The Entire Spaulding Family...

Yesterday, we had our annual Spaulding Family Christmas. It's usually held the first Saturday after Christmas. This year, we weren't expecting my cousin Amy to be home due to her work in Miami, so I wasn't necessarily looking for a family photo. However, due to a nasty accident at work, Amy was able to be home for Christmas.

Brian, Kevin & Marc were also there and Brian & Kevin brought their girlfriends, Diane & Christina.

Because of the fact that *EVERYONE* was there - we were able to get a Spaulding Family photo! I think this is one of the happiest & unexpected gifts that I got for Christmas. All 30 of us in one room at one time!

Reading Session...

Last night Alexander & I had another reading session. He was a bit weary of the Disney Collection, so I switched over to some classics from Dr. Suess.

We decided to read "Green Eggs & Ham" & "One Fish, Two Fish, Red, Fish, Blue Fish". I remember reading those books as a kid, but I didn't really remember the fact that I would be tongue-tied the entire time.

We started with "Green Eggs & Ham", and I was waiting for Dan to come upstairs laughing at me because I was really getting into the rhyming. Thankfully he didn't, so I kept reading. However I don't think Alexander liked that one all that much because he didn't really respond to it. But, when we switched to "One Fish, Two Fish...", he was really getting into that one as he continued to kicked & punched. I think he may have even done a flip.

Towards the end of "One Fish...", my tongue was so twisted, and my mouth was dry that I kept apologizing to Alexander as if he was there that I was messing up the story.

I'll have to pick another Dr. Suess book tonight to see how he reacts...

I hope everyone has a nice & safe New Years Weekend!

The Day After...

It's the day after Christmas and everyone I've spoken to is in desperate need to take a nap & recouperate after the whirl-wind called Christmas. Myself included.

This weekend was a bustle of activity from start to finish. We finished up all of the shopping, wrapping, baking & getting things together. It was a very jam-packed weekend for us as well. Saturday we cleaned the house, I made gift bags, we made appetizers & dessert for Christmas Eve & day, and then Dan settled in to watch his Christmas movies (Elf & A Christmas Carol).

Christmas Eve started our whirl-wind tour of South Eastern MA. We stopped at Steve & Ann's to see them and give the girl's their gifts. Then we headed over to Steve & Carolyn's so we could spend some quality time with them and give the boys their presents. Thankfully Nick, Chris & Will all seemed to like their gifts, so that was a very nice feeling that we got something for each of them that they will be able to use! There were also 2 Secret Santa gifts to give: Steve & myself. THANK YOU, Carolyn - She's the best Secret Santa!

After spending time with the Chiocco clan, we headed to 5pm mass at St Marks. Although I love Christmas mass at St Marks more than any other church in the world, I do have to admit it was pretty anti-climatic this year. From mass, we met up with my parents & sister for a quick drink (ginger ale for me, of course) and then headed to my uncle's house for a gathering. It was a fairly lowkey gathering this year and most of us spent time watching A Christmas Story. Another classic, according to Dan.

We got home around 11:30pm, which was very much past my bed time. But we had to get things together for Christmas day and by the time we did that and had our tradition of reading "Twas the Night before Christmas", it was actually Christmas. So we opened a couple presents, and then headed up to bed so Santa could bring the rest.

The next morning, we opened up the rest of our presents, and headed to my parents house for

breakfast & Secret Santa. I even had time to post my weekly blog entries yesterday, however I must have been so excited that I missed a few questions. No worries, all is well. After a nice, relaxing breakfast & gift swap we went over to Gary & Sharon's for dinner. Christmas, this year, was very nice. Even though it was busy and we traveled everywhere, it was relaxing. Everyone had a nice time, there was no drama, no stress, just enjoying people's company. This was one of my favorite adult Christmas'.

Here is a picture of us in front of Gary & Sharon's tree. It's amazing that pictures show you just how short & pregnant one can look.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.

or for Alyson & Moira: a funky, funky Christmas...

Birthday Wishes...

Happy Birthday to Dan's sister, Catherine!

We hope you have a wonderful birthday & your day is nice and relaxing.

27 Week Journal...

How far along? 27 wks today
Total weight gain/loss: 22.6 lbs which is only approximately 3 lbs above where the target was so I'm not that far off at all.
Maternity Clothes: Wearing a mixture of both maternity & non-maternity shirts & sweaters, but the pants are mainly maternity for comfort sake
"Morning" Sickness: Knock on wood - nothing in a while
Signs of Pregnancy: Lack of sleep, back pain, dry skin, nose congestion & bloody noses, occassional Braxton Hicks contractions, the start of Sciatica - but I really can't complain that even though I have these symptoms it's been a overall great pregnancy
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: I don't sleep well but if this is my only complaint than we're doing VERY WELL!
Best moment this week:
*On the baby front it was a very quiet week besides his moving. But we definitely have been busy with Christmas with wrapping, baking, visiting family & friends.
*Sciatica has been non-existent this week
Worst moment this week:
*Sleeping is not fun & the nosebleeds are blah
Movement: I've discovered that he's bipolar. Occassionally, he'll do a few kicks or tumbles to let me know he's there and then there are other times where we've nicknamed him "kickie" (from Friends) because he's just like his dad where he's constantly moving, and moving like crazy!
Food cravings: Nothing specific this week...
Gender prediction: No guessing anymore - it's a BOY - Alexander Christopher
Labor Pains: No Labor pains, but I am definitely experiencing Braxton Hicks Contractions randomly
Belly Button in or out? It's getting smaller, but still in
Wedding rings on or off? On - still a bit loose
Weekly Wisdom:*
Milestones/Fun Moments:

27 Week Growth...

How your baby's growing:
Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
This week marks the beginning of the third trimester — and a big developmental change as Baby's fused eyelids finally open. The lids have been closed since early pregnancy to protect the developing retina at the back of the eye. The retina is the part of the eye that receives light information, and transmits the information to the brain for interpretation. The retina develops its normal layers during this week.
*Although Baby may not have grown much taller, she now weighs more than two pounds. Right now, your baby looks like she will at birth, just a little thinner and smaller.
*Other developmental changes include:
Lungs, liver and immune system are still developing.
*As hearing continues to develop, some scientists suggest Baby may start to recognize your voice, although sounds may be muffled because waxy coating still covers the ears.
*Response to sound will become more pronounced as the development of the auditory nerve is completed.
*Baby's brain continues to grow and develop rapidly.
Your frisky fetus is on another growth spurt, shooting up half an inch this week to measure about 14 inches from head to toe. She weighs roughly 2 1/2 pounds, and will gain approximately half a pound each week for the next 10 weeks. The average full-term baby weighs about 7 1/2 pounds and measures from 18 to 20 1/2 inches, but many normal, healthy babies fall outside this range. Unless your practitioner has told you of a potential problem, it's safe to assume that your little one is right on track.

How your life's changing:
Your body is gearing up for the final lap, so you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your uterus is putting extra demands on your circulation. (As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.) Unfortunately, the cramps are likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. Flexing your foot (by pointing your toes forward and then flexing them back toward your shins) stretches the calf and should give you some relief. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but it's not too soon to think about family planning. You'll want to have made some decisions before your baby arrives. And in some states, if you're considering a tubal ligation during your hospital stay, laws require that you sign a consent form at least a month before delivery day. (You can still change your mind later.)

As your uterus has grown and you've gained more weight, your ligaments are also getting looser in preparation for delivery, which can make your hips feel unstable or loose. This loosening and shifting may cause occasional sharp pains in your pelvic area that can get stronger with each successive pregnancy. It's important to move slowly and deliberately, and avoid sudden movements.
You may notice that it's getting increasingly hard to breathe as the uterus continues to expand near the rib cage, adding more pressure to your lungs. Getting a bit breathless is expected; you and your baby are still getting all the oxygen you need.
Also around this week, you may begin noticing some changes in your behavior, due to hormonal changes and everything that’s on your mind. For example, you may have trouble concentrating, keeping track of belongings, or remembering important things. You can help yourself to feel more in control by trying to minimize the stress in your life, getting plenty of rest, and taking those brief memory lapses in stride.
Speaking of weight gain, you're probably up 15 to 20 pounds by now, with your uterus banging against the bottom of your rib cage. So--feeling sexy? Many women continue to enjoy sex up until the last few weeks (or days) of pregnancy, but don't be surprised if, at this point, your interest in french fries far exceeds your appetite for your partner's caresses. Alternately, some women find that they feel especially sensual as they grow more voluptuous, while their partners have suddenly lost interest--the "Yikes, I'm having sex with a mom" syndrome.

Merry Christmas Eve...

We are currently on our Christmas World Tour - Merry Christmas to all...

We wish everyone a happy & safe Christmas Eve...

I plan to post when we get home tonight...

Merry Christmas,

Dan, Mel & Alexander

Thoughtful...

I had a appointment last Thursday with my hair stylist. She's very funny and we get along well. We chat about what's going on in our lives - you know the stuff you talk to your hair stylist about.

I really like her and the job she does so I wanted to give her something for the holidays besides a little more in her tip. So I went out and got her a gift card to the mall. In hindsight, I should have picked up one from Old Navy, but I'm pretty sure she'll be able to get use out of that as well.

Well, let's just say that I'm really glad I stopped to pick something up because when I handed her the card, she said "oh wait, I have something for you too". At first I thought it was going to be something generic and that I made her feel bad. But then she handed me this bag and told me to open it. She said it was just something little for the baby. I opened it up and this was in the bag:




How cute! And she was so excited about it because we do talk about dogs & puppies and who was going to be the first one to get a puppy (She won).

I just thought it was incredibly sweet & thoughtful of her when she really shouldn't have to do anything at all.

