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Battery in the smoke detector

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:45:17 +0000

Week 31

Baby is eleven inches long head to rump and sixteen inches head to toe. Baby weighs about three and a half pounds. This week alone baby will grow about three eighths of an inch. His head has also grown about three eighths of an inch in circumference due to rapid brain growth. About this time in pregnancy the volume of fluid that fills the amniotic sac has reached its maximum. As the baby grows the fluid decreases. When baby is born there is about two to six cups of fluid. The activity you feel may decrease as well as baby has less room to maneuver.

Fat is accumulating under baby’s skin. His color changes from dark red to a translucent pinkish color. In the last several weeks of pregnancy protein and fat are in highest demand. During this time baby’s weight will double.

Early Tuesday morning I woke to an annoying chirping noise. Disoriented, I tried to find the source of the nuisance. The battery in a smoke detector was getting low. I pulled a chair from the other room and took the dead battery out. Somehow my husband slept through this entire event though it was the smoke detector in our bedroom and I had to turn the light on to get the battery out.

Tuesday I got a massage from a local massage school. It was wonderful. That hour goes by too fast. Massage is a great way to relax and release tension. I hope to get one more massage during this pregnancy.

There was a house fire just a block from where I live this week. A woman died and her son was injured. As if I wasn’t disturbed enough by my husbands sleeping through the chirping smoke detector! This tragedy reaffirmed my desire to find an alternative to the smoke detector in my home. What good do smoke detectors and fire extinguishers do if my husband sleeps right through a fire? There are options for smoke detectors with flashing lights and those that even shake the bed. Don’t forget to test your smoke detectors regularly.

On Wednesday we had a “Prepared Childbirth” class. I’m so grateful I’m not doing this alone. Andrew has been so supportive. He even helped me practice my breathing exercises. A good time to practice is during times of stress. It is important to have a coach your are comfortable with.

Some women choose to hire a doula for support before during and after the birth of the baby. A doula learns your wishes for the birthing experience and helps you to have the most satisfying birth possible. She may assist your coach in massaging you, giving him a break. She provides reassurance and an experienced perspective. The doula may be your “gopher,” bringing you hot packs, blankets, or beverages. Doulas provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.

Studies show that doula care results in improved outcomes for mother and baby, both physically and psychologically. In addition to greater satisfaction with the birth doula support reduces the instance of many forms of medical intervention. Some studies show less use of oxytocin, fewer c-sections, and reduction in the use of forceps, vacuum extractors, and pain medication than births not accompanied by a doula.

Saturday I spent the day with a good friend. We went to Art Street. It was inspirational to see all the different types of art. There was also great food and live music. My friend and I went to the mall afterwards. I can’ remember the last time I went to a mall. I ended up not even buying anything. After the mall we went to a party. Baby likes to dance!

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Grandma’s daycare

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:53:59 +0000

Week 30

I got some wonderful news at the beginning of the week. My mom told me that she is going to start a daycare in her home. What a huge relief to know that she will be able to watch my little boy! There is no one I’d rather have care for him. My mom has seven children and soon she will have seven grandchildren. She is an amazing woman with incredible patience. She has done some teaching and I know we share the same moral standards. Bonus: my boy will get to play with his cousin at daycare.

This week I was harassed at the gym by some of the regulars. They didn’t believe that I had gained 19 pounds. One guy said it looked like I had only gained five pounds and it was all in the belly. I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.

Trying to stay active is very important for expectant mothers. Stretching can relieve sciatic and low back pain. Weak back and abdominal muscles can cause back pain. Women will compensate for weak abs by holding their shoulders further back. This strain can also lead to fatigue. Don’t be surprised if you suffer from some shortness of breath at this time. As baby crowds out your lungs, it becomes harder to take deep breaths.

We got a crib and feeding table on Tuesday. Andrew put them together. They are so nice. I had fun doing some decorating, too. We still have some furniture to move around, but it feels like we are finally getting ready for baby. Andrew’s Grandma and Aunt stopped by to see the nursery.

