2 Month Check-up

Kenzie had her 2 month check up yesterday...which include SHOTS! I must admit, I had slight anxiety about the day, knowing I was going to have to see her little sad face and hear her cry, *ahem* scream!  Well she is literally off the charts for her length at 24 1/2in long.  No wonder she is curling her toes in some of her 3 month clothes.  She is in the 85th percentile for her weight..12lbs 3oz.  Her pediatrician says she is perfect from head to toe.  Always a relief to hear, even though we were pretty confident she was. 

Then onto those horrible shots.  She had 3 in her thighs and one she took orally.  Why don't they make all shots drinkable?  adults included?  And the screams weren't as bad as I thought, only because she couldn't even catch her breath she was crying so much.  It came out more like a gurgling squeal.  Regardless still horrible.  She was a little sassy the rest of the night, but today has been back to her completely loveable and smiley self.    

An end in sight!

I'd say today's Dr's appointment was right up there with one of the best! Not only did we see our little "porker" or a baby (more on that in a minute) but we have a game plan and the end is in sight! 


So we started the morning with a sonogram, which we knew we were having, so Donny made sure to join in on this appointment.  The sonographer warned babies this late in term are tough to fit in the screen, but she would try to get some pictures...but no promises.  So she did lots of looking around to make sure everything looked good.  The brain, heart, bladder, stomach, and kidneys were all accounted for!  Also, Bambino Burch has TONS of hair!  She kept saying, wow that is impressive.  We also had to turn our heads a couple of times to keep the sex of this baby a secret!  I mean we've made it this far, although  Don tried sneaking a peak!  So baby is head down and anterior which is perfect birthing position and amniotic fluid was normal.  She also did a lot of measurements to get a predicted size of this baby.  Everytime she'd draw lines and circles for her measurements, the gestation age would be 38 or 39, and I'm thinking, Great! this baby is a peanut!  Welllll.... come to find out, an estimated weight of this "little" bambino is 8lbs 9oz!! I about fell off the table.  Now this can be off by up to a pound and a 1/2 but still!  They aren't pulling those numbers out of thin air. 
So she was able to get some great pictures of the cutest little pucker lips this babe has, which also gained some more raving.  I think those are Donny's lips!

She also wanted to get some 3D images because of the shear cuteness of our sleeping babe.



Look at those chubby cheeks!  Can't wait to be smothering those cheeks with kiss by the end of the week :)


So then I had another non-stress test and the baby is still very active and doing good.  This also showed some very little contractions, but nothing I could feel.  
Onto the exam....I'm still progressing well and dilating like a machine!  I'm now 4cm, 70% effaced and baby is still very low.  The doctor said I must have 5 star accomadations in there! She also said my placenta is a grade 1, which out of 3 is the best grade for passing of nutrients and blood flow.  She said this is likley the reason he or she isn't moving.  Clearly this baby is getting its nutrients!  So we decided we better set up a date for induction before this baby gets any bigger.  So if we have no baby action, Thursday morning at 7:30 we're getting the show on the road! 

Game on!

40 Weeks - Where is baby?

Ohhh January 19th!  I now realize I have a love-hate relationship with you.  I love that you are the day my wonderfully, supportive, smart, oh so witty, always make me laugh, handsome husband was born into this world, and destined to be my endless love.  I loved being able to proudly announce you as the due date of our baby to be, in hopes of giving Don the best birthday present ever, and if not, it was still a fun due date!  And its not too shabby that both Bambino Burch and Donny share this date with National Popcorn Day! (If anyone knows Don, they know this is completely fitting!)
But now with the final hours of this day ticking away, I'm strongly disliking (because hate is too strong of a word, afterall its still my husband's birthday) you!  It doesn't look like they'll share a birthday or at the least, go into labor on his birthday?


Ohhh where is this baby?!?  The pure terror and nervousness has subsided (mostly) and we are now just so eager and anxious to meet him or her!  Donny asks every few hours if I'm feeling anything.  His excitement makes me even more excited for the arrival.  


In an effort to get the show on the road, we succumbed to more pregnancy wives tales.  We've tried massage, specifically pressure points in the feet and hands, I walked 2 miles on the treadmill today, did work on my laptop on all 4s, bounced on an exercise ball while Fausto attacked it, and made spicy chili for lunch.  
I asked Donny what he wanted to do for his birthday dinner.  He hoped for hospital food.  Bummer!  So instead he settled for pizza and wings.  Mind you, I don't like chicken wings, but ate more than half of them for their spiciness.  What is the idea behind this wives tale?  Smoke the baby out with heat?


So obviously, here is a picture of us hoping to wildfire the baby out! No I'm not wearing lipstick...my lips are on fire!!

I had a Dr's appointment on Tuesday instead of today because of a little issue that is a little graphic for blogging purposes.  Regardless, everything is perfectly wonderful.  I did have a non-stress test, in which the baby's heartrate and any contractions were monitored.  It was a lot of fun to watch the fetal heartrates over a period of about 30 minutes.  They ranged mostly from 135-145 bpm but would drop down into the 120s too.  But anytime the baby would start kicking or moving they'd shoot up to 160-170 bpm.  This is completely normal since like an adult exercising, the heartrate increases when the baby moves.  The Dr who read the results said what a gorgeous baby we have, and how happy the baby must be in there.  Oh and no contractions!
So then on to my exam.  I am now 3cm dilated, 60-70% effaced, and the baby is -1 to 0 station, meaning very low.  I don't mean to brag, but I'm so good at dilating!! The positive to the waiting, is most people have to go through a lot of pain to get to this point, and I'm feeling nothing.  My appointment was with the NP that has been with us from the beginning.  I haven't seen her since our first appointment, so many weeks ago.  She was so positive and said I was all belly and still had such a thin face, and that I had an exceptionally beautiful belly!  Who doesn't wanna hear that, at this stage of pregnancy?  So this was such a morale boosting appointment.  
My next appointment is Monday (I hope we don't get to this point), for a routine non-stress test to again see how baby is doing and an ultrasound to check for fluid levels...and to set a date for an induction! EEK!!  

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Well my research doesn't go over 40 weeks! Soooo I guess the watermelon just keeps getting bigger and bigger.  I'm hoping not too big.  

Weight gain: 30lbs

Sleep? Ehh.  I have not been sleeping well at all.  This could be my own fault for napping and going to bed and waking whenever.  I just don't wanna miss anything I guess!

Cravings? Still no real cravings!

Aches and pains?  Just the usual kicks, especially in my ribs!

 
Signs of labor? I could be in labor right now..I'm going to get to 10cm without ever feeling anything!  Wishful thinking...

What I miss? If you're reading this..I miss YOU :)

Reaching Milestones: Well I'd say we've reached quite the milestone!  I'm curious to see what the countdown at the top of the page with read after tonight.  

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Bonus picture with my crazy pups!

39 Weeks!

Here we are at 39 weeks.  Makes me wonder...will there be a 40 week blog?  or even a 41 week blog?  Be assured avid blog readers, this blog won't just end once Baby Burch enters the world.  We (and by we, I really mean me) will continue to  post updates on our new family member.

We had some serious progress at this weeks Dr's appointment.  Because of an emergency, I had the NP that I had a few weeks ago, who was not only painful, but shared no information with me.  So this time I was prepared and made sure to ask.  My belly measurement was good and baby's heartrate was between 140-160??  She couldn't make it anymore precise?  Apparently, it started out about 140 but then began to speed up once the doppler was in place.  But most exciting...since Thursday, I'm now 2cm dilated, 50% effaced, and she said the baby's head "is right here."  She was really animated about how low the baby was.  She even told me I could feel it if I wanted.  Uhh okay lady. 

So the time bomb keeps tickin'...

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Still a watermelon.  Average size of a baby born at full term is 18.9-20.9in and weighs 6.2-9.2 pounds. 

Weight gain: I was actually down a pound since my last appointment on Thursday.  But all together total weight gain is now 28lbs. 

Sleep? The past couple of nights have not been great for sleeping.  Sometimes its difficult for me to fall asleep but then last night I woke up in the middle of the night and just couldn't fall back asleep.  I'm also fighting my 3rd cold of this pregnancy!

Cravings? Hmm...I'd love a Friendly's 3 Scoop Reese's Pieces sundae!  I even have a coupon for BOGO :)  Of course I'd just have one..Don would have the other!

