Weeks 21-23

Week 21 was a busy and packed week!  On Thursday I got a massage and it was divine!  I actually felt the baby make a rolling feeling instead of just the flutters!  My Rotary Club runs the Beer Garden at the Scandinavian Festival for our major fundraiser so I worked on Friday from 4:30-10pm.  My feet were tired...and so was the rest of my body!  I did feel pretty silly pouring beer while showing a baby bump.  We had a lovely visit from my Mom and Keith on Sunday.  I had acupuncture on Monday which helped my body recover from the Scandi Fest.  On Tuesday, we had a lot of fun at an Ems game which was the after-Scandi-celebration social!  We left after the 5th inning but the Ems won!


Week 21

Baby Size: the length of a carrot or a pomegranate!  The baby measures 10.5 inches from head to heel and weights 12.7 ounces.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

How I feel about being pregnant: Excited to feel more than the flutters!

Symptoms:  My lungs are not the same!  I get out of breath easier and quicker...darn tadpole is invading!

Cravings:  Nothing. 

What I am most excited about: creating a nursery theme!  Wahoo!  Dan and I are still sorting out the details and need to clear the room of the existing furniture but the nursery will start to form soon.

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He encouraged me to get a much need massage! 

Funny moment:Pouring beer while prego!  Thankfully, no one commented but I did feel a bit strange doing it!

Special moment:  During my massage, I felt Bebe Claric rolling!  I was so excited to feel more than a flutter!



Week 22 came and went quickly!  Work was hopping as I prepped for a work retreat in Napa the following week.  Dan's parents visited on Wednesday and it was lovely to see them.  On Thursday, I stayed at work late to create a baby registry on Amazon.  I had so much fun picking out items and researching what we will need.  There is just so many options!  Dan was gone on Saturday to his cousin's graduation party.  I stayed to do laundry and pack for my trip...travelers anxiety is not my friend!  I went to a local baby/kid's shop, Fletcher's, and to Toys R Us to further research baby items for the registry.  Some time soon I want to take Dan over to Fletcher's so that we have a local registry, too.  The woman who helped me was wonderful and I really appreciated getting to touch and try strollers, car seats, and everything else!  I helped at the Cascade Manor Employee Picnic.  There was a low turnout but great food!  I left for Medford at 3pm on Monday and traveled by car to Napa on Tuesday.  All in all, the week was pretty good!

Week 22

Baby Size: the length of a spaghetti squash or the size of a papaya!  The baby measures 11.8 inches from head to heel and weights up to 20.8 ounces.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment.  If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

How I feel about being pregnant:  Nervous about traveling while prego!  I don't travel well on a good day!

Symptoms:  My belly button is getting shallower.  I also having not been sleeping well.  My body pillow helps but it's still not enough!  The other major thing I have noticed is that I get full quicker and if I am stuffed, I am miserable.  I am learning to eat smaller meals more regularly.

Cravings:  Nothing. 

What I am most excited about:  Catching up with co-workers I have not seen since last summer.  I can't wait to share the good news with them.

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He was very supportive as I stressed and worried about having possible traveler's anxiety! 

Funny moment:  I realized that I don't have to worry about zippers on my pants right now!  It's all about the small things that delight me!

Special moment: Listening to Dan suggest baby names!  He is so concerned about it which makes him an adorable expecting dad.


Holy moley week 23 was fast!  Wednesday was day 1 of our Business Office Managers Retreat in Napa.  Training was great followed by a wonderful dinner out.  I was saddened to be away from Dan on our anniversary.  I still can't believe we have been married for three years!  I am one lucky, lucky girl!  Thursday's training came and went.  I had a chance to catch up with a former co-worker that I miss dearly!  Richard and his family are a joy so it was wonderful to see him!  We went on the dinner train which was absolutely lovely!  The trip up the valley was beautiful and only enhanced with a tremendous dinner.  I would highly recommend this trip to anyone!  In fact, I told Dan that we should consider coming to Napa for our next anniversary!  Friday's training went well.  Of course, Richard and his dining team fed us amazing lunches.  Wednesday was an awesome salad.  Thursday was Italian themed with anti-pasta trays, cheese trays, three types of gourmet pizza, and three ravioli types.  The lobster ravs were divine!  Just when I thought he couldn't top Thursday's lunch, we were served beef tenderloin with wonderful sides and yummy chocolate mouse...I needed a second stomach for this retreat!  I arrived back in Medford on Friday and spent the weekend with my family.  I had a great time visiting with Mom and Keith, Dad and Shawna, Shawna's parents, and Miss Madison!  It had been way too long since I was down there!  On Sunday, I went out to brunch with Dad, Shawna, Madison, and Billy who was in town for a wedding.  It was so nice to a have all of us in the same place!  The big news for Monday was that I got in the pool with my new maternity swim suit!  It felt so good to do laps and be in the water!  On Tuesday I started researching the two hospitals and hope to get some tours scheduled soon.

