Just a note.

Well, it's hard to believe another week has passed me by. I'm 27 now and 29 weeks pregnant. My birthday went well, much different than my birthday celebrations in the past however! It was nice to not wake up feeling like crap this year though. I started out the day with an OB appointment. The midwife did the routine fundal height measurement and said I was measuring perfectly. They told me to gain some weight though, because I lost 2 pounds since my last appointment. I can't help it, food has not been my friend during the pregnancy and then I got a stomach bug on top of it. I've only gained 9 pounds so far and I know it's mostly the baby. My appetite is getting much stronger now so I know that's a good thing. I am fairly sure I'll only gain 15 or so pounds total during the entire pregnancy. I guess that will make it much easier to lose the weight after Eric is born.

Well, after that we listened to the heartbeat on the doppler again and it was measuring the normal 130-140 the whole time. Then I got the lovely news that I would need to go have my glucose screen. I knew that was coming, but I wasn't expecting to do it on my birthday! Oh well. So, we went over to the hospital, I drank the orange drink, and we left for an hour. I tried to nap in the truck, but Ryan kept playing his music too loud and I really didn't sleep. We went back in, had the blood drawn, and we were done. I went home after that and napped until it was time to get ready for dinner. We went to dinner at Kobe's Japanese Steakhouse. It was awesome as usual! My mom, Beth, Joel, Charis, Ryan, and Stephanie joined me for dinner. It was really nice and laid back, just what I wanted! My mom and sister got me some maternity tank tops that I desperately needed and a whole bag of awesome baby clothes. Eric is going to look quite handsome!

After dinner we went to the mall and exchanged my perfume and got our wedding rings checked before heading home. It was a really simple evening, but I spent it with the people I love. That made me happy. I now get to make an appointment for the 9o minute prenatal massage that Ryan got me for my birthday. I can't wait!! That is going to feel so amazing and probably will make my back feel a lot better.

Ryan left Friday for TDY in Las Vegas. He'll be gone 3.5 weeks. I bawled my eyes out when he got in the truck to leave that morning. I hate telling him goodbye. This will be the longest we've ever been apart since we started dating 2 years ago. Thankfully we get to talk to one another and text several times a day. It helps to know that he misses me just as much as I miss him. Also, I'm glad it's just 3 weeks, not a full blown deployment. I'm grateful for that. He'll be home just in time for his 27th birthday, so I'm trying to plan something nice for us to do. This is our last set of birthdays that we'll ever spend as just husband and wife. From now on, our lives will be focused around our children. Just need ideas for something memorable!

Tomorrow I get to see my nephew via ultrasound for the first time! I am so excited to see this little guy, I know he's going to be just as amazing as his big sister is. I still can't believe that our son and my nephew are due only 3 weeks apart. We seriously couldn't have do that again if we tried! I imagine my nephew will be born much closer to our son though since my niece was born 3 weeks early. It is going to be one amazing summer!

Well, I guess I'll post the week 29 baby info now!

Week 28 Mom & Baby Information

28 Weeks Pregnant

Future mom

From now on you will have to visit your doctor or midwife at least once every two weeks. This is the week that you need to give a number of tests and analysis including the test for iron level in your blood and sample for tolerance of glucose. If you have got a negative Rhesus factor then you need a test for antibodies. This test must show the presence of antibodies in your blood against the baby’s blood, which is whether if there are any immunological reactions of your blood in relation to the baby’s blood. Such reactions can cause problems with the subsequent pregnancies, and your future children could be born with jaundice. Approach your doctor for consultation. Continue taking calcium, it is necessary for growth of the baby’s bones. Discuss your birth plan with your doctor

Maintain your straight posture so not to put pressure on the spinal cord.

The veins on the chest show distinctly.

The top edge of the uterus is in the middle of umbilical cord and breastbone.

The first milk might be released from your breasts, but if you don’t have it yet, do not worry it is the sign that you will have less milk and can’t breastfeed the baby.

Fat tissues accumulate on the stomach, on the hips and on the testicles.

our baby.

If the baby is born this week, he legally would be considered as a human being who is subject for registration. The brain’s cerebral cortex has developed the brain mass continues to increase. Hair on the head grows longer.

Accumulation of fat continues and now your child is big enough to prepare for coming to the world. He could be resting inside the uterus with either head forward or with legs forward. But he has sufficient space in the uterus to properly turn himself with head forward, during the remaining two months. Do not worry if he has not done so yet.

You have entered to the finish line; three months left until birth. It might seem to you that you have become clumsy and absent-minded. During these months the baby continues to collect the baby fat. He is active and you can clearly feel his movements. If the birth takes place now, your child can survive.

Baby grows

The baby now uses the whole set of senses: sight, hearing, taste and touch. At this age he starts to recognize the mother’s voice. The baby performs the first elementary respiratory movements. His skin thickens and becomes more similar to the skin of a newborn. If the birth takes place during this period, it would be considered as a premature birth and the doctors could be able to help your child survive.

The skin is still red and wrinkled but the fat is accumulating under it.

The decisive stage for development of the brain’s cerebral cortex has come. A seven month old baby feels the pain and reacts the same way as a mature baby would do.

There are more taste buds on his tongue now than when they are at birth; he can distinguish various tastes and flavors.

The lungs are not completely formed. The surfactant, a substance that prevents the alveolus into falling off of into the respiratory system hasn’t been formed yet.

Your husband can feel the baby’s movements and even see the outlines and contours of his body when child rolls over.

Hearing is well-developed.

The face and the body are covered with first born protective oiling.

The eyes can open.

The eyelashes are growing thicker and longer.

If you got a boy, his testicles will probably drop down to the scrotum this week.

Baby length and weight

Length from crown to sacrum – approximately 13.78 inches.

Weight - approximately 2.2 lbs.

Weight gain

in the last three months

during this time you probably will gain about 8.82 lbs, that’s 30-40% of the total weight increase. The optimal weight gain by the 28th week: 19.84 lbs.