Aches and pains?  Despite the lack of room..the Bambino is kicking my ribs harder than ever.  I've also felt a lot more kicks into my back.  There is some major movement and shaking going on in there.  Running out of room?  Not our baby!  I'm also feeling more belly pressure as the days go on. 

 
Signs of labor? I think yesterday's check-up was a step in the right direction.  

What I miss? It is a little nerve racking to be out and about.  I mean, what if I'm one of those people that has their water break standing in front of the pickles at the grocery store?

Reaching Milestones: The nursery is almost complete...almost.  And that's why I haven't posted any pictures yet.  I wanted to highlight the final product.  Don began making the bookshelf for all of the Bambino's books.  Hopefully we'll have enough time to finish it!!

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38 Week Dr's appointment update

So lets be honest...who thought maybe there was some baby action when I didn't post my update yesterday after my appointment??  Anyone?  Don't we all wish...

It appears that I am going to be that pregnant girl that is dilated for weeks....

So on that note, still 1 cm dilated. But baby is still head down and moving south, so we'll take it!  Heart rate was good at 140bpm and I measured right on.  

I know things can change in an instant.  And honestly I'm just thankful the baby is head down.  My next obstacle to overcome, is I just want to go into labor naturally.  Although the idea of my water breaking in public is frightening.  But I'd prefer not to be induced!  Such a coin toss pregnancy is.
I'm not uncomfortable yet and there are still things to be marked off the "list"..and there really is a to-do-list, so I'm okay will the "progress" we're making.  

My next appointment is Tuesday, so maybe there will be some changes by then?!?

38 Weeks

Oh boy Oh boy (or girl)!  38 Weeks!! 

I don't have an OB update, until after tomorrow's appointment, so I'm not sure what progress, if any, I'll have to report.  Hopefully good and progressive news.  I'll be sure to update tomorrow.  I did have an appointment with the Hematologist earlier this week, and although still low, my platelets have gone up a bit.  124 is far from the forbidden "no epidural 100."  So we'll take it!  

We had a really exciting day today.  We got our new sectional for downstairs as well as the "blessed" dresser/changing table.  Well lets just say the sectional is beautiful.  Lets also say, NEVER order any furniture, or anything for that matter (okay maybe a little drastic), from JCPenny.  We got the 3rd dresser today, which was to be hand checked by a supervisor before boxed and ship.  What do you know....a small chip and split in the wood.  Well I just can't take it anymore, and Don is pretty sure he can fix/touch them up, but you best believe a call has already been placed for some kind of compensation.  But on a positive note, clothes are put away, and we'll have some nursery pictures to update pretty soon :)

Also equally if not more exciting, all of the maternity pictures we had taken are updated and on our photographer's website.  There are some that just crack me up!  So when you have a spare moment...there are 232 pictures :) Take a look see.  I really love them and they'll be very memorable many years from now. 

CLICK ME FOR MATERNITY PICS!

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Watermelon baby until the bambino is born!  The baby is on average 20.5-20.7 inches and about 7.3lbs.  The baby is seriously running out of room, but like clockwork, about 7:00pm-until I finally can get myself to fall asleep, this baby is thrashing like a champ in there!

Weight gain: Hmm I'm not so sure since I didn't have an appointment.  It seemed like I was gaining 1lb a week, so my guess is about 27-28lbs. 

Sleep? Sleeping is good, besides the nightly bathroom trip, but I'm able to fall right back to sleep.  And like I said before, I think this baby is even more active now despite the lack of room.  So within the week have been having a hard time falling asleep because of the belly party!

Cravings? Nothing that I can think of...not surprised are you?  Maybe I should just make something up, like coby jack cheese slices and a can of spam??

Aches and pains?  I'm thankfully not too uncomfortable, like many pregnant women get.  I just have that pesky back pain..but that's old news.

 
Signs of labor? Hopefully I'll have something to report tomorrow.   

What I miss? The carefree pregnancy idea is kind of out the window.  As the days tick away, I'm becoming more emotional and experiencing a roller coaster of feelings; from anxiousness, nervousness, fear, excitement and back around again. 

