23 weeks

I can barely keep up with my blog time flies by so fast!

The baby girl is doing great! She loves to move her head toward the lower front of my belly which hurts allot, but I just gently tap her and ask her to move and being the obedient daughter she is..she moves :-) She is more than 11 inches long and already weighs over a pound. They say her hearing is really keen and so I hesitate to stop the dogs barking so she can get used to them now so she isn't as freaked out once she is out the womb.

Nate took this picture of me whilst we were out celebrating his 31st birthday over the weekend (11/1/09). I am loving the bump and even bought a new dress to celebrate the enormous bulge. My belly button is becoming flatter abd flatter which means the next step is to pop outward...stay tuned for that momentous announcement!

I am starting to have a tough time time climbing out the bathtub after a shower as I am finding my kneee kicks my belly as I left to step over. I have also noticed my shoes getting progressively tighter, not because my feet are swollen but because I think they are growing...with everything else. I just had my hair cut two weeks ago and it has grown so fast I already look like the Quacker oatmeal guy!

My Granny's Purse

I could not help myself to order this book "My Granny's Purse" Its way too far in advance but I know she will love it when she gets to 3. Both my mom and Nate's mom have purses full of interesting things, both of them are always lugging everything but the kitchen sink--just in case!

Thought for the day...

Before you were conceived I wanted you.
Before you were born I loved you.
Before you were here for an hour I would die for you.
This is the miracle of life.
Maureen Hawkins

Birth Plan

We're looking forward to sharing our birth experience with you. We have created this birth plan in order to outline some of our preferences for birth. We understand that there may be situations in which our choices may not be possible, but we hope that to move toward with our goals as much as possible and to make this labor and birth a great experience. We do not want to replace the medical personnel, but instead want to be informed of any procedures in advance, and to be allowed the chance to give informed consent.

Labor
-Please do not perform routine prepatory tasks (shaving, enema, etc.), unless requested.
-I expect that doctors and hospital staff will discuss all procedures with me before they are performed.
-I will remain hydrated by drinking moderate amounts of fluids (water & juice).
-So I can stay as mobile as possible, I would prefer to have a heparin lock administered instead of an IV.
-Please do not administer an IV or heparin lock unless there is a clear medical indication that such is necessary.
-I would like a quiet, soothing environment during laborwith minimal interruptions.
-Please limit the number of vaginal exams.
-Please do not permit observers such as interns, students or unnecessary staff into the room without my permission.
-To preserve my privacy and dignity, I would prefer that everyone knock before entering.
-The only persons allowed in my room during birth should be my husband, Nate Bruno

Labor Induction/Augmentation
-I would like to avoid induction unless it is medically necessary.
-I would like to try alternative means of labor augmentation, like walking or nipple stimulation, before pitocin or artificial rupture of membranes is attempted.
-If induction is necessary, I would like to attempt it with prostaglandin gel or another means before pitocin is administered.
-Please do not rupture my membranes artificially unless medically indicated.

Cesarean Section Delivery
-I feel very strongly that I would like to avoid a cesarean delivery.
-If a cesarean is necessary, I expect to be fully informed of all procedures and actively participate in decision-making.
-I would like Nate Bruno to be present during the surgery.
-If possible, I would like to breastfeed Our daughter immediately after the birth.

Perineal Care
-I prefer not to have an episiotomy unless it is medically indicated.
-To avoid episiotomy or tearing, Nate Bruno or my labor assistant will perform perineal massage with oil and apply hot compresses.
-To help my perineum stretch, please help guide my pushing efforts by letting me know when to push and when to stop.
-Please administer local anesthesia when repairing any episiotomy or tear(s).
-Please suture tears only if necessary.

After birth
-Please place Our daughter on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.
-I would like to breastfeed Our daughter immediately.
-The doctor will cut the cord.
-Please remove my IV/Heparin lock/catheter as soon as possible after delivery.

Newborn Care
-Please evaluate and bathe Our daughter at my bedside.

Postpartum
-I would prefer not to be catheterized until I've had some private time to attempt urination on my own.
-If available, I would prefer a private room.

Breastfeeding
-I plan to breastfeed and want to nurse immediately following the birth.
-I would like to know more about breastfeeding.
-I would like to meet with the staff lactation consultant.

22 weeks

Reflexology
A friend of mine Belinda offered to ease my tension and lack of sleep by doing a session of reflexology. She concentrated on me being pregnant and what was best for our baby girl, it was an amazing experience. Not only did I elapse into an Alpha state but my sinus issues seems to disappear. Now whether that was the candles or me being on my back or the reflexology I don't know but it was soothing all the same. A very interesting happening occurred at home about 15 minutes after the reflexology. I had contractions, strong contractions for about 10 minutes. I wasn't sure how to handle them so I got on all fours and just breathed slowly. I wasn't sure if laying on my back for 45 minutes or the reflexology was what brought it on, but one thing I can say if it brings on contractions I am doing it again closer to the birthing day to help minimize my chances of being induced.

Exercise
I have been taking it slow, going to my friend Jessica's gym to workout, I do a little pre-core machine and some light weights but that's been about it. Well this week I decided to walk 3 miles. I started to cramp miserably so stopped several times. I thought walking would be good for me but clearly there was too much stress otherwise I assume there would not have been such pain. I am going to keep with my previous plan as I never experienced any cramping of any sort.

Baby Specs
Our little girl is about 11 inches long now and almost 1 pound. Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed, but her irises still lack pigment.

