Couldn't find the heartbeat!

Today I went in for my 37w check up. It was another quick visit. I saw the midwife (Parker Linn) again... who was very pleasant. She was going to check my cervix, but I declined because I'd rather have Dr. Bley check it and I will see her in another five days (that would be Monday). She said that wasn't a problem. She then checked to see how big I was measuring and then jotted that down. Next she took the doppler and tried to find the munchkin's heartbeat, but couldn't find it. I was not worried at all because she was moving around when Parker Linn was using the doppler. She tried on my right side, then moved to my left side, but I knew that she wouldn't find the heartbeat over there, as the Munchkin had a case of the hiccups earlier in the day and I knew where her chest was. So, back to the right side and a little lower this time, and POW! there it was, a strong heartrate in the 150s. She then checked for her position and felt her little feet and her bottom. So everything is looking good. I then asked what I was measuring. She said 36cm. But she said that she believes that the baby has already moved down into position... and that's why I am measuring smaller... plus with her finding the heartbeat so low in the uterus makes her think that the Munchkin has moved downwards. I am so excited... that means that she's engaged and it isn't that much longer until I get to meet this precious little gift. I just want her to wait until at least June 5! That would be one more week!

So, I've updated the belly progression. Just see the post below. Here's what's happening to me and baby this week.
Baby - On average, at this time, a baby weighs about 6.8 pounds (3100g) and measures about 14 inches (35cm) from crown to rump and 21 inches (47cm) total in length. Your baby is still growing and gaining weight. Your baby may gain as much as 1 ounce (28g) a day at this point. Your baby has been building up waste in his intestines for the past few weeks. Called meconium, this waste is greenish-black and is made up of material from blood cell break down, shedded cells from the lining of the intestine, skin cells and lanugo shed into the amniotic fluid and swallowed, as well as other sources. Meconium is the first waste your baby passes and the first diapers that you change will probably be comprised of this greenish-black, tar-like substance. There is also a chance that your baby will excrete meconium before delivery and have some covering his body.
Mom - You have probably gained around 30 lbs (13.5 kg) by now and you won't gain much more at this point. You feel tired and ready for your pregnancy to end. You may have an unusual sensation inside your vagina when the baby's head presses against the muscles of the pelvic floor. You may experience false labor contractions before the real contractions begin. These are not like Braxton Hicks contractions and may feel as strong as real labor. The difference between real and false labor is that false labor contractions do not become regular and often disappear when you move around. While you are likely to really have no doubt when real labor begins, you may want to call your doctor or caregiver if you think you might be in labor and then he or she can help you assess whether or not you need to head off to the hospital. It is not unusual to go to the hospital with false labor pains and be sent home again.

Oh yes, and do you have any guesses as to when the Munchkin will be arriving and an estimated weight? Take a guess and send me a comment. Remember, if you don't have an account, you can still participate. Just type in your guess in the comment area... then type in the encrypt code and click on the radio button that says "anonymous". However, if you use the anonymous method, please include your name... so I know who guessed what. My estimated due date is June 18. My personal opinion... I think Brad will be celebrating Father's Day this year! Good luck!

Nearly There!

So... the nursery is just about complete. Just have to change out some baskets in the changing table and put a baby in the crib. If you can't see the slideshow, just scroll down a little bit and look at the slide show of the nursery below... I think it's a few posts down.

Brad put the swing together last weekend. Here's a picture of it.


My belly is getting bigger. It makes it harder for my pants to stay up, as most of them sit below the belly.

Here's what is happening at 36+ weeks:
Baby: Your baby is now considered full term. He weighs approximately 6.5 lbs (2950g) and his total length is about 21 inches (47cm). Your baby's crown to rump measurement is about 14 inches (35cm). By now, your baby's head may have engaged into your pelvis. You may feel that your baby occasionally has hiccups from his "practice breathing". Though your baby is considered full term, he is still growing and developing both his body and his brain. He is still laying down fat at a rate of more than half an ounce every day.
Me: Your baby will probably "engage" in your pelvis this week, but this may happen slightly later, especially if this is your first pregnancy. This is when your baby's head drops down into your pelvis. Pressure on your ribs and internal organs will ease when your baby engages. This is known as "lightening" and breathing and eating usually become easier again once this happens.
Your uterus is putting increased pressure on your bladder, though, so you will probably have to go to the bathroom even more often! Your baby is still growing, so even though he has dropped, you will probably feel his feet on your breastbone again before the end of your pregnancy. You will probably not gain much more weight during your pregnancy, but you feel pretty uncomfortable by now. You're probably wishing this baby would be born already!