Reaching Milestones: This was a week of milestones.  We got the car seat in the car, the baby's bag packed, and some of my hospital bag stuff set aside.  I'm not so sure its nesting, because I normally like to have everything in its place and I like to be well prepared....but we have about a weeks worth of meals frozen for post baby! 

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37 Weeks -- FULL TERM!

I can't even believe it...FULL TERM.  It seems like yesterday I was nervously driving to TOPS to get an expensive pregnancy test that said "PREGNANT" OR "NOT PREGNANT" because Donny didn't believe the cheapo I took at home!  Seems like so long ago, although the time has just flown by.  Take a look at these funny pictures from that day!  My husband loves cheeesy pictures!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling anxious and nervous, knowing at any point now, our little Bambino could be joining our family.  Donny just seems excited, unless he is really good at hiding his nervousness!

I had my weekly Dr's appointment yesterday morning.  No further dilation, but the baby is moving way down.  I also wasn't a huge fan of the NP I had this time, because she didn't share any specifics with me.  Doesn't she know I weekly "entertain" family and friends with these updates??  I assume everything was okay with my measurement and the baby's heartrate, because she didn't say otherwise. 



How Big Is The Baby This Week: Watermelon baby until the bambino is born!  The baby is on average 18.9-20.9 inches and about 6.9-7.2lbs.  My guess is we'll have a long but thin baby!  

Weight gain: By some freak of nature,  I didn't gain any weight since my last appointment a week ago.  And with all that Christmas food?!?!  So my total weight gain is 26lbs.  

Sleep? No changes in sleep!  Still sleeping great as long as I don't nap during the day. 

Cravings? Santa brought OREO milkshakes for Christmas. 

Aches and pains?  Same old. 

 
Signs of labor? Still no contractions.  It always makes me laugh when the Dr's ask me if I'm having any contractions?? How would i know?  But anyway...still 1cm dilated and head down. YAY!  

What I miss? I miss being able to bend over without pain.  Whether to pick something up, put on socks, or put on my shoes...its exhausting and at times painful. 

Reaching Milestones: Full term...hold on tight folks!

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 Bare belly!!

35 Weeks

35/35!! We've reached another fun pregnancy milestone...35 weeks down, 35 days to go! 

I had a follow-up Hematologist appointment earlier Monday, and unfortunately my platelets keep creeping closer and closer to 100, which = no epidural.  Last appointment they were 117, this time they were 111.  So we are still safe so far,  but it is still frustrating that there is nothing I can do about it.  So one more appointment is scheduled for the first week in January, so we shall see.  

Now onto the next chapter in the dresser/changing table saga.  All the clothes are folded and stacked and covering our dining room table.  I was eagerly awaiting for the dresser delivery today, and what do you know...it was DAMAGED!  Soooo, they have once again reordered, and hope it comes sooner than later so we can get things taken care of...and of course so I can share a nursery picture. 

How Big Is The Baby This Week: The little bambino is now likely over 18 inches long, and has reached the 5lb mark.  Still moving all over the place, which causes my whole stomach to shake around, like there is a little ninja in there!

Weight gain: 24lbs!  I now weigh more than I ever have in my life, but must say I'm happy I have not blown up all over.  I'm carrying a 24lb basketball out in front of me. Phew!

Sleep? Still no sleeping issues.  Although, it is getting harder and harder to change positions, and my stomach feels like it couldn't possibly be stretched anymore.   

Cravings? I'm beginning to wonder if cravings are all a hoax?  Are pregnant women just using them as an excuse to eat anything under the sun??  If i had to say I was "craving" something, I guess I have wanted more fruit this past week. 

Aches and pains?  The back continues to be a "pain"...and that is an understatement. Chiropractor didn't provide much relief, and blames the pain on my weak prepregnancy abs that are forced to somehow carry those 24+ pounds.  My skin feels like a balloon ready to pop and my ribs have just about had it.  I'm really hoping the rib pain is from kicking feet, not a little noggin. 

 
Signs of labor? No, Nope, Negative

What I miss? I'm getting less and less comfortable.  With the aches and pains as well as being uncomfortable in clothing other than sweatpants and t-shirts.  So I guess I'm missing, being more positive and comfortable, and embracing the belly. 

Reaching Milestones: 35/35 -- Hold on tight folks.  We're in the final stretch. 

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34 Weeks..and counting

For anyone who doesn't know, I'm in the middle of getting my Masters.  So since the semester ended this past weekend, I finally feel like I have some time to get baby prepared.  So I tackled the nursery.  

 Flashback to this past weekend...my fantastic in-laws came up to deliver our dresser since it had arrived at JCPenny.  I was so nervous it wouldn't match, since it wasn't from the same collection as the crib, but we got it inside, opened it, and realized it looked perfect.  Well....then we realize the 2 cracks in the wood.  BOO!!  So we took it back to the store and reordered.  

 Anyway, long story, somewhat shorter...I wanted to have the nursery somewhat organized for when the new one was delivered (the dresser not the baby) to the house.  So today I opened up all the clothes in packages and  cut all the tags off of the clothes and blankets.  (PS.  I think all clothes should have stickers, not tags.  It would make it much easier.)  Anyway, I'm currently working on all the laundry.  I got bottles put away in the kitchen, and bowls, plates, and sippy cups tucked away until we need them.  Finally progress!  So I hope to have an updated nursery pic soon, hopefully once the dresser comes.  So until then, this will have to hold you over.  We got the boppy cover out and washed and Don decided it was a travel pillow.   Grady seems concerned!

I also had a Dr's appointment Monday.  Nothing too exciting to report.  Weight is good, Blood pressure good.  Measuring right not.  She couldn't give a baby position and all she said was "geesh, its just a ball."  Heart rate was 140 bpm. 

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Our little honeydew melon is likely over 17.5 inches, and probably near 4.5 lbs.  Getting bigger and bigger everyday.

Weight gain: After this week's Dr's appointment, I've gained a total of 22lbs.  Which is about a pound a week.  Which is completely normal, yet seems like so much. 

Sleep? I thankful I'm still having minimal issues sleeping..besides the bathroom break.  And not to get super personal and graphic, but it seems like I have to go so bad, then its trickle tinkle tinkle. What a phenomenon!!

Cravings? Well the eating out has taken over.  We gotta get back on track.  One things that I'm seriously enjoying is the mini Snickers ice cream bars.  They are 90 calories of yummy goodness.   

Aches and pains?  Back. Back.Back. RAH!  Chiropractor tomorrow. Reallllly hoping for Dr. A to have some magic fingers!!

 
Signs of labor? I hope not.

What I miss? I miss being able to walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I just ran a marathon.  I'll be happy to get "back" into shape, post baby. 

Reaching Milestones: I'm officially off the road for work.  So from now till baby's birthday, I'll be at home working on projects.  So between this and maternity leave, I'm pretty much bypassing the winter driving season.  Good timing!! 

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Here is an accidental shot Don took while I was getting into position.  How photojournalistic!

31 Weeks

This past weekend I had the most fabulous baby shower.  We were really showered with gifts from family and friends.  But because it was such a stand-out event, I'll dedicate a full blog on that....hopefully later this week. 

Monday I had my routine monthly visit to the Hematologist for blood work.  I was gearing up to tell the guy, with all of these normal platelet levels, I think it is safe to part ways.  Peace out Doc!  Well, to my surprise, unfortunately my platelets have dropped below normal again.  So I'm stuck with him! Again, if they drop too low, some anesthesiologist won't allow for an epidural.  And there would obviously be bleeding complications in case of the unfortunate event that I'd have to get a c-section.   So the gestational thrombocytopenia is back in full swing.  Oye Vey!

We also had our our final childbirth class last night.  We really wanted to skip out, but did end up going.

Other than that, things are still going smoothly.  I'm feeling bigger and bigger by the day.  And as usual, this baby is all over the place, bump jumpin in there.  I read baby's movements will begin to diminish due to the lack of room. HA!  I wonder if this is a glimpse of things to come.  It is starting to get more and more painful, but it is still so fun to watch.  

How Many Weeks: 31 weeks - 9 weeks to go.  Single digits!!

How Big Is The Baby This Week: The bambino is still the size of a squash for another week or two, and is around 17-18 inches, and 4lbs. 

Weight gain: 18lbs, although that may quickly increase due to the swedish fish, milkshakes, and chinese food I have ate between the past 2 nights!