Tuesday was my one-hour glucose test. I got a call Wednesday afternoon that I failed it. I wasn’t too surprised as there is diabetes in my family, but I am a very healthy eater (except for the occasional indulgence). I was asked to come in for another test as soon as I could. I prayed a lot and tried not to get too stressed out.

Wednesday night Andrew and I attended our first childcare class. I was happily surprised that every mom had her significant other with her. The instructor was a nurse and she made sure to get the dads involved in bathing, swaddling, and caring for a newborn (doll).

On Thursday I took a three-hour glucose test. I had to fast for the twelve hours preceding my appointment and couldn’t eat until I left the clinic. It was a long day, but I got a lot of reading done in the waiting room. I was very relieved when I got the phone call Thursday afternoon that my blood sugar levels were good. My doctor actually said, “Your sugar levels were right where we wanted them to be throughout the test. I hope you went and got something to eat afterwards, though. Your blood sugar levels were actually a little low at the end of the test.”

I was so hungry. By the time I left the clinic it was about 11am. I hadn’t eaten since supper the night before. I was feeling weak and dehydrated, too. After I ate I felt much better. I have a fast metabolism and never go that long without eating. For those that do have gestational diabetes, rest assured that it usually goes away after birth and can often be controlled by diet alone.

Saturday night I had lots of girls over for a baby shower. No, this party wasn’t in honor of my little boy. My good friend is getting ready for a baby girl. We played a “Price is Right” game. I asked everyone to guess how much five different baby items cost. It was fun and we had really good food, too!

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Fatherhood

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:56:30 +0000

Week 29

Week 29 starts the eighth lunar month of pregnancy. Baby now measures over ten inches, crown to rump. He is almost sixteen inches, head to toe. Baby weighs in at almost three pounds. He will gain about two pounds this month.

Backaches and general achiness are common during this time. Mom should stay off her feet, elevate them while sitting, and avoid overexertion. Backaches may also be due to poor posture or poor muscle tone. Regular stretching and exercise may help (check with your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen). I feel much better after I do my prenatal Pilates. I’ve also adjusted my chair at work. As the curvature of the spine changes you may wish to try a lumbar support. Even placing a pillow behind your back may give you some relief.

Mom should expect some clumsiness as her center of gravity shifts. Remember your joints are also loosening and baby’s changing positions can affect your balance. As the uterus practices for birth, mother may feel some Braxton Hicks contractions (if she hasn’t already). I think I’ve had three or four. Calcium, protein, iron, and folic acid are more important now than ever. As baby’s internal systems and tissues continue to become more sophisticated, make sure you are providing the building blocks he needs. With the ossification of baby’s bones, calcium is in greatest demand now. If prenatal vitamins induced morning sickness earlier in the pregnancy, you may be able to take one now.

I went to the local health food store this week to try to find something to relieve my heartburn. I bought crystallized ginger and aloe vera juice. The ginger is too strong of a flavor for me. The aloe isn’t bad. I drink a couple ounces a day. They also recommended papaya, bananas, or a slippery elm supplement.

I bought Andrew the book Fatherhood by Bill Cosby. He loves it! It has made him laugh so hard, he cried. He has always been a Bill Cosby fan and I knew he would enjoy it. The book was copyrighted in 1986 and the stories are still very easy to relate to today. I’m going to read the book as soon as he is done.

On Wednesday I took a breastfeeding class at the hospital. There was lots of good information. It surely motivated me to try to breastfeed as long as I can. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for a minimum of one year. Clinical research shows that small full-term babies who are breastfed score an average of eleven points higher on IQ tests than formula fed infants. For moms that have to return to work, it is reassuring to know that it is illegal to discriminate against a woman because she is breastfeeding.

I had gotten a sample of formula recently and was shocked to find that it was over 40% corn syrup! I wouldn’t drink that, neither would I want to feed it to my baby. If you do have to formula feed, check the labels. Some mothers make their own formula or supplement with goat’s milk, which is suppose to be easier to digest.

Breast milk contains more than 190 different fatty acids. Most formula contains only DHA and ARA. Only breast milk contains enzymes that aid in digestion, growth hormones, and antibodies. Be sure to find a Certified Lactation Consultant for the support and information that will help you succeed at breastfeeding.

This week I found myself overwhelmed thinking about all the responsibilities that come with parenthood. Andrew was very patient and understanding that I “freaked-out” a little. Overall I think I’ve been relatively stable and levelheaded. I have had my moments of pregnancy brain, clumsiness, and crying. I read that a woman is 15% more forgetful when she is pregnant than she is at other times. Ten percent of women experience depression in pregnancy.

Saturday Andrew’s employer put on a picnic and baseball game for the employees. My belly was compared to the beer bellies of Andrew’s coworkers. I think one of the male coworkers must be having twins! Hopefully I’ll lose my belly just as quickly as I’ve been gaining it. I gained two pounds this week. I am up 19 pounds from pre-pregnancy. I weighed in at 136 yesterday.

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Balancing your child’s needs with your family’s needs by using school choice

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:40:26 +0000

School choice is not just a matter of applying for a lottery ticket and hoping your child gets admitted to the school they want. Thoughtful parents know that school choice decisions involve not just finding a school that seems better than the last one, but one that fits your child’s needs as well as your family needs. For instance, if your daughter really wants to go to a private school that emphasizes the performing arts but the tuition would hinder you from meeting other family needs, such as bill payments, then her needs can’t be directly met. However, now that you know the performing arts drive her to learn, you can see if your school district has a school that emphasizes the arts. These are probably going to be charter schools, such as The Bronx School for the Performing Arts, a public school for grades 5 – 8.

When the school choice options don’t meet your needs

If you don’t have a performing arts school, or a trade school, or a science school, etc. in your area, you should consider both conventional and unconventional school choices. For example, you can seek art classes that occur after school for your daughter, or help her create more arts opportunities in her current school by sponsoring a club or extra-curricular activity; if she’s a junior or senior in high school, ask about dual enrollment opportunities where she can take Community College courses in the arts, paid for by your tax dollars. Unconventional solutions can range from swapping services or chores with a local professional artist or performer in exchange for lessons, to creating a club or group in your school or home that involves learning by doing what you want to learn. By working through the logic of your decision with your children’s input, you can arrive at some solutions you may not even have thought of on your own. Here are some questions to help focus your school choice decision and locate a solution that works for your family.

What is your family’s philosophy of education? Would your children flourish more in a conventional school or in a less conventional child-centered school? How important is the diversity of the student body to you and your children?
Here’s an exercise to help you find your philosophy of education and exercise school choice: If you could homeschool your children, how would you plan your school year? Are there schools in your area that can meet those plans or work with you to do so together?
How does each of your children learn best? Do they like to learn on their own, or as part of a group? Which do they prefer: large school or small school environments? How important are school music, arts, and sports opportunities to you? What sorts of foreign languages do you want your children to learn and are they offered at any of the schools you can choose? What are the average class sizes in the schools you are choosing among?
What sort of school building do you want your children to learn in? Does it have up-to-date equipment and books? Will you need to provide transportation or can your child use the school bus service? Will you incur childcare expenses before and after school because you can’t be at home during those times? Do your children have special needs that can only be addressed in a particular school or by special education teacher?

As you sort through these questions you will see how you can use school choice to refine your child’s education options, as well as determine actions you can take as a parent that will benefit your entire family.

Terra’s athletic baby

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:21:27 +0000

Week 28

Already this little boy has been to as many baseball games as my husband has. We went to a minor league game on Tuesday. It was so much fun. It was less expensive than the major league game we went to. The drive was a lot shorter, too. Andrew and I think that baby’s sport of choice is more likely to be soccer. His kicks are starting to hurt a little! I feel like he must’ve gained a pound this week. He should gain more than a pound over the course of this month, but I think my boy gained it all at once!

