Jaxon is 2 weeks old today. He is doing really well and already is changing so much. He has definitely held onto the newborn infant look much longer than Jaida did. I think because Jaida had so much hair she always looked older than she was. Jax still looks very much like a newborn. Right now Jax pretty much nurses, sleeps and poops a lot and that is pretty much it. He hardly ever cries (usually involves a diaper change when he is sleepy or a bath again when he is sleepy). He is very mellow and sleeps easily anywhere but especially loves to sleep in his mama's arms. He is generally sleeping through the night ... goes down at 11 p.m. and sleeps straight through to 5 a.m. or so and nurses and then back to sleep after minor grunting for another few hours. He is a very civilized baby with a very lucky mama. :)
Diaper changes have become a major source of entertainment around here. My reflexes are not quick enough for boy diaper changing which leads to much pee and poop being sprayed everywhere. Jaida thinks this is amazingly disgusting and absolutely hillarious all at the same time. Everytime I need to change Jax it means I go through three clean diapers in the process and usually end up with either pee or poop on myself. The boy is some kind of freaky poop making machine.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Jaxon's Birth Story
On June 26 I started feeling what I thought were contractions although they were not painful at all. I really just felt a tightening across my lower abdomen that was slightly annoying. At Joe's urging I started timing them and realized they were coming at 3 minutes apart for about 30 -45 seconds. This persisted for the next 3 days with the only change being the length of the contractions (stretched out to 45 to 60 seconds). I really felt like all the contractions were just my body preparing itself but after a couple of days I really started to doubt myself. Everyone was telling me that I was going to go into labor any minute but I just didn't feel like labor was eminent. I woke up on Thursday June 29th feeling well rested after getting about 10 hours of sleep. It was the best I slept in ages. I just had a feeling that morning that labor was going to happen soon but I wasn't going to sit around and wait for it to happen. I took the day off work and met up with a friend for a haircut and then we all headed to the pool for the day. That afternoon Jaida and I came home from the pool and took a short nap and then this insane nesting urge set in. Joe and I buzzed around and cleaned the house up, did a couple of loads of laundry and made dinner. Around 5:00 p.m. I called my doula (Mary), birth assistant (Gwen) and sister (Noa) to update them and let them know that nothing (other than the usual contractions) was going on. Around 7:00 p.m. Jaida wanted me to come out onto the porch to see something. I stood up and made it half way to the front door when I heard a pop and then felt a small gush. There was no mistaking it ... my membranes had ruptured. I went into the bathroom and sure enough clear amniotic fluid and bloody show. I then called everyone back (including the midwife, Regina) and let everyone know they should head to our house ASAP. Mostly because everyone except Gwen was coming from Virginia and it was rush hour.
Gwen was the first to arrive and she immediately started setting up the master bedroom for the birth. She started pulling out all of our birth supplies as well as her own. She started the crock pot with the cloths for perinneal compresses. She warmed up all the baby blankets and baby hats using a heating pad. Joe and I continued folding laundry, sending out some emails and then ate dinner. We told Jaida what was happening and she ran around the house yelling my brother is coming soon. She was so excited. Next to arrive was Regina and my sister. Regina sort of interviewed me to find out exactly where I was at. Since I wasn't having painful contractions yet she returned some phone calls and wrote out some notes. Mary was the last to arrive and by then the contractions were getting to the point where they were slightly more uncomfortable. As I was talking I noticed that I would easily lose my train of thought during a contraction.
About 10:00 p.m. we decided Jaida needed to get some sleep in case it was a long labor. I went into her room with her and tried to lay on her little bed with her to get her to sleep. At that point the contractions really started to increase in intensity and I was quite uncomfortable. At 10:30
p.m. I went into our bedroom and rested on my right side. At 11:00 p.m. I got up and sat on the birth ball while sort of leaning forward onto Joe's lap. Mary the doula spent the next several hours rubbing my back and applying counter-pressure during the contractions. At this point I started having hot flashes and then I would suddenly get cold and was feeling a bit shaky and nauseous. Around midnight I was sitting on the birth ball and was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. I got up and went to the bathroom and then stood while Joe supported my weight. Around 12:30 a.m. I suddenly felt VERY nauseous and ended up vomiting. This scared me a little bit as I started having flash backs to my labor with Jaida when I was so nauseous and dehydrated from all the vomiting. Regina assurred me that this was a very different labor and vomiting is very normal and just my body clearing itself out. At this point I could feel the baby shifting postiions and he suddenly felt very heavy and I felt a lot of pressure.
At 1:00 a.m. I clearly think I was going through transition as I remember thinking there was no way I could do this any longer and that the baby was never going to come out. Joe, Mary and Gwen were all giving me tons of support. I remember my cat Percy laying on the corner of the bed. She has HUGE owl eyes and I remember just simply staring into her eyes as I was trying to get through each contraction since they were doubling up on each other. It really gave me something outside of myself to focus on. I got up and went into the bathroom to pee and while sitting on the toilet I suddenly became totally convinced baby boy was going to be born while I was sitting on the toilet. I suddenly felt tons of pressure and a strong urge to bear down. Joe told Regina that I was wanting to push and she brought some chux pads into the bathroom and put them on the bath mat just in case. I made it back into the bedroom and Regina suggested I lay on the bed on my right side. As soon as my body hit the bed I felt my body bear down and the rest of the amiotic fluid came gushing out. Regina warned me that the fluid was padding the baby and now that it was gone I was going to really feel a strong urge to push and a lot of pressure since the water was holding the baby back from really moving down into the birth canal. No more than she got the words out of her mouth I felt the most uncontrollable urge to push. It was incredible. The contractions were there but they didn't hurt any longer and the pushing felt so good and productive. I felt like I could push so hard I would rip in half. Regina reminded me that I needed to make small controlled pushes to help avoid a nasty tear like I had with Jaida. So I tried my hardest to make several small very controlled pushes through each contraction. I think it was possibly the hardest thing I have ever done seeing as how I wanted to just push hard and get it over with. Regina applied warm compresses to perineum to help it stretch and also did a massage with olive oil to help as his head was coming out.