Week 23

Baby Size: a mango or a grapefruit!  The baby measures 11 inches from head to heel and weights one pound!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance...You may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.
How I feel about being pregnant:  Scared but in a good way!  It's hard to believe I am going to be a mom!

Symptoms:  The dreaded heartburn has started...  :(  I was hoping this symptom would skip over me...  Also, I have to pee a lot more!  This kid is taking over my body!  The other fun one that occurred on Thursday and Friday, swollen feet and ankles.  The swelling wasn't too bad but I could feel it!

Cravings:  Anything that will make my throat stop burning!  Milk, cheese, Tums... 

What I am most excited about: This is silly but researching the hospitals.  I am excited to know what the options are in Eugene and just want to get that crossed off my list.  Once we pick a hospital, we can schedule birthing classes and pre-admit!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He stayed up late so we could talk on our anniversary! 

Funny moment: There were just too many from the retreat!

Special moment:  I put Dan's hand on my belly as we were falling asleep on Sunday and he was able to feel the baby for the first time!  That was wonderful and special.  I teared up! 

Half Way There

Today, I am officially half way with my pregnancy...CRAZY!  I can't believe that I have now completed 20 weeks of being pregnant!  This past week has not been too exciting, especially compared to last week!  Dan has continued to clean up my car mess.  Have I mentioned he is Superman?  We had a nice, calm weekend which was much needed.  My mom and Keith stopped by for a quick visit on Sunday afternoon which was a treat!

The most exciting day this week was Monday!  We had an ultrasound and found out that we are having a BOY!  I am not sure I know what to do with a boy.  Truthfully, I am not sure I would know what to do with a girl, either.  I was amazed at how big he is and all the movement he was doing on the screen.  Dan was with me so we got to experience seeing the tadpole together.  He was moving and squirming and stretching his arms and kicking his legs and moving his little mouth...and we could see it all!  The tech did a great job explaining what the pictures were and how the baby was developing.  She said that he is developing well, his measurements are what they should be, and he appears to be healthy.  That's all I wanted to hear!  This little guy is so loved already!  As I was leaving the office, it dawned on my that we are bringing a new male into the world that shares Dan's genes...and my father's!  May Heaven help us all!  This will be a fun adventure!

My dear friend Leslie, a mother of two young boys, wrote a beautiful blog on raising good men.  She perfectly stated how I feel so check out her post!  

http://anyoccasionphotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/future-fathers.html

Week 20

Baby Size: a banana!  The baby measures 6.5 inches from head to rump, 10 inches from head to heel, and weights 10.5 ounces.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

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

It's crazy to think that the tadpole now has working taste buds (info from another site)!

How I feel about being pregnant:  Excited!  Nervous about being a mom to a boy...not sure that I know what to do with a boy!

Symptoms:  Nothing.

Cravings:  Nothing. 

What I am most excited about: I am half way!  Can't believe how time has flown.  I also can't wait to go shopping for our little guy!  Now I know what gender to buy for!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He came to the ultrasound appointment.  It was nice to have him there with me!

Funny moment: When the ultrasound tech said, "There are the kidneys that are producing urine that is going into the bladder...and out his penis.  Congrats, you are having a boy!"  She said she has never said it that way but the pictures and the baby's position made it easy to describe!

Special moment:  Seeing the ultrasound with Dan.  The baby was moving his little arms and legs.  He also was opening and closing his little mouth!  He developing well and looks healthy.  That's all this mom could ask for!

