Squish Squash

Dear Baby B,

Mommy is of course a week behind on updates, but I blame that on the craziness of the holidays. As of today we are now 29 weeks and 4 days. It's amazing yet somewhat scary how close we are to your arrival. As the days pass you seem to get more and more active; and I think you've definitely adapted to my schedule...you love to move around between 12am and 2am (something that we can hopefully change once you are here - for Daddy's sake).

Since my last update, your skin has started to smooth out and more fat is developing under your skin. This fat is what is giving you your energy source (which could explain all the extra movement). This week is a big week for brain development for you as well! You are now the size of a squash...

and I am...well...the size of something bigger :)

28 weeks

Personally, I am still feeling very good. Only new thing that has started is an occasional pain on the right side of my lower back. Dr. says it's just the way you're positioning yourself and as long as there's no numbness in my leg, just some relaxation should fix that (so far so good).

We had our most recent Dr visit yesterday and not much to report. Your heart  rate is still in the 140s and you were very active when she was trying to get it. Our next ultrasound will be next Thursday so I'm sure we'll have recent pictures to post. And now we are on the 2 week track for doctors visits.

As for the nursery, Daddy has finished painting the walls and IT LOOKS GREAT! I just know you're going to love it! Next step is to put up the chair rail, and start getting your furniture together! So pictures will come when that starts to get put together.

So that's all for now! And since Mommy & Daddy didn't get their Christmas card out this year (oops!); here's our holiday picture from Christmas night!

Happy Holidays! 

Our attempt to include Belle (not sure what happened to her eyes)

Love you!

Mommy & Daddy B

Nursing the Nursery

Hi Baby B!

Well, we're in the home stretch now...the third trimester! As of this week you are now the size of the head of cauliflower:

You are now blinking, coughing, intense sucking, improved breathing, and even possibly dreaming!! As for me, Mommy is still feeling great. My legs are starting to get sore more easily and occasionally my back as well; but a little rest quickly fixes that!

This week was an exciting week for Daddy and I as we (well mainly Daddy) got started on your nursery. Although it's still a work in progress it has come a long way. Here are some pics on our progress:

Day 1 - Friday

Day 2 - Saturday

Day 3 - Sunday

Day 4 - Monday

Day 5 - Tuesday

Day 5 - Tuesday

That's the latest for now. Daddy has one wall left to strip - then just some touch ups and the decision on adding the chair rail. After that...we'll attempt putting together your crib. So more pics are definitely to follow...


Love you always,

Mommy B

Making Progress

Dear Baby B,

Friday marks 27 weeks for us! You've now reached the size of a cucumber:

As of today's monthly ultrasound, you were measuring 2 lbs. 5 oz. which puts you in the 56th percentile! Your senses are in full development as your hearing is becoming less muffled and you are now opening and closing your eyes. Clearly you are continuing to grow based on the ultrasound and our most recent picture. Here we are today at almost 27 weeks.

27 weeks

And here are today's ultrasound pics:

26 week ultrasound

Baby B's face and hands

Baby B's feet

We are really starting to get prepared for your arrival in 3 short months. Last week I purchased my first outfit for you; I couldn't resist 'cause I thought the saying was so cute ("I'm new here"):

We have also started working on the baby registry this week. Talk about overwhelming - there is just so much stuff to pick out and to pick from. Daddy was a trooper and hung out to help pick out the main things. The rest of the stuff I plan on going back to add later next week and on-line. And today we officially started working on your nursery. Your Daddy is amazing as he was working in there until about 10:00 pm tonight! I think we've picked out some great colors though and can't wait to see what the final project looks like. I'll make sure to post pictures as we go!

Until then...

Love you Baby!

<3 Mommy

Purple Is A Favorite

Baby B....

Twenty-four weeks in and we have reached the 6 month mark! Wow! They said that this time really flies and they weren't lying. Well you are now the size of an eggplant!

Although Mommy's not a fan of eggplant, purple is my favorite color! And since there is not much to update on this week, I've decided to do a little post about my favorites/cravings since I've been pregnant with you (most of which are foods, haha). So here goes...