By the way, Alexander has not stopped moving at all today. He is definitely one active little baby. And I wouldn't have it any other way...

26th Week Journal...

How far along? 26wks today
Total weight gain/loss: 22.6 lbs which is only approximately 3 lbs above where the target was so I'm not that far off at all. Plus, I've heard all week that I do not look at all 6 months pregnant, so I'll take that as a compliment.
Maternity Clothes: Wearing a mixture of both maternity & non-maternity shirts & sweaters, but the pants are mainly maternity for comfort sake
"Morning" Sickness: Knock on wood - nothing in a while
Signs of Pregnancy: Lack of sleep, back pain, dry skin, nose congestion & bloody noses, occassional Braxton Hicks contractions, the start of Sciatica - but I really can't complain that even though I have these symptoms it's been a overall great pregnancy
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: Yah, I don't really know what this is anymore. I woke up the other 'night' at 2:30 and wasn't able to go back to sleep. Finally at 7:30am I took a small nap.
Best moment this week:
*Dr Appt - everything is going well! Blood pressure, weight & heartbeat right on track! Next appointment with glucose test scheduled for 3 weeks.
*Listening to his heartbeat
*Dan made Alexander kick - it was very sweet
*The soccer match at 3am where Dan snored, Alexander kicked & Dan twitched in response - it was pure bliss!
*Finished shopping & got a good handle on wrapping and Christmas
Worst moment this week: *The sciatica from Tuesday night to Friday morning, nose bleeds
Movement: He really moves quite frequently every day - and he has his certain times during the day where he's more active than others.
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:
*Move around a lot - don't stand or sit for a long period of time because it can trigger a few unwanted symptoms (speaking from experience)
Milestones/Fun Moments:
*The kicking
*The Appointment
*Alexander got a christmas present from his grandparents from NJ - a cute outfit & a book to add to his collection.
*Seeing Dan's family this past weekend was nice during the holidays, I just hope their gift doesn't "evaporate" too quickly ... Good Luck with that Dad C!

26th Week Growth...

How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs a little under 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches, from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

There's an important development in your baby's lungs this week: They begin to secrete surfactant, a fatty substance that covers the inner lining of the air sacs and allows the lungs to expand normally so breathing can occur. Although it will be approximately 10 more weeks before the lungs are fully operational, the production of surfactant is an essential step in making the fetus viable outside the womb.

Look who's looking. Your baby's eyes — which have been closed for the past few months (so that the retina, the part of the eye that allows images to come into focus, could develop) — are now beginning to open. What this means is that your baby is able to see what's going on now (unfortunately the view in your uterus isn't all that exciting). But do try this at home for kicks (baby's that is): Shine a flashlight at your stomach. Your baby might kick in response (as in: "Get that light out of my eyes!"). The iris, the colored part of the eye, still doesn't have much pigmentation (that'll fill in over the next month or two), so it's too early to start guessing your baby's eye color. Even the color your baby will be born with might not be the permanent shade; so you may be kept guessing until your baby is close to six months old. Look what else is going on this week: Your baby's brain-wave activity is kicking in, which means your little one can not only hear noises but can now also respond to them. Not in so many words, of course, but with an increase in pulse rate or activity.

And talking about activity, at your baby's current height and weight (about nine inches tall and two pounds), and at the rate he or she is growing, your baby will soon be feeling a little cramped in your uterus. Not to worry, there's still plenty of room for your baby to grow. It just means your gymnast will have less room for those somersaults, cartwheels, and other Olympic feats.

As Baby grows, space is getting tighter inside the womb. Baby now measures about 12.8 inches tall and probably weighs almost two pounds. Most of this weight is bone and tissue, because she still doesn't have much body fat. In fact, the main development of body fat doesn't really occur until late in the third trimester. Between now and week 29, your baby will have a growth spurt and gain another pound.
*Lots of other developments occur this week:
*Baby is beginning to blink and open her eyes.
*Eyelashes are beginning to grow.
*Hair is continuing to grow on Baby’s head.
*To support her growing body, Baby's spine is getting stronger and more flexible.
*Although she hasn't put on much fat, Baby is beginning to look a little plumper.

How your life's changing:
You've probably gained between 16 and 20 pounds by now, which includes Baby's weight, plus the weight of the placenta, enlarged uterus, amniotic fluid, and excess blood volume. There is also appreciable fat storage in the maternal body (largely during the second trimester), averaging four to seven pounds. As the uterus enlarges and Baby gets bigger, you may notice more back pain, pelvic pressure, leg cramps and headaches. However, any pains that even remotely feel like contractions should be reported to your doctor. Preterm labor (labor beginning before the baby is fully developed) is much easier to stop in the early stages.
By now you can probably feel your baby moving every day, although not all babies are equally active. If you become concerned during those moments when you can't feel your baby move, try lying on your left side and being still. It's usually easier to feel fetal movement in that position.

Beginning somewhere around the middle to end of your second trimester, your enlarging uterus swells enough to push your abdomen forward, making your navel pop out like a timer on a well-done turkey.You're two-thirds of the way through your pregnancy and your uterus is about two and a half inches above your belly button. And speaking of your belly button, have you noticed that it's taken on a life of its own — a larger-than-life life? Protruding navels may not be your idea of forward fashion (especially when you're in a bikini, or when your once innie belly button now bulges through tight clothes), but it's de rigueur for the pregnant set. And it's easy to understand why. Beginning somewhere around the middle to end of your second trimester, your enlarging uterus swells enough to push your abdomen forward, making your navel pop out like a timer on a well-done turkey (even though you have a way to go before your baby is "well done"). Your belly button should revert back to its regular position a few months after delivery — (though it may have that stretched-out, "lived in" look. Until then, you can look at the bright side of your protruding navel: it gives you a chance to clean out all the lint that's accumulated there since you were a kid.

Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly as it returns to its normal pre-pregnancy range. (It was at a low from 22 to 24 weeks.) Though preeclampsia most often occurs in the last trimester, this is a good time to be aware of the warning signs of this dangerous condition that occurs in about 3 to 7 percent of all pregnancies. Signs you should be alert for include swelling of the hands and face, sudden weight gain (due to water retention), blurry vision, seeing spots before your eyes, sudden severe or persistent headaches, or upper abdominal pain. By checking for high blood pressure and protein in your urine, your caregiver will monitor you for preeclampsia at your routine prenatal visits, but call her immediately if you have any of these symptoms before your next appointment. Early identification of preeclampsia is essential for the health of you and your baby.If your back seems a little achy lately, you can thank pregnancy hormones (which are loosening up your joints and ligaments) and your shifting center of gravity. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath — or cool compress — might bring relief. Or you may want to schedule a prenatal massage by a trained therapist. Use a pregnancy wedge when sleeping, to support your back and abdomen. Try to maintain good posture, which will help reduce the strain on your back, and always take care when bending and lifting. If you experience severe pain or numbness in any area of your body, call your practitioner.

Pele or Baryshnikov...

Yes, I'm up at 4:41am.

I've been awake since 2:30am because Alexander is either trying out for the Barcelona Football team or he's practicing for the Nutcracker. And believe you me, I am not complaining for one moment. I kept doozing off but waking myself up because I didn't want to miss any of it due to just how active he was. I even took Dan's hand (who was sleeping) and put it on my belly so he could potentially feel him kick. It turned into more of a game for me: things would happen as if on queue - Dan would snore, Alexander would kick, Dan's hand would twitch and then it began again. I had a grin on my face for a solid 45 minutes.

Once the kicking stopped and I was still awake, I decided to come downstairs to wrap some more presents. Crazy? I know, but why not be productive. And it was better than the bus crash dream I started to have.

Dr. Appt Update...

Today's Doctor Appointment went off without a hitch. Well, besides the wait... I tried to take an early appointment time so I wouldn't be waiting a long time, but alas I waited. My appt was for 9:15, I was called in at 9:30am, the nurse took my blood pressure, urine sample and my weight and explained the glucose test that I would do during Week 28. Then I waited again. Dr. E walked in the room at 10:00am and I was done at 10:07am.

The details of the appointment were great - My weight is right on track - I only gained 3 lbs since the last appointment, not too shabby since Thanksgiving was in there. So I've gained a total of 22.6 lbs since my pre-pregnancy weight. So I'm only 3 lbs above the "recommended" weight gain at this point, so I'm happy with where I'm at. My blood pressure today was also well and right on track. I told Dr. E what my symptoms have been and how I've been feeling. And again, besides the horrible sleeping issues, I can't really complain. However, I did forget to ask her about the lines on my stomach from last Friday but since they've pretty much disappeared, I'm going with the assumption that it was my sweater that irritated my skin. I can always call if it comes back. She said that everything feels good, and that my stomach is growing at a good pace.

I then told her that since Tuesday night my right butt cheek has started to hurt as if there was a knot back there. And then she said it. She said the word I was hoping she wouldn't say. Sciatica. She told me to switch positions often which can help alleviate the pain. I hope it stays as a dull, knot-like pain rather than the shooting pain some women experience. Keep those fingers crossed.

Then Dr. E took out her fetoscope and listened for Alexander's heartbeat. It was immediately there and sounded strong. He did kick where ever she put the fetoscope and you could see it so we both got a chuckle out of it. She said it's about 155 and that's because he was moving around so much. Last time they told us about 155, but they wrote 146 so she said that he's consistent. Just like mommy - I'm nothing if not consistent.

Then she explained that I'll come back in 3 weeks (Week 28) for the glucose test (which is when I drink this orange drink they gave me) and then I have blood drawn. And rather than coming back the following week for my next appointment, she just moved me up to Week 28 so that way it'll help make it easier to schedule the 'every 2 week' appointments. Yup, we're already at that point.