Week 28 Survey

About the mommy!
Name: Callie
Age: 27
First child? yep!
About the daddy!
Name: Ryan
Age: 26
First child? yep!
Finding out!!
What day did you find out? September 1st, 2010
How did you feel when you found out? At first I was scared to death, I cried, and then I was overjoyed!
Who was with you? My 4 year old niece and my older brother.
Who was the first person you told? My older brother because he was there at the house when I took the test.
How did they react? He smiled really big and said, "My baby sister is going to have a baby!"
How did the daddy react? He said, "That's awesome babe!" He was very happy from the very beginning.
Telling the grandparents!
How did your parents react? My mom was thrilled which I knew she would be. I was worried my dad would be upset since we weren't married yet, but he just kept saying, "Wow! Wow! That's great!"
How did his parents react? They were excited for us, but very surprised!
Are they helping with baby names? No we picked them out on our own and they liked what we chose.
Have they bought anything for the baby yet? Yes, baby clothes so far.
How often do they call to check on you? My dad calls me daily, mom weekly, his parents call weekly.
About the pregnancy!
When was your first appointment? September 23, 2010.
When is your due date? May 10th, 2011
How far along are you? 28 weeks, 2 days
Pre-pregnancy weight? 131
Weight now? 140
Have you had an ultrasound? Yes, I've had four. One dating ultrasound, two for complications, and the anatomy scan. We'll be going in for the 3D/4D next month.
Have you heard the heartbeat? Many times! We purchased a fetal heart doppler so we can listen to the baby at home. We also hear it each time we have a doctor's appointment.
What was the heartbeat? It varies each time, but usually in the 130-140bpm range.
Sex of the baby!
What do you want? I wanted a boy first.
What does the daddy want? Ryan wanted a boy first also.
What do you think you are having? I was convinced the entire time we were having a boy.
Have you had your big ultrasound yet? Yes, we had it December 21st, 2010.
If so, what are you having? It's a BOY!!
Are you happy with what you are having? Very much so! We are thrilled to be having a baby boy, but a little girl would have been just as wonderful too!
About the birth!
Do you know what you are taking with you? Clothes for Ryan and I, the baby's take home outfit, my pillow and blanket, hygiene items, cameras, and phones/chargers.
Who is going to be with you? Ryan, my mom, and my sister will be in the delivery room with me. The rest of our family and friends will be in the waiting room.
Are you going to videotape it? Possibly, but just from right after he is born, no bloody shots!
Natural or medicated? More than likely I'll be using medication due to my spinal condition.
Do u think you will need a c-section? I seriously hope not, I don't want anything to do with that!
Will you cry when you hold your baby for the first time? I can almost guarantee that I will. I was emotional before I got pregnant and I cry just thinking about seeing him for the first time.
Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold him/her? I can't say for sure, but I imagine I'll tell him how much I love him and welcome to the world.
Are you scared about the labor? Not really, it is inevitable so why worry right now?
Names!!
Do you have a name picked out? Yes
Girl names... It might have been Adrianna
Boy names... Eric
Is your baby going to be named after someone? His middle name will be after my husband.
Other random questions!!
Where was your baby conceived? That's for my husband and I to know and no one else! Thank you very much!
Have you felt the baby move? Yes, I felt him for the first time at 15.5 weeks.
Do you have stretch marks? Little tiny ones, but the are flesh colored.
What was your first symptom? Running to the bathroom all the time and nausea
What religion will the baby know? And from what side? Baptist from my side of the family, but he is free to learn about whatever he chooses.
What music or interests do you want the baby to know? Anything he enjoys. He will be introduced to a wide variety of musical styles between my husband, myself, and our families.
Will your baby have Godparents? Yes, my best friend and my husband's friend.
Who will the God mommy be? Steph
Who will the God daddy be? Justin
What is the baby's room theme? Geometric circles in blues, greens, and browns
What was the first thing you bought for the baby? I bought him a tiny little star onsie. I love stars and I was so excited just to buy something!
Are you ready to be a mommy? I think so! I still have some things I need to get done before he gets here, but I know once he's here we'll be ready! About the mommy! Name: Callie Age: 27 First child? yep! About the daddy! Name: Ryan Age: 26 First child? yep! Finding out!! What day did you find out? September 1st, 2010 How did you feel when you found out? At first I was scared to death, I cried, and then I was overjoyed! Who was with you? My 4 year old niece and my older brother. Who was the first person you told? My older brother because he was there at the house when I took the test. How did they react? He smiled really big and said, "My baby sister is going to have a baby!" How did the daddy react? He said, "That's awesome babe!" He was very happy from the very beginning. Telling the grandparents! How did your parents react? My mom was thrilled which I knew she would be. I was worried my dad would be upset since we weren't married yet, but he just kept saying, "Wow! Wow! That's great!" How did his parents react? They were excited for us, but very surprised! Are they helping with baby names? No we picked them out on our own and they liked what we chose. Have they bought anything for the baby yet? Yes, baby clothes so far. How often do they call to check on you? My dad calls me daily, mom weekly, his parents call weekly. About the pregnancy! When was your first appointment? September 23, 2010. When is your due date? May 10th, 2011 How far along are you? 28 weeks, 2 days Pre-pregnancy weight? 131 Weight now? 140 Have you had an ultrasound? Yes, I've had four. One dating ultrasound, two for complications, and the anatomy scan. We'll be going in for the 3D/4D next month. Have you heard the heartbeat? Many times! We purchased a fetal heart doppler so we can listen to the baby at home. We also hear it each time we have a doctor's appointment. What was the heartbeat? It varies each time, but usually in the 130-140bpm range. Sex of the baby! What do you want? I wanted a boy first. What does the daddy want? Ryan wanted a boy first also. What do you think you are having? I was convinced the entire time we were having a boy. Have you had your big ultrasound yet? Yes, we had it December 21st, 2010. If so, what are you having? It's a BOY!! Are you happy with what you are having? Very much so! We are thrilled to be having a baby boy, but a little girl would have been just as wonderful too! About the birth! Do you know what you are taking with you? Clothes for Ryan and I, the baby's take home outfit, my pillow and blanket, hygiene items, cameras, and phones/chargers. Who is going to be with you? Ryan, my mom, and my sister will be in the delivery room with me. The rest of our family and friends will be in the waiting room. Are you going to videotape it? Possibly, but just from right after he is born, no bloody shots! Natural or medicated? More than likely I'll be using medication due to my spinal condition. Do u think you will need a c-section? I seriously hope not, I don't want anything to do with that! Will you cry when you hold your baby for the first time? I can almost guarantee that I will. I was emotional before I got pregnant and I cry just thinking about seeing him for the first time. Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold him/her? I can't say for sure, but I imagine I'll tell him how much I love him and welcome to the world. Are you scared about the labor? Not really, it is inevitable so why worry right now? Names!! Do you have a name picked out? Yes Girl names... It might have been Adrianna Boy names... Eric Is your baby going to be named after someone? His middle name will be after my husband. Other random questions!! Where was your baby conceived? That's for my husband and I to know and no one else! Thank you very much! Have you felt the baby move? Yes, I felt him for the first time at 15.5 weeks. Do you have stretch marks? Little tiny ones, but the are flesh colored. What was your first symptom? Running to the bathroom all the time and nausea What religion will the baby know? And from what side? Baptist from my side of the family, but he is free to learn about whatever he chooses. What music or interests do you want the baby to know? Anything he enjoys. He will be introduced to a wide variety of musical styles between my husband, myself, and our families. Will your baby have Godparents? Yes, my best friend and my husband's friend. Who will the God mommy be? Steph Who will the God daddy be? Justin What is the baby's room theme? Geometric circles in blues, greens, and browns What was the first thing you bought for the baby? I bought him a tiny little star onsie. I love stars and I was so excited just to buy something! Are you ready to be a mommy? I think so! I still have some things I need to get done before he gets here, but I know once he's here we'll be ready!

