So we're in the final stretch as the baby is due to arrive in 8 short weeks. Here's another look back to how he has grown...
19 Weeks: This week is all about brain development. I started taking a fish oil supplement along with my pre-natal vitamin during this time. It's so interesting to know that my baby is developing key sensory organs such as taste, touch, sight, and smell just like all of us. He currently weighs 8.5 oz and is 6 inches long. Still, very tiny.
20 Weeks = Halfway = 5 Months: We made it. We're half way there. We now start measuring head to toe instead of head to rump. Although he's only the size of a banana, weighing in at 10.5 oz, he's swallowing more frequently and building a stronger digestive system. This is when the doctor told me to expect to gain a pound a week. How exciting!
21 Weeks: Those early flutters I used to feel have turned into full blown karate kicks. We soon got to know each other's sleep schedules with the frequent activity. I remember feeling really good during this point in the 2nd trimester. I Almost forgot I was pregnant, until he kicked me. During this time, he weight about 3/4 of a pound and 10.5 in long.
22 Weeks: He's finally 1lb and looking more and more like a normal newborn as his eyes, eyebrows and lips are rapidly developing. He's also developing gums for his future teeth. Something that we wouldn't think to imagine could form in the womb.
23 Weeks: Studies have shown that 30 minutes a day of listening to classical music will enhance a baby's cognitive development. This is the time to start this phenomenon. During this week he is finally able to hear and feel me move, sway or dance. He feels my emotions and knows my voice. I believe it's so important to talk to him and let him know who I am. He's beginning to become a big boy weighing in at over a pound and measuring 11 inches long.
24 Weeks = 6 Months: Even though he's only measuring the size of an ear of the cob, he's beginning to fill out proportionally as brain development is still in the works as well as taste buds, and the branches of his lungs form his respiratory system.
25 Weeks: The wrinkled skin he used to have is becoming smoother and looking more like a newborn's skin. He started to hiccup at this point which became a tinkling sensation to me. One thing I did start to notice during this stage in the pregnancy was how thick and luscious my hair became because of new hormones. One of the highlights in pregnancy! Our baby boy is continuing to grow as he weighs 1.5lbs and measure 13.5 in long.
26 Weeks: At this week, nerve development is forming as well as enhanced hearing. Two important factors for a newborn. My favorite line is, "baby has ears," if someone was using profanity or vulgar language. I feel so protective of him and not want to corrupt him at such a young age. Biblically, we as parents are key components and held responsible for our baby's upbringing. During this week he'll grow to about 14 inches long.
27 Weeks = 7 months: This is the last week in the 2nd trimester, which has treated me very well. We started our Childbirth Education Classes that we'll continue to go to for the next six weeks. I felt as though I know my baby's schedule by now. When he sleeps, when he wakes, and his most active time of the day. Traveling was harsh as I felt as though I grew very large overnight. Being able to pre-board while flying to Florida was a treat. During this week brian development is almost completed and if needed to preform an emergency c-section, his lungs would be able to work on their own- with a lot of medical help. Fortunately this isn't the case. He's weighing in at just 2 lbs and measuring about 14.5 inches long.
28 Weeks: This is the first week of the last trimester. I was tested to the gestational diabetes test, which I passed. It's a great feeling to know that we're in the final stretch of the pregnancy. Preparations are now starting to begin as our monthly doctor visits have turned into bi-weekly visits and I'm expected to gain another 11 lbs. This week is all about eyes. Blinking, and knowing the difference between lightness and darkness through the womb. Billions of neurons are also developing in the brain for the real world activity. He's growing steadily weighing in at 2.25lbs and 14.8 inches long.
29 Weeks: I bravely ventured off to Florida during this week for my baby shower. I could definitely tell the difference from when we flew just 3 weeks prior for Christmas to how much I've grown. Unfortunately, no more long trips for me until he's born. During this time he's measuring the size of a butternut squash at 15 inches long and 2.5 lbs. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and an increase of vitamin C and calcium is recommended for me to ensure strong bones when he's born. He became very active at this point as we continued to speak to him.