So everything & everyone is doing well, he continues to move, and my butt continues to throb. Good times.
:)

Joys (or Not) of Pregnancy...

It really is amazing how much this child already has a mind of his own. He's very much like me where he is certainly not a follower, but does things when he wants to. This baby goes through phases of movement. Sometimes he kicks occasionally, frequently enough, to let me know that he's still there and all is well. Then he goes thru spurts where he likes to hide out and not move at all. These spurts last usually a hour or two at the most, but when you're used to feeling him move often, it can be unnerving. Of course it's these moments that make me realize that this is definitely my child. It's at these moments where I have already begun pushing my child around. I'll poke at my belly and try to move him around a bit just so I can feel him move. Hey, let's be honest, it won't be the first child I've awoken from a deep sleep because I wanted to play! (Sorry Casey!)

For example, he's started to get into the habit of kicking in the morning before I get out of bed. This is why I tend to stay in bed to wait for his morning ritual so I can feel him move. This morning he wasn't all that active. I poked around a bit, nothing. I rolled over to my left side (which he always tends to move right after I roll over), nothing. I poke around some more, nothing. I get out my listening device and it's quiet as a mouse. I'm trying not to worry, so I start talking to him asking him to move around for me. I now start poking all over, still nothing. Then all of a sudden came 3 big wallops as if he was saying "hey listen there lady, I'm sleeping here, would you leave me alone!". With that, I let him be and got up and got ready for work. So when he reads this in years to come - I'm sorry, Alexander that I kept poking you in the head!

Then there are the moments like RIGHT NOW where he is playing an entire soccer match, without a break and playing for both teams! He has not stopped moving in a good 45 minutes! While I'm quite happy to have him move around so that way I know all is well, I look pretty silly at my desk jumping everytime he kicks or moves pretty severe. And this time he has decided to play the ENTIRE field. Usually he tends to stick to the low levels of the field, but not this time - he is at the goal line, mid line and at the opposing team's goal line. Bring on the kicks & movements anytime - but boy do I look like a crazy person!

Ahh the joys of pregnancy... and honestly this is a huge joy!

However another joy of pregnancy that is not a joy: Pregnancy Meltdowns.

I had my first pregnancy meltdown last night, it wasn't a huge meltdown on the outside, but on the inside I was screaming... it began when Dan & I started to talk about daycare, how expensive it is, etc, and what will we do for the Flexible Spending Account through work which helps with daycare & health costs. I kept thinking why I'm going to pay someone else to look after my child when I want to be the one to do it. I'm already having severe separation anxiety and this poor child hasn't been born yet. So, side note, if I freak out on you when you go to hold him, please don't take it personally! I have already had nightmares where people are holding him and won't give him back even though I ask nicely. That may sound crazy or that I'm kidding, but I'm not joking. If I don't necessarily give him up for everyone to hold, please don't take offense.

I truly believe that this stems from the fact that I've waited since I was 7 years old to be a Mom. I've wanted this more than anything in my entire life and the fact that it's almost here is surreal to me. I think if this whole process was easier for me/us in regards to getting pregnant, I may not be as protective or territorial. But the fact that this did take longer than I thought and there were alot of doctor visits, medications, blood tests, ultrasounds, and wondering if this would actually happen may have just added to my fears of it not actually being carried out. So because of that I wonder if I've become more territorial than I would have been if I had gotten pregnant earlier or if this was easy.

I digress - so Dan & I were talking about daycare & finances and I kept trying to hint that I'd like to stay home but we kept trying to do the finances and it just wouldn't work. I know it's not realistic at all to stay home, but what I wouldn't give to do it. For those mothers who do - I think of you as truly blessed. It just is devasting to me right now that we're going to give a large amount of money to someone else when I want to do it. I'm sure it's something that I'll continue to struggle with but I know it's something that we'll figure out and get through - eventually. Even if the kid is in the 5th grade, and I finally come to terms with him going to school. :)

It sucks, and it stinks. And Larry Bird's not walking through that door. (Sorry inside joke between Dan & I)

It's Christmastime...

Christmastime has reached our house ... and we have finally completed all of the decorating for Christmas!

The tree is up & decorated, the fireplace awaits Santa's arrival, and our Card tree is eagerly waiting cards to fill up its branches. It definitely feels more christmas-y now that we have the tree up.

We even have 2 presents under the tree! Now if I can just wrap all of the other presents, I'll be in great shape!

Oh, in regards to Christmas shopping - I'm so close to being

done, I can taste it! I forsee having it all done this weekend so then next week all I have to do is wrap & bake my annual cookies!

And then once Christmas has come & gone, we have the anticipation of the little one to look forward to!

Hope everyone's holidays are going well & that your still on Santa's Nice list. Although I've heard through the grapevine that being on the Naughty list can be just as fun!

