23 Weeks: 11.5.12 – The Circle Of Life
Very late last night, your amazing 97 year old great grandmother, Mema, passed away. Otherwise, the picture of perfect health for her age, she was diagnosed just seven weeks ago with stomach and esophageal cancer. After the diagnosis, she had somewhat stabilized and we thought the doctor's prognosis of less than six months left was crazy. I was certain that she was going to meet you.
Well, God had another plan, and after seeing her in such pain the last week and especially the last 48 hours, I am confident she is in a much better place with Him.
People often talk about the "circle of life" and sweet baby boy or girl, I saw that clear as ever yesterday. As your grandmother, Ya-Ya, sat there at her bedside trying to comfort her as she was filled with pain and frustration of not even being able to communicate with us, besides her gorgeous crystal blue eyes staring into ours, I saw what life is all about. I could feel you kicking inside me as I sat beside Ya-Ya and Mema, telling her what an amazing person she was and that it was okay not to let go.
Yes, I'm sad that you will never meet her in person but I diligently plan to make sure that you truly know how amazing she was and how much she did for my mom, sister and myself our entire lives.
24 weeks: 11.12.12 - The Name Game
I can't recall if I've journaled to you about us trying to figure out what your name will be. Very early on, it was "Hallie" for a girl, a name we had liked back when Addie was born and "Brooks" for a boy. Brooks was the random one "B" name we both loved when someone said you should name the second one with a "B" name and have a, "A," "B" and "C."
We haven't talked much about it in the last 12 weeks but for me I have started to second guess both names. Now, I really like "Delaney" for a girl and "Corbin" for a boy.
Addie likes "Seashell" for a girl!
So for now, the discussion continues. I have no doubt we will find you the perfect name.
On a second note, this week for some reason, a ton of people have started telling me what they think I am having and asking me what I think I am carrying. Although, I truly have NO idea, one thing that makes me think more of a boy is how I haven't had any surges of hormonal feelings like I think I had more with Addie. I have felt pretty stable over the entire pregnancy even in times of pretty severe stress. The other part of me that thinks we may have a boy is that since your Mema passed away, God knows that our "female generational picture" we took back in 2009 would be incomplete if it is another sweet girl. However, He may have another plan.
Either way, I am more than good and can't wait to meet he or she!
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| 24 weeks and showing! |
25 Weeks: 11.19.12 - Constant Movement & Taking It All In
Wow... this week, a lot of stressors have been eliminated and it feels so good. There has been a lot on our plate the last couple of months and now things are slowing down just in time for the holidays and more importantly, in time to enjoy being pregnant with you.
It's like I can almost feel you all the time, especially in the evening and early morning when I am laying down or when I am up real close to my desk, typing on my computer, you will start kicking against the edge of the desk. This past Saturday night, I was at a rare movie with Megan Perkins watching the last installment of Twilight, a teeny pop love story movie, and we were kicking and moving the ENTIRE time! Maybe it was just that I really wasn't into the movie, but I all I could do was feel you the entire time. I joke and said that you were used to me being horizontal in bed by 8:30PM every night instead of sitting up in a loud movie theater.
The other thing I have really been thinking about this week is making sure that I am really taking in these last 15 weeks of being pregnant ever in my life. For a woman, that is a big deal and I am very cognisant of it. I want to really soak it up, the way I feel... the way you feel inside me. I have tried to articulate how you feel moving inside me and it's hard. It really is just magical... it feels like I am growing a little human inside me who is getting stronger and stronger by each passing day.
26 weeks: 11.26.12 Gender Prediction
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| 25 weeks on a family vacation to Flagstaff and The Grand Canyon over Thanksgiving weekend. |
(Just for fun and our record)
Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. (At 26 week week appointment=158 bpm) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. (I seem to definitely be BIG AND ROUND lol) (late in pregnancy still enormous but I feel like more pointy but still high!) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test (Need to do!)
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. I also haven't noticed, even late in pregnacy any darkening skin spots above eyes and under nose like I had so badly with Addie. Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. (definitely been eating sweets but I did with both others too... Just about the only thing I WILL eat!) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl. I have a “V”, so one more point for a girl. (Who came up with this question who ... kinda odd) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #7: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be. (Ummmm... this is a little confusing depending on your definition of aggressive,) Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE
Old Wives Tale #8: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. I think it’s too early for me to tell on this one. (Well, as far as I know I'm only gaining in the torso, legs seem to be the same which is always big.)Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #9: Moodiness and a Little Pecker (this one is odd, but funny)
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you. (I have felt great with absolutely NO MOOD swings)Prediction outcome: BOY
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. (At 26 week week appointment=158 bpm) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. (I seem to definitely be BIG AND ROUND lol) (late in pregnancy still enormous but I feel like more pointy but still high!) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #3: Ring Test (Need to do!)
