I am sure you know,

but we welcomed Ruby Elizabeth Collins into the world, August 20th @ 6:24. She was 7 lbs 8 oz and is 21 inches long. She is healthy and adorable. :) Nicole was with us and took a TON of pics, which I cannot wait to see. I will try and take a few pics here soon and post them.



I am excited to say that http://stickyfeathers.typepad.com/won the baby pool. Jenny-I will need your address...whenever you get a chance. l_feister@yahoo.com

More detailed post to come on our family blog later. :)

39 weeks

If you want to know my honest opinion, I didn't think that I would still be preggo at 39 weeks. I guess because I delivered Reyna before this point. Goes to show, pregnancies can be different.

Here is the scoop:

*Weight was the same with still a grand total of 44 pounds.
*BP, Urine were good
*Babies heartbeat was steady and strong.
*I had the midwive strip my membranes.

Since I had my membranes stripped, I thought for sure we would have had a baby by now. I guess I am just ready to be done. So far, no baby. Ever since, I have been having contractions, but nothing yet. Last night, they were getting pretty regular, but I went to bed and they stopped. I think this baby just likes where he/she is at.

As of this morning, I am still having contractions, but I am not going to think much of it. I am going to continue on with my day and just see what happens. We are headed out to take a walk here shortly before it gets too hot.

I have been twittering and will pretty much be updating that with anything that is going on.

38 weeks

I went to the doctor today....I was hoping for some good news, which I did hear. Before I arrived, I started having contractions that were starting to become regular. They didn't hurt, but they weren't that comfortable. My lower back was also starting to hurt.

I gained 2 more pounds, which puts me @ 142..meaning I have gained 44 pounds today. Whoa! That is all I have to say.

Heartbeat was good

Urine, Blood pressure were good

They did check me and I am dialted 1 cm and 50% effaced. This was what I was hoping to hear! I must admit, it did start to make me nervous. I mean, are we really going to have another baby soon? I have to go thru labor again? It's not going to be just the 3 of us??? Tracey (the midwive) said that the head was sitting very low and she didn't think labor would be too far away. She told me to go home and pack my bags and just relax. How can you do that when you know that you aren't far away from delivering???

My contractions haven't gone away. They have been pretty consistant all day, but they aren't really painful. They are leaving me a little crampy, but that's pretty much it. The movements of the baby do feel different. I can't explain, but they just are. They feel lower and leaving me with more pressure.

I will be updating twitter if anything happens. :)

BTW...did you vote in the pool???? I will accept votes until the day I go into labor. :) Happy voting.

36ish weeks

Went for my regular checkup today. I will start every week now. I am officially in the homestretch. A little scary, right? I don't know why, but I left the doctor a little bummed today. Maybe I am just ready to have this baby. I wanted Dr. P. to be like, "oohhh...you aren't going to be preggo much longer or you are dialted to a ____." Nope. Nothing of that sort. It's my hormones. I left there with a, "see you next week." :)

-I have officially gained 40 freaking pounds! Hello double chin. That is all I have to say.
-Heartbeat was in the 140's.
-I was checked for Group Strep B. The results will be back next week.
-Head is down and in position.
-Dr. P. estimated the baby was about 6 pounds right now.
-Although I am a little over 36 weeks, he measured me at 37 weeks.
-He went over all the details about when to head to labor and delivery. Instead of 5 minute apart contractions, it's gone to 7 for second time around labor.

I don't want to rush this baby here, but I am starting to feel miserable. My feet are swelling, my maternity clothes are starting to fit snug, I feel like I am carrying around a TON of weight and I am exhausted. On the other hand, I don't want to complain and rush the last couple of weeks because labor and another child around here, scare the shit out of me, too. :)

That's it for now.

Pretty much just ready

With five weeks left, give or take, I am just ready to have this baby. Last night I asked Jade if I felt this miserable in the end of my pregnancy with Reyna. He said yes, but I think it's worse this time since I am taking care of an energetic toddler this time around. I could be wrong.

Saturday morning, I started having a little bit of back cramping and it wrapped around to the front. This happened again on Sunday, too. I told my mom and she was like, "Leslie, those are contractions!" I never experienced those types of contractions with Reyna. Luckily, they went away, but I am praying I don't have back labor this time around. I have heard back labor=no fun. Then again, what type of labor is?!