At 1:58 a.m. Jaxon was born and it was the most amazing feeling in the world. Regina told me exactly what I was feeling as he came out. Head crowning (the burning gave this away), his forehead, brow bone, nose, chin, neck, first shoulder, second shoulder and then body. I felt everything. As soon as Jax was most of the way out our doula woke Noa and Jaida and asked them to come in. Jaxon latched on and started nursing about ten minutes later and then when the umbilical cord stopped pulsing and turned white/gray in color the midwife clamped it and Joe and Jaida cut it. We all laid on the bed staring at this new little human being in awe. Jaida was totally amazed at all of it. A few minutes later out came the placenta. We all inspected it and then Regina repaired a minor tear for me. No sponge bath for Jaxon ... he was covered in vernix (looked like a coating of felt) and we just vigorously rubbed it into his skin and that is where it stayed for the first three days of his life. We did not give him the Vitamin K injection and also did not put the antibiotic ointment in his eyes. It was so amazing seeing this little person just gazing at everyone in the room and knowing that his vision wasn't clouded (any more than normal) by the ointment. At 3:00 a.m. Joe brought me a sandwich, fruit and some OJ with an iron supplement in it. At 4:00 a.m. after the midwife, et al. finished their reports, cleaned up the room, started a load of laundry and checked on me they headed out and left our little family on its own. Simply perfect.
Jaxon had apgars of 8 and 9 ... he scored perfectly except on color ... it took him a bit to completely pink up. I have a feeling this is because the room was so cold ... I was a bit hot during labor. He weighed 8 pounds even 19 inches long and was born exactly a week before his edd. The birth experience was exactly like I imagined it should be. We had the lights dimmed and nice Native American flute music playing softly. Everyone stayed mostly silent but when talking happened it was in very hushed tones. Jaxon's birth was amazingly peaceful and I think it has carried over into every aspect of his early life. He is the most mellow and relaxed little guy. He rarely gets upset and peacefully nurses for prolonged periods of time. Just simply perfect in every way.
Gwen was the first to arrive and she immediately started setting up the master bedroom for the birth. She started pulling out all of our birth supplies as well as her own. She started the crock pot with the cloths for perinneal compresses. She warmed up all the baby blankets and baby hats using a heating pad. Joe and I continued folding laundry, sending out some emails and then ate dinner. We told Jaida what was happening and she ran around the house yelling my brother is coming soon. She was so excited. Next to arrive was Regina and my sister. Regina sort of interviewed me to find out exactly where I was at. Since I wasn't having painful contractions yet she returned some phone calls and wrote out some notes. Mary was the last to arrive and by then the contractions were getting to the point where they were slightly more uncomfortable. As I was talking I noticed that I would easily lose my train of thought during a contraction.
About 10:00 p.m. we decided Jaida needed to get some sleep in case it was a long labor. I went into her room with her and tried to lay on her little bed with her to get her to sleep. At that point the contractions really started to increase in intensity and I was quite uncomfortable. At 10:30
p.m. I went into our bedroom and rested on my right side. At 11:00 p.m. I got up and sat on the birth ball while sort of leaning forward onto Joe's lap. Mary the doula spent the next several hours rubbing my back and applying counter-pressure during the contractions. At this point I started having hot flashes and then I would suddenly get cold and was feeling a bit shaky and nauseous. Around midnight I was sitting on the birth ball and was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. I got up and went to the bathroom and then stood while Joe supported my weight. Around 12:30 a.m. I suddenly felt VERY nauseous and ended up vomiting. This scared me a little bit as I started having flash backs to my labor with Jaida when I was so nauseous and dehydrated from all the vomiting. Regina assurred me that this was a very different labor and vomiting is very normal and just my body clearing itself out. At this point I could feel the baby shifting postiions and he suddenly felt very heavy and I felt a lot of pressure.
At 1:00 a.m. I clearly think I was going through transition as I remember thinking there was no way I could do this any longer and that the baby was never going to come out. Joe, Mary and Gwen were all giving me tons of support. I remember my cat Percy laying on the corner of the bed. She has HUGE owl eyes and I remember just simply staring into her eyes as I was trying to get through each contraction since they were doubling up on each other. It really gave me something outside of myself to focus on. I got up and went into the bathroom to pee and while sitting on the toilet I suddenly became totally convinced baby boy was going to be born while I was sitting on the toilet. I suddenly felt tons of pressure and a strong urge to bear down. Joe told Regina that I was wanting to push and she brought some chux pads into the bathroom and put them on the bath mat just in case. I made it back into the bedroom and Regina suggested I lay on the bed on my right side. As soon as my body hit the bed I felt my body bear down and the rest of the amiotic fluid came gushing out. Regina warned me that the fluid was padding the baby and now that it was gone I was going to really feel a strong urge to push and a lot of pressure since the water was holding the baby back from really moving down into the birth canal. No more than she got the words out of her mouth I felt the most uncontrollable urge to push. It was incredible. The contractions were there but they didn't hurt any longer and the pushing felt so good and productive. I felt like I could push so hard I would rip in half. Regina reminded me that I needed to make small controlled pushes to help avoid a nasty tear like I had with Jaida. So I tried my hardest to make several small very controlled pushes through each contraction. I think it was possibly the hardest thing I have ever done seeing as how I wanted to just push hard and get it over with. Regina applied warm compresses to perineum to help it stretch and also did a massage with olive oil to help as his head was coming out.
At 1:58 a.m. Jaxon was born and it was the most amazing feeling in the world. Regina told me exactly what I was feeling as he came out. Head crowning (the burning gave this away), his forehead, brow bone, nose, chin, neck, first shoulder, second shoulder and then body. I felt everything. As soon as Jax was most of the way out our doula woke Noa and Jaida and asked them to come in. Jaxon latched on and started nursing about ten minutes later and then when the umbilical cord stopped pulsing and turned white/gray in color the midwife clamped it and Joe and Jaida cut it. We all laid on the bed staring at this new little human being in awe. Jaida was totally amazed at all of it. A few minutes later out came the placenta. We all inspected it and then Regina repaired a minor tear for me. No sponge bath for Jaxon ... he was covered in vernix (looked like a coating of felt) and we just vigorously rubbed it into his skin and that is where it stayed for the first three days of his life. We did not give him the Vitamin K injection and also did not put the antibiotic ointment in his eyes. It was so amazing seeing this little person just gazing at everyone in the room and knowing that his vision wasn't clouded (any more than normal) by the ointment. At 3:00 a.m. Joe brought me a sandwich, fruit and some OJ with an iron supplement in it. At 4:00 a.m. after the midwife, et al. finished their reports, cleaned up the room, started a load of laundry and checked on me they headed out and left our little family on its own. Simply perfect.
