27 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

This week, my baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, my baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. I can chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements I 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 him, so I can just relax and enjoy the tickle.

How my life's changing:

The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as my body gears up for the final lap, I may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, I'm finding that my leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and my expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from my legs to my heart as well as on the nerves leading from my trunk to your legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as my pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give me some relief. Straightening my leg and then gently flexing my toes back toward my shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging my calf sometimes helps, too.

Well the nursery is almost done. Just waiting on the canvases my mother-in-law is painting and the curtains and it should be complete. Here's a preview of the room, I will post more once it is all done.

26 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

The network of nerves in my baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both my voice and Micah's as we 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.

How my life's changing:

We had a wonderful vacation to Kansas City to see my family. I mainly took it easy while Micah picked up a new hobby not only in the sport of golfing but one called frisbee golf as well. He also was able to shoot guns for several hours with my step dad and brother. I think he had fun.

My mom threw me a baby shower with the family - I am so thankful to have gotten to see all the family that attended as well as the gifts for Mack. It was a great start to the things we will need going into this journey. My favorites were the baby blankets both my mom and grandma made - they are priceless!

My your lower back seems a little achy lately, I can thank both my growing uterus — which shifts my center of gravity, stretches out and weakens my abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen my joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight I'm carrying means more work for my muscles and increased stress on my joints, which is why I may feel worse at the end of the day. Sleeping in several different places on vacation without my normal pillows surrounding me didn't help. Oh well, I figure from this point on I'm probably just going to be uncomfortable anyway...

And lastly the promised 6 month picture.

25 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

Head to heels, my baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half (we should know more exactly next Dr. visit) — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

How my life's changing:

Mack has quite the kick (perhaps this little guy will be a soccer player). It's been fun for Micah and I to watch my tummy as he moves around. We haven't seen any distinct body parts yet but he's definitely kicking and punching. There have been several times where it feels like he is pulling on the umbilical cord, it is the weirdest feeling I've ever felt.

Well Micah and I head out in the morning for a much needed vacation, looking forward to relaxing with some good family company as we venture to KC.

I know I'm overdue for my next belly picture - it's coming!

24 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

My baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. 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.

How my life's changing:

Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure. Had my GCT this week and everything came back normal.

Was able to identify my first Braxton Hicks contraction. They are a normal part of every pregnancy and start when a woman is still in her first trimester, at about 6 weeks pregnant into the pregnancy. However, most women don’t feel them until at least late in the second trimester, or for first-time mothers, in the third trimester. A Braxton Hicks contraction is a contraction of the uterus that is normally painless, but can sometimes be quite irritating. It consists of a localized tightening in your belly, which does not travel, but stays in one spot. These are considered to be practice contractions, to prepare you for the real thing when labor does start. Braxton Hicks contractions can be intense enough to take your breath away, and make you stop and take notice, but they generally do not cause any change in your cervix, nor are they a sign of preterm labor.

Here's a few facts just for fun...

My Due Date Is Wednesday, November 25, 2009

I am in Week 24 of my pregnancy

and my baby is 22 weeks old.

My Third Trimester will begin 8/26/2009

168 days down, 112 to go!

Fun Facts For Birthday 11/25/2009 Half Birthday: May 26 Birthstone: Yellow Topaz (Fidelity) Astrological Sign: Sagittarius Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum orChrysanthemum (Dark Blue, Red and Yellow) This time next year my baby will be 36 Weeks Old! My baby will start kindergarten in 2014, be old enough to drive a car in 2025, graduate high school with the class of 2027, and will finish college in 2031, give or take a year. Can you imagine?

23 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, my baby can feel me dance. They say I may be able to see him squirm underneath my clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that our baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him for entry into the outside world.

How my life's changing:

I'm noticing that my ankles and feet are starting to swell a bit and will continue to do so in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day and during this summer heat. Sluggish circulation in the legs — coupled with changes in my blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. My body will get rid of the extra fluid after I have my baby.

Well we made it through 2 months of summer interns, 2 outreaches, youth summer camp and Master's graduation...sigh! It was an awesome 2 months but I'm glad it's finally come to an end. I think I'm going into hibernation until the baby comes - just kidding. Looking forward to some down time in the month of August with a PVC staff retreat, vacation to KC and then a MC staff retreat. Now we will also have time to paint the nursery and do some much needed cleaning and organizing before our little bundle of joy arrives.