Also, I had a leg cramp in the middle of the night two nights ago. It was the type that woke me out of a dead sleep. It hurt so bad, I could barely breath! My leg is still sore from that night. I won't miss that.

I have been having a TON of contractions. They last pretty much all day therefore, I am chugging water all day which = peeing all day! Last night, I went to Target and had to pee really bad. Guess what? The bathroom were closed for cleaning. I could have just died. Luckily, he must have been almost done and as soon as he wheeled his little cleaning cart away, I made a mad dash and peed a river!

We are just in the homestretch part of pregnancy and although it's bittersweet, we are ready to meet this little one. Did I mention that I cannot wait to know the sex either?

34 1/2 week appointment.

I went for a routine checkup today. Everything is looking good. Laura (the midwive) decided to check my cervix to see if I was dialated since I have been experiencing so many contractions. I wasn't dialated, but the baby is sitting very low with his/her head down. I figured that was the case. I am glad to know that the baby is in "ready" position.

I gained 2 pounds since the last time I was there for a total of 35 pounds thus far. What happened to my mom's theory that I wouldn't gain as much the second time around?!

Babies heartbeat was good and so was my pee.

I go back in two weeks and after that, I will start weekly appointments.

I think at this point, I am just ready to have this baby. I am ready, Jade is ready. It's just time, I think. The only part that makes me sad/nervous is Reyna and how she will handle the transition. I think we are all just anxious to meet this little peanut and find out what we are having. I will say, I am so proud of myself for not caving in and finding out.

hello

I head back to the doctors in a week, but I thought I would give you all a little update before then.

Feeling pretty good, just hot! I refuse to complain b/c its Michigan and I am just thankful that is is warm, but it definitely seems hotter out being pregnant. Yesterday, we headed to the pool which was heaven!

I am pretty much set when it comes to purchasing a few new baby things. I do need to pick up diapers, but other than that, I think we are set. WOW! Its hard to believe that we will have a baby in the house soon. It just doesn't seem real.

I need to do a little organizing in Reynas closet. I think that is going to be tackled this weekend.

As for the pregnancy, I am feeling pretty good, just tired at night. By 7, I am ready for bed. This baby is a mover and a shaker just like Reyna.

I will post more next week after my doctor appointment.

I love reading all of your guesses on Expectnet poll. Keep em' coming...:)

30 1/2 weeks

Had a doctor appt. today. For the next month of so, it's every 2 weeks until I start going every week. Just a few highlights of what happened.

-Gained 11 pounds, which puts me at a total of 29 thus far. I am blaming those 11 pounds on all those smores from our camping trip. I swear, I was being force fed! hahahah. Seriously, 11 pounds?! You can tell I am a little distraught about this.
-Heartbeat was strong and in the 130's.
-The baby was moving around like crazy!
-I guessed correct, the baby is head down already. It was about this time with Reyna, too.
-Passed my glucose test.
-Laura decided to check my cervix since I have been contracting so much. Luckily, it was closed.

How are we in the home stretch already?! Wasn't I just throwing up on Christmas day? It's gone by so fast. We are so ready to meet this little peanut and find out what he/she is.

I go back in two weeks. Hopefully, there won't be as much weight gain then.

27 (almost 28) weeks

Yes, it has been a while since I have posted. Not too much is new.

I went to the doctor last Thursday.

*Heartbeat was in the 140's.
*Total weight gain of 18 pounds so far (now remember, I don't count the pounds I lost and then gained...Remember, those were mine to start with)).
*Need to get my glucose checked, but I am doing that on Friday. I had Reyna with me last Thursday and it was bad enough we waited 1/2 hour extra for my appt.
*I have one more 4 week checkup and then it's every 2 weeks for me. WOW!

Well, here it is. I have set up a guess baby Collins on Expect Net. Please, go make a guess. :) I am so anxious to see all of your guesses.

I will give you this, I had Reyna 11 days early. She was 6 pounds 11 oz. and she was 20 3/4 inches long. She was born @ 7:49 am.

Happy Guessing.

23 week update

I went to the doctor last Friday and everything looked good.

