The post Christmas post

Week 28: Chinese cabbage or Pumpkin

This week: Baby is the size of a Chinese cabbage By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

28 Week Doctor’s Report:

-          My blood pressure was 102/64 this morning!! I am officially in my 3^rd trimester.

-          I failed my 1 hour glucose test, so I have to go back next week for the 3 hour glucose test… YUCK!

-          Peanut is measuring 31 wks 0 days… his head circumference is 32 weeks!!! This is not a good trend, but it’s great that he isn’t measuring too small – a common occurrence for women with chronic hypertension

-          I am now on the every two week doctor appointment plan, but I will continue with the every four week ultrasounds

Life Update:

Christmas was draining nervewracking different this year...

• My sister had her baby on December 23rd... both mom and baby are absolutely beautiful and healthy!
• We didn't get to visit my sister because my doctor doesn't want me travelling, I STILL feel aweful that I couldn't be there for her!! She was SO supportive when I was having Landen, and I don't think I can ever relay how much I appreciated that!
• My parents, obviously, went to be with my sister so Christmas with my side of the family was postponed... no big deal!
• Landen had a high fever on Christmas Eve and had a Febrile Seizure... THAT was one of the most terrifying things I have ever experienced. We called 911 and he was taked to the ER.
• We got home around midnight Christmas Eve... Santa was still able to visit despite the late night :D
• Christmas morning was fun (despite Landen not feeling well), we watched Landen open his gifts from Santa and then we went over to Meemaw's house (Keith's mom) for Christmas with the Thomas family.
• Landen was still running a fever on Christmas day, so we were keeping him on tylenol and motrin constantly. By mid afternoon, the fever wasn't responding very well to the medicine so we stripped him down to the diaper and periodically put a wet rag on his neck to cool him down.
• By 7pm Landen's fever hit 105.3*F with cold compresses on his groin, neck, and arm pits... so we head back to the ER! Luckily, he didn't have another seizure!
• The ER Conclusion? AN EAR INFECTION!?!?!! What is this madness!?! SO, he got a Rocefin shot at the ER, he got a 2nd Rocefin shot Monday at the pediatrician, and he got a 3rd Rocefin shot yesterday at the pediatrician. He seems to be feeling  a little better now... still running a fever, but not a high one.
• The pediatrician is contacting an ENT for us so we can hopefully get rid of this dang ear infection!
• Keith has a cold, or something of the sort...

Pregnancy Update:

1. How far along? 28 weeks 1 day
2. Total Weight Gain? 3 lbs
3. Fundal Height? 28 cm
4. Baby Heart Rate? 140s bpm
5. Baby Bump?  I’m still carrying him low
6. Movement? Definitely feeling him move all the time!
7. Cravings? Peppermint chocolate chip milkshake (Chik-fil-A)  and my mom’s Christmas Eve dinner (we didn’t get to celebrate Christmas with them yet so I’m looking forward to that this weekend)
8. Aversions? Meats
9. Symptoms? Pains (back, sciatic, leg, hip, neck, etc), Cramps (stomach, back, and into my thighs), Legs falling asleep, Congested, Headaches, TIRED, Forgetfulness,  Heartburn, and a few unmentionables
10. Sleep? If I could JUST GET COMFORTABLE and have normal dreams without waking 25 times to pee or switch sides!
11. Gender? Boy! He’s still a nameless child
12. Belly button? In but rather shallow
13. What I miss? Energy, sleep, easy mobility, lying down without getting heartburn, etc
14. What I’m looking forward to? Naming this baby! Celebrating Christmas with my parents!
15. Concerns? Maternity leave (or lack thereof). Retaking this stupid blood sugar test… I REALLY don’t want to have gestational diabetes!!!!!!!
16. Blessings? My sister had her baby – Haleigh Rae on December 23 at 8:30pm – she weighed 7 lbs 12 oz and was 19 in long – they both are doing great! My blood pressure maintaining. Having a job. Keith. Landen. Family. Friends.
17. Picture:

Peanut... facing the right with his mouth open

Peanut = Cauliflower

Week 27: Cauliflower

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements 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 they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Life Update:

