Testing, Testing

Who knew it would be so convenient to have a baby-sized dog to test everything out on? We received a very generous gift in the mail yesterday - our swing!!! Because I'm paranoid that items needing assembly will be missing parts, I decided to put the swing together last night in case I needed to exchange it or order any missing pieces.

I'm proud to say that I built the swing successfully and was happy that none of the pieces were missing. Then we let Mayo take a ride. I don't think he liked it very much.

V-DAY!

So, as I have mentioned previously, today is V-Day (i.e., viability day). I'm not sure how the term was coined, but it is common lingo among pregnant women these days.

The idea is that once a baby is 24 weeks, the baby has over a 50% chance of surviving if born prematurely. Obviously, this does not mean that is okay if a baby is born this early. Even if the baby survives it will almost assuredly face serious health issues for months, years or even a lifetime. So, while it is cause to celebrate, as is any other milestone in pregnancy (especially for those who are constantly paranoid, like myself, due to a previous loss), the notion of V-Day should be taken with a grain of salt.

A great chart showing viability percentages by week can be found at this website.

Many people have a "personal V-Day" as well - a date where they will actually relax a little bit more with the knowledge that they will be taking home their baby. Based on the chart linked above, I think my personal V-Day is more like 27 weeks, when the chance of survival is over 90%. I like 90% much better than 50%.

Next Ultrasound Scheduled!!!

We have another ultrasound scheduled for August 26th (4 weeks from today) to check on Joaquin's growth. This ultrasound will be at Magella Medical Group, which is the same place I went last time where I got that amazing picture. Hopefully he is healthy and growing and I can get another shot (or a few) of his adorable face to share with everyone.

Ticker Change Thursday - 24 Weeks

Joaquin is now 24 weeks and still about the size of a papaya. He has gained about 4 ounces since last week and because he's almost a foot long, 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.


How far along? 24 weeks
Weight gain/loss: 22 pounds already. Sigh.
Sleep? I'm getting better at sleeping on my side and the stomach spasms are becoming slightly less frequent, which is fantastic.
Best moment this week? Jay and I went to see Inception at the IMAX in Irvine. It was awesome. I highly recommend it. In particular, I think my dad would really enjoy this movie.
Movement: Little Joaquin is getting stronger every day. It is so fun to feel him kicking. Unfortunately, he still a little bugger when it comes to kicking when Jay is around to feeling it.
Food cravings: Cold lentil salad with cherry tomatoes. Yum!
Belly button in or out? Out, and now visible even with a shirt.
What I miss? High heels (sort of).
What I am looking forward to? I can't wait for this weekend. We have no big plans for the first time in a while, so hopefully we'll have some time to just relax.
Milestones: It's V-Day!! (I will post separately on this)
What I'm nervous about: How I am going to stay focused at work for the next 15-16 weeks.

Belly Picture Friday - 23w1d

23 Week Appointment Update

I just went to my OB and here are the highlights:

1. I gained 8 pounds since my appointment 4 weeks ago, so I have gained 22 pounds total. My OB wasn't concerned but I was shocked. Sigh. No wonder it's so hard for me to walk up stairs these days!

2. My HCG (beta) levels are 2x the median, which is right on the border for when my OB is concerned about the baby not growing quickly enough later in pregnancy. She wasn't worried and said "it is just an excuse to send you for another ultrasound." So, I guess that's good. I get to go back to the fancy u/s place (where they do 3D!) at 28 weeks to check and make sure Joaquin is growing on schedule.

3. My OB is pregnant and due in December!! I'm really happy for her.

4. I have to do my gestational diabetes test in 3 weeks. Fun.

That's all!

Ticker Change Thursday - 23 Weeks

Joaquin is 23 weeks today and still about the size of a papaya. On average, babies at 23 weeks are approximately 1 pound and 1 ounce. Joaquin is usually meausuring a little bigger than average, so I'd guess he's about 1 pound and 4 or 5 ounces.

How far along? 23 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I would guess I'm up 19-20 pounds. I will find out this afternoon.
Sleep? I'm having more trouble sleeping now, as I have to be on my side. Unfortunately, sleeping on my side hurts my shoulders so I am constantly waking up and switching sides to keep from getting sore. It is not easy to switch sides with a body pillow.
Best moment this week? We got our car seat and cloth diapers yesterday. It was pretty neat to imagine little Joaquin sitting in the car seat and see just how small those diapers are. Very cute.
Movement: The kicks keep getting stronger and sometimes my belly even moves. He is really stubborn though because every time Jay tries to feel him kicking he stops moving.
Food cravings: Smoked gouda.
Belly button in or out? Out, and now visible even with a shirt.
What I miss? Walking up stairs easily.
What I am looking forward to? Only about 2 more weeks until our 5 year wedding anniversary!
Milestones: I guess having my belly button pop out. I was hoping it would be a little later before that happened!
What I'm nervous about: How we are going to fit all of this baby stuff in our place.

Well, that was pretty cool

Today, for the first time, I saw my belly move when Joaquin kicked. I wish Jay had been there to see it!

Appointments this Week

We have two appointments this week.

1. On Wednesday, Jay and I are going to meet a pediatrician that was recommended by my OB. I have heard good things about him and his office, so I am hopeful that we will not need to look any further than this.

2. On Thursday, I go in for a check up with my OB. I'm not sure if I will have any additional ultrasounds for the rest of this pregnancy, so I will be able to find that out. Otherwise, I doubt it will be a very eventful appointment (oh, and getting weighed...).

Poor Jay

Yesterday, Jay was unloading the groceries, including a flat of bottled water, from the car. He picked the waters up incorrectly and threw his back out. He was in minor pain at first but after a few hours was complete immobilized with pain. He could not walk, sit up or roll over without excruciating pain and a little help from me. We went to Hoag Hospital's emergency room this morning to get him some medicine and make sure it was nothing that would require more serious medical intervention.

After several hours there, we were released with a diagnosis of a severely sprained back with muscle spasms. We were told he would be in pretty serious pain for about three days and would take a few weeks to heal completely. We are back at home now and Jay is feeling a little better. He is even able to walk without me now, which is a good sign.

It's been a pretty trying weekend for the two of us. Jay is frustrated and in pain and I am exhausted from having to take care of everything around the house. Hopefully I will be able to work from home for the second half of the work day tomorrow after a morning meeting.

Wish Jay luck that he heals quickly!

Belly Picture Friday - 22w1d

Ticker Change Thursday - 22 Weeks

Joaquin is 22 weeks today and about the size of a papaya. He'll stay approximately papaya-sized for the next few weeks. Joaquin is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that babies finds gentle music and their mother's voice most soothing. His nipples are starting to sprout, and his little face is fully formed. And, he is starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day, which I can apparently figure out by paying attention to kicks.

How far along? 22 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I guess I'm up 15ish pounds. I will check again a week from today.
Sleep? Sleeping pretty well but whenever I lay on either side my stomach or intestines start to twitch and it is too strong to ignore. This has been going on for the last 2 months and I doubt it will end before November.
Best moment this week? We got the last piece of furniture for the nursery from BabiesRUs this week, which is lovely because it means I don't have to deal with those people anymore!
Movement: Joaquin has really started kicking hard this week, but in a wonderful way.
Food cravings: My appetite has sort of slowed down lately.
Belly button in or out? Officially out :-(
What I miss? Clear skin. This may be a constant through the next 4 months. I'll try to come up with something else soon though just to keep it interesting.
What I am looking forward to? I'm going to get the rest of the bedding today and the mobile tomorrow, so it will be nice to have the crib totally ready soon.
Milestones: Nothing too notable this week. Just chugging along.
What I'm nervous about: How big I'm going to get.

I've officially gone "green"

At least on the diaper front. After a ton of research, I have decided to give cloth diapers a try, at least until I go back to work (so about 4 months). Many of you probably think I'm totally nuts. But I'm not, really.

Here's why I'm doing it:

1. MONEY. It is way cheaper to buy a set of cloth diapers than to keep buying disposables. Plus, I can re-use the diapers if we are fortunate enough to have another baby later on.

2. Environment. Because I plan to be an exclusive breast feeder for as long as possible, Joaquin's cloth diapers will not be filled with nasty formula poop. As a result, they can be thrown directly into my own washer and will be perfectly clean. Thus, no trash and I won't be using a diaper service that pollutes the air with its delivery trucks and uses way too much water washing the diapers multiple times between uses.

3. Comfort. Babies are much less likely to get diaper rash or other skin problems with cloth diapers. It is probably due to not having plastic rub against their skin and not being exposed to the chemicals in most disposable diapers. Doesn't this look way more comfy than a disposable diaper?

4. Convenience. Wait.... you must be kidding right? Well, not really. While some parts of cloth diapering will be less convenient (more laundry) others are more convenient (no trips to Costco to buy packages of diapers that are too heavy for me to lift into the car). I just ordered all of the supplies I will need for the first 3-4 months!

5. Fashion. It's trivial, but cloth diapers are actually really cute these days. Check these out!

6. Potty Training. Babies put in cloth diapers are generally potty trained much earlier than babies put in disposable diapers.

I will still be using some disposables for longer trips away from home, but will try to limit that as much as possible.

I am really excited about this! Perhaps strangely so, but whatever.

Practice makes perfect!

Kate bought Jay a manly baby sling. Let's hope Joaquin looks more comfortable in it than Mayo.

Belly Picture Friday - 21 weeks, 1 day

Ticker Change Thursday - 21 Weeks

Joaquin is 21 weeks today and about the size of a banana. I'm not sure how a banana is bigger than a cantaloupe, but I'll go with it. Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. So, I guess I need think about what I want Joaquin to eat as I prepare my own meals.

How far along? 21 weeks
Weight gain/loss: Up 15ish pounds.
Sleep? No issues this week :-) Great sleep last night.
Best moment this week? Getting all of the wall decals up on Monday. It's really starting to feel like a nursery in there!
Movement: I really felt him kicking yesterday afternoon for the very first time, rather than just tiny little flutters. It was really cool. I admit that it made me cry, just a little.
Food cravings: Still salad.
Belly button in or out? In, barely. It's starting to pop out slowly.
What I miss? Clear skin - still. Ugh.
What I am looking forward to? Getting to 24 weeks, aka "V-Day" or "viability day." At 24 weeks, a baby has a greater than 50% chance of surviving if born.
Milestones: We are more than half way to seeing our healthy baby!
What I'm nervous about: I'm wondering how my feet are going to survive the next few months. They hurt already!

Special Delivery at Work!

I ordered Joaquin's quilt a long time ago but it was on backorder. It finally arrived. I love it. It even has his name on it!

Nursery Progress

This weekend, we received our crib and dresser and also put the wall decals up. Joaquin's room is starting to come together. We think it looks adorable. The next steps are getting the changing table (which should be here in the next week), getting the rug (should be here in 2-3 weeks) and putting up a curtain rod so we can hang the valance and curtains. We are also waiting on the rest of the crib bedding, which is on backorder, as well as the elephant mobile.

Belly Picture

20 weeks, 2 days.

Ticker Change Thursday - HALF WAY THERE!!!!!

Joaquin is 20 weeks today - that's half cooked!! Woohoo! He is about the size of a small cantaloupe. Joaquin's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth.

How far along? 20 Weeks Today - half baked!
Weight gain/loss: Up 15ish pounds.
Sleep? No issues this week :-)
Best moment this week? Getting that amazing picture of Joaquin's little face. It is truly mesmerizing.
Movement: I can feel him now and then, but I have to be sitting still to notice it. I found out yesterday at my ultrasound that this is because I have an anterior placenta, which means that the placenta is between Joaquin and my skin. So, when he kicks or punches, I don't feel it much because he is kicking or punching the placenta.
Food cravings: Salad
Gender: BOY!! I got further proof at the ultrasound yesterday.
Belly button in or out? In, barely. I give it maybe 3 more weeks.
What I miss? Clear skin.
What I am looking forward to? Getting the nursery put together.
Milestones: We are half way to seeing our healthy baby today!
What I'm nervous about: Lasting 20 more weeks at work.