Mommy B's & Baby B's Favorites

• Cheese Cheese & more Cheese
• macaroni and cheese
• cheese pizza
• Kaukauna spreadable cheese
• grilled cheese
• Orange Pop
• McDonald's 
• specifically crispy ranch snack wrap, fries and a Hi-C Orange drink
• Peanut Butter
• Granny Smith Apples
• Granny Smith apples with Peanut Butter
• Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic boneless wings
• Cereal
• Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice

• Naps
• Ballet flats
• under the belly maternity pants

As you can see, my cravings have brought me back to my childhood - my favorites are the same favorites I had when I was about 6 years old! I'm sure the list of favorites will continue to grow; so updates will follow.

All I can say for now is that all is well with us! We're growing, moving, and feeling great! Next week we have our next doctor's appointment and glucose test; an update will surely follow. But for now, we are just looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving as a pregnant mama!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love you Baby!

Mommy <3

A Little Corny

To Our Baby B -

As we reach the end of 23 weeks, you are now the size of an ear of corn and are gaining about 6 oz a week now!

You are definitely becoming quite the active baby - moving more and more each day. Sometimes I swear you have a little ball in there that you are throwing against my belly. Today I was actually able to see my belly move as you were moving around inside...so cool!!!

As I said in our last post, I had your fetal echo done on Friday and everything came back normal! Yay! I even got another picture of you (which is kind of hard to see but I'll post it anyway). As soon as the tech put the want on my belly we could see you making little sucking faces!

Baby B's face at 23 weeks

Yesterday was a big day for us too as we started getting things for your nursery. Mommy and Auntie Jenni went shopping and got an amazing deal on your bedding for your crib!

Baby B's new bedding!

Then after finding that great deal, Daddy and I went and bought your crib - for 20% off! And let me tell you, Daddy worked very hard to purchase this crib. I am so proud of him! He won a contest at work for making the most sales last month and in return received a $500 American Express gift card. After a lot of debating here is the one we settled on, however, yours will be a darker wood.

Baby B's new crib!

So overall we had a successful day yesterday and now we are getting ready to get that nursery under way. Our next step is picking out paint and painting your room! Mommy will definitely post pics as the room progresses!

This week we also had a another eventful day as we celebrated Daddy's birthday on Tuesday. So here's a quick Happy Birthday to the soon to be best Daddy out there! You're going to love him so so so much!

October 2010

Love you Baby!!!

Mommy B

A pound!

Hello Baby B!

Just a quick update today, as Mommy's got to start getting ready for work...ugh! This week we are in week 23 and you are the size of a papaya:

Your skin is starting to develop a pinkish, reddish color as your blood vessels are developing underneath. And although your skins is still hanging loosely, it will definitely be tightening up as this week marks the beginning of major weight gain for you. You will double in size over the next four weeks! We had our monthly growth ultrasound yesterday and you weighed in at 1 lb 2 oz! Amazing that they are able to figure that out. Everything else looked great and we'll get our next peak at you in a month.

Although we didn't get the best pictures of you this time, here are the two we did capture. I have to say it was pretty cool to see you moving on the screen and then actually be able to feel that movement!

22 week ultrasound - full body

22 week ultrasound - Baby B's face

Friday we are going for your fetal echo - so an update will be sure to follow Baby!

Love you always!!

Mommy B

Sensing You

Hi Baby B!

It's Mommy again! This week you are the size of a spaghetti squash...which honestly, Mommy had no idea what that was! So here's a picture of one:

This week you have reached the 1 pound mark! Which is kind of crazy because Mommy added that pound a long time ago! :)  Now you have developed your sense of touch and are starting to further develop your grip. You may even from time to time grab a hold of the umbilical cord; after all it's like the only thing in there with you! Your sight is also further developing; you can perceive the difference between light and dark. Above those eyes you now have grown eyelids and eyelashes; and the hair on your head is continuing to grow as well. Supposedly though, there is no pigment to your hair yet; therefore it is bright white right now! Surely it will do a lot of darkening these next few months as Daddy and I both have very dark hair.

You are continuing to move around in there and kick up a storm. Everyday I feel you more and more. And last night, Daddy even got lucky enough to feel a small kick! You seem to like to do most of your moving when I'm laying in bed, whether that be first thing in the morning or late at night. Feeling you has really made me think about what you are doing in there. I'm constantly wondering which way you're facing, how you're turned, am I feeling your arms, legs, head...what? I almost wish I had my own ultrasound machine so I could check in on you whenever I wanted. Next week I'll get to peak at you though!

Next week will be a busy week for us. Tuesday is our growth ultrasound and Friday is your fetal echo. Which means that yet again, I will have to resist the temptation to find out what your gender is. It's so exciting we get to see you once a month, but it is going to be so so tempting!

21 weeks

Mommy loves you!
XOXO

Baby B = Baby Banana

To our Baby B,

Well we made it through our 21st week - today marks 21 weeks exactly and the start of week 22! You are now the size of a banana!

Last week we learned that you are swallowing several ounces of amniotic fluid a day in order to practice your swallowing and digesting. Additionally it says that your taste buds are not functioning and based on what I eat you will develop a taste of such things. Which I guess means I should really start eating those veggies that I "love" so much....ugh! Your movement is continuing to increase as well! That is, when you're not sleeping. On average you now sleep 12 to 14 hours a day! Mom feels like she could sleep that much too; if only I were so lucky!

Yesterday we had our most recent doctor's appointment. We met our 5th, and final doctor of the group, and she was great. So overall, I'm very please with 3 out of he 5 doctors...the other 2 are ok. The appointment was somewhat uneventful, more informative than anything. I did get to hear your heartbeat again - beating in the strong 140s! She did inform me that because of my hypothyroidism we will be having monthly ultrasounds to measure your growth until the end. Which means...yay!...more pictures and looks at you!! We'll also start our weekly visits at the end of January to do fetal heart tone monitoring. All this is says is probably overkill, but she said it's precautionary which I've got no problems with. Additionally they are going to do a fetal echocardiagram just to check your heart because of Daddy's minor heart condition. Again, she says it's probably overkill, but precautionary.

So we will be having our next ultrasound Nov. 9th and the fetal echo Nov. 12th. It'll be a busy week for us! Later that month will be our next appointment, Nov. 29th; at which point we'll do that wonderful glucose tolerance test again...yuck!

Aside from that, Mommy's been feeling very good. We did have a small issue at the beginning of the week were my legs swelled up, but that has since resolved. It was most likely a result of traveling this past weekend and setting in the car for 3 hours each way. The doctor also said that because I work on my feet I likely have poorer circulation in my legs and therefore the swelling will start earlier. Let's keep our fingers crossed it was just a one time fluke!

Well to say goodbye today I wanted to post some pictures of me and Daddy. Specifically because I realized we don't have any pics of Daddy on here! So here you go!

September 2010

October 2010

All our love Baby B!!

Mommy & Daddy <3

Middle of the Road

Dear Baby B...

Can you believe it?!?! We are at the half-way point! Since my last post we have made it through Week 19:

 

You reached the size of a mango! Your big development last week was that the cartilage  in your body started to form into bone and, therefore, you are gaining more control over your movements. Last week was also our big ultrasound day, so we got to see some of those movements in person! 

Ultrasound - week 19

Although the temptation was definitely there to find out your sex, we stuff with our promise that we are going to be surprised on the day you arrive! Although I think this was a little harder for daddy to accept than me, but he's a trooper! They examined all your different body systems and everything appeared normal! Good news!

This week we are at the half way point of our pregnancy! We have entered week 20 and you are now the size of a cantaloupe:

This week your digestive system is working hard. It is making meconium, which will eventually make up your first poop once you're born! This week I have also started to feel you move a little more. I had felt you here and there up to this point, but now it seems to be a little more often; although still not as frequent as it will be I'm sure. Daddy is so excited to feel you moving too, although I know there's still a little time before we'll feel you on the outside.

Even though you are still as tiny as a cantaloupe, Mommy feels you are much bigger! My appetite has WAY increased and we are steadily putting on the pounds. Here's our most recent picture:

Baby bump - 19 weeks

Well time is flying by Baby B! Mommy's next big project is to work on picking out the bedding for your room so we can get things rolling in there. It is proving to be much more difficult than I thought it would be, but I am so excited to start decorating and preparing for you!