Jaxon had apgars of 8 and 9 ... he scored perfectly except on color ... it took him a bit to completely pink up. I have a feeling this is because the room was so cold ... I was a bit hot during labor. He weighed 8 pounds even 19 inches long and was born exactly a week before his edd. The birth experience was exactly like I imagined it should be. We had the lights dimmed and nice Native American flute music playing softly. Everyone stayed mostly silent but when talking happened it was in very hushed tones. Jaxon's birth was amazingly peaceful and I think it has carried over into every aspect of his early life. He is the most mellow and relaxed little guy. He rarely gets upset and peacefully nurses for prolonged periods of time. Just simply perfect in every way.
Friday, July 07, 2006
One Week Old
Jaxon is one week old today. Well, technically at 1:58 this morning.
He is doing wonderfully. He is a very sleepy baby but does have nice periods of quiet alert time where he just sits back and takes it all in. He looks all around and is especially drawn to his sister's voice. He sleeps in th emorning and usually has a short period of awake time right around lunch time and then eventually falls back to sleep and stays that way most of the afternoon. He has quite a bit of awake time in the evening while he cluster feeds. He usually falls back to sleep around 8:30 or so. I force a dream-feed on him around 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. and then he sleeps until 4:45 or so. He then has a quick feed and I pump what is remaining and he goes back to sleep until 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. We have only heard him cry a handful of times ... once right after birth, a couple of times during diaper changes and during his only 2 sponge baths. Jax really is the sweetest little guy. He is so relaxed which often makes me wonder if he actually has a central nervous system. :) He has very relaxed arms, legs and hands and rarely displays the falling/startle reflex. So different from Jaida. He sleeps in the bed with Joe and I and we are enjoying every single minute of it. He is such a snuggle bug.
He had his first pediatrician appointment on Monday morning. He was pronounced perfect but then again we already knew that. He doesn't have any jaundice or other strange newborn issues. His umbilical stump was looking a bit funky ... not infected just a little funky. So the pediatrician painted it with silver nitrate to help speed along the drying process and asked us to put alcohol on it at every diaper change. It fell off Wednesday night and I found it in our bed Thursday morning. I don't think it was quite dry yet though as his actual belly button is still a tad bit oozy but hopefully it will dry up soon. Otherwise he is doing wonderfully. At birth we declined the Vitamin K injection and also declined the eye goop. We also decided not to circumcize. So he is a 100% organic baby boy. ;) At the pediatrician we also are delaying all vaccinations for at least several months. So short of taking a tiny bit of blood out of his body for a metabolic screening nothing has been put into his little body. We delayed the vax's with Jaida also and she was still fully vaxed by her 2nd birthday so it is completely doable and just seems to make sense to us to let him get some meat on his bones before we start pumping him full of stuff. My milk came in on Monday morning and I can tell he is definitely already heavier. At his pediatrician appointment he was 7 pounds 14 ounces so he only lost 2 ounces of his birth weight which is amazing since babies can lose up to 10% of their birthweight in the first week.
We are all falling madly in love with little Jax. He is such a joy to be around already. Did I mention that he smells so good? His natural smell is so sweet. Who knew I missed having a tiny baby around so much.
He is doing wonderfully. He is a very sleepy baby but does have nice periods of quiet alert time where he just sits back and takes it all in. He looks all around and is especially drawn to his sister's voice. He sleeps in th emorning and usually has a short period of awake time right around lunch time and then eventually falls back to sleep and stays that way most of the afternoon. He has quite a bit of awake time in the evening while he cluster feeds. He usually falls back to sleep around 8:30 or so. I force a dream-feed on him around 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. and then he sleeps until 4:45 or so. He then has a quick feed and I pump what is remaining and he goes back to sleep until 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. We have only heard him cry a handful of times ... once right after birth, a couple of times during diaper changes and during his only 2 sponge baths. Jax really is the sweetest little guy. He is so relaxed which often makes me wonder if he actually has a central nervous system. :) He has very relaxed arms, legs and hands and rarely displays the falling/startle reflex. So different from Jaida. He sleeps in the bed with Joe and I and we are enjoying every single minute of it. He is such a snuggle bug.
He had his first pediatrician appointment on Monday morning. He was pronounced perfect but then again we already knew that. He doesn't have any jaundice or other strange newborn issues. His umbilical stump was looking a bit funky ... not infected just a little funky. So the pediatrician painted it with silver nitrate to help speed along the drying process and asked us to put alcohol on it at every diaper change. It fell off Wednesday night and I found it in our bed Thursday morning. I don't think it was quite dry yet though as his actual belly button is still a tad bit oozy but hopefully it will dry up soon. Otherwise he is doing wonderfully. At birth we declined the Vitamin K injection and also declined the eye goop. We also decided not to circumcize. So he is a 100% organic baby boy. ;) At the pediatrician we also are delaying all vaccinations for at least several months. So short of taking a tiny bit of blood out of his body for a metabolic screening nothing has been put into his little body. We delayed the vax's with Jaida also and she was still fully vaxed by her 2nd birthday so it is completely doable and just seems to make sense to us to let him get some meat on his bones before we start pumping him full of stuff. My milk came in on Monday morning and I can tell he is definitely already heavier. At his pediatrician appointment he was 7 pounds 14 ounces so he only lost 2 ounces of his birth weight which is amazing since babies can lose up to 10% of their birthweight in the first week.
We are all falling madly in love with little Jax. He is such a joy to be around already. Did I mention that he smells so good? His natural smell is so sweet. Who knew I missed having a tiny baby around so much.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Friday, June 30, 2006
The DUDE has arrived!
Jaxon Lamela Rhea "Jax" was born at home at 1:58 a.m. after a six and a half hour labor. My membranes ruptured at 7:00 p.m. and active labor started about 10 p.m. It was a relatively easy labor and delivery. I will write out the birth story in a few days.
For now his stats are:
Birthday: June 30, 2006
Weight: 8 pounds even
Length: 19 inches
And now for the good stuff ... pictures
A few seconds after birth
Me bonding with the kiddos
Jaxon breastfeeding while we all rest
Jaxon getting weighed with the fish scale
A snuggly Jax
For now his stats are:
Birthday: June 30, 2006
Weight: 8 pounds even
Length: 19 inches
And now for the good stuff ... pictures
A few seconds after birth
Me bonding with the kiddos
Jaxon breastfeeding while we all rest
Jaxon getting weighed with the fish scale
A snuggly Jax
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Let's get this party started
39 weeks 1 day (LMP) 37 weeks 1 day (gestational)
I had an amazing nights sleep last night. First time in months I didn't wake up multiple times to pee. I woke up in a good mood and feeling well rested. I had another full day of the same contractions but today I didn't sit around wondering what is going to happen. I decided not to go to work today and instead called a friend. Jaida and I packed up and went to my friend's house. Marybeth cut my hair and then took about 6 inches off of Jaida's hair also. After we visited a while Jaida decided she wanted to stay and play with Caleb so I went home for a couple of hours to eat lunch and rest. I went back and we all went to the pool for the afternoon.
When I got home I went into insane nesting mode. Laundry became a very urgent matter for some reason. We tidied up the house, cleaned Jaida's room, moved some supplies, ate a good dinner and got Jaida all bathed and ready for be early. I was sitting on the sofa and stood to go see something Jaida wanted me to look at. I made it half way to the front door when I heard a pop and felt a small gush of water. We called the midwife (Regina), birth assistant (Gwen), doula (Mary) and made sure my sister was on her way to help with Jaida and be here for the birth.
So now I sit here waiting for womething to happen. I am still doing laundry and chatting with everyone and waiting for contractions to pick up in intensity.
I will keep you updated.
This will be my last belly picture. It was taken right after my membranes ruptured. If you look closely you can see the baby's feet sticking out of my side right at the edge of my shirt.
I had an amazing nights sleep last night. First time in months I didn't wake up multiple times to pee. I woke up in a good mood and feeling well rested. I had another full day of the same contractions but today I didn't sit around wondering what is going to happen. I decided not to go to work today and instead called a friend. Jaida and I packed up and went to my friend's house. Marybeth cut my hair and then took about 6 inches off of Jaida's hair also. After we visited a while Jaida decided she wanted to stay and play with Caleb so I went home for a couple of hours to eat lunch and rest. I went back and we all went to the pool for the afternoon.
When I got home I went into insane nesting mode. Laundry became a very urgent matter for some reason. We tidied up the house, cleaned Jaida's room, moved some supplies, ate a good dinner and got Jaida all bathed and ready for be early. I was sitting on the sofa and stood to go see something Jaida wanted me to look at. I made it half way to the front door when I heard a pop and felt a small gush of water. We called the midwife (Regina), birth assistant (Gwen), doula (Mary) and made sure my sister was on her way to help with Jaida and be here for the birth.
So now I sit here waiting for womething to happen. I am still doing laundry and chatting with everyone and waiting for contractions to pick up in intensity.
I will keep you updated.
This will be my last belly picture. It was taken right after my membranes ruptured. If you look closely you can see the baby's feet sticking out of my side right at the edge of my shirt.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
More contractions and other general funkiness
39 weeks 0 days (LMP) 37 weeks 0 days (gestational)
Working on day 2 of 3 minute apart contractions. Fun stuff! I even have them when I am sleeping but like I said not painful at all. Went to work today and I think I might have frightened a few people. :) After going to a retirement luncheon I wasn't feeling too well ... combination of contractions and eating too much likely. Called my midwife and she met us at the house to check me out. Blood pressure was good and low and I dilated another cm and was slightly more effaced (~4 cm and 65% effaced). She did say she could stretch my cervix another cm or 2 ... YIKES! She thinks I am likely losing my mucous plug also. It is sort of coming out slowly and in chunks ... more information than anyone wants I am sure. Anyhow, told to rest up. She thinks when I go I am likely going to go pretty quickly.
Working on day 2 of 3 minute apart contractions. Fun stuff! I even have them when I am sleeping but like I said not painful at all. Went to work today and I think I might have frightened a few people. :) After going to a retirement luncheon I wasn't feeling too well ... combination of contractions and eating too much likely. Called my midwife and she met us at the house to check me out. Blood pressure was good and low and I dilated another cm and was slightly more effaced (~4 cm and 65% effaced). She did say she could stretch my cervix another cm or 2 ... YIKES! She thinks I am likely losing my mucous plug also. It is sort of coming out slowly and in chunks ... more information than anyone wants I am sure. Anyhow, told to rest up. She thinks when I go I am likely going to go pretty quickly.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Lots of contractions
38 weeks 6 days (LMP) 36 weeks 6 days (gestational)
Well I am officially having contractions. They are three minutes apart and last about 45 seconds but they don't hurt in the slightest. They are just causing my belly to tighten down below my belly button. Hopefully, they are at least causing me to progress a bit. I wonder how long I could go on like this? Then again maybe I don't want to know the answer to that question. :)
Well I am officially having contractions. They are three minutes apart and last about 45 seconds but they don't hurt in the slightest. They are just causing my belly to tighten down below my belly button. Hopefully, they are at least causing me to progress a bit. I wonder how long I could go on like this? Then again maybe I don't want to know the answer to that question. :)
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Feeling HUGE and ready
38 week 4 days (LMP) 36 weeks 4 days (gestational)
A picture is worth a thousand words ...
A picture is worth a thousand words ...
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Baby Shower
38 weeks 0 days (LMP) 36 weeks 0 days (gestational)
weight: 131 pounds
waist: 38 inches
At this time, your baby weighs about 6.8 pounds (3.1 kg). Crown-to-rump length hasn't changed much; it's still about 14 inches (35 cm). Total length is 21 inches (47 cm).
I had my 38 week midwife appointment yesterday and all was perfect ... low blood pressure, no swelling, GBS test was negative, found out I don't need prophylaxic antibiotics for prolapsed mitral valve in my heart, and fundus was measuring at 38 ... so just perfect in other words.
