Dear Baby - 13 Weeks

13w

Dear Baby-

What a crazy and exhausting day! Your dad had surgery on his ankle today and I feel like I have been running non-stop. I guess it is some good practice for when you come! He is doing great and sitting next to me on the couch on his computer with his foot propped up. He has been a really good patient and is following all doctors orders to a t!

Great news this week. Most of the baby websites are in agreement that you are the size of a peach. I say it's about time! The tissue for the bones is being formed this week and the eyes and ears are moving closer to their final resting place. Your eyelids will remained closed for the next four months. I must say, you have really slowed down your development lately, but I understand, perfection takes time!

I have been feeling pretty good and the bloat has nearly disappeared except for after dinner of course (but who isn't bloated after dinner?!). I almost finished Happiest Baby on the Block in the surgery waiting room today and I am very impressed. I would have never thought of a lot of the points the book mentions, but they are generally common sense. I am really excited to try these techniques out on you...in 27 weeks! Good night!

Corpus Luteum Cysts

12w 6d

Wordy Wednesday. I thought I would tell you all about corpus luteum cysts because I had one during my first ultrasound, and while scary sounding, they are typically nothing to be alarmed about. According to eMedicineHealth.com, corpus luteum cysts are a "... functional ovarian cyst (that) occurs after an egg has been released from a follicle. After this happens, the follicle becomes what is known as a corpus luteum. If a pregnancy doesn't occur, the corpus luteum usually breaks down and disappears. It may, however, fill with fluid or blood and stay on the ovary. Usually, this cyst is on only 1 side and produces no symptoms.".

Since I was pregnant, mine stuck around for a little while so it could be seen on the 6w ultrasound. It should be gone by now, but I failed to ask the ultrasound tech to check for it during the NT Scan. I guess the next time we will have to opportunity to see it is at 20w. I tend to think it is probably gone since these guys don't stick around for long.

So the lesson is, if you are an ovulating girl, chances are you might have one of these - FUN!

Winter Wonderland?

We are getting tons of snow today, so I thought I would grab the camera and head outside. First is a photo of my new hair cut. I got about 4 inches cut off last night. It feels so much better!

Now, onto our "Winter Wonderland". Trust me, I MADE him smile for the camera. Who is this happy about shoveling?

The song Cold As Ice comes to mind.
A very silent night...in February.
Binx decided to stay inside where it was nice and warm, and practice his looks for the next cycle of America's Next Top Kitteness.

For your entertainment.

12w 5d

My real post will come tonight, so to hold you over I am posting two very funny videos if you have 10 minutes. Though both deal with profanity, it is bleeped out. Hopefully I won't offend anyone, but chances are if you know me, or know me through someone else, you won't mind.

Here is the first one:


And Jimmy's (much funnier, in my opinion, rebuttal):


Thanks Colleen

"Official" NT Scan Results

Based on my age, the risk for Down's before testing was 1 in 932. After testing, the risk is 1 in 10,000.
Based on my age, the risk for Trisomy (the bad one) before testing was 1 in 1,666. After the testing, the risk is 1 in 10,000.

We feel much better now! Shirley Temples all around!

Busy Weekend and Bladder

12w 4d

This weekend was crazy busy, but so fun. We got to hang out with some great friends and see some that we haven't seen in a while. Friday was fairly chill, my mom came up to stay with us since she had an appointment by our house on Saturday. We pretty much just hung out and watched Gone With the Wind. I love that flick! Saturday was insane. We went to lunch and the car show with Paul's siblings then rushed back down to Akron to meet up with some friends at one of our favorite restaurants, Crave. We then headed to a bar down the street to see my long-lost friend Lindsay (she is super busy) and wish her a Happy Birthday! Once we got home, we were exhausted and pretty much fell asleep on the couch watching the DVR'd Tennessee game. Sunday was filled with a family visit, Lowes visit and grocery shopping. God bless those little Girl Scouts for pimping out their cookies yesterday, they made me very happy. Once I made dinner and finally sat down, it was Oscar time. What a crazy weekend!
Lindsay likes to eat her hair. :o) I also now officially have pregnancy chipmunk cheeks.
One big thing I noticed this weekend was that I had a funny feeling in my stomach since Friday. When I went to hug Paul yesterday, my stomach felt hard. I thought to myself, "this must mean that my uterus (or baby hotel as one nephew now thinks of it as) has moved up above my pelvic bone". Just as I got that thought out, BAM! time to pee. I now think the baby and uterus is happily situated on my bladder. The frequency of urine elimination has been kicked up a notch. Needless to say, sleeping is not an easy feat. Lucky me!
*See bladder (smaller kidney-shaped thing to the upper right of vagina), and also see fetus. Thank you. Have a nice day.