30 Weeks: The nursery is looking more like a nursery these days as we rearrange our storage space to make room for the crib and dresser. We also took a visit through the labor and delivery room of the hospital. This eased my anxiety a few notches. My co-workers also gave me a surprise baby shower so we have even more essential necessities such as wipes, clothes and blankets. Braxton Hicks contractions have occurred, which are very uncomfortable. During this week it's interesting to find out why babies close their eyes so frequently when they're newborns. Their vision is a merely a 20/400. Weighing in at a hefty 3lbs and measuring 15.7 inches long, he's growing at a very healthy rate.
31 Weeks = 8 months: This is the time preparations are happening at work as well as home. Meetings with HR about my leave and training a new person for my job has made me realize that everything is becoming all too surreal. Starting to pack a little at a time has made Jim realize the time is approaching us very shortly. Since it's winter time, my main goal isn't to slip or fall on black ice, and I have accomplished this quite well. It has also become increasing difficult to put on snow boots and move as fast as I used to. I try to walk a mile a day because walking reduces labor pains and exercise doesn't hurt anyone. Ironically, he's going to be heading into a huge growth spurt in the next few weeks. He can also turn his head, open and close his hands and eyes on his own and does an excellent job resting on my blatter. He's developing more fat as well. Weighing in at 3.3 lbs and measuring 16 inches long, I don't know how much bigger I can get without having difficulty breathing.
2.04.2010
11.10.2009
Pop Goes the Belly
Being pregnant has brought so many realizations to me that I would'nt have thought about if I did not have another human being to take care of. The planning process is one of the most scrutinizing parts of the entire thing. Money, maternity leave, and how to tell the boss can be very overwhelming.
I wanted to create this entry a while ago, however, due to the overwhelming exhuastion that comes with pregnancy, I am just getting to it now. Better late than never right? Here's a little layout of what I have discovered over the past 18 weeks.
Week 1 & 2: You're not actually pregnant yet. You're body is in the prep period, therefore this is around the time you are able to successfully concieve. Ergo, when people say pregnancy is nine months long, they're wrong.
Week 4: I skipped to week four because this was when we had a positive test result. Heartburn city starts to form as well. Unfortunately, at this early in the stage, you can not take anything to heal the pain. Our baby is just a group of beautiful cells trying to make a place in the womb.
Week 5-7: If I said I was exhausted, I think that would be a complete understatement. There are no words to describe how incrediably whiped out you are at any given time of the day. I was lucky if I made it to bed at 6.30pm. Around this time we were able to hear our babies heart beat. The first beats were at a healthy 176bpm. Doctors say anything over 100 is considered healthy. The old waves tale says if it's over 140bpm then it's a girl.
Week 8: My morning, noon and night sickness was established. I say it like that because it was constant, unpredictable and absolutely miserable. I couldn't go into a grocery and not vomit from the invisible smells non-pregnant people smell. My sense of smell was the typical nose of a blood hound on a mission. During this time my baby formed webbed fingers and toes, and his/her eyelids practically covered their eyes. This is also the time we joked about our baby having a tail, that later forms the tail bone, which is very cool to see on an ultrasound.
Week 9: I started to show early. We attended a wedding at this week, and I was able to wear my first maternity dress. People think that when you are pregnant, you can eat whatever you want. You can't. You're only suppose to have 300 extra calories (depending on your normal weight) and to stay away from certain foods as well. So when attending events, be aware of what type of food will be prepared, if you can keep food down at all. During this time, the baby is the size of a grape and is forming tiny teeth, as well as different organs, muscles and nerves.
Weeks 10: This is the time I told my boss, who was over the hill estatic about the news. Since they were planning construction in our building, I wanted them to be aware of my condition. Normally, this doesn't happen until the second trimester. I remember still being tired and nauseas. Our baby actually looked like a baby in the ultrasound pictures, as it only weighed the amount of a quarter. Although I could't feel any movement during this time, the baby was very active.
Week 11: I remembered eating more foods during this time. Ice cream was not one of them. Anything "creamy" for that matter just didn't do well. It's fascinating how strong your food aversions are during pregnancy. At 11 weeks, our baby was busy doing water ballet as it formed tooth buds and bone structure.
Week 12: They say to always consult with your OB before traveling on a plane when your pregnant especially during the 1st trimester. I went to Florida during this week and did fine. During my time there, my baby developed reflexes as it's toes began to curl, and learned how to open and close its hands.
Week 13: 80% of pregnancy don't have sporadic spotting or bleeding. I was that 20% that did, which was scary. The doctor later concured that it was a tear near the membrane of the sak of the baby. No harm to the baby, however bedrest was the only cure. This is usually the time when people start making their official announcement. After you reach "lucky 13" without any serious problems, you're pretty much ok. My nausea turned off like a light switch which was great, however my bladder felt like it reduced drastically in size. I also had my monthly OB appointment, which they changed my due date from the initial April 6th to April 8th. Our baby formed its owned fingerprints and skin.
Week 14 = Second Trimester: I made it! A burst of energy, and a sigh of relief. The second trimester is treating me extremely well and for a moment I actually forgot I was pregnant! This is also the time people actually saw that I was pregnant and not just packing on a few lbs in the stomache area. The akward transitional phase of those size 4 pants to the elastic waste is prominant. During this week, it was interesting to find out that the baby forms a bladder and actaully pees inside me. Not only that, it can also squint grimace and frown. I remember looking at the ultrasound during this time and watching the baby actually suck it's own thumb.
Week 15: Since nausea and exhaustion are not a huge problem anymore, although I still have some food aversions, I noticed my appetite slowly increasing. People don't realize that yes, pregnant women due eat more, however it's in sporadic batches. I strive to eat five to six small meals a day. During this week, my baby was busy moving amniotic fluid through its nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in their lungs. Its legs are growing longer than their arms now, and he/she can move all of her joints and limbs. How cute! I also remember sitting in a meeting at work and feeling it move. It's almost like a popcorn affect, and very startling for the first time.
Week 16: This was a big week for us because not only did we find out the gender, but it was on my birthday! The ultrasound technician believed it would be a boy. The Boy-Girl party was a big hit and the cake was absolutely delish. I also had my monthly appointment with my OB and only gained 5 lbs throughout the last month! That still blows my mind. He also changed my due date once again from April 8th to April 4th. Happy Easter to us. A growth spirt happens during this time and I definately felt it. The baby is moving more, although he's not offically "kicking" me, I feel him squirming around.
Week 17: The Laigaments in my adomen are rapidly expanding, and I definately feel them. I'm noticing that I need to walk in increments. My feet are started to get swollen when I stand or walk for long periods. During this period the baby's skelelton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord, the lifeline to the placenta is growing stronger and thicker.
Week 18 = 5 months: I've been telling myself that I would start a regular excerise routine soon since I have more energy than before. It's beginning to become more uncomfortable when I cross my legs as the baby expands all throughout. Word to the wise: when a pregnant girl says she needs to use the restroom, she needs to go. Don't hold her back or else you'll probably be the one cleaning up the aftermath. During all this, the baby's blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.
People think that pregnancy is actually 36 weeks. It's technically 40. So we're almost half way through.
I wanted to create this entry a while ago, however, due to the overwhelming exhuastion that comes with pregnancy, I am just getting to it now. Better late than never right? Here's a little layout of what I have discovered over the past 18 weeks.
Week 1 & 2: You're not actually pregnant yet. You're body is in the prep period, therefore this is around the time you are able to successfully concieve. Ergo, when people say pregnancy is nine months long, they're wrong.
Week 4: I skipped to week four because this was when we had a positive test result. Heartburn city starts to form as well. Unfortunately, at this early in the stage, you can not take anything to heal the pain. Our baby is just a group of beautiful cells trying to make a place in the womb.
Week 5-7: If I said I was exhausted, I think that would be a complete understatement. There are no words to describe how incrediably whiped out you are at any given time of the day. I was lucky if I made it to bed at 6.30pm. Around this time we were able to hear our babies heart beat. The first beats were at a healthy 176bpm. Doctors say anything over 100 is considered healthy. The old waves tale says if it's over 140bpm then it's a girl.
Week 8: My morning, noon and night sickness was established. I say it like that because it was constant, unpredictable and absolutely miserable. I couldn't go into a grocery and not vomit from the invisible smells non-pregnant people smell. My sense of smell was the typical nose of a blood hound on a mission. During this time my baby formed webbed fingers and toes, and his/her eyelids practically covered their eyes. This is also the time we joked about our baby having a tail, that later forms the tail bone, which is very cool to see on an ultrasound.
