Week 22 Day 2

fetus in fifth month

Fetal development in pregnancy week 22:The grow must go on! No wonder you’re getting so big, you’re now housing a wonder-baby who weighs nearly a pound and measures nearly a foot in length. Their perfect little pancreas is now further developed and they’ve also started producing their own hormones! Your baby's future in the circus as a world-famous tight-rope-walker is secure: their inner ear is now developed to the point that they have their own sense of balance. Lucky for your little explorer, balance also promotes physical dexterity, which has them actively feeling out their surroundings where skin, body parts, and the resident umbilical cord are the big sensory experiences. Your foot-long baby, is looking a bit like an oversized raisin right now as more and more wrinkles are showing up each week. Not to worry, all that excessive wrinkling is just their skin’s way of planning ahead for the time when they’ll start piling on that irresistible baby chub. (http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/calendar/week22)

Y'all show really read the ticker at the base of the page as well. Hilarious!

I went to the doctor today. I do have to say that it was the quickest all-around trip I've had to see him yet! It was scheduled for 3:45 and I was outa there by 4:15. Yea! I haven't "gained" anymore weight (still at 131), but the baby has "popped". There is a definite belly, however small it may be. And he told me to schedule my glucose test. I was a little worried that he had forgotten about this, but he told me that he wanted it at 24 weeks. So, I can breathe easy, at least until I have to actually drink the yucky stuff.

Also, my darling husband has passed his Fall cold to me now, so I discussed that with the Doc, too. Apparently Vicks rub is okay, so I didn't need to make the mad-dash that I did to the sink last night to wash it off. He suggested TheraFlu. Anybody used this? Does it actually work? Doc said it works great and is safe for baby, but if it doesn't work at all then I will just suffer through. But I see him again in 2 weeks, partly to watch my weight and partly because of this cold complication.

My son has a sense of humor, because no matter how much I coax him, he will not do power-kicks when Matt is around. But when the Doc was checking his heartbeat, he whacked the Doppler-thingy. Doc & I was like "whoa!" The little booger won't listen to me already!

Week 22 Day 1

AUGH! Five and a half months. Today!

So, today started the new fall semester at Kent. My brain is fried. I had two 3hour lectures back-to-back today. Mondays are going to be rough. But, I informed my instructors about the little bambino, and they both were will to work with me. One of my instructors I had last year, and she was really excited for me and starting telling me all the things I wasn't going to be doing this semester. Things like ultrasounds and e-stem and hot packs and not laying on my belly or back...the list goes on. But she, again, told me that I don't look like I'm 5 months pregnant. But then I went to the Post Office, and my favorite postal worker told me that he could finally see my belly through my empire waist shirt. So, I guess I'm not looking just fat anymore!!

And for those of you who have asked...I will work on the pictures. Now that there is something there (however small it may be), there is a reason for pictures. However, when I go to think about it or when I'm actually looking cute enough for pictures, there is no one or no camera around to take it. So...there's the dilemma.

Week 21 Day 3

I have to tell you the conversation that my darling husband and I had last night. I think "the birthing" process dawned on him or something because he has never really said anything like this before. But in typical Matt fashion, it was all very blunt and descriptive. Therefore, the following conversation may be a little graphic or inappropriate for some viewers, I ask your apologies ahead of time! But it's too funny/precious not to post!

(laying in bed, no prior conversation)
Matt: So, I'm glad you have to push that thing out of your vagina, and not me.
Elizabeth: What!?!?
M: Yeah, 'cuz it's really going to hurt.
E: What gives you that idea?
M: Well, I imagine it feels something like having your arm cut off with a machete.
E: I don't think the pain's quite like that...
M: Ok, then. (pause) Imagine the worst dump you've ever had and multiply that by like a million. It's like that.
E: Yeah. Right. Thanks, honey.
M: Well, I'm just glad it's not me.
E: You're going to be there. I'm not even going to let you go pee until he comes out.
M: Nu-uh. Not me.
E: Oh, really?! And where will you be?
M: That depends. If it's New Years Eve or something...
E: Oh! NO! You will be right there experiencing this pain with me.
M: Well, your mom said she would be there.
E: No she didn't!! When did she say that?!
M: Well...she would say that. If you asked her.
E: Nope, Babe. You're going to be there.
M: Yep, I'm going to be there.

That was pretty much the gist of it. I truly love my husband.

Week 21 Day 2

So. I did it. I went shopping. And came back with 4 pairs of pants and 2 shirts. All for quite the bargain thanks to my mom's gut and a little store called "Once Upon a Child". I really could have spent a lot more at a maternity store we shopped in for a little while--adorable clothing, ridiculous prices. (well, ridiculous in my mindset that I will only wear these clothes for 4 months.) I cannot figure out how to work my camera's timed picture setting thing, or else I'd take pictures (*gasp!*) for your viewing pleasure. I'll just tell you that one outfit is adorable, one is okay, and they all are comfortable! Comfort is vitally important I realized, even if your pants look like "old lady pants" or "6 year old boy pants". (yes, that's what they look like...)

My lower abdominal muscles hurt. The baby must be going through a growth spurt or kicking extra or something, because it hurts like you've done 100 sit-ups without the effort or results.

I've also developed a new fear. A couple actually-one is just silly, the other really worries me. Okay: #1 I'm afraid of going over hills in the car. In town there is a spot where you go over -freshly paved- railroad tracks and then another hill that's just like railroad tracks (you all know where I'm talking. Well, it freaks me out. It's like the usual stomach-in-throat-topsy-turvy feeling just magnified by like 1000. It almost makes me physically ill. And then there's the Woodman Ave. hill. HORRIBLE!

#2 is I'm worried that after the baby's born I won't be able to sleep. You know they say "sleep when the baby sleeps" or whatever. My fear is that since I am such a heavy sleeper, I won't wake up when the baby wakes up. They say that it changes and that you become a much lighter sleeper, but what if? What if I don't hear the baby? What if something happens? See, all this will be running through my mind as I lay down, and I will not be able to fall asleep. Any tips, heavy sleeper moms?

Week 20 Day 6

I am currently sitting here listening to a mix cd that I made eons ago. Right now our wedding song ("Open Arms" by Journey) is playing. I swear, songs make me cry. And people at work seem to capitalize on that fact by playing me or reminding me of the sappiest songs possible. "Wait for Me" by Joe Nichols is the WORST! Baby-sized tears down the cheeks everytime!

ANYways...

Thursday was our wedding anniversary. We both kinda forgot. Yep. We're bad. I don't know if it was just everything going on or what, but I realized it like halfway through the morning and texted Matt. He was incredibly sweet though, because even though he had a horrendous day, he still managed to stop on the way home and get me a present! *Awe* (see pre-post about Elizabeth and presents) I really have to give him kudos because even though I've been unpredictably crabby, he has been the calmest, sweetest thing. We were on our way home last night (it was late -- bout 11pm), and I must have been really moody. (I was...) He finally sid, "Sweetie, you're doing that thing you do when you get tired where you ask me if I love you, and then you snap at me. Just calm down we're almost home so you can go to sleep." I worked. I shut up and then thanked him when we got home. I feel so bad for him sometimes, because I go through emotions like one goes through dirty sock. I blame it on the extra testosterone.

Week 20 Day 2

So, I went to the doctor yesterday. I didn't have to sit in the waiting room as long as last time, but I was there 45 minutes before I actually saw the doc himself. *YAWN* As long as he doesn't take his good ol' time when the baby's about ready to come out, I'm fine. Anyways, he was very happy with my weight gain (6 more pounds, which brings the total up to 10 lbs!), and said everything looked/sounded perfect. Again. I like that word. He asked about work, how it was going, if I was lifting. He didn't mention "light duty" yet, but I am hoping soon...

I also heard some disturbing news from a reliable source that my doc is a little C-section happy. That worries me a little, because as much as I want this child to be on time, if not early, I don't want a C-section. My source said just be firm with him, and unless it is medically vital, I want to go natural. I think I can handle that. I informed Matt (who was sitting right there for the conversation) to abide by those rules if I am completely psycho by that point.