The Great Baby Debates

12w 1d

With the presidential election going on, I feel like I am caught in one HUGE debate. Not only with politics, but with life! When it comes to preparing to bring home baby, there are so many things flying at you it is crazy. This is true during pregnancy too, but I think I have managed to wade through what's good vs. bad for this pregnancy (hint: I eat tuna). So far, I have found the amount of scientific studies and information that gets shoved down your throat and constantly debated on internet chat rooms and in real-life is overwhelming to say the least.

Here are some of my favorites so far:

• The circumcision debate
• Elective C-section debate
• To use or not to use bottles containing BPA
• Breastfeeding
• Co-sleeping
• Bumpers in the crib
• Stay-at-home moms
  

While I might hint, or openly discuss what I am deciding with these areas, I am really getting tired of witnessing the claws that come out over this stuff. Some points come easy for me. I have researched and there are undeniable facts that support certain decisions. Others are not so easy, and take time and fire-side chats with your husband to decide on. I don't think it is a matter of supporting or not supporting your fellow mother. I think it should ultimately be what is best for you and baby. Honestly, if you have not done your research, and make it very apparent with your ignorance, then yes, you should be beaten and hung in town square. I'M KIDDING. The moral of my story: Do your research and do what is best for you and baby!

My favorite tool for wading through the seemingly endless choices when it comes to cribs, car seats, strollers, bottles, etc: Baby Bargains. Life saver. No really. I have begun highlighting and making lists of what is rated best, has the best safety ratings, etc. so that we are prepared when it comes to register. I bow down to these women!

The Carver

12w

Anyone watch Nip/Tuck? I know some of you do. Last night I performed a much-needed waxing of, well, MY ENTIRE FACE because evidently prenatal vitamins make your hair grow faster than Teen Wolf's. Pregnancy, on the other hand, must make one's skin more sensitive (along with one's emotional stability). After trying to rid my face of my new 13 year-old boy dirt lip, I now have burns on the sides of my mouth that remind me of what the people looked like after the Carver attacked them on Nip/Tuck. I may have made a small child cry after looking at me this morning.

Another comparison just popped into my head: The Joker.

Dear Baby - 12 Weeks

12w

Dear Baby,

I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that you are 12w today! Not only is it the last week of the first trimester, but the miscarriage rate drops to somewhere below 2%. Another reassuring thing was that I just had my 12 week appointment and we listened for your heart on the doppler. It came in loud and strong, and then faded, because you were running away, doing your flips, or whatever. Once the NP moved the doppler, we would find it again, loud and strong. It was funny to watch where she had to move it to find your little heart again. You are quite the mover and shaker! I also made my next appointment for Friday, March 21st (16w) to meet with one of two doctors that will possibly be bringing you into this world, with my help of course. Then after that appointment, the next one is the BIG ONE! I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I am so excited! Let the countdown begin!

Let's see, what are you up to this week? Besides lounging, doing flips and running away from dopplers, you are getting bigger and bigger. Of course every website I look at is different, but this week we will go with The Nest for a size comparison. They say you are the size of a plum (didn't we already do this?). You are at the end of the 'inside' development phase and now will just be growing bigger and stronger and putting on those ounces. Which leads me to something my NP said to me this morning, "You haven't gained a pound! I don't know how you're doing it." I don't either. Your dad and I had a long discussion about this last night at dinner and although I know I gained some weight before I knew I was pregnant, so far, it just isn't happening. She wants me to focus on eating every couple of hours and try to gain some weight before the next appointment. I am up for the challenge!


That's all I can think of for today, but of course, only 28 more weeks until I get to meet you! Wow!

*Edit* Okay, I had to add this, because I think it is hilarious. Baby Center now says this week that you are the size of a lime. Why can't these baby websites adopt some sort of standard when it comes to the fruit comparisons? I know some of you readers are in different parts of the country than me, does your fruit vary this much?

As promised

11w6d

Here is the official 12w and first ever released to the internet, belly shot. Keep in mind I just ate dinner, but it is not much bigger than when I wake up in the morning. I will try to post new belly shots every week but if I don't, don't hate mmkay?
Also, you'll notice I didn't do a Wordy Wednesday today. I can't really think of an out of the ordinary word that pertains to where I am in this pregnancy right now. If there is anything I write about that leaves you scratching your head, leave a comment and let me know! Also, please know that to leave comments, you DO NOT have to have a blogspot or Google account. You can also use a Yahoo account like I do. So I expect more comments!!

And to leave you this evening, a new shot of Mr. Binx. He is quite the model.

Push Presents?

11w 5d

Good morning all. I want to first apologize for the lack of good descriptions on the ultrasounds last night. I was actually going to draw on them to make the features more obvious, but I was suffering from a debilitating migraine from about noon yesterday through about 4 a.m. this morning. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep last night. Second, something I forgot to mention yesterday was that it was a day that was long coming. I took out the belly button ring I have had for over 10 years. My stomach looks so strange now and has this funny hole. I wanted to scream THERE GOES MY YOUTH! when I took it out, but I didn't.

On to today's topic: Push Presents. On the way to the doctor yesterday, Paul and I were listening to a local radio personality who is also expecting (but who isn't, right?), talk about his wife wanting a push present. If you have no clue what I am talking about, let me fill you in. Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, (think America) women about to give birth, in all their hormonal craziness, decided that they were entitled to a present once they pushed the sucker out. Where this came from, I have no clue. I have no desire to research this insane and completely ridiculous idea. Usually, the present is pretty significant, such as diamonds. This was the case for our lovely radio personality, as his clue was two words: Cushion Cut.

Now, no offense to the crazies out there who think this is perfectly acceptable (I don't want them coming after me, they scare me), but honestly? The baby isn't present enough for you? Seeing a child that you have been growing and loving for 9 long LONG months isn't good enough for you? Eh. Maybe I am the crazy one. I am never one to think or beg (maybe sometimes JOKINGLY) that I am entitled to any present for ANYTHING. Valentines Day? Pish. I don't need one day for the card companies to tell me that my husband should buy me something, or that I should be extra affectionate with him that night. I love him every night, every day, and news flash people, but you can buy chocolate ANY DAY OF THE YEAR! No really! Check your grocer's check out lane! Sweetest Day, Birthdays, MLK Day, Columbus Day! No, no no! Women have been giving birth to babies for as long as I can remember and probably longer! Do you think that 500 years ago women who just gave birth in the woods on a dirt floor look up at their husbands afterwards and say, "Now go dive in the ocean and fetch me a pearl!". NO. Wake up people, presents are way more fun and appreciated if you don't know they are coming.

But there is one present you will know is coming, and it may be the greatest gift you every receive. No diamond, pearl or SUV can top it. It's called your child.

NT Scan Images

The first one is from 'far away'. Head is on the left, torso on the right. The white on the bottom is the spine. White on top is the arm. You can also see the jaw, which looks like a white beard.


Second image is a close-up of the head. It is a profile shot. You can see the nose and jaw again, and an eye if you look closely (it is in the same place your eye is, so go off of the nose...you got it). Also there is a little bit of spine on the bottom.