This past Monday was our last birthing class. Exciting to know that we have our Mondays free once again... until baby comes. We'll see all of our classmates and teacher sometime in July or August for the reunion. We have to wait until the last baby is born... which is sometime in late July. On Friday, we toured the maternity ward at the hospital. Looks like it's going to be a nice place to give birth in. There is no nursery for the baby, as the baby rooms with mom. It's actually encouraged. This afternoon, I installed the carseat base in my car. My seats dip a little too far, so I had to put a towel underneath the base so it would be more level. It's kind of cool because the carseat we got can also be put into other cars and you don't need another base. You can just strap the seat into the car. Most excellent!

Other than that, it's a waiting game now. Hoping the munchkin doesn't decide to show next week. That would be VERY bad... as my doctor is not in town.

Sleeping...

This is what I hope our little munchkin does with relative ease...


The video is courtesy of Legacy Miniature Schnauzers (http://www.legacyms.com/). This is where our little Emmy came from! Enjoy!

A Month Away!

Went in today for my 36week check up. Things are looking good. The Munchkin is still stuck in a head down position. However, she likes moving from one side to another side. The doctor wasn't sure if her back was on the left side or the right. Heartrate is in the 150s. I am measuring 36cm, so right on track. They did the Group B strep test... no internal exam! Woo hoo. She said that she can do it if I want, but she didn't feel any reason to do so at this time. Dr. Bley also said that I can't have this baby for the next two weeks because she won't be here next week to deliver. She'll be on vacation and she'll be very disappointed if I delivered early.

So things are moving along in the nursery. The glider chair is all assembled. Brad put that together this weekend. While I was at work, he assembled the swing. Below is a picture of the glider along with Emmy. (We're still trying to get her used to all the baby things) Nancy, a friend and one of Emmy's grandmas, is making curtains for the nursery. We picked up the fabric today. And I also picked up fabric today to make changing table covers for the pad. The changing pad is non-standard, so I need to custom make one. Interesting, eh? (click on the picture to see it larger!)



In addition to the glider, Emmy got a new bed! It's in the nursery right by Marvin K. Mooney. It's a nesting bed and fits the decor of the room. Unfortunately, she likes the throw rug I got better, as you can see. What do you think of the rug? Should I keep it? (click on the picture to see a larger version)

Well, I am off to do another load of baby laundry! Chat with y'all later!

Comments

Hello everyone! I just wanted to say that I have taken off the "must be a google member" in order to post a comment. Now anyone can post a comment. All you have to do is type in the security code (prevents spammers) and then click on the little button that says "Anonymous". Have fun!

Have I Dropped & In-Utero Baby Games

So, we're getting closer to the EDD! I have less than 35 days and I am so excited. Brad and I have one more Bradley Method Class to go. This past Monday, Brad got his coach's card after he passed the verbal test. This coming Monday we will go over post partum. Should be exciting. After the last baby is born in our class of four couples, we'll have a reunion and get to meet all the new babies. That won't be until late July or early August, as the fourth couple isn't due until July 28. The first one is due at the end of May, then it's us and another couple (June 18) and then the fourth one.

Things are going well here. Went in for my two week check up. I am measuring 33cm in fundal height. The doc says it's a little small (should be around 35cm), but she's not worried because she says the baby is all scrunched up inside my uterus. I've only gained about 21 pounds so far. I went down in weight from the previous weigh in by two pounds. That's because I had a huge breakfast before going to the doctor... french toast with strawberries, eggs and bacon.... mmmm! And I ate it all! Thanks Bruce! The Munchkin's heartrate was strong around 145 bpm. I'm just praying that she doesn't turn herself and go breech! Next week, I start the once a week visits... woo hoo (with a bit of sarcasm)!

On Saturday, Brad and I went down to visit his parents to celebrate SIL's birthday and Mother's Day. It was kind of nice because I got a Mother-to-be gift from Brad's parents, a nice hanging pot of flowers. On Sunday, Brad made fajitas and gave me a card and certificate for a pedicure! I'll be using that pedicure certificate in June sometime. I want to make sure that my toes look pretty for the birth! Hee hee! I'll probably be staring at my feet for awhile at the birth. Plus now, I can barely reach my toes to paint them. We also went out for ice cream. So yummy!