Pain and tenderness is common high in the abdomen near the rib cage at this time in pregnancy, particularly if baby sits high in the uterus. Kicking contributes to this discomfort. Mom may find comfort by lying on her left side and by avoiding forward bending. Baby’s brain is beginning to develop wrinkles. These convolutions make it possible to contain many more brain cells than a smooth surface. His toenails are now visible. Air travel is usually not recommended after this point in pregnancy.

Baby boy also learned a new trick. He has discovered how much fun it is to sit on my bladder. I will be just fine and then suddenly, I have to go to the bathroom. I’ve tried pushing on my belly a little to see if I can get him to move. Usually that is successful.

Maybe I’m just paying more attention right now, but it seems I know a lot of expectant women. A friend that is due just weeks after I am just had an ultrasound. They have a two and a half-year-old boy and are now expecting a girl!

Another acquaintance of mine is expecting a girl. She is due at the end of October, almost the same time as my boy. Poor mom has had her share of health problems already. She just recovered from hernia surgery. They couldn’t wait until baby was born because they were concerned that one of mom’s organs might get strangulated. Just a week or so later mom went into labor! Fortunately they were able to stop it. Mom is now on bed rest just hoping her baby girl stays in a little longer. Every day, every week gives the baby better chances.

Wednesday I went to the lake. It was wonderful. Most summers I try to go to the beach at least once a week. It just isn’t as comfortable to lay in the sand this year. Swimming is great exercise for pregnant women, though. The added buoyancy takes off pressure and there is little to no impact on the joints.

Friday we went to a bonfire. I love spending so much time outside in the summer. We were out in the country and got to enjoy fresh air and a little stargazing. Sunday I helped out with a fundraiser for cancer. They did a brat fry at a local superstore. (For those of you who don’t know, a brat is similar to a sausage. It is served in a bun with sauerkraut, ketchup, mustard, or onions.)

My belly has grown another inch in the last two weeks. I am now 37 inches at my largest. My linea nigra is continuing to darken. My weight gain has tapered off a little. I am at 134 pounds, up 17 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. Some of my maternity clothes are starting to get a little tight already. A few of my shirts are getting too short.

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Stretching, squats, and entertainment

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:30:03 +0000

Week 27

My little boy is just as active as ever. It’s so much fun to watch my belly move as he twists, squirms, and kicks. Andrew and I have had conversations with him and he seems to respond by kicking. It’s almost like having a Magic 8 Ball for a belly. We ask a question and judge the answer based on whether or not baby kicks. It is quite entertaining.

Speaking of entertainment, on Friday we went to a good friend’s house for a cookout. I’m so grateful to have such good friends. Sometimes I get frustrated that I can’t do all the things I used to. Everyone makes me feel like that is okay. So, I didn’t play basketball. I still had a great time. The food, yes I enjoyed that. Grilled chicken and s’mores for dessert, who could say no?

I’m still not used to being asked about my health so frequently. I’m glad I have little to complain about. This heartburn is a pain and I still get legs cramps once in while. Overall, I’ve been healthy and can still do most things. I do appreciate everyone’s concern. When I take my Grandma shopping each week she won’t let me lift anything for her. Andrew asked if I needed help carrying a basket of laundry up from the basement. Grandma says, “Enjoy it now, this is the only time I’ll pamper you.”

I do think it is really important to get regular exercise during pregnancy. The experts agree. An aerobic workout, Kegels, squats, and stretching are particularly beneficial for expectant mothers. Restless Leg Syndrome is common during the last trimester. Exercise and stretching can help reduce RLS symptoms. If you get that creepy crawly or tingly feeling when you try to rest your legs you can also try avoiding caffeine and antihistamines or massage your legs.

Baby’s quick growth is continuing. He is about two and a quarter pounds and almost fifteen inches long. He is beginning to put on white fat. Mom’s weight gain, however, should slow to about three-quarters of a pound a week. Next month this will decrease to about half a pound a week. Of course, this is just based on average. A mother’s blood pressure may rise slightly this month. This is considered normal, but a drastic change can signal pre-eclampsia or other health problems.