22 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

Our 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 my 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.

How my life's changing:

At this point, my belly is becoming a hand magnet. I have to admit, it's a bit awkward for strangers to come up and touch my belly. I'm not typically a touchy person to begin with so it's definitely stretching me beyond my comfort zone. And I just love how everyone wants to tell me I look bigger than I should at this point. On that note at my last prenatal visit they said I'm measuring at 24 weeks instead of 22. Could be the weight gain but I'd like to chalk it up to a big baby. I have to remember that one, each woman grows - and shows - at her own rate. But two, I am married to a man that is 6'3" and his dad is 6'8". We are going to have a big baby.

21 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

I'm not sure of the actual weight or length of our baby at this point but I assure you he's growing. Seems like I'm getting noticeably bigger every day. He is definitely an active little guy, guess he's going to take after his daddy. Starting to notice a pattern in his activity. He also seems to like when Micah or anyone for that matter is preaching. Just maybe this little guy will be a preacher some day. Wouldn't surprise me.

How my life's changing:

It's been a busy season and I've been tackling pretty long days so I'm starting to notice some swelling in the feet and hands. Summer is always exciting as I get to lead our Summer Internship. Between June and July we've had 21 students and I'm always amazed at how God works in and through us for His greater glory. The days are long and tiresome but the rewards are worth it by far. We've also hosted 2 outreaches this summer and have youth camp next week. Yes, we are busy but not to busy to slow down and connect with God. Micah and I also make sure we have time for each other. I was grateful when he insisted we go on a date last night, even though I was exhausted, I needed that time with him. I've come to realize that the time we have to ourselves may not compete with the quantity of time that goes into the ministry but the quality has become greater and greater as we find our fulfillment in Christ. I know God equips and enables those that He calls and I'm thankful that He sustains us when we feel that we've got nothing more to give.

Well I've officially graduated to maternity pants. I was glad to have been able to wear my normal jeans this long. For the last month I had been using a belly band but I got tired of fussing with the constant pulling up and making sure everything was covered all the while hoping I wasn't offending anyone. Thanks to those of you who have blessed me with the ability to be in comfortable clothes and feel confident while I'm pregnant. I have to say I'm a big fan of the store "Motherhood".

I seemed to have had abnormally clear skin the first trimester and was hoping it'd last throughout the pregnancy but I've always been prone to oily skin and acne and it's beginning to rear it's typical plight. And on the topic of skin, I'm starting to notice a few stretch marks already - oh joy, it begins!

Well enough for now, I'm just a couple days away from 22 weeks so I'll be posting again soon.

20 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing: Every baby develops a little differently - even in the womb. So I've realized the information I've taken from babycenter for this blog is not completely accurate for our baby as we learned he's growing a little faster than the norm. He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and we'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).

How my life's changing:

Well the exciting news is I've hit the halfway mark in my pregnancy. The top of my uterus is actually a little above my belly button, and I've gained about 10 pounds. I can expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. Sleep is becoming more difficult as the pregnancy progresses, thanks to some obvious and not-so obvious changes taking place in my body. I was a little surprised to hear Micah tell me I've been snoring. I can contribute that to the swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose and may cause me to make more mucus. The key is to sleep on my side and elevate my head slightly. If only I could remain in one position through the night:) Heartburn has been kicking in a little more but thankfully Tums usually does the job. We had a screening test for down syndrome and everything came back normal - praise Jesus (not that it would have changed our mind but every expecting parent wants a healthy baby).

Here's the next pregnancy picture - 5 months along.

19 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

My baby's sensory development is exploding! His brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that he may be able to hear my voice now, so we're not to be shy about reading aloud, talking to him, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes us.

Our baby weighs about 11 ounces ( a little ahead of schedule growth wise - I think he's going to be a big baby, thanks to my wonderful husband!) His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on his skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

How my life's changing:

I feel big now! However, I'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, I've already begun to notice some achiness in my lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when I shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support my uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight.

18 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:

Head to rump, my baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that I'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.

How my life's changing: An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Trying to make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Maternity clothes are a must now as my appetite and waistline grow. My cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester my blood pressure will probably be

lower than usual. Have to be careful not to spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or I might feel a little dizzy. I'm learning that from now on, when I do lie down, it's best to lie on my side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Positioning a pillow behind or under the hip or upper leg helps for comfort.