1. Keith and I have been sick! --> we’ve had walking pneumonia
2. Landen has a never ending ear infection --> I kid you not, he has had an ear infection since sometime in October
3. Gus, our cat, attempted suicide --> he ate a ribbon, which formed a ball in his stomach, that caused constant vomiting and an inability to eat or drink, which led us to the vet, ultimately forcing the vet to do emergency surgery, and our bank account plummeted! Pictures are below... in Exhibit A
4. Though my Christmas tree decorating skills are limited, I did manage to make a decent looking star for our tree topper. Pictures are below... in Exhibit B
5. After SEVERAL attempts at ornament decorating, my one and only tree worthy (and picture worthy) ornament is the Snow Family. Pictures are below... in Exhibit C.
6. Landen had his 18 month check up. I cannot believe he is 1 ½  years old! His measurements crack me up though. Weight: 23½ pounds (10%-25%) Height: 32 ½ inches ( 50% ) Head Circumference: 19 ½ (90%) I mean, it's a good thing we have the ability to see him in person or via camera. otherwise he would come off as a bean pole with a pumpkin for a head... I made a picture, but I cannot get it to load, but I feel confident that anyone can imagine the pumpkin headed beanpole child. 

Pregnancy Update:

1. How far along? 27 weeks 0 day
2. Total weight gain? -2 lbs (due entirely to my being sick)
3. Fundal height? I have no idea
4. Baby bump? Absolutely
5. Maternity Clothes? Yep! I do wish I had more winter maternity clothes… With Landen being born in June, I didn’t have a need for sleeves during that pregnancy
6. Movement? Definitely feeling him move all the time!
7. Cravings? Cookie dough
8. Aversions? Meats and onions
9. Symptoms? Pains (back, sciatic, leg, hip, neck, etc), Cramps (stomach, back, and into my thighs), Legs falling asleep, Headaches, TIRED, Forgetfulness, Cranky, Heartburn, and a few unmentionables
10. Sleep? If I could JUST GET COMFORTABLE and have normal dreams without waking 25 times to pee or switch sides!
11. Gender? Boy! He’s a nameless child… Keith and I have been talking the past couple days about a name… so far we agree that we don’t want a name that will be shortened (i.e. Jeffery – Jeff) and we don’t want to call him by his middle name… that’s as far as we have made it
12. Belly button? In but rather shallow
13. What I miss? Energy, sleep, easy mobility, lying down without getting heartburn, etc
14. What I’m looking forward to? Naming this baby! Christmas!
15. Concerns? Maternity leave (or lack thereof). Holiday stress.
16. Blessings? My blood pressure maintaining. Having a job. Keith. Landen. Family. Friends. Landen’s daycare <-- especially last week when Keith and I were so sick!
17. Pictures:
• Exhibit A: Cat + Ribbon = Surgically scarred cat



The ribbon



The cat (with shaved leg for IV)



The end result (FYI he is laying on his left side with head away from camera)



• Exhibit B: Felt star - 5 felt pieces (cut into squares) + 1 button + needle and yellow thread =




The felt star I made for our Christmas tree


• Exhibit C: The one, and ONLY, presentable ornament I was able to make for our Christmas tree - Snow Family

Year



Daddy snowman (Keith) and Landen snowkid





Momma snowwoman (Me) and Daddy snowman (Keith) 



Peanut is the size of a Rutabaga

Week 25: Rutabaga

Your baby rivals the average rutabaga in weight -- about 1 1/2 pounds. (Length: 13 1/2 inches, head to heel.) Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Life Update:

1. Landen woke up this morning with goop & crust covering his eyes… Geez! If it’s not one thing, it’s another!
2. I started Physical Therapy last week. I really like my PT, Donna Goodwin. Last night was my 2^nd time going there, and my 1^st time actually doing anything.  As it turns out, I’m a little sore today, but not bad. I hope this helps to make my fibro and my pregnancy pains more manageable.
3. Keith finishes his finals this week! WOOHOO!
4. My sister’s baby shower is this weekend! I’m super excited about it, and about giving her the gifts I’ve made for her… I’ll post pictures next week.
5. I was in desparate need of caffeine yesterday towards the end of the work day. I went to the Pepsi machine in our break room, and got myself a Coke (it’s weird that the Pepsi machine has Coke and Diet Coke). I didn’t have exact change, so after pushing the Coke button the machine gave me my change… only it wasn’t American money – The machine gave me Canadian change! I guess that’s Pepsi’s way of getting me back for wanting Coke products!
6. We had a get-together with Keith’s brothers and dad this weekend. It was fun to grill out and play games with everyone.
7. I had such a great time at the Chi O reunion!

