Saturday, February 7, 2009
Baby Love
Oh baby, I had a dream about you last night, and it was so wonderful. This dream was so simple, it was just us three cuddling together, but that was enough. It was so real that when I woke up I was sad because I can't just get out of bed and hold you yet. It's going to be hard to be so patient while waiting to meet you. You've already taken over my body, my thoughts, and my dreams; it won't be long before you own my heart too. I just hope that these next 28 weeks go by fast!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Secret
Well, it feels so good, our good news is no longer a secret. We had the pleasure of telling most of our friends at once on Sunday at our Superbowl party, and called the ones that weren't there. Also, I spoke with my principal on Monday, so all of my co-workers and students will know very soon because news spreads quickly at a school.
Everyone has been very excited, and it's funny to see how different people react. Some seemed completely surprised, but more than one person said they kind of had a feeling that's why I was calling. It's also really nice because I know two friends who are also currently expecting, so it will be nice to have other women who I can call to talk to and ask questions.
Of course, everyone asks the big questions right away. Are you going to find out the gender? We haven't decided yet. Do you have names picked out? No, but once we do, we're not telling. No, we're not gluttons for secrets. But, a little surprise in life is good. Besides, I really don't want everyone's opinions on what names they like or don't like. So, I'm sorry, but everyone will know the name when the actually meet the little person.
The best part is that I'm just so happy and it's great to finally be able to share that happiness with those around me. Plus, it helps to explain my tiredness and constant runs to the ladie's room.
Everyone has been very excited, and it's funny to see how different people react. Some seemed completely surprised, but more than one person said they kind of had a feeling that's why I was calling. It's also really nice because I know two friends who are also currently expecting, so it will be nice to have other women who I can call to talk to and ask questions.
Of course, everyone asks the big questions right away. Are you going to find out the gender? We haven't decided yet. Do you have names picked out? No, but once we do, we're not telling. No, we're not gluttons for secrets. But, a little surprise in life is good. Besides, I really don't want everyone's opinions on what names they like or don't like. So, I'm sorry, but everyone will know the name when the actually meet the little person.
The best part is that I'm just so happy and it's great to finally be able to share that happiness with those around me. Plus, it helps to explain my tiredness and constant runs to the ladie's room.
Baby's Growth
Your pregnancy: 11 weeks
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Funny Story
The 'Middle Wife'by an anonymous 2nd grade teacher
I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself,but the best "birth story" I know is the one I saw in my own secondgrade classroom a few years back.When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness, and usually,show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, modelairplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never,ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lugit in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.
Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid,takes her turn, and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillowstuffed under her sweater.She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother,and I'm going to tell you about his birth day.''First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad puta seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for ninemonths through an umbrella cord.'She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not tolaugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.
'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh,Oh, Oh!!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'She walkedaround the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!!' (Now this kid isdoing a hysterical duck-walk and groaning.)'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn'thave a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to liedown in bed like this.' (Then Erica lies down with her back against thewall.)'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in casehe got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, likepsshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands mimingwater flowing away. It was too much!)
'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe,breathe.' They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then,all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuffthat they all said it was from Mom's play-center, (placenta) so theremust be a lot of toys inside there. When he got out, the middle wifespanked him for crawling up in there.'Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat.I'm sure I applauded the loudest.
Ever since then, when it'sshow-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'MiddleWife' comes along.Live every day as if it is your LAST chance to help someone laugh and behappy!
I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself,but the best "birth story" I know is the one I saw in my own secondgrade classroom a few years back.When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness, and usually,show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, modelairplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never,ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lugit in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.
Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid,takes her turn, and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillowstuffed under her sweater.She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother,and I'm going to tell you about his birth day.''First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad puta seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for ninemonths through an umbrella cord.'She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not tolaugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.
'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh,Oh, Oh!!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'She walkedaround the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!!' (Now this kid isdoing a hysterical duck-walk and groaning.)'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn'thave a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to liedown in bed like this.' (Then Erica lies down with her back against thewall.)'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in casehe got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, likepsshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands mimingwater flowing away. It was too much!)
'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe,breathe.' They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then,all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuffthat they all said it was from Mom's play-center, (placenta) so theremust be a lot of toys inside there. When he got out, the middle wifespanked him for crawling up in there.'Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat.I'm sure I applauded the loudest.
Ever since then, when it'sshow-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'MiddleWife' comes along.Live every day as if it is your LAST chance to help someone laugh and behappy!
Baby's Growth
Well, the ultrasound showed that I'm now 10 weeks 4 days, so here's the newest update.
Your pregnancy: 10 weeks
How your baby's growing:Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.
How your baby's growing:Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ultrasound
Well, today was the big day. I have to admit, I had a hard time sleeping last night, I've been so keyed up about this appointment. So, here's how it went.
At 3:20 I arrived for my physical exam, where I had to pee in a cup (again!) but luckily thanks to my enlarging uterus peeing is NOT a problem. In fact, I had to pee 3 times during my 1.5 hour appointment. Go me! They weighed me (gotta love that) and it turns out that I'm down 2 lbs. since the beginning of the month. Thank you nausea, which has been getting worse this week. It's more like a constant companion.
Anyway, I met one of the doctors, Dr. Cal, who seemed pretty nice. The office has three doctors, and you meet all three and choose which one you want to be your primary care provider. But, when it's time to deliver the baby, you get whichever doctor is on duty that day, so that's why they want you to have at least one appointment with each doctor. Anyway, he did his business down there and everything checked out okay.
Then I got to wait in the waiting room for another 20 minutes for the ultrasound techinician, Amy, to finish up with her previous appointment. During that time Mj arrived and I had the awkard pleasure of meeting up with a previous Notre Dame Academy student who was about 6 months pregnant. I couldn't come up with anything better than, "Oh, look at you!" and smile. Oh, well.
Finally, our turn!! The ultrasound itself was amazing, and I wish it could have last an hour instead of 15 minutes! She was able to find the little baby right away, although she said she could have seen it better if I hadn't just peed three times! Well, how was I to know? Regardless, we got to see it okay. In the pictures, you can see it's little head and in one you can see the hands and feet. She focused in on the heart and we were able to see if beating and hear it too. She said the baby's heartrate is 171 beats per minute! No wonder I'm so tired all the time. It was just so amazing to finally see that there really IS something in there, even though it's only one inch long right now.
The last thing she said was that the fetus measured 10 weeks 3 days old. Well, we thought that I was only 9 weeks 4 days along, so it looks like the due date is going to get moved up a bit. She said that when I got back for the my next appointment in 4 weeks they'll examine my uterus and see what size it is and then the doctors will offically change my due date to whatever they think it is.
So, that's the scoop for now. I go back at the end of February for another check-up, but we will only get 2 ultrasounds, so the next and last one will be at 20 weeks. The cool thing is that the 20 week one is with a 3D ultrasound machine, so it looks like an actual picture of your baby's face rather than a blurry black lump. Gotta love modern technology!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Baby's Growth
9 weeks
Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.
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