Monday, August 29, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Shake Rattle and Roll
FUN event here today at work!
At about 2ish, my whole office building began to shake, people were running from their offices and standing in their doorways......
EARTHQUAKE!
Turns out there was a 5.9 earthquake based in Virginia that we felt all the way in Red Bank, NJ! What are the odds?! I was pretty scared/uneasy with the way the building was moving, and didn't seem to stop (for about 30 seconds or something)
Baby's first earthquake! Kerm didn't even notice, he just kept boppin away to the beat of his own drummer, per usual.
The best part...........Doug is in Florida, he had just landed. There is a hurricane down there, if you hadn't heard, and could make landfall at any point Thursday night or Friday. (Thankfully he'll be on the plane and outta there at 4pm on Thursday) If he wasnt in Florida he would have most likely been in Virginia......with an earthquake. Jeez louise.
p.s. Lisa I am glad you are okay :)
At about 2ish, my whole office building began to shake, people were running from their offices and standing in their doorways......
EARTHQUAKE!
Turns out there was a 5.9 earthquake based in Virginia that we felt all the way in Red Bank, NJ! What are the odds?! I was pretty scared/uneasy with the way the building was moving, and didn't seem to stop (for about 30 seconds or something)
Baby's first earthquake! Kerm didn't even notice, he just kept boppin away to the beat of his own drummer, per usual.
The best part...........Doug is in Florida, he had just landed. There is a hurricane down there, if you hadn't heard, and could make landfall at any point Thursday night or Friday. (Thankfully he'll be on the plane and outta there at 4pm on Thursday) If he wasnt in Florida he would have most likely been in Virginia......with an earthquake. Jeez louise.
p.s. Lisa I am glad you are okay :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
25 Weeks
Update:
25 weeks!
15 weeks to go...
(About 104 days...almost in double digits!!)
Kermie is now the size of a rutabaga..... Anyone ever seen one of these in real life? Can they not get something better to compare to?? (And I'm sorry Noreen... I'm sure you hate this picture too!!)
Kermie Update:
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
Baby's skin is turning pinker...no, not because he or she's getting overheated (in fact, the amniotic fluid is perfectly climate controlled, keeping your baby at an always comfortable temperature), but because small blood vessels, called capillaries, are forming under the skin and filling with blood. Later this week, blood vessels will also develop in your baby's lungs, bringing them one step closer to full maturity — and one step closer to taking that first breath of fresh air. But at 25 weeks pregnant, those lungs are still very much works in progress. Though they are already beginning to develop surfactant, a substance that will help the lungs expand after the baby is born, the lungs are still too undeveloped to sufficiently send oxygen to the bloodstream and release carbon dioxide when he or she exhales. The lungs aren't the only system that's gearing up for air intake. Your baby's nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open this week. This actually allows your little one to begin taking practice breaths.
So they say.... "Your baby's heartbeat may be strong enough now that other people can hear it when pressing their ear to your belly!" Speaking from experience (Doug) - this isn't true!!
Carin Update:
25 weeks down and I am definitely in the honeymoon stage of pregnancy, which is excellent, seeing that we are leaving for a European vacation in 4 days! I'm sleeping well, eating well, and feeling happy. I know these feelings won't last forever, so I need to document them now to remember! I'm so glad our trip falls during this time period so I can enjoy it as best I can. I will admit I am a little bit nervous to fly without any of my usual "aids" to help me get through.... but thankfully my seat mate Doug will still be there for me to clutch onto, and I'm hoping to be tired enough to get some rest. Our flight leaves at 10pm, so I'm sure I'll get some rest! I do plan to drink tons of water, which will obviously lead to lots of bathroom trips, so that's a good thing. They say to get up and stretch, move around, move your legs, etc. when pregnant and flying, so with all the water intake I'll be sure to have that covered! We have great seats (the first row in coach, closest to the bathroom) and no one else is in our row -- there are literally NO seats, so even if I have to pace in that small area I won't feel bad lurking around people sleeping or something!
Doctors appointment on Thursday was great - got a good report! Weight gain is "perfect", blood pressure was good/low at 108/73 and everything is growing as they expect (apparently my uterus is in the right spot). I asked my questions about travel and she humored me & told me all would be fine. Only funny thing, she said to bring a medical mask for the plane rides, just in case I hear anyone coughing/sneezing, etc. as I wouldn't want to get sick on vacation. I think it's funny, but I will bring one. Of course my dad had an industrial supply in the closet at home.