Pregnancy Update:

1. How far along? 25 weeks 1 day
2. Total weight gain? 1 lbs (I think)
3. Fundal height? 26 ½
4. Baby bump? Absolutely
5. Maternity Clothes? Exclusively wearing maternity clothes… PLUS my Maternity/SI Lock support belt, which, despite the fact that it is NOT flattering AT ALL, really seems to help!
6. Movement? Yep, it’s not to the point of being really painful, so I enjoy watching my belly move and jump. I realize that at this point I should be noticing some kind of pattern, but this kid seems to be a bit of a free spirit. There is no pattern, no established downtime; he is wiggly all the time – at random times.
7. Cravings?  Yep, and almost all of my cravings this week have been unhealthy! Aside from milk, I have been dying for nutty-buddy bars, Christmas tree cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, caramel, etc. Come on kid, don’t you want some veggies?!
8. Aversions? Meats, onions, spiciness of any kind, and sandwiches
9. Symptoms? Pains (back, sciatic, leg, hip, neck, etc), Cramps (stomach, back, and into my thighs), Legs falling asleep, Headaches, TIRED, Forgetfulness, Cranky, Heartburn, and a few unmentionables
10. Sleep? If I could JUST GET COMFORTABLE and have normal dreams without waking 25 times to pee
11. Gender? Boy! And still a nameless child… we really are going to work on that!
12. Belly button? In
13. What I miss? Energy, sleep, easy mobility, lying down without getting heartburn, etc
14. What I’m looking forward to? Naming this baby! Seeing my sister and throwing her baby shower! Christmas!
15. Concerns? Landen having pinkeye. Maternity leave (or lack thereof).
16. Blessings? Being able to feel Peanut move – knowing he is doing fine! My blood pressure maintaining. Having a job. Keith. Landen. Family. Friends. Landen’s daycare.

Peanut = Ear of Corn

Week 24: Ear of Corn

Your baby has caught up with an ear of corn in size and gained about 1/4 pound since last week. (Length: a foot.)

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Doctor’s Report: Peanut weighs just over 1 ½ lbs and is just over 1 ft long. His head is down; pushing into my cervix (pleasant… I KNOW!). He is measuring about 1 – 1 ½ weeks ahead. Because I am carrying him SO LOW and his head is way down in my pelvic floor, I have to start wearing a support belt. Hopefully, this will make me a little more comfortable and have fewer contractions. With all the pelvic and sciatic pain, my doctor wants me to go see a physical therapist. My blood pressure was good this time! She is hoping I can make it 3 more months (to the end of February)… we shall see.

Life Update:

• Thanksgiving was great! We had awesome food, Landen played with his 6 yr old cousin for HOURS!
•  Landen decided to be more talkative than ever… Dictionary of Landen:
•  “Pea” = please, green, tree, pink, peas, and beans
• “Bawwh” = ball
• “Bouw” = brown
• “OHWWOW” = yellow, anything exciting/surprising/different, or if he falls down
• “Ay” (pronounced like Hey without the H) = hey, peak-a-boo, anytime he finds something he was looking for, cat appears
• “Uh oooh” = when he falls, drops something, can’t find something, or someone/something/cat disappears
• “Up” = cup, or if he wants up or down
• “Yea or Yesh” = yes
• “Yea ya ya ya” = when he is very excited about getting or agreeing to something
• “That” accompanied by a pointing finger = anything he wants, sees, or wants others to see
• "Oh" = orange
• "Bwuh" = black 
• "Behw" = bear
• We put our Christmas tree up! This is the first Christmas tree we have ever had, so we had to get ornaments and I attempted to make some…. FYI making ornaments is a nightmare great. I am terrible at it!!! How is it that I can be SO artsy in so many areas but NOT ornament decorating!?! Anyway, I am still working on the ornaments; I managed to make 1 that was tree worthy. Landen helped Keith hang all the ornaments. When we turned the tree lights on, Landen just stood there pointing at the tree saying, “OHWOW WOW OOOH WOW,” and then he tried to run over the tree with his push car… stinker.
• Landen started daycare (aka school) on Monday. He seemed to enjoy it and was quite a happy kid when he got home. When I was driving him to daycare this morning, I asked him if he wanted to go to “school” and he said, “Yea!” while passionately nodding his head up and down. Once we got there and I took him to his class, he turned and waved bye to me… His contentment with going to daycare makes me feel SO much better about him going!
• Landen face planted off his toy horse yesterday and busted his lip... AGAIN!
• Keith is sick. He starts finals tomorrow. Not a fun combination.
• This weekend is going to be super busy! We are having a Chi Omega reunion all weekend, our small group is doing a service project for the men at the Foundry on Sunday, Keith’s dad wants all of Keith’s brothers (& wives/fiancés/girlfriends and Landen) to get together on Sunday, Keith has finals next week and will be studying all weekend, and I know there is more but I can’t remember it all…

Pregnancy Stuff:

1. How far along? 24 weeks 1 days
2. Weight gain? 0 lbs (I broke even after Thanksgiving meals)
3. Baby bump? Obviously
4. Maternity clothes? AND a maternity/SI support belt
5. Movement? YES! And he is getting stronger
6. Cravings? Chocolate, pizza, balsamic vinegarette, nutty-buddy bars, Christmas tree cakes, and MILK
7. Aversions? onions, bell peppers, meats...
8. Symptoms? Back pain, pelvic pressure, sciatic pain, headaches, stomach cramps/contractions, tired, legs falling asleep, and some other not so pleasant things.
9. Sleep? It’s not great. My dreams are just plain NUTS!
10. Gender? Boy
11. Belly button? In
12. What I miss? Sleep, being able to reach stuff under my desk, laying on the floor and letting Landen crawling all over me, getting comfortable, laying on my stomach.
13. What I'm looking forward to? Naming this child!
14. Concerns? My sister having her baby and me not being allowed to travel there for her. Maternity leave (or lack thereof).  Missing work to go to all my doctor’s appointments AND to physical therapy appointments… ugh! Why can’t they work hours that I DON’T have to be at work!?
15. Blessings? Family. Friends. Small Group. My job. Keith. Landen. Peanut. Blood pressure maintaining. Daycare being a good experience for Landen.
16. Pictures:




Profile





Profile... hand on face





Kicking the mess out of me... straight legged kicking



Thanksgiving and a Mango, again?

Week 23: Mango, again?!?

Developing this week: Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), 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. See your baby at 23 weeks gestation.

P.S. I thought Peanut was the size of a mango at 19 weeks... hum... i definitely don't think he is shrinking!

Life Update:

• Ok, so you remember how about a month ago Landen had a double ear infection? Yeah, it's back. DARNIT! The doctor worked him in to her schedule today, and he is now on a different kind of antibiotics than he was last time.... cross your fingers that this one works!
• It's THANKSGIVING WEEK!! WOOHOO!! Lots of really good food! Two days off work PAID!! Spending time with family!!! AHH!! I am so excited!!
• Landen just up and starting doing all the motions for the Itsy Bitsy Spider, right out of nowhere! He is such a fun kid!
• I stood up for myself when this construction worker who comments DAILY on my pregnancy and told him to stop! (he says crap like, "man you have GOT to be having AT LEAST quadruplets" "That is going to be a HUGE baby" "Are you sure you're not PAST your due date already" and other things that make a little more than an emotional trainwreck)
• We (Keith & I) have our very first Christmas tree --> donation from my parents in hopes of cleaning out their storage room... whatever! :)
• We are going to put up the Christmas tree over the break and make our very own ornaments... it's cheap AND personal AND fun AND Landen can help!
• We through in the towel and registered Landen for Daycare.... ugh.. He starts in 1 week.
• Since I have to work M, T, and W this week, I am looking forward to a few things that come with that:
• Less traffic on I-65 -- if you live close by and understand the enormity of the road construction combined with idiotic drivers you will appreciate this too!
• awesome parking spots in the parking deck at work!
• the possibility of my precious husband doing some house work while I'm at work... :)
• and getting paid ;)

Pregnancy Stuff:

1. How far along? 23 weeks 0 days
2. Weight gain? Probably not even CLOSE to what it will be by next week! Thank you Thanksgiving dinner! :)
3. Baby bump? I COULD be confused with a theif trying to steal a turkey... note to self: stay out of the grocery store!
4. Maternity clothes? What else would I be wearing? nevermind. don't. answer. that.
5. Movement? YES! There really isn't a pattern.... it's pretty much around the clock
6. Cravings? Chocolate milkshakes, those little Poppers that Arby's USED to have (but apparently don't anymore), salad with balsamic vinegarette, nutty-buddy bars, MILK
7. Aversions? onions, bell peppers, meats...
8. Symptoms? Back pain, sciatic pain, headaches, stomach cramps/contractions, etc
9. Sleep? Not so much! Between all that is listed in #8, Peanut's 24/7 cardio routine, and Landen having an ear infection... sleep would be MUCH appreciated!
10. Gender? Boy
11. Belly button? Still in... it never poked out when I was pregnant with Landen, so it will be interesting to see what it does this time around.
12. What I miss? Sleep, being able to reach stuff under my desk, laying on the floor and letting Landen crawling all over me, etc.
13. What I'm looking forward to? Naming this child! Thanksgiving. Putting up Christmas stuff for the first time. Christmas. Time with Keith and Landen!
14. Concerns? Landen going to daycare. My sister having her baby and me not being allowed to travel there for her. Maternity leave (or lack there of).
15. Blessings? Family. Friends. Small Group. My job. Keith. Landen. Peanut.

