Yesterday, I had another appointment with Dr. Holman. I would say it went simply fabulous!
Weight Gain since Week 5: almost 1/4lb (thanks to morning sickness, not much at all, but the doc is hoping I add a few pounds in the next 4 weeks)
Results from Labwork: Superb
But enough about Mom's stats, lets talk Baby...I was a bit bummed Ray was unable to accompany me to the appointment, especially when Dr. Holman told me we were going to do another ultrasound. Ray would have LOVED it. Baby was FULL of energy, like a Mexican jumping bean. Baby kept putting his/her arm up to its face. Kicks and jumps, squirms, and HICCUPS! That's right, Baby had the hiccups! Amazing! I could even make out the profile of Baby's face...very good looking so far! Baby's heart rate was a strong 166...could this mean we have a girl? We'll just have to wait an see...
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY?
This week your baby will begin to take on more of a normal appearance as the eyes move closer together and the ears move closer to their final position. The intestines have grown so fast that they actually extend into the umbilical cord, but they will begin to move back into the abdomen. The kidneys can now secrete urine, and the nervous system is continuing to mature. Your baby may have developed more complicated reflexes such as sucking. Your baby is 3.15 inches long and weighs 1 ounce by the end of this week.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
OUR NEW PLACE!
For 2 marvelous years, Ray and I have enjoyed true New Orleans living from our standard New Orleans shotgun Creole Cottage in the heart of Uptown. One block off Magazine Street and within walking distance to Audubon Park. If we are up for a nice stroll, we can walk to the parade routes during Mardi Gras. Shops, restaurants, and, of course, Whole Foods is right next door. We love sitting out on the porch watching happy couples with their babies and kids walking their dogs. What more can a young, married couple expecting a baby want? Well, for those of you that have visited our humble abode, I'm sure you guessed it...MORE SPACE!
So, as of April 15, Ray, me and Baby are the new tenants to a 2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex! Luckily, after being spoiled with our location on Arabella, we were able to find a place only 3 blocks away! Its still going to be pretty tight quarters, but the layout is so much more efficient AND we're saving money on rent!
Luckily, we have a keepsake to help keep the memories from our Arabella house alive. Yes, Baby is definitely a 'keepsake', but I am talking about a new book. Valentine's weekend, Ray's parents came to visit. We wandered around NOLA, ate yummy food, and even attended a few Mardi Gras parades. Mary, who is a phenomenal photographer, created a hardbound book full of images of our house, our neighborhood, the park, and parades. Ray and I LOVE it. Thanks Mary for the beautiful book!
So, as of April 15, Ray, me and Baby are the new tenants to a 2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex! Luckily, after being spoiled with our location on Arabella, we were able to find a place only 3 blocks away! Its still going to be pretty tight quarters, but the layout is so much more efficient AND we're saving money on rent!
Luckily, we have a keepsake to help keep the memories from our Arabella house alive. Yes, Baby is definitely a 'keepsake', but I am talking about a new book. Valentine's weekend, Ray's parents came to visit. We wandered around NOLA, ate yummy food, and even attended a few Mardi Gras parades. Mary, who is a phenomenal photographer, created a hardbound book full of images of our house, our neighborhood, the park, and parades. Ray and I LOVE it. Thanks Mary for the beautiful book!
Monday, March 23, 2009
'ROUNDING OUT' 11 WEEKS!
That's right, folks, 11 weeks! I was a little shocked this weekend when I tossed on a pair of jeans and found the waist was getting a little tight. I figured I was retaining a little extra fluid, threw a belly band over the snug waistline and headed out to enjoy a beautiful New Orleans spring Saturday. As I walked out, a neighbor of mine said, "Jennifer, it looks like you have a little bump starting!" I freaked out for a second, then ran back inside to inspect the 'bump.' There I stood, in front of my mirror, playing with my shirt, pulling it tight, lifting it to see my belly, billowing the shirt out like a parachute...sure enough. There it was, a bump. I just had to let out a little shriek of excitement. Technically, it really is just a little 'pudge', but isn't it so much more exciting to say that it is a tiny bump? Pictures to come. I promise.
Stay tuned...my 12th week doctors appointment is this Thursday...weighing, measuring, those of you who were recently preggers know the drill! Fun stuff!
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY?
Your baby’s head accounts for almost half of his/her entire length. Both the fingers and the toes have separated by week 11. The baby’s skin is still very transparent, but his/her bones are beginning to harden. The external genitalia have almost completely formed, and in several weeks you might be able to know if you are having a boy or a girl. Even though you cannot feel your baby moving around, he/she is very active. Your baby is over 2 ½ inches long from crown to rump (CRL) and weighs about half an ounce.
Stay tuned...my 12th week doctors appointment is this Thursday...weighing, measuring, those of you who were recently preggers know the drill! Fun stuff!
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY?
Your baby’s head accounts for almost half of his/her entire length. Both the fingers and the toes have separated by week 11. The baby’s skin is still very transparent, but his/her bones are beginning to harden. The external genitalia have almost completely formed, and in several weeks you might be able to know if you are having a boy or a girl. Even though you cannot feel your baby moving around, he/she is very active. Your baby is over 2 ½ inches long from crown to rump (CRL) and weighs about half an ounce.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
10 WEEKS AND COUNTING...
Counting down, that is. Almost through my first trimester! Just a few more weeks! Ray and I are both looking forward to the day when I wake up and say 'WOW, I feel great!' But, until then, I'll just keep munching on my grapes and goldfish. These are pretty much the only 2 things that I can eat and enjoy.
Ray, as I am sure you all knew he would be, has been amazing. By the time I get home from battling nausea and headaches at work, I'm exhausted! Ray has jumped right in and picked up the slack. He makes dinner and helps with laundry. He gives wonderful back rubs and never makes fun of me for going to bed at 9:30. What a great husband...AND DAD!!!
I was shocked to read that Baby is already kicking! Oh my goodness, I can hardly wait to feel the first flutters!
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY?
This is the beginning of the fetal period when your baby's organs continue to grow and mature. The majority of his/her vital organs, kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs are functioning, but will continue to mature throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your baby's head makes up half the length of the body, and there is a bulge in the forehead allowing for brain development. Fingernails, toenails, and hair will begin to become visible this week. The fingers are no longer webbed. The baby is actively swallowing amniotic fluid and kicking his/her legs. Your baby is a little over 2 inches long, about the size of a lime, and weighs about a quarter of an ounce.
Ray, as I am sure you all knew he would be, has been amazing. By the time I get home from battling nausea and headaches at work, I'm exhausted! Ray has jumped right in and picked up the slack. He makes dinner and helps with laundry. He gives wonderful back rubs and never makes fun of me for going to bed at 9:30. What a great husband...AND DAD!!!
I was shocked to read that Baby is already kicking! Oh my goodness, I can hardly wait to feel the first flutters!
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY?
This is the beginning of the fetal period when your baby's organs continue to grow and mature. The majority of his/her vital organs, kidneys, liver, brain, and lungs are functioning, but will continue to mature throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your baby's head makes up half the length of the body, and there is a bulge in the forehead allowing for brain development. Fingernails, toenails, and hair will begin to become visible this week. The fingers are no longer webbed. The baby is actively swallowing amniotic fluid and kicking his/her legs. Your baby is a little over 2 inches long, about the size of a lime, and weighs about a quarter of an ounce.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
SHOPPING FOR BABY...
Well, I'm sure many of you were wondering just how long I could go before I started buying for our little bundle of joy. Ray and I have done so well. We kept swearing we would wait to purchase anything when we could buy pink or blue. But, this past weekend, I broke. My mom and dad made a trip down to New Orleans. Dad and Ray participated in a fundraiser for the Dental School on Saturday. So, what are 2 girls to do on a sunny, Saturday morning in New Orleans? Shop up Magazine Street, of course!! Pipen Lane, Angelique, Little Laughter, oh the fun we had! And, I made a few purchases that I feel sure will work wonderfully on our little lad or our little lady. We definitely want our little one to know he/she is a NOLA baby...
Friday, March 6, 2009
9 WEEKS!!!!
Today, I am 9 weeks pregnant. I am well into my 1st Trimester, and boy am I feeling it.
Lately, my emotions have just been shot. Most of the books I been reading pass this off as hormones, but I think it may be a coming to terms with the realities of the first few months of pregnancy. Although I have been exposed to the woes of the 1st trimester through my sister, sister-in-law, and numerous friends, I guess I was a bit naive.
First, I have learned, that for precious few, morning sickness is a very loose term. My mornings tend to last well into the evening hours. Secondly, I have decided that after surviving the 1st Trimester, I will never take for granted those foods that I have always seemed to enjoy...especially meat. I have lost all desire to eat meat. Any meat, red meat, poultry, fish. Within the most recent weeks, I have picked up on several other 'side-effects' that I never knew were coming.
But, really, how can I complain. I have a beautiful little baby inside. Gods greatest miracle, what an amazing experience. Its totally worth it. And, now, our little creature is actually starting to look like a little baby! I've been following the American Pregnancy Association's 'Your Developing Baby' and I was shocked to read how far along our little guy, or girl, is today...
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY?
While your baby is still extremely small, he/she is now ready for rapid weight gain. The baby is beginning to look more like a little person since the embryonic tail is completely gone by week 9. The eyelids are fully formed, have fused shut, and will open again during week 28. All the baby's joints such as the knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and wrists are working and allowing the baby to move about freely within the amniotic sac. Your baby's heart began beating around day 24, but now his/her heart has divided into four chambers, and the valves are beginning to develop. Your baby can also make a fist, and he/she may begin sucking his/her thumb. Your baby is about the size of a grape, measuring a little over 1 ½ inches (1.67) from its head to its rump, and weighs a fraction of an ounce.*
Lately, my emotions have just been shot. Most of the books I been reading pass this off as hormones, but I think it may be a coming to terms with the realities of the first few months of pregnancy. Although I have been exposed to the woes of the 1st trimester through my sister, sister-in-law, and numerous friends, I guess I was a bit naive.
First, I have learned, that for precious few, morning sickness is a very loose term. My mornings tend to last well into the evening hours. Secondly, I have decided that after surviving the 1st Trimester, I will never take for granted those foods that I have always seemed to enjoy...especially meat. I have lost all desire to eat meat. Any meat, red meat, poultry, fish. Within the most recent weeks, I have picked up on several other 'side-effects' that I never knew were coming.
But, really, how can I complain. I have a beautiful little baby inside. Gods greatest miracle, what an amazing experience. Its totally worth it. And, now, our little creature is actually starting to look like a little baby! I've been following the American Pregnancy Association's 'Your Developing Baby' and I was shocked to read how far along our little guy, or girl, is today...
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY?
While your baby is still extremely small, he/she is now ready for rapid weight gain. The baby is beginning to look more like a little person since the embryonic tail is completely gone by week 9. The eyelids are fully formed, have fused shut, and will open again during week 28. All the baby's joints such as the knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and wrists are working and allowing the baby to move about freely within the amniotic sac. Your baby's heart began beating around day 24, but now his/her heart has divided into four chambers, and the valves are beginning to develop. Your baby can also make a fist, and he/she may begin sucking his/her thumb. Your baby is about the size of a grape, measuring a little over 1 ½ inches (1.67) from its head to its rump, and weighs a fraction of an ounce.*
Sunday, March 1, 2009
LOOK WHO IS PREGGERS....
Well, the cat is out of the bag. After two and a half wonderful years of marriage, we decided to expand our family. As many of you may know, the doctors had prepared us for a difficult time conceiving. Both Ray and I have health issues that the docs thought could pose some serious issues. But, pretty quickly, we learned that God had blessed us with a baby. Although it is still fairly early, Ray and I have decided that we can't hold it in any longer. We are 8 weeks, 2 days pregnant. Official due date....OCTOBER 11, 2009!!
We've been holding our secret since February 1. After returning to New Orleans from the birth of my beautiful niece, Braylin, I decided, with a little hope in my heart, to take a pregnancy test. As Ray sat in the next room watching the super bowl, I secretly sat in shock (and total excitement) in the next room. 3 positives!! After only a few months of believing that there was little or no chance I would conceive, I was preggers!! So, I ran to the store and bought a pack of Pampers Swaddlers. I cleared out Ray's t-shirt drawers, filled it with diapers, the positive tests, and a little sign reading 'move over Daddy, in 9 months I'm moving in.' Needless to say, Ray was a pretty surprised when he went to put the laundry away. The following week, Ray went to my first appointment with my OB. She confirmed the pregnancy (yay!!), ran tons of labwork (A+ blood type), and performed an ultrasound (to try and give us a due date). Unfortunately, it was too early and nothing was visible except a perfectly round yolk sac.
So, this past Thursday, Ray and I went back to the doctor. She performed another ultrasound. This one was far more eventful. How can anyone look at an ultrasound and not believe in God. What a little miracle. 8 weeks pregnant, a fetal age of roughly 6 weeks, and already a heartbeat. Nobody could have prepared me for the feelings I would get at that moment. Seeing baby's little fluttering heart, beating at a strong 177, sent chills up my spine and butterflies in my belly. How amazing. I'm carrying a baby. Ray and I are having a baby!!! Our little 'planned surprise.'
We've been holding our secret since February 1. After returning to New Orleans from the birth of my beautiful niece, Braylin, I decided, with a little hope in my heart, to take a pregnancy test. As Ray sat in the next room watching the super bowl, I secretly sat in shock (and total excitement) in the next room. 3 positives!! After only a few months of believing that there was little or no chance I would conceive, I was preggers!! So, I ran to the store and bought a pack of Pampers Swaddlers. I cleared out Ray's t-shirt drawers, filled it with diapers, the positive tests, and a little sign reading 'move over Daddy, in 9 months I'm moving in.' Needless to say, Ray was a pretty surprised when he went to put the laundry away. The following week, Ray went to my first appointment with my OB. She confirmed the pregnancy (yay!!), ran tons of labwork (A+ blood type), and performed an ultrasound (to try and give us a due date). Unfortunately, it was too early and nothing was visible except a perfectly round yolk sac.
So, this past Thursday, Ray and I went back to the doctor. She performed another ultrasound. This one was far more eventful. How can anyone look at an ultrasound and not believe in God. What a little miracle. 8 weeks pregnant, a fetal age of roughly 6 weeks, and already a heartbeat. Nobody could have prepared me for the feelings I would get at that moment. Seeing baby's little fluttering heart, beating at a strong 177, sent chills up my spine and butterflies in my belly. How amazing. I'm carrying a baby. Ray and I are having a baby!!! Our little 'planned surprise.'
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