Kermie is still active, kicking at more random times during the day, and seems to actually be sleeping when I go to bed at night now. I do feel him when I get up to pee around 3am, he gives me a little "HELLO" kick to let me know I've woken him up. Sor-ry! He does like candy, and relaxes at the beach, just like me. He is kicking right now to say "Stop embarrassing me, mom!" The kicks are also a bit higher (above my bellybutton now and farther left and right) which leads me to believe stuff is GROWING!
I feel like over the past week I've gotten a bit rounder, and I know it will only get worse! By the time we get back from vacation it may be HUGE haha!
ALSO, a huge milestone for me - I had CHICKEN BREASTS this week......and enjoyed it! I haven't had any chicken in that form (besides in a wrap or in Mexican food) since probably March! I am now open to trying it again this week... we'll see how it goes. Doug is dying for some chicken intake.
Here I am this morning:
And I think black must be slimming cause I certainly feel bigger than that!!
Doug/Home/Us Update:
Doug got to stay home all of last week! We had a normal week, with real meals together and everything! This week unfortunately he has to go to Florida. Yes, Florida...right when they are expecting a hurricane and we are leaving for Denmark. JOY. He is actually going to Tampa Tuesday morning through Thursday afternoon, and any "landfall" will be south Florida on Friday...so we're hoping he is HOME before that becomes a problem. Trying not to stress (you either Jane...he'll be fine!!), and I know he'll make the smart choice to get out no matter what.
Picked out the color for the nursery on Sunday, went with my gut feeling and it was right! Of course, whenever we get some work done in there, I'll be sure to post pictures. Right now it is a mess. Thankfully Doug made HUGE progress in his "man room" in the basement where his desk will be relocated and so once we get back we can start really getting down to business. He emptied the room, cleaned the floor, put down a sub floor and we covered it in carpet yesterday afternoon (yes, I helped!! I am still a decent assistant) It looks great in there and I think he is really happy to have this space coming together. I said, "Man all it took was a baby on the way to get our butts in gear!!" He said, "don't get any ideas.." Either way, we are getting there!! Must get the stuff out of Kermie's room, and we will get to work.
Had a great weekend, Christina came to visit!! We went to the beach Saturday morning, and after enough sun (for me at least ;) we went off to the movies to see "The Help". I had read the book, and actually loved the movie, which never happens for me! Then the 3 of us went to a casual dinner and came home and passed out on the couch! A perfect day, I thought! I was so happy to spend quality time with her :)
I'll save the hawk attack story for another blog post, but needless to say, all 3 of us were attacked by a crazy hawk on Saturday in our front yard. Traumatizing.
Now all we have left to do is finish getting ready for our trip..... lots of laundry, packing, planning and calming of a certain mother and we'll be on our way! So excited to see Denmark and all the weird/funny stuff Europe in general has that we don't. Hoping that their "fall-like" weather isn't too chilly, and they have more on the menus then just pickled herring!
Next week we'll be gone, but I'll update with both baby AND trip updates (and many photos) when we return!
25 weeks!
15 weeks to go...
(About 104 days...almost in double digits!!)
Kermie is now the size of a rutabaga..... Anyone ever seen one of these in real life? Can they not get something better to compare to?? (And I'm sorry Noreen... I'm sure you hate this picture too!!)
Kermie Update:
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.
Baby's skin is turning pinker...no, not because he or she's getting overheated (in fact, the amniotic fluid is perfectly climate controlled, keeping your baby at an always comfortable temperature), but because small blood vessels, called capillaries, are forming under the skin and filling with blood. Later this week, blood vessels will also develop in your baby's lungs, bringing them one step closer to full maturity — and one step closer to taking that first breath of fresh air. But at 25 weeks pregnant, those lungs are still very much works in progress. Though they are already beginning to develop surfactant, a substance that will help the lungs expand after the baby is born, the lungs are still too undeveloped to sufficiently send oxygen to the bloodstream and release carbon dioxide when he or she exhales. The lungs aren't the only system that's gearing up for air intake. Your baby's nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open this week. This actually allows your little one to begin taking practice breaths.
So they say.... "Your baby's heartbeat may be strong enough now that other people can hear it when pressing their ear to your belly!" Speaking from experience (Doug) - this isn't true!!