The sweet ladies at work threw a baby shower for me this week. The boy received many blue outfits, soft blankets, stuffed toys, album, frame, toys and misc other supplies. Everyone was extremely generous and we appreciate it all SO much. Jaida and I had fun going through all the clothes and washing them and hanging them up.
Generally, I feel pretty great for a hugely pregnant woman. I am pretty comfortable except the occassional shooting nerve pain down my leg. I have a fair amount of energy and am sleeping relatively well (in between bathroom trips).
We have everything we need for the boy and the house is all set-up for the addition of a newborn. I have all my birth supplies together and in the master bedroom. Our birth assistant did her home visit this week and gave us some pointers and checked everything out. We also met with our doula a couple of weeks ago and really liked her. She is very laid back and will be a welcome addition to our birth team.
My 38 week belly picture ...
Space limitation continues to restrict fetal movement. Limbs are bent and drawn close to body. Bones are flexible and ossification, hardening, progresses. At birth, the tibia, long bone, of the leg is usually completely ossified into bone.
weight: 131 pounds
waist: 38 inches
At this time, your baby weighs about 6.8 pounds (3.1 kg). Crown-to-rump length hasn't changed much; it's still about 14 inches (35 cm). Total length is 21 inches (47 cm).
I had my 38 week midwife appointment yesterday and all was perfect ... low blood pressure, no swelling, GBS test was negative, found out I don't need prophylaxic antibiotics for prolapsed mitral valve in my heart, and fundus was measuring at 38 ... so just perfect in other words.
The sweet ladies at work threw a baby shower for me this week. The boy received many blue outfits, soft blankets, stuffed toys, album, frame, toys and misc other supplies. Everyone was extremely generous and we appreciate it all SO much. Jaida and I had fun going through all the clothes and washing them and hanging them up.
Generally, I feel pretty great for a hugely pregnant woman. I am pretty comfortable except the occassional shooting nerve pain down my leg. I have a fair amount of energy and am sleeping relatively well (in between bathroom trips).
We have everything we need for the boy and the house is all set-up for the addition of a newborn. I have all my birth supplies together and in the master bedroom. Our birth assistant did her home visit this week and gave us some pointers and checked everything out. We also met with our doula a couple of weeks ago and really liked her. She is very laid back and will be a welcome addition to our birth team.
My 38 week belly picture ...
From Visembryo:
Grasp becomes firmer.
ABDOMEN
Body is round and plump due to new fat storage keeping the body temperature at about 32 F above maternal temperature. Fetus turns toward light sources in what is known as the orienting response. Intestines accumulate a considerable amount of meconium which is usually eliminated shortly after birth. If birth is delayed, the fecal material will appear in the amniotic fluid.
Space limitation continues to restrict fetal movement. Limbs are bent and drawn close to body. Bones are flexible and ossification, hardening, progresses. At birth, the tibia, long bone, of the leg is usually completely ossified into bone.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Good news
37 week 0 days (LMP) 35 week 0 days (gestational)
Your baby weighs almost 6.5 pounds (2.95 kg). Crown-to-rump length is 14 inches (35 cm). Its total length is 21 inches.
I had my Group B Strep test today. While the midwife was doing that she decided to do my one and only internal exam also. She said I was slightly dilated, baby was vertex and at 0 - +1 station, cervix was extremely soft and spongy and beginning to efface and most importantly already moved to the anteriour position. The anteriour part is great news as she said that is usually the last thing to happen before labor and more importantly allows the baby to enter the birth canal at the right angle. Hopefully, this will alleviate some of the issues I had with Jaida's labor. Other great news is that I can now officially deliver the boy at home if all works out. The midwives only do deliveries from 37 - 42 weeks.
All good news. The boy is going to be here fairly soon.
Your baby weighs almost 6.5 pounds (2.95 kg). Crown-to-rump length is 14 inches (35 cm). Its total length is 21 inches.
I had my Group B Strep test today. While the midwife was doing that she decided to do my one and only internal exam also. She said I was slightly dilated, baby was vertex and at 0 - +1 station, cervix was extremely soft and spongy and beginning to efface and most importantly already moved to the anteriour position. The anteriour part is great news as she said that is usually the last thing to happen before labor and more importantly allows the baby to enter the birth canal at the right angle. Hopefully, this will alleviate some of the issues I had with Jaida's labor. Other great news is that I can now officially deliver the boy at home if all works out. The midwives only do deliveries from 37 - 42 weeks.
All good news. The boy is going to be here fairly soon.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Boring update
36 weeks 0 days (LMP) 34 weeks 0 days (gestational)
weight: 128 pounds
waist: 37.5 inches
By this week, your baby weighs about 6 pounds (2.75 kg). Its crown-to-rump length is over 13.5 inches (34 cm), and total length is 20.7 inches (46 cm).
Not much going on really. The boy is still moving around like crazy. I am a tad uncomfortable but nothing too bad. I am getting a little tired of people asking me if I am still pregnant. I have one week left to make it through to ensure I am at least eligible for a homebirth.
Here is my 36 week belly picture ...
Skin appears light pink because of blood vessels close to its surface.
weight: 128 pounds
waist: 37.5 inches
By this week, your baby weighs about 6 pounds (2.75 kg). Its crown-to-rump length is over 13.5 inches (34 cm), and total length is 20.7 inches (46 cm).
Not much going on really. The boy is still moving around like crazy. I am a tad uncomfortable but nothing too bad. I am getting a little tired of people asking me if I am still pregnant. I have one week left to make it through to ensure I am at least eligible for a homebirth.
Here is my 36 week belly picture ...
From Visembryo:
Placenta is now one-sixth of fetal weight.
HEAD
Gums appear ridged and may look like teeth. Head may now position (head-down) into pelvis before labor.
ABDOMEN
Gastrointestinal system is very immature and will stay that way until three or fourth years after birth. Fetus stores about 15% of weight in fat to keep temperature of body warm. Fetus receives and eliminates nutrition through umbilical cord.
LIMBS
Limbs begin to dimple at elbows and knees and creases form around wrists and neck.
