33 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 33 Weeks

Size of Baby: Pineapple (17 inches, 4.25 lbs)

Name: Braden Lee Samples (Bub, Bray, Whatever His Daddy comes up with)

Nicknames (Gma & Gpa W): Ripley (type of pineapple)/Pip

Weight Gain: 38.2 lbs

Exercise this Week: Nothing traditional but hours of crazy house cleaning Saturday and hours of washing/putting together/putting away shower stuff Monday. Fun :)

Milestones: Over the next four weeks Bub will put on another half pound per week. This rapid weight gain will slow by next month. The skeleton is also hardening although the bones in his skull will not fuse together completely, but will overlap allowing for continued growth all the way up into early adulthood.

Symptoms: heartburn, tiredness, not sleeping, swelling (extra!), headaches, belly itching, cramping, backache

Cravings: Honey Nut Cheerios all the time!!

Aversions: meat in general

Recap of the Week: Such a fun week :) baby shower and doctor appt! Robin, Mollie, and April gave me a WONDERFUL baby shower on Sunday. Got lots of great stuff and am feeling a little better about the state of the nursery. Pics taken by my momma:

 Made by Momma :)

Guests!

 Guests!

 Made by Momma for Baby Boy :)

 Sweet :)

 April - my champ writer

Got some great advice.  My fav was to Let Aunt Mollie Babysit Often

 Sam made me this apron which I LOVE!!

 Sweet Hostesses!  Love them :)

 Baby Kayden :)

Doctor appt also went great. I saw Dr. Hix again who I really like (we saw him at our ultrasound appt. He measured my belly and I'm once again right on schedule! Grew exactly 2 cm since 2 weeks ago. Also listened to Bub's heartbeat and it was around 140. Dr. Hix let me listen to it for a long time and said it sounded really good and strong. Always makes my day to hear his heartbeat :) He then asked if I'd had any bleeding or anything and I explained I've had spotting the whole pregnancy. I forgot to ask him why he asked that or if bleeding is more of a worry now... Noted for next time. He also asked about my symptoms and I mentioned the cramping again and etc. He said its just my body getting ready for labor :) I was told this last time too but thought I'd mention again just for the heck of it. Finally he explained that at my next appt they will check my iron, do a culture for group b strep (not completely sure what this is all abt.. Need to google), and check my cervix for dilation. Yay! Wonder if I'll be dilated at all???

32 Weeks

 
Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 32 Weeks

Size of Baby: Large Jicama (16.7 in., 3.75 lbs)

Name: Braden Lee Samples (Bub, Bray, Whatever His Daddy comes up with)

Nicknames (Gma & Gpa W): Turnip/Ace (jicama is a type of turnip and Ace can be spelled from large jicama)

Weight Gain: 38.2 lbs

Exercise this Week: none :( unless you count putting together and away baby shower gifts :) must do better next week!

Milestones: Baby is really plumping up and will gain almost half his body weight by the time of delivery. This needed baby fat will help to keep baby warm in the outside world. The layer of soft lanugo hair is also starting to shed. Over the next few weeks, baby's real hair and skin will become soft and smooth.

Symptoms: heartburn, tiredness, swelling, headaches

Cravings: Honey Nut Cheerios

Aversions: meat in general

Recap of the Week: Breastfeeding Class and our first baby shower this week!!

Class was awesome and the most helpful of all three. Mainly because I really want breastfeeding to go well and there is a lot of technique to consider. Latch positions, nursing pillows, nipple confusion, breast pumps, oh my! Must re-read the book but I'm feeling a lot more confident than I felt before the class.

Baby shower #1 (Tyson) was so so much fun! Lots of people were able to make it, the room was adorable, and the cake was AWESOME (perfectly matched to Bray's puppy dog bedding). See below for pics of baby boy's gifts. Got everything unpacked, batteried (word?) and washed or put together this weekend. Cleaned out the guest bathroom cabinets and a cabinet in the kitchen for baby stuff. Yay!

And... the shower gift strait from China :)

31 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:  31 Weeks

Size of Baby:  Four Navel Oranges (16.25 inch, 3.3 lb)

Name:  Braden Lee Samples (Bub, Bray, Whatever His Daddy comes up with)

Nicknames (Gma & Gpa W):  Garfield (type of orange), Roo (Can be spelled from letters & Roo aka Kanga's baby kangaroo, "Now Roo, you mustn't do that dear", followed by "But, momma!")

Weight Gain:  37 lbs

Exercise this Week:  3 days elliptical (30 min twice, an hour once)

Milestones:  Baby is gaining more weight as baby fat is filling in underneath the skin.  Baby's color is also becoming less red and more pink.  Baby's irises can dilate and respond to changes in light. 

Symptoms: heartburn, tiredness, swelling, headaches, belly itching

Cravings:  ooooh, chocolate

Aversions:  meat in general

Recap of the Week:  Bub definitely had hiccups this week.  It was hilarious & weird!  Wondering if it drove him crazy?  Just made me smile.  I've been a little jealous reading about people who feel baby hiccups and I finally got my turn.

We had CPR class this week (infant & child).  It was actually super helpful and I think we could both do it if we have to (God forbid).  Just a two hours class but worth 1,000+ hours in peace of mind!  Tay says he's gonna write up an instructions note card and leave it on the fridge.

My sweet Hub was very sick this week with a cold-like thing :(  He had a fever one day and just felt crappy for several days.  Glad he's slowly getting better (and regaining taste & smell) though!  I need him to tell me when the milk is bad b/c I think it smells terrible no matter what!

AND, doctor appt this week.  I saw Dr. Duke this week and he's my absolute favorite so far!  So super nice and helpful.  He did not rush me at all and actually answered several things I didn't even ask.  My main concern was some cramping I've been having (started this week) and he told me those are Braxton Hicks contractions and nothing to worry about.  He described a "real/labor" contraction as starting at the top of the stomach and moving down (also regular and timeable).  So, we'll see.  I've been worried I won't recognize real labor contractions for what they are?

Over and above my own questions, I learned the following:

-Bub is already head-down, yay!  As long as he doesn't flip between now and then no breech baby here!

-Bub's heartbeat was 128 and sounded really strong according to the doc.  He mentioned that was a really good heartbeat for how far along I am and that it's normal for it to get slower and slower as Bub gets older (pumping more efficiently with each beat).  Definitely seems true b/c we were in the upper 160's at the first appt, slowing to 140's and 130's and now 120's.

-I am measuring PRECISELY on schedule.  Should measure at the number of centimeters equal to your weeks of pregnancy.  Looks like Bub is growing just right :)

-Dr. Duke asked about my heartburn and I definitely confirmed it!  (heartburn from everything including just drinking water).  He wasn't surprised and said to use Pepcid instead of Tums b/c it'll actually work better and it's perfectly safe.

-He went over the appointments to come - every 2 weeks starting now then every week starting at 36 weeks (with internal checks).  Said I won't be checked next time unless I'm feeling pressure/specifically request it.

-He mentioned several other things but I just can't remember them all at the moment.  SO helpful.  Love him & wish he would be our delivery doctor.

Happy Valentines Day!

30 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:  30 Weeks

Size of Baby:  Cabbage (15.7 inch, 2.75 lb)

Name:  Braden Lee Samples (Bub, Bray, Whatever His Daddy comes up with)

Nicknames (Gma & Gpa W):  Dutch (type of cabbage), King Cole (Ole King Cole was a merry ole soul and a merry ole soul was he.  He called for his pipe and he called for his bowl and he called for his fiddlers three. [Cabbage - Coleslaw - Cole - Ole King Cole]).  LOL

Weight Gain:  34.6 lbs

Exercise this Week:  2 days elliptical (30 min each), 1 day crazy back-breaking cleaning :) (5+ hours)

Milestones:  As Bub continues to practice breathing, mom may notice a bout of the hiccups.  Many mom's have described this feeling as a series of small twitches.  [Not that I know of]

Symptoms: heartburn, tiredness, swelling, headaches
Cravings:  powdered donuts

Aversions:  meat in general
Recap of the Week:  This week, I was informed by thebump.com that it's time to pack the hospital bag just in case!  So, I have made a giant list and have packed some of it but not all yet.  Hoping to have that finished by next week though :)  I bought some "sample-size" toiletries and some [non-perishable] snacks and packed those.  I really need to decide on clothes for Bub to come home in cause I'm just not sure! 

We had fun this week at a dinner with friends on Thursday and a b-day party with our favorite "also-expecting" friends on Saturday!  Gotta say, I'm super (selfishly) happy to have a preg buddy [April!] :)  Too bad our babies will JUST miss out on being in the same school class :(

Discovered the app "Red Stamp" on the IPhone (thanks Jenn!) and haven't been able to stop playing with it! 

