Week 31

6/28/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are the size of four naval oranges (16.25 inches and about 3.3 pounds), I remember when you were just the size of one orange.  You are growing more and more and it continues to amaze me. This week you will gain more weight as your baby fat begins to fill in. Your irises can dilate and respond to changes in light, as well. 

This week we have continued preparing for your arrival, but Mommy has had some sick days this week with tiredness and severe nausea, but we are almost there! I can't wait for your arrival.  -XOX!

Week 30

6/21/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week we have reached a huge milestone, 30 weeks! Only 10 more to go before we get to meet you.

You are the size of a cabbage (15.7 inches and about 2.75 pounds). However, at our ultrasound this week with the specialist you were a little chunkier than that and are measuring about one week bigger, which is very good given the condition if Mommy's placenta. You are quite the little lady, every time we see you, you have your chunky little legs crossed at the ankles. We also found out that you are head down, which was a huge relief to me since I thought you weren't.  Besides, my almost passing out at the ultrasound appointment from laying down too long the appointment went well. I liked this specialist a lot and appreciated him finally providing us a game plan.  He told us that his goal is to get us as close to your due date as possible, but we will have to start being monitored twice a week along with all my other appointments, so I will pretty much be living at the hospital over these final weeks.  It's a good thing I'm so organized and have everything done and ready for you.  At these appointments they will make sure you continue to grow and that both you and I are doing ok.  If they see any concerns they will send us to the hospital and I labor will be induced. We are at an increase risk for a c-section so that is still a possibility, and that's ok...we will do whatever the doctors tell us to.  Either way it will be ok and we will all get through it together.  The good news is we know for sure that we won't go pass your due date so we will for sure be meeting you on or before August 30th.  

This week we also had our second 3D/4D ultrasound.  You are beyond cute in my opinion.  You have my cheeks, a cross between mine and Unkie's nose and we think your Daddy's lips. And we may have spotted some dimples when you were smiling.  You seem to be a very happy little baby in there. And when you were all done being photogenic you put your hand in front of your face and wouldn't move it at all!  You already have attitude (another trait you gained from me).  

This week Mommy has had some more rough days, nausea, throwing up a couple mornings, and I am beyond tired.  You are like a little vampire sucking my energy.  But, luckily your Daddy has been on vacation this week and getting all the deep cleaning done before you decide to arrive.  He also built, your pack n play, high hair, swing, bouncer, and is working on setting up the video monitor in your room. 

This week we also learned that salsa makes you crazy and we had to play the disney love song soundtrack again to calm you down!  And Mommy has had a major sweet tooth thanks to you, it's consisted of some things I love like Ben & Jerry's Phish Food ice cream and some things I don't really care for like sour patch kids and almond joys! Oh well, we are still within our recommended calories per day and haven't gained more weight than necessary. But, I do have to say once you come out and before Mommy's diet starts I am going to eat all the foods I wasn't allowed to eat or stayed away from! 

I can't wait to see what week 31 brings! -XOX! 

Week 29

6/14/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are 29 weeks! You are 15.25 inches long and weigh 2.5 pounds, the size of a butternut squash. You are going through a major growth spurt. 

And what a week...we have been super busy preparing for your delivery this week.  We have been to all four hospitals where we could have you this week; Kaiser: Roseville, Walnut Creek, and Vallejo, and North Bay in Fairfield (that one is if there is a major emergency and can't make it to any of the Kaiser Hospitals).  We trimmed how long it takes to get to each and found out exactly where we go once we arrive. Glammy and I also finished getting all the items for my hospital bag ready so we are officially ready for go time.  

This week I had a doctor appointment with my regular doctor, she said you seem to be doing great at this point, however, given the condition of my placenta she is surprised at just how well you are developing and how well I am doing.  But, now we will start to be monitored every two weeks after our next appointment where we will do a non stress test. She also told us your birth my not go as planned and to keep an open mind so we our not disappointed with the experience.  There is a possibility that I have to go to the hospital immediately from an appointment if there are any signs of danger. 

At my appointment I also received a tetanus booster shot with whooping cough to give you some of those antibodies. It really knocked me out.  Within a couple hours after receiving it I was exhausted and nauseated the next day. Once it got through my system I was ok, but I wasn't expecting to have any side effects since I hadn't in the past. Other than swollen feet and ankles I'm doing much better. 

I also asked the doctor why my muscles are getting so sore by the end of the day, she said that a chemical called relaxin is being produced to help my muscles to relax during labor which in turn causes the soreness. Some days are worse than others.  

This week I also took my CPR class, so I am now certified to preform CPR on an adult, child, or infant and I can also use an AED. It provides peace of mind for me that I am taking every precaution I can to make sure you are ok. The video monitor we got for your nursery has a pad that goes under your mattress to help make sure you are breathing, etc. we also got a travel monitor that is placed on your diaper to monitor the same thing.  And of course we are saving your cord blood and tissue. Just having the peace of mind that we have done everything we can is worth every penny we have spent! 

Your Dad has been held in at work all week, this is the second time this month that he has been gone for over a week.  That is something you will have to learn, but we have each other and Paisley and of course; GeeGee, Glammy, and Unkie are near by.  Next week he is on vacation so he will be busy putting all of your electronics together. That is something Mommy is not very good with, but I'll learn. 

Next week will be an eventful week, as well.  We meet with another Pernitologist and have an ultrasound to see how you are doing and to discuss our game plan more in detail.  I still feel strongly that a c section is the right thing to do, but of course I have to take into consideration what the doctors say.  And no, I'm not 'too posh to push' and I'm not afraid of labor pains I just strongly believe that given the condition and problem with the placenta it's the safest and right decision for both of us.  We also have our next 3D/4D ultrasound and a small maternity shoot at their studio. I can't wait to see what you look like now that you are more developed. I already know you will be adorable! -XOX!

Chapter 3: The Third Trimester- Week 28

6/7/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

Wow, I can't believe we only have three more months to go before we meet you, I can't wait!  This week you are the size of a Chinese cabbage and are about 14.8 inches long weighing in at 2.25 pounds.  Your growth continues to amaze me!  Your brain has developed more tissue and you have developed a more regular sleep schedule...well, that's what they say.  You can blink your eyes and you even have eyelashes, I'm pretty sure they are long and thick thanks to your genetics from Mommy and Daddy.  Your eye sight is developed more, as well.  You may even be able to see light through my womb.  

As for mommy, I continue to have hot flashes and I'm slightly nauseated if I eat too early or certain foods. But, I do have to say my appetite has increased over the last week...it's catch up time now that we are on the home stretch! Oh and I have restless leg syndrome (not really anything new for me, but new to the pregnancy symptom list) and I can't seem to get comfortable, lugging around these extra pounds is hard work! 

Well, I managed to get everything done, purchased and ready to go before the third trimester started so now we just have to fill in those little gaps and we are all set to meet you Miss Brookelynn (we even selected your theme song, Hey Pretty Girl, by Kip Moore)...just don't arrive too soon! -XOX!