Until our next update....

Mommy loves you! :o)

Heartwarming!

To Our Baby B,

Well Baby B we are now 17 weeks and 3 days, meaning we've started our 18th week. You are now growing to the size of a sweet potato!

We had our 4 month check-up on Thursday; and just like Mama said - we didn't leave the office til we heard that heart beat! Not that I had to put up a stink or anything, the doctor had plans to do it anyway. We really liked her though, she definitely took her time with us and was very friendly. After a little searching she found you and we heard your heart beat and even some kicks she said. It's definitely true what they say - it just warms your heart to hear that sound! Your heart beat was right around 144-146. So far you've been running anywhere from 130s to 150s so don't think we can assume anything based on that old wives tale!

Aside from that our appointment went well. Doctor said we are both doing great. Next up is what the doctors call our anatomy scan ultrasound. We were originally scheduled for the 20th, but they called today and moved us up to next Tuesday - the 12th! I was excited to hear that! Not only because we get to see you sooner, but it also works better with Mommy's work schedule. This ultrasound would be where we would find out your gender if we chose to; but not us - we're still planning on being surprised.

After our appointment, I decided to stop in the store Buy Buy Baby. Boy was that overwhelming. This store was huge and was floor to ceiling baby stuff. I simply went to get some crib ideas and I still felt overwhelmed. Over the weekend Daddy and I went to Babies R Us and Daddy agreed that that was overwhelming. That store is nothing compared to the other. There's just so many options - how do I know what's going to be right for you?

This week I also thought that I was beginning to feel you move. However, I haven't really felt anything since then, so I'm now thinking it may have just been other intestinal issues. The doctor said any time now I'll probably be feeling you...so that's pretty exciting!

Sadly I haven't gotten a chance to snap a new picture of us this week. But I promised to post one ASAP. And next week I should hopefully have some updated pictures of you as well!

Something else exciting is that you are already continuously being showered with gifts. A few weeks ago Auntie Jenni gave you some hooded bath towels, and this week you received some souvenirs from Uncle Fran's Vegas trip (a bib and little stuffed bear). One of Daddy's friends, Jake, and his girlfriend Mary surprised us with a sweet picture frame too. So now we've got you framed next to our wedding picture where I can peek at you everyday!

Hugs and Kisses Baby B!

Love You!
Mommy XOXO

Listen Carefully Baby

Hey Baby B,

It's me Mommy! And I'm a week late on our update...again. But honestly not too much excitement to report on here. We've gotten through Week 16 and you've grown to the size of an avocado.

Last weekend I got to show off our little bump to some family at a bridal shower. Here's a picture of us afterwards. We are definitely growing!!!

During the week I actually had my first maternity "shopping spree". We're still in that frustrating stage where some things fit and some don't, but I'm sure this phase won't last long. I feel bigger and bigger every day. On top of that we have this crazy Chicago weather where I don't know whether to dress and buy for summer or fall/winter. I've managed to find some pretty cute stuff though so far! And I'm excited for the winter wardrobe.

This week we are starting Week 17 and by the end of the week you will have reached the size of an onion.

One of the most exciting developments you've made now is that at this point they say your ears are set in place and you are able to hear us talking. So now we are trying to talk directly to you more and more so you recognize our voices once you are here. I even like to play the piano for you now - my favorite song to play you is "Baby Mine" from the movie Dumbo. Again you are supposedly moving more and more and any time in the next few weeks I should be able to feel those movements. Which I admit I am excited to feel but also a little anxious/nervous. Does it truly feel like someone is poking me from the inside? That's crazy for me to imagine. I also worry that I won't even realize I feel you moving and I'll mistake it for gas or something else. My tummy does do some strange things and make some bizarre noises (and that was before I was pregnant with you).