Now I am sick. It started off as allergies and has now reached the peak of a head cold. On Tuesday, I went home early from work becuase my nose just wouldn't turn off. Now the cold has migrated to my chest, but at least I can think clearly and my throat isn't on fire. It kind of sucks because there's nothing I can really take to get better. I just have to let nature run its course. But at least this cold isn't as bad as the one I had in December. I can feel myself recouperating really quickly! Must be the nice weather coming just around the corner (90s!)

Yesterday, I also finished working on getting the crib set up. I laundered the crib mattress pad, crib sheet and ironed the dust ruffle and the bumpers. Adding a little more color to the room helps soften the room down. The furniture doesn't look as stark. I also started washing some of Munchkin's clothes. They look so cute coming out of the washer and dryer. Below is a picture of the crib (thanks, Marcia!). Also got the carseat that matches the stroller on Monday. Everything is falling into place now. There are only a few more things that I would really like from the registry... one is the changing table cover/pad. I got one... but I need to return it because it's too small. Plus I'd like to get some pretty baskets to put in the changing table shelves to store diapers and what not.


Here's what's happening to me and Munchkin going into our 36th week:
Baby - Your baby weighs about 6 lbs (2750g) and measures about 20.7 inches (46cm) in length. Crown to rump measurement is about 13.5 inches (34cm). Your baby now feels lower in your pelvis. Your baby continues to grow, kick, and move about. Your baby's face has filled out and the cheeks now look plump and full. Fat baby cheeks are caused by fat deposits, but also by powerful sucking muscles which your baby has been honing by sucking her thumb. Your baby's skull is firm, but it is not hard as it needs to give a little when it is passing through the birth canal. Your baby's head is probably down by now, but about three percent of babies present in a breech (bottom down) position. Your doctor may try to turn your baby around if it is in a breech position by putting pressure on your abdomen. This is called external cephalic version (ECV) and is effective in about 50% of cases. If your baby is in a breech position, ask your doctor about what your options are for the birth. You may or may not require a cesarean delivery.
Me - You will probably now see your doctor or midwife once a week. Now that the baby has settled lower in your abdomen, you may find breathing to be easier again. However, because your baby is now putting even more pressure on your bladder, you will have to urinate more frequently. You may have gained up to 30 pounds or more by this point. You are probably starting to get tired of being pregnant and you are probably focused on the birth ahead of you. It may feel like you have been pregnant forever and you just want the baby out.

Brad and I have been playing some fun games with Munchkin (still no name picked out, so don't even think about asking!). I like playing with her during the day and at night. I'll poke her leg or her arm and she'll kick or push back. It's fun. It gets her going!

Here (Yo, that's you!) is the most recent belly pic. Have I started dropping? I know that my belly can sometimes rest on my lap now.

I think that is it. Sorry it's a long post. Just lots of things are happening now that we're getting close to the end. Can't wait to meet this little person! Oh yes, I think I've figured out when I am going to quit my job... but don't forget to vote on when you think I should quit!

34weeks Complete!

Starting on the 35th week now! I've updated my belly pic. See previous post below on this web page.

Here's what's happening this week -
Baby - Your baby now measures about 20.25 inches (45cm) in total length and weighs around 5.5 lbs (2550g). Crown to rump measurement is about 13.2 inches (33cm).He continues to grow and fatten up, especially in the shoulder area, and kicks regularly. The fine lanugo hair that covered your baby is shedding, though some may still be present when your baby is born. Your baby's eyes are blue, though this may change soon after birth or much later after birth. Your baby's fingernails are growing. They already reach the tips of his fingers and they may even look quite long and pointy by the time he is born. Your baby may even have some scratch marks from scratching his face with his fingernails. Your baby is probably feeling quite cramped right now and his movements are restricted by his growing size.
Mom - You have probably gained between 20-29 lbs (9-13 kg). You may have continued backache as you relax the muscles supporting the joints in the small of your back. You probably feel cramped and heavy. You will probably find it easier to eat a little bit, but often, rather than eating large meals since your stomach is compressed. Your ankles may be swollen and you may be having a hard time moving around. You may be able to avoid or reduce the swelling of your ankles by getting extra rest and changing positions frequently. You are probably experiencing emotional changes along with your physical symptoms of pregnancy. If this is your first birth, you are probably becoming increasingly concerned about labor and childbirth. There's no doubt about it, though: You can do it. Knowing what to expect though can help you to feel prepared and can help you have a better birth experience so read, talk to your friends and family, your doctor and your childbirth educator about your concerns.

Paint, Paint & more Paint... plus a shower!

