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.

Please view my other blogs:

• Health insurance changes mid-pregnancy
• Terra’s Own Birth Day
• Our wiggle worm
• Crafting, sports, pilates and…waddling?!
• Things are a’changing!
• It’s a boy!
• Communicating with your big belly
• Keepin’ it all straight
• Terra’s Announcement
• Terra’s Trip to the Midwest
• My Little Secret
• Terra’s First Few Weeks

Please view my profile on Mommy.com here .

Week 8

I can never seem to get enough to eat. I have always been known for my healthy appetite, despite my 24-inch waist. My husband, Andrew really wants to wait until three months before we share the news. Today though I almost screamed, “I’m pregnant! Feed me!” On the plus side my skin has been really clear and the girl at the gym told me my nails looked really healthy.

I feel like myself for the most part except for a little “pregnancy brain.” I don’t know if it is my thoughts or hormones that are distracting me, but I’m a little less organized than my usual, orderly self is. Some of my pants feel just a little tighter than usual.

I went to the doctor and had my pelvic exam and check up. They also took blood and urine samples. I was given a due date of October 20th. The nurse gave me lots to read. I was very nervous. My heart rate was very high (for me) at 96 beats per minute. I’ve had so much on my mind. I’m trying hard to relax and take care of myself.

By week eight the embryo responds to touch. The baby’s heart is beating strongly now. There is some stomach, liver, and kidney function. The baby is between .87 and .94 inches. Your weight gain should be about a pound a week during the second trimester.

Read my previous blog: Terra’s first few weeks

Visit my Mommy.com profile here .

My husband Andrew and I are expecting our first child around October 20, 2008. Andrew will be 29 in November. I will be 25 in July. Andrew works in the shipping department of a company that makes signs. He loves to work on cars in his free time. I work part time in an office, do volunteer work, and freelance writing. I have always been around children. I have six brothers and sisters and six nieces and nephews. Pregnancy and motherhood are a new adventure, though. I am fascinated by the amazing changes taking place inside my body. Please get to know me as I shares the adventures of my pregnancy. View my Mommy.com profile here .

So, let’s start off back at the end of January: Jan 29, 2008

Few women are aware of when they ovulate some however may notice if they don’t feel themselves ovulate when they usually do. Otherwise your first indication that you might be pregnant could be implantation bleeding. This may occur 7-14 days after conception. Some women may think their period is starting, as I did. My periods are very irregular so I wasn’t overly suspicious at this time.

Feb 5, 2008 (Week 3)

This week starts a period of critical development in baby’s heart. Some time this week it will start to beat. This was the most amazing thing I learned early on. There was a heart beating inside me before I even knew I was pregnant.

Feb 12, 2008 (Week 4)

Many women experience morning sickness as their bodies adjust to changing hormones. There is an increase in estrogen, progesterone, and hCG. If your stomach is upset try eating bland carbohydrates. Some women even eat a few crackers before they get out of bed in the morning.

Feb 26, 2008 (Week 6)

At this point in time I’m not even sure that I’m pregnant. Only the slightest suspicion told me that when I went to the dentist this week, X-rays were not a good idea. I remembered mentioning to a friend that I had to go to the bathroom a lot, but I didn’t think anything of it.

Mar 4, 2008 (Week 7)

My breasts were very tender on Wednesday. I got a little nauseated sitting in the back of a van. I couldn’t figure out why I was so hungry mid-afternoon. I had a good lunch. That night when I took a shower my breasts hurt from the water. I was pretty sure…

I was anxious to take a test, but I knew I should wait until morning. I woke up at 1:40 Thursday morning. I wanted to test, but decided to wait. I woke up again at 5, but couldn’t go back to sleep. I was sooo nervous. I finally took the test just before 6am. I put it down and walked away. When I came back to look; there was a plus sign. Flooded with emotions, I didn’t know how to react. I cried. My husband was out of town. I called him and cried again. He was so sweet. He called me several times. I switched from multivitamins to a prenatal. I made a doctor appointment and signed up for every free baby website.

