the right care. His body is well proportioned, although lacking in body fat, and the blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. About 50 percent of "early preemies" experience complications ranging from eye problems to intracranial hemorrhage (spontaneous bleeding in the brain); the rate drops steadily from the 24th week onward.

How your life's changing:
If you dealt with headaches in your first trimester, they might be subsiding now. (Many women have headaches in early pregnancy, thanks to pregnancy hormones, changes in circulation, and/or sinus congestion.)You may notice some mild swelling sometime during your pregnancy, especially in your ankles and feet. It's called edema, and it happens because changes in your blood chemistry cause fluid to shift into your tissue and because your enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins returning blood from the lower half of your body, slowing circulation in your legs. Edema is often worse at the end of the day and in the summer. Your body will eliminate the extra fluid after you have your baby (which is why you may urinate often and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery). In the meantime, put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, avoid sitting still for long periods, exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning). You may be tempted to skimp on liquids, but you need to drink plenty of water, because keeping hydrated actually helps prevent swelling. If you notice severe or sudden swelling in your hands and face, be sure to call your midwife or doctor because it may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia.
As your uterus gets larger, it rests on top of the bladder, increasing your need to urinate frequently. At the same time, the growing uterus may trigger more back pain, pelvic pressure, leg cramps and headaches as you approach the end of your second trimester.
Some of this discomfort may affect how well you sleep. The closer you get to your delivery date, the more wakeful you may become. Anxiety, frequent urination, heartburn, and general discomfort may result in restless nights. Try to remember that this uneasiness will most likely stop once Baby arrives.
As the growing fetus commandeers more and more of the nutrients passing through your body, you'll have an increased need for vitamins and minerals. In addition to a prenatal supplement, in the second half of your pregnancy your health-care provider may prescribe iron supplements to bolster your iron stores and reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms of pregnancy-related anemia include excessive fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Contact your doctor right away if you feel any of these during the second or third trimester. While anemia won't harm the baby, it can really do a number on you.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Happy Thanksgiving one an' all!

We have a lot to be thankful for this year, and we feel truly blessed.

We're heading down to New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with his parents.

I hope everyone has a happy & safe holiday.

Be sure to give a quick thank you for all that you feel thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Clothes for Alexander...

Here is just a quick sneak peak at the clothes I have for Alexander so far...

Most of them have come from Alyson and I just picked out a few things (the outfits in the last picture).

As of right now, I think my favorite is the cream suit with the bear ears and the froggie bathrobe.






Here are a few cute little outfits (Pajamas, onsies) and thankfully the blue stars will come in handy.

Then we have this basket of goodies that has a blanket, onsie, hat, face cloth, teddy bear and something else that I'm blanking on.

These last two pictures are mainly things I've picked up or have had for a while - the clothes I got at Old Navy and then the basket has a plethura of things in it - the froggie faceclothes and towel is from Aunt Alyson to match his froggie bathrobe.

These are the cute outfits I got at Old Navy at INCREDIBLE prices.... you wouldn't believe me if I told you what I paid for some of them - but it was like stealing only not stealing.

22nd Week Journal...

How far along? 22wks today
Total weight gain/loss: At official check in from the doctor, I'm about 17-18 lbs gain. 4 more than I was hoping for, but at least it still is just belly.
TP Test: 9 squares of toilet paper at last check
Maternity Clothes: Definitely wearing my maternity clothes but can still wear my normal shirts, it just shows more of the bump
"Morning" Sickness: Still haven't been sick in about a month (knock on wood), I'm afraid with Thanksgiving this week, that it won't go well. But we'll think positive
Signs of Pregnancy: Very dry skin (along my face, fingers, belly, legs & ankles), headaches & backpain, LEG CRAMPS, but no signs of swelling! Did I mention itchiness & leg cramps???
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: a little less GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR but only at the end of the week, the beginning of the week was hard.
Best moment this week:*Doctor's appointment where we got to hear Alexander's heartbeat again. *Hearing his heartbeat on our own at home. I've heard it 4 times this week. It's such a soothing sound. *Ordered the nursery items which should be here on Tuesday! *Picked out paint colors. *Doctor gave us some helpful ideas for leg cramps & my back pain.
Worst moment this week: Had really bad leg cramps & back pain earlier in the week.
Concerns/Fears: Nothing specific - thankfully.
Movement: Alexander is definitely developing patterns. I can tell when he'll wake up in the morning and when he's ready for his 2nd burst of energy before bedtime. He also still moves while I drive, so I enjoy driving for two reasons - feeling Alexander & my new car!
Food cravings: Nothing specific this week...
Gender prediction: No guessing anymore - it's a BOY - Alexander Christopher
Labor Pains: N/A
Belly Button in or out? I noticed Friday night that it's started to get a little less deep so I imagine the "pop" is not far behind.
Wedding rings on or off? On - still bit loose even
Weekly Wisdom: I stick by what I said the past few weeks... If you had migraines or backpain before getting pregnant - be prepared: it only intensifies once you become pregnant (at least for me it has).
*Take Tums for leg cramps & take tylenol right before bed for back pain... our Doctor is so wise. Once she told us that, I've actually been able to sleep better and I'm not aware of my legs the entire evening.
Milestones:
*Another dr appointment with positive results. Doctor said Alexander is right on target and that the ultrasounds looks fantastic
*Hearing his heartbeat (at the doctor's and at home)
*Ordered his nursery
Our next appointment is in 4 weeks, and the glucose test will be during Week 28.