Well, it's finally complete! Stage three of the "painting the nursery" saga has come to an end. Mom came and painted the Dr. Seuss designs that I had drawn on the wall. I must say that it turned out fan-friggin'-tastic! The munchkin will have so much to look at when she's a tot. No mobile needed in this room! Here are the pictures of the whole process... Sorry, I thought I had gotten a picture of mom working on painting the room. I guess I didn't, as I was at work most of the time she was painting.

Some of the pictures got cut off in the slide show... so here are the pics...





In addition, this past weekend was my baby shower. I got lots of stuff, so thank you everyone! You made the day really special. Of note... I got lots of receiving blankets, lots of clothes, a carseat, stroller, diaper genie II, diaper bag, lots of diapers and wipes, wash cloths, 3-in-1 exersaucer, 3-in-1 swing, burp clothes, munchkin's first backpack filled with McDonald's toys, crib bedding and more! Here are a few pictures of the loot piled up on the living room floor. Hopefully someone will send me pictures of the actual shower itself. Congrats to Agnieszka who won how big my belly was... Jen for guessing how many jelly beans were in the bottle, Liz who won the door prize and I think it was Amy who got the sticker on the bottom of her plate!




Now the real nesting begins... I have to launder all the clothes, at least the newborn stuff, blankets and then put them away. I need to find room to put all the diapers and wipes. In addition, I need to find material so I can make curtains for the room.

Until next time...

The Big Day Approaches...

Just a quick update to the blog for the week. The big day is approaching... no, silly! Not the arrival of the Munchkin, but the baby shower! Can't wait to see friends and family who wish to celebrate this miracle. The shower is this Saturday... all the ladies will be getting together, while the men will be gathering at our house. Should be an interesting day!

Had our 32w check up on Monday. Brad was with me as we went over our Birth Plan with our doctor. So cool! I love my doctor. We spent about 20 minutes going over it and she's perfectly fine with it. Everything checked out well. My next appointment is May 12. Maybe if I don't forget, I'll ask her how big she thinks the baby is. Who knows... I hope she says only about 4.5 pounds... because I don't want to be pushing out a huge baby! Yikes!

No belly pic this week as there is so much going on this week with work and preparing for the shower. Next week I'll have a new picture. However, here's what's happening to baby and me in the 33rd week!
Baby - Your baby weighs almost 5 lbs (2250 g) and is 12.8 inches (32cm) from crown to rump and about 19.8 inches (44cm) long. If your baby were born now, she would be considered "pre-term" rather than premature. This distinction is based on fetal maturity, particularly the maturity of the fetal lungs. A pre-term baby, unlike a premature baby, is likely to have well-developed lungs and is less likely to need intensive care. Your baby is surrounded by a red glow when sunlight shines on your belly and may be aware of this as she is able to differentiate between light and dark. Your baby's hair is getting thicker, though it may be a different color when she is older. She is currently shedding her lanugo, the fine downy hair that previously covered her body. More vernix, the waxy coating that protects your baby's skin while submerged in amniotic fluid, is building up. Your baby's adrenal glands are producing more steroid hormone, the androgen-like hormone that indirectly aids your milk production. Your baby is currently producing ten times more of this hormone than a normal adult and the adrenal glands are currently the same size as those of an adolescent. They will shrink after birth.
Your baby is laying down bone. To do this, she will draw calcium from you. Your baby has taste buds and it has been suggested that she can taste and develop tastes for flavors found in the amniotic fluid, particularly flavors that you eat on a regular basis.
Mom - Your baby is beginning to drop in your pelvis and you may have noticed that the shape of your abdomen has changed because of this. This may also cause increased pressure in your pelvic region. While Braxton Hicks contractions are probably becoming more regular, you may also experience false labor. This is different from Braxton Hicks contractions because false labor, unlike Braxton Hicks, can be very painful. These contractions are irregular and usually last under 45 seconds and are not sustained. If you are unsure if you are experiencing false labor, you should contact your care provider. If your water breaks, you should contact your doctor immediately. You may have bloody show that occurs as the cervix stretches and dilates, especially right after a vaginal exam. You may also pass a mucus plug. Neither bloody show or passing the mucus plug necessarily indicates that labor will commence right away, but it will not be far away.

Mom/Grandma is in town now and will start painting the nursery. She said that it looks like I have dropped some. I hope so! She's really excited because she got to feel her grandchild moving around and got to feel her hiccuping. Will post pictures of the nursery as it's being painted... more to come!

P.S. Monty... she's mooning you again!