A couple of my creations:

A V-Day Card Sent to Daddy:

A new desktop background for me: 

29 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:  29 Weeks

Size of Baby:  Butternut Squash (15.25 inch, 2.5 lb)

Name:  Braden Lee Samples (Bub, Bray, Whatever His Daddy comes up with)

Nicknames (Gma & Gpa W):  Truen/Ash

Weight Gain:  33.6 lbs

Exercise this Week:  3 days elliptical (30 min each)

Cheat Food This Week (Juice, Sweets):  3 Reese's & Brownie Ice Cream :/

Milestones:  Over the next 3 months, baby is in for a major growth spurt.  Because of this, mommy may notice smaller movements.  This is due to the increasingly cramped space.

Symptoms: heartburn, tiredness, swelling, headaches
Cravings:  Ice Cream

Aversions:  Meat
Recap of the Week:  This week was Part II of our Childbirth Class.  It was all about baby care basics.  We learned swaddling, diapering, bathing, changing, ETC.  The scariest part for me was learning about circumcision.  They showed us a video and it looks so extremely painful.  Requires Vaseline & gauze with every diaper change and no actual baths until it's completely healed (sponge bath only).  Hoping it doesn't hurt him as badly as it looks....

After this class, I re-read both of the books (from Part I and II).  Super looking forward to Breastfeeding and CPR classes and I'd also like to re-read BabyWise one more time before returning it.  Feeling like January has gone by so quickly & lots left to get/do before Bub arrives!  I just can't wait to meet my little angel :)

And a couple of the girls chillin'.

28 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:  28 Weeks

Size of Baby:  Chinese Cabbage (14.8 inch, 2.25 lb)
Name:  Braden Lee Samples (Bub, Bray, Whatever His Daddy comes up with) - YES, we changed it :)

Nicknames (Gma & Gpa W):  Gabby/Abe

Weight Gain:  33.6 lbs

Exercise this Week:  4 days elliptical (30 min each)

Cheat Food This Week (Juice, Sweets):  Did great until Sunday when I had a Reese's.  Also, made a dessert for our Chinese New Year celebration at work on Mon & had a piece of that too.

Milestones:  Baby's brain has developed more tissue and has formed grooves on the surface.  It's likely he has developed a more regular sleep schedule in 20 to 30 minute intervals.  His testes are migrating into his scrotum.

Symptoms:  HEARTBURN!!! swelling, headaches
Cravings:  Cinnamon Toast Crunch (thanks to Aunt Mollie)

Aversions:  meat
Recap of the Week:  It was a really fast week overall.  We had our first Childbirth Class on Saturday which I found super helpful & informative.  We talked about a ton of different stuff, practiced breathing, got a tour of the hospital, etc.  My main takeaway is that it seems an epidural is the way to go for sure.  I was planning on one anyway, but I was further convinced.  Mainly because there is no effect on the baby, you are already ready to go if an emergency c-section has to be done, it does not enter the spinal fluid and you still have some sensation left to push, etc (including a more comfortable/enjoyable birth experience).  The most alarming thing I learned was that traditional pain meds do cross the placenta to the baby and there is a risk that the baby is so "relaxed" that he won't breathe when born.  Very scary.  I'd really hate to try it "natural", then need something later when it's too late for an epidural.

Next week's class is all about baby care so stay tuned!  I'm ready (but scared to death) to learn about circumcision and the care needed.

Also started Maternity Leave training at work this week.  It's making Bub's birth feel much closer but it's also making me feel better about leaving.  I'm hoping to have absolutely everything straightened out at work before March :)

27 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along:  27 Weeks

Size of Baby:  Cauliflower (14.5 inch, 2 lb)
Name:  Braden August Samples (Bub, Bray, Gus)

Nicknames (Gma & Gpa W):  Snowball (type of cauliflower), Wee Willie (can be spelled from Cauliflower).

Weight Gain:  33.6 lbs

Exercise this Week:  3 days elliptical (ranging from 20-32 min), 1 day crazy house cleaning

Cheat Food This Week (Juice, Sweets):  didn't really know I'd be tracking this so I didn't keep track and can't really remember.  I'm certain I had a double scoop of Reese's Candy Bar Sundae at Braum's on Saturday and a bunch of cookies on Sunday. :(  Bad job!

Milestones:  Bub looks like a thinner, redder, more wrinkled version of what he will look like at birth, but in the next few weeks more fat will fill out his appearance.  His immune system is continuing to mature as are his lungs which are still practicing breathing amniotic fluid.

Symptoms:  swelling!, nosebleeds, back pain, heartburn, tiredness
Cravings:  Cookies.  That needs to stop.