This last one is the fun one. Head on the left, torso on the right, you can see an arm stretched up towards the head (already practicing how to lounge) the other arm can be seen resting on the belly. The two white areas towards the end of the belly are the tops of the legs. Oh and just for fun, the "pillow" he is lounging on is my placenta. I like to think that it is the Tempurpedic of all placentas.

All Smiles

11w 4d

We had the NT Scan today and it went great. I have to admit I was a little nervous going into it. I haven't had any morning sickness and have been feeling pretty good lately, so I was a little worried something was wrong. As soon as the technician put the wand to my stomach, we immediately saw the baby! WOW has it grown! I feel like it was a whirlwind appointment from there on out. We got to watch the baby for a couple minutes, see the heart beating and then hearing it in all its glory at 163 bpm. The baby was wiggling all around at times, doing barrel rolls (this would make Aunt Julie very happy). We could see the spine, fingers, nose, jaw, both arms and legs. The funny part was that the baby had his legs crossed and one arm up by his head like he was just lounging and relaxing. I couldn't believe this is in me and moving all around and I can't feel it!

On to the important stuff: The tech measured the space in the back of the neck and it measured at an 11 (they like it to be below 30) so everything looks good. We still have to wait for the lab to confirm, but the doctor was very happy with our little one. What a nice man. Everyone at that office was so nice - but they are the kind of people you hope to never have to see again. I feel much better now, as does Paul. Now we just have to wait another 8 weeks until the big ultrasound (they wouldn't even look for the sex today). I will definitely post the baby's newest pictures tonight and the first belly picture of me.

Oh and PS, they had to prick my finger and squeeze blood out of me. Boo for that, but it was not bad. I thought for sure I was going to have to give more blood, but all clear!

Dear Baby - 11 Weeks

11w

Dear Baby-

What a rollercoaster ride this week has been. Monday I had a breakdown, was exhausted Tuesday (and every other day since I found out about you) and then Wednesday night (to be specific), BAM! It is like a switch has been flipped. I feel wonderful and alive for the first time in months! Of course when I open the flood of emails I get on Thursdays from all the baby websites, all they talk about is how the placenta is finally doing all of the hormonal work and your little pituitary gland is in full force. I am amazed, but cautious. I don't want to get too excited for fear of getting exhausted all over again, but I can't help it! As usual, you are being a little over-achiever and doing all sorts of wonderful things. You are starting to explore your body, mostly your head, opening and clenching your hands and wiggling around like crazy. Of course I can't feel any of this yet, but I should in about a month. You are also swallowing and smelling now.

I am so excited for next week I can hardly contain myself, but I am so I don't embarrass your dad (whom I am sure is sick of the NT Scan countdown). I get to SEE you on Monday! It is so odd knowing that you are in there, growing bigger and bigger every day and I can't see it happening. The last time I saw you was 5 weeks ago and you looked like a dragon. This time, they tell me you will look like a baby. With arms and legs, a distinguishable head and the whole bit! I will also get to see your heart beating away for sure and then definitely get to hear it on Thursday when we go back to the OB. I guess that is what I have to look forward to instead of actually seeing you every month. I get to hear your heart.

I know you always want to know what's going on with me, so here it goes. The bloat is finally, finally going down and I am starting to see what resembles an actual round bump. Not some flabby spare tire of air and water. I will start posting photos soon because I know there are people that read this blog that don't get to see me too often (::waves::) and can you imagine the shock when they do see me?! Of course, like I said in the beginning, I feel great today, Paul even noticed it last night. I am sure with all this proclaiming of how wonderful I feel, he is going to start nagging me about working out again :o).

Oh and PS, you are the size of a lime this week. I see all sorts of different sizes of limes, so I am not sure how to compare, but the websites are differing and saying anywhere from 1.5 to 2 inches in length. That's a tiny lime!


Only 29 weeks and you get to come out and play!

EDIT: I added another photo from Baby Center. They say you are the size of a fig. Not sure I have ever seen one in real life, but there ya go.

