Newborn Photo Shoot

Dear Brandon,

Now that we have all your newborn photos, I thought I would include some as a way to wrap up this blog/book. The photos were taken when you were about two weeks old. Many people commented on what an expressive face you have!

I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it!

Our Midwife and Homebirth Experience

Dear Brandon,

I thought I'd write a little bit about our experience with midwives and our homebirth. I knew I wanted to have a midwife from the beginning, but it was something I had to convince your Dad of! We talked a lot about it and did some research. Midwifery care is great because its a lot more personlized than care with a doctor. In the beginning of my pregnancy we saw one of our three midwives about every five weeks, and that gradually increased to weekly appointments once I was 36 weeks along. Each appointment was 30-45 minutes long, and we were given lots of information as well as the opportunity to ask questions. It was really nice to get to know them, and feel comfortable with each. Any one of them could be on call when it came time for your birth, so it was good to be able to see each of them equally during my pregnancy. Many people have asked whether we would use midwives again, and our answer is 100% yes! We couldn't have been happier with the care we received.

As for homebirths, this was something that I had always been open to, but Daddy had never even considered it. Around the beginning of my third trimester, we began to talk about it with our midwives. Daddy was quite worried that it wouldn't be safe, and felt like we should be in the hospital. We attended an information session, and were able to hear other peoples' experiences with giving birth at home. Daddy found it especially helpful to hear from other dads. We spent a lot of time talking it over with each other and asked questions of our midwives. We were told about studies that have shown that home birth is just as safe (if not safer) than hospital births, provided the pregnancy is progressing normally. There is very strict criteria that I had to meet in order to be eligible to give birth at home.
Eventually Daddy came around to the idea, and realized that it probably would be more comfortable to be able to labour at home, be in our own environment, and do things on our own terms. I liked the idea of being in my own bed after the birth, and having the ability to eat food from home!
We went ahead and purchased a homebirth kit which contained most of the supplies we'd need (things like garbage bags for dirty laundry, waterproof sheets to put on our mattress, and absorbent pads to catch any fluid. Many people think that a homebirth would be really messy, but once the midwives were gone there was very little evidence of what had just happened!
Midwives don't have the qualifications to administer pain relief like laughing gas or epidurals, so I knew that a homebirth meant going drug free. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to handle the pain, and would end up in the hospital begging for drugs! In reality, Daddy told me that I never once asked for drugs, and only said things like "ouch" and "it hurts" right at the very end. I guess subconsciously, I knew that if I decided I needed help with the pain, I'd have to go to the hospital which wasn't what I wanted at all. But I don't recall thinking about pain medication during labour at all.
Once you were born it was so nice to be able to start bonding with you in our bed right away. You weren't going to be whisked away from us to be examined. The midwives stuck around for about two hours after you were born to make sure you and I were both OK. One midwife comes to check on us everyday at home for the week after your birth, then we will go into their clinic for checkups up until about 6 weeks. They listen to your heart and lungs, take my blood pressure and pulse, help out with breastfeeding, and answer any questions we have. They've also given me lots of tips already about breastfeeding, to make sure you are getting what you need until my milk comes in.
We actually didn't tell many people that we were planning a homebirth; not because we felt the need to justify our decision, but rather because we weren't sure how our family and friends would feel about the idea. The last thing we wanted was to hear any negative or skeptical opinions. Daddy decided not to tell anyone in his family, but I told my parents and sister, who were all very supportive. Now many people are asking me if it was planned or not, and want to know all about it! They will all soon find out that it was a wonderful experience, and we'd definitely do it again!

You're Here!

Dear Brandon Connor,

You're finally here! You were named after Daddy's oldest brother, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 2000. Connor is a name that both Daddy and I liked.