Aversions:  meat
Recap of the Week:  TWO POUND BABY!  He's growing so fast and I love the milestones.  Took him SO SO long to reach a pound and now 5 weeks later, he's two lbs :) 

I have been waking up with super swollen hands every day (hardly able to bend my knuckles).  Had to remove my rings in fear they'd have to be cut off... :(
Tay felt Bub's kicks a few more times this week and saw him kick once!  On Sunday morning, I put my belly on his belly and Baby Boy kicked his Daddy's belly. :) 

Doctor appt this week.  I saw Dr. Gorman this week for the dreaded 28 week appointment (Rhogam Shot).  :)  Not that I really dread any appt's b/c I get to hear the little angel's heartbeat but the shot was really not very fun.  I arrived at the clinic from work (my appt was a little later than usual this time) after calling the dentist for an appt on the drive over. 

[side story:  my bottom permanent retainer fell out last night while I was apparently vigorously flossing :).  It left some uncomfortable and surprisingly sharp glue behind & I need to get this stuff off!  Really have to give the thing credit though since it's been in my mouth for around 12 years :) - extremely strange to feel my bottom teeth now.]

The first part of my appt was with the lab to get blood drawn.  I don't even know what for this time.  After waiting about 15 minutes, I was called to lab and they took blood.  I was sent back to the waiting room for my regular appt.  They called me back again after a while and took my blood pressure (good) and weight (not so much).  Then they put me in a room to wait (and wait, and wait, and wait, as I played lots of Words With Friends) for Dr. Gorman.  When he arrived, we went over my questions as detailed below:

Q: Extreme swelling of the hands... something dangerous or ok?

A:  Completely normal.  It just happens but you might be able to control it somewhat by eliminating salt.

Q:  After feeling funny (headache, lightheaded, etc), I took my blood pressure at home a couple of times & it was upper 140's over upper 80's.

A:  Not concerned at the moment but they will keep a watch on my BP at every appt.  No protein in urine, etc so doesn't seem to be a preeclampsia concern right now. 

(this is great news as I was starting to overly worry about it - preterm delivery, ETC)

Q:  frequent nosebleeds... ok?

A: (as he checks my chart).  It's normal for pregnancy and winter and it looks like your blood count is fine so nothing to worry about.

[also just normal for me in general so I figured this was prob ok but wanted to ask anyway since it's been FREQUENT, like every day.]

Q:  Have to go to the dentist, is there anything they can't do since I'm preg and may I get a medical release (requested by the dentist)?

A:  No X-Rays and there are instructions on the medical release.  Normal cleaning/checkup is perfectly fine.

Q:  Should I be counting kicks? (I know, I asked this last time too but it was a different doctor and I just wanted to make sure :) - I had heard baby should kick at least 10 times/hr)

A:  No.  (same answer I got last time).  Kicking is very inconsistent and baby may have active and inactive days/hours.  Just track if movement seems significantly decreased.  If so, lay on your side for a while and concentrate on the movements.  If still nothing, call/come in.


We then heard little one's hearbeat @ 140 bpm.  Dr. Gorman said "Sounds like a healthy little boy or girl!" He asked whether it was a healthy boy or a healthy girl & after I told him boy, he said it sounded like a healthy boy. :)

Further discussion by Dr. Gorman included weight gain.  I've been dreading this topic b/c I already know I'm gaining too much.  I really hate talking about it but figure I might as well post about it for some inspiration, etc...  He said that if I keep gaining at this rate, baby may be very large at delivery.  He asked about exercise and I told him I've been doing light exercise 3ish days/week on the elliptical.  He said this was great and will really help me to get in shape for delivery.  BUT, he said "make it 5 days/wk".  Which I can do.  I'm gonna have to start charting on this blog whether I'm working out the appropriate amount.  Gonna add a section now!  He also said to cut out salt and empty calories.  No soda (which isn't a prob anyway), no juice (which is a big prob), and no sweets (which I can live with).  Gonna track this also.  There was some credit given to water weight from the swelling, but I really want to be a healthy momma for a healthy baby!

Back to the more fun parts about the doctor appt.  And, yes, i find this topic MORE fun than weight.  I had to get my Rhogam shot this week (b/c I have A Neg blood type).  The doctor left and sent the nurse in to give my shot.  She told me to stand up and drop my pants.  Ok, maybe she said to just pull them down a little but I feel like being dramatic.  She then stuck me with the needle (which wasn't too bad) and started injecting the meds (which WAS bad).  I could feel the meds/antibodies/whatever it is burning throughout my booty and it's still sore.  She said, "Yeah, this isn't the most fun shot".  Understatement.  Looking forward to another after Bub is born but that one will be sweeter b/c I'll have a new baby to think about :)