Carin Update:
25 weeks down and I am definitely in the honeymoon stage of pregnancy, which is excellent, seeing that we are leaving for a European vacation in 4 days! I'm sleeping well, eating well, and feeling happy. I know these feelings won't last forever, so I need to document them now to remember! I'm so glad our trip falls during this time period so I can enjoy it as best I can. I will admit I am a little bit nervous to fly without any of my usual "aids" to help me get through.... but thankfully my seat mate Doug will still be there for me to clutch onto, and I'm hoping to be tired enough to get some rest. Our flight leaves at 10pm, so I'm sure I'll get some rest! I do plan to drink tons of water, which will obviously lead to lots of bathroom trips, so that's a good thing. They say to get up and stretch, move around, move your legs, etc. when pregnant and flying, so with all the water intake I'll be sure to have that covered! We have great seats (the first row in coach, closest to the bathroom) and no one else is in our row -- there are literally NO seats, so even if I have to pace in that small area I won't feel bad lurking around people sleeping or something!
Doctors appointment on Thursday was great - got a good report! Weight gain is "perfect", blood pressure was good/low at 108/73 and everything is growing as they expect (apparently my uterus is in the right spot). I asked my questions about travel and she humored me & told me all would be fine. Only funny thing, she said to bring a medical mask for the plane rides, just in case I hear anyone coughing/sneezing, etc. as I wouldn't want to get sick on vacation. I think it's funny, but I will bring one. Of course my dad had an industrial supply in the closet at home.
Kermie is still active, kicking at more random times during the day, and seems to actually be sleeping when I go to bed at night now. I do feel him when I get up to pee around 3am, he gives me a little "HELLO" kick to let me know I've woken him up. Sor-ry! He does like candy, and relaxes at the beach, just like me. He is kicking right now to say "Stop embarrassing me, mom!" The kicks are also a bit higher (above my bellybutton now and farther left and right) which leads me to believe stuff is GROWING!
I feel like over the past week I've gotten a bit rounder, and I know it will only get worse! By the time we get back from vacation it may be HUGE haha!
ALSO, a huge milestone for me - I had CHICKEN BREASTS this week......and enjoyed it! I haven't had any chicken in that form (besides in a wrap or in Mexican food) since probably March! I am now open to trying it again this week... we'll see how it goes. Doug is dying for some chicken intake.
Here I am this morning:
And I think black must be slimming cause I certainly feel bigger than that!!
Doug/Home/Us Update:
Doug got to stay home all of last week! We had a normal week, with real meals together and everything! This week unfortunately he has to go to Florida. Yes, Florida...right when they are expecting a hurricane and we are leaving for Denmark. JOY. He is actually going to Tampa Tuesday morning through Thursday afternoon, and any "landfall" will be south Florida on Friday...so we're hoping he is HOME before that becomes a problem. Trying not to stress (you either Jane...he'll be fine!!), and I know he'll make the smart choice to get out no matter what.
Picked out the color for the nursery on Sunday, went with my gut feeling and it was right! Of course, whenever we get some work done in there, I'll be sure to post pictures. Right now it is a mess. Thankfully Doug made HUGE progress in his "man room" in the basement where his desk will be relocated and so once we get back we can start really getting down to business. He emptied the room, cleaned the floor, put down a sub floor and we covered it in carpet yesterday afternoon (yes, I helped!! I am still a decent assistant) It looks great in there and I think he is really happy to have this space coming together. I said, "Man all it took was a baby on the way to get our butts in gear!!" He said, "don't get any ideas.." Either way, we are getting there!! Must get the stuff out of Kermie's room, and we will get to work.
Had a great weekend, Christina came to visit!! We went to the beach Saturday morning, and after enough sun (for me at least ;) we went off to the movies to see "The Help". I had read the book, and actually loved the movie, which never happens for me! Then the 3 of us went to a casual dinner and came home and passed out on the couch! A perfect day, I thought! I was so happy to spend quality time with her :)
I'll save the hawk attack story for another blog post, but needless to say, all 3 of us were attacked by a crazy hawk on Saturday in our front yard. Traumatizing.
Now all we have left to do is finish getting ready for our trip..... lots of laundry, packing, planning and calming of a certain mother and we'll be on our way! So excited to see Denmark and all the weird/funny stuff Europe in general has that we don't. Hoping that their "fall-like" weather isn't too chilly, and they have more on the menus then just pickled herring!
Next week we'll be gone, but I'll update with both baby AND trip updates (and many photos) when we return!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
24 Weeks
Update:
We are officially at the 6 month mark!
24 weeks in..
16 weeks to go
(about 110 days)
This week Kermie is as big as an ear of corn......YUM!
The measurements vary - they say about 11.5 to 12.5 inches and about 1.5 pounds!
Kermie Update:
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. Babies at this stage of fetal development are gaining about six ounces each week — with much of that gain coming from fat, in addition to growing organs, bones, and muscle. 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. Surfactant is necessary for the air sacs to inflate easily. Babies who are born prematurely often have trouble breathing because these cells have not had enough time to develop or are not producing the necessary amounts of surfactant. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
Also by now, that fabulous face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Is your baby a brunette, a blonde, or a redhead? Actually, right now her locks are white since there's no pigment yet.
Carin Update:
"In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball." That just seems ridiculous.
Apparently at my next appointment (this Thursday evening) they will discuss with me the glucose screening test (done between weeks 24 and 28). I hear it's really no big deal and the drink you have to have isn't terrible, I will try not to stress about passing it. I have been pretty healthy, although I really do love my sweets...
My biggest complaint lately has been my numb/tingling/painful hands while I'm asleep and when I first wake up. Seems that sleeping on an incline (to help with the burn of heartburn) may agitate it more, or maybe it has nothing to do with it... whatever side I sleep on, that hand/arm falls half-asleep. What I read about that:
The swelling that's so common during pregnancy can put pressure on the nerve that runs through your wrist, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or a dull ache in the fingers, hand, or wrist. You might feel yourself wrestling with wrist pain more at night when you are around 24 weeks pregnant. That's because fluids that accumulate in your lower extremities during the day are redistributed to the rest of your body (including your hands) when you're lying down.
Very interesting. I guess I can deal, as long as it goes away after all of this is done!
Overall, I still feel pretty good and I am still very thankful for that! Currently resting at my highest weight yet, but not feeling too stressed about it. Seems to be pretty much all belly at this point, which is FINE by me.
Here are a couple pics - one from yesterday morning in Newport, and one from this morning at work:
We are officially at the 6 month mark!
24 weeks in..
16 weeks to go
(about 110 days)
This week Kermie is as big as an ear of corn......YUM!
The measurements vary - they say about 11.5 to 12.5 inches and about 1.5 pounds!
Kermie Update:
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. Babies at this stage of fetal development are gaining about six ounces each week — with much of that gain coming from fat, in addition to growing organs, bones, and muscle. 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. Surfactant is necessary for the air sacs to inflate easily. Babies who are born prematurely often have trouble breathing because these cells have not had enough time to develop or are not producing the necessary amounts of surfactant. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
Also by now, that fabulous face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Is your baby a brunette, a blonde, or a redhead? Actually, right now her locks are white since there's no pigment yet.
Carin Update:
"In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball." That just seems ridiculous.
Apparently at my next appointment (this Thursday evening) they will discuss with me the glucose screening test (done between weeks 24 and 28). I hear it's really no big deal and the drink you have to have isn't terrible, I will try not to stress about passing it. I have been pretty healthy, although I really do love my sweets...
My biggest complaint lately has been my numb/tingling/painful hands while I'm asleep and when I first wake up. Seems that sleeping on an incline (to help with the burn of heartburn) may agitate it more, or maybe it has nothing to do with it... whatever side I sleep on, that hand/arm falls half-asleep. What I read about that:
The swelling that's so common during pregnancy can put pressure on the nerve that runs through your wrist, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or a dull ache in the fingers, hand, or wrist. You might feel yourself wrestling with wrist pain more at night when you are around 24 weeks pregnant. That's because fluids that accumulate in your lower extremities during the day are redistributed to the rest of your body (including your hands) when you're lying down.
Very interesting. I guess I can deal, as long as it goes away after all of this is done!
Overall, I still feel pretty good and I am still very thankful for that! Currently resting at my highest weight yet, but not feeling too stressed about it. Seems to be pretty much all belly at this point, which is FINE by me.
Here are a couple pics - one from yesterday morning in Newport, and one from this morning at work:
Looking pretty much the same, in either casual clothes or work attire.
Doug/House/Us Update:
Doug had a busy week traveling down to Baltimore and other areas in Maryland last week but was home Wednesday night, so it wasn't too bad. I had a lot to do to get ready for the weekend, so it didn't seem to be too bad. Thankfully this week I think he gets to stay home (as of right now at least), so we got to plan meals together and will get to live life like "normal people" for once!
We had a fabulous weekend away in Rhode Island this weekend. Left later on Friday night - still had lots of volume to deal with, and didn't get to Westerly until 11:15! It wasn't awful but we were ready for bed as soon as we got in. Had a nice breakfast/catch-up session on Saturday morning before Mom D and I headed out for our birthday manicures! We were pampered, then did a little shopping/browsing and had mid-day ice cream (which is a big perk of hanging out with me.. I suggest treats, and you can not feel guilty for indulging me!), while the guys did some work at home. Seems Doug can't get away from home renovations (no matter who's house it is!) We had a good dinner and watched a movie. All in all a good, relaxing day.