Sleep? Sleep has become a bit of a struggle because of a pesky cold I got.  Last night Don and I both had dreams we had the baby.  In mine, Don had to leave the room, but was around for the birth of a boy!  Donny's was ummm..interesting!  Lets just say, women are meant to breastfeed :)

Cravings? Still no changes in the amount of food I'm eating, but I have been indulging a bit more.

Aches and pains? My stomach is hard as a rock, and some times feels as though my skin is being stretched paper thin. 

Signs of labor? NO NO NO!

What I miss? I miss being able to zip my coat up without feeling like the stay puft marshmallow man.

Reaching Milestones: Single week digits!

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Is it me, or is there quite the belly pop!

30 Weeks

As of today, I'm 75% through pregnancy.  *Gasp!*  Only 10 weeks to go, until January 19th!! 

Yesterday we had a busy baby day.  I had my 30 week appt, which means we are going every 2 weeks now.  I remember them telling us this progression, months ago thinking how far away this was...and now we are here!  Another flawless check-ip.  HR is still about 150, and I'm measuring perfect.  So you know how I've been convinced this baby is a crazy mover?  Well the Dr. confirmed it.  It took her a good 30 seconds to actually get the heartrate because the baby was somersaulting and kicking all over the place. 

Then last night we had our 2nd of 3 childbirth classes.  We watched a couple more videos set in the 80s.  Being the completely mature, expectant parents that we are..we totally broke into a laughing fit, which is never a good thing, in this setting.  Unfortunately we are beginning to think the classes are a bit of a waste of time, since a lot of the information we already know, or could probably learn ourselves.   We did get a tour of the labor and delivery unit, so at least we know where all the action will take place!

So I'm back riding the Team Boy train, although I my "feeling" jumps back and forth.  But I did have a dream last night it was a boy.  Also, when working at the hospital last weekend, I had 3 different people tell me they thought it was a boy too. Two assured me they are "never wrong."   This is going to be the BEST surprise!

How Many Weeks: 30 weeks -- 10 to go!!  Or less perhaps ;)

How Big Is The Baby This Week: Our little squash, is likely about 15.7 inches long, and about 3.3 lbs this week.  Whew, he/she is getting bigger!!

Weight gain: Holy weight gain.  Since my last appt 3 weeks ago, I gained 4lbs!  The nurse said the baby went through a growth spurt which shows with my belly pop.  So I'm up to 17lbs!  

Sleep? No problems with sleeping!  I have notice I almost daily need a nap in the afternoon, but otherwise I feel energetic!

Cravings? While grocery shopping this week, I had a inkling for some Lucky Charms..and they were on sale, so I caved :)  Man are they delish!

Aches and pains? My ribs and bladder need a break!

Signs of labor? What a silly question! I don't even think I've got any Braxton-Hicks contractions that many experience by now.

What I miss? Nothing to miss...with so much excitement to look forward to  :)

Reaching Milestones: My baby shower is this weekend!  I CAN NOT wait to celebate the Bambino with family and friends. 

*****

27 Weeks

Welcome to 7 months pregnant and the 3rd trimester!

Finally an OB appointment to report.  The baby is measuring perfectly and heart rate was about 150, which is where it has consistently been.  The Dr said "up in the girl heart rate range" according the the old wives tale.  So if you're a sucker for those things (which I think I'm succumbing to believing) then perhaps we've got a little lady in there.  I also had my 1-hour glucose tolerance test today which I passed, and I'm also not anemic!  All great news.
Over the past few weeks, I can not get over how active this baby is.  Last night for probably 45 minutes I felt like there was a party going on in there...and we weren't invited.  This is all in good fun until 11:00 rolls around and the bump jumping is still going on.

How Many Weeks: 27!  That means 13 to go.  I said 13 weeks to Donny the other day, and got quite nervous.  "13 weeks"  seems soooo much sooner than when you say January!  It seems like yesterday we were nervously going to our first sonogram at 6 weeks!

How Big Is The Baby This Week: I'm still growing an Eggplant in my belly this week.  Baby is likely approaching 15 inches this week, and weighing in at over 2 lbs.  How on earth is there room for that??

