I had my monthly checkup with my doctor Monday afternoon.
She listened for the heartbeat and detected it immediately with the Doppler. It was absolutely amazing to hear such a strong heartbeat. She said the baby had to be right there to get such a good reading. Our little one is cooperating already! Woohoo!
Everything else checked out just fine. I inquired about getting the flu shots, both the seasonal one and the H1N1 one. She highly encouraged me to get both of them.
My next appointment is the BIG appointment! :) We will find out on Monday, October 26th at 3 pm whether we have a little girl or boy!
Let the countdown begin!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Flutters!
I will officially say that on Sunday, September 27th, I felt the baby's first flutters! I think I felt it before then, too, but I wasn't 100% sure. On Sunday night I put my hand on my belly and concentrated. And sure enough I felt the baby! It was a wonderful moment!
On Monday night John tried out his luck. He felt the little one move, too! We're so excited!
On Monday night John tried out his luck. He felt the little one move, too! We're so excited!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Baby's First Blanket
The sewing bug has hit. This is a big deal because my Mom has always wanted me to pick up that hobby, but I never thought much of it due to my lack of patience! But it's important that I at least learn some of the skill since it goes back to my great grandmother's days who used to sew carnival gowns and wedding dresses.
Well I am happy to report that I bought my very own sewing machine about two months ago and have many projects to my name now, mostly for Ava! She has somewhere around ten pillowcase dresses! What can I say....they're easy!
These last couple of days I decided to branch out a bit and make something for the new baby. And so a baby blanket was born! I can honestly say that I enjoyed this project. It took me a bit longer than a pillowcase dress, but the upside to that was that I got to think the entire time I sewed the blanket about our sweet baby wrapped in it when he/she graces us with his/her presence!
Anyway, here's the final product...
Well I am happy to report that I bought my very own sewing machine about two months ago and have many projects to my name now, mostly for Ava! She has somewhere around ten pillowcase dresses! What can I say....they're easy!
These last couple of days I decided to branch out a bit and make something for the new baby. And so a baby blanket was born! I can honestly say that I enjoyed this project. It took me a bit longer than a pillowcase dress, but the upside to that was that I got to think the entire time I sewed the blanket about our sweet baby wrapped in it when he/she graces us with his/her presence!
Anyway, here's the final product...
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Fun Baby Facts at 14 Weeks
Now it's gettin' good and interesting...
- The baby can now squint, frown, grimace, possibly suck his/her thumb and even make pee pee!
- He/She measures about 3 1/2 inches--about the size of a lemon--and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces.
- The baby's toenails begin to grow from their nail beds.
- The baby can now squint, frown, grimace, possibly suck his/her thumb and even make pee pee!
- He/She measures about 3 1/2 inches--about the size of a lemon--and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces.
- The baby's toenails begin to grow from their nail beds.
Successfully Entering the Second Trimester
I am 14 weeks, which means I have officially and successfully begun my second trimester. This is a big deal because the chances of miscarriage have dropped considerably at this point. I'm also supposed to get some of that energy back. Crossing my fingers...
Monday, August 31, 2009
Second Doctor's Appointment
I had my second OB appointment Monday morning.
We started off with another ultrasound. This one was to test the nuchal translucency, which is a new test my doctor performs at the 11-13 week mark to test for the risk of Down's Syndrome. The baby's numbers came back just fine.
The heartbeat measured at 164 beats per minute, and we got to hear it loud and clear. He/she was a busy body, too....doing flips, stretching and wiggling its little body. Fun to watch, that's for sure!
After the ultrasound I saw my doctor. She reported that all my tests from my previous visit came back negative. Great and whew! We discussed things like the darn swine flu, and she assured me that the best thing I can do at this point is wash, wash, wash my hands and stay away from large crowds of people. Glad John likes to go to Wal-Mart these days for our grocery shopping! :)
I go back for my next appointment September 28th. To my knowledge, this one will be ultrasound-free. Darn. But at the one in October, I'm sure I'll get one. And that's when we'll find out if we're having a boy or a girl.
So for now, enjoy the latest pictures!
Our cute little alien!
Sweet profile...
Another profile...
Legs!
Look close. You can see the fingers on the hand!
Another hand picture...
We started off with another ultrasound. This one was to test the nuchal translucency, which is a new test my doctor performs at the 11-13 week mark to test for the risk of Down's Syndrome. The baby's numbers came back just fine.
The heartbeat measured at 164 beats per minute, and we got to hear it loud and clear. He/she was a busy body, too....doing flips, stretching and wiggling its little body. Fun to watch, that's for sure!
After the ultrasound I saw my doctor. She reported that all my tests from my previous visit came back negative. Great and whew! We discussed things like the darn swine flu, and she assured me that the best thing I can do at this point is wash, wash, wash my hands and stay away from large crowds of people. Glad John likes to go to Wal-Mart these days for our grocery shopping! :)
I go back for my next appointment September 28th. To my knowledge, this one will be ultrasound-free. Darn. But at the one in October, I'm sure I'll get one. And that's when we'll find out if we're having a boy or a girl.
So for now, enjoy the latest pictures!
Our cute little alien!
Sweet profile...
Another profile...
Legs!
Look close. You can see the fingers on the hand!
Another hand picture...
Fun Facts at Twelve Weeks
Well, we seem to be moving right along with the pregnancy. I'm almost out of my first trimester...woohoo!
Here are some neat facts to accompany the twelve-week mark:
- The baby is beginning to move its thumb in opposition to the other fingers.
- The sucking muscles are filling out the cheeks, the tooth buds are present under the gums, the esophagus and windpipe are present, and the voice box is present.
- The baby will begin to making breathing, sucking and swallowing motions.
Here are some neat facts to accompany the twelve-week mark:
- The baby is beginning to move its thumb in opposition to the other fingers.
- The sucking muscles are filling out the cheeks, the tooth buds are present under the gums, the esophagus and windpipe are present, and the voice box is present.
- The baby will begin to making breathing, sucking and swallowing motions.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Fun Baby Facts at Ten Weeks
- The baby's fingernails begin to grow from the nail beds.
- The thyroid, pancreas and gallbladder will complete its development this week.
- The tooth buds for the permanent teeth begin to develop, as do the membranes that will make up the vocal cords.
- The baby's growth has slowed somewhat. He/she now weighs about a half an ounce and is about 2.5 inches long.
- The thyroid, pancreas and gallbladder will complete its development this week.
- The tooth buds for the permanent teeth begin to develop, as do the membranes that will make up the vocal cords.
- The baby's growth has slowed somewhat. He/she now weighs about a half an ounce and is about 2.5 inches long.
Is It Really Over?
I waited a couple of weeks to mention it just so that I didn't jinx myself. But I'm pretty sure I'm over the nauseous phase of the pregnancy....at least for now!
It still shows up every now and then, but definitely not as bad as it was for those few weeks before and during vacation.
Whew!
I can't recall exactly how long it lasted with my first pregnancy. I thought it was a bit longer than this, but I'm certainly not complaining.
One difference I am noticing this go round is that I'm experiencing more headaches. Many of you know that I suffer from migraines. I never had one migraine when I was pregnant for Ava. And the headaches I'm experiencing this time may not be quite as bad as a migraine, but it's very similar. I've taken just one Tylenol so far, and it didn't do anything. I'm really trying to not take anything if it's not necessary, at least in the first trimester.
Okay, enough rambling. This is a boring entry, huh? :)
It still shows up every now and then, but definitely not as bad as it was for those few weeks before and during vacation.
Whew!
I can't recall exactly how long it lasted with my first pregnancy. I thought it was a bit longer than this, but I'm certainly not complaining.
One difference I am noticing this go round is that I'm experiencing more headaches. Many of you know that I suffer from migraines. I never had one migraine when I was pregnant for Ava. And the headaches I'm experiencing this time may not be quite as bad as a migraine, but it's very similar. I've taken just one Tylenol so far, and it didn't do anything. I'm really trying to not take anything if it's not necessary, at least in the first trimester.
Okay, enough rambling. This is a boring entry, huh? :)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
First Doctor's Appointment, First Ultrasound
My very first doctor's appointment was Monday, August 10th. We had been looking forward to the day for a long time because we knew we would get to see the baby on the ultrasound.