Sunday was the big birthday celebration, and the girls headed out to lunch at the Ocean House, where my mom met us at the last surprise in the weekend! We had such a nice time, even though the weather did not want to cooperate and it was pouring. We still sat outside on the covered "veranda" and felt fancy, if only for a couple hours! The guys went to a more low-key lunch and we all met up for DELICIOUS red velvet cake (that I am still thinking about...) before heading on our way to our respective locations.
Doug and I set out for Newport, bummed that the day was gray and rainy but excited to get back to "our" town. When we arrived, the skies were clear (but still gray) so we headed out to the Eisenhower House first, just in case. It's always fun to go back and remember our fabulous wedding day - and there was some sort of party going on with big bags of balloons and people laughing and having fun. I was glad to get a picture or two and reminisce.
We headed to our hotel to drop off our stuff before walking into town for dinner. Made our usual stop at the Black Pearl and had amazing chowder (and Doug had a couple Dark & Stormy's) before moving on to the Brick Alley Pub for some more snacks and drinks. We had a great time, and thankfully the rain held off till we were back at the hotel.........where it then POURED for the entire rest of the trip. We didn't get to do anything we wanted, so we got up late, had breakfast and headed home.......for a long 5 hour trip in the pouring rain. Needless to say by the time 9pm rolled around I was falling asleep on the couch. All in all, a fantastic weekend and to think.. it's already TUESDAY! Yahooo!
Monday, August 8, 2011
23 Weeks
Update:
23 weeks!
17 weeks to go!
(about 118 days!)
This week, Kermie is about the size of a large mango!
(11 inches and 1 pound!!)
Kermie Update:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. (we've been seeing him ninja kicking around in there a couple times - it is really alien like, and really shocked Doug the first time he caught a glimpse of the baby dance party on Friday night. Most kicks and jabs are centered around my belly button now, I am enjoying these before they head north into my ribs, etc.) Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.
Your little doll-sized babe is about to chub up a bit. His saggy skin will start to fit his frame as fat deposits fill things out. Beginning this week, he'll start to pack on the pounds (which means you will too!) and by month's end he'll be double the weight he is now (though you won't be — whew!). Right now, your baby's organs and bones are visible through his skin, which has a red hue due to developing veins and arteries beneath. But once those fat deposits settle in, he'll become less transparent.
Apparently if we had a stethoscope, we would be able to hear Kermie's heartbeat right through my tummy! That to me sounds fishy, but you never know! Anyone have a spare stethoscope laying around?
Carin Update:
Everywhere I read this week tells me I should be feeling huge and swollen. Thankfully, I do not feel either of these things. Most days I still feel pretty small (belly wise), and all my friends this weekend were "shocked" at how great I looked! I guess it's common to be enormous or something? And I (so far, knock on wood) haven't had any swelling anywhere, although most mornings my hands feel awful. It is a combo of how I sleep and the extra fluids, but my hands keep falling asleep and my rings do feel sort of tight for a while every morning. My hands also tend to be pretty itchy for a while every morning, I think due to the circulation coming back to them! I drink like a camel, and try to stay active (still working out a couple days a week, which is apparently really good for getting rid of extra fluids). Hilariously enough, they say to wear the compression socks to help circulation and with the jumpy leg flare-ups, I've been wearing them and plan to bring them for the plane on vacation. What a sight I'll be!!
I will say I have been pretty hungry (and if you suggest food I will always be on board), but notice that after I eat a meal, I tend to get uncomfortably full - even when I take it slow and don't eat as much as I actually want to! Doesn't really matter, about an hour (or less) after I eat I am hungry again. Most nights I don't indulge in another snack, but sometimes I can't help it. I just really don't like eating anything at 9:30 and then going to bed!
Been struggling with heartburn again all week this week, but it's not killing me....yet. I take Tums religiously and I do plan to step it up to Zantac (doctor approved) if this doesn't improve soon! Otherwise, I have been doing pretty good. I am very much enjoying these days where I feel good 90% of the time and I'm trying not to take it for granted!
Here I am today:
Doug/House/Us Update:
Doug went to VA Wednesday to Friday last week, a short trip during a looooong week so it felt longer. I was glad to have him home! This week I think he'll be gone Tues through Thurs afternoon. Not terrible, but again.... not awesome..