*I just realized that my Journals & Growth are for the present week but sometimes my journal entries do a "look back" at the previous week (more of a self-fyi)

22 Week Growth...

How your baby's growing:
Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

Hair today, gone tomorrow? Your baby develops two kinds of hair in utero--the soft, downy body hair called lanugo, which generally falls off before or shortly after birth, and the hair on her head. Many parents are surprised (to say the least) to see their baby's hair at birth--blond couples often have black-haired offspring, dark ones are just as likely to deliver a little blond or redhead, and parents who have tight, wiry curls often produce babies with soft, loose ones. The bottom line seems to be that birth hair--or lack thereof--bears little resemblance to your child's "real" hair. The birth hair generally falls out by the time the baby is 6 months old, to be replaced by a more logical set of tresses.
You've got a one pounder in there! Depending upon your particular fetus and pregnancy, it is probably around 10 1/2 inches tall from head to teeny, tiny toes.
An incredible 222 bones are needed to adequately support the soft parts of the baby's body, especially during sitting and standing.
This week nerve endings become functional enough so that Baby can feel! She may experiment with this new sense of touch by stroking her face or feeling other body parts to see how they move. You may feel Baby stretching her muscles by pushing against the muscular wall of your uterus with her feet or head.
In addition, Baby's liver is busy breaking down bilirubin, a substance formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin in blood cells. Because a baby's liver can only break down a limited amount of bilirubin, the excess is passed on to you through the placenta to filter from your liver. Baby weighs almost a pound now, and is seven to eight inches long. Although she's filling out, her body still appears wrinkled because she lacks a significant layer of fat beneath her skin.
Other developments taking place this week include:
*Baby will form distinct lips.
*If Baby is a boy, testes, which have been tucked up inside the pelvis, will begin to descend into the scrotum this week and immature sperm will form in the seminal vesicles.
*Baby's eyes will complete formation, although the iris (the colored part of the eye) will still lack pigment.
*The pancreas, essential to hormone production, will continue to develop steadily.

How your life's changing:
You may start to notice stretch marks on your skin as your abdomen expands to accommodate your growing baby. Some pregnant women never get stretch marks, but at least half do. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color), and they become more apparent as pregnancy progresses. They can appear not only on your tummy, but also on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. Lotions won't prevent or eliminate them, but they help with any itching. Also, you may no longer be an "innie" — your navel is flat and may soon pop out. It will revert to its usual shape after birth.Another interesting skin quirk you may notice during pregnancy is something called vascular spiders. These are little areas of raised, reddish skin, with tiny branches. Commonly found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms, they're caused by the higher levels of estrogen in pregnancy, and they usually disappear after delivery.
Keep up your healthy pregnancy diet. That means lots of calcium, green leafy vegetables, and protein. Watch your intake of fat and sugar. Pretend you're in training for a marathon. (You are!)
By now you may have gained between 12 and 15 pounds. Starting this week, you'll begin to put on weight more steadily, averaging about half a pound per week.
This week you may also begin to notice your uterus practicing for delivery with an irregular, squeezing sensation called "false labor" (or Braxton Hicks contractions). This refers to an irregular tightening of the uterus that may get stronger and longer as pregnancy progresses. Near the end of your pregnancy, it may be difficult to tell the difference between strong Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor pains. If the contractions become painful or if you have more than four contractions in an hour, contact your doctor, because painful, regular contractions may be a sign of preterm labor.

