Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Decisions

There are a lot of decisions to make when preparing for a new baby. As first time parents, we want the best for our little one, but don't have the extra funds to splurge on the best crib or top of the line car seat. I've been doing a lot of research and have finally found a crib- that's well rated and within our budget. It's the Graco Lauren Classic Convertible Crib (in Espresso). It is simple, yet elegant in style. The sides are stationary, which is extremely important! Have you heard about the major recall on Simplicity drop side cribs?? The mattress adjusts to 3 different heights depending on the age of the baby. It also transitions easily to a toddler bed, daybed and full size headboard. The best part is that you don't have to buy a separate conversion kit to change the crib to a toddler bed or daybed. All of the pieces are included. And get this- it's only $159.99! I found it at Target and hope to purchase it soon! I'm so excited! There is also a matching changing table for $79.99!

P.S.- I got the results from the Ultrascreen (the blood work is in) and everything looks fine! Phew!! Such a relief! I feel like I can finally stop worrying and breath!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I have a lot to be thankful for this year! :)

Monday, November 23, 2009

13 Weeks 3 Days

It's official- I'm in the 2nd trimester!! Woo-hoo!! :) Here is what's going on with Baby V this week: fingerprints have formed on his/her tiny fingertips, veins and organs are clearly visible through the still-thin skin, and the body is starting to catch up with the head — which makes up just a third of his/her body size now. If we're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Our baby is almost 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce. Last week I had 2 appointments: an ultrascreen and a regular appointment. The ultrascreen was really neat! We got to see our baby for almost 30 minutes as the ultrasound technician took measurements and labeled all the body parts. She was very nice and showed us everything from the stomach and the bladder- pretty cool!. Everything looked good! I'm still waiting for the results from the blood test- they should be in within the next day or so.

The next day I had my regular appointment. I went by myself to this one, since Luis was in a training at work. My doctor is very impressed at how well things are going, considering how the pregnancy started off. I got to hear the heartbeat- in the 140 bpm range. I still have to take it easy... she said at least until I'm well into the 2nd trimester. I also made an appointment to get the H1N1 vaccine.

Awkward story from today-- Part of my job in Human Resources is to conduct New Hire Orientation. I stand in the front of a room for a few hours presenting material about the company to new employees. So today was orientation and we just broke for a break. One of the new hires comes up to me and says,

"I didn't know you were expecting."
Me ::blank stare:: "How do you know?"
He says, "I can tell; you are showing."
Me ::blank stare:: "Oh, well I haven't told anyone yet..."

Luckily my co-worker walked in and interrupted the conversation. Thank goodness no one overheard! I didn't realize my growing stomach was noticeable to others! I've been wearing loose fitting tops and blouses, so I didn't think it was obvious! I decided after that awkward moment that I better let the VP of HR know I'm pregnant before she hears it from someone else. A few hours later I go into her office and share my news. She says, "I knew you were pregnant; I could tell. You are showing!" hahaha!

Survey time!!

* How far along?: 13 Weeks 3 Days
* Total weight gain: 2 lbs.
* How big is baby?: Our little bean is now the size of a shrimp.
* Sex: January 5th is the big day!
* Maternity clothes?: Yes- I have been wearing maternity pants to work. They are so comfortable!
* Stretch marks?: No
* Sleep?: Awesome! Can't get enough of it!
* Best moment this week? Sharing the news with family and friends. I will be sharing the news with my coworkers tomorrow!
* Movement?: I know it's too soon, but I'm feeling flutters; Luis calls it gas! haha
* Food cravings?: Still protein and water
* Labor signs?: No
* Belly button in or out?: In
* What I miss: I know I'm weird, but cleaning on my hands and knees!
* What I'm looking forward to: Thanksgiving and spending time with my sisters all together!!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

12 weeks!

Today marks the start of my 12th week being pregnant. According to babycenter.com, from crown to rump, our baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long, about the size of a lime and weighs half an ounce. The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Our baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, toes will curl, eye muscles will clench, and the mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if I prod my abdomen (which I tend to do a lot!), our baby will squirm in response, although it's too soon for me to feel it. Our baby's intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into the abdominal cavity about now, and the kidneys will begin excreting urine into the bladder. Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in our baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. The baby's face looks unquestionably human: the eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his/her head, and the ears are right where they should be.



I have two appointments this week. On Tuesday, I will be heading to the Women's Health Center at the hospital for an ultrascreen. This is an early test that screens pregnancies to identify those at increased risk of having Down syndrome or Trisomy 18. By combining a blood test and a special ultrasound, a very high percentage of pregnancies likely to have these problems can be identified earlier than previously possible. Then on Wednesday, I have my regular appointment with my OB. I've been going to the OB every two weeks, so I'm hoping after this appointment she will give me the clear and we can schedule appointments every 4 weeks.


Survey time!!


* How far along?: 12 Weeks

* Total weight gain: I don't own a scale, nor do I want to. I'm not sure how much I've gained; I will find out on Wednesday.

* How big is baby?: Our little bean is now the size of a lime.

* Sex: Still too early to find out. 20 weeks

* Maternity clothes?: Yes- I have been wearing maternity pants to work. They are so comfortable!

* Stretch marks?: Nope, but I'm lathering on Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion constantly!

* Sleep?: I'm still great, and not complaining! I'm very fortunate that I do not have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom!

* Best moment this week? Looking forward to my two appointments, seeing our little bean and hearing the heart beat!

* Movement?: Not yet!

* Food cravings?: Protein and water

* Labor signs?: No

* Belly button in or out?: In

* What I miss: Same as two weeks ago, a nice cocktail after a stressful day at work...

* What I'm looking forward to: Same as two weeks ago, my belly popping and not looking like I have a beer gut!

* Words of Wisdom: Through all the mood swings, appreciate the loved ones around you!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

A BABY!

We are pregnant! I can't believe it! I have wanted a baby for so long and finally our time has come! We are due at the end of May 2010 and I can't wait!

On September 19th, 2009 I took a home pregnancy test and to my surprise it came back positive!!


The pregnancy has been rough up until now. There have been some complications, but I'm feeling much better and our baby is doing wonderful!!

I will be doing these surveys periodically throughout my pregnancy... Enjoy!

* How far along?: 10Weeks
* Total weight gain: Down 2 pounds?!? That's what the scale read! It certainly doesn't feel like that- I feel fat and bloated!
* How big is baby?: Our little bean is now the size of a kumquat - a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom - and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce.
*Sex: We will be finding out, but it's too early. We need to wait until 20 weeks.
* Maternity clothes?: Not yet. My pants are getting tight and becoming difficult to button. I just bought a Belly Band (best investment ever) and it's my new best friend!
* Stretch marks?: Nope
* Sleep?: Best sleep of my life... I just wish I got more of it!
* Best moment this week? Being able to eat a meal and not feel disgustingly nausea afterwards!
* Movement?: Not yet!
* Food cravings?: I've had more food aversions than cravings. White foods and that Black Taco from Taco Bell gross me out! YUCK!! (Just typing that makes me sick!!)
* Labor signs?: No
* Belly button in or out?: Completely in and looks exactly the same!
* What I miss: A nice cocktail after a stressful day at work...
* What I'm looking forward to: My belly popping and not looking like I have a beer gut!
* Words of Wisdom: Stay positive!