24 Week Update!

Week 24! Holy crap… and we have still yet to do anything baby related! I take that back… I did order the bedding and it's ADORABLE! I will wait to show it off until we have it in our baby girl's room and ready for her.

We have our work cut out for us. We have so much to do before she gets here. My baby shower is set for July 31! I can't wait. I can't believe it's just a month away.

Today I called to schedule a 3D/4D ultrasound for 28 weeks. I have heard that the best time for a ultrasound of this kind is between 27-32 weeks because the baby is a good size and not too cramped in there. I thought just before my baby shower would be perfect so I can show off the pics of our little girl! I hope she's cooperative.

We are also beginning our child birth classes the evening July 29th! I'm excited for that!

Lots of fun things to look forward to.

Your pregnancy: 24 weeks

How your baby's growing:

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 (picture an ear of corn), 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.

How your life's changing:

In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure.

At my last appointment I asked my doctor when he was going to schedule my glucose screening test. He told me he would schedule that test just after the next appointment. My next appointment is 7/14, so it looks like the glucose screening is coming right up!

Everything seems to be flowing the way it should be. I hope it stays that way.

Now I leave you with my 24 week "bump"!

23 Weeks... already!?!?!??!

Well here we are... 23 weeks! Time is still flying.

Honestly, time probably needs to slow down just a little bit.

Craig was trying to surprise me last Friday by picking up the moulding for the baby's room and put it up so we could paint. That plan was foiled when he found some mold. He cut a small hole in the wall... that hole turned into ripping half of the wall out. What we found were rotted studs and more mold/moisture. BUZZ KILL! Now we have to deal with getting that all taken care of before we can start on our baby girl's nursery. =( we were so bummed.

At least we found it now and can get it all taken care of before her arrival. Mold is nasty stuff. No messing with that!

Your pregnancy: 23 weeks

How your baby's growing:


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.


How your life's changing:


You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.

I am still feeling REALLY good! I do notice some cramping in my legs and feet now and then. I am wondering if I am retaining water… I feel like my calves are rather large these days. I don't feel swollen…?

I am still working out at least 4 times per week. Walking hill intervals for 45 minutes everyday and weight training 2-3 times per week. I plan on keeping that up until the very end! Wish me luck!

I really believe that being healthy and in good shape helps with labor and delivery. It doesn't guarantee smooth sailing, but I really think that it helps with stamina and strength. I need all the help I can get!

My only complaint is that I try my hardest to eat as healthy as possible and I do pretty good for the most part but I am craving sweets like CRAZY! This little girl has given me a major sweet tooth! Cookies, candy, etc. it all sounds good! I try to stick with fruit instead of that "crap" but sometimes Mommy just wants a freakin' cookie! So weird because I'm normally a salt person, but the sweets have got a hold on me since getting pregnant.

The 23 week update says that the baby can hear outside noises and they are becoming more familiar. Well last week I had just gotten home and sat down and the dogs started going crazy... I think there was another dog walking by or something that got them all riled up. I think the commotion scared the baby. She started moving all over the place! Too funny! It was cool to feel her react to something on the outside.
Our baby girl is still moving up a storm in there. Some days she moves much more than others. Last night she was going crazy. I could feel what felt like her whole body push up against the inside of my belly while I was laying in bed. It felt like she was pushing my stomach out from the inside. I should have turned on the light and watched the show! I absolutely LOVE it when she is active. Let's me know that she's doing well.

Week 22! She's a mover!

Woooohooo! We are moving right along.


Milestone during week 21?

Daddy got to feel the baby "kick" or "punch" or whatever it was that she does! So exciting! I didn't think he'd be able to feel her for a few more weeks. She's an active little (or big) one!

Your pregnancy: 22 weeks

How your baby's growing:

*you can replace the "he" references with "she" =)

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, 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 your life's changing:

At this point, you may find your belly becoming a hand magnet. It's perfectly okay to tell folks who touch your tummy that you'd rather they didn't. And if people are telling you that you look smaller or bigger than you should at this point, remember that each woman grows — and shows — at her own rate. What's important is that you see your practitioner for regular visits so she can make sure your baby's growth is on track.

You may start to notice stretch marks on your abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby. At least half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks by the time they give birth. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color). Although they most commonly appear on your tummy, stretch marks may also show up on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. There's no proof that lotion helps prevent stretch marks, but keeping your skin moisturized may help with any itching.

I've definitely been noticing my "bump" growing!

See for yourself...

Wow... that bump looks bigger today than I thought!

I don't have any stretch marks yet and I am hoping to keep it that way. I lather up w/ lotion every morning and every night and am about to invest in some vitamin E oil. I'm not sure how well those things really work, but it's worth a shot!

Edited to add:
Had a doctor's appointment this morning.

Doctor says mommy and baby are doing great so far and to keep up the good work! He also said that everything from the anatomy scan looks great (measurements, organs, etc.). That's all really good news!

Goodbye halfway point, Hello 21 weeks!

Goodbye halfway point! I am well on my way to the 3rd tri.


I am happy to report I am feeling lots of baby movement in my belly! I have been feeling it for a few weeks now, but it's been very faint. Now I am getting some real tapping, kicking OR punching (she has those huge hands you know). I feel her mostly after I eat something sweet or at night when I lay in bed. There's nothing like it! I could never have imagined what it was like. I am so happy I get to feel her rocking and rolling now!

Your pregnancy: 21 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. 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 your life's changing:

You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.

You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

I can say I am defnitely feeling comfortable these days. My "bump" isn't too big yet. I can still function. I need to take advantage of that while I can. I hear the last month or so is very uncomfortable and it's not as easy to move around. I have plenty of stuff I need to get done before that happens!

At this point (dare I say it?) I am wondering how big my belly will actually get. I feel so small for 21 weeks. I really feel that from here on out I the baby will start growing like crazy, which will mean my belly will grow right along with her... and my butt I am sure.

Also, can I just say that I hope my belly button STAYS an "innie"? LOL and the stretch marks stay away! Is that to much to ask?

How we spent our weekend...

This weekend was a busy one!

Our friends Jon and Morgan got married in South Lake Tahoe, CA. At the same place we got married! It was so cool watching a wedding there.

The weather couldn't have been better. It was a beautiful day for a wedding!

The happy couple!

And another happy couple =)

This can also be my "20 weeks pregnant" shot!

Sunday was spent grocery shopping, washing my car and Craig and Spenser helped me clean our blinds, window seals and tracks. WOW what a day.

Spenser even helped Craig wash our dogs! AWWW so nice. I was beat and didn't have it in me to wash the dogs on top of all of that other stuff.

We had a great weekend! Now back to the grind!

What a weekend!

Well we had an eventful Memorial Day Weekend… to say the least =)

We headed to Sand Mountain as we do every year. The trip started off great… until we completely lost a rim/tire on I80. Yep… the wheel and tire where ripped off of our trailer completely due to the lovely workmanship of the State of California's road maintenance… or lack there of. I have to say that even though the situation sucked, it could have been way worse so I feel lucky that me, Craig and our doggies (and Baby J!) were not hurt and neither was anyone else. Thank you God!

Here's the damage...

After a 7 hour delay (Craig making phone calls and fixing our trailer… including putting on an entirely new axle) we were back on our way to Sand Mountain! We finally arrived around 6:30 pm. A 4.5 hour trip turned into a 12 day! We were happy to finally get there!

I spent my weekend relaxing, reading and visiting with friends and Craig spent his weekend taking all of our friends for rides in the Rzr…His other "wife" LOL. He's so in love w/ that thing. Money well spent, I guess!

Me and my "baby daddy"

My hubby's so handsome

Craig had a blast taking EVERYONE on rides!

We originally planned on coming home Sunday evening but Craig talked me into staying "one more night". I am a pushover and agreed. So we rushed home on Monday just in time (ok… 30 min late) for our nephew Austin's first birthday! He had a pool party to celebrate. You know a first birthday is nothing without the first birthday "swim" in cake. Let me tell you, that kid DEVOURED his cake! He tore into that thing like there was no tomorrow! I have never seen a kid SO into the "first birthday cake" thing. I loved it!

Posed long enough for ONE picture!

And dug in...

Austin devoured his cake... as you can see!

After the party was over, Craig and I finally got home and I got to get SOME rest. Just a little. Here I am exhausted at work, but we did have a great weekend.

I am sure the next "few" weekends will be filled with organzing our house and getting ready for our baby girl to arrive! Oh… I almost forgot we have a wedding next weekend… and I have a baby shower the weekend after that… oh REST how I will miss you! LOL

Halfway Point! 20 Weeks!

Yep... you read that right! I guess you could say Baby J is "half baked"! I have said it before (and I am sure I will say it another million times) but time is flying by! Our little angel will be in our arms before we know it. WOW... do we have some work to do before she gets here! Nursury, floors, organizing, buying baby stuff, backyard upgrades, etc. We have our work cut out for us, that's for sure!

Your pregnancy: 20 weeks:

How your baby's growing:

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his her head to his her bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, she's measured from head to toe.)

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


How your life's changing:

Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.

See... the HALFWAY point! I am so excited!

I have already taken the liberty of siging Craig and I up for a childbirth ed class! We will be attending that class and probably a CPR class in August!

With the time flying by the way it is, I can't believe my baby shower is only 8 weeks away! Wow! I can't wait to see all of my friends and family and celebrate my daughters arrival. OMG it sounds so weird to say "my daughter". So many things to look forward to in the future!