Another successful weekend...

Dan & I had another successful baby weekend. Dan fixed the closet in the soon-to-be nursery - he fixed the small water leak and replaced the drywall in the closet ceiling. This way we will feel comfortable to know that mold won't begin growing in the babies closet.

Next on Dan's list is to build the new closet in our bedroom so Dan doesn't loose a closet once the spare room becomes Alexander's nursery. But first things first ...

I was at Gary & Sharon's on Saturday and spoke to Gary about painting the nursery. He helped me pick out colors and he'll come over and help paint the nursery and I'll take the kids out. Sounds like a great deal to me! We're tentatively looking at the 2nd weekend in December to paint the room. Then we can have rugs put down since the room will be painted. That can even wait til after Christmas.

We did order our crib today - so exciting! We also bought our changing table. We brought that home because it was in stock, but the crib should be in in 7-14 days. We agreed to buy the dresser within the month or so, to help spread out the credit card "sticker shock". I put up a new picture of the furniture because we actually picked out a different crib. I'm glad we went to go look again together because we ended up both liking a different crib and thankfully it matches the changing table & dresser that we already liked. The crib is a bit bigger and the side of the crib goes up a bit higher so it made us feel better that when the baby can stand, he won't fall out easily.

So overall, a good weekend - closet fixed, paint colors & date picked, crib & changing table purchased!

Dr. Appt Update...

We had our monthly appointment with Dr. E today. She was running behind, which upset a few patients but hey, what can you do, she has babies to deliver. And babies have their own schedule.
Even though the appointment started a lot later than it was scheduled for, it went very well. She said that the ultrasounds got good, solid pictures of the organs & everything else and that everything looks good. She said he's right on track with his growth and there was nothing bad happening with his development.

She listened for his heartbeat and was able to find it right away. I wasn't that lucky last night, but I suspect her device is a lot more high tech than mine. She said his heartrate was solid, ranging from 150-158 and she seemed very happy with the progress.
The next appointment is at Week 25 and then during Week 28 we'll have another blood test and also do the glucose test. Then after that, I'll start to go every 2 weeks, rather than every 4. And I think once we start every 2 weeks, time will really start to fly by.

She recommended taking more tums to add calcium which may help with the leg cramps. She also suggested another pillow under my belly and maybe tylenol before bed to help with the backaches while sleeping. I'll try almost anything, as long as the doctor said it's okay!

All the moving he's started to do is just his way to let me know he's there. But overall, Alexander is doing very well which makes Mom & Dad quite happy.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...

Good
The other night (Monday) I was partaking in my evening activities of listening to Alexander before I go to sleep. It's like clock-work. Every night around 9:45pm, he starts to become active and move around. It's alot easier to feel it (& hear it) when I'm lying down so I try to make sure I'm ready for bed before 10pm so I can listen in. He started to move around a bit earlier than he usually does, so I was content to lie there and listen. I have been listening for about 15 minutes when all of a sudden ... I heard it. Alexander got into a position that he was comfortable in and I was able to hear his heartbeat! It was so freakin' exciting!! Now I've heard it several times at the doctors office (6 times, but who's counting) but the fact that I was able to hear it at home was such a sweet feeling. For some reason, it was a nice bonding moment, because it was almost as if he knew I wanted to hear it. I called Dan up to listen and he put the headphones on. He listened and asked if it was my heartbeat. I hope not, otherwise, that's a very low placed heart I have. It was so nice to be able to hear it!
I listened again last night and although he was a moving-fiend, I wasn't able to find the heartbeat. I did hear something that resembled a heartbeat but I'm not sure if those were hiccups or not. It certainly wasn't as pronounced as it was Monday night. So now, that's my nightly goal, to see if I can find/hear Alexander's heartbeat.

The other good thing is that I've order the items for Alexander's nursery - it was originally scheduled to arrive on Friday. WHOO! They called and said it will be delayed a few days due to one of the valances being defective. So now the hope is Monday or Tuesday of next week. I'm going to go assume anything though.

Bad
The leg cramps are back in full force. Last night was the third night in a row where I have been woken up by leg cramps. It has only been my left calf so far and let's hope it stays that way. It's amazing that of all the pregnant women I've known in my life, I only knew about leg cramps since July when Anthony & Maria were up visiting and she had a pretty painful one. Sunday's was horrible, Monday's not so much, and last night would have been okay except for one small item. My hand & arm had fallen asleep and had pins & needles so I was having a hard time using my hand to rub out the cramp. I started to laugh at the irony because here I was at 4am trying to rub out a painful leg cramp that wakes you out of the dead sleep and I can't even move my arm to help out! I ended up waking Dan up with my laughing & moving, and I think he thought I was crying rather than laughing because he kept asking me what he could do. I finally got the cramp out and laid back down. And we laughed over the irony and I think he was able to fall right back asleep. Lucky man! I on the other hand kept trying to get comfortable. Oh well... Alexander will make it all worth it.

Ugly
There is no ugly because, well, our child will be so damn cute!

Sneak Peak: Nursery Furniture...

Here is a sneak peak at the furniture set that Dan & I agreed on for Alexander's nursery. I'm glad Dan picked a set that I really liked, because then it makes the decision that much easier. The crib changes into a daybed & then a full size bed so it will grow with him, something that we both liked about the 4-in-1 cribs.

Now I'd like both of us to go check it out in person, and then if we like it ... buy it!

Then, the fun can begin (painting, etc)!

21st Week Journal...

How far along? 21wks today
Total weight gain/loss: ~10lbs
TP Test: 9 squares of toilet paper at last check
Maternity Clothes: Definitely wearing my maternity clothes but can still wear my normal shirts, it just shows more of the bump
"Morning" Sickness: I haven't been sick in a few weeks
Signs of Pregnancy: Very dry skin (along my face, fingers, belly, legs & ankles), headaches & backpain, LEG CRAMPS, but no signs of swelling! Did I mention itchiness & leg cramps???
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Best moment this week:
*Seeing Alexander again, hearing his heartbeat - watching my Mom in awe over the heartbeat
*We agreed on the furniture set so now we just have to go buy it!
*And I also find a site for the nursery which will save us money, I'm planning to order that this week so that way we can start painting.
Worst moment this week: Sleep issues came back, leg cramps, and horrible back pain. I know I shouldn't be complaining because I am getting off easy - I don't have any nerve pain and the back aches but doesn't hurt while sitting or standing, it's when I'm lying down that I'm in dire pain. It may be time to set up a massage appointment.
Concerns/Fears: Nothing specific - thankfully.
Movement: Still feeling Alexander when I drive which is nice, I just hope he doesn't hate it. He does move around around 10pm so that's when I listen in. I did start to notice him moving around a lot more this weekend.
Food cravings: Nothing specific this week...and just for Gary - you'll be happy to know I have NO desire for any kind of poultry.
Gender prediction: No guessing anymore - it's a BOY - Alexander Christopher
Labor Pains: N/A
Belly Button in or out? In, I checked this morning and no signs of popping just yet. But then again, I said that last week about my belly and then *pop*, so who knows.
Wedding rings on or off? On - still bit loose even
Weekly Wisdom: I stick by what I said the past few weeks... If you had migraines or backpain before getting pregnant - be prepared: it only intensifies once you become pregnant (at least for me it has).
Milestones:
*Picked out Alexander's furniture
*We've finished the 20th week so now we're going to start the 2nd half of the 2nd trimester
*We signed up for childbirth classes, I got more information on other classes I'm/we're interested in
*Got started on daycare referrals (that's all I have to say about that...)
*Started Christmas shopping (earliest I've ever been) and I have 5 people done!!!

PS - Any of you other pregnant ladies develop superhuman powers????? I'll explain later...

21st Week Growth...

How your baby's growing:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.

By the end of this week, he'll measure about 7 inches from crown to rump and weigh nearly a pound. Not bad for a little guy who weighed barely an ounce 10 weeks ago! His hearing is developing, and sounds from your conversations can be heard inside the uterus--along with your heartbeat, stomach rumblings, and the pulsing of blood vessels. In fact, the womb is so noisy that it's been compared to an airport runway during takeoff; it's thought that the stimuli prepare the baby for the cacophony of noises, sights, and sounds that will greet him at birth.

