The Joys of Pregnancy

The joys of pregnancy are plentiful. Some are truly joyous, others sarcastic and many are just down right comical. I always laughed at the pregnant ladies on TV and in movies when they couldn't get off the couch or when they would literally roll out of bed. Let me tell you, I'm there. Well, maybe not completely because I will still be getting much larger but it certainly isn't an easy task anymore. My abs just don't want to lift me like they used to. I have to roll out of bed and Nic even had to help me off the couch last night. In my defense, I didn't ask him to. He gave me a good push after I leaned in that almost up kind of position. Then he so nicely let out a good laugh. Butt head! It made me chuckle too mostly because I wasn't expecting it but also because I didn't realize how much it looked like I was struggling to get up. I'm sure it's only going to get better from here. If this is the worst of my troubles, I think I'm doing well.

Other than, some more of the best smiling inducing kicks, nothing has changed. My belly is getting bigger and harder. Thankfully I've managed to avoid swelling and stretchmarks so far. I'm sleeping well when I make it to bed. I hate falling asleep on the couch! It seems to happen quite often during our snuggle time. I think snuggle time should be moved to before sleep time since that inevitably follows.

We've started working on baby stuff too. Nic has started taking off the trim in the nursery so we can refinish it. I started sanding the bookcase and nightstand so we can stain that and the dresser. It feels good, even though I do feel a little behind. I'm still tossed as to how I'm going to paint. I keep going back and forth between murals and traditional. One of these days I'm just going to have to commit!

Yesterday I had a holy cow moment. I was consolidating the baby clothes that we've picked up so far. While I was going through them, it was painfully obvious how tiny they are. And I was looking at the 3-6 month outfits. Holy moly. I can only guess how tiny the newborn stuff is! I couldn't help but imagine the little man that will be filling those clothes. It made me think of his tiny hands. His beautiful face. His helpless little cries. I wondered about is personality. His temperament. His needs. It's so humbling and intimidating to think that something, someone, so precious and so innocent could be so dependent on my choices and my capabilities. I know that perfection is only something to strive for so that we can be as good as possible but for him, its necessary. It's not an option to come close. He will get the best in me. There is nothing else more important than that.

Nothing.

Carters 5 Piece Diaper Bag

Check out this nifty diaper bag. I think it's right up my ally. I was thinking that I'd want a backpack style bag because I just can't bring myself to make the hubs carry something foo-foo or girly. But, I also want to use the ergo baby carrier...a lot. I don't think a back pack would work out too well with a carrier, so, I went on the hunt again. This set up allows me to have 2 bags packed. Short jaunts. Long day out. Both easily a grab away. I doubt I'll be using the bottle holder for its intended purpose since I'm going to exclusively breastfeed but it might come in handy if I need to pump while I'm out...or even to carry the little odds and ends. I think it's masculine enough to be carried by a daddy or used for a baby boy. I like the fact that both the bags have zippered tops. That will ensure that nothing can spill out if dropped (which I'm sure will happen more than once). And with my cautious and non trusting nature, I like that nothing can be easily snatched/stolen while I'm trying to care for my son. Best of all (and this is where my thrifty nature comes to play), it's only $29.99!!! (on buybuybaby.com or bedbathandbeyond.com) Wowza! When a lot of diaper bags range upward of $75-100, this is a steal! I've never been a purse kinda chick and just can't justify spending that kind of money for something that's only going to be used for convenience. Especially when we have other things that are necessities like a crib, changing dresser, room decor, infant carrier, breast pump, stroller, car seat, yada yada yada. Having a kid certainly isn't cheap!

This has been another installation to Kristiina's wishes and wants. Have a great day!

Happy Grandparents Day!