Week 25 Survey

*When is your due date?
May 10th, 2011

*What week are you in?
Week 25

*What was your weight pre-pregnancy?
131

*What is your current weight?
141

*Have you had an ultrasound?
I've had 4

*Do you know the gender of your baby? If so, what?
Yes! He's all baby boy!

*Do you have a name picked out? What?
Yes, his name is Eric Ryan

*Is the child being named after someone?
His middle name is after my husband

*Who is going to be with you during delivery?
Ryan, my sister, and my mom will be in the delivery room with me.

*Natural or medicated childbirth?
Medicated. Of course I would prefer unmedicated, but with my spinal condition, I don't believe that is going to be possible. I will probably require some sort of medication to keep me in control of my own body. I would also like to note, just because I plan to be medicated, that doesn't make it an "unnatural" birth. He's still coming out the way babies always have, it is natural! I don't believe there is any such thing as unnatural when it comes to bringing a life into this world, even a cesarean section.

*How are you feeling right about now?
I'm decent today. I've been up and down emotionally all day, but that usually doesn't last very long. I'm sure I'll be good as gold tomorrow. Physically, my back/hip still hurts. I go see the doctor tomorrow and I start physical therapy next week, so I am hopeful for that! When I think about my little one though, I am so happy and in love!

*What was the first thing you bought for baby?
I bought him a star onsie, well actually I bought it for Ryan to help him get used to the idea that we had a baby on the way! We had no idea what we were having at the time, but I love stars, so I got a simple white onsie with little blue stars.

*Do you feel you are ready to have a baby?
I think so. We certainly weren't expecting this, but now that we've had time to prepare we are really excited. We've been buying things and looking for a larger house to move to. Everything is set up for the baby shower and we only need to get a car seat to have all the necessities. I am nervous about becoming a mother, but I know once he's here I won't want it any other way.

*Are you excited or scared about delivery?
Before I was pregnant the thought of giving birth terrified me! Now, it really doesn't phase me that much. I know it is going to be painful and uncomfortable, but it is just a means to an end. When all of that is over, we'll be holding our baby boy in our arms. Mind over matter and they have good drugs! Ha!

*Any food cravings?
Right now I'm all about orange juice! It is the first thing I want when I wake up in the morning.

*Anything you loved before that you absolutely cannot eat anymore?
Not really, well spicy food, but that's just because it gives me heartburn.

* Anything else you'd like to share or vent about?
Baby Eric now plays a game with us! If we push on my belly, he will kick our hands! I'm so glad Ryan is able to feel him now, it makes him so excited and happy!