What does a baby dream about as she drifts lazily in the womb? We may never know, but beginning with this week a baby's sleep begins to settle into identifiable patterns. You might be able to tell when Baby is sleeping if you notice that her movements slow down dramatically at certain times of the day.
Some experts believe that your eating and sleeping habits, along with how much light and noise there is in your environment, all combine to help Baby synchronize her internal clock.
Here are some other developmental highlights that occur this week:
At this point, Baby's brain will be growing very quickly, especially the structure deep in the center of the brain responsible for producing brain cells. This structure will disappear shortly before birth.
During this week, Baby's general growth pattern will slow down. However, different organs will continue to mature, Baby's heart will get stronger and her legs will reach the correct proportions.

How your life's changing:
You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester will bring some mild discomfort from carrying a baby who is nearly full-term.That's not to say you don't have some minor glitches to deal with now. Increased oil production may have given you a mild case of acne, for example. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap and water twice a day, but don't take any oral acne medications — or even use any topical acne products — without checking with your practitioner first.You're also prone to varicose veins now (especially if your mom has them). That's because pregnancy puts added pressure on the veins in your legs. (Your blood volume is increased and your uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body to your heart.) As if that's not enough, an increase in the hormone progesterone causes the walls of your blood vessels to relax, so as your baby and uterus grow, the veins can become more and more prominent. Varicose veins tend to worsen with each pregnancy, and while they're most likely to show up in your legs, they can also appear on your vulva. If your legs ache, put maternity support hose on first thing in the morning. Increasing your circulation with a brisk walk each day can also help, as can elevating your legs and sleeping on your left side with your feet propped up with a pillow.
The average mom has now gained between 10 and 15 pounds. You may put on as much as a pound a week from now on.
If you're feeling out of breath around week 21, don't worry that you’re out of shape. As your body continues to change to accommodate Baby, and your expanding uterus further compresses your lungs, breathlessness usually becomes more pronounced. You may also notice your back aching a bit now, so it's a good idea to be conscious of your posture and take care to lift and carry properly.
Sometime in your second trimester (typically between weeks 24 and 28), you may be asked to take a glucose tolerance test to determine whether you have gestational diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a malfunction in the hormone insulin, which regulates the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that can develop in pregnant women who were not diabetic before their pregnancies. Although it often goes away after the birth, it can lead to macrosomia (high birth weight, generally defined as over 10 pounds) along with other, less common, complications.
The glucose tolerance test is simple: You'll be asked to drink a sweet, syrupy solution and then wait for an hour. At the end of that time, a blood test can determine whether your body is processing the glucose properly. About 15 percent of women will have abnormal results. If you're one of them, you will be asked to take another, more complex version of the test. Roughly 15 percent of the second group will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. In most cases, it can be controlled through simple changes in your diet.

Ultrasound Pictures from Nov 9th...

Here are the most recent pictures of Alexander from yesterday's ultrasound. We got some great views of his spine and the rest of him.















And by looking at his profile, I really think he's going to have my nose. Not that I can really tell at all, but it's a gut feeling.










Also - the facial shot is one scary shot. He looks like an alien in a movie. Good thing he's my child otherwise this would not sit well.

Say Cheese...

Here's a quick sneak-peak at one of this morning's ultrasound pictures. I took this with my camera phone.

I'll scan the rest tonight!

Follow-up Appointment...

We had our follow-up Ultrasound today. This appointment was scheduled so the doctors could get a good look at his spine. And what kind of Mother would I be if I didn't let the doctor check over my son??

It was a very quick appointment - easy in & out. Alexander was cooperative so that certainly helped. The technician was able to get great shots of the spine almost immediately. She then poked around some more for additional measurements, which she joked saying that it never hurts to get another look at your baby. Of course, I agreed!

My mom went with me since Dan had to work and she seemed in awe, especially when we were watching the heart beat. It was cool for her to be able to see him.

The technician asked if we knew the sex and I said "yes, he's a boy" and she moved the wand a bit and said "yup, there's your extra confirmation right there" and she showed us between his legs again. So if I had any before (which I didn't), I have NO doubts now - he's definitely a boy.
She poked around some more and took more measurements. She said he's doing extremely well and his measurements look excellent. His heartrate was 146 bpm so he's right on track.

I'll add the latest pictures when I get home tonight. But all is well - and we have our next appointment with the doctor next week so I imagine she'll go over the ultrasound details with us.