Today is Grandparents Day! Happy day to all the grandparents and expected grandparents out there. :-) I wanted to share that (soon to be) Grandpa O'Brien got a special gift from little man today. He got a good swift kick to the hand! Nic and I have been clearing out the nursery and talking about the things that will be changing in there and what we will be doing with the furniture. Since we have 3 nice oak pieces that we would like to spruce up, I took a timeout to do a little research on stain colors. Of course my dad (soon to be grandpa) was flipping between golf, tennis and football. Very typical. While I was pecking away at the computer, little man started tapping at me. Nic has felt it many times and grandpa hasn't. I called him over and put his hand where I felt the most recent kicks. He felt a few small ones and told me he was going to camp out a while with his hand on my tummy. I smiled and said "go for it!" Just as I said that, the dude kicked. Boy did he kick hard! It made us both laugh. He gave us a few more small pokes and then changed positions on us. Grandpa was very excited that he finally felt a kick and smiled even bigger when I told him that it's grandparents day.

Have a wonderful day! I hope your grand kids make you smile today!

Whoa Nelly!!!

Holy rib pain batman! I knew that there would be aches and pains that came with pregnancy but wow! I've been feeling a little bit of tenderness just under my boobs for a while now. My OB told me that there would be discomfort when my abdominal muscles started to separate. OK, I can take that. I'm no sissy. They have only intensified over the last week or so. My newest whoa is the back pain. Just under my shoulder blades, it's the most intense ache I've ever felt. It almost makes me feel short of breath. Since it's going to be another 2 1/2 weeks til my next doctor appointment, I did some googling. It turns out that my ribs are spreading to accommodate the organs that are being pushed upward. Yea! I just love that! (Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from that statement?) As if I really needed to buy yet another bra! My band size has increased more than my cup size! Geez!

Can I just tell you about the lower back pain? It's so low it feels like my upper butt. haha That sounds funny but how else can I describe it. I must have turned over 50 times last night (poor Nic). I even had the thickest pillow I could find wedged between my knees to alleviate some of the hip pressure/ pivoting...whatever it might be. It helped some but I felt the most relief when I put a fist just above my tailbone and pushed with all my might. I heard about 10 pops and pleasantly went back to sleep. :-) Is it from bad posture? Too much time on my feet? (No ankle swelling yet, thank goodness!) Is it sway back from the weight of my growing belly? Shoot, is it temporary or is this what I have to look forward to for the next 17 weeks? Wait! Don't answer that. I think I might be disappointed.

On a happy note, little man is as active as ever! I felt him kicking all over the place yesterday while I was at work. Two nights ago, in the middle of the night, I felt a new sensation. It kinda felt like a roll under my belly button. Now, I've felt the summer salts and flip flops. This felt more like a prolonged poke that moved. I think this might be the beginning of being able to identify body parts. Of course I don't have a clue what body part that was but it was small enough that it could have been a foot, hand or elbow. I can't wait til Nic can start to see these movements. I've been seeing my belly jolt, pop and bounce for several weeks now but it seems like Nic is never looking at the right time. This morning was a first too. I was rubbing my belly and talking to the little dude when I let my hands rest on either side. Three times in a row, I felt movements on both side simultaneously! It was quick but I think it might have been a stretch. It was clear that I was feeling both head and feet. I'm still amazed at how big he's getting. This pregnancy seems to be going so fast! Oh and I felt the first bladder kick. What fun! hahaha He kicked a few times and each time I had the urge to pee. I can only imagine what this is going to feel like when he gets stronger!


This is the most recent picture I've taken. It was taken with Nic's camera on his iPhone just before bed. It was at the 22 week mark which was almost a week ago. I'll be 23 weeks on sunday.

Well, I'm going to toast myself a homemade English muffin. Mmm...Mmmm! This mama is hungry! Have a great day!

Ergo Baby Carrier

Yes! Yes! Yes! I found this product before we decided to have kids. I found this product before we had plans to get married! I have had this product bookmarked for nearly 5 years! Now, finally, I get to have one! It's the Ergo baby carrier. There are so many reasons why this carrier is amazing. The mom that designed it really took mothers and fathers comfort into consideration when this was made. (Every strap is adjustable, shoulder and hip straps are heavily padded, chest strap keeps shoulder straps in place.) Primarily though, she took into consideration the physical and emotional development of the child. The way the child is situated into the seating area, the majority of the weight is distributed to the thighs rather putting unnecessary pressure on the spine. Also, it's not possible for the child to be outward facing. Either front or back. This is actually an advantage when you consider stimulation. When facing the parent, the kid and turn away from over stimulation or scary (to them) situations or people. It also allows much more eye contact and for them to read social cues from mom or dad. Wow! Something I probably wouldn't have thought of before I had my first little one. How many moms out there have had cranky kids from too much stimulation in a day! Uh huh. See how it's a good idea now?!

This is the carrier with the infant insert. This allows you to carry the baby before they have head control. This also allows the mother to breastfeed completely hands free while carrying the baby.



The carrier can be worn on the front or back or on the hip. I probably wouldn't wear it on the hip but I like the option.



Since the carrier can hold up to 70 pounds, it can come in handy with toddler that is too tired to walk. Or where a stroller cant go. Or a small child that feels like it's fun to be so close...sometimes. It can be found at ErgoBabyCarriers.com It's only $104 for the carrier and $25 for the infant insert. It might seem like a fortune for a carrier but considering that I would prefer to use this before a stroller, I think it'll worth it's weight in gold! Don't get me wrong, I'll have a stroller too but I'll be using this in most circumstances. Go have a look. There are all kinds of things to read on their website. Many testimonials too.

This has been another installment of Kristiina's wishes and wants.

2 are growing to 3

Well, after a little trying, the hubs and I are expecting again. With great joy, we've gotten through the scary part and are sailing well in our second trimester. Actually, by the end of next week I'm officially 6 months along. I haven't really done it on purpose but I've managed to not blog, not take many pictures of my growing belly or even keep a journal. It's quite strange really. I'm excited beyond belief! I've just found it hard to keep tabs like I was with the first pregnancy. We found out on Mothers Day that I am pregnant. It was a pretty cool day to find out, I think. We were able to hear the heartbeat at our 12 week appointment on June 2nd. It was a rocking 153 per minute. Since then we've had our 16 week appointment and a 21 week appointment. This pregnancy has been flying by with ease and with very good health reports. My BP is a wonderful 110/58. I've had no morning sickness since about 14-15 weeks. I've had many healthy cravings of beef and milk. That's not exactly out of the normal for me but the doctor seems to be very pleased with my choices. I've been able to feel the baby move since 14 1/2 weeks and Nic has been feeling it since 18 1/2 weeks. At first it was sporadic and caught me by surprise but the last week has been very regular. I can feel the movement just about anytime I look for it and I even felt it when I was running around at work the other day. I think that was the first time when I was busy and not sitting completely still. I can feel the increase of hormones. I'm not an emotional person by any means and have caught myself getting teary in the simplest of situations. Once when I was walking through the baby section at Kohls. I made sure to hightail it outa there asap since I was alone and looked like a crazy person. Another when I was reading though my mothers blog about missing my grandfather. He would be beaming with joy, I just know it. I still miss him often. It makes me tear up thinking about it now. It's still a little overwhelming and surreal to think that we're bringing a life into this world. Just last night I was looking at my belly in the mirror as I was getting ready for bed. I've wanted to be a mother for so long and we were always waiting for the right timing, it just felt like it would never come. I can't quite put into words the joy it brings me to grow our family, to have a child with the man I love, and to witness the miracle of human life. Yet at the same time, I'm concerned about the changes it'll bring in our relationship, the trials that child rearing will inevitably bring or the never ending life lessons that will fill our days to raise a moral and well mannered child. It's strange how many things I can feel at once. No matter what thought runs through my head or new emotions course through my body, joy still rules my heart. Sometimes I think it's just going to burst. I can see myself being a blubbering fool on delivery day. It's ok though, I welcome it.

Oh and I must say, we've also had our fetal scan at 18 1/2 weeks. This would be the ultrasound that scans for healthy growth, measures organs and makes sure that everything is developing properly. It is most commonly known as the gender scan. :-) Of course everyone is hoping for healthy reports but look forward mostly to discovering if their little peanut is a boy or a girl. Our little peanut didn't want to cooperate. Legs were crossed and tucked up tight. There was moving and wiggling a lot through the ultrasound but no shot to give us a sneak peak. Well daddy and I were quite eager to know and we also wanted to be able to plan accordingly (that's the type A personality coming out in me). We looked 3 times! On the final shot, the very end of the exam we discovered....we're having a BOY!!! Of course daddy did a double fist pump in the air and emphatically said, "I got my Boy!" I'm so happy we're getting a boy first. I'm giddy that I can give my husband a son. I'm overjoyed that our little man is healthy, strong, active and cherished (even before birth). We can finally plan a nursery. We can start purchasing items that he'll need. We can FINALLY start talking names. Goodness, that will be a while before we can agree on one!

Such a sweet little man. He was a total of 6 inches long and 10 ounces in weight. It was only because we had a great and generous sonographer that we were able to get a 3d shot. I'm still blown away by his detail. He's so small yet so perfectly formed. I could stare at this picture all day. I see his father in every part of it. He already has his fathers lips, chin and head shape. He's so handsome and so beautiful. I can't wait to be holding my healthy baby boy.

Thank you for following my ramblings. I realize that most of this is a bit disjointed but I promise the following blogs will be better. :-)

Days 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66

Day 61

The colored portion of the eye will begin to develop over the next three days.  Over the next two days, the eyelids will meet and temporarily fuse shut.

Child birth in other cultures...In sweden, all births take place in hospitals managed by highly trained midwives.  Prenatal care is free and provided for every woman.  Absence of prenatal care is unheard of.

Day 62

Ossification centers are established in the skull; those in the long bones continue to develop as the baby becomes more solid.  The baby's bones and muscles are growing rapidly.  The baby's developing body begins to attain proportions more like a newborn baby's.  Although weight gain fluctuates from week to week, my average weight gain is about a pound per week.  

Today was another measurement day...my waist size is 26 1/2 inches and my weight is 124.  So far so good.  :-)

Day 63

The skin has become thicker and less transparent.  The vagina is beginning to develop in females.  The penis is now distinguishable in males.  The baby has now attained a more upright posture.  In one short week, the baby more than doubled its weight, to between 1/4 and 1/3 of an ounce.  Every baby shows a distinct individuality in behavior by the end of the third month.  This is because the actual structure of the muscles varies slightly from baby to baby.  

Childbirth Then and Now...The first attempt to make newborn feedings follow a schedule was based on Dr. T. S. Southworth's observations in 1906.  He recommended ten nursings a day for the first month, and eight a day in the second and third months.  TOday, nursing more frequently (8-18 feedings per day in the first weeks) improves milk production and reduces nipple soreness. 

Today was a day to chart how I am feeling.

Mood: Normal, slight annoyance.  I'm finding my patience running very thin.

Energy:  Normal (Finally not dragging butt anymore.)

Appetite: Normal (Finally not eating everything in sight anymore.)

Morning Sickness: None (That was gone long ago.)

Cravings:  Chicken and Beef Burritos; Red Grapefruit 

Day 64

Sometime during the next three weeks, the urine that is formed by the baby's kidneys will be excreted into the amniotic fluid.  The urine is sterile and is carried away in the regular replacement of the fluid.  By late pregnancy, about a half liter (a little over 2 1/4 cups) of urine is added daily.

Day 65

Over the next three days, the baby's fingernails will begin to grow from the nail beds.  The baby's skin is sensitive all over.  Any type of touch causes the baby to move.

Did you know...Good skin tone, good nutrition, hydration to encourage skin elasticity, and gradual wight gain can precent or minimize stretch marks.  

Day 66

The baby's brain now has the same structure it will have at birth, but it's just a smaller size.  Between now and week 16, the mechanism that enables the baby's senses of smell (the olfactory system) is developing.  The thyroid, pancreas, and gall bladder will complete their development during the next three days.  With rate exceptions, I wont feel the baby move yet.  The baby's newly formed muscles are weak and the baby is so small that the womb has barely expanded and is still contained within the framework of my hips.

This has been another installment of "A Pregnancy Journal, By A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

I must say, this week has been largely uneventful.  No more morning sickness, appetite back to normal and I've even resumed my normal sleeping schedule with very little tiredness during the day.  It almost feels like I'm not even pregnant.  I've read that this feeling is normal as I approach the second trimester.  Most soon to be moms see nearly all of their symptoms diminish before they begin to have visible signs of pregnancy.  Since I had very few symptoms to begin with, I've begun to have these feelings (or lack of symptoms) a little sooner.  

Days 56, 57, 58, 59 & 60

Whew! Where have I been?!  Working and sleeping, that's where!  Lets try a quick catch-up  here.  

Day 56

The critical period for the baby's leg development has ended.  This means that the legs are now at their proper location and proportional size for this stage in development.  The shoulders are present and have rotated out to place the arms at the sides of the body, with the elbows pointing down toward the hips.  The legs have rotated in and are squarely in line with the trunk; the knees point up to the face.  The fingers and toes are separated, and the soles of the feet are visible.  By today, the thin layer of ectoderm that has covered the baby has been replaced by a layer of rather flattened cells, which will become the surface layer of the baby's skin.  The intestines have begun their migration into the body cavity, but are still primarily located in the umbilical cord.  The baby's genitals are beginning to form but don't distinctly look male or female.  The baby measures about 1 1/16 of an inch in length and can easily be held in the bowl of a tablespoon.  

Day 57

This is the first day of my 3rd lunar month.  The pregnancy journal that I'm using counts from the day of conception and in 28 day increments.  Yea for week 9!  

Over the next four days, fingernails, toenails, and hair follicles will appear and the baby will assume a more upright posture.  The joints began to develop during week 6 now resemble adult joints.  Week 9 is  a period of rapid growth.  The first several weeks have been a time of exceeding growth but the baby will begin to grow even more rapidly from this point.

Did you know...The baby's growth period as an embryo has just ended.  From now until birth, the baby is technically a fetus.  The word fetus comes from the Latin meaning "offspring".

Day 58

The baby's head now makes up more than half of its length.  For the time being, the face is broad, the eyes widely separated, the lids are closing and the ears are low-set.  By the end of this week, the baby will measure nearly 2 inches in length.  He or she stands about as tall as the short side of a credit card.

Day 59

The baby's body continues to straighten; its torso lengthens and its posture becomes more upright.  Even though baby's legs are short and the thighs are relatively small, the lower limbs are now completely vascularized.  My uterus is now about the size of a small grapefruit.  By the end of this week, about 3 tablespoons of amniotic fluid baths the baby.  This fluid is renewed every 3 hours.

Day 60

Over the next four days, the baby's skin will thicken and become less transparent.  It will take another week or so for the intestines to complete their migration.  I need to do everything I can to avoid environmental tobacco smoke and exposure to other pollutants.  Smoke and other pollutants are absorbed through the lungs and carried through the bloodstream along with the oxygen.  They are easily transferred to baby's system in the oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange.

This has been another installment of "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

Thankfully have my full appetite back with a complete lack of nausea.  I have been enjoying my pregnancy and the many cravings to the fullest!  I have given up some of my favorite foods for the need of better nutrition but we're both better for it (me and baby, Nic has always had a great diet).  Sadly, I've given up all fried foods...french fries being my favorite.  Nic has been a wonderful supporter making it a point to tell me he's proud of me when I ask for a side salad instead of my standard fries.  (Sounds simple but I'm not a fan of leafy stuff)  He helps me watch my sugar and sodium intake and is more than willing to blend up a smoothie for me when I'm craving a dessert.  I find that I want water.  A lot of water!  Some of it may be keeping me up at night too.  Normally I'm a pretty heavy sleeper.  I don't wake till morning once I go to sleep at night.  It's become a pretty regular occurrence that I get up between 4 and 5 to go potty.  I've tried to hold it a few times only to have it wake me up over and over...fine...I'm getting up!  I guess this is something I'll have to deal with for quite some time.  I woke up this morning leisurely and spent my first hour awake lying in bed reading my book.  I've been somewhat of a bookworm lately.  Anything I can get my hands on, I'm reading.  That might be another reason why I'm so behind on my blogging.  Chat with you soon!

Well, it's off to stick my nose in a book.  :-)

Day 55

Over the next two days, the male scrotum will begin to form. The baby's head now looks rounded and is disproportionately large, making up almost half of the baby's length. The tissue that will become the scalp has appeared as a band near the crown of the baby's head. The neck region is established.

From this week on, there will be a 40-50 percent increase in my blood volume, mainly in the liquid portion of the blood (the plasma). There will be only a slight increase in red blood cells.

Food Facts...Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, seeds, and nuts are main sources of protein, iron, B vitamins, and zinc. One serving size equals 2-3 ounces of cooked lean meat or the equivalent. The protein equivalent of 1 ounce of lean meat is 1/2 cup of cooked dry beans, one egg, 2 tablespoons peanut butter or 1/3 cup nuts or seeds.

Childbirth in Other Cultures...In Sweden, pain medications are available to women, but the decision as to what have, if anything, is theirs. Birth is seen as the woman's accomplishment.

Today was a measurement day. My waist size is currently 26 1/4 inches while my weight is 123 pounds. Not too bad considering that I was measuring 26 inches and 119 pounds at time of conception. I still haven't been having any weird food cravings even though I have been having cravings. Tonight I plan on having soft tacos because I've been craving a little spice again. Last night and the night before I ate an entire grapefruit as dessert. I peeled it just like an orange and savored every bit of sour! Well, it's off to work for me. Have a wonderful day!

This has been another installment of "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

Days 53 & 54

At 22-24 mm in length, the baby is four times as long today as it was just one month ago.  If I experienced a comparable growth rate, within a month from now, I would have to duck to stand in a room with 20 a foot ceiling.

The baby's eyelids are more developed now, and the tongue is fully formed.  Today, the external ears assume their final shape, but they are still low-set.  The baby's toes are now unwebbed and appear longer.  For the first time, the baby's limbs are capable of purposeful movement.  

The rapid rate of growth experienced over the past three to four weeks will not slow, but the pace will continue and , at times, even quicken.  I will need to do all that I can to stay well nourished, well hydrated, well rested and relaxed.  

This has been another installment of "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D. 

Today (day 53) was a day off for me.  I've been extra tired lately and spent the day lazily.  I slept in and even laid in bed for a while once I woke.  I played with the girls (my fury little punkins) and read my book.  Actually I read a lot of my book.  I just started it last night and I finished it today.  Tomorrow (day 54) I plan to do a little photography.  It's been quite some time since I've been to Nic's project and I'd really love to get some good snowy pictures of Woodstock and the ride to the job.  We will see if the weather wants to cooperate.  If it does...I just might have a few pictures to post.  :-)

Day 52

By today or tomorrow, the external ears will be completely developed. Baby's nose is stubby and the eyes are heavily pigmented. The bones of the palate are beginning to fuse and the taste buds are beginning to form on the surface of the baby's tongue. The fingers have separated. The feet are fan shaped, the toes are webbed, and the hands touch each other as do the feet. The baby measures .87-.94 inches from crown to rump - as wide as the face of an American quarter. By this time, the amniotic sac is about the size of a chicken's egg.

For your information...The appearance of the first bone cells in the baby's body marks the end of the embryonic period. This milestone was chosen since beginning bone formation coincides with the appearance of the basic structures and organs of the body.

Food Facts...Potassium is critical to maintaining the heartbeat, preventing cellular dehydration, and facilitating nerve cell transmission, carbohydrate metabolism, and muscle contraction. A daily done of 2,000 mg is considered safe and adequate. A potassium supplement is not advised, but bananas are an excellent source of potassium during pregnancy, as are avocados, potatoes, and figs. Do not place bananas in the refrigerator until they are as ripe as you want them. The skin will turn brown in the refrigerator, but the fruit will remain unchanged.

This has been another installment of "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

Day 51

The retina of the eye is now fully pigmented. The baby's arms are longer and now bend at the elbow. The fingers and thumb have lengthened, but are still short and webbed. Notches, or grooves, have formed between the toes on the foot plate. The baby's tail is still visible but stubby, and disappears by the end of this week.

I may notice my clothing becoming a bit tighter around the waist and bust line as my body changes and the baby grows. Am I showing yet? (Surprisingly, I haven't seen much change to my waistline. I have noticed a change in my bust but not enough to warrant a new bra or see a different in my shirts. That might also have to do with the fact that I'm wearing a minimum of 4 layers these days. I even still have some definition in my tummy. Not quite a ripped 6-pack anymore but still visible abdominal muscles and the remnants of my 'V'. I'm still holding my tummy tight when I stand and can feel the difference when I 'let it all hang out'. A few times I may have overeaten slightly...OK, totally...and my very full belly hung out like I was 7 months pregnant!)