A word of advice on signing up for websites; don’t sign up for websites that promise to send coupons on behalf of more than one company. You will get tons of spam or junk email. Do visit the websites of the individual companies that sell the products you think you will use. They are less likely to share your address.

Your baby will cut 20 teeth over the next few years. These include four front incisors, with four additional side incisors for cutting. Four back molars will appear to aid in chewing. Next, the pointed canine teeth will erupt, and finally, four back molars will break through. Twenty teeth spell a lot of discomfort for your child.

Signs of teething

Most babies begin cutting teeth before 6 months, although some wait as long as a year. Remember, your child will cut teeth at his own speed. The first sign of teething is excessive drooling. Peek inside your baby’s mouth and check for swollen gums. Your baby might chew on his fingers, hands, and toys in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Looser bowel movements, poor appetite, and rejecting the bottle are also signs of teething. No, you can’t hide under the bed. It’s time to find a way to help with your child’s teething nightmare.

Tricks from seasoned moms

Finding the trick to help your baby’s pain might take some trial and error. Get those cute little bibs and arm yourself with soft burping cloths to wipe baby’s chin. If a rash develops, gently clean with warm water, dry thoroughly and apply some petroleum jelly to protect from chafing. It’s almost a guarantee that the method you find to soothe your baby will be as unique as your child is. Be patient.

Cold washcloth : Freeze or refrigerate a wet washcloth and allow your baby to gnaw on it. The textured surface provides just enough abrasion to ease baby’s gum pain. Try twisting an ice cube inside the cloth and let baby go to town!

Mommy’s finger : With clean hands, press and rub on baby’s gums. You just might find baby likes this best, especially because he gets a sweet snuggle in the process.

New toothbrush : Use a baby toothbrush to gently rub your child’s gums. Never let baby hold the brush as he could easily choke himself.

Cooler foods : Some babies find warmed baby food uncomfortable when teething. Try cool applesauce or freeze bananas and cut them to baby-sized bites. Some mothers swear by frozen peas, for both pain reduction and entertainment value for a baby. Try cool water in baby’s bottle.

Teething biscuits : Dissolving biscuits are a good way to let baby go to town while your rush through your dinner.

Cold spoons : Put a metal spoon in the freezer. Bend the handle before giving it to your baby.

Distraction : Redirecting your baby’s attention away from his discomfort with an interesting toy or playtime with Mommy’s undivided attention might help him forget his sore mouth for a while.

Teething rings : Fashioned from hard plastic, these toys are easy for little fingers to grasp. Some rings can be placed in the refrigerator to cool them to ease discomfort but should never be frozen.

Pain relievers, gels and pills

Some parents choose to use Baby Tylenol to ease baby’s teething discomfort. Make sure you administer the correct dose for your child based on your pediatrician’s recommendations. Teething gels are another option, although some babies don’t like the taste. Some parents swear by homeopathic teething pills. Again, use your best judgment based on the advice of your physician when considering over-the-counter medications for your baby.

They say you glow when you’re pregnant. There are days you wonder if that’s just a nice way of telling you you’re sweating like a pig and you waddle like a duck. So maybe no one says that, but it sure is how you feel when you’re eight months pregnant in the heat of summer and it’s 103 degrees outside; and, there is no hope for cooler weather until after you have the baby.

I got pregnant with my first baby when I was 23. I never was sick one day of those nine months—never had a complaint. I enjoyed every kick and shove my son gave me. They were love taps as I called them, after losing their butterfly “fluttering” affect, as my doctor described them. They quickly went from flutters to full blown flailing about within the womb. I was sure I was being bruised and beaten from the inside out but it didn’t matter. I was in love with being a new mommy.

I didn’t fret or worry like some mothers-to-be seem to consume their pre-birth months doing. I just enjoyed the time of carrying this wee one while I could, cherishing the moments of having him, literally, all to myself.

But all good things must come to an end and eventually it was time to give him up and begin the journey of raising him to become independent, and give him up again.

My son was overdue—not an uncommon thing. But his heart rate was decreasing and he had stopped moving, so my doctor decided that my son was going to arrive the day I went in for my weekly check, two and a half weeks after this little boy was due to enter the world.