Week 9: I started to show early. We attended a wedding at this week, and I was able to wear my first maternity dress. People think that when you are pregnant, you can eat whatever you want. You can't. You're only suppose to have 300 extra calories (depending on your normal weight) and to stay away from certain foods as well. So when attending events, be aware of what type of food will be prepared, if you can keep food down at all. During this time, the baby is the size of a grape and is forming tiny teeth, as well as different organs, muscles and nerves.
Weeks 10: This is the time I told my boss, who was over the hill estatic about the news. Since they were planning construction in our building, I wanted them to be aware of my condition. Normally, this doesn't happen until the second trimester. I remember still being tired and nauseas. Our baby actually looked like a baby in the ultrasound pictures, as it only weighed the amount of a quarter. Although I could't feel any movement during this time, the baby was very active.
Week 11: I remembered eating more foods during this time. Ice cream was not one of them. Anything "creamy" for that matter just didn't do well. It's fascinating how strong your food aversions are during pregnancy. At 11 weeks, our baby was busy doing water ballet as it formed tooth buds and bone structure.
Week 12: They say to always consult with your OB before traveling on a plane when your pregnant especially during the 1st trimester. I went to Florida during this week and did fine. During my time there, my baby developed reflexes as it's toes began to curl, and learned how to open and close its hands.
Week 13: 80% of pregnancy don't have sporadic spotting or bleeding. I was that 20% that did, which was scary. The doctor later concured that it was a tear near the membrane of the sak of the baby. No harm to the baby, however bedrest was the only cure. This is usually the time when people start making their official announcement. After you reach "lucky 13" without any serious problems, you're pretty much ok. My nausea turned off like a light switch which was great, however my bladder felt like it reduced drastically in size. I also had my monthly OB appointment, which they changed my due date from the initial April 6th to April 8th. Our baby formed its owned fingerprints and skin.
Week 14 = Second Trimester: I made it! A burst of energy, and a sigh of relief. The second trimester is treating me extremely well and for a moment I actually forgot I was pregnant! This is also the time people actually saw that I was pregnant and not just packing on a few lbs in the stomache area. The akward transitional phase of those size 4 pants to the elastic waste is prominant. During this week, it was interesting to find out that the baby forms a bladder and actaully pees inside me. Not only that, it can also squint grimace and frown. I remember looking at the ultrasound during this time and watching the baby actually suck it's own thumb.
Week 15: Since nausea and exhaustion are not a huge problem anymore, although I still have some food aversions, I noticed my appetite slowly increasing. People don't realize that yes, pregnant women due eat more, however it's in sporadic batches. I strive to eat five to six small meals a day. During this week, my baby was busy moving amniotic fluid through its nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in their lungs. Its legs are growing longer than their arms now, and he/she can move all of her joints and limbs. How cute! I also remember sitting in a meeting at work and feeling it move. It's almost like a popcorn affect, and very startling for the first time.
Week 16: This was a big week for us because not only did we find out the gender, but it was on my birthday! The ultrasound technician believed it would be a boy. The Boy-Girl party was a big hit and the cake was absolutely delish. I also had my monthly appointment with my OB and only gained 5 lbs throughout the last month! That still blows my mind. He also changed my due date once again from April 8th to April 4th. Happy Easter to us. A growth spirt happens during this time and I definately felt it. The baby is moving more, although he's not offically "kicking" me, I feel him squirming around.
Week 17: The Laigaments in my adomen are rapidly expanding, and I definately feel them. I'm noticing that I need to walk in increments. My feet are started to get swollen when I stand or walk for long periods. During this period the baby's skelelton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord, the lifeline to the placenta is growing stronger and thicker.
Week 18 = 5 months: I've been telling myself that I would start a regular excerise routine soon since I have more energy than before. It's beginning to become more uncomfortable when I cross my legs as the baby expands all throughout. Word to the wise: when a pregnant girl says she needs to use the restroom, she needs to go. Don't hold her back or else you'll probably be the one cleaning up the aftermath. During all this, the baby's blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.
People think that pregnancy is actually 36 weeks. It's technically 40. So we're almost half way through.