Week 25 Baby Information

Future mom

Your uterus now has increased to the size of a football, it already pushes against the diaphragm, the hypochondriac region and disturbs the stomach. All these factors together with the influence of progesterone that slows down the work of the stomach lead to the rise of digestive juice from time to time through the esophagus causing heartburn, especially after a large meal.

You still feel good during this period. Now you will be seeing your doctor more often than before.


Your baby


You can hear the baby’s heartbeats for several weeks now. Doctors can hear it well with the help of a stethoscope or a special tube. But it is possible to hear the heartbeats without any special devices; for example if your husband puts his ear to your stomach in a quiet room.

The baby’s sex is finally established. The boy’s testicles start to descend to the scrotum when the girl’s vagina takes shape.

His fingers now have the dexterity to be pressed in fists. His preference one of the hands now makes the distinction between a future right-handed and a left-handed person. The very same unique pattern that is well-known as fingerprints in dactyloscopy is taking shape. By now the baby has established a special mode for sleeping and wakefulness. He lets you know when he is awake by kicking and pushing, especially during those hours when you really want to rest or sleep.

The child becomes more and more dexterous and can already grab his own leg. He has probably already decided for himself whether he will be a right-handed person or a left-handed one. The growth of the bones continues.

Fetus length and weight

Length from crown to sacrum - approximately 12 inches.
Weight - approximately 25 ounces.

Week 24 Baby Update

How your baby's growing:

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. 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. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Well, here we are at 24w,3d! We found out the week before Christmas that we are expecting a little boy May 10th! We are so thrilled to be having a little boy and we have picked out his name already. We just haven't shared it with many yet. He is a very active little guy and he is constantly moving. I'm smitten with him already! We've started getting gifts and baby gear for him already. We even got a free crib, stroller, and bassinet. People have been so generous. My shower is at the end of March and my best friend is throwing that for me. I can't wait to see everyone again. It's really hard to believe that in about 15 more weeks, this little one will be in my arms instead of my stomach. I can't wait to see his sweet little face though.

We're actively looking for a new house to rent. This one just isn't big enough for the three of us and two dogs. We have found a few places that we're going to call about next week, so hopefully that works out for us.

I'm also really anxious to find out what my sister is having. I probably forgot to mention that she is expecting and is due 3 weeks after me! I am so happy for them, since they were trying for so long, and had almost given up. The last ultrasound they had looked like it was a boy, but they couldn't be certain with the position of the umbilical cord. They go back in two weeks to look again. How crazy would it be that after the last 6 babies born in our family, the next 3 will be boys! It's so awesome to think how fun the holidays are going to be next year with all the little babies around. Well, I have to run for now. I'm going to do my best to update this every week from here on out. Until then, adios!

Week 24 survey!

1)Due date and how far along are you? I'm due May 10th and I am 24w3d!

2)How/When did you first find out? We found out September 1, 2010. I had no clue I was pregnant, a pharmacy tech said my insurance company said I was pregnant, so out of curiosity I took a test. It was positive!

3)What was your first reaction? I cried and I was shocked. I wasn't expecting that at all! After a few minutes I was extremely excited!

3)Are you having a boy, girl, or keeping it a surprise? a baby boy!

4)Name/s you have picked out? Yes, but we aren't sharing just yet

5)Favorite part of this pregnancy? Seeing him on the ultrasound, hearing his heartbeat, feeling his kicks/hits

6)Least favorite part of this pregnancy? Horrible back pain, severe nausea in the beginning, and acne... I feel 15 again!

7)Biggest worry or fear about labor? Surprisingly I'm not worried about labor. Before I was pregnant the idea terrified me. Now, I know it is just a means to an end and as soon as it's over my baby boy will be in my arms. Also, I'm opting for pain meds due to my spinal condition.

8)Delivery method: VBAC, C-section, water birth, vaginal w/o pain meds, vaginal with pain meds, etc.? Vaginal with pain meds

9)Are you OK with what you have gained so far?(weight is a touchy subject so feel free to skip this if you want!). I've gained 10 pounds in 6 months. I couldn't gain weight for anything until a couple weeks ago, so I'm very pleased with my progress.

10)How was your morning sickness/How long did it last? It lasted until about 17 weeks. It was awful and I was put on a prescription so I could keep something in my stomach. I am SO glad that part is over!