At about 12:15 am on June 14th, I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep when I felt and heard a "pop" in my abdomen. I had heard that that's a common sensation to feel when the amniotic sac (bag of waters) breaks. I didn't feel any fluid right away, until I sat up in bed to switch sides. I woke up Daddy and told him that my water just broke. He turned on the bedroom light and sure enough, the sheets were wet. Good thing we'd put the waterproof mattress cover down a few days before! We first paged Beth, the midwife on call at the time and told her. At that point I wasn't yet feeling any contractions, so she advised me to take a few Tylenol, and try to get back to bed, as it can sometimes take up to 24 hours to start having contractions. Next I called my parents to let them know, as my Mom was planning to come over and hopefully be there for the birth. She would have to wait until the morning to catch the ferry over. Daddy sent a text message to his Mom. So we went back to bed despite our excitement and realization that the day had finally come. I was shaking like a leaf! About half an hour later, I started to feel some contractions. They weren't painful at first, just uncomfortable so I was able to partly ignore them. Within a few hours they were getting uncomfortable and I had to breathe through them, while at the same time sitting up in bed and walking back and forth. Around 4am, it was obvious that I wouldn't be getting any more sleep, so we got out of bed and moved to the living room. Daddy started timing my contractions, and they were about four or five minutes apart. Over the next two hours, it started to get intense. I generally would get down onto the floor on my knees, and put my arms on the couch. I moved my pelvis around which felt better than staying still or standing up. I was breathing quite hard by this point, and Daddy would help me take drinks of water when each contraction was over. Around 6:30am, Daddy called Beth again to let her know that things were getting pretty hard for me. I managed to speak to her on the phone and answer her questions, but I had to stop talking during the contractions. She suggested getting into the bath, and let us know she was on her way. Daddy ran the bath nice and warm, and in I got. I found it relaxing to lay back a bit in between contractions, but found I had to sit up and squeeze Dad's hand to help me through. I was already starting to feel pressure and was getting the urge to push, but was trying hard not to until Beth arrived. About 45 minutes later she finally arrived and I soon got out of the bath. I moved into our bedroom and got on my hands and knees on our bed. She checked my cervix and found that I was fully dilated and could start pushing anytime. Daddy held my hands the whole time and I started pushing with each contraction. It wasn't long before I laid down on my side, with one knee bent and facing the ceiling. This helped to open up my pelvis so that you could come down as easily as possible. After 20 minutes or so, Beth told me to reach my hand down and feel your head. That was pretty cool, and it gave me more energy for pushing, knowing you were so close. After about an hour of pushing, I felt some intense burning and stinging as your head and shoulders emerged. Then your body and shoulders came out, and that was the best feeling ever! After about nine hours, the hard work was done and we finally got to meet you at 9:35am on June 14th. I was 39 weeks and 4 days along. I wanted to have music playing during my labour, and you were born to the song Let Her Cry by Hootie and the Blowfish. It seemed appropriate, since I had a few tears of joy! You laid on my chest for a while, and Dad was able to cut your umbilical cord. Eventually one midwife did your newborn checkup, which included listening to your heart and lungs, and weighing, measuring you. You were smaller than we thought you'd be; 6 pounds, 14 ounces! You were 21 inches long.

After your birth I still had to deliver the placenta. I was given a shot of oxytocin in my leg as you were being born to help my uterus contract and squeeze out the placenta. I just had to push a few times gently and it came out. The next part was a bit scary for Daddy and I, because I continued to bleed, and lost more blood than the midwives generally consider to be normal. They said I lost about 800ml, and the average for a vaginal delivery is 500ml; 1000ml for a C-section. They gave me another shot of oxytocin and began to massage my uterus on top of the abdomen. It wasn't working though, so they had to give me another drug that just dissolved under my tongue. That did the trick, and the bleeding finally stopped. Beth had to give me a few stitches since I had a bit of tearing, but she said they were very minor and would heal within a few days. Once that was done, I finally got to hold you and try to breastfeed. Daddy and I just admired you and couldn't stop staring! You were born with dark hair like me, and the typical bluish-grey eyes that most newborns have. It will be interesting to see what color they turn out to be.

My mom arrived about two hours after your birth, and was sad that she missed it. She did her best though, and she fell in love with your gorgeous face right away! So that's the story of my labour and your birth! Beth told us that it was a relatively quick labour considering this was my first pregnancy. She also said I have a very high pain tolerance, since I didn't have any painkillers during labour and it all happened quite quickly. As I said it was intense at the end, but part of me also wondered when it was going to get worse! I am going to write more about the actual homebirth experience in another post, but first I will include some of the first pictures of you!

Week 39

Dear Sweet Pea,

I am 38 weeks along today, but there isn't really much to report! In terms of your development, you're pretty much good to go now. You are putting on a bit more fat and your lungs continue to mature, but you'd be perfectly fine if you were born today. I am feeling pretty sore and tired, but am trying to stay somewhat busy with house cleaning and baking for after your birth. It will be nice to have a few things we can just pull out of the freezer.