As soon as the tech turned on the machine, we could see the baby! He/she was still very small, but we could distinguish its head, body, arms and legs. He/she even did a little wiggle for us! That melted our hearts! And the most amazing thing to me was seeing that heartbeat. Such a miracle!
The heartbeat registered at 175 beats per minute. Whoa! I can't seem to remember what Ava's was at this point, as I didn't keep track of it. But John and my Mom seem to think her's was in the 150's. They say anything at 150 and above is a girl, according to the old wive's tale. We shall see!
Before I share the ultrasound pictures, I'll talk a bit about my actual appointment. Everything checked out just fine. My actual due date, as determined by the doctor, is March 13th!
She also ordered some bloodwork, which I took care of that day. I even had to do my glucose testing. I wasn't expecting that, as I didn't do so with my first pregnancy until I was past 20 weeks. I guess each pregnancy is different!
Okay, now on to the pictures!
It's so hard to see some details here. The actual picture we have, not the scan, is a bit clearer.
As soon as the tech turned on the machine, we could see the baby! He/she was still very small, but we could distinguish its head, body, arms and legs. He/she even did a little wiggle for us! That melted our hearts! And the most amazing thing to me was seeing that heartbeat. Such a miracle!
The heartbeat registered at 175 beats per minute. Whoa! I can't seem to remember what Ava's was at this point, as I didn't keep track of it. But John and my Mom seem to think her's was in the 150's. They say anything at 150 and above is a girl, according to the old wive's tale. We shall see!
Before I share the ultrasound pictures, I'll talk a bit about my actual appointment. Everything checked out just fine. My actual due date, as determined by the doctor, is March 13th!
She also ordered some bloodwork, which I took care of that day. I even had to do my glucose testing. I wasn't expecting that, as I didn't do so with my first pregnancy until I was past 20 weeks. I guess each pregnancy is different!
Okay, now on to the pictures!
It's so hard to see some details here. The actual picture we have, not the scan, is a bit clearer.
Vacation
We took a nice, long, much-needed family vacation to the Smoky Mountains at the beginning of August. It was peaceful and relaxing, and I want to go back as soon as possible!
While on vacation, I continued with the nausea and the fatique. With John, my parents and my mother-in-law there, they all took great care and making sure I didn't do too much.
The one event that had us anxious to get back was knowing we had my first appointment the following Monday and that we would get to see the baby on the ultrasound! Please see the next post for the results.
While on vacation, I continued with the nausea and the fatique. With John, my parents and my mother-in-law there, they all took great care and making sure I didn't do too much.
The one event that had us anxious to get back was knowing we had my first appointment the following Monday and that we would get to see the baby on the ultrasound! Please see the next post for the results.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Fun Baby Facts at Seven Weeks
To keep myself focused I like to read up on what's happening to the baby and myself during this miraculous creation. Here are some more fun facts, this time at seven weeks preggo:
- He/she has doubled in size since last week!
- The baby is now about the size of a blueberry.
- Eyelid folds are partially covering the baby's eyes.
- Both hemispheres of the brain are developing (and he/she can already multiply 2 x 2, of course!).
- The ridges on the hand plates now clearly show where each finger will be!
- The baby now displays a reflex response to touch.
- The baby's arms at this point are only as long as this printed 1. Crazy, huh?
- He/she has doubled in size since last week!
- The baby is now about the size of a blueberry.
- Eyelid folds are partially covering the baby's eyes.
- Both hemispheres of the brain are developing (and he/she can already multiply 2 x 2, of course!).
- The ridges on the hand plates now clearly show where each finger will be!
- The baby now displays a reflex response to touch.
- The baby's arms at this point are only as long as this printed 1. Crazy, huh?
"Bleh..."
The nausea is here, and I think it's here to stay awhile. It tends to come in waves, and on some days I'm spared more than others.
Tonight, though, the smell of McDonald's about knocked me out. My mouth used to water at the thought of a greasy Mickey D's burger. Tonight....not so much.