6.01.2009
A Stunning Realization
I was on my way to work one morning last week listening to Selah singing harmonious, old fashion hymns. It's my down time to myself in order to have patience and understanding throughout the day. (And it works). All of a sudden, the lead singer belted out, "All I have needed thy hands have provided." And it hit me as dawn as day: God has always provided me with what I have needed. Certainly, we don't need anything, but since he's an aswesome God he provides us with some perks to life. How cool is that? I then, without a doubt, thanked him for that.
5.15.2009
Blessed
I heard this song in the Hallmark store this evening and made me stop and think how truly blessed I am.
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
5.11.2009
The ABCs of Me!
A – Age: 25
B – Bed size: queen
C – Chore you hate: Oddly enough, I actually like cleaning.
D – Dog’s name: Allie.
E – Essential start your day item: Opening my eyes.
F - Favorite Color: Royal Blue.
G - Gold or Silver: Silver
H - Height: 5'1
I- Instruments you play: Piano.
J - Job Title: Customer Service Rep.
K - Kid(s): None.
L- Living Arrangements: A house with my Hubby.
M - Mom’s Name: Jean.
N - Nicknames: People usually just call me Erin. How original. :)
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Kidney infection at age 4.
Q - Quote from a movie: "I'll have what she's having."- When Harry met Sally.
R - Right or left handed: Leftie.
S - Siblings:1 sister, 1 sister-in-law, 1 brother-in-law.
T - Time you wake up: workday: 6:45 am weekend: 8:00 am
U - First word that comes to your mind for u: Unique.
V - Vegetable you like: Asparagus
W - Ways you run late: Worst pet peeve ever. If I am running late, I'm usually with Jim.
X - X-Rays you’ve had: MRI.
Y - Yummy food you make: everything - Corn pudding and taco casserole.
Z - Zoo favorite: Hippo.
B – Bed size: queen
C – Chore you hate: Oddly enough, I actually like cleaning.
D – Dog’s name: Allie.
E – Essential start your day item: Opening my eyes.
F - Favorite Color: Royal Blue.
G - Gold or Silver: Silver
H - Height: 5'1
I- Instruments you play: Piano.
J - Job Title: Customer Service Rep.
K - Kid(s): None.
L- Living Arrangements: A house with my Hubby.
M - Mom’s Name: Jean.
N - Nicknames: People usually just call me Erin. How original. :)
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Kidney infection at age 4.
Q - Quote from a movie: "I'll have what she's having."- When Harry met Sally.
R - Right or left handed: Leftie.
S - Siblings:1 sister, 1 sister-in-law, 1 brother-in-law.
T - Time you wake up: workday: 6:45 am weekend: 8:00 am
U - First word that comes to your mind for u: Unique.
V - Vegetable you like: Asparagus
W - Ways you run late: Worst pet peeve ever. If I am running late, I'm usually with Jim.
X - X-Rays you’ve had: MRI.
Y - Yummy food you make: everything - Corn pudding and taco casserole.
Z - Zoo favorite: Hippo.
4.23.2009
4.12.2009
Easter
I love Easter. It touches me emotionally than any other holiday. It's the message behind it that is so blunt, and true that you can't fake any remorse.
Jim and I went to Vermont for the weekend and visited his mom's church for an Easter service. Personally, you don't have to attend a church service in order to comprehend the story behind Easter. It's truly powerful in its own matter. Ergo, I'm blessed and truly thankful for growing up in a church that celebrated Easter with the whole nine yards.
We sang this song this morning and it literally put me in tears. Not obvious ones, but visible. With everything that is personally going on in out life, we still are truly blessed by what God has done with our marriage, our jobs, and our personal relationship with him.
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)
My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave
Jim and I went to Vermont for the weekend and visited his mom's church for an Easter service. Personally, you don't have to attend a church service in order to comprehend the story behind Easter. It's truly powerful in its own matter. Ergo, I'm blessed and truly thankful for growing up in a church that celebrated Easter with the whole nine yards.
We sang this song this morning and it literally put me in tears. Not obvious ones, but visible. With everything that is personally going on in out life, we still are truly blessed by what God has done with our marriage, our jobs, and our personal relationship with him.
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.
Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.
My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)
My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave
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