My, Oh My

Week 19 brought so much fun and a bit of action!  On Thursday, I had a lovely follow up appointment with my doctor who said momma and baby are doing well.  That's always good to hear!  Friday after work, we met my family at a cabin in near Crescent Lake and had a lot of fun watching/criticizing the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies.   We were assigned breakfast so I made two casseroles for Saturday.  One was a savory egg/hash brown/sausage combo and the other was a raspberry french toast.  Both were new, never tried before recipes that turned out so yummy!  I will definitely have to make them before tadpole comes and stick in the freezer!  We had to leave the cabin Saturday morning to get ready for a wedding in Cottage Grove.  Dan's co-worker, Shelby, was married to Adam in Cottage Grove.  The ceremony was lovely!  On Sunday, I went to pick up my little sister because she stayed with us for a few days...gotta get that sister bonding in before the tadpole comes!  On the way, I completely did not see a red light until this RV jumped out in front of me...from nowhere...and I tagged its side on the back.  The RV had little damage but my poor car has a big ouchy!  Thankfully, my aunt was there to help me with the information exchange and no one was hurt!  I got Madison and her stuff and we headed home.  Have I mentioned that Dan is my Superman?  He is!  He is totally taking care of all the insurance stuff and the car stuff and cleaning up my mess!  Love that man!  I called my doctor office just to see if they wanted me to come in but based on several questions regarding how I was feeling, any possible symptom, and details on the accident, they said not to worry.  We palled around with Madison for the rest of Sunday.  Dan made an awesome steak dinner with yam fries, per Madison's request.  I took Monday through Wednesday off to be with her and we slept in every morning.  On Monday we went to the Science Factory and watched a video in their planetarium.  The video was really interesting about see dinosaurs!  After that, we went and got a late lunch of pizza at Roaring Rapids.  Then we went mini golfing.  We were pretty tuckered after all that so we went home.  I made lasagna and an artichoke for dinner.  Madison and I made brownies for dessert.  Warm brownies and vanilla ice cream make a lovely dessert! Tuesday we went off to Splash where Madison swam like a fish in the lap pool, played in the wave pool, and then went back to the lap pool. She had more fun swimming laps than the wave pool!  I really enjoyed watching her enthusiasm in the water as she should me all the different strokes.  Swim team has been good for her!  After we cleaned up, it was off to the mall for some shopping.  She found a retired Ugly Doll and a back-to-school sweatshirt that I had to spoil her with!  She wanted Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner so we went to the store for ingredients.
Dan and I tag teamed dinner and it turned out so yummy!  Definitely a good pick on her part!  We warmed up brownies and added ice cream for dessert.  On Wednesday, we surprised Dan with lunch at his work.  We brought Red Robin to him and had a good time there.  After lunch we went to my friend Vicky's house.  She has an 11 year old and an 8 year old that Shorty really wanted to meet.  The girls had so much fun swimming, playing in the hot tub, jumping on the trampoline, and riding the zip line.  Madison was sad when we had to leave because she had such a good time.  We drove down to Roseburg where we met my step-mom for the switcheroo.  Each night we had a great time winding down and watching the Olympics.  Gymnastics, diving, and swimming were some of our favorites but we had fun cheering on Team USA in every sport!  I got back home on Wednesday and Dan and I had a nice relaxing rest of the evening.  All in all, it was a darn good week!



Week 19

Baby Size: a heirloom tomato or a mango!  The baby measures 6 inches and weights 8.5 ounces.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now... Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

How I feel about being pregnant:  Tired and excited!  Miss Madison wore me out!  Very excited for Monday!

Symptoms:  I noticed that some of my freckles and moles have darkened and I am a bit more gassy!  Thankfully, not stinky but those toots just pop out!  My morning sickness eased quite a bit this week which was so nice.  I have also had some minor cramping from the tadpole moving and stretching.  Plus, my abdomen is so tight!  I just want to tell the muscles to give up and let the stretch happen...stop fighting!

Cravings:  Nothing. 

What I am most excited about: for the crib to arrive this coming week!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He is taking care of my car mess!  He has handled all of the insurance stuff and taking the car to the shop.  Love that man!

Funny moment: There were so many with Madison!  She is a crack up!

Special moment:  Getting special one-on-one time with my little sister!  We had so much fun and I loved every minute of it!