Peanut is the size of Something...

Week 22: Papaya or Spaghetti Squash

Well, it seems that there is some question about the actual size of this baby, depending on which site you visit. Plus The Bump seems to be dropping the ball on the week-by-week updates from here on out... such a shame. SO here is MY summary - Peanut can hear me when I talk/sing/burp/hiccup/etc. He weighs approximately 1 lb. and is about 1 ft. long from head-to-toe. Peanut is currently working on his aerobic exercises, which seem to involve lots of kicking and punching. From what I've been told, he sleeps 12-14 hrs. each day, but I'm not so sure about that - unless maybe he continues his exercises as he sleeps.

 

Life Update:

• We have hot water again!! WOOHOO!!! <~ almost made me late for work; it felt so good that I didn't want to get out of the shower!!
• I have a cold/sinus infection/ SOMETHING that's making my head weigh much more than normal, creating unbelievable pressure in my face, giving me nose bleeds and headaches, and generally making me feel kind of BLAH!
• I have no idea what this kid is going to be named. NO CLUE AT ALL!
• Unless someone happens to know someone that would love to be a nanny for Landen and ultimately Peanut, then we have no choice but to start him in daycare... something Keith and I both dread, an idea we both loath, and something that in all reality we cannot even come close to affording on my salary... we are pretty much out of options.

 

Pregnancy Stuff:

1. How far: 22 weeks 0 days
2. Total weight: -4 lbs
3. Baby bump: You bet!
4. Fundal height: I can't figure out how to do this measurement on myself, so I'll just have to wait until my next appointment
5. Maternity clothes: Yep and I no longer have a choice in this matter.
6. Movement: YEAH! All the time, around the clock!
7. Cravings: Not really much of anything... though the stuff I do want to eat is strictly bland stuff
8. Aversions: Stinky stuff, ONIONS, and sweets
9. Symptoms: Stomach and back cramps, dizzy/lightheaded, headaches, sciatic pains down both my legs, sudden need to run to the potty (thanks to strategically aimed kicks/punches to my bladder), slightly dumber than normal, moody/emotional ::SORRY::, very tired
10. Sleep: I've been having a hard time getting comfortable + I wake up 354218614 times during the night = not great
11. Gender: Still a boy
12. Belly button: It's still in
13. What I miss: Being able to easily reach the floor when I drop something...
14. What I look forward to: Keith and Landen being able to feel Peanut kicking and wiggling. Choosing a name for Peanut. Bedtime.
15. Concerns: My health, childcare, having 2 children under the age of 2!
16. 
    

    Blessings: My family. Friends.
17. Picture: I thought I would share my little monkey and my hubby this week... I am running a little late on the Halloween picture. O well.



He LOVES his stuffed animals



Peanut is the size of a Banana

Week 21: Banana 

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

Life Update: We got to spend Sunday lunch with my family, celebrating my grandmother's 90th birthday! It is so amazing to think about how much has happened in her lifetime. I mean, 1921, when she was born was BEFORE the great depression and BEFORE WWII; not to mension home televisions, microwaves, computers, cell phones, etc. WOW! What is even more amazing, is that she still has a wonderfully clear mind and can remember stuff like it just happened yesterday! She is an awesome, God fearing woman, and I am so blessed to have her in my life!

ALSO, because of my grandmother's birthday party, I got to see my sister. Seeing how we are both pregnant and living 3 hours away from each other, it's been a while since we were last together.

PLUS, combining all different senarios (highchair acrobatics, bed falls, climbing on random objects, general clumsiness, etc) Landen managed to hit is head 9 times on Saturday! Good grief! I think he must be part cat to have the ability to continue life as normal.