25th Week Journal...

Sorry for the delay in posting - the server was being updated

How far along? 25wks today
Total weight gain/loss: Not exactly sure – waiting for our Dr Appt for the official word
Maternity Clothes: Wearing a mixture of both maternity & non-maternity shirts & sweaters, but the pants are mainly maternity for comfort sake
"Morning" Sickness: Knock on wood - nothing in a while
Signs of Pregnancy: The dry skin is getting better because I am constantly putting lotion on, and I find that if I do not put my lotion on after a shower then I’m a dry, flaky & itchy mess all day. I notice that I stretch a lot when I sleep and now every time I do, I’m afraid that I’ll bring on leg cramps. Nothing too severe lately (thank goodness) but I thank "Tums" for that. My eyes do get really sore, and sitting in front of a computer doesn't help.
I did discover red bumpy lines on my belly Friday night. They were raised so I don’t think they were stretch marks. I think if I scratched them they’d be really itchy but I only did a small test area and didn’t really try to scratch them. I wonder if the sweater I wore on Friday irritated my skin as the red lines started to fade over the weekend. One thing to ask the doctor about.
Oh, I can't forget the Braxton Hicks contractions... they're not frequent, but I'm finally able to distinquish the difference between them and Alexander moving.
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: Sleep is still annoying but I’m learning how to cope. I start out on my left side, switch to my right when my shoulder starts to spasm and then when I wake up and find that I’m on my back, I don’t panic, but switch to my left side. But I will lie on my back when I wake up in the morning as that is the most comfortable position.
Best moment this week:
*Gary spent the entire weekend at our house (He is a genius) painting the nursery. It looks amazing. It’s not done yet so I don’t want to anyone to see it until it’s finished.
*Earlier in the week, Alexander was quite the busy bee. He was kicking all over.
*I was able to hear his heartbeat three nights this week – that sound will never get old.
Worst moment this week:
Don’t think I had one…nice smooth week.
Movement: He had an up & down week… Monday through Wednesday, he was a professional soccer player. Then Thursday & Friday he must have tuckered himself out because he was fairly quiet, so quiet in fact that I would poke my belly to get him to move just to make sure all was well.
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: It really is easier to get the nursery done sooner rather than later because I really will not have the ability to move around as much.
Milestones/Fun Moments:
*Gary starting on the nursery and it’s exactly how I had it pictured n my mind.
*Steve & Carolyn’s annual Christmas Party – it’s the latest I’ve been up throughout this entire pregnancy. It was a lot of fun, as it is every year. I’m just bummed we weren’t able to be the last ones to leave as I like helping them clean up. Crazy, I know. I do think the noise from the party startled Alexander because he jumped like crazy when we were in the kitchen, but when we were downstairs were it was quiet, he calmed down.
*Movies with Christopher, Claire & Sharon... Claire gets very antsy and doesn't necessarily need to stay til the end where Christopher is glued to the screen the whole time!

25th Week Growth...

Sorry for the delay in posting - the server was being updated

How your baby's growing:
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — doesn't sound like much, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now (in color and texture), although both may change after he's born.

The fetus weighs in at 1 1/2 to 2 pounds this week, and measures about a foot from head to toe. Though still skinny and wrinkly (skin hangs loosely until the fetus develops more baby fat), she's growing rapidly and starting to fill the space in your uterus. You'll feel her kicks and pokes more strongly with each passing week, with kick-strength peaking in about a month when she gets too crowded to do anything but squirm.

During this week, your baby is spending more time preparing for life after birth. Nerves around the mouth and lip area are becoming more sensitive now, preparing Baby for that all-important task of finding a nipple and getting nourishment.
At a pound and a half and a length of about eight to 10 inches, Baby is growing at a steady pace. The umbilical cord is thick and resilient now, covered in a firm, slippery substance that prevents kinking and knotting and may regulate the blood flow between placenta and Baby.
This week, you could expect:
*Baby will begin curling her fingers into a fist.
*Baby's dexterity will continue to develop.
*She'll continue to explore her surroundings, including the umbilical cord.
*Your baby's spinal structure will begin to form.
*Baby's nostrils beginning to open.

How your life's changing:
Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but the hair you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. You may also notice darker or thicker body hair. It will return to normal in the weeks after you give birth. You probably can't move around as gracefully as before. It's fine to continue to exercise, but use your common sense: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired, and stop if you feel any pain or when you begin to feel at all fatigued, dizzy, or short of breath. Don't lie on your back too long or do any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.
When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks, your practitioner may take a second tube of blood at the same time to check for anemia. Although your blood volume increases dramatically during pregnancy, the total amount of your red blood cells becomes diluted — a problem sometimes called physiologic anemia that's common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If your blood tests show that you have anemia, your caregiver will likely recommend that you take a supplement.

You may continue to notice physical changes this week related to pregnancy. Your eyes may become sensitive to light, feeling gritty and dry. Caused by hormones, this is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom called dry-eye. To ease your discomfort, try using an "artificial tears" solution for added moisture.