20 Week Snapshot...with a bonus

Here's another glance at just how much my belly has grown over the past few weeks. In fact, I really did explode out over the weekend. On Friday, you could just start to tell I was showing, but now it's very obvious.


And do you remember a few weeks back I mentioned that Dan brought something home and it was just the cutest idea?? Well, we did the first one last night and I have to say it's just so sweet and charming. It'll be such a great momento to have of our pregnancy.







Here are the shots of Dan's gift:



The first shot is of Dan at work once he did the outline of my siloutte.

And this is the final result - a charcoal silloutte of my pregnant belly @ 20 weeks done by Dan.

20 things that change...

I read this quick little list, and I have to say, it got me a bit choked up at times.

20 things that change when you have a baby...
1. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.
2. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.
3. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.
4. You're less self-involved and more self-motivated.
5. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.
6. You respect your body ... finally. (Hooray for baby-making!)
7. You have stronger opinions and are stronger willed.
8. You respect your parents and love them in a new way. (Hooray for grandparents!)
9. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.
10. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child. (Hooray for the tooth fairy!)11. You lose touch with the people in your life that you should have banished years ago.
12. Your heart breaks much more easily.
13. You think of your baby 234,836,178,976 times a day. In fact, you're so busy with this that you forget everything else.
14. Every day is a surprise.
15. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)
16. You think before you speak.
17. You become a morning person. (Hooray for watching the sun rise!)
18. If you have a son, you no longer curse men. (Hooray for all men!)
19. If you have a daughter, you hope she won't endure your same heartaches.
20. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

Winter vs Summer...

You know how "people" say that it's better to be pregnant in the winter than in the summer? Well, obviously they didn't think of me in that generalization. Points to note - I am always cold and my skin has always hated the winter.

In the summer, pregnant women have a tendency to get really hot. Well, I thoroughly enjoy being warm, in fact I welcome it over being cold. I despise being cold and since I'm cold all the time, I relish the moments when I'm in fact warm & comfortable. I've been pregnant since July (which was the summer) and even though I was still very early on in the pregnancy, I never suffered from extreme pregnancy heat. Now that the winter & cool air is upon us, my skin is taking a BEATING. It's very cracked, dry, itchy, raw & just plain red. It's uncomfortable and at times painful. After washing my hands, my hands cry at the pain. Then I have to slather myself in lotion just to soothe them.

Long story short - I'll take the summer heat over this dry, winter skin ANY DAY!!

20th Week Journal... (Half-Way Mark)

How far along? 20wks today! Half-way point... I can't believe we're half-way through, I still feel like it's really early into this whole thing
Total weight gain/loss: ~10lbs
TP Test: 9 squares of toilet paper
Maternity Clothes: Definitely wearing my maternity clothes but can still wear my normal shirts, it just shows more of the bump
"Morning" Sickness: I haven't been sick in a while - thank goodness!
Signs of Pregnancy: Very dry skin (along my face, fingers, belly, legs & ankles), burping has subsided, feeling my insides move, headaches & backpain, LEG CRAMPS, but no signs of swelling! Did I mention itchiness & leg cramps???
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: Sleeping has gone better this week - however if it weren't for the leg cramps & itchy factors, I'd be sleeping like a baby
Best moment this week:
*Setting up our registry (story below)
*Setting up the other ultrasound appointment for this week - yah, I get to see him again and to see how he's grown in 2 weeks.
Worst moment this week: Not necessarily a "worst" moment, but more a disagreeing moment that Dan & I have run into. We don't agree on the steps in setting up the nursery. He wants to do it all in stages (buy furniture in phases, keep the old furniture in there, etc), while I'd rather get it all done now while the furniture is available, we're both able to help and in case little Alexander decides to emulate his cousin and show up a month early.
Concerns/Fears: Just making sure he continues to grow as he should and that we're both gaining the right amount of weight
Movement: I've noticed that Alexander either really likes it or really hates it when I drive. He is constantly moving around when I'm sitting in the driver's seat. I wonder if it's because my back is straight and there may not be as much room for him. But I like driving more than ever because now I get to feel him.
Food cravings: Beef & Broccoli - Chinese Food
Gender prediction: No guessing anymore - it's a BOY - Alexander Christopher
Labor Pains: N/A
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On - a bit loose even
Weekly Wisdom: I stick by what I said last week... If you had migraines or backpain before getting pregnant - be prepared: it only intensifies once you become pregnant (at least for me it has).
Milestones:
*We've hit the half-way mark and it still feels surreal. I can't believe we're halfway there. I think if I was bigger it would feel more real. I also think I'm waiting to show more. There are people at work who still can't tell which surprises me because I think by Week 20, people should be able to look at me and think 'she's pregnant'. I'm certainly not complaining because at least I'm not a house and haven't gained a ton of weight, but it still feels weird.
*We set up our registry - after 2 hours in the store with Dan wearing his "Quality Control" badge, we selected a lot of the major items. He was standing on strollers, slamming play-yards around, trying to break stuff to see if they would hold up. At first people were looking at us, but the employees seem to appreciate the fact that we cared about what we were getting. It's hard not going out and picking up some of the items that I really liked but I shall wait and just focus on the nursery (bedding, furniture, etc). Speaking of furniture - that's where we ended our registry trip because we're still at a holding pattern in regards to decisions. I also picked out the bedding & nursery items, but again, it's a matter of explaining to Dan that it's easier to get that stuff all around the same time in case it becomes discontinued and then you're half done with your room and stuck.
I do have to say that I wasn't expecting much from the sales associates at the store but man, they ALL surprised me. They knew their stuff or at least are great actors. They were able to tell us about the different car seats and how to install them, the best bassinets and what not to get because it becomes defective - quite helpful!