Doug got some more stuff done around the house while I spent the day at the beach with Lisa who came up to visit from Virginia for the weekend. I was SO happy to have the day with her, and the whole crew got to celebrate her arrival later on with dinner & drinks. I wish our schedules worked out better & I could get down to see her place sometime soon, but who knows! Then on Sunday Doug started his "big project" of cleaning out his man room in the basement to make it nice and neat/organized and ready for more stuff migrating from the office/baby room down there. He'll have to add in a desk, some filing cabinets and other stuff - PLUS all the stuff from our move (almost 2 years ago) that we haven't organized!! He wants to put in a better floor before moving everything in, so as of right now the room is EMPTY! It's amazing. Now that the rest of the basement is littered with stuff, he better get to work ;)
We are heading up to Rhode Island Friday night after work to celebrate Mom D's birthday and we are so excited!! Hopefully we'll have a gorgeous weekend and will have a special celebration at the Ocean House in Watch Hill (www.oceanhouseri.com) for a girls luncheon! Then on Sunday afternoon Doug and I will head to Newport for our annual "anniversary trip" back to where we got married. Since this year we'll be in EUROPE on our actual anniversary, we combined trips and will have a fun overnight. We took Monday off from work, so we can enjoy some sights (and food) on Monday morning before heading back to Jersey.
Finally, in the most exciting news of my week - I FINISHED REGISTERING YESTERDAY! I was so "panicked" about setting foot into Babies R Us, but really in the end it was great. I had been planning and plotting and researching (ever a Pedersen-DePerry to the end) and after doing my first round of registering on Amazon.com, I made a list of what was left and what I wanted to see in person and my mom and I set out! (The guys decided wisely to stay home. We were machines and they would have been bored after 15 minutes) Thank GOD I had done my homework and knew exactly what I wanted to see, register for and avoid. Otherwise we would have definitely fought or been anxious and abandoned ship. Instead we walked out after 3 HOURS (yes, 3) and high-fived in victory!! It was a great success, and with the rest of the month coming up, I knew I had to accomplish that task yesterday or suddenly it would be the first week of September and I would be no closer to having a complete list! I feel so happy it's done! Thanks to all the moms for their input about what works & what they can't live without!
23 weeks!
17 weeks to go!
(about 118 days!)
This week, Kermie is about the size of a large mango!
(11 inches and 1 pound!!)
Kermie Update:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. (we've been seeing him ninja kicking around in there a couple times - it is really alien like, and really shocked Doug the first time he caught a glimpse of the baby dance party on Friday night. Most kicks and jabs are centered around my belly button now, I am enjoying these before they head north into my ribs, etc.) Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.
Your little doll-sized babe is about to chub up a bit. His saggy skin will start to fit his frame as fat deposits fill things out. Beginning this week, he'll start to pack on the pounds (which means you will too!) and by month's end he'll be double the weight he is now (though you won't be — whew!). Right now, your baby's organs and bones are visible through his skin, which has a red hue due to developing veins and arteries beneath. But once those fat deposits settle in, he'll become less transparent.
Apparently if we had a stethoscope, we would be able to hear Kermie's heartbeat right through my tummy! That to me sounds fishy, but you never know! Anyone have a spare stethoscope laying around?
Carin Update:
Everywhere I read this week tells me I should be feeling huge and swollen. Thankfully, I do not feel either of these things. Most days I still feel pretty small (belly wise), and all my friends this weekend were "shocked" at how great I looked! I guess it's common to be enormous or something? And I (so far, knock on wood) haven't had any swelling anywhere, although most mornings my hands feel awful. It is a combo of how I sleep and the extra fluids, but my hands keep falling asleep and my rings do feel sort of tight for a while every morning. My hands also tend to be pretty itchy for a while every morning, I think due to the circulation coming back to them! I drink like a camel, and try to stay active (still working out a couple days a week, which is apparently really good for getting rid of extra fluids). Hilariously enough, they say to wear the compression socks to help circulation and with the jumpy leg flare-ups, I've been wearing them and plan to bring them for the plane on vacation. What a sight I'll be!!
I will say I have been pretty hungry (and if you suggest food I will always be on board), but notice that after I eat a meal, I tend to get uncomfortably full - even when I take it slow and don't eat as much as I actually want to! Doesn't really matter, about an hour (or less) after I eat I am hungry again. Most nights I don't indulge in another snack, but sometimes I can't help it. I just really don't like eating anything at 9:30 and then going to bed!