Food Facts...Fruits provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, and like vegetables, are important sources of vitamin A and C. One serving size equals one medium piece of fruit; 1/2 cup of berries; or 3/4 cup fruit juice.

Child Birth Then and Now...In 1652, Philip Barrough in 'The method of Physick' recommended breathing through the pain of childbirth: "And if she was unskilled of pains of travell admonish her to hold her breath strongly, and let her thrust it out to the flanks with all her might." During that time it was widely believed that birth pain could be eased if the woman would relax her pelvic region, a belief still strongly held today.

So far I haven't had too many funny cravings. The nausea of morning sickness left me weeks ago and I find myself to be tired more than anything else. I am craving water, meat and sour. I've been adding much lemon juice to my water and even indulged in a small pack of skittles when I couldn't find any sweetarts. I must say though, the other night I was craving waffles. I looked up a recipe, pulled out the waffle maker and went to town. I couldn't possibly smother it with maple syrup in good conscience so I opted for a healthy dose of peanut butter with a little bit of strawberry jelly. Yup, it's official...I'm pregnant!

This has been another installment of "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

Day 50

The surface of the baby's brain is now beginning to develop the rounds and fissures characteristic of humans. The upper lip is fully formed. Primary ossification centers are appearing in the long bones. These centers direct the replacement of cartilage by bone. The ossification process always starts in the upper arms, where the first true bone cells will replace the cartilage. If the baby is a girl, the clitoris is beginning to form (from the same tissue that the male penis develops from). By this time, the critical period for the baby's heart development has ended. The heart will continue to grow and develop, but not at such a fast pace.

For your information...The baby's heart has been beating strongly. The stomach can produce some digestive juices, the liver can manufacture blood cells, and the kidneys can extract some waste products (uric acid) from the baby's blood stream.

Food Facts...During pregnancy, take car to safeguard the nutritional value of the foods you eat. Baking a vegetable in its skin preserves most of its food value; microwaving vegetable skins on is likewise beneficial as is grilling, provided a little oil is used.

This has been another installment from "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

Day 49

Over the next three days, the baby's arms will lengthen somewhat and begin bending at the elbow. The fingers and thumb have appeared, and are short and webbed with folds of skin between.

Did you know? The baby's arms at this point are only as long as this number 1.

Food Facts...Vegetables, including potatoes, provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals and are important sources of vitamins A and C. One serving size equals one cup of raw, leafy vegetable, 1/2 cup chopped or cooked vegetable; or 3/4 cup vegetable juice.

This has been another installment of "The Pregnancy Journal" by, A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

On a side note...IT'S COLD IN VERMONT. As rumored, it IS colder today. When Nic and I woke this morning, our thermometer outside was reading -19! Needless to say, we're going to be late for work. Neither of our vehicles want to start. Thankfully, we have a block heater for the Dodge and it's currently 'plugged-in' and should be started shortly. Nic's Jeep is just giving up altogether. It gave 2 or 3 attempts and flat lined! Thank goodness for AAA! Hopefully he'll be able to make it to work eventually, otherwise, it's a snow day! HAHAHA Welcome to the North East!

Day 48

The structure of the baby's eye is now well developed (it's not mature enough to do any visual processing yet, though). Over the next three days, the tongue will begin to develop. The external ear canal is present and the ears are set low on the baby's head. As development proceeds, structures literally get pulled from one location to another. The baby's ears will not stay low-set (unless that is a family trait). They will be pulled to their normal position as the head grows in size and shape. Likewise, the eyes, although well formed, are located on the sides of the baby's head, much like a rabbit, but they too, will migrate forward as head development continues. The baby now measures 16-18mm long and weighs about .94 grams (that's about as heavy as a teaspoon of water!)

During this time, any diseases I have can be communicated to the baby. I have to avoid contact with people who have cold, flu, or other illnesses. Simply washing my hands often will liken my chances of staying healthy.
Did you know? Between 1 and 2 teaspoons of amniotic fluid is now present in my uterus?
For your information...Even though the baby is surrounded by fluid, it does not drown because it does not depend on lungs for air. Oxygen comes to the baby from me through the umbilical cord blood. (I think most people know this. At least anyone that has a general idea of anatomy.)

This has been another installment from "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph. D.

On a side note...IT'S COLD IN VERMONT! As promised, we're talking about weather. Today it's was -6 when I woke up. With wind chill...I'm not quite sure because I didn't watch the news! The high for today is ZERO! With wind chill that's more like -20! (At least that's what they said on yesterdays news. Thank goodness tomorrow is supposed to warm up more. (I'm hearing through the grapevine that tomorrow might be colder...) I still think we're going to be in the single digits with wind chills in the negatives! Yowza! Boy am I glad I've learned how to layer!

Day 47

By today, the baby's eyelids have begun to form. Over the next two days or so, the baby's basic body proportions will change: The trunk will begin to elongate and straighten. For the time being, most of the intestine is found in the umbilical cord since the abdominal cavity is still too small to accommodate this rapidly growing organ along with the large liver.

Did you know? The bottom portion of the stomach grows faster than the top portion, giving the stomach its characteristic curved shape.

For your Information...During this week, the baby's backbone begins to develop the individual discs that act as cushions between each vertebra. In addition, the sacral vertebrae in back of the pelvis fuse.

Pretty Darn Cool huh? This has been another installment from "The pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph.D.

You can also follow along with me by becoming a friend of mine on whattoexpect.com My profile can be found at http://www.whattoexpect.com/profile/Biinaboo

On a side note...IT'S COLD IN VERMONT!!! We woke up this morning to a temperature of 0 Degrees. Not so bad, we've dealt with zero before but with wind chill...it feels like -19! Ahhh...! OK well, it's going to warm up today, right?! NO! We have a high of 2 with continued wind chill that feels like -15. Sad thing is that tomorrow is going to be worse. I'll let you know what that feels like tomorrow...geesh. :-)

Exciting News!

A picture is worth a thousand words! We're going to be parents! Nic and I have known since December 23rd and it's been a very hard secret to keep. Merry Christmas to us! Now that we've had our first prenatal appointment and have seen that teeny tiny, ferociously beating heart...we can spill the beans about our little peanut! We have an estimated date of arrival around August 27, 2009. Although...I think the doc might be a tad behind. I think it'll be more like August 22nd or 23rd. I suppose only time will tell. :-) The longer the better I suppose. Lets make sure this little one is ready to join the world when they arrive.

We are excited beyond words! I have been feeling great so far. Nausea has been staying at bay and I have very few food aversions so far. Burnt toast seems to be the worst as of yet. I have also been craving meat like I own a slaughter house! Chicken, Ham, Beef...makes no difference as long as it's with every meal! HA HA I have also started eating many meals throughout the day. It seems to help keep the nausea away too. Nibble, nibble nibble....but I'm making every bite count! I have also been extremely tired and have moved up my bed time significantly. Even then I find myself dozing on the couch fairly early and taking many naps when I get the chance. I seem to toss and turn more lately. I'm usually a heavy sleeper but discomfort keeps me moving. If it's not the achy shoulders, it's the sore back...if it's not the sore back, it's the sensitive boobs...if it's not the boobs, it's a little bit of nausea...but I suppose it'll pass soon enough. The final outcome will be worth the many sleepless nights. Both during pregnancy and after. :-)

I have been following the pregnancy with a neat day to day journal. It's called "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph.D.

There are many places in the book to note my mood, energy level, appetite, morning sickness, cravings, waist size and weight. As of January 12th, 2008...I'm in my 45th day (which counts from day of conception...funny, but yes...I know it). Today (day 46) it tells me...the cells that will form our baby's nose develop around the nasal sacs as the facial tissues fuse to form the rudimentary parts of the face. By today, the elbow region is clearly visible and the arms have a complete network of arteries and veins. Also by today, the toe ridges have appeared on each foot plate. The skin on the foot plate folds down between future toes, distinguishing each from the other. It also gives me info about nutritional needs and physical changes that I might be noticing. Most of it related to nausea and boobies! Fun!

Stay tuned! Many more fun facts to come!

LOVE,
Nic and Kristiina