PS - I typed this early Sunday morning and I think someone heard me because I really feel that I've popped in the last 36 hours. Since it is week 20, I'll take my 4 week picture tonight so you can see what I'm talking about.

20th Week Growth... (Half-Way Mark)

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. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.) A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).

This week marks the halfway point in your baby's development. And right around now, nature gives her a spa treatment--a white, cream-cheesy moisturizer called vernix coats every inch of her skin, keeping it smooth and wrinkle-free for the next 20 weeks as she floats in a warm bath of amniotic fluid. She'll still be covered in vernix when she's born; your doctor or midwife will wipe it off a few moments after birth, revealing skin that's (you guessed it) baby soft.

The 20th week is an important time for Baby's sensory development, as nerve cells serving each of the senses (taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch) are now developing into their specialized area of Baby's brain. As these existing nerve cells get bigger and make more complex connections with each other, the brain's production of additional nerve cells will slow.
Believe it or not, you're halfway there on the journey toward holding your new baby! Your little one now weighs about nine to 12 ounces and has grown to about six to eight inches in length. She's come a long way since her first days as a microscopic collection of cells, but has a lot more growing to do—remember, the average newborn is 18 to 21 inches long and weighs six to nine pounds at birth.Other baby developments this week include:
*Under the protective vernix coating, Baby's skin will continue to develop into three layers: the dermis, epidermis and subcutaneous layers.
*Baby's nails and hair will continue to grow.
*Baby's heartbeat will be stronger now, and will beat about twice as fast as your heart. You can hear it this week through a stethoscope.
*Baby will take up more and more space in the uterus, and her continued growth will put more pressure on your lungs, stomach, bladder, and kidneys.

How your life's changing:
You've made it to the halfway mark — Congratulations! The top of your uterus is at the level of your belly button now, and you've likely gained about 10 pounds. Expect to gain an average of about another pound each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron for your developing baby and the placenta, and to keep up with your expanding blood volume. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils and other legumes, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals.If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one. Whether you're a first-timer or a pro, you can benefit from a structured class that helps prepare you for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, all-day session. Ask your doctor or midwife for a recommendation. At 37 weeks, you'll be considered full-term, so plan to be done with classes by then.

You may notice that it's harder to keep your balance lately: As one mom-to-be put it, you feel as "clumsy as a pregnant ox." The growing weight of your uterus has caused a change in your center of gravity. Gradually, sometimes without even knowing it, you adjust your posture and the way that you move to compensate. If you're not careful, this can cause back pain or other injuries. Practice correct posture (hips and shoulders in line as you walk--avoid the "pregnancy slouch"), sit with your feet slightly elevated, and sleep on your side with knees and hips bent to relieve the strain.