AND, our water heater died on Sunday... COLD SHOWERS! =(

Pregnancy Stuff:

1. How far: 21 weeks 0 days
2. Total weight: -4 lbs
3. Baby bump: You bet! I am 10 weeks behind my sister, she looks like she is 10 weeks behind ME! I blame this on the fact that this is her 1st child. See for yourself in the picture.
4. Fundal height: I can't figure out how to do this measurement on myself, so I'll just have to wait until my next appointment
5. Maternity clothes: Well, I believe I no longer have a choice in this matter. BUT I did get some maternity khaki pants this weekend (courtesy of my birthday money) and I am really excited about them because I now have 3 pairs of pants to rotate between church and work!
6. Movement: YEAH! I am not sure what happened over this past week, but this child must be doing aerobics 24/7!
7. Cravings: Not really much of anything... though the stuff I do want to eat is strictly bland stuff
8. Aversions: Stinky stuff, ONIONS, and sweets
9. Symptoms: Stomach and back cramps, headaches, sciatic pains down both my legs, sudden need to run to the potty (based primarily on direct bladder kicks/punches), slightly dumber than normal, moody/emotional ::SORRY::, very tired, STRANGE DREAMS, and I do believe the floor is getting further and further away by the day.
10. Sleep: It's ok, strange dreams + aches & pains + life = not great but it is manageable
11. Gender: Still a boy
12. Belly button: It's still in
13. What I miss: You know when you're in the car and something rolls in to the floor board and you just pick it up like it's no big deal? I miss that!
14. What I look forward to: Keith and Landen being able to feel Peanut kicking and wiggling. Choosing a name for Peanut. Bedtime. THE WATER HEATER WORKING AGAIN!
15. Concerns: My health, childcare options, having 2 children under the age of 2!, Landen being able to climb up & down his highchair...ugh!
16. Blessings: My family. Getting to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday!! Friends. This weather; it is BEAUTIFUL outside!
17. Picture: Like I said, my sister is 31 weeks and I am 21 weeks, but I look like I am further along... o well! Maybe she's just taller so she has more vertical room to expand!? lol.

Peanut is the size of a Cantaloupe

Week 20: Cantaloupe

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed! 

Doctor's Report: Blood pressure is ok. Baby seems to be doing just fine - Heart rate is 150ish BPM. I am still limited on what I can do: no lifting things (I CAN lift Landen OCCASSIONALLY), no prolonged standing, no running, and generally no pushing myself... blah. Sounds exciting, right? But I know it will all be worth it! The next time I go to the doctor (4 weeks), I will start having UltraSounds every 4 weeks! <~ Perk of having a high risk pregnancy... gotta look for the silver lining!

General Pregnancy Stuff:

1.     How far along: 20 weeks 1 day

2.     Total weight gain: -4 (I gained 3 lbs)

3.     Baby bump: Yes. And if you tell me that I look like I am due any minute, must be carrying twins/triplets, or anything else along those lines… please be prepared for a punch or a kick from yours truly (the apparent beached whale).

4.     Fundal height: I’m measuring at 21 weeks which is still a normal range… TAKE THAT, you rude people mentioned in #3!

5.     Maternity clothes: Of course. The rubber band trick does still work though!

6.     Movement: More often at night, and I can only feel Peanut moving in my lower abdomen and pelvic floor (pleasant I know)… probably because the placenta is still covering up the front of my belly.

7.     Cravings: Bland stuff and MILK!

8.     Aversions: Still Spicy foods, meats (for the most part), sweets, and random stuff that I don't realize sounds terrible until I am presented with it...

9.     Symptoms: Serious cramping, headaches, TIRED, back aches, sciatic pains...

10. Sleep: Did you see #9

11. Gender: definitely a boy!

12. Belly button: In

13. What I miss: Being independent… it’s hard to be independent when you can’t pick things up!

14. What I'm looking forward to: Figuring out a name for Peanut

15. Concerns: My health for the duration of this pregnancy, my job (in relation to this pregnancy), Landen thinking I don't love him as much because I can't pick him up much or play with him as much.

16. Blessings: Peanut is healthy, I am allowed to hold Landen occasionally, so far the restrictions have been working to keep me off bed rest!!, Our friends bringing us dinner (huge help physically, emotionally, and financially!)!

!)!

We made it to a new week! (Peanut is the size of a Mango)

We survived! Last week, well, it was not good. Let's recap: (not for the faint of heart, or little eyes...)