-Heartbeat was in the 150's.
-Gained 4 pounds, which makes it a total of 11. Yeouch! I guess I should be honest and remind you that I lost 7 and gained that back, but do not count that in my 11. You can do the math. :)
-Reyna came with me and loved hearing the heartbeat. She was a good little lady during the appt. She just sat there in the chair, eating fruit snacks. I saw Dr. P. which made me want Reyna to be on her best behavior.
-I am measuring a week ahead. He didn't change my due date, but I'm okay with that. Maybe a little earlier than my actual due date? Reyna was 11 days ahead of schedule.
-Next time I go in, I have to head down to the lab first and have my glucose checked. Bleh!

As far as symptoms, I just love to eat and am very good at it. :) Everything sounds good. I polished off a box of chees-its last night b/c I saw a commercial for them and they looked delish. I am tired, but I am blaming that on a toddler who likes to get up at the crack of dawn. Still feeling a ton of movement. It's definitely getting stronger. Thus far, my pregnancy is going the same as Reyna's.

In a few weeks, I will be putting up a poll to see what you think we might be having. I am so anxious to see all of your guesses and there will be a prize in the end who has the closest guess.

21 weeks

Sorry for the dorky belly shot. Yes Em, it's a good pic, but I look like a dork. :)

Overall, I feel pretty good. I am feeling a ton of movement, which I love. I go back to the doctor next Friday and I am anxious to see what I weigh. I feel like all I have been doing it eating. I am tired all the time. I look forward to bedtime everynight. Not too much nausea, but on occasion, I do take a half zofran in the morning. I haven't been throwing up though. Hmmm..what else? Still no clue what the gender of this little peanut is. Jade & I both go back and forth. The acid reflux is still under control with the help of zantac once a day.

Ultrasound news and 19 week update

Our ultrasound was Friday. Did we find out?

Nope.

Yes, it was hard. But, it was fun watching the baby move. Everything looks good. I will get some ultraound pic's up tomorrow. I need to scan them.

As for the rest of the appointment..I have gained my 7 pounds back and gained another 9 on top of that. I guess I should clarify, not all that was from the past four weeks. 7 of them were, but not the rest. So, I am definitely gaining some weight. It's hard not to when I am hungry all. the. time. But, I feel healthy and glad to not be throwing up everyday.

I am still taking Zantac for acid reflux and heartburn. It is helping tremendously. I have also been experiencing some Braxton Hicks contractions. Nothing regular, just now and then. Everything seems to be happening faster this time around. It's a little scary.

For some reason, I am unable to cut and paste. This has happened before, so if you care to read the 19 week update, click here. :)

That's all for now...

For memories sake.

Jade felt the baby moving last night. Reyna felt movement this morning. Her face was priceless. She smiled and I knew she felt it. It makes me happy that she is acting interested in the baby. I am praying it will be an easy transition for her.

It is crazy, but this pregnancy is going just like Reynas thus far. Hmmmm...makes me curious what this little peanut is. :)

18 weeks

My routine visit and ultra sound are scheduled for this Friday @ 3. I can't wait to take a look at the little peanut. As of right now, we are still not finding out. I will keep you posted!

Your pregnancy: 18 weeks

How your baby's growing:Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His 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. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

17 weeks.

When I was writing my title, I wrote 17 pounds instead of weeks. Opps. I am starting to feel like I have gained 17 pounds. Well, not that many. But, I know I have packed on a few extra pounds. My belly is growing! I am no longer wearing "regular" pants. If I do, I can't w/out my bella band and I don't find that very comfortable. Big news...I am no longer taking Zofran! I stopped two days ago and I am feeling fine w/out. Also, I started taking Zantac. I can't remember if I mentioned that or not. I have been feeling movement, but nothing which Jade can feel just yet. As for my appetite? That's a whole-nother post. I have been eating a TON. I am always hungry. I guess it's better than the alternative, right?

This weekend, I am heading to Ann Arbor. I could really use a couple of new shirts. I thought
this skirt was cute. This shirt is cute, too.


17 week update
How your baby's growing:Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car — keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.


That's all for now. :)

16 weeks.

I started feeling flutters this past weekend. I forgot what a fun and exciting feeling it was. That was pretty much the highlight of this week as far as updates go. On Sunday, I didn't have to take a zofran, but needed to this morning. When is this nausea going to go away?! I think that I have had my fair share of it by now. Oh, and I am getting bigger. I can no longer wear my regular pants comfortably. You can definitely tell that I am pregnant now.