On another note I wanted to post a couple pictures of the room decor I will be using. I registered at Baby's R Us yesterday but they do not carry the bedding I "had" to have so I had already purchased it online.

17 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing: My baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — his lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. My baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and he's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. He can move his joints, and his sweat glands are starting to develop.

How my life's changing: Many women report that their dream life shifts into high gear during pregnancy. Interestingly, during the second and third trimesters, you spend less sleep time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the cycle in which most dreams occur. Why, then, all those frequent and vivid dream memories?It's probably at least in part because you may be interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee, cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache, or to shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.It may also be in part that dreams seem so vivid during pregnancy because for most women pregnancy is a time of such heightened emotions — from joy to apprehension and everything in between — but no one really knows for sure.

16 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:  Get ready for a growth spurt.  In the next few weeks, my baby will double his weight and add inches to his length.  Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces.  His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head.  His ears are close to their final position, too.  The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet.  He's even started growing toenails.  And there's a  lot happening inside as well.  For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as my baby continues to develop.

How my life's changing:  The top of my uterus is about halfway between my pubic bone and my navel and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows.  I have a short torso as it is, so things are definitely feeling as though they are being pushed into my lower ribs.  Haven't felt major moves yet but a few scratches or at least that's what it feels like, quite uncomfortable I might say.  Heartburn is also starting to take it's toll - not fun.

Took my first belly picture now that I'm 4 months.

And the most exciting news from this week is we had another ultrasound and found out we're having a BOY!  Mack Hays Crump will be his name.  Mack was Micah's Grandfather's name and Dad's middle name.  Hays is also a family name - Micah's middle name. 

15 Weeks Pregnant

Well, again I find myself getting this posted a bit late... I'm actually already 16 weeks... We're hoping to find out this week if we're having a boy or girl so I figured I'd wait for this weeks post.  So here's 15 Weeks:

How my baby's growing:  My growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple).  The baby is busy' moving amniotic fluid through the nose and upper respiratory track, which helps the primitive air sacs in their lungs begin to develop.  The baby's legs are growing longer than the arms now, and it can move all of the joints and limbs.  Although the eyelids are still fused shut, they can sense light.  If you were to shine a flashlight at my tummy, for instance, the baby is likely to move away from the beam.  There's not much for my baby to taste at this point, but taste buds are forming.  At 15 weeks it is possibly to find out whether we're having a boy or girl, however nailing down the baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and the baby's position.  However, we're not schedule for another appointment until I'll be 16 1/2 weeks - hoping to find out then!

How my life's changing:  On average it's healthy and normal to have gained about 5 pounds by now (I've only gained 3 but with the extra baggage I started with that's good for me).  Mornings usually start with a bit of a stuffy nose which can be chalked up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to my mucous membranes.  This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy."  Usually by mid-morning things have cleared up and I'm good to go.

I have been very blessed this week by both my father-in-law and a member of our church with a gift to buy maternity clothes.  I don't think I've ever had so much fun shopping for clothes. Maternity clothes actually make you look better and feel good about yourself.  One of the stores we went to was called "Motherhood" and in the dressing room there was a strap on belly equivalent to 3 months pregnancy so you can see what you'll look like and if clothes will continue to fit in 3 more months.  It was rather funny to show Micah and see his response. And that would only have been about 7 months along, just add two more months to that.

14 Weeks Pregnant

Got a little behind schedule as summer months tend to be a bit busier.  Gearing up for 13 Summer Interns to join us for the month of June.  We are very anxious to partner with them in their spiritual journey.  I'm just praying I can keep up with them while maintaining my health and sanity being pregnant.  I'm looking forward to the challenge but also know I have a great husband who will bring me back to reality if I get ahead of myself.

How my baby's growing:  This week's big developments:  Our baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee and possibly suck it's thumb!  Thanks to the brain impulses, the facial muscles are getting a workout as the tiny features form one expression after another.  The kidneys are producing urine, which is released into the amniotic fluid around them - a process they'll keep up until birth.  The baby can grasp too, and may even be seen sucking it's thumb during an ultrasound.

In other news:  My baby's stretching out.  From head to bottom, the baby measures 3 1/2 inches - about the size of a lemon - and weighs 1 1/2 ounces.  The body's growing faster than the head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck.  By the end of this week, the arms will have grown to a length that's in portion to the rest of the body.  (The legs still have some lengthening to do.)  The baby is starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over the body.  Our baby's liver starts making bile this week - a sign that's it doing it's job right - and the spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells.  Though I can't distinguish the tiny punches and kicks yet, our little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

How my life's changing:  Well I'm officially in my second trimester.  They say your energy is likely to return but with the added load of summer to my plate and trying to acclimate myself to longer days I don't feel like I have more energy.

There's definitely a baby bump pooching out there but with my short, stocky self if you didn't know I was pregnant you probably wouldn't ask.  My belly is becoming more firm and defined but I'd give it another few weeks before you could noticeably tell it's the cause of a little one in there.  Getting more excited to buy some maternity clothes (clothes that will fit properly and quit with this make-shift business)!

13 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:  Fingerprints have formed on my baby's tiny fingertip, the veins and organs are clearly visible through the still-thin skin, and the body is starting to catch up with the head - which makes up just a third of the body size now.  Our baby is almost 3 inches long and has reached the size of a peach.  Also developing this week is our baby's vocal cords. 

How my life's changing:  If anything the only change that I really notice is the continuing clothes shrinking, or is it that I'm growing:) I have to admit going clothes shopping is not one of my favorites, especially when you're not feeling so comfortable in your body.  I know this is a good change but being as short as I am I just look and feel ridiculous as I get bigger! I'm sure once the belly really starts showing more it will be a bit cuter.  

Well after much grappling in prayer and many discussions, we've decided to switch from using a midwife to an ob/gyn.  I kept trying to convince myself I wanted to use the midwife but once I got honest with myself and Micah I didn't have peace in my spirit.   There were a number of things that contributed to our decision but without getting into all the details we feel confident that we have made the right decision to have Dr. David Hernandez aide us in this pregnancy process and deliver our baby.  He is a member of our church whom we know and trust not to mention he is a man of God who has our best interest in mind.  

Today we had our first ultrasound done.  It was so amazing to get to see the life that is forming inside me.  There's nothing like getting to see and hear that heartbeat.  Well here's a picture of the ultrasound.  Have fun trying to figure out what's what.

12 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:  The most dramatic development this week: reflexes.  My baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, the toes will curl, the eye muscles will clench, and the mouth will make sucking movements.  In fact, if you prod my abdomen, my baby will squirm in response, although I won't be able to feel it.  The intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into the abdominal cavity about now and the kidneys will begin excreting urine into the bladder.

Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly and in my baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously.  The face looks unquestionably human: the eyes have moved from the sides to the front of the head, and the ears are right where they should be.  From crown to rump, my baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

How my life's changing:  My uterus has grown to the point where my healthcare provider can now feel the top of it low in my abdomen (although we have not been for another check-up yet).  Loose, less restrictive clothing has become a friend of mine.  

I'm beginning to feel a bit of heartburn with certain foods.  Many women get heartburn for the first time during pregnancy, however this is not my first bout with it.  During pregnancy, the placenta produces a lot of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach.  Particularly when I'm laying down, gastric acid can seep back up the pipe, which causes the uncomfortable burning sensation.  It's said to get worse as the uterus grows and starts to push up on the stomach more.  

Nearing the end of my first trimester, 13 weeks will begin the 2nd trimester and will last through 27 weeks.  Next week will also mark the beginning of 4 months.

My "First" Mother's Day

It was a bit strange to hear those words for the first time... "Happy Mother's Day" but it allowed me to enjoy the day knowing I am already a mother inside.

One of the cutest cards I received looked like this

Soon those

ten tiny toes

will tiptoe

into your heart

and leave 

their footprints

forever.

I also received this e-card via e-mail and thought it was so cute.

11 Weeks Pregnant

How my baby's growing:  My baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed.  The hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums, and some of the bones are beginning to harden.

The baby is already busy kicking and stretching, but the tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet.  These movements will become more frequent as the body grows and becomes more developed and functional.  I won't feel the baby's acrobatics for another month or two - nor will I notice the hiccuping that may be happening now that the diaphragm is forming.

How my life's changing:  Doesn't seem like there are too many new life changes just yet. The obvious frequent bathroom runs keep me on my toes and nights are becoming a little more restless as I can't quite get comfortable.  Micah as been experiencing a few restless nights himself (poor thing).  He wanted to be more educated on this whole process so I bought him the book "The Expectant Father".  He has been loving it and it's spurred on some good conversation. Micah has been so excited and wants to be very involved!