She sent me across the street to the hospital where they confirmed that I needed to be induced to start immediate labor. My husband was called and arrived within the hour to be at my side.

A heart monitor cable was inserted through the womb and into my son’s scalp where to this day he still has a little scar on the top of his head. That is where they monitored his heartbeat moment by moment through my fifteen-hour labor. After pushing for four hours, I gave birth to a beautiful, bruised, egg-shaped-headed little boy. He was beautiful but gone shortly after his arrival, to be monitored to assure his health was stable.

A few hours later, I was reunited with this miracle of life and he was given a very prestigious name, even though misspelled during my post-birthing confusion. Thankfully, my son has never held it against me.

It would be almost four months before I could cough, sneeze, or laugh without wanting to cry from the pain from a horrendous episiotomy. Although I swore I’d never have another child because of it, I got past the pain and delivered a healthy baby girl through a much more pleasant experience, followed by another son four years to the day after his big brother.

I suppose the greatest memory of all was when my pediatrician came in for the final check on my first son before clearing him to leave the hospital. He sat on the edge of the bed and said, “You’re going to get a lot of advice on how to raise this little one. Some will be good but most you’ll have to take politely and then throw it away. The best advice I can give you is to dance with your children.”

I never forgot that—ever. I did dance with my children. When they were infants, I danced with them in my arms. As they grew, we danced in the living room and down the hall. Tonight my daughter was home with us, visiting for the holidays. As I did the dishes I was singing a song. She took my hands and we danced.

Once again. I remembered that moment with my first son in the hospital when the doctor said to dance with your children. He was right. I got a lot of advice. But I do believe his was about the best. I know some of the best memories have been made swaying through the rooms of our home as we laughed and sang…and danced.

“Mommy, we can’t find Gina.” my six-year-old daughter yelled as she ran through the front door. Gina, my three year old, had been playing outside with five other children. We were staying at the Homosassa River cottage of my aunt and uncle for the weekend. The oldest cousin was fourteen and she had asked if she could take Gina out to play Hide and Seek with the other children. “Mommy, please,” Gina had pleaded when I was hesitant about letting her go. I finally relented after Marcia (the fourteen year old) promised to take good care of her.

I ran outside with my aunt to see what was happening. The kids had been playing Hide and Seek and when it was over, they could not find Gina. I calmed the kids down, and we all fanned out to search for her. “I put her in a good hiding spot near me and told her not to move.”

I decided to call the police for help. I left the search to my aunt ran into the house to use the phone. I dialed the sheriff’s office and stood anxiously waiting to tell my story. As I looked around the room, I caught a glimpse of the antique cabinet in front of me. I saw what looked like one of Gina’s shoes sticking out from under it. Sure enough, curled up asleep under the cabinet, was my daughter. She wanted to find a better hiding spot and had fallen asleep under the cabinet.

It would have been her usual nap time if we were at home, and she just couldn’t stay awake. I grabbed her up and danced around the room, yelling for the others.

“Mommy, what’s the matter?” Gina asked as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. I just kept dancing and kissing her little face. My aunt came in, followed by most of the searchers. I thanked them all profusely and apologized for the false alarm. I was embarrassed, but they all laughed and said what really mattered was that she was safe and sound. When I tell that story now, Gina gets more embarrassed about it than I ever did. She rolls her eyes and says, “Oh, Mom, pulleeeze, not that again.” I don’t care. A mother has the right to be a little embarrassing sometimes. It’s what mother’s do.

There are some things that they don’t mention to you when you are becoming a mother. Like, they never tell you how many people will see you naked, before and after you give birth Doctors, nurses, strangers.

One day I decided I’d have enough of the standard-issue, Mommy sweat suit. I was going to put on something pretty and girly. You know, like you used to do in your pre- Mommy days. I pulled out the cute boots, a nice pair of jeans, and a super cute top that showed off that ample Mommy cleavage, and headed for the store with the kiddo.

We went marching down the aisles, scoping out the sales for the upcoming holiday season. Of course, we found the perfect gift, three feet above my reach, so I asked a nearby store clerk if he could help me. While he fumbled for the gift, I tried to keep my bored toddler entertained with a game of tickle, which worked. She laughed and giggled, and pulled down Mommy’s top in self-defense.

I was, of course, clueless, until the nice man handed me the item, with a blushing-red face. I then realized, “Hey, isn’t it just a little breezy in here?” Looking down, I saw the double-D twins saying hello to anyone who was looking. I pulled up my top, but the damage was done. The red-faced man quickly apologized and ran off, no doubt to tell a co worker. A nearby group of appreciative-looking guys smiled and waved. Add them to the list of people who have seen Mommy naked.

My consolation is that I’ll feel absolutely no guilt when, down the road, my child’s a teenager and blushing furiously, hissing under her breath while I spit-bathe her in public, “Mom! You’re embarrassing me!”

My husband and I were heading home from a trip to Dallas. While at the airport, I noticed that my breasts were leaking. It was of no real concern; I had on breast pads. I was at the end of my term as mommy milk machine; a little leakage was normal.

Once on the plane, my progressively hardening bosom started leaking again. I became nervous about the wherewithal of the pads. I was a first-time mom learning a huge lesson, bring extra breast pads!

Finally, we landed. My chest was in agony. I was full of mama’s milk and needed a release. By this point, the pads were leaking through to my bra. I was embarrassed, but more important, I had to do something about the pain the milk was causing. I had an idea. I told my husband to find a family-style bathroom.

Fifteen minutes later, he’d found one. He quickly ushered me to it and locked the door behind us…or so I thought.

“Honey help me!” I cried out.

“Just squish ’em or push ’em, or something,” he yelled.

I tried squishing and pushing, but the milk wasn’t coming out fast enough. I stood there, watching myself in the dirty airport mirror, nipples dripping large drops of mama nectar on the tiled floor. I realized drastic measures had to be taken.

I looked my husband square in the eyes, “You’ve got to suck the milk out.”

He looked at me, half aroused and half repulsed. “Are you kidding? I’m not doing that!”

“You have to, I’m dying over here, for the love of God, help me!” I yelled.

Reluctantly, he bent down and began to give me the relief that I needed. A wave of gratitude washed over me and came crashing into his mouth. Just then, I heard the bathroom door open.

The weary traveler’s eyes locked onto our nursing session and we all froze. Time stood still. Then as if someone had hit the play button again, the traveler backed away and closed the door. The moment was surreal. I was in complete disbelief that my husband forgot to lock the door. Well, not complete.

All in all, I got relief for my giant nursing mom breasts, and my husband got a taste of mother’s milk. As for the weary traveler, he received a very clear explanation of why it’s called a “family” bathroom.

Every mom knows the feeling. It’s 7:00 am, and you’ve just spent the better part of your morning explaining to your toddler why it’s probably not a good idea to “clean” the toilets with toothpaste. You’ve also just had to explain to your five-year-old the consequences of licking power outlets. But before you have a chance to appropriately chastise yourself for not being a better mother, your cell phone rings. Gasp! It’s your boss.

You frantically race to the only bathroom in the house with a functioning lock, and very seamlessly assure your boss that, yes, absolutely, you can be at work thirty minutes early. And, on this particular day, when the planets are aligned, and it happens to be the year of the horse, you actually make it on time.

But other days, you just can’t do it. Other days, you just pull out the Mommy Card. That’s right. The Mommy Card is your get-out-of-work-free card, and it is the most used and abused instrument in the Mommy Toolkit. It can be used to cover anything from a snow-day cancellation to a pediatrician appointment. Nonetheless, it must be used wisely. Depending on your work environment, you can easily, albeit unknowingly, alienate co-workers and frustrate your boss.

However, by following a few basic do’s and don’ts, you can significantly increase your chances of successfully balancing work and family, while retaining the respect of your boss and co-workers.

DON’T use the Mommy Card if it isn’t the truth. Although it is enticingly tempting to use this card when you just don’t feel like going to work, or after an argument with your husband that leaves you with a headache and a bad attitude, it is not okay to call in with an “up-all-night-with-the-kids” excuse.

DO be tactful and considerate. When you have to call in the Mommy Card, do express regret that you cannot come to work, and whenever possible, let a reliable co-worker know about any loose ends that you will not be able to take care of that day. You’d be surprised what a little conversation can do to make life easier on your colleagues and to avoid inciting resentment.

DON’T whine about it. It’s one thing to have a rough day with the kids and confide in a co-worker for support. It’s another thing to be a chronic complainer. Try not to allow yourself too much time at work for talk-therapy.

DO make up for it. If at all possible, do spend a little extra time when you can to show your boss that you take your job seriously and want to make sure your responsibilities have been fulfilled. Your boss will be impressed by your diligence and appreciative of your dependability.

DO give yourself credit. It’s very easy to feel like you are often choosing between your kids and your job, and inevitably the guilt factor ensues. Remind yourself every day of the positive ways you are influencing your family and your workplace. Moms tend to be too hard on themselves, so make it a point to forgive yourself on a daily basis.

As long as you arm yourself with a little discretion and a lot of self-awareness when it comes to exercising your duties as a mom and as an employee, you can feel comfortable using your Mommy Card in the workplace. Your boss views you as an integral part of his or her team, and as long as you are honest, considerate, and willing to take responsibility for yourself and your work, you will have earned your ability to choose family first.

Well new mommy, you’ve graduated from toting your baby around in your tummy, and now need something more practical to carry your bundle of joy. Welcome to the wonderful world of stroller shopping. There are literally thousands of strollers to choose from, and to figure out which one is right for you you’ll need to do a little research and a little soul searching.

Strollers run the gamut, from fold-and-go models to travel systems that clip the car seat right to the stroller. Each type has a range of models, from base to extravagant, and you’ll likely be able to find one to fit your budget.

Fold-and-go

These strollers are often called umbrella strollers because folded up, they look like an umbrella, taking up minimal trunk space. Weighing less than twenty pounds they’re great for errands and day trips. Usually they’re inexpensive, but designer brands can run higher. Materials, like titanium can run up the price, but can also make them more lightweight and durable.

Jogging

Jogging strollers are a pricier investment, with handgrip brakes and all-terrain suspension. Really think about this model before purchasing, because if you’re looking at a jogging stroller, you should be using it for serious jogging. If your not a serious jogger, but like this model for it’s style, invest in one with a smaller front wheel. The bigger front wheels are primarily for heavy running or rougher terrain. Smaller, swivel front wheels are better for walking and smooth surfaces and are easier to turn. If you are going to jog, get a fixed wheel.

Multiple kiddies

Parents with multiple children can find multi-seat strollers too. For children of different ages, there are stand-and-rides, which allow the older children to stand on the back while the younger ones sit up front. Or you can purchase stroller clips, which will allow you to clip two lightweight strollers together.

Safety

All strollers have a rear brake. Make sure it works. When the stroller is stationary, keep it locked.
Look for a five-point harness that goes over the baby’s shoulders. Don’t underestimate your mommy-panic factor on this one. When you see your little one all strapped in, you’ll want to know he’s secure.

A reclining seat is safer for newborns with weak neck muscles, but not all fold-and-go strollers recline enough, and you may need to add additional support. A travel system that lets you use the car seat clipped in will be safest for newborns. Jogging strollers shouldn’t be used for babies under six months.

Two issues to be concerned with are weight distribution and back wheels. To test the sturdiness, hang your purse on the handlebars and see if it tips. Try walking fast and see if you kick the back wheels, sending it tipping sideways.

Convenience features

Adjustable, cushioned handlebars for a short mommy and a tall daddy are nice. Cup holders, snack trays and undercarriage baskets are all bonuses.

Remember, extra features may be something you can purchase later, so don’t focus on them too much. For example, after market rain covers are readily available; so don’t base your decision solely on that.

At the end of the day it isn’t about designer labels and expensive price tags, it’s about what works for you, your children, and your budget. Decide what’s important and find a stroller that’s safe, easy to use and fits your needs.