You may also notice the onset of or continue to experience indigestion as the hormone progesterone slows down the emptying of the stomach to allow for increased absorption of nutrients for you baby. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding spicy and fatty foods may help ease this condition.

Quiet Week...

It's been a fairly quiet week on the baby-front. But that doesn't mean we haven't been busy!

Dan, with help from Steve, built a closet in our bedroom so he doesn't loose a closet once Alexander's room takes shape. Then he put up the Christmas lights outside, again another great job!

Alyson & I picked up the crib & the dresser on Sunday! Don't worry, I didn't lift anything heavy. But a huge thank you to Alyson for coming out so we could use her jeep and then another huge thank you to Dan's parents for their generous gift for the furniture.

I also put up the interior Christmas decorations and continue on my mission to have our Christmas shopping done early. I took a 1/2 day today so I could do some shopping and hopefully finish up our Christmas Cards.

The only thing to note on the baby front is that my eyes are starting to get really dry and annoying. I've read this is common, but they never say how annoying it is. Alexander is really moving around more frequently and he's becoming more active in the morning now. It really is quite enjoyable feeling him kick.

That's it for now...

Clothes, Clothes & More Clothes...

Dan's mother commented to me last weekend that Alexander has a ton of clothing so far. I didn't really agree stating that he had an outfit or two but most of the clothes were onsies or pajamas.
Well Alyson came over this weekend to help me pick up the baby furniture and she brought a TON of stuff. I kept telling her that they went overboard with stuff and she just rolled her eyes at me. Then I told her she should have waited for Christmas but she said she couldn't wait - sounds like her older sister.

You should see the amount of stuff she brought from her & Mom. It's insane! Clothes, Books, shoes, onsies, scally cap, jean jacket... it just goes on. I can't thank you both enough - you really shouldn't have!

But again, this will be the cutest, well dressed baby on the Eastern Coast! Mom gave him the cutest scally cap & work boots. They're just so damn cute! I have to say that I really do love clothes for little boys! Here is just a preview of some of it - the other pics are just below this entry...

More Pictures...

Here are the other pictures of the OVERLOAD of goodies...
















And just how cute are these????? I think I screeched when I saw these (Thanks Mom!)

24th Week Journal...

How far along? 24wks today (wow, time flies - we're starting the 6 month)
Total weight gain/loss: At official check in from the doctor, I'm about 17-18 lbs gain.
Maternity Clothes: Wearing a mixture of both maternity & non-maternity shirts & sweaters, but the pants are mainly maternity for comfort sake
"Morning" Sickness: Knock on wood - nothing in a while
Signs of Pregnancy: (Same as last week) 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 right after a shower, the dry skin is getting better and the Tums at night are definitely helping with leg cramps.
Stretch Marks: Nothing new...
Sleep: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR - I really do not enjoy sleeping anymore. Most likely because I'm not really able to. My back is always in pain when I sleep on either side. My shoulders, shoulder blades, and upperback go into spasms. It's comfortable on my back, but the doctor said it's not good to spend so much time on your back. I don't remember the last time I actually slept through the night.
Best moment this week:
*We picked up all of Alexander's furniture, such a relief. Thank you to Dan's parents for their donation to the furniture
*Alyson came over to help pick up the furniture and she delivered a whole mess of goodies for the baby from her & my mom. You two really need to slow down!! Save it for Christmas. I was telling Dan's mom at Thanksgiving that Alexander really didn't have a lot of clothes... well they made a liar out of me because now he has a TON! But they're all so cute and he's going to be the best dressed little boy since Christopher (afterall Alyson, Mom & I did supply Christopher with his wardrobe the first year or so).
Worst moment this week:
Finding out that our pack & play and bassinet are now discontinued items. I don't know if we should pick out new styles or not...guess we'll wait a bit longer to see
Movement: He really has started to move around A LOT. He has his phases: 6:30-7:30am, multiple times during the day and then after 9pm. I also get this sensation in my abdomen that I know when & where he's about to kick so it's fun to put my hand there and feel it
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: If anyone has any wisdom for back pain, I'll gladly take it.
Milestones/Fun Moments:
*Started, what I believe to be, Braxton Hicks contractions. They're so random and sometimes I can't tell if they're BH contractions or the baby moving
*Alexander's first strong episode of the hiccups as he kept thumping up & down
*Dan built the closet in our bedroom, with help from Steve, so now he won't be without a closet when we get Alexander's room ready (I've decided that since we have everything, I'll be okay to work on putting the room together, after the room is painted of course, right after Christmas)
*Picking up all of his furniture
*Confirming with Gary about coming over to help paint the room

24th Week Growth...

