Pregnancy Progress: Week 37

Today, I am 37 weeks pregnant!! Only 21 days (about) to go!! I am officially considered full term…WOOHOO…and could safely have Cashina at any time. Although, she still has some growing to do so I think waiting a couple of more weeks would be best so she can continue to pack on some fat. I will help her out some by making sure I don’t skimp to much on DQ :-p

We had a productive week. The crib was delivered, Cash’s closet was organized, we had the carseat bases inspected at the APD, and we successfully completed an infant CPR class (which I would highly recommend). I am psyched for the 3-day weekend so we can make some more progress…and maybe see SATC 2.

I look as if I am going to give birth to a basketball or a round watermelon. I just couldn’t resist the beautiful watermelon display at Whole Foods a couple of weeks ago knowing that I would have my very own under my shirt soon. I am sure other shoppers were looking at me like I had 2 heads as I snapped the photo but I’m pregnant so I have an excuse.

This week, Cashina will be busy practicing for life on the outside; working on her breathing, sucking, sleeping, gazing and peeing abilities. Oh my!!

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

-Elizabeth Stone

Outback Accessory

The Outback (and Beamer of course) has a new accessory all installed and ready to go. I must admit that it is strange to look in the back seat and see an actual car seat where our actual baby will travel. She is going to be here in no time and even though the nursery isn't ready, at least we know we can take her home from the hospital safely.

Growth Ultrasound

Today we got to visit with Cashina and have a growth ultrasound to make sure that all is well with her growth and vital organs. Everything looked great according to the u/s tech but we are still awaiting a full report from the radiologist. She was moving around lots and was also partaking in some practice breathing...getting ready to breathe on her own for when she makes her official debut into the world.

Based on her measurements, the u/s tech believes she currently weighs approximately 5lbs 14oz putting her in the 30th percentile. If she were in the 5th to 10th percentile they would be concerned about her growth. She still has some time to put on about 2+ pounds so those who have entered the pool with a weight over 8lbs still have a chance!! And from what I saw, she is DEFINITELY a girl!! No "hot dog" could be seen unless she had tucked it away drag queen style.

Here are a couple of u/s pictures or our wee one. The first is a view of her face...she has certainly chunked out since 19 weeks that's for sure. I even see what could be chubby cheeks. The second is a profile view with what appears to be Angelina Jolie lips. Not sure where she would have gotten those from so we definitely need to meet her before we can may any determinations of who she actually looks like.

Overall, it was a great ultrasound and we were happy to see our little girl again. We can't wait to see her outside of the womb!!

Weekly Appointments

I have reached that time when weekly pre-natal appointments are required. At my appointment today I was happy to hear that Cashina remains in the head down position (good girl!!). I can only hope she stays that way and gets into the correct laboring/delivery position so that I can avoid back labor...since from what I've heard it is incredibly hellish.

Over the past 6 weeks her heart rate has been cruising in the high 140s but today it was only in the 120s/130s. I was concerned at first but my midwife and mom both said that we probably caught her during one of her sleep periods. She'd had the hiccups prior to my appointment so maybe they tired her out :-)

Another gain of 1 1/4lbs since my last appointment putting me up 24 1/2lbs total which isn't too bad. Tomorrow Chris and I get to have a visit with Cashina since I continue to measure behind. My midwife thinks that Cash is growing just fine and that most likely measuring behind is related to genetics or my longer torso. BUT, just be to be sure that Bambina Ciano is growing an ultrasound is required. I am certainly not complaining since we didn't think we would get to "see" her again until we actually saw her in person. It will be fun to see how much she has grown since week 19. Keeping my fingers crossed that all looks good...and she's still a girl!!

Fact

We all know how dramatic it can be when a pregnant woman’s water breaks in movies or on TV, the huge gush that just spontaneously releases and soaks everything in its way. My fave moment has to be when Miranda’s water broke in SATC and ruined Carrie’s beautiful Manolos (have I mentioned that I am psyched the SATC 2 is opening BEFORE my due date!!). Well, in all actuality, rupturing of membranes (the fancy term for water breaking) before the onset of labor, only occurs in 10 to 12% of pregnant women. That gives me a pretty good chance of my water NOT breaking at work, in the car, while sleeping or vegging on the couch. For all we know, I will go into labor and once I get to the hospital my midwife will break my water.

36 Week Belly Shot

Here is my 36 week belly. From the looks of it I may have dropped slightly but don't know if it is just the shirt or not. Here is the week by week comparison.

