Week 27-Am I Pregnant or Entering Menopause?

Dear Brookelynn, 

This week you are the size of a cauliflower (14.5 inches long and 2 pounds). If we could see you right now you would be pretty well formed though you will continue to fill out thanks to some added fat. Your immune system is also continuing to mature as are your lungs which are still practicing breathing amniotic fluids.  

As for me, just when I think...Hey, I'm starting to feel a little better...my body decides nope not yet.  I've decided I won't feel better until after your born and I'm back to my per-pregnancy self. I can't wait to order and get on my Pilates machine! I've begun having intense hot flashes and feeling dizzy often. I even had to leave the grocery store because I thought I was going to pass out.  I just have to take it easy and keep cold fluids in my hand constantly.  The doctor said it's normal. I feel like I have menopause...luckily we have a long time before that phase hits (hopefully!).  I'm still feeling nauseated but I'm able to eat a normal diet now and even craved a Look bar, it really hit the spot! 

This week we have continued to get ready for your highly anticipated arrival!  Glammy, Unkie, and I even signed up for a CPR class.  And i have begun researching infant swim lessons. Yes, your mom is a little bit overly prepared but that's better than being unprepared in my opinion.  This next week we will be having our maternity pictures taken, I can't wait!  Our photographer is amazing!  You'll get to know her soon, she'll be the one to take all your adorable pictures. I can't wait to see those moments captured! 

The count down continues...13 weeks to go! -XOX

Week 26

5/24/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are the size of a hothouse cucumber (14 inches and 1.75 pounds).  Your brain and lungs are more developed and you can detect light through the optic nerve.  You are also able to hear the outside world.  You react strongly to Country and Rock music and fall asleep to classical tunes.  Your still very active and tend to wake me up in the middle of the night.  

As for me, I have learned to mange my nausea a bit more and it seems to finally be getting a little better.   We saw the specialist this week and he said you are growing right on schedule and that he believes that everything will work out perfectly and that I can have a vaginal birth. It's a little bit scary for Mommy, but I know in the long run it is better for my body if I can. 

We also had your baby shower and you got showered with a ton of gifts! You are one very fortunate little girl.  I already organized your new stuff and completed the registries. We are scheduled for our hospital tour in Roseville (but we are hoping Vacaville opens before you arrive) and our Labor and Delivery class, maternity pictures are scheduled, newborn picture outfits have arrived, and I even started a little Christmas shopping for you...the next 14 weeks should be a piece of cake now as we wait for you to pop out. I can't wait till you are finally here! At least I get to take a sneak peek soon at our second 3D/4D ultrasound appointment! 

26 weeks down and 14 more to go, we can do it! I still believe you will make your grand entrance on your due date, so we will see! -XOX! 

Week 25: Choosing Godparents!

5/17/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are the size of a rutabaga (13.5 inches) and you weigh about 1.5 pounds.  This week there are not many changes to report, you continue to grow and become more proportioned as you grow into your very cute features.  And you are learning to wiggle your toes and fingers, I'm pretty sure you have been attempting to tickle me with your toes. 

As for Mommy, I'm trying to get through everyday as best as I can, it seems like its always something. This week at my doctor appointment we learned about my placenta condition (succenturiate). On monday we will see the perniotologist to learn more.  We also learned that I am anemic so I have to start taking an iron supplement. But, at least my glucose test came back normal!  My belly also measured at 24 weeks so even though I haven't gained much you are growing right on schedule! Even though this is all great news...the best news I got was that the doctor said I can drink tea...a summer without iced tea would be miserable!

This week we have also announced who will be your Godparents.  Your Godmother is Lana, she is Glammy's best friend and like Mommy's Aunt.  She is a very strong women and can battle through any obstacle with a positive attitude.  Your Godfather is your Unkie Jessie, he will be there for you in so many ways and he will make sure you always have somewhere to go (he may even act like the movie the Godfather sometimes, if needed...be warned, no one should mess with his niece).  We couldn't have picked two better people to guide you spiritually. I know they will help to teach you morals and values that are important in life.  And even if life doesn't lead us down a 'catholic' path you still will have the very best Godparents anyone could ever ask for. 

Tomorrow is the baby shower and my birthday, I'll be 27! I can't wait! This year will be the best one yet! -XOX! 

Week 24

5/10/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are the size of corn (12.5 inches)! And you weigh about 1.25 pounds. Your senses continue to rapidly develop and you are gaining a sense of direction, although you are still all over the place. Last night you kept me awake from 3:00 in the morning till 5:30 in the morning with your movements, at least I was able to back to sleep till 7:00 before I got up to go with Glammy for a much needed pedicure.

This week we have all been busy preparing for our Vintage Alice in Wonderland shower! I'm getting so excited and can't wait to celebrate you next week. Auntie Robin, Nana Joy, Glammy, and Rachelle are all so wonderful! And your Great Great Auntie Billi is coming to visit next week, if you ever act up she'll be sure to whip you back into shape (she is the best).

This week will also be my first 'unofficial' Mother's Day and your Great Great Auntie Pat and cousin Christy sent a very nice Mother's Day card, I'll be saving it for your baby book!

It's going to be a busy week with Mother's Day events, doctor appointments, girl days, and a baby shower... I can't wait! -XOX!

Week 23

5/3/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

You are growing so fast and before we know it you'll be here, only 119 more days to go! You are 11.5 inches long, the size of a large mango, weighing in at about 1.1 pounds.

This week has been rough, I have been pretty sick...I think I just need to give up on eating breakfast and figure out how to make up those calories throughout the day. Last night I had my first "midnight craving" that struck at 3:00 in the morning, I was hungry and thinking about having peanut butter on toast but I finally fell back to sleep after you stopped kicking and rolling around. You're very active now! I have finally put a little more weight on, about ten pounds, however, my tummy is finally starting to pop out so it finally feels more real. I guess it's an excuse to do some more shopping!

Here is the biggest change for this week, as my body prepares for labor, my uterus will begin practicing by exercising my muscles. It is around this time that women can experience "practice" contractions known as Braxton Hicks or false labor. Hopefully I will know the difference as they are irregular and vary in intensity. I'm just a little nervous about that!

Let's see what next week brings! -XOX!