Skin appears light pink because of blood vessels close to its surface.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Walking and sitting
34 weeks 0 days (LMP) 32 weeks 0 days (gestational)
Your baby weighs almost 5 pounds (2.28 kg) by this week. Its crown-to-rump length is about 12.8 inches (32 cm). Total length is 19.8 inches (44 cm).
I am not sure if I have ever been so tired, sore and cranky in my entire life. I have been in training all this week. Not such a bad thing usually but this training is in a specific computer language which is pretty darn boring and puts me to sleep. It is a full 8 hour day when I am used to working only 5 hours. Plus it involves a lot of walking since I have been taking the metro into the city and walking several blocks to and from the station and training center. My bladder and pelvic floor muscles may never be the same. Add to that a long day of sitting in one place and well the results aren't terribly pretty. Plus I was the only female in the class and a very pregnant one at that. Every time I moved someone was looking at me like I was going to explode at any moment. Happily, the management gave me my own personal key to the restroom ... that simplified matters a bit.
Anyhow, doing well .... just tired, sore and a little bit cranky. I had my midwife appointment and I have gained 8 pounds in the last month. The little guy is packing on some fat now.
White fat builds up underneath skin, making fetus appear lighter in color.
Your baby weighs almost 5 pounds (2.28 kg) by this week. Its crown-to-rump length is about 12.8 inches (32 cm). Total length is 19.8 inches (44 cm).
I am not sure if I have ever been so tired, sore and cranky in my entire life. I have been in training all this week. Not such a bad thing usually but this training is in a specific computer language which is pretty darn boring and puts me to sleep. It is a full 8 hour day when I am used to working only 5 hours. Plus it involves a lot of walking since I have been taking the metro into the city and walking several blocks to and from the station and training center. My bladder and pelvic floor muscles may never be the same. Add to that a long day of sitting in one place and well the results aren't terribly pretty. Plus I was the only female in the class and a very pregnant one at that. Every time I moved someone was looking at me like I was going to explode at any moment. Happily, the management gave me my own personal key to the restroom ... that simplified matters a bit.
Anyhow, doing well .... just tired, sore and a little bit cranky. I had my midwife appointment and I have gained 8 pounds in the last month. The little guy is packing on some fat now.
My 34 week belly picture ... fresh off the beach :)
From Visembryo:
Fetus rests on uterus - no longer floating.
HEAD
Eyes open during alert times and close during sleep. Eye color is usually blue, regardless of the permanent color as pigmentation is not fully developed. Final formation of eye pigmentation requires exposure to light and usually happens a few weeks after birth.
ABDOMEN
Fetus begins to develop its own immune system.
LIMBS
Fingernails reach over finger tips and fetus can scratch itself.
White fat builds up underneath skin, making fetus appear lighter in color.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
If one more person ....
32 weeks 0 days (LMP) 30 weeks 0 days (gestational)
By this week, your baby weighs almost 4 pounds (1.8 kg). Crown-to-rump length is over 11.6 inches (29 cm), and total length is 18.9 inches (42 cm).
asks me when my due date is then sneaks a peak at my belly and groans and wishes me luck I might have to cry. The beginning of July really does seem a long way off and I am getting huge. Not body huge just belly huge. I had no idea a baby could get this out front. I look like I have a projectile belly. The worst part is I am constantly banging it into everything. If the boy doesn't end up with brain damage of some sort it will be a miracle. It doesn't help that the boy still spends a lot of time in a transverse breech position which just really hurts me. It makes it hard to walk without getting pretty bad sciatic nerve pain and sitting is nearly impossible. His head literally sticks out and forms a bulge in my side ... I have no idea how he can find this position even remotely comfortable because I know I don't. From pictures it looks like I am now looking as big as I did with Jaida at 36 weeks or so and the little dude actually feels heavy. This does not bode well for the next 8 weeks or so since I tend to do all my growing at the end of the pregnancy.
My 32 weeks belly picture ...
Toenails are fully formed. Because of the lack of space in the uterus, the legs are drawn up in what is known as the fetal position.
By this week, your baby weighs almost 4 pounds (1.8 kg). Crown-to-rump length is over 11.6 inches (29 cm), and total length is 18.9 inches (42 cm).
asks me when my due date is then sneaks a peak at my belly and groans and wishes me luck I might have to cry. The beginning of July really does seem a long way off and I am getting huge. Not body huge just belly huge. I had no idea a baby could get this out front. I look like I have a projectile belly. The worst part is I am constantly banging it into everything. If the boy doesn't end up with brain damage of some sort it will be a miracle. It doesn't help that the boy still spends a lot of time in a transverse breech position which just really hurts me. It makes it hard to walk without getting pretty bad sciatic nerve pain and sitting is nearly impossible. His head literally sticks out and forms a bulge in my side ... I have no idea how he can find this position even remotely comfortable because I know I don't. From pictures it looks like I am now looking as big as I did with Jaida at 36 weeks or so and the little dude actually feels heavy. This does not bode well for the next 8 weeks or so since I tend to do all my growing at the end of the pregnancy.
My 32 weeks belly picture ...
From Visembryo:
Body growth slows down.
HEAD
Rapid brain growth continues and head size increases as the growing brain pushes the skull outward creating more surface convolutions. This quick growth increases the number of interconnections between individual nerve cells. The iris is colored and the pupil reflexes responding to light. Head hair grows thicker.
Toenails are fully formed. Because of the lack of space in the uterus, the legs are drawn up in what is known as the fetal position.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Woohoo!!!! 30 Weeks Pregnant
30 weeks 0 days (LMP) 28 weeks 0 days (gestational)
At this point in your pregnancy, your baby weighs about 3 pounds (1.35 kg). Its crown-to-rump length is a little over 10.8 inches (27 cm), and total length is 17 inches (38 cm).
The average weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds. About half of this weight is concentrated in the growth of the uterus, the baby and the placenta, and in the volume of amniotic fluid. This growth is mostly in the front of your abdomen and in your pelvis, where it is noticeable to you. You may experience increasing discomfort in your pelvis and abdomen as pregnancy progresses. At this point, you should be gaining about a pound a week.
