Baby Bumps

So many people have been bugging me to post pictures of my baby bump. I still dont see much change and my clothes are still fitting the same!!! WooHoo :) What do you think???

17 Week Bump
19 Week Bump

Week 19

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! He brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that he may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to him, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you. Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a mango. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on his skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluidHow your life's changing:

Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy."

What am I feeling???

At my last Dr.'s appointment and ultrasound I was asked if I could feel the baby moving yet. Apparently some women start feeling their baby at about 16 weeks, nope not me! The ultrasound tech was shocked that I couldn't feel the baby move because apparently he is very active and doesn't sit still!!!

However, I think I felt the baby moving for the first time a few days ago. I am still not certain, but every now and than I feel bubbles in my stomach. I am going to assume that is the baby moving around, but I honestly dont know. I guess I wont know until I feel a good swift kick in the ribs :)

It's a Boy!!!

Today we had a follow-up appointment/ultrasound at the hospital, and we were a little nervous because so many people were hoping that we would find out what the sex was going to be. We knew after the last ultrasound our baby is very stubborn and doesn't like pictures, so we were afraid we wouldn't be able to find out.

Well needless to say, our little one is quite proud and did not mind showing us at all!!! Right now he is in a breach position which isn't a big deal since we still have a ways to go. But when the tech put the doppler on my stomach the "money shot" was the first thing we saw. It was a good thing we wanted to know, because we saw everything in clear view!!!

Overall, the appointment went well. We were at the hospital about 2 hours, and both the tech and the Dr. said everything looks great :) The heartbeat was 150 bpm today, he weighs 8 ounces and he is growing right on track. As of right now my estimated due date is still July 23rd. Enough of my talking, I will leave you with a few pictures, since I know that is the real reason everyone is reading this!!!

and last but not least
the "Money Shot"

Team Blue!!!

Week 18

How your baby's growing:
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a sweet potato) 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.

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.

Quick Update

I have been a terrible blogger the past few weeks. It seems like the only posts I ever do anymore are the weekly updates. So here is what has been up with us.

Yesterday I had my monthly check-up at the Dr. Everything went great, I gained 3 more lbs which the Dr. said was great. Michael wasn't very happy, since I am still below my pre-pregnancy weight but I keep telling him at least I am gaining weight. My favorite part was getting to hear the heartbeat,and the baby's heartbeat was strong at 147 bpm. I had to get some blood drawn for the 2nd trimester screening. All in all the appointment went great!!!

Tomorrow is a BIG day for us, we have a follow-up ultrasound appointment at the hospital. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the baby cooperates and decides to let us see what team he or she will be playing on!!!

Who do you have Team Blue or Team Pink?!?!?!?!

Week 17

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.

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.

Week 16

How your baby's growing:
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

How your life's changing:

You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being.Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, many don't feel their baby move until about 18 weeks or more. (And if this is your first baby, don't be too impatient — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so.) The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently.