20 Weeks

One website shows three limes as a comparison to the baby this week.  Another had a cantaloupe.  Cantaloupe...three limes.  Yeah.  Not even near the same size.  I'm going with three limes.  I don't think he'll be the size of a cantaloupe for several more weeks, at least the cantaloupes we find around here.

Your baby had been measured only from head to rump because his or her legs were typically curled up. But from here on out, your baby will be measured from head to toe, now being about 10 ½ ounces and 6 ½ inches long. She is also starting to hear sounds and will recognize your voice over anyone else's soon.  She's got working taste buds.  Now, she's gulping down several ounces of amniotic fluid each day -- that's significantly more than before.  The baby can now be startled by loud or sudden noises and can hear both your heartbeat and your growling stomach.

I actually took that pic last night, so technically 19 weeks 6 days.  I sort of look huge there.  It just depends on what I'm wearing.

See? This morning.  Another horrible picture!  I need to stop taking pictures in the morning, apparently.

Halfway there!  I can't really complain.  No, really.  Everything is good.

Avery has been so sweet and actually seems to sort of get that she's going to have a little brother.  The other day she brought me a sticker and put it on my belly and said, "for the baby."  I asked her if she wanted to give the baby a kiss and she said "no, I'll wait until he comes out."  I showed her an outfit I bought for him and she said "oh, that's ca-ute."  So I don't know if she really, really gets it, but she's doing a great job of playing along.  I really think she will be a sweet big sister.  I'm sure there will be moments of jealousy.  We'll see.

My next appointment is March 13th.  Hopefully everything from the anatomy scan looked good and I haven't gained five more pounds.

Weekend Wrap Up

We had some pretty nice weather this weekend, and we took advantage of it by spending time outside.

Saturday morning I took Avery to the library and the park while Rob went to the shooting range.

Saturday night I went to dinner with my friends and Rob took Avery to his favorite place on earth: Buffalo Wild Wings.

Sunday we went to another park and grabbed some lunch afterwards.

Later that afternoon we got out Avery's tricycle and attempted to teach her how to steer.  She has the pedaling down, but the steering part not so much.  It's nice to be outside doing bubbles and sidewalk chalk in February.

Boy Clothes

Now that we know we're having a little boy, it's time to move on to the important things like CLOTHES.

I have shown great restraint the last few months, buying no clothes and just a few baby items, all of which barely fill a Target sack.

I'm sure any mother of boys will tell you that the clothing selection is much slimmer for boys than it is for girls, and I have experienced this when buying gifts for friends or family.  Most things are splashed with sayings, tools, animals, trucks, sports, cars, or dinosaurs.  And while I certainly don't mind a bit of that here or there (it would be almost impossible to avoid it altogether), I much prefer simpler, less-busy, even preppier clothing.  There ARE cute boy clothes out there, they're just not found in abundance like girl clothes are.

I couldn't resist going out yesterday evening and picking up a few things for him.

I found these Carter's bodysuits at TJ Maxx.

A little Ralph Lauren romper similar to this, but not this exact color of green, at Ross.

I also got a little polo and short set at Ross, but can't find anything like it online.

I really like Carter's stuff for both boys and girls.  It's soft and well made and it washes well too.  Great stuff for lounging around the house and for daycare.  I have my eye on a few things, such as this:

These

This is pretty cute.  We might have to have this.  Wish it came in baby blue though.

I'm also a big fan of Old Navy and Gap.  I mean, this is just adorable.

And this?  Love it.

So yeah, I am pretty excited to have a little boy to shop for now.

It's a...

Boy!

The u/s tech said he weighs approximately 10 ounces and that there was no doubt he was, in fact, a he.  The measurements she took (head, arms, legs, stomach, etc.) are pretty much on par with my due date, give or take a day.

We got a DVD with some of the images she took (how times have changed-3 years ago at the same location we just got a couple printouts!).

Avery is very excited, as are we.

19 Weeks

Your baby is now about the size of a mango. Vernix is beginning to coat his skin, which is a greasy, fat-like substance that provides insulation, regulates body heat, and protects skin submerged in amniotic fluid. Once the vernix covers the body, the lanugo will begin to fade away. And once the fat is thick enough under the skin, the vernix will mostly dissipate.


















Everything is going well.  Really not much to report.  Thursday I go for the anatomy scan, so we're looking forward to that!

Sleep is good for the most part.  I don't really have any cravings per se, but things that sound really good are cereal, salad, chips, fruit, candy, and beef (hamburgers, enchiladas, etc.).  I have also felt baby move more, specifically when I am lying down.

Another horrible picture.  What is wrong with me?

Also, Avery is doing great.  Her collarbone doesn't seem to be bothering her much at all.

Valentines Day 2012

Roses, cards, candy, and a trip to the ER. Fun.

Let me back up.

I worked out after work and picked up Chinese/sushi takeout for Rob and I on the way home (because who wants to cook or eat leftovers on Valentine's Day?). After we put Avery to bed we ate and exchanged cards, and since Rob was not feeling well he went to bed too. Around 9:00 I was in the kitchen getting my lunch ready and Avery came out of her room crying/screaming and holding her neck. I asked if she fell out of bed and she said yes. I got her settled down enough to go back to sleep and went to bed myself a bit later. A little before 11:00 Rob came and woke me, saying there was something wrong with Avery (she was crying and wouldn't sit up).  Her had woken up and heard her crying.  I told him that she had fallen out of bed earlier, and went in to check on Avery. I immediately picked her up and she screamed in pain, so I laid her back down. She wouldn't sit up, roll over, etc. but was in obvious pain. Rob and I weren't sure what to do and were scared that something was wrong with her neck. We called the local ER to see if they recommended that we bring her in, but they wouldn't give advice over the phone. Fearing a neck injury, Rob and I made the decision to call paramedics. They came (fortunately sans sirens) and talked to Avery, tried to talk her into moving (touch her toes, etc.) and she wouldn't. Even with 3 strange men in her room, she didn't move. They were so, so nice and worked great with her. Finally we got her to hold her arms out to me, and I picked her up (obviously causing pain again). They recommended that she go to the ER for examination, as something was causing her pain but the cause wasn't obvious trauma. They offered to take her, but said it would be ok for us to take her as well so we decided to go that route.

We soon figured out that she seemed to be fine and not in pain when sitting still, but when we moved her something caused pain. The ER doctor examined her, moving all her limbs and poking around everywhere. He said the only time she tensed was when he touched her neck around area C2. X-rays came back fine and he said she probably pulled a muscle when she fell.

Having some juice

Waiting, waiting, waiting

They gave her some Motrin and we got home around 3 a.m. I stayed home with her the next day and she seemed ok but pretty timid when trying to climb up on the couch, chair, bed, etc. and picking her up under her arms caused her pain. Yesterday we got up and I noticed her collarbone area was swollen. We went ahead and took her to daycare and put a call in to the doctor, who requested that we bring her in that day. Her doctor gave her a little once-over and announced that her collarbone was broken. What?! Apparently the x-rays done at the ER only went as far as her neck, so it was missed. Nothing is done for a broken collarbone; it will heal completely in about 3 weeks time.

Where's my sticker?

Her doctor said she is free to resume her normal activity, and that she will limit herself where she sees fit (not doing something that hurts her). Right now she's favoring her right arm and kind of letting the left arm hang limp, as I guess it hurts to move her arm around a lot. Otherwise she is doing just fine and went back to daycare today.

Yesterday, when getting her out of the car she said "Mommy, don't pick me up by my neck."  Ha...ok?  She's equating picking her up with pain in her neck.  In the ER, I took her from Rob, who had to go to the bathroom, and I guess it hurt.  She said "You have to be careful, Mommy!"

So her first-and hopefully last-broken bone (neither Rob nor I have ever had a broken bone).

18 Weeks

With baby at 5½ inches long and about 6 ounces in weight, you just might feel a flutter or two, thoughmany women don't feel anything for another few weeks. Also, nutrients and oxygen from your blood are flowing to your baby's blood via the placenta (although the two circulatory systems are completely separate).

your baby at 18 weeks

• Can you believe she's yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing?
• And she's twisting, rolling, punching and kicking, too -- and she's big enough that you might be able to feel her doing it!

 pregnancy symptoms at 18 weeks

• Baby's kicks -- they're getting stronger!
• Swollen feet and/or hands. An annoying pregnancy symptom, but nothing to worry about as long as the swelling isn't sudden or severe.
• Back aches. Baby's putting a lot of pressure on your insides.
• Leg cramps. They can be a sign of dehydration, so drink up!
• Varicose veins, a product of all that extra pressure on your circulatory system.
• Trouble sleeping. Your mind is working overtime and you're getting more and more uncomfortable.
• Increased pressure on the veins in your nose may be causing nosebleeds.

18 weeks already.  Not much to report.  Oh yes, I gained 5 pounds in 4 weeks.  Oops!  Hopefully I won't hear the same thing at the next appointment in 4 weeks.  If it wasn't for the sinus/allergy issues everyone in the house is having, I would be sleeping great but as it is I can't breathe at night.

18 weeks on Valentine's Day

Bleh.  Horrible picture.  I made the little chalkboard with $1 unfinished wood heart and $2 chalkboard paint from Michael's.

Valentines Candy Bark

I found a recipe for White Chocolate Pretzel Bark on (where else?) Pinterest and thought it would be fun to make with Avery.

-Almond Bark (1 package)
-Pretzels
-M&Ms (individual package)
-Rice Crispies (about 1/2 cup)
-Sprinkles
-Cute assistant

Melt chocolate.  While chocolate is melting, line cookie sheet with wax paper (or foil) and add a layer of pretzels.  Sprinkle on some Rice Crispies.  Pour over melted chocolate.  Top with sprinkles and M&Ms.  Place in fridge or freezer to harden.  Break into pieces.

She thought Arthur needed a pretzel

It's immature to hold a grudge against a 2.5 year-old

...right?

sigh

Let me start by saying that Avery has recently started a new class at daycare.  The eight oldest kids in the 2 year-old room branched off to be in a separate class with a new teacher. We had mixed feelings about this for a couple reasons.  One: we loved her teachers.  Two: we loved her room.  It was so bright, cheery, organized, and stocked with fun toys and books.  The new room feels "meh." However, the smaller class size is a plus and she moved with all her favorite buddies (namely, Coen and Keile).  Also, they're following the same curriculum set by the other teachers.

Anyway, ever since moving to this classroom, Avery has started frequently not wanting to leave when I arrive to get her.  She occasionally did this before, but is doing it several days a week now.  Basically, I walk in excited to see her and she either runs the other way because she is having so much fun OR she is watching tv and doesn't want to interrupt her show (they get some tv time towards the end of the day).  In case her actions aren't enough, she loudly announces "I don't WANT to go home."  Right...because that's where we torture you.  A few times I've carried a kicking, screaming kid out of daycare.  Which is awesome and not embarrassing at all...


One day last week I told her on the way home that it hurt my feelings when she ran away from me and didn't want to come home.  Her response?  "It doesn't hurt your feelings.  YOU HAPPY!"  I didn't think it sunk in, but the next afternoon she ran up and gave me a hug and said "see? I didn't run away."

Fast forward to this week.  Rob picked her up on Monday due to me getting stuck in traffic and Tuesday because that's a day I work out right after work.  Mind you...she never does this to Rob.  Of course not.  So yesterday I walk in, beaming, and Avery and Keile are watching Dora on the mat.  I swear to you she turned around and glared at me.

Teacher: Avery, your mom is here.

Me: Hi, honey!

Avery: I don't WANT my mommy.  I want my daddy.

Keile: Avery doesn't want you.  She wants her daddy.

Me: Well...I'm it today.  Come on, let's go home.

Avery: I don't want to go home.

I swear the teacher feels sorry for me.  I actually felt a little sorry for me too.

I totally gave her the silent treatment on the way home.  All 3 minutes of it.  I'm pretty sure she didn't notice.

Maybe the next kid will like me.

17 Weeks

By this week, your baby is about the size of your palm. His/her eyes are completely forward-facing, sweat glands are starting to develop, and fat is forming. Your baby's body is also becoming more proportional as the trunk and limbs catch up to the formerly alien-like head.
Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

I'm pretty much going to skate over the fact that my stomach doesn't look like the above picture.  Moving on.  
Nothing really to report.  How am I feeling?  Good.  Anxious.  Hungry.  Normal.  Usually my back hurts towards the end of the day.  I *think* I have felt movement but am second guessing myself.  Doctor appointment next Monday.  Sooooooo ready to get reassurance that everything is ok and of course to find out what we're having (although that likely won't be on Monday).  

Sausage and Penne Skillet

Photo courtesy of Mel's Kitchen Cafe

I came across this recipe on Pinterest and thought it looked good enough to try.  Rob is not the biggest fan of Italian, but I love it.  I could eat pasta every day.  Rob thinks it's boring (read: not enough meat, not spicy enough).  Regardless, we have it somewhat often (as Head Chef, I pretty much take the liberty of making whatever I want).

Anyway.  We were very pleased with this dish!  Even Rob genuinely seemed to really like it and deemed it a keeper.  Avery seemed to like to it ok.  She ate it all with some prodding which is pretty typical.  But again, Head Chef doesn't cater to the toddler crowd.  She eats what we eat (or she doesn't-in which case, no dessert).

It's simple.  Nothing unusual.  Just an easy, tasty meal.

Sausage and Spinach Penne Skillet Supper

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian-style turkey sausage, casings removed (I couldn’t find turkey sausage so I substituted mild pork sausage)
3 medium garlic cloves, minced finely
3 1/2 cups water
2  cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed and chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces penne pasta
1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (left these out just because I didn't have any)

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot and add in the sausage. Cook until lightly browned and no longer pink about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in the water, broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then add in the pasta. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook at a strong simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened, about 15-18 minutes (if you find the liquid is absorbing too quickly and the pasta is still undercooked, add a bit more water in small amounts until the pasta is cooked thoroughly).

Stir in the spinach, a handful at at ime, and cook until wilted. Off the heat, stir in the cheese and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste adn serve immediately.

Recipe Source: adapted from The Best Skillet Recipes

I added a little less water than it called for.  It just seemed like too much water.

Now, of course my picture isn't Photoshopped and pretty like the original picture.  Reason #519 why I won't be making a living as a food blogger anytime soon.  But don't let it deter you.  It's better than it looks.