House Woes

There are plenty of things that make owning a house awesome, but there are definitely some downsides to that, as well. For example, when something major breaks, you have to fix it. Now, I live in Texas. I think it's common knowledge that we tend to have some heat down here, and it just so happens to be July. If you were to ask people on the street here what is the most important thing to survive, your answer would be air conditioning. Well, we have the oldest unit that was ever created. I would guess it's the first AC made. Ever. We knew it wasn't going to last too much longer (we just bought the house in January), but we were hoping with all of our might that it would get us through summer. No such luck. It's still running (THANK GOD!), but it is getting all rankity and definitely dying on us. We've started the thrilling routine of getting quotes and such. We're ready to be done with it all and just have our new, pretty, energy-efficient AC all set up and working. It's just going to really suck having to pay for it. Oh well. At least Jeffrey will definitely be nice and cool when we bring him home...

23 weeks!!

How far along? 23 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: 6lb as of my last appointment (almost a month ago, so...who knows?!?)
How much does Baby weigh?: approximately 1 1/3 pounds!
Maternity clothes? Yup. More and more pre-pregnancy shirts are taking a trip to the retired portion of the closet (for now). Even some t-shirts!
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: I've been working on sleeping in a certain position that we learned in our Bradley classes, and that has made it a lot better. My back doesn't hurt anymore!
Best moment this week: whenever he's super active
Movement: Definitely. I'm trying to get used to the fact that my belly moves all around without me controlling in whatsoever. He's even started kicking/moving ABOVE my belly button.
Food cravings: none
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? It changes periodically, but I'd say that it's flat the majority of the time. I do have a little section that pokes out every now and then, though...
What I miss: not worrying about my food intake so much
What I am looking forward to: getting all the nursery furniture in place/set up!
Milestones: buying our glider/ottoman and getting organized for finishing up the nursery/other necessary baby items!

My Baby

Your baby isn't just sitting around (on your bladder) doing nothing, he's working hard preparing for life outside the womb—perfecting his lungs and packing on the pounds. He'll gain ½ pound this week alone. Other highlights this week:

Things are starting to get a little crowded inside the old womb as baby grows bigger and bigger. Your ribs are probably pining away for the good old days when they didn't have a foot permanently lodged between them. Hate to break it to you, but it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Your baby's ears are fully functional now. And since they are, you may notice that loud noises and sudden movements can startle the little bugger. He's getting used to the everyday sounds inside the womb: the sound of your heart beating, your lungs inhaling and exhaling air, the growling of your stomach because your partner promised he'd be right back with that double cheeseburger and he's taking forever! He'll even be able to hear your voice when your partner finally arrives and you ask him where the bleep he's been! So talk nice!

Baby's got a fully developed inner ear now. This means his sense of balance is working and he can tell whether he's hanging upside down or right side up. He can also feel you moving, so go ahead, pop in your favorite tunes and boogie.

Your little Wiener schnitzel is about the length of a foot-long Chicago hot dog and weighs about 1 1/3 pounds.

Nursery To Do's

J and I were standing in the nursery at the beginning of this weekend and begin to feel horribly overwhelmed. It's still SO far from where we want it to be in just 17 or so (preferably less, as I want to be done with the nursery by 37 weeks) week. To try and get our heads in the game, both organizationally (is that a word?) and financially, I made some lists. We have the list of what we need to do in the nursery and a list for when we're going to buy the rest of the nursery/baby items. I have them written down, but I'm going to list it out here, as well. I'm lazy, and it's an easy place for me to come look if I lose the paper lists. Plus, it'll help me stay on track as far as buying things earlier than planned. I tend to get a little anxious :) Feel free to ignore...

Nursery To Do's: (10/18 remaining)

1. Paint remaining closet door- DONE
2. install fan- DONE
3. change lightswitch to a double/add dimmer switch- DONE
4. Install window valence
5. Frame photos and hang- DONE
6. Finish/hang up name letters
7. Finish/put up picture board
8. Set up diaper area (secure changing pad, put up drying clips, and organize diapers/wipes)
9. Organize closets and hutch
10. Set up crib bedding
11. Hang up shelves
12. Clean windows/storm windows
13. Replace smoke detector's battery
14. Replace pulls in closet lights- DONE
15. Clean stickers off crib (WHY do they even put these on there?!?)- DONE
16. Polish hutch- DONE
17. DECORATE!

Buying Schedule: (3.5/18 remaining)

-August:

1. Glider/Ottoman (we actually just ordered them, but we're paying for them in August. So, we consider it an "August" purchase)- DONE

-September 1-15:

1. Framing/custom matting for caterpillar picture above crib- DONE
2. 4 frames for EC prints- DONE
3. ribbons/pins/materials for picture board- DONE
4. Green Mountain Diapers pre-folds (12 newborn/12 small)- DONE

-September 16-30

1. Closet Organizer/bins- DONE
2. Lamp- DONE
3. 3 shelves- DONE

-October 1-15

1. 2 clips for diaper covers- DONE
2. Closet light pulls- DONE
3. Wet bag: trash (2)
4. Wet bag: "on the go" (2)- one down

-October 16-30

1. Bookshelf- DONE
2. KL0 rental

-November (if not purchased off of registry)

1. Infant car seat- DONE
2. Stroller
3. Loveydud- DONE
4. Baby monitor- DONE

"That can't be his heart beating, can it?!?"