Weight gain: According to the Dr's scale we are up to 13lbs. 

Sleep? The past few days, I feel more and more tired, like I need to nap or I'll never make it through the work day.  Still a lot of tossing and turning at night, but getting a good nights sleep I'd say. 

Cravings? I guess I'm just not going to get these.  I'm still eating pretty normal for me, but have had a couple of days of pure hunger! 

Aches and pains? The morning sickness is an everyday occurrence now, usually at night.  Again, does this mean girl??  So now the nausea and the added belly parties, make for a party pooper from me!

Signs of labor? Non

What I miss? I'm not feeling like I'm missing out on anything this week.  I'm still having issues with maternity clothes.  So I guess I miss having a wardrobe of more than 5 items.

Reaching Milestones: Hello 3rd trimester.  3 months to go!  HOLY COW time is flying.

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I really feel like I'm popping out!

Platelets Shmalets

Just a quick update on my Hematologist appointment. Good news -- platelets were again normal! Bad news -- first experience with a stranger touching my belly!
But I'm relieved my platelets were again normal. I do have to continue going back monthly just to make sure the platelets stay up, but I anticipate no problems at future appointments. Whoo hoo!

And as far as this stranger who can't keep her sticky fingers to herself.... She really wasn't a total stranger that just approached me with her hands outreached, ready to hug the bump. It was my nurse at the Dr's. She said she was my size when she was 2 days pregnant, so I stood up to assure her there was baby bumpage. Apparently that was the invitation to press on my belly.

Doctor's and Pizza

Everything was good at my appointment today. My belly bump is measuring a perfect 21cm. 21 weeks should = 21cm bump. I got to hear the heartbeat again. About 161 bpm. Which is much higher than 4 weeks ago, which the Dr. attributes to all the movin' and groovin' in there.
I did get scolded on the amount of weight I've gained, or lack there of, and was advised to get eating. In my personal, nutritional opinion, I find the US recommendations for pregnancy weight gain are a tad on the high side. So as long as I'm eating a well balance diet and the bump and bambino are growing how they should, I'll continue eating when I'm hungry.
But I will say the "eat more" advice was on my mind come dinner time, so "for the baby" I decided it was best if we ate dinner at Pizza Hut :)

Game of Catch-up!

Welcome to the Burch's Its A Wonderful Life Blog, which will be filled with updates on Bezzus Burch to-be, family, friends, and fabulousness! So where do we begin...How about at the beginning!

This is start of baby Beezus (that we have so lovingly choosen instead of calling "it, it". We had this songram at 5 weeks 6 days (5/25). The heart actually starts beating at 6 weeks, so we were warned we may not see anything. Well....not this baby! "We have an overachiever" the ultrasound tech announces, and there it was..this little flicker on the screen. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!



The heartrate was low at the last sonogram, because it likely had started that day. So here is the repeat ultrasound at 7 weeks 1 day (6/3). Can you believe the difference in just a couple of days. Beezus looks like a snowman! The black dot in the head is the brain!



So at this point, we're addicted to seeing the heartbeat and little bambino swimming around in there. Okay, so that isn't the real reason we had this sonogram, but that is much more appropriate for blogging purposes! So here is a 9 week sonogram. Isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen?



This is one of my favorite songram pictures. At 9 weeks 6 days, Beezus is proud to display his or her hoof! You can even see the little piggies! There was a lot of movement this songram which is fun to see. The tech said Beezus was swimming all over the place. Probably why every little belly growl, I thought for sure was kicks. Come to find out, thats not until 18-22 weeks!



And this brings us up to date as far as sonograms. We did the First Trimester screen, just for piece of mind. And everything came out perfect. Including these 2 pictures from the sonogram. This first picture is pretty perfect! Beezus is just sitting back enjoying a bean burrito! I have no caption for the other picture. Lets be honest..its pretty frightening! Rarrrrr!




I hoping this blog will be a little more entertaining in the coming weeks. Tomorrow morning we have a big sonogram which we COULD find out the sex of Beezus. But what is the fun in that. Although I was thinking Beezus was a boy since Day 1, I'm now leaning towards girl. Obviously we can't wait to find out! So.. Do you know the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?







CHILDBIRTH!!