Counting down the weeks! 35...

Ginger Snap This Week (35) almost... 

SPECS at 35 weeks development: ~18 inches and ~5lbs (every baby is developing at different rates by this point, so these are pure online speculations!)  Ok, I know I haven't posted in a while, and I realized something pretty significant during this blogging process.  I intended this to be an avenue to update my loved ones, my friends and my acquaintances.  I was originally afraid I wouldn't be able to keep everyone up to date. Now... I'm too tired! I'm sorry everyone!

Factoid: "Developmentally, your wee womb-tenant has the fat-factory running at full tilt while their digestive system puts the finishing touches on critical organs in preparation for their first meal." http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/calendar/week35

Momma This Week

Sam and I at the shower =) Happy as can be!

I've been thoroughly enjoying the chiropractor lately.  I've been recuperating - each day - from each day's activities.  I'm learning new ways to eat, breathe, and attempt a good night's sleep. I'm still walking - although sometimes a bit slower than I think I am walking. I am gardening only a little bit, and generally, trying to relaaaxxx. Baby is active, yet gentle. I have no complaints about this stage. Actually, when I find myself complaining, I try to reign myself back in, because you know what? This is a short lived experience, and it's o.k. to be uncomfortable for a while. I mean, it's not all the time I'll have the honor of growing a baby! This week I go see the midwives, then it's weekly visits starting next week. Good thing I'm beginning to assemble my birthing-center bag... because baby, we are getting close!

Praises for Dad

Had the best foot massage of my life today. Watched him assemble all of our baby gear (I held the trash-bag open). He's bound and determined to be there for me and help any way he can. He bought me flowers last week because it just seemed like it was a "flowers" day for me. I was very touched. I mean, who does that just out of the goodness of their heart? He's the man! 

Experiences

We had a fantastic baby shower a few weeks ago! My intention was to have a family-oriented party. Nothing more or less.  And I think it was a success. I had fun, enjoyed myself and was able to see my close friends, family and meet more of Sam's! It was a pool party, with homemade food - compliments of Sam!! - and just all around relaxation.  We could not have pulled it off without Tricia, my mom, Theresa, Marie/Andrew, the Pachlers, Jodi, and others I am sure I am forgetting. I've never enjoyed a traditional baby shower, so it was a shot in the dark at something a bit different, and I think it went well!  Thank-you notes are this week....  so thanks for your patience, all, because we really are grateful for the baby gifts, your company and an overall great time!

Other news.... Wyatt and Chloe are very excited about the coming of the new baby. Yes, they told me. (right Jake?!) And, they like to rest their head on my belly, smell my belly, and curl around it. I think they're going to be great at being a big brother and big sister =)

*sigh sigh* Please - everyone - only happy birth advice, stories and encouragement. I realize people (even strangers) think their advice is the end all of everything, but if it's not requested, please don't tell me anything with a bad-spin anymore.  I've been very very very willing to hear people out, but I've reached my limits of appeasing others and listening to their variations of advice and horror stories, and embarrassing moments of their birth and pregnancy. This is my experience - if I want to know what you went through, I'll ask. So otherwise, just be uplifting and positive. Nothing more or less.  I don't want to have to listen to the negative things you went through. I do want to hear all of the great things you went through! So send those along, but please be courteous that I'm sensitive right now, and don't want to be inundated with "your" experience. I'm trying to have mine unadulterated by negative stories =)

Until next time.... and maybe next time little baby will make a picture debut!
x's and o's,
-Michelle

Tuesday: Third Trimester

Ginger Snap This Week (28) almost... 

SPECS at 28 weeks development: ~14.8" long; about 2.2 lbs!
It's been 6 weeks since I've updated?! Oh goodness, where has the time gone? I think I forgot about the blog, then when I remembered, would procrastinate writing it.  Sorry, folks! Thank you, Aunt Marilyn for the nudge in the right direction!!  Baby is also fully "developed" so to speak... Baby could live outside my womb if need be - so from here on out, we are finalizing brain and nervous system development and getting fat! =)

Factoids:"Little explorer's eyes are doing lots of blinking this week because they're now responding to light and dark... your champ's tiny industrious bone marrow is now a major construction site for blood cells." http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/calendar/week28 

Momma This Week

27 Weeks 5 days!

I think the past few weeks have happened in a blur... finished the birthing classes, finalized the registry, deep cleaned(ing) the house, planted the garden, bought a car, parked myself at the pool, and learned(ing) how to manage my hormones.  I've added a variety of vitamins to my diet, incorporated yoga and walking into my almost daily life, and am learning how to take pregnancy life easy. Not all that simple, but very worthwhile.  The more I listen to my relaxation tracks, and follow a steady exercise and eating routine, the calmer I feel. It's quite wonderful.  My belly is ever-so-growing! It's crazy! People keep saying I am "all baby" which is very nice of them! It's becoming harder to pick things up off the floor and put shoes on. It's a challenge to get into bed, as well as out of bed.  My body has definitely been hijacked! Baby is incredibly active - I have taken videos of my belly while in bed at night, and am amazed at how strong the little baby-baby is getting. I rested a plate on my stomach the other day, and the plate lifted and bounced around! My eyes bugged out of my head, then I smiled and couldn't stop. Then promptly moved the plate. Other than my belly feeling heavy by the day's end, I am doing fantastic! Time is moving fast, and and summer heat is coming, and it is really all good!

Praises for Dad

Sam gifted me with a Mother's Day pre-natal massage - I have yet to schedule! He treated me to putt-putt, we picked baby clothes out together, and he made me a number of meals this week. (Don't skip iron... it makes for extreme fatigue, and Sam fixed that with food!) He was sick last weekend, and was out of commission, but has bounced back beautifully and cheerfully. A definite encouragement! We've enjoyed "doing nothing" as well as simple outings to visit friends, family and even attended a flamenco show! I've also learned a whole lot about the NBA lately, too. Yes indeedy.  This baby will be well-rounded for sure!

Experiences

I'm quite proud of myself for purchasing a car within the past few weeks. Yes, I did! I bought a used Volvo wagon, and it's blue, awesome, comfortable, and safe! I was very stressed out looking for a car, looking at cars, and asking people for help in the search. It all worked out, and I still cannot believe I am not driving my Jeep. But this car is what I need, and I really like it!

The pool - wow. I've never been a big water/pool person, but my goodness, the buoyancy is amazing... the ability to cool down is amazing... I'm going to get a summer pass to a local pool and dip often, and I never imagined myself looking forward to pool-time! (Right, Mom?) Haha.

I've spent time with a two of my best friends - Tricia and Jenny - during the past month. Both came to Annapolis, and both brought so much encouragement, fun and laughter. I wish they both lived closer.  These are the friends the Bible talks about, that stick closer "than a sister," and to them, I owe a lot. Thanks, ladies! Also, it's been a huge blessing to have my neighbor, Jess, reach out to me, offer advice and encouragement.  I also don't know what I would do without my Rachel and Rachael =) Both listen to me on a daily basis and continue to support me along the way. And, Theresa... she gets the brunt of the chatter, and is the best of the best these days!  Who else spends all day doing research for baby things for our registry?! Thanks to each of you for your love and support lately. A few more months to go - then it's a whole new ball game!!!

~Michelle

Beginning Hypnobirthing - 22 weeks!

Ginger Snap This Week (22) 

SPECS at 22 weeks development: ~11" long; about 1 lb! 

Factoids:"This week nerve endings become functional enough so that your baby can feel! She/he may experiment with this new sense of touch by stroking her/his face or feeling other body parts to see how they move. Your baby will form distinct lips. Your baby's eyes will complete formation, although the iris (the colored part of the eye) will still lack pigment."  http://www.gerber.com/pregnancy/growth_and_development/week_22_your_pregnancy.aspx

Mamma This Week

I had a run with bad food a few days in a row this week. Ask anyone - I was a mess. I've always eaten a light diet, with room to eat larger meals here and there and feel great. Not this week. I realize now, more than ever, that what I eat will alter my mood, my energy levels, and my state of mind. I've always been the biggest supporter of no sugar, limited salt, no fast food, not that many carbohydrates, eat what you need, not what you want, etc. In my first trimester, all I wanted was fruit and lemonade. Now, all I want is potato chips, french fries and deep fried sandwiches. It's awful! I finally freaked out and Sam and I went to Robeks - if an entirely berry and peanut butter smoothie doesn't help, nothing will. And I know a ton of people have chided in "go ahead, this is the only time in your life you can eat anything!" Um... not really. This is the only time in my life that I can't eat anything I want. Ginger Snap doesn't need crap. My baby needs nutrients, and a Momma that isn't indulging "just because." So, I'm back steering away from french fries, potato chips and all-things-fried. (But I still want them!) 

Praises for Dad

Ahhh. Sam. What didn't he do this week!? He survived my grumpiness one night when I felt gross because I ate horrible foods all day. He survived another night when I was tired, weepy and missed my dogs. He survived an entire day in the car with me this weekend, and was the cheeriest man in the room at our birthing class. You'd think he'd be cranky after all that - well, we all have our moments, but he was a champ. He is simply encouraging, calming, and joyful. And Ginger Snap has been high-fiving DaddySam lately. Brings us both so much joy! 

Experiences

Check out: http://www.hypnobirthing.com/

Sam and I attended our first birthing class last week. It was awesome. There were about 9 couples in the class, and most of us were pregnant with our first baby. The room was so quiet, and the teacher was very calming. Natural childbirth gets a bad rap, evidently, but this class quelled a lot of preconceived fear regarding labor and delivery. Some methods of natural childbirth are disregarded, and I sense this from the moms that only talk about "the pain." Seriously moms, I think maybe 4 of you have gone out of your way to explain the surreal and euphoric moment of birth. Otherwise, all I hear is complaints about pain. I've never given birth, I've never been pregnant, I'm not comfortable with "just do drugs" and I want my baby to be born in as much of a calm setting as I can prepare. So, is it really that beneficial to feel the need to fill me in on all of your bad experiences?  I've heard some humbling stories from moms that had a natural birth plan set up, and they ended up doing an epidural, or needed a c-section. The key is to be prepared for what this baby needs when it's time to come out. But really, are pumping new pregnant moms-to-be with fear-induced stories regarding "the agony," really that productive? (Also, I realized that the media and medical-arena can be blamed, too.) I'd just much prefer a balanced perspective of hearing about birth! Hearing about the moments thereafter, and the emotional vibe and bonding that occurs. I'm telling you, maybe 4 of you have said something uplifting. So, here's to Sam and I venturing down a different road for the birth experience, because it starts now, and continues until the little baby pops out. You may think I'm crazy. And, I don't care. My baby can hear you, so shhh... only happy stories... and, the more the better!

-Michelle 

Thoughts at 21 Weeks

Ginger Snap This Week

SPECS: ~7" length (head to butt); ~11 ounces (these are approximations) 

FACTS: "Brain growth. Baby's brain will be growing very quickly, especially the structure deep in the center of the brain responsible for producing brain cells. This structure will disappear shortly before birth.
Organ maturity. Your baby's general growth pattern will slow down, but different organs will continue to mature, the heart will beat stronger (audible through fetal monitoring ), and the legs will reach the correct proportions."  http://www.gerber.com/pregnancy/growth_and_development/week_21_your_pregnancy.aspx

Mamma This Week

Uncle Joseph and Mamma

I think my life is boring. I mean, nothing major happened this week. Sam and I were talking about that, and it seems as if we are both breathing sighs of relief; finally a break in the action!  I'm feeling great physically. My belly is growing, Ginger Snap is floating around head butting my uterine walls, (and seems to be enjoying every minute of it)! Happy little baby-baby. I'm trying to focus on cooking more, perhaps picking baking back up. I'm still sewing. I'm watching my plants grow, and snuggling with my dogs. My dog Wyatt is a newly diagnosed diabetic. (Poor thing.) Chloe comforts him and makes sure he gets the snuggle time that he needs. There's been a lot of adjustments with his medical needs, but we are doing it. Oh yes, I went to a flea market in Baltimore County this weekend. I was able to visit with my brother, his girlfriend and his best friend. It made me so happy to see the three of them. It had been way too long. I need to get better at making plans with the people in my life that I love and miss.  Time keeps ticking, and I miss my people.

Praises for Dad

Oh, you know what? He's the best. Yes, he truly is. He ordered me a maternity pillow. I know, I know, there are going to be a few of you that just shake your heads, and say to yourself "I didn't have that when I was pregnant, and I was fine!" or "Just use a blanket!" But... let me tell you how comfortable I've been, sleeping with this pillow. One morning last week, I was so wrapped up in this question-mark-looking-pillow that I literally could not get out of bed.  I had to pull on my dog to get out! Ha! Sam knew I needed that extra "umph" of comfort to make the growing belly and achy body supported and cozy. His initiative on behalf of my slumber made me realize how blessed I am.  We are also creating our registry - not a small feat. He has gone gang-busters with selecting baby things. Not just the typical items, but feeding items, bibs, utensils, cups, bottles, high chair, (even picked the same breast pump I want!) etc. Our kid will know how to eat and appreciate good food! Granted, he did pick a lot of diapering necessities, too, and we will get to the socks and the onesies. It's awesome knowing that he's really looking out for baby's future food needs. Props, praises and hugs to Daddy Sam!

Experiences

I want to yell sometimes, "I'm still Michelle! I'm just pregnant!"  During my senior year in college, one of my favorite professors and I sat on a bench in the middle of campus. We were discussing a great piece of fiction, and he stopped, took a breath, and told me why he was doing this book study (with that particular author) with me. He knew I marched to my own drum beat, and he believed I would value the time discussing the book, it's meaning to our lives, and the book's greater cultural implications.  I valued his perspective and time he gave in considering and probing my thoughts, my opinions, and how I viewed the world around me. What stayed with me was that he complimented my drum beat that I was not ashamed to follow. You know what? Being pregnant has not changed that drum beat. Things are changing, yes. But I'm still me. I'm still Michelle. I'm a momma-to-be, but I'm not a stranger or a different person, although I see some things differently than I did pre-pregnancy. I don't feel like people are treating me differently (well, sometimes they do). But, this is a gentle reminder to myself that I am a pregnant version of myself. I used to think pregnant women's  lives stopped and they became a vastly different person; but that's not mandatory (or true all the time). I will keep with the drum beat, and raise Gingersnap to do the same. If I didn't... I would then be a different person. Thankfully, Sam marches to his drum beat too. Look out baby Ginger Snap...! Your Mommy and Daddy are paving the way!

Halftime... with No Break =)

Ginger Snap This Week

Folks - we saw our baby this past week! Moving, hiccuping, squirming around, the whole sha-bang!! Until this week, I've been reliant upon the web for approximate "specs" of how GS's development is going.  However, this week we have the real deal!!!!

SPECS: 

• 12" head to toe; 10.5 ounces! 
• 2 parts of the brain 
• 4 parts of the heart
• 2 kidneys
• 10 toes
• 10 fingers (8 plus 2 thumbs) haha 

My neck was kinked all around while the technician was performing the sonogram; Sam was upright, focused and (filming!).  I really wish I was sitting upright and watch the sonogram with more intensity than I could, but it was a beautiful experience! (And, if I had been sitting up, the sonogram wouldn't have quite been the same!) The midwives only require 3 sonograms - 1 at the beginning to confirm pregnancy, 1 in the middle to confirm appropriate development, and 1 at the end(ish) to make sure the baby's head is in the right position for entry into the world! Evidently there's no safe amount that has been proven for babies - so we valued the entire experience for 45 minutes. And about melted when we left and looked at the pictures.  Our little baby has a button nose! We can't tell if it's Sam's nose or my nose, but hey, it's a freaking cute nose! 

Mamma This Week

I was sick as a dog this past week. Today was the first day in over 8 days I wasn't "medicine head" and full of malaise. Thankfully the cold/sinus infection/gross-ness has been treated, and I am ramping back up to speed with my normal energetic self.  I am getting better at hand-sewing, narrowing down priorities, and kicking my feet up.  But, the sonogram was the highlight of my week! I also have a wider selection of maternity clothes, thanks to the maternity closet here in my neighborhood.  (Thanks, Jess!) I'm very thankful that I've made it to the halfway point of the pregnancy - can't say it's a breeze all the time - as my ever-growing-baby is taking over my body. But it's halftime! And no break. But still... halftime! Oh yeah, Tuesday April 17 is 20 weeks!! (I forgot to take a 19 week pic!) 

Praises for Dad

He is ON his game. Busy, dedicated, getting things done.  He was a complete champ after we went to the sonogram - I had a primary care appointment directly afterwards, then went to look at maternity clothes. He was incredibly supportive, and breathed through my stress. (It was a great day, but a very long one, too).  With camera in hand, he was able to document our baby. With smiles, love and cheer, he hasn't skipped a beat. And I benefit from it each day. As does Gingersnap - who has graciously kicked Daddy in the hand a number of times! Here's to Praises for Dad, Week 20! *Cheers!*

Experiences

I work for a non-profit, and one day this past week an email was sent out focusing on love, from a website focused entirely on gratitude.  It made me cry with realization that it's true. I'd like to share it.

"Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused."
                                                          African saying

Love,
Michelle

Banana Trees and Weeding: 18 weeks 4 days

Ginger Snap This Week

SPECS: ~6 inches (from head to rump); ~7ounces!!!!!

Did you know? "Your baby may hear your heart beating, your stomach rumbling or blood moving through the umbilical cord. He or she may even be startled by loud noises. Tiny air sacs called alveoli begin to form in lungs and the vocal chords are formed. Baby goes through the motions of crying but without air doesn't make a sound; yet. Your baby may have the same awake and sleep patterns of a newborn. Baby will have a favorite position for sleep and recognizable active and rest periods." http://www.baby2see.com/development/week18.html

So Ginger Snap can cry! Our little baby! This also just blows my mind that this little being may be startled around loud noises... so it's now appropriate to start "shooshing" people and telling them the baby is sleeping, right? I guess my dogs have a lot to learn!

Mamma This Week

Hormones were last week (an every week!); but this week, I took a temporary hiatus from sewing, and refocused on my plants. I have 40 tomato plants (seedlings that are growing!!), 12 cauliflowers (for Sam), and 12 peppers (variety). This doesn't include what I plan to plant straight in the ground. This past week my roommate and I dug our nails into the garden and started weeding, while jamming to 70's folk music. Talk about peacefulness. My little belly is beginning to be a small impediment to full gardening, but I adjusted and moved around in my new shifting way. It's absolutely crazy; the things I used to "jump" to do, I now seem to "crawl." Another lesson in taking life slow and enjoying this one step, breath and movement at a time. I also (finally) went through my dresser and closet and sifted through my clothes. They're bagged and ready for storage until next year. I can't fit into my favorite pants, t-shirts or cute work tops. But it's not goodbye forever. Please tell me it's not goodbye forever!

Praises for Dad

I'm embarrassed - he's read more of our birthing book than I have! Talk about serious praises for Dad! I also find that if I have a question about something related to baby development, medicines I'm allowed to take, or food that is best for me, he has the answer! It's comforting how involved he is at each step of our pregnancy, and how he in making sure he is knowledgeable and encouraging. He's going to be an amazing Daddio.  He also took me to a yummy yummy steak dinner - the wonders a dose of iron can do for this pregnant body! What a blessing he is. Also, he was a great host through downtown Annapolis - see below!

Experiences

Girl, look at that body!

My beautiful cousin came to visit me! I've discovered how touched I feel when people come to visit me (my best friend from college came in February, and it melted my heart!). I know Annapolis isn't that far away from other areas in the Maryland/Virginia area, but sometimes it feels like a major trek.  We walked downtown Annapolis, window shopped and giggled. Thank you cousin!!! She brought me a gift from my aunt - a banana tree! I am telling you, that made my day! I love banana trees, and (accidentally) killed mine last year. It adds so much to the front yard, and just makes me smile. On a sad note, I'm  preparing to say my goodbyes to my Jeep of 7.5 years. She's a great Jeep. So with that, I'm less able to travel around right now, which means even more that I had a visitor this week! Ok people - want to see what I look like this week? I'm not sure it's that much of a change, but you tell me. 18 weeks (Tuesday) when pic was taken.

Peace.

17 weeks 5 days

I lost track of time - I completely lost track of which day was which this past week.
It's been a long one, but here we be. (April 1, 2012!)

Ginger Snap This Week 

SPECS: ~5-5.6 inches (from head to butt cheeks); ~5.25 ounces!!!!!!

Factoid: "Fat stores begin to develop under your baby's skin this week. The fat will provide energy and help keep your baby warm after birth. Baby's eyes are looking forward now, but they are still firmly closed. The skeleton is transforming from cartilage to bone. The bones remain flexible to make the journey through the birth canal easier." (good to know!!) http://www.baby2see.com/development/week17.html 

I keep imagining what this baby looks like - it's going to be awesome to find out! The "feelings" inside are more each day, but the most evident at night. It's really interesting. It's a very cool feeling - I call it "what you'd imagine the beginnings of boiling water feels like." I am sure the next few weeks Ginger Snap'll start to feel like more than bubbles, but hey, this is where we are.

Mamma This Week

NOBODY prepared me for hormones - seeing red one minute (ie: banchi level screaming), then bawling my eyes out, then sound asleep peacefully the next. Seriously, all the "moms" in my life never ever talked about the mood swings in a realistic "I can grasp this-that is scary" kind of way. It's awful; I'm not going to lie. But, the good news, it passes. A few of the more recent conversations I've had with moms and currently pregnant friends have brought me so much comfort - I am not alone in my feelings of insanity. I am also not alone in my feelings of calm. They ebb and flow.  They key is overcoming and staying in the calm. Anyways... Work was good this week; my car is falling apart; I weeded parts of my yard and got some sun; I saw family; I told those in my life I love them. I'm striving for continual acceptance. And counting down the weeks! (Am I half way there yet?!) 

Praises for Dad

He met more of my family!!! And he survived! He was incredibly thoughtful bringing a few of us out to lunch last weekend - made me very happy and peaceful.  Getting the people I love the most together over a meal was a great experience, and I am ever grateful to him for his graciousness and strength in offering doing so.  

Experiences... er... Thoughts 

Homemade Nursing Pillow 

I've been inactive this week. No fun field trips, just working and coming home. The best part of my week has been coming home to my couch and doggies, and sewing.  My favorite project thus far: nursing pillow!  You can find ANYTHING on the Internet - I found some excellent free sewing patterns and have been starting a small collection of things I plan to make.  The pillow (and a cover for it) has been my favorite, for sure.  I've used it for a neck rest, to sleep with around my belly, and around my lap as a book rest. I'm so proud of myself! I might start bringing it everywhere I go to make people see how comfortable it is. It would be more impressive if I made the pattern, but hey, we all need to start somewhere, huh? I'm gaining weight too, along with my baby developing fat. I mean, I think I've gained 1 pound, but still.  It's an adjustment. And it ain't all bad! 

-Michelle