First off, it's early in the morning, and I'm not really "with it" yet. I am not a morning person. However, I still know that it is absolutely insane that I think I could be seeing his little heart beat in my belly (he was really pushed up again- this time it was on the right side of the belly button). I just stared at it for a good bit until it stopped- the consistency was crazy. Nothing like his crazy, unexplained movements beforehand. I quickly forgot about how wierd I thought it was until I read my daily iVillage reading: it was hiccups! I'd been wondering what those would feel like, and it makes perfect sense! Amazing.

Following stories of movement, I had my hand on my belly enjoying his morning romp (when he goes crazy) when I felt the tiniest little body part (most likely a foot) move across my hand. So strange and so awesome. As I said before, I'm not a morning person, but mornings are quickly becoming my favorite part of the day with all of these exciting occurrences!

22 weeks!

YAY! 6 months! I don't feel that far along at all, which I'm fine with. I really think that the belly is starting to show more and more, even when I wear a t-shirt! I love it. It's so nice to finally be moving past that awkward stage where people look at you with this "maybe?!?" look in their eyes. Jeffrey has also been moving like crazy lately. I was woken up this morning to his crazy kicks and movements. My whole left side of my belly moved up this morning, which I'm guessing was his butt or something like that. That was insane to see. J and I just love watching all the little jumps and remarking how much stronger he is than he was just a week or so ago.

In regards to my post yesterday- I have a new OB. He was recommended by my Bradley instructor, so I'm pretty excited about it. I'm starting to regain confidence in delivery again- yay! It was such a relief to make an appointment. Although, it was not so fun calling to cancel with my old OB. Oh well- glad it's over. I'm proud of myself for overcoming my fears ( i hate dissapointing/hurting people) and doing what was best for my son. It's the first of many times, I'm sure!

My Baby

Your baby's got a while to go before his lungs will be ready for air and is practicing his "breathing" on the amniotic fluid—sucking it in and out of his lungs. Other highlights this week:

Fat production is in overdrive at this point (for the baby, not you! Well, OK, maybe for the baby and you). Your baby will basically double in weight over the next four weeks! You'll be happy to know the same won't apply to you.

Your Mini is starting to look more like a newborn as his skin becomes less see-through. His body is looking more proportional now, although his head is still kinda big compared to his cute little body.

Your baby is about 11½ inches long and weighs 1 pound, or about the length and weight of a Harry Potter book.

Changes in Progress (hopefully)

J and I have officially decided to switch OBs. We just don't feel that we're going to get the birth we want with our current one-he's too pro-intervention when we're pretty anti-intervention. So, most likely that just wasn't going to work too well. It's a bummer that we'll probably not be delivering at the hospital that's literally less than 5 minutes away, but I'm willing to take a drive to get the birth that I want/deserve. I've got 2 places that I'm going to call and beg for them to take me at this point in my pregnancy tomorrow. Wish me luck!! I know that I'll feel so much better about everything after a switch is made. One of the recommendations is from my Bradley instructor that she used for her first birth, so he can't be too bad! She said he has a "no touch" method, which sounds absolutely perfect. She also recommended a pediatrician for us to check out. Of course, we're going to worry about an OB first, but it's great to have that business card on hand! I love having a Bradley instructor that lives in our neighborhood, lol.

I'll update on these changes that will hopefully be occuring in tomorrow's 22 week post!

Picture Post

Our Gender Reveal Cake, complete with a crapload of icing so that none of the blue icing would show through:

The Inside of the cake:

Our first batch of boy clothes! Aren't those shorts the cutest things?!?:

The Nursery!!!

21 weeks!

Now, I'm definitely past the halfway point since most first time mamas go past 40 weeks. Woo-hoo! Of course, I'm hoping that is not the case, but I figure I should start preparing mentally for that now- just in case.

Yesterday was almost as exciting as Saturday was! I woke up to see J putting the crib together and, after about 30 minutes, it is all set up and pretty in Jeffrey's nursery! He even attached the hutch to the dresser/combo last night and put it in it's final place. The rest of the furniture might move around a teensy bit depending on how the glider fits in (which we need to order sometime this week...) It's so exciting to actually have a room that looks like we're having a baby! We discussed details for decorating last night and have basically decided what we're going to do, so now I'm ready to do it!