I am not sure why this feels like such a milestone but it really does. I guess maybe thinking about there only being 10 weeks left in the pregnancy really helps. I am FINALLY starting to feel bonded to this baby. It happened much later this time around than it did with Jaida (I think?). Not sure why though. I guess up until now I was kind of going through the motions of pregnancy but I have Jaida that I needed to care for. I guess it just took the focus off the pregnancy a bit. The boy definitely is developing his own personality though. He definitely does not enjoy tight spaces and seems to spend a good portion of his day looking for a way out. :) He stretches his arms and legs frequently throughout the day. He also does not appear to sleep ... this is a tad worrisome. He doesn't like anything (even my hand) pressing against my belly ... he will immediately rearrange himeself to try to kick it off .... feisty little bugger.
I had my 30 week appointment with the midwives yesterday ... uneventful as always. I gained some weight but not too much or too little. I think I am around 122 pounds now. Really not much to say other than that. We are making great strides in getting all the preps made for the homebirth. Every now and again I feel the tiniest amount of apprehension regarding giving birth at home but then my wonderful midwives remind me that it is completely doable ... even if he is a really big baby. Joe also reminds me how well I did during Jaida's labor and how much more relaxing it will be at home. It all really helps.
My 30 week belly picture ...
From Visembryo:
Brain Surface Convolution
HEAD
Fetal brain's surface appears wrinkled. These convolutions provide more surface area and maximize brain cells. Rhythmic breathing and body temperature are now controlled by the brain.
Lanugo hair has disappeared almost completely, except on back and shoulders. Head hair is present.
LIMBS
Production of red blood cells is entirely taken over by the bone marrow.
SKIN
Skin begins to smoothen as fat deposits accumulate underneath. The fat insulates and is an energy source.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Midwife Appointment
28 weeks 0 days (LMP) 26 weeks 0 days (gestational)
Your baby weighs about 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg). Crown-to-rump length is close to 10 inches (25 cm). Total length is 15.75 inches (35 cm).
Your baby weighs about 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg). Crown-to-rump length is close to 10 inches (25 cm). Total length is 15.75 inches (35 cm).
Until this time, the surface of the baby's developing brain has appeared smooth. At around 28 weeks of pregnancy, the brain forms characteristic grooves and indentations on the surface. The amount of brain tissue also increases.
Your baby's eyebrows and eyelashes may be present. Hair on the baby's head is growing longer. The baby's body is becoming plumper and rounder. It's beginning to fill out a little because of increased fat underneath the skin. Before this time, the baby had a thin appearance.
Your baby now weighs about 2.4 pounds (1,100 grams). This is an amazing growth compared to just 11 weeks ago, when it weighed only about 3.5 ounces (100 g) at 17 weeks of pregnancy. Your baby has increased its weight more than 10 times in 11 weeks! In the last 4 weeks, from the 24 th weeks of your pregnancy to this week, its weight has doubled. Your baby is growing rapidly!
We have closely followed the baby's weight gain in this book. The placenta is also growing at a rapid rate. At 10 weeks' gestation, the placenta weighed about 0.7 ounce (20 g). Ten weeks later, at 20 weeks' gestation, it weighs almost6 ounces (170 g). In another 10 weeks, the placenta will have increased 10 15 ounces (430 g). At full term, 40 weeks, it can weigh almost 1.5 pounds (650 g)!
This is such an exciting time. Mostly because the baby is really starting to look like a baby. Also, because his movements are so much bigger and stronger at this point. He is quite the gymnist, apparently. Also, very exciting because we are at the point of viability. If the boy was born now he would stand a good chance of survival with a hospital stay which is a wonderful feeling.
I had my GTT (glucose tolerance test) to screeen for Gestational Diabetes today as well as a blood draw for a CBC yesterday. Today the results are back and I do not have GD which is wonderful ... not that I thought the results would show anything else. The midwife did say that my iron levels are in the normal range but on the low side of normal. I did some research and decided to start taking an iron supplement. I have really been feeling sluggish lately and think this might be part of the reason. I am going to take a liquid supplement called Floradix that is suppose to be very easy on the system. Let's hope!
Here is my 28 week belly picture:
Week 28 ... Brain Surface Convolution
HEAD
Fetal brain's surface appears wrinkled. These convolutions provide more surface area and maximize brain cells. Rhythmic breathing and body temperature are now controlled by the brain.
Lanugo hair has disappeared almost completely, except on back and shoulders. Head hair is present.
LIMBS
Production of red blood cells is entirely taken over by the bone marrow.
SKIN
Skin begins to smoothen as fat deposits accumulate underneath. The fat insulates and is an energy source.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
We are home
26 weeks 0 days (LMP) 24 weeks 0 days (gestational)
weight: 118 pounds
waist: 34 inches
Your baby now weighs almost 2 pounds (910 g). By this week, its crown-to-rump length is around 9.2 inches (23 cm). Your baby is beginning to put on weight.
weight: 118 pounds
waist: 34 inches
Your baby now weighs almost 2 pounds (910 g). By this week, its crown-to-rump length is around 9.2 inches (23 cm). Your baby is beginning to put on weight.
The measurement of your uterus is about 2.5 inches (6 cm) above your belly button or nearly 10.5 inches (26 cm) from your pubic symphysis. During this second half of pregnancy, you will grow about 0.4 inch (1 cm) each week. If you have been following a nutritious, balanced meal plan, your total weight gain is probably between 16 and 22 pounds.
We are back from California. We had a great trip. We visitied with lots of family. We also spent a few days roaming through Disneyland, SeaWorld, and the LA Arboretum. It was fun but exhausting ... I am really beginning to feel this pregnancy. I had a few minor contractions while we were away but nothing to really worry over. I am VERY glad to be home.
My 26 week belly pic ...
Brain wave patterns resemble those of a full term baby at birth.
HEAD
Forebrain enlarges to cover all other developed brain structures, while still maintaining its hemisphere divisions. Eyes are partially open and eyelashes present. Sucking and swallowing improves.
THORAX
Lungs are capable of breathing air.
ABDOMEN
Fetal body is two to three percent body fat.
PELVIS
Testes of male fetuses are completely descended.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
A small update from California
24 weeks 0 days (LMP) 22 weeks 0 days (gestational)
weight: 115 pounds
waist: 33 inches
weight: 115 pounds
waist: 33 inches
By this week, your baby weighs about 1.2 pounds (540 g). Its crown-to-rump length is about 8.4 inches (21 cm).
Your baby is filling out. Its face and body look more like that of an infant at the time of birth. Although it weighs a little over a pound at this point, it is still tiny.
We had a frightening time leading up to going away. Yesterday morning as I was driving into work I was in a pretty bad car accident. A young driver pulled out in front of a school bus , the school bus rear-ended him and sent him spinning across three lanes of traffic. He then hit me nearly head-on but instead scraped all the way down the driver's side of the van. Luckily, Jaida was not in the car with me and the dude is pretty well padded still. Anyhow, the accident left me feeling rattled and unsure of everything. When the paramedics arrived I actually felt okay albeit a tad shaken. All of my airbags deployed so luckily I was very cushioned from the initial impact. Joe came from work and took me home. Later that morning I called my midwife and she demanded that I go to the ER to be checked out since we had plans to travel the next day. So off to the ER we go. After about 4-5 hours in the ER they send me up to L & D for monitoring and some testing. I go up to L & D and they strap me to the monitors and sure enough I was contracting pretty regularly. So I ended up with about 4 bags of IV fluids as they tried to stop the contractions. Eventually, they loaded me in a chair and took me for an ultrasound. The little dude was no worse for the wear ... he was bopping all around. The placenta was still well attached, there were no bleeds and my cervix was still long and closed. So after a quick check by the OB on call, some more fluids, a blood test for something or the other, and a meal I was released. The OB gave me the reluctant okay to travel as long as I promised to take it really easy for a couple of days, drink a lot and go to the ER if I have any problems. So now we are safely in CA. I plan on resting tomorrow and then going from there. Happily, our insurance company is great and are handling everything while we are away. Hopefully, this will still be a good trip.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Getting ready for travel
23 weeks 0 days (LMP) 21 weeks 0 days
Your baby now weighs about 1 pound (455 g), and its crown-to-rump length is about 8 inches (20 cm). The baby is about the size of a small doll.
Your baby now weighs about 1 pound (455 g), and its crown-to-rump length is about 8 inches (20 cm). The baby is about the size of a small doll.
Your baby is continuing to grow. Its body is getting plumper, but its skin is still wrinkled because it will gain even more weight. Lanugo hair on the body occasionally turns darker at this time. The baby's face and body begin to assume more of the appearance of an infant at birth.
The baby's pancreas is developing. This organ is important in hormone production, particularly insulin production; insulin is necessary for the body to break down and to use sugar. When the fetus is exposed to high blood-sugar levels, the fetal pancreas responds by increasing the blood-insulin level. Insulin has been identified in a fetal pancreas as early as 9 weeks of pregnancy. Insulin in fetal blood has been detected as early as 12 weeks of pregnancy.
We leave for California a week from today. The trip promises to leave me feeling exhausted. We have much planned. I will update when we return.Wednesday, March 01, 2006
BIG Movements
22 weeks 0 days (LMP) 20 weeks 0 days (Gestational)
weight: 113 pounds
waist: 32.5 inches
This little dude doesn't move constantly like Jaida did at this point but when he does it feels like he is trying to climb out of my body. Total monkey craziness. It is strange for the baby to already be distorting my belly with his movements.
Things are going well. The heartburn is still completely out of control but with lots of Tums I can at least function. Otherwise no real complaints.
Joe and I (well mostly me) are on a mission to get Jaida's new room painted and ready for her so we can get the nursery set up. I am feeling a strong need for organization right now and the room project is sort of a dominoe effect ... one thing needs to happen so everything else can be finished. We just need more time. I bought baby boy a new crib bedding set. It is a nice pastel moon and stars set and will go well with the existing pale yellow walls. I also bought a cute litte stars and moon mobile for the crib and a nightlight sort of lamo that is a yellow cresent moon with a blue star ... very soft lighting and sweet. All I really need/want now to complete the baby's room is a nice rug and some letters to spell out his name on the wall above his crib.
Jaida's new room will be a bit fancier but I will let her decorate it as much as she wants. I also bought baby boy a nice little miracle blanket just in case he (unlike his sister) will tolerate swaddling and back sleeping. http://www.miracleblanket.com/
I will post some new 22 week belly shots this afternoon.
weight: 113 pounds
waist: 32.5 inches
Your baby now weighs about 12.25 ounces (350 g), and its crown-to-rump length is about 7.6 inches (19 cm).
Your baby continues to grow; its body is getting larger everyday. The baby's eyelids and even the eyebrows are developed. Fingernails are also visible.This little dude doesn't move constantly like Jaida did at this point but when he does it feels like he is trying to climb out of my body. Total monkey craziness. It is strange for the baby to already be distorting my belly with his movements.
Things are going well. The heartburn is still completely out of control but with lots of Tums I can at least function. Otherwise no real complaints.
Joe and I (well mostly me) are on a mission to get Jaida's new room painted and ready for her so we can get the nursery set up. I am feeling a strong need for organization right now and the room project is sort of a dominoe effect ... one thing needs to happen so everything else can be finished. We just need more time. I bought baby boy a new crib bedding set. It is a nice pastel moon and stars set and will go well with the existing pale yellow walls. I also bought a cute litte stars and moon mobile for the crib and a nightlight sort of lamo that is a yellow cresent moon with a blue star ... very soft lighting and sweet. All I really need/want now to complete the baby's room is a nice rug and some letters to spell out his name on the wall above his crib.Jaida's new room will be a bit fancier but I will let her decorate it as much as she wants. I also bought baby boy a nice little miracle blanket just in case he (unlike his sister) will tolerate swaddling and back sleeping. http://www.miracleblanket.com/
I will post some new 22 week belly shots this afternoon.
From Visembryo:
Week 20 Post Fertilization...
Fetus may suck on thumb.
HEAD
Extremely rapid brain growth (which lasts until five years after birth) begins.
Eyebrows and scalp hair become more visible and fetus blinks more often. Lanugo covers body completely, although concentrated around head, neck and face.
THORAX
Heart beat grows stronger.
PELVIS
Testes of male fetuses begin descending from the pelvis into the scrotum.
LIMBS
Legs approach final length and proportion relative to body. Arms and legs move with more force, as muscles strengthen. Skeleton hardens. Hand strength improves.
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