Still no sign of stretch marks but then my belly is still only measuring 37" I am obviously pregnant now and have had a few friends asked to touch my belly, I love it. I am not sure why people don't like their bellies touched, but I think its cute that people want to connect with our little girl. She seems to have slowed her movements down a bit, instead of being a jumping bean her movements feel to be a little more fluid.

We are 100% certain on her name and I will be "going public" with it pretty soon :-)

21 weeks

10/15/09
Another great week with my baby girl. I am relieved the weather will get cooler as I get bigger. I had to buy my second pair of maternity pants as the jeans I purchased are already losing their color I wear them so much. My Cyndee, my mom in law surprised me with a bag of comfortable, fitting versatile tops that I can wear casual or even to work so I should be good for another few months. Me and baby bean are growing at a rapid pace. I am now up to 142 lb - a whole 7 lb in one month. I feel healthy though so am not worried. I love my vegetable snacks and am still working out when I get the time.

At my appointment on Friday 10/16/09 I found out she is weighing about 11 ounces and is about 10.5 inches long toe to head. She feels strong and active. I notice she sleeps when I exercise and clean house - I suppose my movement rocks her. She is awake at night when I'm trying to sleep or sitting still at my desk. My sleep is getting increasing disjointed and I have had a few Braxton Hicks contractions. My butt gets achey when I sit too long, but aside from that - I still feel like a million bucks, no swelling, acne or sciatic pain. I am forgetful and really question my sanity at times, leaving my car door open to go into the grocery store, forgetting simple vocabulary and leaving my car keys wherever I go. I keep hearing its normal, I hope so and I sure hope it goes away fast.

Our little sister will be staying with us for a few months which we are very excited about so the nursery decorating will be put on hold. There wasn't much more we could do anyway until after the baby shower so it all times out perfectly. I watched "The Happiest Baby On The Block" DVD for the second time this week and am convinced this has to work with our little girl. Its all about swaddling and white noise and seems to work wonders. I pray she likes being swaddled :-)

Cyndee has started getting ideas together for our baby shower which will be on January 9 2010, a good month before her birth. Also I wanted to make sure it was before Andrea births so she could be there to celebrate.

15 Things that change when you have a baby

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

20 weeks

What an eventful week! Maternity experiences by the dozens! The Good, the bad and the ugly.

The Good
On Monday 10/5 we went to to Mira Mesa for the dun-dun-daaaaah BIG ULTRASOUND! I was anxious because this is the ultrasound where they look and every nook and cranny of your infant to determine if there are any concerns physically, so the variables are numerous. Well as predicted...She is perfect! We saw her two kidneys, where her skull joins her spin, her heart and stomach, bones, spine and of course the parts that confirmed she' indeed is a girl. The lady that spend 45 minutes caressing my belly with a machine and warm fluid couldn't say much. With every question she simply answered, "your doctor would like to tell you that." So I'm not sure yet on her weight or length. I did find out her foot size is 1.5 inches. THATS BIG! She seems to have her dads legs and my big running/swimming feet!

I measured my bump...We are 36 inches now. I feel large because nothing fits, but seeing other pregnant woman further along, it seems I am not large at all. I feel happy that at my half way mark I am still somewhat just a swollen mellon, this gives me the next 4 months to grow slow and hopefully skip out on the joys of stretch marks.

My dear friend Ms. Wright was so thoughtful to give me a baby journal. I have been keeping a good log of happenings, documenting my feelings and adding pictures. At first I thought it would be like a ships captains log, but was pleased to find out its more like a personal story. A narration of my pregnancy written to our beloved child that she can read one day.It has me more and more inspired now to do a scrapbook too...You know with all the spare time I have. {wink}

Her bedroom is well under way. Daddy dear hung up some curtains and shelves and I found the most darling rug in al the colors of the robot pillow. I bought two canvases that I plan on painting. Currently I am designing the concept...girlie robots. Its a challenge.

We received a couple really nice gifts this week, already she is spoiled and I don't mind a bit. Ms. Santillo found bubblegum pink Havianas with a back strap so they don't slide off her feet. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them, they will be perfect for next summer when she is in a bikini and fat belly.

I met with Ms. Gibson for some nursery tips and to borrow some books and she handed over a hardly used Baby Bjorn. It will be perfect for dad when he is out and about and needs both hands...NOw if we can just figure out how to open and close the darn thing. We need to practice on BD!

I had made up my mind that I would rent a double-hands free - breast pump from the hospital. Well come to find out, total cost for that pump would be around $400! Frantically I started looking for good pumps to add to our registry. They tell me that if you get a mediocre pump it hurts the girls something crazy. After allot of research and review reading I realize the $350 pump at Babies R Us is what I need...But over my pudgy body was I gonna pay that amount of money. EBAY TO THE RESCUE...I found the exact pump I wanted/needed with books and accessories for half the price! $130! Breast Pump - check!

The Bad
No sleep. They say this is natures way of preparing you for when baby comes, I say...WTF? I will lose enough sleep after the arrival of our precious heart...Tell nature to let me sleep extra well now!? Please? I believe its the hormones. Thats what "they" say. I say it may be the peeing 6 times a night, or possibly getting used to sleeping on my side...Really it could be anything. I am slowly learning how to succumb the midnight alerts. I take a tylenol PM...and a shove a pillow between my legs. It helps a bit.

The Ugly
Excess hair.
Glass half full - I'd say that this has been the most fun time ever to try new haircuts. My hair is growing so fast that if don't like the style, no sweat. Its thick and full and shiny...just as they tell you it will be.
Glass half empty - I am afraid to even go there, but I can say one thing my grooming regime has had to step it up a notch...Or two. Places that I didn't think it could even grow...Yup, its there.