How your baby's growing: Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

The unsung hero of the fetal support system is the umbilical cord, which forms a vital link between the fetus and the placenta. The cord contains two arteries and one large vein; by birth, it may measure up to four feet long. Every 30 seconds, nutrients and oxygen-rich blood are transported from the placenta to the fetus via the single vein, then back again to the placenta through the two arteries. This ingenious method ensures a constant supply of filtered air and nutrients, and keeps the mother's blood separate from the baby's.

This week Baby prepares herself for a big, lusty cry upon arrival. Her lungs are beginning to produce surfactant, a wetting agent that will help her breathe correctly and will keep her tiny lungs from collapsing or sticking together. Blood vessels and air sacs are developing in the lungs and will eventually exchange oxygen and circulate it to all parts of Baby's body.Baby still has a lot of growing to do. At 1.2 pounds and eight to nine inches, she should add at least another five pounds before birth for optimum health.This week, the following developments may occur:The inner ear, which controls balance, will become fully formed. This means that your baby may be able to tell when she is upside down or right side up while floating in the amniotic fluid. Baby will continue to explore her internal environment, flexing her fingers and touching her surroundings.

How your life's changing:
The top of your uterus is now an inch or so above your belly button, which means it's about the size of a soccer ball. With the skin on your abdomen and breasts stretching, you may feel a little itchy now and then. If your skin is dry, keeping it well moisturized may help. Also, your eyes may be sensitive to light and feel gritty and dry. This is a perfectly normal pregnancy symptom known as dry-eye. To ease your discomfort, use an artificial tears solution to add moisture.Most women will have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between 24 and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a high-blood-sugar condition during pregnancy. Untreated, high blood sugar increases your risk for having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow overly fat, especially in his upper body. It also increases your baby's risk for complications like low blood sugar at birth. A positive result on your GCT test doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you should have the more involved glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out.It's also a good idea to be aware of the signs of preterm labor. Contact your caregiver immediately if you notice an increase in vaginal discharge that is watery, mucus-like, or pink or blood-tinged; any vaginal bleeding or spotting; abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping or more than four contractions in an hour; an increase in pelvic pressure; or low back pain that you haven't had before.

Years ago, it was believed that pregnant women shouldn't exercise for fear of harming the baby. But today, we know the opposite is true. Light to moderate exercise can aid circulation and help the fetus get the oxygen it needs. In addition, a regular exercise regime helps pregnant moms sleep better and minimizes the risk of varicose veins, back strain, and other common symptoms of mid to late pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers a number of guidelines for prenatal exercise, including:
*Exercise at least three times a week.
*Don't overdo it--stop as soon as you feel fatigued.
*Don't exercise on your back after the first trimester (the growing weight may restrict blood flow to the uterus).
*Eat a balanced pregnancy diet, including plenty of carbohydrates.

As your baby continues to grow, you may begin to notice heartburn, a burning sensation that can reach from the lower throat to the bottom of your breastbone. During pregnancy, heartburn is caused by both hormonal and physical changes in your body. The placenta produces a hormone that relaxes the valve dividing the esophagus from the stomach, allowing stomach acids to move up into the throat. At the same time, the growing baby can push stomach acid up into the esophagus as well. You can help ease heartburn by eating five or six small nutritious meals a day. Also try to avoid going to sleep right after eating.
This is about the first time that your doctor may recommend testing you for gestational diabetes, a temporary type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes tend to have babies of very high birth weight, which can lead to difficulties during labor In addition; gestational diabetes can lead to low blood sugar in the baby after birth. During the screening test, you'll drink a sugary solution and then have your blood drawn. If your blood sugar levels are abnormal, you'll have further tests. Gestational diabetes usually can be controlled with a special diet. Also, mothers who develop gestational diabetes with their first child are more likely to have the condition with subsequent pregnancies as well.

Week of Firsts...

Here it is the First of December and it's a balmy 62* in MA. Wow, love it... even though I know it won't last because snow is in the forecast for Monday. Oh well.

This has been a week of firsts for Alexander & this pregnancy. First I started to have what I believe are Braxton Hicks contractions. They're extremely sporadic and I can't time them or know when the next one will happen, which is what "they" say should happen. Then, Alexander has his first set of hiccups that are in the same proportion to Mommy's hiccups. He just kept thumping up & down for a good solid 30 seconds. Poor Daddy if we both have loud hiccups.

Another good thing about this week is that it is just the first of December and I am more than halfway done with my Christmas shopping. Ahhh, such a nice feeling.


Oh, side note: for those tv writers & producers - can you PLEASE stop killing babies! Last night I switched on Grey's Anatomy as I was getting ready for bed and they were delivering a baby and the baby wasn't breathing. This was the 2nd time I've seen them have a storyline with a newborn/stillborn. I swear this show likes to kill babies and it's just not right!! Then the show House had a storyline where the baby died. And I was reading a book where the mother died during labor and you DIDN'T see that coming at all. STOP IT "PEOPLE" - I'm pregnant here!

Okay, I'm done ranting. Enjoy your December!