We had our first Bradley class yesterday afternoon, and we were very pleased. It should be a fun, casual, comfortable atmosphere. There are only 3 other couples, so it's nice. J's excited because it looks like one of the other dads is a cyclist, as well, and he's been looking for someone to ride with. Let's see if he actually talks to him- he can be quite anti-social. We got our workbook, Dr. Bradley's book, and even 2 little newborn onesies from The Children's Place! We started on our homework last night, and I've been starting my daily exercises. I also have to monitor my food intake to make sure I'm heating healthy enough. I love the feeling that I'm actually being pro-active about having a healthy pregnancy!

My Baby

Your Mini's hands have grown bigger and stronger and the nerve endings in his fingers have developed his sense of touch. He's in there testing out his newfound abilities by touching his face and grabbing the umbilical cord. Other cool developments:

You're already raising a little Einstein. Your baby's brain is developing at a clip this week and will continue to do so until he's five years old (so load up on the Omega 3)!

Baby's hair is now a short, bright white crop (Billy Idol, eat your heart out!). No matter what color it will end up—red, blonde, black—all babies' hair lacks pigment at this point.

Your baby has started growing taste buds and may be able to detect strong flavors in the amniotic fluid. If you could see inside, you might catch her sticking out her tongue for a taste and then grimacing, a sign that perhaps you should chill on the chili powder.

Your baby now weighs almost a pound and measures almost 11 inches from his head to his heel, which is how the Stretch Armstrong in your uterus will be measured from here on out. Up 'til now your baby's legs were curled tight up against his torso, so he was measured from his head to his bottom (or crown to rump) and not head to toe. This week your mini is about as long as a package of Oreos and as heavy as a large bag of tortilla chips. Who's hungry?

An Eventful Day!

J and I have been looking into cloth diapering and, after doing all of the research, decided that the best approach would be to go to a local place and actually hear about/look at/feel the different options. We did that this morning, and we are sold! We're so excited about a decision that feels so silly to be excited about. We're starting out pretty simple since newborns are so tiny (for the most part, lol) with pre-folds and diaper covers. We got our first stash of pre-folds, some cloth wipes, diaper cream that's okay to use on cloth diapers, and one, itsy-bitsy, adorable cover. I can't wait to get more! We still need to make a decision on what we'll advance to when he's about 3 months, but we've got plenty of time for that!

Also, we have a nursery!! We finally went and picked up all of our furniture today! It's all unloaded and unwrapped in his room- no scratches, dents, or any of that. J will probably be putting the crib together in the next week and then we can really start decorating! My mom's making our crib bedding, and she showed us the quilt top that she has finished. It's so cute and colorful! Once she finishes actually quilting that, then she'll get going on the fitted sheets, crib skirt, and window valence. We made all the final fabric decisions today. It's such a relief having the furniture at home and makes this start feeling a lot more real than it has been.

I'd like to add a little shout-out to the Houston GP girls that were all at our GTG Friday: Insy, Kismet, Lemon, and ZAngel! It was so much fun meeting you all, and I'm looking forward to next time!

20 weeks!!

Halfway! I can hardly even believe it!

How far along? 20 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: 6lb as of my last appointment
How much does Baby weigh?: 10-11 ounces
Maternity clothes? Definitely for bottoms, although I do have a few stretch pants/shorts that still work. I'm still doing okay with shirts, but I've had to incorporate a few of my maternity shirts in to replace those that don't fit anymore.
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: It's been alright. Not bad but not great.
Best moment this week: finding out it's a HE
Movement: Oh yes. He's quite an active little fellow. After sitting for awhile, he usually starts practicing his dance moves.
Food cravings: none
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie, but it's starting to look wierd.
What I miss: sleeping on my back
What I am looking forward to: actually starting to look pregnant no matter what I wear. I'm growing weary of this awkward middle phase.
Milestones: finding out it's a boy, feeling/seeing him kicking (both me and J!), registering, and Jeffrey's first 4th of July! Phew.

My Baby

Chances are good you're feeling someone performing a round-off back handspring in your uterus by now. Is there any other feeling this cool? Other highlights this week:

By now your baby looks like a mini-version of what he'll look like when he's born. All his facial features are formed and hair is growing on his head. He's even acting like a baby and will occasionally suck his thumb or yawn. Aww ...

Baby's heartbeat is getting stronger and can be heard using a good old-fashioned stethoscope. Ask for a listen at your next prenatal visit! Fetal bone marrow starts making blood cells—previously done by the liver and spleen. This may not sound that exciting, but it's good news.

The amniotic fluid that has been cushioning your little bean now serves another purpose: Your baby uses it to "practice" chowing down. Yes, it sounds gross (as many aspects of pregnancy do), but it's an important step for your baby toward being able to chow down in the real world. Your baby has been swallowing amniotic fluid for a while now, but now the intestines are finally developed enough that he's absorbing small amounts of sugars from it. And let's face it, being able to effectively digest sugar is important at every stage of life.

Your baby now weighs between 10 and 11 ounces and is approximately 7 inches long—the size of a delicious, cold, frothy bottle of root beer. Float anyone?

Little Jeffrey

I forgot to post my ultrasound pictures yesterday, so here goes:

Profile:

His leg:

It's a boy!

His little foot: