Six Months

I cannot believe that I've made it this far. I am truly in shock, but so utterly thankful. 24 weeks is sometimes referred to as "Viability Day" or "VDay" for short. This means simply that if God forbid something happen and I go into labor, after 24weeks the baby will have more than a 50% chance of survival. More than its true meaning, my MFM's goal from day one was to get me to and beyond VDay; we've made it.

I know there are so many mothers who haven't made it this far. Some had early losses. Some had to have emergency surgeries to remove the baby they so deeply loved, because that baby had snuggled into one of the mom's fallopian tubes and would kill the mother if left to grow. Some women found out late in their first trimester that their placenta was failing and their baby may not survive. Whereas others have gone into pre-term labor naturally and have lost the one thing they have strived to attain for years, their beloved baby Boy. My heart breaks for each one of them. I've only experienced early losses, and as hard as those have been, I am thankful that I have not had to endure the pain and suffering each one of you are feeling.

I am sending many thoughts and prayers out to all of the women I know who have struggled to attain their dreams. You are all amazingly strong women, and caring mothers. You will survive this, you will triumph over IF and pregnancy/infant loss, and you will win.

23weeks

I am more than halfway there, and that much closer to meeting our baby girl!

Stats from my ultrasound last week: baby is still measuring ahead by around a week, she is a little more than one whole pound in weight, and her approximate is around 11-12 inches in total length, about 7.5 inches from head to rump.  

Yesterday, I had my first OB appointment since 18w and everything went well. I saw a male doctor in the practice this time.  He is one of the most highly rated doctors in our area and I really liked him!

He took a few minutes to review my records and understand exactly where I am at. He seemed genuinely interested in knowing more about me than my chart could tell. He asked about my profession, thoughts and feelings related to pregnancy and birth, and asked about my husband.  Then, I asked questions about my intense swelling I experienced last week, the overall dizzy/nauseous/flushed feeling I’ve had over the last week, my ever intensifying heartburn and other random things. He answered all of my questions and was very personable.

My and BB’s Stats:

Baby’s Heartbeat: 161bpm

BP: 112/79 (highest ever)

Weight Gain: Up 16lbs total

Belly Measurement: 25weeks

I was surprised that my belly was measuring ahead since at my 18w appointment it was measuring 2weeks behind. He said that based on my frame, he thinks my belly will continually measure ahead from here on since it has nowhere to go but straight out.

The last thing I asked about was the hospital’s C-section rate. Personally, I am not sure how I feel about having a C, but know that I will do anything necessary to have a safe delivery and a healthy baby. I figured the question was worth asking, just in case the percentage was extremely high.

He said the rate was around 25% for their practice but that he didn’t foresee an issue with me since I have God given birthing hips. Funny. My mom said the same thing. For what it is worth, I know that I am a little “hippy” and his lighthearted comment was not meant to be offensive.

Owl baby gifts!

I’ve started to receive a couple of gifts for the baby here and there. I’ve been pretty open about our theme/colors and a very crafty and wonderful friend, Aimee, made me this amazing artwork for the nursery.

I received it the other day and nearly died of cuteness!  She is very crafty and creative so I, as well as many others, helped to convince her to open a small Etsy shop.

Another friend mailed me the most adorable pink owl “piggy” bank. I had no idea that something so cute even existed. For now, I have it on the hutch above the desk in the nursery acting as a bookend to my Disney collection of books.

I only have a few accessories here and there but am really loving how everything is coming together so far!

Nursery Décor 101

Mr.A and I agreed years ago that we would re-use his childhood furniture for our children. The only issue with this is that the furniture is an ugly oak color from the early 80s and very boy-ish.  I’ve been attempting to persuade him to paint the furniture an antique white color to help bring it into this century, but to no avail.

After we found out that we are having a baby girl, I’ve started to begin to plan the nursery color scheme and theme. Though I have an irrational fear of birds, I decided on an owl themed room with lots of vivacious pinks and greens. Normally my color palate is much more muted, but with the boyish furniture and the to-be guacamole green walls, I thought some vibrant pinks would really *pop*.

I found my initial nursery inspiration from this blog and have changed/added things to make it my own.

I found three bed sheet sets from PB Kids that I loved (please note, we will not be using a bumper):

1.  

2.

3.

and ended up deciding on #3.

I found this fabric from Joann, and used this blog/tutorial to make a box pleated crib skirt. The only adjustments I made were doing three sides of the crib skirt and instead of 1 pleat per side, I did three pleats on the long (front) side. I figured the backside would likely be hidden, so to me it wasn’t worth the extra fabric and effort.

Note: Yes, this picture is from my cell phone. Sorry. Also, like a nerd, I did put the crib skirt on my futon (currently in the baby's room), with the Woodlands crib sheet on top just to be able to get the full effect without having a crib yet.  

It wasn’t as trying as I thought it would be, and I am thrilled with the result. The colors match perfectly with the Woodland sheet and honestly, I like my crib skirt infinitely more than the one sold for $30-40. However, I must be honest and tell you that I grossly overestimated my fabric needs and bought around double what I used. Fabric is not cheap these days, and I spent around $40. Oh well. At least I have extras to make accents.

In addition to the crib skirt, another project I have been planning was to reupholster my glider/rocker from my grandmother’s estate. I’ve been contemplating fabrics for more than a month. I wanted something neutral enough that it would work with my current theme, yet may also work in the future with potential child #2. In keeping with the theme, I had planned a white base with a green damask pattern. However, the one I found and fell in love with online is no longer sold.

After picking out the pink/green stripped fabric for the skirt, I realized that the bold lines in that fabric are a deep chocolate brown. Neutral? Check. Work with the theme? If you add a pillow/accent, check! I looked through the store and ended up deciding on a deep chocolate, but plain cotton fabric, and ended up only spending $9 on three yards, Score!

I worked all day Saturday ripping the current fabric apart, taking pictures and notes, and following the advice of this blog/tutorial. I pined, cut, sewed, ripped and sewed some more. I will say, I did cheat slightly and omitted the piping since I had never attempted anything like it before, and also skipped the buttons and stitching within the cushions. Now, I only slightly regret it, but have decided that it likely wasn’t worth the extra work and hassle I would have undoubtedly run into.

Yesterday, Mr.A and I put up the hot pink curtains and the new 2” wood blinds.

Since we have all of the furniture less a crib and mattress, the only main things left to do are: buying the crib/mattress, painting the room, moving the futon downstairs and adding our decorations and finishing touches. I am so excited for such a bold and girly room!

Overwhelmed by Options: Baby Gear

After our fabulous anatomy scan, Mr.A and I began going to baby stores and looking into the millions of options for our little girl. Let me tell you, it is very overwhelming!!  A friend sent me a copy of the book Baby Bargains which has been a phenomenal resource for a first time mom (FTM) like me. We’ve picked nearly 95% of our gear through the recommendations in this book. The authors really break down the products by price, function and rate each item or brand accordingly. I love that the authors take no kick-backs from any of the vendors reviewed, and use real examples and reviews to come up with their opinions.

If you’re a FTM to be, I would highly recommend picking up this book; the latest version was updated in the spring of 2012. I’ve found that most things listed in the book are available currently, but make sure when you buy the book that you are purchasing the latest version. Also, with the e-book craze, it may be tempting to buy the e-book for your Nook or Kindle. I would personally advise against it. One, because (according to Amazon) their e-book version does not have the graphs and charts outlining the products, and two because I particularly enjoy being able to highlight and mark pages with notes on a hard copy.

Another amazing tool I was recently introduced to is Amazon’s universal registry function. This is incredible because you can use Amazon as your primary registry, and link items that are not sold through Amazon to your registry. It lists those “other” items similarly to the rest of the registry, but instead provides a link to where you can purchase the items. I am thrilled about this because I found the bedding and a few accessories that I like at Pottery Barn Kids, but felt silly creating an entire registry for five items. Hooray for Amazon!

Anatomy Scan Update: Baby is a ……

I know this update is more than a week delayed, I am sorry!

Everything went wonderfully at our anatomy scan. We found out that baby is a GIRL and are both so excited. Baby girl is measuring more than a week ahead, though they won’t officially move my due date just yet.

She was moving and dancing around so much during the scan that they couldn’t get all of the detailed measurements of her heart they needed. The MFM wasn’t worried at all, but just for consistency we are going back again this coming Monday for a follow-up scan.  I am excited to be able to see baby again, it is absolutely incredible to watch her grow and change through the weeks.

Her movements and kicks are getting much more frequent and strong as the weeks go by. I’ve actually been able to figure out her approximate sleep cycle, because the movements tend to be consistent around the same times each day.

Her kicks were so frequent and so robust yesterday afternoon that I could actually see the movement.  I feel guilty because yesterday I gave in to the evils of Starbucks Mocha Frappachino. I know that the caffeine in moderation is generally fine, but I would feel better if I could give it up entirely.  

Boy or Girl!?

Everything is going well. I am nearly to 5 months, which is very difficult to believe.


Mr.A was able to feel baby kick on Sunday for the first time which was very exciting. I cannot wait for the movements to be more pronounced so there is no mistaking it.


We go on Monday to the MFM for my anatomy scan. I am so excited to see baby again and see how much he/she has grown and changed.


The anatomy scan will consist of the MFM measuring the arms, legs, checking the organ functions and finding out the sex.


There are quite a few old wives tales out there that predict baby's sex, here are my results:


Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL, baby's heartrate has been consistently of 140bpm (8w - 175, 10w - 156, 12w - 162, 14w - 164, 18w - 148).

Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. Prediction outcome: BOY, I seem to be carrying low and straight out.


Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE, I never did this...

Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. Prediction outcome: GIRL, I have had some raging awful pimples but for the most part my skin has been fairly clear. Though I attribute my nice skin to my new Yes to Carrots organic face wash.

Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL, I have really been craving and loving sweets, but salty foods have been satisfying.

Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL (what a weird one....)

Old Wives Tale #7: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. Prediction outcome: BOY, I've given up on pre-pregnancy clothes all together I highly doubt I could fit into the legs of my old jeans right now.


Old Wives Tale #8: Moodiness
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy Prediction outcome: GIRL,  I've been moody and have gotten irrationally upset very easily during my pregnancy.

Old Wives Tale #9: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived. Prediction outcome: BOY, based on date of conception. If the next day, it would be girl.

Old Wives Tale #10: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is. Prediction outcome: BOY, I feel prettier and sexier than I ever have and often don't even wear make-up.


Old Wives Tale #11: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. Prediction outcome: GIRL, I've felt girl but have dreamt of boy.

Old Wives Tale #12: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant mother is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL, I am usually clumsy and have been doing very well this pregnancy.

Old Wives Tale #13: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #14: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy. Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #15: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE

Old Wives Tale #16: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #17: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. Prediction outcome: BOY, I have only been queasy and nauseous and have actually been sick one time.

Old Wives Tale #18: Areolae
If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL


Old Wives Tale #19: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL, all I have wanted since the first tri is carbs. Occasionally I will crave a burger, but carbs are always apealling.


Old Wives Tale #20: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #21: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #22: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.  Prediction outcome: BOY, we have agreed on two possibilities for boys whereas we haven't agreed on girls.


Old Wives Tale #23: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL


The results are ...... 13 to 7, GIRL. I guess we will find out for sure on Monday!