I went for my spa day today and it was nice and relaxing. I had my fingernails and toenails painted blue since you're a boy! I also installed your carseat today, so that's ready to go too. I think I've accomplished everything I wanted to before your arrival, so anyday now would be nice :)

Here's today's picture:

Week 38 - Full Term!

Dear Sweet Pea,

I know I just posted an update a week ago, but I couldn't resist doing another one today, because I'm officially full term now! I feel happy to have finally reached this milestone. By now you're fully developed, and are just putting on baby chub now. You could be about 7 pounds and 21 inches long this week.

I've been off work for a week now and the days have just flown by! Seems like time is going by faster and faster. I've been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing around the house. Your bassinet is ready to go beside our bed, and I've been tidying up your room. We need to get the carseat installed as soon as possible. Its exciting to think that you could arrive any day now!

Your aunt Erin will be arriving from Australia on June 16th, so she would really like it if you could stay put until then, so she can be there for your birth. Part of me wants you to wait, and part of me wants you out right now! We all know you'll come when you're good and ready :) Everyone is so excited to meet you!

Week 37

Dear Sweet Pea,

This is a few days late because I was out of town for the weekend, and didn't get a chance to post before I left. My mom threw me a baby shower this past weekend, so that was really fun and we got some great gifts for you!

I'm just over 36 weeks along now, and looking forward to being considered full term by the end of this week. I finished work last Thursday, and today is my first official day of maternity leave! I've put in my application for maternity/parental leave benefits so that I can continue bringing in a bit of income while I'm off work. I'm happy to be off and looking forward to a bit of a break before you arrive. I'm going to do a lot of cleaning around the house, so the challenge will be for Daddy to help me keep it clean! I think I'll also do some cooking and baking to put in the freezer. Once you arrive, it will be nice to be able to pull food out instead of having to worry about cooking.
At this point in my pregnancy, I'm just ready to not be pregnant anymore! I feel huge and I'm still dealing with pressure and discomfort in my lower back and pelvis. I seem to be retaining a lot of fluid and notice swelling in my hands and feet. In fact, last week I ended up having my engagement and wedding rings cut off my finger in the hospital, because I couldn't get them off after having our maternity photos done! They went on easily enough (with the help of some hand lotion and a bit of force) and I figured they'd come off with an equal amount of effort...not so! Daddy and I tried every trick in the book in our attempt to remove them, but nothing was working. My finger was swelling more and more and turning purple, and we didn't want it to get worse. I felt like an idiot for insisting on putting on my rings for some pictures, and now its been quite the expense to get them fixed. I'm sure that soon, I'll be able to laugh about it, but right now I'm still a little sad about having something so sentimental cut off of myself! But enough about me, lets talk about you!

At this point you weigh about 6.5 pounds and should be at your full birth length (about 20 inches from head to toe). Your head is engaging in my pelvis, and you get the hiccups all the time as your practice your breathing. You will continue to gain about 1/2 a pound a week, and that will mostly be fat! Other than that, you're pretty much ready to enter the world anytime!

Here's the most recent photo:

Maternity Photos

Dear Sweet Pea,

Last week Daddy and I got together with our friend/photographer to have some good maternity photos taken. Here are a few favourites:

One Month Left!

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today marks one month until my due date! These days, 37 weeks along is considered full term, so that's in just 10 days. Its really so hard to believe that Dad and I will be meeting you so soon. For me, the fact that I have a little human being growing inside of me is still sort of foreign. I can feel you all the time of course, but I guess because I can't actually see you, it doesn't really seem real.

Tomorrow we'll be getting together with our friend/photographer, Stefanie, to get some maternity photos taken. Originally we were going to do it at the beginning of the month, but then had to reschedule a few times because of the weather (we plan to do it outside). Tomorrow is forecast to be sunny, so we want to take advantage of it before its too late!
This Thursday will be my last day of work! I was hoping to be able to make it until the end of the month, but I'm at the point where I'm very tired and sore after doing just one treatment, so its time for me to stop. I will apply for maternity and parental leave benefits on Monday, so that I will still have a bit of money coming in while I'm off work.
This weekend I'll be heading over to Victoria to spend the weekend with my parents. On Sunday my Mom is throwing me a baby shower, so that should be really fun.
Next weekend I'm registered for a continuing education course on infant massage. Its just one Saturday, so once that's completed, I won't have to worry about anymore continuing education courses until the end of 2012.
The following Friday (June 3rd) I'm heading to the spa with the gift card that Daddy gave me for Mother's Day. By then I'll be 38 weeks along so I can't wait for a little pampering. You are welcome to make your big arrival anytime after that! We really only have a few little things to do before you get here, including installing the car seat and setting up your bassinet in our bedroom. We love you already and can't wait to meet and cuddle you!