Recent Adventures

Holiday Valley Ski Resort - NY






















Kalahari Indoor Waterpark - Sandusky, Ohio

Wordy Wednesday

10w6d

Happy hump day! I have come to the realization that I might be using some terms, or will be in the near future, that some people may not understand. Since I am such a nice girl I have decided to save you the Google-ing and start doing a post on Wednesdays containing at least one word or phase and what it means (thank you Snoop Dogg for this idea). This may or may not be in addition to a normal post, depending on how chatty I feel that day. So lets get to it.

Today's Phword (phrase+word, try to stay with me here) is: Nuchal Translucency Screening (or NT Screen/Scan, Nuchal Fold Scan)

According to Baby Center, "This prenatal test (also called the NT or nuchal fold scan) can help your healthcare practitioner assess your baby's risk of having Down syndrome (DS) and some other chromosomal abnormalities as well as major congenital heart problems.

The NT test uses ultrasound to measure the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of your developing baby's neck. Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger than average."

This test needs to be performed between 11 and 13w6d to be most accurate. Mine will be at 11w4d (Monday!) and will be done in conjunction with a blood test. It doesn't give you a firm diagnosis, but will give accurate risk percentages so that you can choice to have further testing done. This is a fairly new test - it used to only be done through blood and the results gave a lot of false positives and negatives. Since the newer test uses ultrasound in addition to blood sampling, it is far more accurate. The technician running the test must use high-resolution ultrasound and also must be certified through the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London. I have to go to a different doctor than my normal OB since the test is newer and requires a lot more training and certification than normal first trimester screenings (the one that isn't as accurate and uses blood).

Choices. A lot of women choose not to have this test done, which is fine since it is elective. We chose to run the test because we want to be prepared if something were wrong. This will not in any way change our mind about the pregnancy or cause us to consider termination. It is simply about preparedness. There are many things you cannot prepare for in pregnancy or raising a child, but if the option is there for me, and gives me time for research, I will take it.

He will laugh at you.

10w5d

I am not an extremely religious person. I like to think of myself as being more spiritual, but there is a certain saying that I love to bust out on people. Not because I am evil, but because I think it is oh-so true.

"Never tell God your plans. He will laugh at you."

I should rephrase this to "Never tell God your plans. He will laugh at you. Unless you are Jennifer Lopez. Then, he will bow down, because well, you ARE JLo, and you get what you want apparently. Even when it comes to the big guy upstairs." Did anyone read about this? Evidently, she was so happy because her baby(ies) due date was February 14th. Valentines Day. She likes the fact that it had "a theme" and that it would make the tabloid cover deadlines. Did you just hear my eyes roll around in my head? I guess I am a little confused. So if she doesn't magically go into labor, I am assuming that she has a scheduled c-section (gotta get that tummy tuck) for that day. I think the latter is more likely since she is having twins. Are we kidding here?

I remember a long time (well, not so long) ago when I made the statement, "I really want to try and have a baby after the month of September, and before the month of May so that there isn't that age confusion (what class to put the kid in) when it is time for the kid to go to school". HA! I should have known as soon as the words came out of my mouth that I was doomed for a September baby. I shouldn't say DOOMED, but you know what I mean.

I know a couple people that did the same thing as me, (hi Denise) talking about wanting a baby during a certain time because of this reason or that. And yes, it may seem so logical at the time, but who can really plan these things? I guess the important part is that we are having babies, right? And if there is one thing I am learning about pregnancy and children it is that, they are unpredictable. And like God, chances are if you tell them your plans, they WILL laugh at you (or take a nap/be hungry/shit their pants/get sick/make you exhausted).

*photo from Getty Images/MomLogic

Yes We Can

Good Baby

10w 1d

So I guess the baby listened and had a little talk with my immune system since the sore throat is gone. Now it has moved to my sinuses and hormones. I don't know whats worse. I just want to crawl in a hole. Today will be a success if I get through the day without hurting someone. I am not in the mood.