Baby’s brain can now control body temperature and rhythmic breathing. Baby’s eyes can move in the sockets and sense light and darkness. He is becoming more attuned to sound, smell, and taste. His ability to survive outside the womb increases every day.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the fact that this baby could be born any day. I am not at high risk for pre-term labor, but it could happen. Andrew and I are planning on getting baby’s room done soon. There isn’t that much that needs to be done, mostly rearranging furniture. It’s a good thing that Andrew is so handy. I don’t think I’ll be much help moving or putting together furniture. I’ll do my part by organizing all baby’s things.

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How much bigger will I get?

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:20:49 +0000

Week 26

I keep wondering how much bigger I will get. My belly has grown an inch and a half in two weeks! At least I know where the weight I’m gaining is going. How am I going to make it three more months? Time has been going fast so far. I hope that trend continues.

Speaking of time going by fast, my little sister got engaged this week. I don’t know about her, but I’m not ready for this.

I got a breast pump this week. Learn more about choosing a breast pump here . It is a really nice double electric one. My plans as of now are to breastfeed as long as I can and a pump should be helpful when I go back to work. I’ve actually been lactating a little bit here and there. I hope this means I won’t have any trouble with my milk coming in. I’ve been reading a lot on breastfeeding. All the information is overwhelming and a little intimidating. In a few weeks I’m taking a breastfeeding class. That should help prepare me a little and remind me of why this is the best decision in my case. Read this article on Mommy.com to help you make your decision about whether or not to breastfeed. There is also a breastfeeding guide and if you choose not to breastfeed, here is some info on choosing the right baby formula.

The prenatal Pilates DVD I’ve been using has been really enjoyable. Especially the flexibility segment. It is only ten minutes long so I have no excuse not to exercise, even if I can’t make myself go to the gym. I’ve been walking whenever I can as well. Self magazine recently stated that expectant mothers who exercise three times a week for 30 minutes have babies with lower heart rates than babies of sedentary mothers.

I had been anticipating going camping for weeks. Unfortunately our plans were changed. The couple we had planned to go with has a seven-week-old baby girl. She got sick on Wednesday. The good news is she got out of the hospital Friday and is doing well. We pretended we were camping Friday and Saturday. Andrew and I brought our camp supplies over to our friends’ house and cooked out over a fire.

The dark line that runs vertically over a mother’s stomach is called the linea nigra. I’ve noticed it darkening lately. Apparently it is ever present, but the same color as the surrounding skin. It is then called the linea alba. The linea nigra is caused by an increase in the production of melanin. This is the same cause of chloasma or the mask of pregnancy. Either should fade between a few months post partum and several months post partum. Sun exposure during pregnancy can intensify pigment changes.

On Sunday, Andrew and I took a baby safety class. It was interesting to learn what to look for when purchasing baby gear. I had previously decided that I didn’t want my boy to use a walker or exersaucer because it can delay muscle development and hinder natural walking. This class reaffirmed that. We also learned that in some countries those “toys” are banned. They really are not safe.

Other baby and child safety reminders are common sense, but a few are easily overlooked. We know to keep cabinets with chemicals and cleaning products locked up, but remember that mouthwash contains alcohol and can be very dangerous. I also didn’t think of my curling iron. After I use it I set it on the floor to cool. I can’t keep that habit up when baby gets here! Car seat regulations are always changing and the recalls are too numerous to keep track of. Call the Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393 to ask about your model.

Baby’s body is now two or three percent body fat. His eyelids are now unfused and open. His eyes are completely formed at this time. Baby’s lungs are now capable of breathing air. Should a baby be born at pre-term, developed lungs mean a much higher chance of survival. At 26 weeks, baby is about 14 inches long and weighs just over two pounds.

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Health insurance changes mid-pregnancy

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:46:17 +0000

Week 25

According to a 38-week lunar pregnancy calendar, week 25 starts the third trimester and month seven. By the end of week 25 baby will grow a half-inch longer. Most women will be checked for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28. An extra 300 calories a day is what is recommended during the last three months of pregnancy.