Okay, for some odd reason, but my computer isn't letting me cut and paste. It's ticking me off, so I here's the link if you are interested in reading the 16 week update. :)

15 week belly shot.

I tried to crop this pic, but it kept turning the wrong way when I would post it. Not sure why? Anyway, here's the bump. I went from sickly and gaunt to not fitting into my "normal" jeans.

14 Weeks.

Hello 2nd trimester! Here's to feeling somewhat normal again.

I just came back from my prenatal visit. Everything went well.

*I gained 3 pounds which put me back to my pre-pregnancy weight.
*She located the babies heartbeat right away. It was in the 150's.
*I scheduled my next visit on Jade's birthday (March 27th). I won't be quite 20 weeks, but we will have our ultrasound that day.
*She wrote me another prescription for Zofran, but I am hoping I won't even have to fill it.
*I have been dealing with some major acid/heartburn issues. She told me it was fine to start taking Zantac. Last night, I barely slept I had such bad acid reflux. Then again, I did have beach bar tomato soup for dinner. Oops. That was my fault.

14 weeks


How your baby's growing:This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:Welcome to your second trimester! Your energy is likely returning, your breasts may be feeling less tender, and your queasiness may have completely abated by now. If not, hang on — chances are good it will soon be behind you (although an unlucky few will still feel nauseated months from now).The top of your uterus is a bit above your pubic bone, which may be enough to push your tummy out a tad. Starting to show can be quite a thrill, giving you and your partner visible evidence of the baby you've been waiting for. Take some time to plan, daydream, and enjoy this amazing time. It's normal to worry a bit now and then, but try to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby, and having faith that you're well equipped for what's ahead.
Decision Guide: Should you find out the sex of your baby?Boy, girl — or big surprise? Sixty-four percent of mothers-to-be in a BabyCenter poll said they wanted to find out the sex of their baby ahead of time, while the rest preferred to wait. "We decided that the surprise of 'it's a boy!' or 'it's a girl!' is the same surprise at 5 months as it is at the birth," said Jessica. Michael disagreed: "I think the old-fashioned way is the best. Finding out before birth is like opening your Christmas presents before Christmas!" If you're still on the fence, here's a look at the pros and cons of each side. A word of caution: If you want to keep your baby's sex a secret, let your provider and the ultrasound technician know right away so they don't inadvertently blurt it out in the middle of an ultrasound exam or while reviewing your test results.Benefits of finding out:• Many women say they feel a deeper bond with the baby once they know the sex and can picture a little boy or girl.• You can prepare an older sibling for the arrival of a new little brother or sister.• You can narrow down your list of baby names.• You can pick out a gender-specific nursery theme or baby clothes, if you want to.Benefits of waiting:• You, your partner, and your family will have a delightful surprise on the day you give birth.• Your desire to know whether your baby is a boy or a girl might motivate you during the toughest parts of labor.• You'll be following in the tradition of your parents, your parents' parents, and so on.• There will be no mistakes — what you see is what you get!

13 weeks

I forgot to update last week. Oops.

Updates-

*I am feeling better! Thank goodness. I am still taking Zofran, but only a half tablet in the morning and that's it. Two days ago, I tried to skip it, but I started feeling sick so I hurried and took one. I cannot believe how much that stuff helps. I am hoping that I won't have to refill it and will be able to stop taking it in another week or so.
*I have been able to drink a cup or two of coffee here and there. It's tasting good again and I think it has stopped giving me heartburn/acid/indigestion. I am still sticking with herbal tea in the morning though.
*Food sounds good, but nothing really in particular. Grapefruit always sounds good, but it did before I was pregnant. Does that count as a craving? Burger King (I know, yuck) has sounded good several times and then I pay for it afterwards. I think I will be staying away from Whoppers for a while. It's just not worth it.
*I am starting to look a little different. My pants still fit, but my belly is starting to stick out just a touch. I NEED to take a picture for here and for memories sake.
*I have been listening to the heartbeat still with the dopplar. I love listening to that fast swooshing sound. Nothing better.
*If you ask Reyna, she still says she wants a sister. I don't think she truly knows what she is talking about, but it's fun to listen to her.
*I am going in Monday for my routine checkup. I HOPE I have gained some weight by that point.
*Tuesday, I am having a *bonus* ultrasound. I cannot wait. It was supposed to be last week, but my mom had to attend a funeral, so I rescheduled it so she could go. It's going to be super super hard not having Jade there (although he would love to, it's not our "official" ultrasound and he's working an hour away right now) and not asking the possible sex of the baby! Ahhhh. Self control, right?!
*This Saturday, I will officially be into my Second Trimester. Wow.