Been struggling with heartburn again all week this week, but it's not killing me....yet. I take Tums religiously and I do plan to step it up to Zantac (doctor approved) if this doesn't improve soon! Otherwise, I have been doing pretty good. I am very much enjoying these days where I feel good 90% of the time and I'm trying not to take it for granted!
Here I am today:
With my fancy new iPhone case, thanks Brian!
Doug/House/Us Update:
Doug went to VA Wednesday to Friday last week, a short trip during a looooong week so it felt longer. I was glad to have him home! This week I think he'll be gone Tues through Thurs afternoon. Not terrible, but again.... not awesome..
Doug got some more stuff done around the house while I spent the day at the beach with Lisa who came up to visit from Virginia for the weekend. I was SO happy to have the day with her, and the whole crew got to celebrate her arrival later on with dinner & drinks. I wish our schedules worked out better & I could get down to see her place sometime soon, but who knows! Then on Sunday Doug started his "big project" of cleaning out his man room in the basement to make it nice and neat/organized and ready for more stuff migrating from the office/baby room down there. He'll have to add in a desk, some filing cabinets and other stuff - PLUS all the stuff from our move (almost 2 years ago) that we haven't organized!! He wants to put in a better floor before moving everything in, so as of right now the room is EMPTY! It's amazing. Now that the rest of the basement is littered with stuff, he better get to work ;)
We are heading up to Rhode Island Friday night after work to celebrate Mom D's birthday and we are so excited!! Hopefully we'll have a gorgeous weekend and will have a special celebration at the Ocean House in Watch Hill (www.oceanhouseri.com) for a girls luncheon! Then on Sunday afternoon Doug and I will head to Newport for our annual "anniversary trip" back to where we got married. Since this year we'll be in EUROPE on our actual anniversary, we combined trips and will have a fun overnight. We took Monday off from work, so we can enjoy some sights (and food) on Monday morning before heading back to Jersey.
Finally, in the most exciting news of my week - I FINISHED REGISTERING YESTERDAY! I was so "panicked" about setting foot into Babies R Us, but really in the end it was great. I had been planning and plotting and researching (ever a Pedersen-DePerry to the end) and after doing my first round of registering on Amazon.com, I made a list of what was left and what I wanted to see in person and my mom and I set out! (The guys decided wisely to stay home. We were machines and they would have been bored after 15 minutes) Thank GOD I had done my homework and knew exactly what I wanted to see, register for and avoid. Otherwise we would have definitely fought or been anxious and abandoned ship. Instead we walked out after 3 HOURS (yes, 3) and high-fived in victory!! It was a great success, and with the rest of the month coming up, I knew I had to accomplish that task yesterday or suddenly it would be the first week of September and I would be no closer to having a complete list! I feel so happy it's done! Thanks to all the moms for their input about what works & what they can't live without!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What a perfect birthday.
I do believe 29 is going to be a fantastic year... for many reasons..
I made a special wish...
And then I got a special gift (and no, the wish wasnt related!!)
Thank you Doug for going above and beyond this year, and making my "last" birthday that's all about me, actually ALL about me. Amazing. Thank you to everyone who treated me so wonderfully & special this year, I love you all :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
YAY!
Last night, on August 1 - Doug finally got to feel his first Kermie kicks!! About 3 or 4 strong ones in a row, his eyes grew wide as the baby finally cooperated and let him in on our little secret! It was the best early birthday gift yet.
To top it off, I got one of the prints I ordered for the nursery yesterday. (Does anyone else automatically think about plants when you hear 'nursery'? No, just me?)
I love when things start coming together! Helps me get a good design idea in my head. One small piece at a time!
To top it off, I got one of the prints I ordered for the nursery yesterday. (Does anyone else automatically think about plants when you hear 'nursery'? No, just me?)
Monday, August 1, 2011
22 Weeks
Update:
22 Weeks
18 Weeks to go!
(About 125 days)
On this last day of my 28th year, Kermie is now the size of a spaghetti squash (LENGTH wise, not in weight or overall roundness)
Kermie Update:
At 11 inches and almost 1 pound, your 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 your 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.