Physically I am feeling much better. I'm still fairly tired but I can manage to stay up past 8:30pm now. Only new symptom I am noticing lately is some congestion and nose bleeds. Which from what I read - is normal. Oh and my appetite has DEFINITELY increased! I feel like I'm hungry all the time now! But no crazy cravings for us yet. Just if I have a taste for something then I am determined to get it ASAP. Like the Dunkin' Donuts Long John yesterday and the chocolate milk shake I'm about to dig in to now!

Well next week we have our next doctor's appointment. So there will definitely be an update later in the week. We will definitely hear your heartbeat at this visit because I'm not leaving that office without hearing it! I can't wait any longer!!!!

I love you little one!!

XO Mommy OX

Sleeping Beauty

To my Baby B,

Well Mommy has been trying to write this post since early last week, but honestly, I've fallen asleep trying to do it at least twice! Although most of the early pregnancy symptoms have passed (thankfully), the exhaustion is definitely still there. But it's hard to say is that from being pregnant, working midnights, or raising our new puppy! Speaking of which...Puppy Chip is now Puppy Belle, because HE turned up to be a SHE! Oops!

So since I last wrote, we have soared through our 14th week:

And are now flying through week 15:

It's amazing how quickly we are growing! At this stage, my books tell me that you are moving all over the place now, although it's still too early to feel you.  We got evidence of that a couple weeks ago when we went for our doctor's visit. Although we were disappointed that the doctor was not able to find the heartbeat with the doppler, we got another sneak peak of you with an ultrasound. And boy oh boy were you rolling around; it's no wonder the doctor couldn't find your heart beat. Sadly Daddy and I weren't so fond of this doctor, but that's not unlikely when you see 5 different doctors. He was very nice but seemed rushed and didn't show us the attention we like and are used to. Our next appointment is at the end of the month (September 30th).

Aside from that, Mommy's belly is growing growing growing! I actually came home from work this morning and couldn't believe how big my belly looked! It's like it doubled in size since I went to work. Crazy! Here's a pic from last week in my first maternity outfit :

Until next week...Daddy & I & Belle love you! :-*

Mommy XOXO

Things Are Just Peachy!

Our Lil' Baby B,

We are quickly zipping through our 13th week! You are now the size of a peach (which is Papa and Grandma's favorite fruit):

On Thursday, we had our first trimester screening. Daddy had to work so Grandma came along for the ultrasound and boy was she happy to get to see you! It's amazing how much you've grown since our last ultrasound. We were able to see your legs, feet, head, tummy, and even saw you moving your arms! A couple times it looked like you even hiccuped or yawned 'cause you were bouncing around! It not only teared up Grandma's eyes, but made Mommy's heart melt! Here are just a few snapshots that they let us come home with:

 It's also starting to get more and more obvious that Mommy's pregnant. As some clothes are starting to get a little bit snugger, my tummy is growing and we're starting to put on those few extra pounds.

On Thursday, Daddy and I are going for our next doctor appointment so I'm sure we'll have updates then! We're keeping our fingers crossed to hear that heart beat! It's getting faster (at the ultrasound they were able to count it at 156)!

OH! One more thing Baby B! Last night, Mommy and Daddy brought home someone who is sure to be your first playmate and best friend as you grow up together. Meet our new puppy Chip!

All of Mommy & Daddy's Love,

Mommy XOXO

Getting Bumpy

Baby B,

This week we are at 11 weeks, meaning we're now in the 12th week of pregnancy and almost through the 1st trimester! Wow! You are now the size of a large plum:

And as you are starting to grow, so is Mommy's belly:

There is the bump that Daddy and I have been waiting to see! It is amazing how that tiny, little bump can be so reassuring to us that you are growing, growing, growing! Something that will be even more reassuring is when we hear your little heartbeat at our doctor visit next week (September 2nd). This week we have an ultrasound scheduled for Thursday for our 1st trimester screening. Hopefully we'll get some great pics since you've grown so much over the last 3 weeks. We'll see soon enough.

This weekend you received your first baby gift! Uncle Fran and Angela came over to visit and brought this beautiful blanket that Angela made for you:

It's so soft it will surely be one of your favorites once you arrive. For now it's stored away in your closet in the soon-to-be nursery.

Well until later this week when we post your new pics...

Mommy loves you!

<3 Mommy <3