I dragged the poor guy out to the mall in search of pants because I am getting tired of unbuttoning the top button on my jeans constantly. I found some nice stretchy yoga pants that will work (not too tight, not too loose), and Matt insists that they don't look like sweatpants/pajama pants at all. I do not want to be one of those pregnant girls who loses all control of her closet and wears nothing but ill-fitting pajama bottoms and tank tops that ride up. I want to maintain my appropriate dress, all while maintaining optimal comfort. And without buying maternity clothes too soon.

Week 19 Day 4

So I just got out of a meeting with my adviser at school about the whole being pregnant thing. I was super nervous that he would just look at me cross-eyed and tell me that I was crazy and never to come back. Luckily, he was very supportive, and he gave me suggestions to give me a heads-up for the next year or so. He also said that they could postpone my first set of clinicals so that way I could have February off with the baby. I'd still have to got to class starting January 13th, but he said even then they might be able to work with me a little. So basically we got a skeletal outline for a plan down and we'll play the details by ear. Personally, I hate playing things by ear - I'd much rather have a plan - but it'll work. He did say that it will prolly be the most challenging thing I've ever done, and that he doesn't want me taking away from any of the joy/excitement of this being my first pregnancy, but I will really have to work hard at everything. Understood, Willing and Able.

Moving on...

This is the nursery set that Matt and I -big shocker here, brace yourselves!- agreed on. I think it's adorable, and Matt really likes the mobile. "He'll definitely be a fisherman now" I think were his exact words! Lucky for me, it's located at 3 spots (Babies R Us, Walmart, and Target--hint,hint ;) ), so hopefully it will not be discontinued by December. *Fingers crossed*



It is so hard not to buy everything baby. I look online at cute, cute stuff and automatically think I need to buy this now. They won't have it in a couple months, look at the great sale! Being poor kinda helps ward off any double-clicking on the "shopping cart" button, but still! That's why Americans have credit cards, right?! (JUST KIDDING!!)

Week 19 Day 2

I wasn't really going to post anything, but then I read the ticker at the bottom of the page. It changes every week with the baby's height and weight and a little funny blurb. Well, read it for 19 weeks, it says: only 20 more weeks until mommy can have that strong margarita. YEA!! It knows me sooooo well!! I have really only eaten at Los Compadres once since May, which is ridiculous because we used to go every week. I could try a virgin margarita, but I just don't think it would be the same. So just 20 more weeks, girls...

On the same hand, only 20 more weeks...?!?!? Naw, it can't be coming that fast! That means I'm half way through. (Well, duh, Elizabeth half of 9 months is 4 1/2!) There are days when I wish it would come faster, but as I was reminded, this is my first. I want to enjoy it. I am going to want to remember all of this so I can torture my little one on his birthday with annoying stories. And so I can talk myself out of doing this again. (HaHa, kidding on that last one!) So, this is really a lesson to me in patience, this isn't something I can hurry and rush because I want it. I have to lay back (& not fall asleep), relax, and simply enjoy all the ups and downs of the next 4 1/2 months.

That does not mean I won't still be fighting certain issues such as photographing Elizabeth.

Week 18 Day 6

For all those who do not know, I have always been a little -er- ditsy. You know, being naive, not catching on, saying really stupid stuff at really stupid times. Going hand-in-hand with this is my natural instinct of clumsiness - tripping over things, falling down stairs, etc. Weeelll, this pregnancy thing has really upped both those traits.

Take yesterday, for example. We were over my pastor's house for a picnic/get together, and I was in charge of holding Matteo's keys & cell phone while he played volleyball. Well, somehow when we were preparing to leave, Matt noticed his keys were missing. I swore up and down that I had handed them to him at the same time I handed him his cell phone. Apparently not, because the pastor found them (in the dark, mind you!) down in the yard where I was previously sitting! Don't I feel really dumb!

I also have discovered that one bucket cheek (yes, you read that right!) is hugely bruised, while the other is perfectly normal. How did this happen, because I do not remember being kicked/hit/fallen at ALL!! See, two brains is not alway better than one! I think the baby will be a genius because he is stealing all my brain cells!

No one warned me about this...