Carin Update:
Last week was a pretty good one, although I started off with a major headache (a 2-day affair), and after 21 weeks I finally broke down and took my first 2 Tylenol of pregnancy. I had just been trying not to take anything "on principle" to see if I could, and I just could not make it another hour. Thankfully since I haven't had any meds in so long that my body immediately responded and got rid of that headache for good. NetiPot is still a must 2x a day. Otherwise I feel pretty good, as long as I continue to stay hydrated constantly. I feel like a camel with all the water I can put away, and still feel like I'm not having enough. Sure enough, if I have less than a certain amount, my body clearly lets me know it's not happy and things just start malfunctioning! Headaches, pains, odd feelings, 'crampiness', etc - and as soon as I seem to IV-pump fluids back in, my body goes back to a normal place. It's funny "they" say to have 8 glasses of water a day - I must have 15.
Otherwise, in baby-world, "they" also say that you can now feel the top of your uterus about ¾ of an inch above your belly button. (Personally I've never been able to tell where it is, so I take their word for it) My belly is getting harder by the day, and my bellybutton is much ROUNDER now - and I can see into it, where I never used to before. It is/was so deep I thought it would never change, but every day I realize it is most definitely changing shape before my eyes. If it pops out I will be SHOCKED (and appalled).
Also in interesting changes, my hair has finally stopped falling out at a rapid pace. I'm scared to see if this continues, and also scared of the aftermath, where they say once you have the baby all the hair you stopped shedding starts falling out rapidly. Get your vacuum ready Doug! ;)
Here I am this morning, on the last day of 28.
22 Weeks
18 Weeks to go!
(About 125 days)
On this last day of my 28th year, Kermie is now the size of a spaghetti squash (LENGTH wise, not in weight or overall roundness)
Kermie Update:
At 11 inches and almost 1 pound, your 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 your 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.
Carin Update:
Last week was a pretty good one, although I started off with a major headache (a 2-day affair), and after 21 weeks I finally broke down and took my first 2 Tylenol of pregnancy. I had just been trying not to take anything "on principle" to see if I could, and I just could not make it another hour. Thankfully since I haven't had any meds in so long that my body immediately responded and got rid of that headache for good. NetiPot is still a must 2x a day. Otherwise I feel pretty good, as long as I continue to stay hydrated constantly. I feel like a camel with all the water I can put away, and still feel like I'm not having enough. Sure enough, if I have less than a certain amount, my body clearly lets me know it's not happy and things just start malfunctioning! Headaches, pains, odd feelings, 'crampiness', etc - and as soon as I seem to IV-pump fluids back in, my body goes back to a normal place. It's funny "they" say to have 8 glasses of water a day - I must have 15.
Otherwise, in baby-world, "they" also say that you can now feel the top of your uterus about ¾ of an inch above your belly button. (Personally I've never been able to tell where it is, so I take their word for it) My belly is getting harder by the day, and my bellybutton is much ROUNDER now - and I can see into it, where I never used to before. It is/was so deep I thought it would never change, but every day I realize it is most definitely changing shape before my eyes. If it pops out I will be SHOCKED (and appalled).
Also in interesting changes, my hair has finally stopped falling out at a rapid pace. I'm scared to see if this continues, and also scared of the aftermath, where they say once you have the baby all the hair you stopped shedding starts falling out rapidly. Get your vacuum ready Doug! ;)
Here I am this morning, on the last day of 28.
I say 29 shall be a remarkably good year.
Doug/House/Us Update:
Doug was HOME all week!!!!! It has been a special treat for me, and this week he isnt leaving until Wednesday! (So we can celebrate my birthday, he knows better than to ditch town for that). We had a good week together, although it was hot & gross for most of it. Our baby mattress for Kermie showed up on Wednesday & it is so cute, small and FIRM! Exciting first big baby arrival!
This past weekend our friends Scott & Brittney came down for the day on Saturday for a beach day and BBQ at our house. The weather was absolutely perfect and the water was warm and calm. I was a camel at the beach, drank myself silly with water to stay hydrated and feeling good, and it WORKED. No headaches, no nap needed when we got home, although by 9pm I was certainly ready for bed. We ended up staying at the beach from 9:30am - 3:30pm! I haven't done that since probably the middle of last summer. It was perfect. We had a good BBQ, dropped them off at the ferry, met our friends for "one drink" at a bar nearby, and headed home to watch a movie/fall asleep.
Sunday we both worked around the house, as the full beach day was enough direct sun for us. Doug built a work bench for the garage, I did errands, and cleaned out our guest room closet & dresser to organize and make things easier for clothes storage when we clean out the closet in Kermie's new room. There will be a shift in closet space, and I know neither of us are much looking forward to it. I got a lot done, and even started with helping in the basement to get ready for the major move of stuff down there. Doug and Scott moved a big piece of furniture down on Saturday, so little by little we're getting there.
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