1. Landen was sick - Tuesday doctor appointment - double ear infection, sinus infection, and a cold
2. Landen got worse before getting better - Wednesday staying home - fever hovered in the 103-104*F range and he was SUPER needy/pitiful/fussy/SICK! + absolute refusal of any and all food & drink
3. ER Trip - Wednesday night... ugh - High fever + refusal of food/drink = extreme dehydration
4. Home at last - Thursday morning - After several rounds of IV fluids, a full night in the ER, a catheter, medicine, fever breaking, and 25 hours since most recent wet diaper... He peed!! Yippy! We come home and sleep! Day #2 of missing work.
5. Nightmare - Thursday night - I make my way to the restroom (a frequent occurance with me being pregnant and all) only to discover blood, a substantial amount of it! I panic! => Call the after hours line and speak to the On Call doctor who assures me that it is good news that I am not having major cramping, but that I need to lay flat (no propping) and rest until morning; at which point I have to see my doctor and get an ultrasound.
6. Doctor's Office - Friday morning - I go to the Ultrasound office (scared to death might I add). The ladies were super nice and led me to a separate waiting room. Then, rather than the regular U/S Tech, a specialist came to get me and performed my U/S (she is an MD, PhD). After doing multiple measurements, scans, and other things (of which I don't know what exactly they were) we learned that Peanut is totally fine!! Ultimately, we still don't know the cause of the bleeding. Strict bedrest through the weekend.

Week 19: Mango

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

Doctor's Report: Bedrest through the weekend and Monday. Back to work on Tuesday, with some restrictions: no lifting (not even 21lb. Landen... BOO!), rest as much as possible, do not push myself, don't stand/walk for extended periods of time.

General Pregnancy Stuff:

1. How far along: 19 weeks 1 day
2. Total weight gain: -7 (lost another 2lbs)
3. Baby bump: Yes, and if I don't know you then don't touch it... that's just weird!
4. Maternity clothes: Of course. The rubber band trick does still work though!
5. Movement: I have felt some bumps and knocks, but with the placenta completely covering the front of my uterus I'm not going to feel as much as I otherwise would.
6. Cravings: Bland stuff and MILK!
7. Aversions: Spicy, meats (for the most part), sweets, and random stuff that I don't realize sounds terrible until I am presented with it...
8. Symptoms: Elevated blood pressure, unexplained bleeding, cramping (i.e. feels like a charley-horse but it's in my stomach), headaches, fingers and feet beginning to swell (nice and early this time), TIRED, back aches, sciatic pains...
9. Sleep: Ha!
10. Gender: In case there were ANY questions, Fridays ultrasound reconfirmed that Peanut is most definitely a boy!
11. Belly button: In
12. What I miss: You have no idea how hard it is to NOT pick up Landen!! It's torcher... :(
13. What I'm looking forward to: Figuring out a name for Peanut
14. Concerns: My health for the duration of this pregnancy, my job (in relation to this pregnancy), Landen thinking I don't love him as much because I can't pick him up or play with him as much.
15. Blessings: Peanut is healthy, Landen is recovering, I'm not on permanent bed rest, Our friends bringing us dinner (huge help physically, emotionally, and financially!)!

Peanut is the size of a Sweet Potato!

Week 18: Sweet Potato

Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.

Baby is approx 5.6 inches from head to bottom, but approx 10 inches from head to toe!!

I don't think I ever realized just how ugly a sweet potato is, until I compare my little baby boy to one... yikes!

Life with a Toddler Stuff:

1. We took the front of Landen's crib off, to convert it to a toddler bed. He thought it was the coolest thing EVER!! We wanted to get him accustom to sleeping in a big boy bed one step at a time (crib -> converted crib -> full-on, brand-new toddler bed for Christmas), so that once Peanut gets here there will be no feelings of baby taking Landen's bed away from him.       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~     The transition is going well, we decided to convert the bed first thing Saturday morning so he could have his naps during the day in his converted bed. This worked really well because when he woke up his room was lit enough from the daylight that he wasn't scared or confused by the change.
2. Landen is so funny trying to adjust to going to sleep at night in his convert bed. He knows he can get in and out, so he does. Even if he is so sleepy that he can't stand up, he will come in our doorway/his doorway/his room/the hall sqat down holding his bear with his head down and cry until we guide him back to his bed. Other times, he will come out of his room, crying with paci in mouth, bear in tow, and just walk around until he sees either Keith or myself; at which point he simply turns around (still crying, paci in mouth, bear in tow) and returns to his room. He's so cute.
3. For some time now, Landen will have "happy feet" - where he dances and stomps his little feet. Lately, rather than truely having "happy feet" he stomps just one foot, and not just to music. He stomps everything! Landen has been stomping leaves, sidewalk chalk drawings, shoes, string... everything! It's really funny to watch.
4. Landen is getting to be more advanced in his communication skills:
• when he's hungry - he goes to his highchair and says "up"
• anytime he wants to get up or down from something he says "up"
• if something falls/drops or gets thrown/kicked he says "uh oooo"
• he points to the snack cabinet if he wants a snack
• touches & stands next to the refridgerator when he wants his cup
• shakes/nods his head in response to questions
• says "ya ya ya" to answer yes to something exciting
• points to his head/foot/leg/nose/ear/mouth/eyes/arms/hand/belly button/diaper when asked - and will point to mommy & daddy's head/foot/leg/nose/ear/mouth/eyes/hands/belly button
• shakes his head to food when he's full
• recognizes and points to birds/ cats/ dogs/ trees/ cars/ trucks/ road/ paci/ bear/ zebra/ lion/ penguin/ giraffe/ hippo/ elephant/ rhino/etc when asked
• says "baw" for ball
• says "Oh" for Dumbo toy
• says "Buh" for book
• says momma and dadda
• says "ap-puh" for apple
• says "byebye" and waves
• gives kisses/blows kisses on command - to family members, stuffed animals, and the baby in the mirror
• says "deh" for deck
• says "ay" as he puts a phone to his ear
• says "brrrrmmmmmm" as he pushes his cars and trucks around
5. All of the sudden, Tuesday night, Landen decided that he is scared of the dark! If his little musical nightlight thing goes off (which it DOES after 15 min) before he is asleep, he will start screaming. To test this out, in hopes to verify it was a fear of the dark and nothing else, I conducted an experiment: I put him in the bed with me and used the dimmer remote to turn the lights down. As it started getting pretty dark, Landen squeaked a little. By the time the lights were completely out, he was crying. As soon as I turned the lights back on, all squeaking and crying subsided. He is infact afraid of the dark.
6. Landen is sick. We are going to the doctor today. He has had a cold for 2-3 weeks now, and starting running a fever yesterday. Last night he began coughing alot and with his door closed and his humidifier going, I could hear him breathing from the hallway... poor kid. UPDATE: We went to the doctor this morning... Landen has a double ear infection, sinus infection, AND a cold (I didn't know it was possible to have a sinus infect AND a cold!?!)! Ugh. I feel so bad for the little guy! :(

Pregnancy Stuff:

1. How far along: 18 weeks 0 days
2. Total weight gain: -5 lbs
3. Baby bump: Yep. 
4. Maternity clothes: Yep.
5. Movement: Occasionally I can feel a little flutter... :)
6. Cravings: Milk, cheese, juice, pasta, & cheese puffs (?)  
7. Aversions: Sweet stuff, smelly stuff, FISH, and random stuff  
8. Symptoms: Tired, headaches, sciatic pain, my blood pressure and heartrate were up a little this weekend, stomach/back cramps, and moody (I was stuck in traffic and almost started crying... seriously)
9. Sleep: can I PLEASE get some sleep!? 
10. Gender: It's a boy!!
11. Belly button: In
12. What I miss: laying on my tummy and letting Landen climb all over me. 
13. Best moment(s) of this week: playing with Landen, taking a bubble bath 
14. What I'm looking forward to: When Keith and Landen get to feel Peanut kick/move.
15. Concerns: Developing Pre-eclampsia again. Childcare for Landen (and eventually Peanut)! Non-existant Maternity Leave for me.

Peanut is the size of an Onion

Week 17: Onion

Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

Pregnancy Stuff:

1. How far along: 17 weeks 0 days
2. Total weight gain: -5 lbs
3. Baby bump: Yep. 
4. Maternity clothes: Yep.
5. Movement: Occasionally I can feel a little flutter.
6. Cravings: Milk, cheese, peanut butter, spinach dip, Stix (even though I JUST ate there this weekend), juice...  
7. Aversions: Mostly sweet stuff... WHAT?!?!  
8. Symptoms: Tired, hungry, heartburn, stomach/back cramps, and moody
9. Sleep: I wish
10. Gender: It's a boy!!
11. Belly button: In
12. What I miss: My ability to complete things without screwing it up... no.brain.what-so-ever. 
13. Best moment(s) of this week: Seeing peanut on the U/S
14. What I'm looking forward to: When Keith and Landen get to feel Peanut kick/move.
15. Concerns: Childcare for Landen (and eventually Peanut)! Non-existant Maternity Leave for me. Developing Pre-eclampsia again.

Update: Landen looks less like a unicorn than before... the blue bump is downsizing. He rebusted his lip yesterday while pitching a fit about nap time... poor kid! My nose, still hurts, but isn't as swollen and most of the bruising is across the bridge and under my eyes. I can pretty well cover it with makeup to the point that I look more tired than anything (unless you see me makeup-less).

Today has been a good day :)