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. Prediction outcome:
Old Wives Tale #4: Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. I also haven't noticed, even late in pregnacy any darkening skin spots above eyes and under nose like I had so badly with Addie. Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #5: Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. (definitely been eating sweets but I did with both others too... Just about the only thing I WILL eat!) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl. I have a “V”, so one more point for a girl. (Who came up with this question who ... kinda odd) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #7: Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be. (Ummmm... this is a little confusing depending on your definition of aggressive,) Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE
Old Wives Tale #8: Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. I think it’s too early for me to tell on this one. (Well, as far as I know I'm only gaining in the torso, legs seem to be the same which is always big.)Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #9: Moodiness and a Little Pecker (this one is odd, but funny)
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you. (I have felt great with absolutely NO MOOD swings)Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #10: Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived. Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #11: Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is. (I feel okay still, at 26 weeks, at least! Update at 25 weeks, this is the wives tail that I hear the most from all my nurses and staff members and doctors, they think I still look great for being so darn HUGE... we'll see.) Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #12: Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having. (I've had absolutely NO DREAMS!) Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE
Old Wives Tale #13: Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. (I'm pretty clumsy, have yet to fall but I'm running into things all the time) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #14: Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #15: Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.(At least throgh 26 weeks Blake has stayed thin this time.) Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #16: Breast Test
If a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. (I think my right is always slightly bigger) Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #17: What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. (Just slight feeling based mainly on lack of mood swings) Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #18: Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. (But I didn't have a day of sickness while pregnant with Addie last time!) Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #19: Areolae
If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy. If they haven't, its a girl. Prediction outcome: BOY
Old Wives Tale #20: Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. (Sweets is all that is on my mind but I do love a great steak and always cheese) Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE/BOY
Old Wives Tale #21: Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl. (My feet are always freezing!) Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #22: Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL
Old Wives Tale #23: Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. (We are back and forth on both names)Prediction outcome: INCONCLUSIVE
Old Wives Tale #24: Urine
What color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. (It is defintley darker than normal) Prediction outcome: BOY
Addie thinks it's a girl.
Carter thinks it's a boy.
Daddy is undetermined.
Mommy slightly thinks it's a boy. (Later in the pregnancy, around 32 weeks, she switches it to GIRL due to very high heart rate.
Regan P thinks a girl.
Andrea thinks a girl.
Almost all strangers think it's a girl.
Almost all office staff around 25 weeks said girl but at 35 many changed suddenly to boy.
Megan Perkins thinks a girl.
My mom thinks it's a girl.
Carter changed his mind at 36 weeks to a GIRL because there are already 3 boys in the family (Daddy, Carter and Smokey) and only 2 girls. So we need a girl to be even.
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| 26 weeks... a night out with the hubby! |
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| On November 29, my 34th birthday, after a long day in heels I layed down in bed to rest for a few minutes and the kids surprised me with my ultimate favorite chocolate pie from The Barn Door. |
Day one of my 3rd trimester... Wow, this is it' the last 13 weeks (or less) of being pregnant.... EVER! As I type these words with the iPad resting on my stomach, you are able to kick so hard, it moves the iPad, which brings a huge smile to my face.
For the first time this pregnancy, I feel VERY pregnant this past week and the dull back pain has officially started in the mid afternoon and evenings. But I'm still carrying heavy bags and wearing 3 inch high heels at least 4 days each week. I can't imagine what I would do without this heating pad and Temperpedic mattress. Thank goodness I am still sleeping like a rock most every night.
This past week was our follow up sonogram due to the placenta blocking the cervix or exit back at the 17 week sonogram. The great news is that the placenta has completely moved up and completely out of the way leaving no issues and most importantly no set induction or C-section needed. Yea! Your heart rate was around 156, so staying around the same.
While waiting, in the actual sonogram room and even walking out with my twenty-five plus sonogram pictures in hand (for the 3rd time this pregnancy), I concentrated on taking in the whole experience... laying in that chair chair with the lights turned down, feeling the warm gel squeezed upon my tummy, staring ahead at the big screen TV, laughing with Blake when the baby yawned over 15 times in the same amount of minutes. The baby was SO active and we couldn't believe how limber "Baby Brown" is with their extended legs folded completely over the top of their head. He/she was breach during the sonogram and one of my favorite parts was when the technician pushed the camera against the front of their face and we could see their little smushed piggy nose and mouth.
Another last was drinking the super sweet red juice for the glucose test. I didn't really mind drinking it since I have such a sweet tooth but it definitely was the tastiest thing I have ever had. The results came back less than a day later saying everything was perfect and I wasn't even anemic this pregnany.
For the first time this pregnancy, I feel VERY pregnant this past week and the dull back pain has officially started in the mid afternoon and evenings. But I'm still carrying heavy bags and wearing 3 inch high heels at least 4 days each week. I can't imagine what I would do without this heating pad and Temperpedic mattress. Thank goodness I am still sleeping like a rock most every night.
This past week was our follow up sonogram due to the placenta blocking the cervix or exit back at the 17 week sonogram. The great news is that the placenta has completely moved up and completely out of the way leaving no issues and most importantly no set induction or C-section needed. Yea! Your heart rate was around 156, so staying around the same.
While waiting, in the actual sonogram room and even walking out with my twenty-five plus sonogram pictures in hand (for the 3rd time this pregnancy), I concentrated on taking in the whole experience... laying in that chair chair with the lights turned down, feeling the warm gel squeezed upon my tummy, staring ahead at the big screen TV, laughing with Blake when the baby yawned over 15 times in the same amount of minutes. The baby was SO active and we couldn't believe how limber "Baby Brown" is with their extended legs folded completely over the top of their head. He/she was breach during the sonogram and one of my favorite parts was when the technician pushed the camera against the front of their face and we could see their little smushed piggy nose and mouth.
Another last was drinking the super sweet red juice for the glucose test. I didn't really mind drinking it since I have such a sweet tooth but it definitely was the tastiest thing I have ever had. The results came back less than a day later saying everything was perfect and I wasn't even anemic this pregnany.
All is progressing beautifully with this pregnancy and I'm just waiting for the "nesting" to kick in and the urge to get your room ready!
And just for kicks, I want to document the reason I gained 60 pounds with both Carter and Addie.... these Oreo and cookie dough blizzards. With my first two pregnancies, I probably had four a week. With this third, I am trying to limit to one after each monthly doctor's appointment and one more a couple of weeks later when I am in Kerrville for work! I have NO WILL POWER against these things when I am pregnant!!!
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