**********

Your pregnancy: 13 weeks
See the big picture
How your baby's growing:Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:This is the last week of your first trimester, and your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy. Next week marks the beginning of your second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women who see early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue subside. More good news: Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift around this time. Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow.

11 weeks.

Saturday, I made a trip to the ER due to dehydration. It started on Friday and progressed into Saturday morning. By 11, I had enough. I spent about 4 hours in the ER getting fluids and meds thru IV. I am so glad that I went in because I felt much better and the vomiting stopped. Hopefully, that was the last of my morning sickness. Today, I actually feel somewhat normal. I wasn't feeling sick when I woke up (thank you, zofran) and I had a "normal" morning.

Nicole let me borrow her dopplar so I was able to listen to the baby's heartbeat last night. It was definitely a reassuring feeling.

That's about all for now.

****11 weeks*****

How your baby's growing:Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:If you're like most women, you're feeling a bit more energetic now and your nausea may be starting to wane. Unfortunately, you may also be suffering from constipation (caused by hormonal changes, which can slow digestion) and heartburn (hormones again, relaxing the valve between your stomach and esophagus). Just remember, all this discomfort is for a good cause.Don't worry if nausea has made it impossible for you to eat a wide variety of healthy foods or if you haven't put on much weight yet (most women gain just 2 to 5 pounds during the first trimester). Your appetite will likely return soon, and you'll start to gain about a pound a week.Learn which of your symptoms are normal and which are a sign that something might be wrong. You're probably also wondering things like, Can I keep going to dance class? Could the air bags in my car hurt my baby? Which cold medications are safe to take now? Find out what's safe and what's not during pregnancy.

What sounds good?

For some reason, Claussen pickles have sounded and tasted good today. Guess how many I have had so far? 5. They aren't small either.

I guess it could be worse.

10 weeks.

I hit 10 weeks on Saturday. Only two more until the first trimester is over. It is going by fast. I went to the doctor yesterday. Just a few bits of info...

• I didn't gain any. I am still down 4 pounds, but haven't lost anymore. She wasn't over concerned and thinks in the next couple of weeks, I should start gaining. Let's hope so.
• We heard the heartbeat. I love that sound. It was in the 160's. It took her a while to find it and I was starting to get nervous, but she found it towards the end.
• She did an exam and everything is where it should be.
• I will go back @ 14 weeks.

Overall, I am starting to feel better. I have had a few bouts with throwing up, but it's definitely getting better. I am not really craving anything, just trying to eat small meals quite frequent. My main concern is getting my weight up. I have been having heartburn and acid issues, which didn't come until the end of my pregnancy last time. I forgot how much I didn't miss that feeling. I am still pretty tired, but it's cold, dreary and nasty here. This weather would make anyone tired.

*********

10 weeks.
How your baby's growing:Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:At your next prenatal visit, you may be able to hear your baby's rapid heartbeat with the help of a Doppler stethoscope, a handheld ultrasound device that your practitioner places on your belly. Many women say that the beating of their baby's tiny heart sounded like the thunder of galloping horses and hearing it for the first time was very moving.Before you got pregnant, your uterus was the size of a small pear. By this week, it's as big as a grapefruit. You may or may not be ready for maternity wear now. Even if you're not there yet, your regular clothes are probably feeling uncomfortably tight and your blossoming breasts are straining the seams of your bra. The thickening in your midsection is most likely due to slight weight gain and bloating. If you're between regular and maternity clothes, pants and skirts with forgiving elastic waistbands (or low-rise waistlines that sit below your belly) will provide some much-needed comfort.Depending on your level of fitness, you can most likely participate in a wide range of activities during pregnancy. Swimming and walking are excellent choices for the whole nine months. Exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance — three qualities that can help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy, prepare you for the physical stress of labor, and make it easier to get back into shape after your baby is born. (Unfortunately, there's no evidence that regular exercise shortens labor.)

9 weeks.

I went to the doctor Friday for a weight check. Good news. I gained 3 pounds! The midwive was very happy with that and made the decision I wouldn't be needing home IV's as long as I kept my weight up.

I have been feeling pretty sick in the mornings, but haven't been throwing up. If I can get thru breakfast and a shower, I start to feel better as the morning goes on. It's definitely getting better.

Jade & I discussed last night about whether or not we would find out the sex of the baby. With Reyna, Jade didn't want to know and I did. Well, I won and we found out. This time around, he doesn't want to again. I am leaning towards making it a surprise. It's going to drive me nuts, but what fun would it be to not know? We will see though.

I will try and post a belly pic soon just for memory sake. To be honest, I look icky right now. With having been sick, I just don't feel very myself. Honestly, I would rather be feeling a little "thick" around the wais as opposed to what I have been dealing with.





Your pregnancy: 9 weeks
See the big picture
How your baby's growing:Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.See what's going on in your uterus this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:You still may not look pregnant even if your waist is thickening a bit. You probably feel pregnant, though. Not only are morning sickness and other physical symptoms out in full force for most women, but you may feel like an emotional pinball as well.Mood swings are common now — it's perfectly normal to feel alternately elated and terrified about becoming a parent. Try to cut yourself some slack. Most women find that moodiness flares up at around six to ten weeks, eases up in the second trimester, and then reappears as pregnancy winds to a close

8 weeks

I am going to try my hardest to update weekly. The key word here is try, people.

I turned 8 weeks on Saturday. Let's just say I have had better days. I have been extremely sick. I called the doctor this morning and went in for an appt. I have lost 7 pounds in the past two weeks. Yes, they put me on meds, but most days, I cannot even stomach to swallow them. I have been instructed to set my alarm a while before getting up, take the meds, eat a cracker or two and go back to sleep. I am scheduled to head back to the doctor on Friday. If I lose anymore weight by that point, the midwive is considering doing home IV's. Obviously, this isn't something I care to do, so please cross your fingers my weight stays the same or I can gain.

Other than being sick, not much is new on the pregnancy. I am just trying to eat whatever and whenever. Unfortunately, nothing is sounding good at this point. I was able to eat a little more today than usual. I stopped @ a favorite lunch spot today and enjoyed a half of panini and chopped salad.

I will keep you all posted at the end of the week.

****This is according to Babycenter.com*******

Your pregnancy: 8 weeks
See the big picture
How your baby's growing:New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.See what's going on in your uterus this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:You may notice that your bra is getting more snug. Soon you'll likely need a larger size with better support. Rising levels of hormones cause breast growth and other tissue changes, all in preparation for lactation. Your breasts may continue to grow throughout pregnancy. Don't be surprised if you go up a cup size or two, especially if it's your first baby. Keep this in mind, and allow for room to grow when investing in a new bra.Feeling fatigued? Hormonal changes — in particular, a dramatic rise in progesterone — may be contributing to your sluggishness. Nausea and vomiting can certainly cost you energy, too. And you may be having trouble getting a good night's sleep at this point, especially if you're uncomfortable or find you need to get up to pee.

Meds.

The doctor called in some anti-nausea meds yesterday. I started them last night and so far, so good. They really helped this morning, but they did make me feel a little sleepy. I don't care, as long as I am not feeling the need to throw up, that's fine with me.

First post

Well, if you followed my link, you have found out what is going on in our household. Yes, Reyna is going to be a big sister. Surprised?

I found out a few weeks ago and have already had my first doctor appt. I am due August 22nd. Right smack dab in the middle of the summer months. Oh, well. I am anxious to see how different it will be from Reyna. When we brought her home, it was in the negative digits due to the windchill.

As for how I have been feeling. Not. So. Hot. :)

I have already had my fair dose of morning sickness and pray each morning as I munch on my saltines, it will be over soon. Christmas day consisted of throwing up and not eating a delicious dinner that my mom prepared. New Years? What a wash. I was in bed before 9.

Today, I feel pretty good. It's hard to force myself to eat since NOTHING sounds good. But, if I don't eat, I feel sick. It's definitely a catch 22.

We couldn't be more thrilled for the upcoming addition to our family. I am looking forward to updating this blog quite often throughout this pregnancy.

So, are you shocked?