Hello loved ones --
As I write this, I anxiously await for our doctor's office to open after lying awake with pretty regular contractions since about 4 a.m. I'm not getting myself too excited just yet, because I'm a newbie at all of these funny feelings and because we are not at due date yet. I will of course keep you all posted, but at the very least, some sort of progress must be being made...
Now, for Baby Z's current state:
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Coming down to the wire, your baby weighs around seven to eight pounds and measures 19 to 21 inches. Those measurements won't change much from now on, but her brain is still growing at an astonishing rate, a pace that will continue for the first three years of life. Her pink skin has now turned whitish (even babies who'll eventually have darker skin appear whitish now — they haven't yet developed pigment). Her head may have dropped into your pelvis by now, which makes your breathing easier but walking harder.
We finally have a watermelon! Hooray!
Thanks to all for the support and love... we'll keep you posted, pinky promise! :-)
Showing posts with label Weekly updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekly updates. Show all posts
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Passenger update -- 38 weeks
We're two weeks from due date! (And about three weeks past Mommy's Done...!) :-)
Here's what the smushed Z is up to...
(From BabyCenter.com):
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
(From whattoexpect.com):
Hey, your little one isn't so little anymore, weighing close to seven pounds and measuring 20 inches long. Fetal development is nearly complete as your baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. He's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in his lungs from sticking to one another once he starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: He’s continuing to add fat (so he can take advantage of all those photo ops by sporting a round, cute baby look!) and fine-tuning his brain and nervous system (so he can deal with all the stimulation that awaits him once he makes his entrance into the world).
Who wants to meet the chubby, furry little leek??? His Mommy and Daddy! (and countless others!)
Here's what the smushed Z is up to...
(From BabyCenter.com):
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
(From whattoexpect.com):
Hey, your little one isn't so little anymore, weighing close to seven pounds and measuring 20 inches long. Fetal development is nearly complete as your baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. He's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in his lungs from sticking to one another once he starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: He’s continuing to add fat (so he can take advantage of all those photo ops by sporting a round, cute baby look!) and fine-tuning his brain and nervous system (so he can deal with all the stimulation that awaits him once he makes his entrance into the world).
Who wants to meet the chubby, furry little leek??? His Mommy and Daddy! (and countless others!)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Passenger update -- 37 weeks
I remember when my friend Ashley first suggested her now-fiance's nickname of "the passenger" for Baby Z. It seemed right... there was this tiny little "thing" inside me that I couldn't feel or quite understand.
But now suddenly, it's my son. And my son that's about to be born!
We are officially full-term this week and it's been a long, fun journey that I've just loved overall.
Here's what Little Man is up to now:
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Congratulations! You've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That doesn't mean he's finished growing — in fact, he's still packing on about a half pound a week (at this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so he’s probably not kicking as much, though he’s probably stretching, rolling a bit, and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!). Right now, your little superstar is busy rehearsing for his big debut, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid (to get the lungs ready for that first breath), sucking his thumb (to prepare for that first suckle of milk), blinking, and turning from side to side.
We have another birthing class tonight, with a tour of the hospital and maternity ward scheduled and then a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Wish us luck!
But now suddenly, it's my son. And my son that's about to be born!
We are officially full-term this week and it's been a long, fun journey that I've just loved overall.
Here's what Little Man is up to now:
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Congratulations! You've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That doesn't mean he's finished growing — in fact, he's still packing on about a half pound a week (at this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so he’s probably not kicking as much, though he’s probably stretching, rolling a bit, and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!). Right now, your little superstar is busy rehearsing for his big debut, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid (to get the lungs ready for that first breath), sucking his thumb (to prepare for that first suckle of milk), blinking, and turning from side to side.
We have another birthing class tonight, with a tour of the hospital and maternity ward scheduled and then a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Wish us luck!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Passenger update -- 36 weeks
Guess who's four weeks from their due date and just one short week away from being considered full-term??? BABY Z!!!
Here's what our Little Man is up to:
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Forget your aching back (and everything else!) by trying to focus on your baby, who is now about six pounds and 20 inches long, with soft bones and cartilage to allow a safer journey through the exit door. Most of her systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are ready for prime time, though her digestion system — which has done only practice runs so far — will kick into gear as she takes her first suckle at the breast or bottle.
P.S. "Crenshaw melon" is a fancy way to say a honeydew-type fruit. (That's what Google told me.) Here's a pic:
Here's what our Little Man is up to:
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Forget your aching back (and everything else!) by trying to focus on your baby, who is now about six pounds and 20 inches long, with soft bones and cartilage to allow a safer journey through the exit door. Most of her systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are ready for prime time, though her digestion system — which has done only practice runs so far — will kick into gear as she takes her first suckle at the breast or bottle.
P.S. "Crenshaw melon" is a fancy way to say a honeydew-type fruit. (That's what Google told me.) Here's a pic:
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Passenger update -- 35 weeks
Just five weeks til due date!
It feels as though Baby Z is taking up every last millimeter of space inside my stomach and I'm starting to have lots of "weird"-feeling moments (odd cramps, different aches, different movements from him, etc), which everyone tells me is just your body getting ready for the very awesome birthing process.
Here's what the Little Man is up to...
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your baby is standing tall (so to speak) this week at about 20 inches and continues her steady weight gain (she’s about 5.5 pounds). While she won't get much longer, she will continue to pack on the pounds — including large amounts of baby fat — right up 'til delivery day. Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: fetal brain development! There’s a lot going on inside that tiny head, which is, by the way, still soft to allow an easier exit through the birth canal.
Honeydew! The last fruit before Watermelon time!
Grow big, little guy... but not too big. And have fun in there before your Mommy and Daddy and every other friend and relative feels the need to smother you with kisses and hug... :-)
It feels as though Baby Z is taking up every last millimeter of space inside my stomach and I'm starting to have lots of "weird"-feeling moments (odd cramps, different aches, different movements from him, etc), which everyone tells me is just your body getting ready for the very awesome birthing process.
Here's what the Little Man is up to...
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your baby is standing tall (so to speak) this week at about 20 inches and continues her steady weight gain (she’s about 5.5 pounds). While she won't get much longer, she will continue to pack on the pounds — including large amounts of baby fat — right up 'til delivery day. Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: fetal brain development! There’s a lot going on inside that tiny head, which is, by the way, still soft to allow an easier exit through the birth canal.
Honeydew! The last fruit before Watermelon time!
Grow big, little guy... but not too big. And have fun in there before your Mommy and Daddy and every other friend and relative feels the need to smother you with kisses and hug... :-)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Passenger update -- 34 weeks
Seriously, I can't believe how quickly this is flying by.
Due date is in 6 weeks. Delivery at our hospital can happen safely in 2-3 weeks.
Within two months, Zachary Chad will be here.
For now, he's smashed all up in the womb, practicing his soccer kicks, running stretches, baseball pitches and possibly some basketball free-throws. Oh, and these things:
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
(From whattoexpect.com):
What's new this week? Your baby is clocking in at five pounds and could be as tall as 20 inches by now, and the vernix (the white coating protecting your baby’s skin) is getting thicker. This week, a boy's testicles start making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination: his scrotum (look out below!). While about three to four percent of boys are born with undescended testicles, it's nothing to worry about — they usually head downtown before junior turns a year old. In other baby-related developments, those tiny fingernails have probably reached the tips of his fingers by now — and getting ready for that first postpartum manicure.
I can't wait to hold that cantaloupe's little fingertips in my hand.
Due date is in 6 weeks. Delivery at our hospital can happen safely in 2-3 weeks.
Within two months, Zachary Chad will be here.
For now, he's smashed all up in the womb, practicing his soccer kicks, running stretches, baseball pitches and possibly some basketball free-throws. Oh, and these things:
(From babycenter.com):
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
(From whattoexpect.com):
What's new this week? Your baby is clocking in at five pounds and could be as tall as 20 inches by now, and the vernix (the white coating protecting your baby’s skin) is getting thicker. This week, a boy's testicles start making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination: his scrotum (look out below!). While about three to four percent of boys are born with undescended testicles, it's nothing to worry about — they usually head downtown before junior turns a year old. In other baby-related developments, those tiny fingernails have probably reached the tips of his fingers by now — and getting ready for that first postpartum manicure.
I can't wait to hold that cantaloupe's little fingertips in my hand.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Passenger update -- 33 weeks
After a beautiful baby shower and time with loved ones in NJ this past weekend (I will post pics eventually, I promise!) time is really starting to fly by now, especially with our friend Nicole in town this weekend to help us organize all those lovely piles in the nursery.
We're at 33 weeks and definitely inching closer to our Aug. 13 due date. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so we'll probably have more info then. For now... happy 33 weeks, Baby Z!
(From babycenter.com):
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your baby is still gaining weight (about half a pound a week), and she could grow up to another full inch this week. With that much baby inside your uterus, your amniotic-fluid level has maxed out, which explains why some of her pokes and kicks feel pretty sharp these days. (There's less fluid to cushion the blows.) Antibodies are being passed from you to your little one as she continues to develop her own fetal immune system, which will come in handy once she's outside the womb and fending off all sorts of germs.
Baby is really moving around a lot and at more regular times of the day. Some of our little pineapple's movements are enough to knock me off my chair or the couch, but for the most part, they're by far the best part of pregnancy... just knowing he's doing A-OK and practicing his Thriller dance. :-)
We're at 33 weeks and definitely inching closer to our Aug. 13 due date. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so we'll probably have more info then. For now... happy 33 weeks, Baby Z!
(From babycenter.com):
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your baby is still gaining weight (about half a pound a week), and she could grow up to another full inch this week. With that much baby inside your uterus, your amniotic-fluid level has maxed out, which explains why some of her pokes and kicks feel pretty sharp these days. (There's less fluid to cushion the blows.) Antibodies are being passed from you to your little one as she continues to develop her own fetal immune system, which will come in handy once she's outside the womb and fending off all sorts of germs.
Baby is really moving around a lot and at more regular times of the day. Some of our little pineapple's movements are enough to knock me off my chair or the couch, but for the most part, they're by far the best part of pregnancy... just knowing he's doing A-OK and practicing his Thriller dance. :-)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Passenger update -- 32 weeks
I've said it 20-some times before, and I'll say it again... time is FLYING!
We're getting ready for a trip to NJ this weekend for my shower and some time with loved ones and then our dear friend Nicole comes back to PA with us for a weeklong stay, soooo... without further ado, here is what Baby Z is doing these days...
(From babycenter.com):
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
(From whattoexpect.com):
What's up with your baby? She's starting to get ready for her big debut, tipping the scales at almost four pounds and topping out at just about 19 inches. In these past few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb — from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, your little one has been able to suck her thumb for a while now. Something else to note: As more and more fat accumulates under your baby's skin, she's becoming less transparent and more opaque.
FYI- "Jicama" is a Mexican turnip/yam-type vegetable. Why we suddenly have no better reference than something I have to wikipedia, I don't know. Poor little opaque four-pounder. :-)
This week for Momma is a mix of exhaustion and inability to sleep, which is a fun combo if you think about it. I hope that doesn't last the entire rest of the pregnancy, but we'll try to cope and enjoy all the lovely early morning hours we're gifted with. :-)
Have a great weekend -- stories and photos to come Monday, I'm sure!
We're getting ready for a trip to NJ this weekend for my shower and some time with loved ones and then our dear friend Nicole comes back to PA with us for a weeklong stay, soooo... without further ado, here is what Baby Z is doing these days...
(From babycenter.com):
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
(From whattoexpect.com):
What's up with your baby? She's starting to get ready for her big debut, tipping the scales at almost four pounds and topping out at just about 19 inches. In these past few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice as she hones the skills she'll need to thrive outside the womb — from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, your little one has been able to suck her thumb for a while now. Something else to note: As more and more fat accumulates under your baby's skin, she's becoming less transparent and more opaque.
FYI- "Jicama" is a Mexican turnip/yam-type vegetable. Why we suddenly have no better reference than something I have to wikipedia, I don't know. Poor little opaque four-pounder. :-)
This week for Momma is a mix of exhaustion and inability to sleep, which is a fun combo if you think about it. I hope that doesn't last the entire rest of the pregnancy, but we'll try to cope and enjoy all the lovely early morning hours we're gifted with. :-)
Have a great weekend -- stories and photos to come Monday, I'm sure!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Passenger update -- 31 weeks
My little guy Zachary is filling me with all sorts of mushy mommy love nowadays. I can hardly believe we're entering our 31st week. Remember, 40 is the magic number... and we are really and truly inching toward that!
Here's what Baby Z. is up to right about now...
(From babycenter.com):
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Weighing in at three-plus pounds and measuring 18 inches long, your baby is quickly approaching his birth length — though he's got to pack on another three to five pounds before D-day. Also developing at an impressive clip: your baby's brain connections (he's got to make trillions of them!). He's now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses. He's also putting in longer stretches of sleep, which is why you're probably noticing more defined patterns of wakefulness (and movement) and rest (when he’s pretty still).
I've had trouble sleeping well or for long periods of time and am entering a period of anxiousness and excitement all at once. I've also had a couple of Braxton-Hicks contractions, too, or at least that's what these random pains sound like when I scour my thebump.com message boards or the two websites listed on this post.
Overall, I'm happy. I can't wait to hold my little guy and I can't wait to see Scott become a Daddy.
Scott's parents came over last night and gave Scott a mini "Daddy Shower" -- Zachary got such cute things... many of them sports-related, of course! We've got a football, basketball and baseball that Izzie the dog doesn't realize aren't for her; a baseball-mitt-shaped hat, ball and bat holder; cute-as-a-button clothes and more! We are so lucky!
Out of nowhere yesterday, my handsome hubby stopped what he was doing and told me I was doing a great job. Such a simple statement but it really meant a lot, especially considering how much I feel like I've been complaining lately.
Tomorrow is a friend's baby shower and then Saturday is... *something* :-) Can't wait!
Here's what Baby Z. is up to right about now...
(From babycenter.com):
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Weighing in at three-plus pounds and measuring 18 inches long, your baby is quickly approaching his birth length — though he's got to pack on another three to five pounds before D-day. Also developing at an impressive clip: your baby's brain connections (he's got to make trillions of them!). He's now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses. He's also putting in longer stretches of sleep, which is why you're probably noticing more defined patterns of wakefulness (and movement) and rest (when he’s pretty still).
I've had trouble sleeping well or for long periods of time and am entering a period of anxiousness and excitement all at once. I've also had a couple of Braxton-Hicks contractions, too, or at least that's what these random pains sound like when I scour my thebump.com message boards or the two websites listed on this post.
Overall, I'm happy. I can't wait to hold my little guy and I can't wait to see Scott become a Daddy.
Scott's parents came over last night and gave Scott a mini "Daddy Shower" -- Zachary got such cute things... many of them sports-related, of course! We've got a football, basketball and baseball that Izzie the dog doesn't realize aren't for her; a baseball-mitt-shaped hat, ball and bat holder; cute-as-a-button clothes and more! We are so lucky!
Out of nowhere yesterday, my handsome hubby stopped what he was doing and told me I was doing a great job. Such a simple statement but it really meant a lot, especially considering how much I feel like I've been complaining lately.
Tomorrow is a friend's baby shower and then Saturday is... *something* :-) Can't wait!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Passenger update -- 30 weeks
Hello from Momma and Zachary Chad! (We can officially use the name now!!!)
We are 30 weeks along! Isn't this amazing?! Time is flying by! Our due date is 10 weeks away and we are so anxious and excited, just counting every single day that stands between us and holding our little man.
Anyway, here is what Mr. ZZ is up to in the cozy comforts of Momma's belly:
(From babycenter.com):
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your Baby in Week 30 of Pregnancy
Your belly’s increasing size is a definite clue that your baby is getting bigger every day, weighing in at over three pounds now (he’ll be packing on the weight at a rate of half a pound per week for the next seven weeks). Also growing daily is his brain, which is actually starting to look like the real thing with those characteristic grooves and wrinkles. And now that your little genius can regulate his own body temperature and turn up the heat, he'll start shedding lanugo, the downy body hair that's been keeping him warm up until now.
Our baby's a cabbage now?! They can't find any better vegetable to compare to then one of the stinkiest foods in the world? I think it's amazing that he's three pounds and will start growing at half a pound a week! It's taken me 30 weeks to put three pounds on him, and now... he's going to be a giant monster! (In a good way of course!)
We have a doctor's appointment this afternoon and I will update you on our progress after that. I've been having some funky symptoms lately (really, I think I'm just officially starting to feel very, very pregnant) so I'll be happy to have all my nerves temporarily calmed down by Dr. C.
We are 30 weeks along! Isn't this amazing?! Time is flying by! Our due date is 10 weeks away and we are so anxious and excited, just counting every single day that stands between us and holding our little man.
Anyway, here is what Mr. ZZ is up to in the cozy comforts of Momma's belly:
(From babycenter.com):
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your Baby in Week 30 of Pregnancy
Your belly’s increasing size is a definite clue that your baby is getting bigger every day, weighing in at over three pounds now (he’ll be packing on the weight at a rate of half a pound per week for the next seven weeks). Also growing daily is his brain, which is actually starting to look like the real thing with those characteristic grooves and wrinkles. And now that your little genius can regulate his own body temperature and turn up the heat, he'll start shedding lanugo, the downy body hair that's been keeping him warm up until now.
Our baby's a cabbage now?! They can't find any better vegetable to compare to then one of the stinkiest foods in the world? I think it's amazing that he's three pounds and will start growing at half a pound a week! It's taken me 30 weeks to put three pounds on him, and now... he's going to be a giant monster! (In a good way of course!)
We have a doctor's appointment this afternoon and I will update you on our progress after that. I've been having some funky symptoms lately (really, I think I'm just officially starting to feel very, very pregnant) so I'll be happy to have all my nerves temporarily calmed down by Dr. C.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Passenger update -- 29 weeks
Hello all!
Another week has absolutely flown by! Every time I worry that this process is starting to really drag on, Thursday lands at my feet, reminding me of another weekly milestone. It's unbelievable how quickly 40 weeks is going by... so far!
Hello, 29 weeks! Baby Z and I welcome you...
(From Babycenter.com):
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
(From whattoexpect.com):
How big is your baby this week? She weighs nearly three pounds now and measures about 17 inches. Though she's getting pretty close to her birth length, she still has to chub out a bit. In fact, over the next 11 weeks, she'll more than double — or even come close to tripling — her weight. And as she grows and the room in your womb gets tighter, you'll be less likely to feel those big kicks and more likely to get poked by an elbow or jabbed by a knee.
And... very exciting news! My little butternut squash and I are officially in our third trimester! Isn't that just great news! It wasn't too long ago where making it to the first trimester was a countdown. I think soon we can count down to BABY'S BIRTHDAY!!! :-)
Thank you for all your continued love... and for reading. I love the comments you send my way. They're being saved in a folder to one day include, along with these entries, in a gift to the baby so he can learn everything he ever wanted to know about the fruit/vegetable he most resembled each week. :-)
PS - Please send e-mails to szook24@gmail.com DEMANDING your blog entry explaining how we chose the baby's name... !!! Muhaha!
Another week has absolutely flown by! Every time I worry that this process is starting to really drag on, Thursday lands at my feet, reminding me of another weekly milestone. It's unbelievable how quickly 40 weeks is going by... so far!
Hello, 29 weeks! Baby Z and I welcome you...
(From Babycenter.com):
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
(From whattoexpect.com):
How big is your baby this week? She weighs nearly three pounds now and measures about 17 inches. Though she's getting pretty close to her birth length, she still has to chub out a bit. In fact, over the next 11 weeks, she'll more than double — or even come close to tripling — her weight. And as she grows and the room in your womb gets tighter, you'll be less likely to feel those big kicks and more likely to get poked by an elbow or jabbed by a knee.
And... very exciting news! My little butternut squash and I are officially in our third trimester! Isn't that just great news! It wasn't too long ago where making it to the first trimester was a countdown. I think soon we can count down to BABY'S BIRTHDAY!!! :-)
Thank you for all your continued love... and for reading. I love the comments you send my way. They're being saved in a folder to one day include, along with these entries, in a gift to the baby so he can learn everything he ever wanted to know about the fruit/vegetable he most resembled each week. :-)
PS - Please send e-mails to szook24@gmail.com DEMANDING your blog entry explaining how we chose the baby's name... !!! Muhaha!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Passenger update -- 28 weeks
I think it's safe to say our little passenger is enjoying his trip aboard the Mommy's Belly just fine, thank you very much. He constantly lets me know he's there, you know, just in case I've forgotten or have gotten distracted or something.
He was pretty quiet yesterday afternoon and then when his daddy came home from work and was animatedly telling a funny story, he started wiggling around so much I erupted into giggles and told Scott the Baby Z. liked the story-telling.
The leg cramps continue, but not as badly as a couple of weeks ago (or maybe I'm just getting more accustomed to them?). I woke up with an achy back today and hope that's not a new symptom determined to stay for the next 10 or 12 weeks.
I have officially reached the point in the pregnancy where I can no longer stand up, look down and see my feet, ankles or legs. Sometimes, by turning my head just the right way, I can see my knees. And for your TMI of the day, let's just say I can't see my underwear when I stand up either.
Enough about me, how about our Little Man???
(From babycenter.com):
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your baby is settling into the proper position for birth, with his head facing downward (toward your body's nearest exit!). Your little work in progress is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long. He's busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Your baby's sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means he could be dreaming already (what do you suppose he's dreaming about?). Though his lungs are nearly fully mature (so both of you might breathe a little easier if he were born now), your baby still has plenty of growing to do.
I think our little cabbage-patch doll (tee hee!) is dreaming about his Mommy and Daddy, duh! And I really hope he inherits his dad's gorgeous long eyelashes. (It will be interesting to see what color eyes those lashes cover, too... Mommy rocks the blue, Diachromatic Daddy's got green and brown.)
We love you, little guy!
(Scott still promises a whats-in-a-name blog post soon... hopefully before August, OK?) :-)
He was pretty quiet yesterday afternoon and then when his daddy came home from work and was animatedly telling a funny story, he started wiggling around so much I erupted into giggles and told Scott the Baby Z. liked the story-telling.
The leg cramps continue, but not as badly as a couple of weeks ago (or maybe I'm just getting more accustomed to them?). I woke up with an achy back today and hope that's not a new symptom determined to stay for the next 10 or 12 weeks.
I have officially reached the point in the pregnancy where I can no longer stand up, look down and see my feet, ankles or legs. Sometimes, by turning my head just the right way, I can see my knees. And for your TMI of the day, let's just say I can't see my underwear when I stand up either.
Enough about me, how about our Little Man???
(From babycenter.com):
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
(From whattoexpect.com):
Your baby is settling into the proper position for birth, with his head facing downward (toward your body's nearest exit!). Your little work in progress is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long. He's busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Your baby's sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means he could be dreaming already (what do you suppose he's dreaming about?). Though his lungs are nearly fully mature (so both of you might breathe a little easier if he were born now), your baby still has plenty of growing to do.
I think our little cabbage-patch doll (tee hee!) is dreaming about his Mommy and Daddy, duh! And I really hope he inherits his dad's gorgeous long eyelashes. (It will be interesting to see what color eyes those lashes cover, too... Mommy rocks the blue, Diachromatic Daddy's got green and brown.)
We love you, little guy!
(Scott still promises a whats-in-a-name blog post soon... hopefully before August, OK?) :-)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Passenger update -- Week 27
Holy canoli! 27 weeks already!
Welcome to my world of disbelief, where a 40-(ish)-week pregnancy has absolutely flown by so far.
Things are going very well -- I still feel great. Speaking of "feeling", the little man is moving ALL the time. Scott's felt him move twice now, including last night before bed and I can't tell you how big his eyes get or how happy he looks when that happens.
Certain things are getting harder to do...
Like stopping eating. haha. I'm heading to get my blood and glucose tests done and I can't have any big meal or any sugar (psh, what?!) so my stomach is ALREADY grumbly. It's going to be a long morning.
I can't put on socks or tie shoes without tilting my hips at such a weird angle to the side or practically rolling forward in a somersault.
Nothing non-maternity fits me. My regular (albeit larger) T-shirts look funny because they stick out a few inches at the bottom of my belly and barely make it to my pants.
The leg muscles continue, although they have improved after introducing even more potassium and calcium into my diet. (And insane amounts of fruit, too (my latest craving if you will)!)
Mood swings ? What mood swings?! Moving on...
Our little guy is doing great, too, it appears...
(From babycenter.com)
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
(From whattoexpect.com)
Your Baby in Week 27 of Pregnancy
For a baby, it's time to trade in the old crown-to-rump measurement for a new head-to-toe standard. So what are your baby’s stats this week (which, coincidentally, is the end of the second trimester)? Fifteen inches — more than a foot long — and triple (or even quadruple) what it was in week 12. His weight is creeping up the charts as well, coming in at just over two pounds. More big news: Your baby may recognize your voice by now, so feel free to serenade your belly (start learning those lullabies!).
I'm so proud of my little cauliflower and hope he continues to do well. I can't wait to meet him.
PS -- Scott keeps promising to do the blog post about why we chose Little Man's name, so keep patient, we've been really busy lately.
We're off to NJ for a weekend !
Welcome to my world of disbelief, where a 40-(ish)-week pregnancy has absolutely flown by so far.
Things are going very well -- I still feel great. Speaking of "feeling", the little man is moving ALL the time. Scott's felt him move twice now, including last night before bed and I can't tell you how big his eyes get or how happy he looks when that happens.
Certain things are getting harder to do...
Like stopping eating. haha. I'm heading to get my blood and glucose tests done and I can't have any big meal or any sugar (psh, what?!) so my stomach is ALREADY grumbly. It's going to be a long morning.
I can't put on socks or tie shoes without tilting my hips at such a weird angle to the side or practically rolling forward in a somersault.
Nothing non-maternity fits me. My regular (albeit larger) T-shirts look funny because they stick out a few inches at the bottom of my belly and barely make it to my pants.
The leg muscles continue, although they have improved after introducing even more potassium and calcium into my diet. (And insane amounts of fruit, too (my latest craving if you will)!)
Mood swings ? What mood swings?! Moving on...
Our little guy is doing great, too, it appears...
(From babycenter.com)
This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.
(From whattoexpect.com)
Your Baby in Week 27 of Pregnancy
For a baby, it's time to trade in the old crown-to-rump measurement for a new head-to-toe standard. So what are your baby’s stats this week (which, coincidentally, is the end of the second trimester)? Fifteen inches — more than a foot long — and triple (or even quadruple) what it was in week 12. His weight is creeping up the charts as well, coming in at just over two pounds. More big news: Your baby may recognize your voice by now, so feel free to serenade your belly (start learning those lullabies!).
I'm so proud of my little cauliflower and hope he continues to do well. I can't wait to meet him.
PS -- Scott keeps promising to do the blog post about why we chose Little Man's name, so keep patient, we've been really busy lately.
We're off to NJ for a weekend !
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Passenger update -- 26 weeks
Happy 26 weeks!
From whattoexpect.com:
Major excitement: Your baby opens her eyes! On the flip side, you might wish yours would stay closed so you could get some sleep.
Your Baby in Week 26 of Pregnancy
What's up with your baby? She now weighs a full two pounds and measures nine-plus inches. And this week, her eyes, which until now were developing under fused eyelids, start to open. Of course, there's not much to see in there, but if your baby spots a bright light (or hears a loud noise) near your belly, you may notice an increase in fetal activity. (“Hey, I'm in here, Mommy! Where’s the party!”) What accounts for that response? Her brain is more developed and sophisticated.
From babycenter.com:
How your baby's growing:
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
Holy cow! It's an exciting week for Baby Z... opening eyes, hearing voices (the kind that really are there), practicing breathing and growing so big!
I feel the baby pretty frequently now and I have to say he's got a pretty impressive set of legs or arms because they're definitely making stronger movements around the clock now. It's comforting though, to feel the little guy (even if he should be sleeping at 3 a.m.!).
We have a doctor's appointment today! Wish us luck!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Passenger update -- 25 weeks
I'm not good at math by any means. But I really wanted to come up with some different way to show how far along we were. I knew I needed a fraction of 25 over 40, the expected number of weeks in a pregnancy, but I messed that up on my first try with my calculator and got embarrassed. So, we're pretty far along... :-)
From WhattoExpect.com:
Your Baby in Week 25 of Pregnancy
Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, reaching nine inches in length and passing the pound and a half mark. Under his skin, capillaries are forming and filling with blood and by week's end, air sacs (also lined with capillaries) will develop in his lungs, getting them ready for that first breath. Mind you, those lungs aren't ready for prime time just yet — but they are developing surfactant, a substance that will help them expand after birth. And speaking of breathing, your baby's tiny nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open, and his vocal chords are getting ready to roar.
From Babycenter.com:
How your baby's growing
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
Awww, our little rutabaga. How sweet.
Rutabaga is doing well and so is Momma. Daddy's worn out from nesting more than any mommy-to-be and we're all looking forward to a trip home to New Jersey this weekend to see lots of loved ones (especially my California sister and her family). We'll update when we return!
Much love!
From WhattoExpect.com:
Your Baby in Week 25 of Pregnancy
Your baby is growing by leaps and bounds, reaching nine inches in length and passing the pound and a half mark. Under his skin, capillaries are forming and filling with blood and by week's end, air sacs (also lined with capillaries) will develop in his lungs, getting them ready for that first breath. Mind you, those lungs aren't ready for prime time just yet — but they are developing surfactant, a substance that will help them expand after birth. And speaking of breathing, your baby's tiny nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open, and his vocal chords are getting ready to roar.
From Babycenter.com:
How your baby's growing
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
Awww, our little rutabaga. How sweet.
Rutabaga is doing well and so is Momma. Daddy's worn out from nesting more than any mommy-to-be and we're all looking forward to a trip home to New Jersey this weekend to see lots of loved ones (especially my California sister and her family). We'll update when we return!
Much love!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Passenger update -- 24 weeks
24 weeks! We are just zooming through this crazy thing, Little Baby Z and me.
Here's what my precious little ear of corn is up to:
(From What to Expect:)
Week 24 of Pregnancy
Your baby's facial features are really filling out…and your belly button may be really popping out!
Your Baby in Week 24 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about eight and a half inches long and weighs one and a half pounds, gaining steadily at a rate of six ounces per week. Much of that weight comes from accumulating baby fat, as well as from growing organs, bones, and muscle. Those little ears of hers are getting sharper and can hear very loud sounds, from a yapping dog to a jackhammer. Also by now, that fabulous face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Is your baby a brunette, a blonde, or a redhead? Actually, right now her locks are white since there's no pigment yet.
(From babycenter.com:)
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
In "Mommy" news for this week, yes the belly button has officially "popped" and it is quite the interesting look. No, I don't have red, itchy palms like both sites said I could have at this point. Doesn't that mean I'm going to fall into money? Hmmm...
I have fewer headaches recently but really frequent leg cramps. And my ankles and feet are definitely swollen by the end of the day, especially if I overdo it. (Who, me?)
All of my favorite Web sites and books say now is the time that I have to start being on the lookout for preterm labor (no, thank you!) and at my next doctor's appointment, I'll probably get more blood drawn as well as tests for gestational diabetes (for which I'm at a higher risk thanks to family history and my early pregnancy fainting spells).
For now... we are just enjoying, me and my little man (who does have a name!).
Happy 24 weeks to us! :-)
Here's what my precious little ear of corn is up to:
(From What to Expect:)
Week 24 of Pregnancy
Your baby's facial features are really filling out…and your belly button may be really popping out!
Your Baby in Week 24 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about eight and a half inches long and weighs one and a half pounds, gaining steadily at a rate of six ounces per week. Much of that weight comes from accumulating baby fat, as well as from growing organs, bones, and muscle. Those little ears of hers are getting sharper and can hear very loud sounds, from a yapping dog to a jackhammer. Also by now, that fabulous face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Is your baby a brunette, a blonde, or a redhead? Actually, right now her locks are white since there's no pigment yet.
(From babycenter.com:)
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
In "Mommy" news for this week, yes the belly button has officially "popped" and it is quite the interesting look. No, I don't have red, itchy palms like both sites said I could have at this point. Doesn't that mean I'm going to fall into money? Hmmm...
I have fewer headaches recently but really frequent leg cramps. And my ankles and feet are definitely swollen by the end of the day, especially if I overdo it. (Who, me?)
All of my favorite Web sites and books say now is the time that I have to start being on the lookout for preterm labor (no, thank you!) and at my next doctor's appointment, I'll probably get more blood drawn as well as tests for gestational diabetes (for which I'm at a higher risk thanks to family history and my early pregnancy fainting spells).
For now... we are just enjoying, me and my little man (who does have a name!).
Happy 24 weeks to us! :-)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Passenger update -- 23 weeks
Happy 23 weeks to Mommy and BabyZ! I can't believe how quickly time is flying by now... and how much the baby is changing!
From BabyCenter.com:
How your baby's growing:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.
From whattoexpect.com:
Your Baby in Week 23 of Pregnancy
Your little doll-sized babe is about to chub up a bit. His saggy skin will start to fit his frame as fat deposits fill things out. Beginning this week, he'll start to pack on the pounds (which means you will too!) and by month's end he'll be double the weight he is now (though you won't be — whew!). Right now, your baby's organs and bones are visible through his skin, which has a red hue due to developing veins and arteries beneath. But once those fat deposits settle in, he'll become less transparent.
Well Mango-Doll Baby seems to be doing just fine. The transparent skin must be from his father's side of the family (just kidding Grandma!). Izzie and Proud are very happy to learn that Baby Z will recognize their "buff" and "roo" respectively in a few months. And doubling in weight this month?! Way to go, little All-Star!
And really, no one wants me to teach the baby how to dance, unless maybe it's a freeze dance or during a rendition of Gangsta's Paradise. THAT I expect the baby to recognize (and sing along to) within his first few weeks of life. :-)
The countdown has suddenly shifted from how many weeks in until how many weeks until we meet the little guy! Tick-tock, tick-tock...
Much love!
From BabyCenter.com:
How your baby's growing:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.
From whattoexpect.com:
Your Baby in Week 23 of Pregnancy
Your little doll-sized babe is about to chub up a bit. His saggy skin will start to fit his frame as fat deposits fill things out. Beginning this week, he'll start to pack on the pounds (which means you will too!) and by month's end he'll be double the weight he is now (though you won't be — whew!). Right now, your baby's organs and bones are visible through his skin, which has a red hue due to developing veins and arteries beneath. But once those fat deposits settle in, he'll become less transparent.
Well Mango-Doll Baby seems to be doing just fine. The transparent skin must be from his father's side of the family (just kidding Grandma!). Izzie and Proud are very happy to learn that Baby Z will recognize their "buff" and "roo" respectively in a few months. And doubling in weight this month?! Way to go, little All-Star!
And really, no one wants me to teach the baby how to dance, unless maybe it's a freeze dance or during a rendition of Gangsta's Paradise. THAT I expect the baby to recognize (and sing along to) within his first few weeks of life. :-)
The countdown has suddenly shifted from how many weeks in until how many weeks until we meet the little guy! Tick-tock, tick-tock...
Much love!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Passenger update -- 22 weeks
Happy 22 weeks!
Baby Z is being a busy, busy boy:
(From babycenter.com)
At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.
(From whattoexpect.com)
As if an ever-expanding belly wasn't enough — now your feet are getting in on the act! That's because the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which loosens your pelvic ligaments when you're expecting, loosens every other ligament too — including the ones in your tootsies. In turn, the bones beneath those ligaments spread slightly, which results, for many women, in a half or whole shoe-size increase. So if you haven't already stashed away your stilettos, now's the time to bid farewell — at least for a while. Besides, you need sensible shoes to help you balance that big belly and your changing center of gravity. This week, your baby weighs in at a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll. But your doll is a living one who can now perceive light and dark. She can also hear your voice, your heartbeat, your gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through your body.
Baby's a pound! A pound! A pound!
I don't know what's creepier, the reference to the doll or the spaghetti squash. Hmmm.
Anyway, I have definitely noticed the swelling in feet, particularly when I do *any* physical activity for longer than an hour or without any rest immediately after (aka playing with my niece and nephew, going for a walk after work, etc).
We won't linger too much on the NASTY stomach virus my husband shared with me this week. To say that it was bad for both of us would be an understatement. He had it Sunday night into Tuesday afternoon and just as he was feeling better, I made my first dash to the bathroom. The first of MANY.
The bug seems to be leaving the Zooks at least for now, and all sources say it likely wouldn't do any harm to the baby. The key was to stay hydrated and despite the fact that 90 percent of my efforts failed, you better believe I drank all the water I could muster these past couple of days.
So, here's to solid foods and feeling better!!! Happy 22 weeks to the Little Man!
Baby Z is being a busy, busy boy:
(From babycenter.com)
At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.
(From whattoexpect.com)
As if an ever-expanding belly wasn't enough — now your feet are getting in on the act! That's because the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which loosens your pelvic ligaments when you're expecting, loosens every other ligament too — including the ones in your tootsies. In turn, the bones beneath those ligaments spread slightly, which results, for many women, in a half or whole shoe-size increase. So if you haven't already stashed away your stilettos, now's the time to bid farewell — at least for a while. Besides, you need sensible shoes to help you balance that big belly and your changing center of gravity. This week, your baby weighs in at a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll. But your doll is a living one who can now perceive light and dark. She can also hear your voice, your heartbeat, your gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through your body.
Baby's a pound! A pound! A pound!
I don't know what's creepier, the reference to the doll or the spaghetti squash. Hmmm.
Anyway, I have definitely noticed the swelling in feet, particularly when I do *any* physical activity for longer than an hour or without any rest immediately after (aka playing with my niece and nephew, going for a walk after work, etc).
We won't linger too much on the NASTY stomach virus my husband shared with me this week. To say that it was bad for both of us would be an understatement. He had it Sunday night into Tuesday afternoon and just as he was feeling better, I made my first dash to the bathroom. The first of MANY.
The bug seems to be leaving the Zooks at least for now, and all sources say it likely wouldn't do any harm to the baby. The key was to stay hydrated and despite the fact that 90 percent of my efforts failed, you better believe I drank all the water I could muster these past couple of days.
So, here's to solid foods and feeling better!!! Happy 22 weeks to the Little Man!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Passenger update - 21 weeks
From whattoexpect.com:
Your baby is grazing on whatever you are right now, but those stretch marks are yours alone, Mom.
How big is your baby? About the size of a large banana — and speaking of bananas, if you eat one this week, there's a good chance your baby will get a taste, too. That's because he swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so he eats whatever's on your menu. In other (not so welcome) news, you may start to notice some stretch marks as your body expands and your belly and breasts just keep on growing. These pink, red, or purple streaks appear when the supporting tissue under your skin gets torn as skin stretches (and stretches and stretches) during pregnancy. Not every woman gets them, though you're a likely candidate if your mom had stretch marks during her pregnancy or if you've gained weight rapidly.
From babycenter.com:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.
Baby is at 21 weeks! It's been a great couple of weeks for both of us... few annoying symptoms and plenty of belly pats (from loved ones and strangers alike!) and the emergence of spring and... well, springtime maternity clothes!
I was just out taking the puppies out for potty time when I was caught off guard by my shadow in the bright afternoon sun. There was a bump in the shadow that never used to be there and I just sat there smiling at that shadow, at the bump and at the thought of our wonderful little boy.
The movement feelings are becoming more frequent and stronger and I no longer wonder if I just pulled an ab muscle or ate too much chili.
Our little man and I get checked out by the doctor (a different one this time) on Monday. We'll have updates then on weight, heartbeat and all the medical things that will (hopefully) let us know that everything is going well and that the little carrot or banana baby is healthy as can be.
Until then, we head to NJ this weekend for Easter celebrations including an Easter egg hunt with our niece and nephew and much-needed time with loved ones... not to mention relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather forecast for us.
Happy Easter to all!
PS -- Who wants to do some guest blogging??? Send me an e-mail with anything you care to share and I'll post it.
PPS -- I appreciate you all reading our thoughts as we go about this journey. I get all of your comments, whether on here or by e-mail and, even though I can't respond to them all, please know I appreciate them and have them tucked away in their very own folder in my inbox.
Your baby is grazing on whatever you are right now, but those stretch marks are yours alone, Mom.
How big is your baby? About the size of a large banana — and speaking of bananas, if you eat one this week, there's a good chance your baby will get a taste, too. That's because he swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so he eats whatever's on your menu. In other (not so welcome) news, you may start to notice some stretch marks as your body expands and your belly and breasts just keep on growing. These pink, red, or purple streaks appear when the supporting tissue under your skin gets torn as skin stretches (and stretches and stretches) during pregnancy. Not every woman gets them, though you're a likely candidate if your mom had stretch marks during her pregnancy or if you've gained weight rapidly.
From babycenter.com:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.
Baby is at 21 weeks! It's been a great couple of weeks for both of us... few annoying symptoms and plenty of belly pats (from loved ones and strangers alike!) and the emergence of spring and... well, springtime maternity clothes!
I was just out taking the puppies out for potty time when I was caught off guard by my shadow in the bright afternoon sun. There was a bump in the shadow that never used to be there and I just sat there smiling at that shadow, at the bump and at the thought of our wonderful little boy.
The movement feelings are becoming more frequent and stronger and I no longer wonder if I just pulled an ab muscle or ate too much chili.
Our little man and I get checked out by the doctor (a different one this time) on Monday. We'll have updates then on weight, heartbeat and all the medical things that will (hopefully) let us know that everything is going well and that the little carrot or banana baby is healthy as can be.
Until then, we head to NJ this weekend for Easter celebrations including an Easter egg hunt with our niece and nephew and much-needed time with loved ones... not to mention relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather forecast for us.
Happy Easter to all!
PS -- Who wants to do some guest blogging??? Send me an e-mail with anything you care to share and I'll post it.
PPS -- I appreciate you all reading our thoughts as we go about this journey. I get all of your comments, whether on here or by e-mail and, even though I can't respond to them all, please know I appreciate them and have them tucked away in their very own folder in my inbox.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Passenger update -- 19 weeks!
It's been a great week for Mommy and Baby Z. The sun's been shining, the weather's been warmer and a lot of things are just falling into place for Mommy, which lets her enjoy a lot more moments in the pregnancy.
Next Friday, we have our "BIG" ultrasound. I'm honestly equally as excited to find out what gender Little Baby Z is as I am to see that he/she is growing and developing as he/she should be. Just another week!
In the meantime, here is a peek at what the baby has been up to...
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
Oooh, back to fruits with the tomato reference, I see. I can't believe Baby is already six inches long (and I never thought I'd be saying six inches was big!), considering my first e-mail as a mommy-to-be said Baby was the size of a poppyseed. Amazing.
I've been talking to the baby almost since the beginning, so I guess we'll see how true their hypothesis that babies can recognize sounds they heard in utero is when he/she comes out in a grand entrance. Also... does Eminem count as "singing a happy tune?" :-)
This experience just gets more and more fascinating every day.
The best part about today, though? It's possibly Milkshake Thursday. Wooooo!
Next Friday, we have our "BIG" ultrasound. I'm honestly equally as excited to find out what gender Little Baby Z is as I am to see that he/she is growing and developing as he/she should be. Just another week!
In the meantime, here is a peek at what the baby has been up to...
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.
Oooh, back to fruits with the tomato reference, I see. I can't believe Baby is already six inches long (and I never thought I'd be saying six inches was big!), considering my first e-mail as a mommy-to-be said Baby was the size of a poppyseed. Amazing.
I've been talking to the baby almost since the beginning, so I guess we'll see how true their hypothesis that babies can recognize sounds they heard in utero is when he/she comes out in a grand entrance. Also... does Eminem count as "singing a happy tune?" :-)
This experience just gets more and more fascinating every day.
The best part about today, though? It's possibly Milkshake Thursday. Wooooo!
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