Violet Cuteness of the Week

Violet enjoying a sunny Spring Saturday in the yard.

Pregnancy Progress: Week 36

Today, I am 36 weeks pregnant!! Only 28 days (about) to go…WOW….less than 30 days!! I have officially entered my 9th month and I’m still feeling pretty darn good but have definitely noticed that my ankles are more swollen and I have even experienced some wrist swelling as is evidenced by my watch not being as lose it used to be. I officially can only wear my wedding band now and even that takes some effort to put on some mornings. I continue to be plagued by heartburn but if that is my worst symptom of the moment, I will take it. At least it isn’t every night or during the day.



Most people keep on assuming that I just want to be done with this pregnancy, that I am uncomfortable, exhausted, sick of pregnancy symptoms, etc. But in reality, I am not ready to be “done” just yet. Yes, of course we want to meet our little one BUT until the nursery makes a little more progress and the baby equipment still in boxes in the basement gets put together (yup, we actually need a functional car seat, stroller, and pack and play for the living room), I would like her to continue to bake. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I have kind of grown attached to my EDD.

As far a Cashina is concerned, this week she weighs approximately 6lbs (I am guessing a little less though) and is about 18 1/2” in total length (+ or -). In addition to her brain continuing to develop, her biggest job over the remaining weeks will be to store fat.

On tap for this week, an infant CPR course and installing the car seat. It will be totally strange to drive around with it I think. I consider it one more step into making this entire experience feel more real and that we are actually going to have a baby!!

Keep a look out for my 36 week belly shot. I wonder how it will compare to 32 weeks?

Ha!!

What in the heck? This can't be safe!!

Expected Date of Delivery

We are all well aware that my expected date of delivery (EDD) is June 19, 2010 but the likelihood of actually delivering on this day is rather slim so sometimes I just like to say that I am due in June. The last day that I would most likely be allowed to give birth would be 2 weeks after my EDD or July 3, 2010….but I would like to avoid making it to 42 weeks pregnant!!



About 2/3 of babies are born within 10 days of their EDD with approximately 80% of babies born sometimes between week 38 and 42. Here is a graph that illustrates the range of dates at which babies are born.

So June 19th is a goal but it is by no means when we will actually meet our little girl. Although, I have kind of grown fond of the date and really wouldn’t mind if it was her actual birth date.

The Final Countdown

Today is May 19th and my "due" date is June 19th!! ONE MONTH TO GO!! I can hardly believe it. I think back to the evening of October 9th, 2009 when I was talking to my dear friend Kate on the phone and being certain that I was definitely NOT pregnant and then waking up on October 10th with a high temperature (thank you charting!!) and the innate desire to pee on a stick....and a few others that day JUST to be sure. The first couple of months were such a roller coaster and I never thought the little ball of cells that Chris and I created would make it this far with only ONE MONTH TO GO!! It has been amazing and I have just loved being pregnant...and still love it even though everyone keeps saying that I will eventually be uncomfortable...but I'm not today so I will just take each day as it comes.

We are by no means "ready" for Bambina Ciano to arrive but we are getting closer. I truly believe that 40 weeks/9 months gestation is most likely nature's way of making sure that we are really ready for the life changing and momentous birth that will take place in, at the most, 6 weeks time. And if we aren't "ready" by that point then we won't have any other choice but to make ourselves ready!! Let the final countdown BEGIN!!

Pregnancy Progress: Week 35

Today, I am 35 weeks pregnant!! Only 35 days (about) to go…YOWSA!! We really need to focus on finishing up the nursery (I wish the dang crib would get delivered!!), getting clothes washed and put away, purchasing any remaining necessities we don’t have yet, packing bags for the hospital, all the while keeping up with my parenting philosophies reading (when I really just want to watch the Lost episodes we have DVR'd or go to be early). So much to do and time is dwindling. Hard to believe that our little Baby C will be making her highly anticipated debut soon and we will officially get to meet her, and name her, and cuddle with her, and love her……

This week, Cashina weighs approximately 5lbs and is about 18” in total length…or more. Her kidneys are fully developed and her liver is now able to process some waste products. Most of her development is now complete and she’ll spend the remaining weeks putting on weight and laying down fat, which will help her stay warm once she’s out of the womb. As she continues to grow, my uterus will be stretched and stretched, letting in more light. She’ll notice this and may even develop a new daily activity routine.

At my pre-natal appointment yesterday, Cashina’s heartbeat was beating strong in the mid to high 140s and she was still head down with her butt above my belly button (THAT'S what I've been feeling!!). I only gained a whopping 2 3/4lbs since my last appointment 2 weeks ago which puts me up 23 1/4lbs. I have to admit, I've definitely been eating a heck of a lot more...man have I been hungry!! I wouldn't be surprised if the left over shower cake had something to do with it too.

Other then getting organized, this week we are also taking a newborn essentials class which should be fun. I am hoping that we come out of it with an increased comfort level when it comes to basic infant care. The more confidence we have at the onset, the more comfortable I think we will be taking care of our little girl during the first days and weeks.

Oh and did I mention only 35 days until my estimated due date? That is just crazy talk right there!!

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.”

-Anonymous

The Unexpected

Over the past few weeks I’ve been trying to envision when I will go into labor, will I be at work or with Chris or with friends or home alone with Violet, will my water break, how will it feel and will we be ready, will I be early or late, will I be able to work up until my due date, will I have to be induced, how will Bambina Ciano’s birth story read and the list goes on.

I don’t think there are many situations in life that are completely unexpected. For the most part, most “big” life events are planned (with the exception of illness or death, but I am referring more to positive events here). Now, we all know that I was born with the "planner-gene" so not actually KNOWING when the first stage of labor is set to begin is one of those unexpected situations that I just won’t be able to avoid. I just need to relax and let nature takes it course. This isn’t going to be easy for a control-freak like me but I really feel that my entire pregnancy journey has been such a learning experience and a test of patience that having to wait for labor to begin is the icing on the cake. Which means meeting Cashina will be the equivalent of getting a nice big slice with a yummy sweet rose on top!!! Can't wait!!!

Greetings from the White House

I totally want to do this once Bambina Ciano is born!!

A greeting from the 1st African American president of our country will be a nice piece of history for Cashina to look back on in years to come.

Maternity Photo Preview

When I found out I was pregnant I just knew I wanted to have a maternity photo session to capture the beauty of the belly. Chris was ambivalent since he doesn’t love having his picture taken (neither do I for that matter) but I promised the shoot would focus more on my belly then anything else. So, we booked a session with Heidi Hope Photography after I laid eyes on her beautiful and stunning newborn and maternity images.

We had our session on Saturday and decided it would be nice to have her come to our house. I was awoken at 5:30am by thunderstorms and downpours and at that moment threw my visions of straight hair and outdoor photos out the window. When Heidi arrived we explained our fear of camera issues but she was so great that after a few shots, we felt a lot more comfortable. She took a variety of shots in different rooms of the house and also set-up a backdrop for more studio-like photos. I’m just thankful that our house gets lots of light which definitely helped the shoot to be more successful considering the ominous skies.

She posted a preview of some of her favorite images to her blog. The complete gallery will be available in a couple of weeks.

Now I can’t wait for her to capture Bambina Ciano in her first weeks!!

1st Anniversary

Violet enjoying her first nap at her new home

A year ago today we picked up our first child, Violet, at the breeder. We NEVER expected that she would be a nutjob and such a difficult first puppy for us but we know we couldn't live without her. She makes us laugh everyday and brings a smile to our faces each time we look at her cute face. Peanut, Peaknuckle, VeeVee, Vi, Violet...we love you and hope you love your home too!!

Pregnancy Progress: Week 34

Today, I am 34 weeks pregnant!! Only 42 days (about) to go!! Today we have our maternity photo shoot in the morning and my mom is coming to spend the afternoon with us. I so wish it was going to be another beautiful Spring day but no such luck…oh well, every weekend can’t be gorgeous.

This week, Cashina weighs approximately 4.7lbs and is about 17.7” in total length. Her digestive and intestinal systems are fully functioning now, although they will continue to mature until she is about 2 years old. Her lungs are nearly fully developed as well and if she were born now, she’d have a 95% chance of surviving without medical intervention. In other news, her fingernails now reach the end of her fingertips and will need to good filing once she is born. We wouldn’t want her little daggers to scratch her baby face or ours would we? The placenta reaches maturity this week and will start to age. But no worries, it will still continue to provide her with nutrients and oxygen until birth.

Painting the nursery has been a royal pain in the arse and Chris and I are kicking ourselves for not hiring someone to do it like we had originally planned. We thought the expense would have been too much but when you factor in supplies and all of Chris’s time, it would have been worth it. Next room we paint will be done by professionals. Anyway, the painting should be finished up this weekend (finally!!) and we can put some of the furniture that has been delivered in place. We are still waiting for the crib so I need to call baby furniture warehouse and hassle them since I’m getting antsy. I am excited about starting to wash some clothes and organizing this week!! Oh, and I can’t forget about shower thank you cards…definitely not as fun as organizing.