Happy Friday!

Dear Baby - 10 Weeks

10w

Dear Baby-

I can't believe we are already 25% of the way there! I had my second doctors appointment today and it was short and sweet. Everything looks great with me - perfect blood pressure, zero weight gain. The NP said it was a little early to listen for your heartbeat but she didn't want to make me wait another month to hear it, so I get to go back in two weeks to hear it. That will be a fun week. My NT Scan (genetic screening) is that week as well which is the next time I get to see you! Time has been flying by, so I am sure we will be there in no time!

I would like to think that because you are living inside of me that you pretty tight with my insides. Can you do me a huge favor? Can you ask my immune system to step up it's game a little bit? I have a horrible sore throat today and just feel like crap in general. This comes only 6 weeks after the last time I was sick. What is going on?!
10 week ultrasound (not mine)

Moving on to the important stuff, what's going on with you this week? You have doubled in size the last three weeks! And in the next three, you will do it again. Already an over-achiever! You are also getting ready to take your first dump! Hooo-ray! How exciting. No, really. I think that is so exciting. I am a huge advocate of a healthy dumper and this makes mommy happy that you are starting so young! Lastly, you have already developed defense mechanisms (put em' up little one).

I found out last night that my friend Alieshia is having a boy - see, there IS someone that can take all of the boy clothes off of my hands if you are a girl. Congrats Alieshia!

Hang tight little one, and get nice and cozy, 30 more weeks until we get to meet!

New Lows?

9w6d

Someone mentioned yesterday on a chat board I frequent that pregnancy has brought them to new lows, and asked everyone what theirs were. I thought about this for a while and I was having trouble thinking of some for myself. Every one else's were things like, "I puked in my lunch bag during morning rush hour" or "I pissed myself during a board meeting the other day". Since I haven't really had any morning sickness and I am really good about making it to the bathroom on time I thought I was out and closed the post.

Once I got to thinking, I realized I do have some lows. Here we go:
-I used to work-out pretty frequently. I haven't worked out in a long time. Which brings me to point number two.
-I sleep. Constantly. I know this comes with the territory and shouldn't be considered a low, but I feel horrible sometimes about all the sleeping I do. I realize I am not on top of my game like I used to be. It takes me a couple days to finish laundry because I fall asleep during the spin cycle and forget about it. My husband has referred to me as lazy a couple times and it honestly does hurt my feelings, I am trying honey. But I need you to try too. Especially in the Understanding department. I also have been slacking in the dinner department since all I want to do is sleep when I come home from work. Which brings me to point three (like how I am doing this?).
-Food. I used to eat fairly healthy. I barely ever ate fast food, junk food, candy, etc. (unless it was a holiday, and who can resist those mini Snicker bars?). Now I could eat a whole bag of peach o's, whole can of mixed nuts, a bag of Doritos, box of Applejacks and 2 packs of Reese's Peanut Butter cups. And that's just Wednesday. Wednesday's lunch. Fine it was a snack. So sue me.

Speaking of sleeping, wanna see the new couch and tables? It's maaaaarvelous.

And just for your enjoyment, here's the Stinx:

No idea.

9w5d

Whenever I am somewhere that has baby clothes on the cheap, I can't help but to buy some if they are on sale. I mean, who can pass up a $2 onesie? Especially when it has a little picture of the earth and says "Hi, I'm new here". I will post a photo later. Admittedly, I have been buying boy-ish things because a.) I don't like any of the girly clothes and b.) I just have a feeling. If I am wrong, I know like 10 people who are having babies the same time as me and one of us is bound to have a boy. Back to my story, so last night I come home from Target with 3 really cute (and cheap) onesies and show them Paul. This conversation followed:

Me: "I bought some really cute baby clothes on sale."

Him: "How many onesies does this kid need?"

Me (laughing to myself because he has NO IDEA): "Lots. At least 3 a day. They will get thrown-up on, pooped on and God knows what else."

Him: "Ahh."

I am in for it.