My health insurance is through my husband’s work and they just switched insurance companies. My doctor is not covered by the new plan. I am at week 25 based on a due date of October 20th, but my ultrasound shows I could be due later than that. Either way I didn’t quite meet the requirement of being in my last three months of pregnancy in order to keep my current physician.

I was so stressed and frustrated trying to figure out what to do. I do not want to change doctors! I spent hours on the phone, filling out paperwork, and crying. My mom was helpful and comforting. She sells insurance and gave me some ideas. The human resources person at Andrew’s company was great, too. After a couple of days I found out that my “transition of care” was approved!

Friday was my monthly check up. I canceled my appointment and then rescheduled. The nurse was nice enough to squeeze my appointment back into the schedule when I explained my insurance issues. I was so happy to see my doctor. She is wonderful. Everything was normal at my appointment. I’ve now gained 15 pounds.

I asked my doctor about my persistent heartburn. She told me that in addition to the well-known triggers, chocolate and mint could aggravate heartburn. I was told that if I was taking Tums more than once or twice a day I should take Pepcid or Zantac instead. I’d rather not if I don’t have to. I’ll see if changing my diet is enough.

On the plus side, the last few weeks I’ve been less tired and going to the bathroom less frequently. I’m sure that will change again soon.

I went to a cookout Saturday night. My friend is an excellent cook. Despite the warning on chocolate, I had to have some of the chocolate cake. It just looked so good. Baby kicked like crazy after that. He always kicks a lot after I have chocolate.

During the third trimester some health care providers may ask you to start “counting the kicks.” Individual recommendations may vary, but a good rule of thumb is as follows: Sometime in a 24 hour period baby should kick 10 times within two hours. Try counting in the evening, when baby is most likely to be active. My boy kicks ten times in ten minutes, several times a day. I’m told movement may lessen when he has less room to do summersaults.

Another thing that mothers should keep in mind is pre-eclampsia symptoms. Usually this isn’t a concern until after 37 weeks, but you should know what to look for. High blood pressure and protein in mother’s urine characterize pre-eclampsia. Call your physician if you experience swelling in the face or puffy eyes, excessive or sudden swelling of the hands or feet. If you gain more than four pounds a week, have unusual headaches, vision change, pain in the upper abdomen, or vomiting, call your health care professional right away.

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Terra’s Own Birth Day

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:58:16 +0000

Week 24

AHHH! I turned 25 this week. On the day I was born I took time to reflect on where I am in life. The other thing I do every year is make a phone call to my mother. I always like to hear the story of when I was born. In case you’re interested…

I was born on July 2, 1983. It was a Friday, the hottest day of the year. The story begins on Wednesday. My older brother was born very quickly so there was some concern that this labor and delivery would follow suite. On Wednesday my mother began experiencing labor. My father rushed her to the hospital. He got pulled over on the way. He was driving 90 miles per hour! My mom was in labor, but it wasn’t an emergency yet. They got to the hospital and waited. And waited. They didn’t want to send my mom home, but nothing was happening. It must have been a long day. A long couple of days. Mom went home on Wednesday and came back on Friday when labor started again. That afternoon she gave birth to me, a beautiful baby girl.

Doctor’s orders were to lay me in the sun to treat my jaundice. I spent afternoons for the rest of the summer in nothing, but a diaper and a sunbeam. I hold my mother responsible for my sun-worshipping addictions today. I’m truly a summer baby.

I went to Summerfest (a music festival) in Milwaukee on Wednesday. My friend and I saw Credence Clearwater Revisited, O.A.R., Meriwether, and several other unknown bands. We had a great time. I was careful not to get too close to the speakers. I was also very alert so as not to get run into by someone that was over-served.

All day I was so cautious. Then when I got home, somehow I tripped! I remember turning to the side so as not to fall on my belly. I skinned my knee and the top of my foot. I was so scared that I hurt the baby. I know I didn’t bump my belly, but I felt like a terrible mother. I tore my capri pants and got blood all over them. By the time I took a shower and cleaned my wounds it was really late. I lay in bed and cried until I felt my little boy move. Thankfully my prayers were answered quickly.

Friday was a beautiful day. A big group of friends went to a park. There was lots of sunshine, fresh air, and playing in the water. It was my first time wearing a maternity swimsuit. I felt less self-conscious than I usually do while wearing a swimsuit. No need to worry about how my tummy looks.

Saturday I got stuck watching my mother’s rummage sale. On the plus side my sister came by. She brought me a box and a diaper bag full of baby boy clothes. Everything is so cute! I washed and sorted everything and it’s eagerly waiting for baby. Make sure you wash baby clothes in mild detergent. Look for one without dyes or perfumes. It wouldn’t hurt to run an extra rinse cycle on the washer either. When you dry baby clothes, don’t use dryer sheets.

I am really growing! I gained four pounds this week! My belly (at the largest) measures 35 inches. I started at 29 inches. It looks like I’ve gotten bigger than that! At my natural waist (the smallest) I was 24 inches pre-pregnancy and now I measure 31 inches.

My exercise regimen has changed again. I am walking even slower now. I’ve increased the length of time that I walk to compensate. Concentrating on stretching, relaxing, and toning is my goal. I’m not worrying about lifting more weight. I haven’t even checked my body fat percentage. I’ll worry about that postpartum.

I finally broke down and bought maternity jeans today. I’ve been wearing maternity pants for quite some time, but the jeans are so ugly. I found a pair today that weren’t so bad. The jeans I had been wearing were regular jeans. They just sit really low and are a bigger size than I usually wear.

During this time in pregnancy amniotic fluid increases almost four and a half cups per week. Baby is about 13 inches long, from head to heal, and weighs about one pound, twelve ounces. His fingernails have become noticeable and air sacs are developing in the lungs. This week ends the second trimester. Only about three months to go!

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Our wiggle worm

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:50:15 +0000

Week 23

On Monday we attended a retirement party for my best friend’s dad. He had worked at the same company for 30 years. He still used the same lunch box he did when he started that job. My friend put a picture of it on his cake with the words, “Goodbye lunch pail!” It was cute. And tasty!

Maybe it was the cake… or the rhubarb crisp… or the strawberry pie… I certainly indulged this week. Whatever it was I gained another pound! I am up ten pounds since becoming pregnant. I promise I try to eat healthy! The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables this time of year makes it easier, but I can’t resist baked goods or ice cream.

We’ve started calling this baby Wiggle-Worm because he has been so active. This child definitely has Andrew’s genes. Neither one of them can sit still for five minutes. What am I going to do with two hyper boys?

I’ve also started to feel movement higher up in my abdomen, even above my belly button. I learned that my uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball. I can even see my stomach move when I’m given a strong kick. Wiggle-Worm is also developing a strong grip this month. In fact it is more powerful now than it will be after birth.

Heartburn and swelling are common in pregnancy. My heartburn has transitioned from minor nuisance to major pain. I keep a roll of Tums in my purse and at my desk. I’m still trying to keep my feet elevated whenever possible. The swelling hasn’t been too bad in my feet or ankles yet, I think I notice it more in my hands.

At least I’m not among the 20-50% of pregnant women that get hemorrhoids. Make sure you do your kegels and get enough dietary fiber. Constipation and straining to go to the bathroom may contribute to hemorrhoids. Rectal bleeding should be reported to your doctor.

Buds for baby’s permanent teeth are now coming in. These are high in the gums behind the baby teeth. His nostrils have been plugged until this point, but now they will begin to open.

Andrew’s plans for golfing Saturday were canceled so he told me he was taking me on a surprise date. Andrew borrowed a friend’s 1979 Trans Am and wouldn’t tell me where we were going. It was a beautiful day for a drive in that “Smokey and the Bandit” car.

Despite my inquiries, Andrew wouldn’t tell me his plan. He took me to the zoo! It was a nice surprise. The giraffes were awesome, my favorite. The lions always seem to be sleeping, but they weren’t this time! I’ve never seen them so active. They played and wrestled with one another. I can’t wait to return with my nieces and nephews this summer.

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