Puff Mommy (to-be)

There are a few pregnancy symptoms that I was hoping to avoid and swelling/puffiness was one of them…“was” being the operative word. But this week, I feel like the puff devil has risen up to torture me with his swell trident. Now, in comparison to other pregnant women I look like a skinny bitch, but for me, any swelling is swelling enough for me to complain about it. My eyes look puffy, I have difficulty putting on my wedding rings in the morning and taking them off at night, my nose is spreading (thanks for pointing that out sis!!), my shoes are snug, and the list goes on. I am just thankful that this time of year allows me to wear flip flops but I may have to start ruining any cute outfits I have with sneakers so I won’t scare anyone off with my swollen feet.

I already drink what seems like 3 gallons of water a day (since water is supposed to reduce swelling in pregnancy….seems like it would have the opposite effect but I am no expert) so I can’t really improve on that, but I have told myself I need to go on more walks, elevate me feet more often, and that Chris needs to give me more foot massages in the evenings. I think all of these things should help get me through the next 7 or so weeks.

Luckily, this swelling is all caused in part by lovely pregnancy hormones which encourage my body to hang on to water to fuel a variety of Cashina’s needs. So with that I will try to keep the complaining to a minimum.

May Shower

Over the weekend, Cashina and I were showered with love and gifts. Auntie K and Grandma/Mimsy/Mimi (TBD) planned a wonderful day, even down to the beautiful weather. I was so happy (as evidenced by my crying...it never fails!!) to see so many of the fabulous women in my life all in one location. I just wish we would have had more time to celebrate the pregnancy and soon-to-be arrival of Bambina Ciano. It all went by so quickly and a part of me can't believe that the next time I see some of my family and friends I will officially be a mom!! It is just incredible how fast this entire journey has flown by thus far...less than 2 months to go and only 45 days until my due date (gulp).

Some of my fave moments of the shower were:

• Seeing my sis and dad since I hadn’t seen them since I was about 15 weeks pregnant and barely showing
• Opening one of the most beautiful presents from my mom, a gorgeous quilt she made with so much love
• Skyping with one of my besties, Kate, all the way from Texas and knowing how much she wanted to be with us in person
• Revealing beautiful crocheted and knitted blankets from wonderful friends who are so talented they make me feel inadequate for buying baby gifts off of registries
• Having Bambina Ciano hear her family and my friend’s voices and hoping she remembers them when she enters the world
• Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the cake!! Yum!!

We received so many beautiful and functional gifts that I can’t thank everyone enough. I am sure with each outfit I put Cash in, each time I cover her with one of the beautiful blankets, or every time she is swinging or bouncing, I will be thinking of the person who was so generous….that is unless she is screaming and my mind is focused on quiet.

Thanks again Auntie K and Mimsy for planning such a special day…you are both the best.

XO, S.

Violet Cuteness of the Week

"Mama, why are you always taking my picture? Am I cute or somethin'?"

Pregnancy Progress: Week 33

Today, I am 33 weeks pregnant!! Only 49 days (about) to go until we meet our little one. I will keep this short today since my shower is only hours away…YAY!!

This week, Cashina weighs approximately 4.2lbs and is about 17.2” in total length…or more. She will continue to pack on the pounds from here on out and has transitioned from a squash to a honey dew melon. Only one more fruit/veggie to go. Her skin has changed from reddish color to pink and will continue to smooth out as more fat gets deposited on her body. Also, her lung development is almost completely mature. If she were born this week (which we don’t want her to be...we want to meet her, but not yet!!), odds are she would just need a little help from the NICU.

The bones in her skull are soft and are not yet fused together. This pliability allows the bones to overlap; making the trip down the tight birth canal possible (and resulting in that surprising cone head look babies will sport for the first few days post-birth). I find it amazing how babies are formed in certain ways that allows them to be “pushed” out. Who knew that this was one reason the skull was soft?

At my pre-natal appointment yesterday, Cashina’s heartbeat was beating strong in the high 140s and she was still head down facing right (phew!!). I only gained another 1lb since my last appointment 2 weeks ago which puts me up 20 ½ pounds.

On tap for this week, meeting with a potential pediatrician, organizing shower gifts and having some of the furniture delivered…YIPPEE!!