There are a few things that you may be experiencing for the first time when you reach the midpoint of your pregnancy at week 20. One change is that your uterus has reached your navel. At 20 weeks, your uterus is probably growing at about 4/10 inch a week. (If you're much bigger, your doctor may perform an ultrasound to see if you're carrying twins or if your estimated due date is correct.)
The enlarging uterus also will begin to stretch your abdominal muscles, and they may begin to pull apart as Baby grows. First-time moms may not notice such a separation, but with each pregnancy it becomes more visible. These muscles are attached to the lower part of your ribs and stretch down to the pelvis. You can see the separation more clearly if you lie down and raise your head, tightening the abdominal muscles — you'll notice a bulge in the middle of your abdomen. It isn't harmful or painful, and although exercising can strengthen these muscles, the bulge will still occur. After you give birth, these muscles will return to their original place, and the separation will become less noticeable.
You may also notice your skin is getting itchy as the uterus grows. This is because as your uterus grows, it stretches your skin. Lotions may help soften skin and ease the itch.
Don't be surprised if your belly button has changed from an "innie" to an "outie" and starts to protrude. This change is a result of the pressure behind it. (It will revert close to its pre-pregnancy shape after delivery.)
Other changes you may notice this month include the appearance of varicose veins. Most women who experience varicose veins are genetically predisposed to this condition. Varicose veins are simply blood vessels that are filled with pooled blood. They usually appear in the legs or vulva. Wearing support hose, lying on your left side and elevating your legs can help drain the veins. It's also as good idea to stay off your feet, wear flat shoes and avoid crossing your legs. Varicose veins usually become less noticeable after delivery.
Additionally, you may suddenly find yourself short of breath. Some women have a bit of trouble catching their breath as their internal organs press against the lungs. This breathlessness will usually continue until the baby “drops” or moves into position in the pelvis (for first pregnancies, this usually happens four to six weeks before birth; with subsequent pregnancies, it occurs closer to when labor begins).

Look What We Got...

Isn't it pretty!!!

There are lots of fish in there and we've discovered that it's hours of entertainment just sitting there watching the fish become territorial over their shells. They'll yank out one fish by the fins and take their place inside the shell. Plus, they also know when it's dinner time. If Dan goes to the tank they go crazy, but when I walk over they go about their business. They know who has dinner. I've only given 2 of them names, the rest I don't really watch. One is Little Nemo because he's all orange and then the one who picks on Little Nemo is Blacky because his body is a darker orange. Blacky is just mean, always picking on the other orange-colored fish and trying to steal their food and their spots in the shell.

I'm just kidding!!! Although we did have this fish tank in our dining room since October 19th, it's not ours. We were fish-watching for friends who were moving and had no where to put the tank in the process. We actually gave the tank back today so my dining room is back to "normal". It was fun for a while but I don't know if I could have a tank that size because it gets nasty. Plus the fish die... while we've had them, 2 of them passed away. It's sad. One of them was Blacky. But I think he had it coming because he was just a mean & nasty fish.

Anyway, we're back to a non-pet household and hopefully we'll start to get this house a bit more baby-esque, as I'm getting antsy...

Reading makes you smarter...

And my wish is that our little boy will be 'wicked smaht'. Last night, Dan & I read to Alexander. Dan needed a little coercion but once he started his book, he got into it. I'd like to do this often so Alexander becomes familiar with both of our voices. It'll help Dan bond since I talk to him (Alexander) quite often.

Dan read "The Little Mermaid" and I stuck with "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". I have more books on the way so at least for the time being we won't be sort on books.

I do hope we can continue this and make it as much of a tradition as my listening to him thru my monitor as become.

Hope everyone has a good weekend - we're going to start our registry and I'll order our bedding since we've decided on what to go with!

Pain...

We've all experienced them at somepoint in our lives and they're not always the most pleasant, especially when it wakes you out of a deep sleep.

I'm referring to leg cramps.

Last night I had the third one so far in this pregnancy, and man, these can hurt! I was asleep and I could feel it begin. I was trying to avoid the feeling of stretching my legs but I couldn't stop which only made the cramps worse! I was trying to rub the pain away without waking up Dan, but I think I was moving so much that eventually he woke up.

I'll be okay with these if they continue to be sporadic but if they become consistent, it might make me cry. One of the ways to relieve them is to stand on a cold surface, but the only way I can stand on a cold surface is to walk there and these leg cramps really won't let me walk away. It's like a Catch 22...

Hopefully these do not become frequent visitors...