Tonight, though, the smell of McDonald's about knocked me out. My mouth used to water at the thought of a greasy Mickey D's burger. Tonight....not so much.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Fun "Bun in the Oven" Facts at Six Weeks
Thought I'd change it up a bit and clue you in as to how our little one is developing. We bought The Pregnancy Journal when I was pregnant for Ava. And it's coming in handy for this pregnancy, too. It gives you a day-by-day snapshot of what's taking place as the baby grows. There's some really interesting stuff. Check it out:
- Pigment is beginning to form in the retina of the eye.
- The lower limbs are developing into foot plates.
- He/She now measures .3 to .43 inches long. In other words, one baby the size of ours can fit on a dime (altogether now, "awwwww..."). According to Babycenter.com, the baby is now the size of a lentil bean. Dime...lentil bean. Yeah, it's the same size I guess.
- The baby is growing at a phenomenal rate. If he/she grew as fast right after birth as it is growing right now, it would measure 15 feet tall by the time he/she was one month old! Whoa!
- Pigment is beginning to form in the retina of the eye.
- The lower limbs are developing into foot plates.
- He/She now measures .3 to .43 inches long. In other words, one baby the size of ours can fit on a dime (altogether now, "awwwww..."). According to Babycenter.com, the baby is now the size of a lentil bean. Dime...lentil bean. Yeah, it's the same size I guess.
- The baby is growing at a phenomenal rate. If he/she grew as fast right after birth as it is growing right now, it would measure 15 feet tall by the time he/she was one month old! Whoa!
One Hot Mama
I feel for meonpausal women. These hot flashes are killer!
I thought I would escape those since the majority of my pregnancy will be in cooler weather this time (thank you, God!). But it looks like I get them even six weeks preggo.
Whewwweeee!
I thought I would escape those since the majority of my pregnancy will be in cooler weather this time (thank you, God!). But it looks like I get them even six weeks preggo.
Whewwweeee!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Pee-yoo!
Smells are beginning to get to me. And my stomach takes a little lurch the stronger the smell.
Today, for example, Ava and I decided to head to the mall to walk around and do some shopping. I'm pretty sure I inhaled--and immediately despised--all perfumes and colognes ever made. And, my gosh, does anyone really honestly like the smell that surrounds Ambercrombie and Fitch?!? Eeew! I didn't like the smell before I was pregnant. Now it's just about unbearable.
But on a happy note, I'm still not super nauseated. Crossing my fingers that it stays that way...
Today, for example, Ava and I decided to head to the mall to walk around and do some shopping. I'm pretty sure I inhaled--and immediately despised--all perfumes and colognes ever made. And, my gosh, does anyone really honestly like the smell that surrounds Ambercrombie and Fitch?!? Eeew! I didn't like the smell before I was pregnant. Now it's just about unbearable.
But on a happy note, I'm still not super nauseated. Crossing my fingers that it stays that way...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Craving #1: Chinese Food
Not really sure if cravings make an appearance quite yet. It could just be my new mindset of "well I'm pregnant, so I can have that if I want it."
Whatever it was, I seriously needed an egg roll today. And I was not going to rest easy till I ingested one of those!
Anyway, I got my fix from the new Chinese restaurant that just opened up by our house. We'll be regular customers for sure, at least for the next eight months!
And to top it off, my fortune sure was an interesting one. See below and especially note the one-word Chinese lesson. Hmmm...could that be an accurate prediction? Regardless, it was quite comical that such a fortune ended up in my hands at this point!
Whatever it was, I seriously needed an egg roll today. And I was not going to rest easy till I ingested one of those!
Anyway, I got my fix from the new Chinese restaurant that just opened up by our house. We'll be regular customers for sure, at least for the next eight months!
And to top it off, my fortune sure was an interesting one. See below and especially note the one-word Chinese lesson. Hmmm...could that be an accurate prediction? Regardless, it was quite comical that such a fortune ended up in my hands at this point!
It's My Hormones and I'll Cry If I Want To
Yep....the early signs of pregnancy have surely set in. I find myself crying at the most ridiculous things, things I wouldn't have even thought about shedding a tear over just two months ago! I don't remember being quite this emotional this early in my pregnancy for Ava.
I also find myself getting moody at times. God bless John for being the one who gets the brunt of it. Good thing he loves me as much as he does and for his patience. I'm very thankful for that!
And other than all of that, I'm experiencing some extra fatigue and a bit of nauseousness, but nothing I can't handle. Thank goodness for naps and snacks to settle the stomach.
That's it for now! I gotta go grab a tissue....*sniff*
I also find myself getting moody at times. God bless John for being the one who gets the brunt of it. Good thing he loves me as much as he does and for his patience. I'm very thankful for that!
And other than all of that, I'm experiencing some extra fatigue and a bit of nauseousness, but nothing I can't handle. Thank goodness for naps and snacks to settle the stomach.
That's it for now! I gotta go grab a tissue....*sniff*
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A Little Shopping
It's true. With each passing day we get more and more excited about our new addition to the family that will be here before we know it!
So on Saturday we headed to Babies R Us as a family to pick out an outfit especially for the baby. We got a little girl one AND a little boy one. We'll get good use out of one of them for sure--unless, of course, we have twins waiting to be identified on my first ultrasound. Eeek! It could happen, I suppose.
We shopped around Target a bit, too, and Big Sis picked out a special toy just for her little brother or sister.
I have a feeling this will be the first shopping trip of many. What better excuse than a brand-new baby to stock up on a new wardrobe, right?
So on Saturday we headed to Babies R Us as a family to pick out an outfit especially for the baby. We got a little girl one AND a little boy one. We'll get good use out of one of them for sure--unless, of course, we have twins waiting to be identified on my first ultrasound. Eeek! It could happen, I suppose.
We shopped around Target a bit, too, and Big Sis picked out a special toy just for her little brother or sister.
I have a feeling this will be the first shopping trip of many. What better excuse than a brand-new baby to stock up on a new wardrobe, right?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sharing the News with the Grandparents
Of course we couldn't dream of waiting another day to share the news with the grandparents! So we arranged to have them all join us for dinner Tuesday evening at Parrain's Restaurant in Baton Rouge (thanks again, Uncle Bub, for rearranging your dinner plans with Dad!).
The plan was to have an extra high chair waiting at our table to represent the new baby. Ava would, of course, sit in a booster seat. Then I was to fake a "diaper change" and instead dress Ava in her "I'm Going to be A Big Sister" t-shirt.
Well.....it seems as though the grandmothers were onto our reason for having them all together for dinner. I could see those two just chit chatting away, even behind their menus! They knew what was up for sure. So it was time to put the plan in action...and fast!
We did the "diaper change" and Ava, who apparently goes with whatever flow is thrown upon her, runs up to my Dad (aka, "Papere"). He picked her up and didn't even notice the shirt. But those grandmothers....they figured it all out! Needless to say, within a matter of seconds, everyone was giggling with excitement about the announcement!
Turns out Ms. Linda (aka, "Maw Maw") was so certain of her theory that she bet Mr. Vernon (aka, "Paw Paw") on the way to the restaurant $1.00 that we would announce the pregnancy!
What a great evening to celebrate!
An unknowing Papere...
MiMi and Maw Maw figure it out!
Happy family...
Paw Paw paying off Maw Maw...
The plan was to have an extra high chair waiting at our table to represent the new baby. Ava would, of course, sit in a booster seat. Then I was to fake a "diaper change" and instead dress Ava in her "I'm Going to be A Big Sister" t-shirt.
Well.....it seems as though the grandmothers were onto our reason for having them all together for dinner. I could see those two just chit chatting away, even behind their menus! They knew what was up for sure. So it was time to put the plan in action...and fast!
We did the "diaper change" and Ava, who apparently goes with whatever flow is thrown upon her, runs up to my Dad (aka, "Papere"). He picked her up and didn't even notice the shirt. But those grandmothers....they figured it all out! Needless to say, within a matter of seconds, everyone was giggling with excitement about the announcement!
Turns out Ms. Linda (aka, "Maw Maw") was so certain of her theory that she bet Mr. Vernon (aka, "Paw Paw") on the way to the restaurant $1.00 that we would announce the pregnancy!
What a great evening to celebrate!
An unknowing Papere...
MiMi and Maw Maw figure it out!
Happy family...
Paw Paw paying off Maw Maw...
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