Prenatal Classes

Dear Sweet Pea,

This weekend, your Dad and I attended the two-day prenatal course that I signed us up for back in January. It was for 5 hours on both Saturday and Sunday, and we got a lot of great information. The instructor was a doula who has attended over 300 births, so she had a lot of insight into what labour and delivery can look like for different women, since it varies so much. There was a lot of information that I already knew at least somewhat, but it was great for Daddy, who hasn't done quite as much reading and talking to other moms as I have! We learned all about what goes on during each stage of labour, from that first contraction to the delivery of the placenta. She talked a lot about c-sections too, so even though that's the last way I want to deliver, its good to know the information so that it wouldn't be a big surprise if it came to that. We were really interested to find out that elective C-sections aren't even legal (at least in BC), but there are still many doctors and obstetricians that will schedule them. I've definitely heard of moms who decide they simply don't want to go through the experience of labour and delivery, so they opt for a C-section instead. It makes sense though that they should only be done if medically necessary, but that's definitely not the case.
We got to practice a few good positions for labour and delivery, and she gave a lot of tips to the Dads (ways for them to help as opposed to just sitting back and watching, and not knowing what to do or say). We learned about some natural options for pain relief and to speed labour along if necessary. Finally we spent about an hour or two on baby care, including diapering, swaddling, bathing, and the correct use of the car seat.
In August, our class will get the chance to meet up again for a little reunion to learn about how everyone's birth went, and of course to show off our babies!
Overall it was well worth the time and money, and we're both really glad we went.
Tomorrow we'll be attending a breastfeeding class, so that should be good as well. After that we'll be all set to meet you!

Mother's Day

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today is Mother's Day, but since you're still about a month away from your arrival, I certainly wasn't expecting any gifts or "Happy Mother's Day" wishes. I was very pleasantly surprised when your Daddy presented me with a nice card, as well as a gift card for an afternoon at the spa! Its funny because I had actually set aside some of my own money to go get my nails done before you arrive. Now I get to enjoy a facial, manicure, and pedicure once I'm finished work in two weeks. I will really enjoy it, because it might be a while before I get to something like that again. Your Daddy is the best!

Week 35

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today I'm 34 weeks along, and that means just 3 weeks until I'm considered to be full term! This week you should reach a whopping 5.5lbs and about 20inches (45cm) long! You're running out of room in there, that's for sure! Your fine lanugo hair is shedding, and may continue to until your birthday. Your nails probably reach the end of your fingertips by now; hopefully you haven't scratched yourself in there!

I am getting more tired and uncomfortable as the weeks go by. Sleeping is getting hard because I flip from one side to the other so often, and Daddy's snoring keeps me awake more than it used to. Some days I wake up at 6:00 or 6:30 without an alarm! This must be practice for all the night wakings and early mornings!
I still feel you moving quite a bit, but I notice that you seem to spend less time overall moving. Instead you seem to have a few periods each day where you move a lot, then settle down. You also get the hiccups most mornings. Daddy really enjoys feeling and watching you squirm around in there! Luckily you don't really keep me up at night; it seems that you sleep when I sleep. Think you could continue that once you're here?!


Here's the latest picture:

Week 33

Dear Sweet Pea,

I'm posting one day early since we'll be away this weekend for Easter. Tomorrow I will be 32 weeks along, and I am so ready to meet you!
This week you are probably about 4.5lbs, and 19.5inches (43cm) from head to toe! Your lungs might be sufficiently developed now, but if you were born today you'd still need to stay in an incubator to keep warm. You are big enough to be running out of room in there, and you do more rolls than kicks and punches now. You should be in your birth position by now. You are putting on lots of cute baby chub which means you'll be gaining about 1/2lb per week from now on. Will you be a big baby like Daddy was, or just average like I was?

My blood volume has increased by about 40% at this point, and my uterus has grown 500 times bigger! I'm definitely feeling aches and pains everyday, the worst being lower back, pelvic, and groin discomfort. Its getting harder and harder to sleep because I wake up so often to either pee or change position. I am also dealing with acid reflux and congestion most nights..fun! I am beginning to understand why pregnant women just want it to be over two months before their due date!

Now for the latest belly photo:

Week 31

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today I am 30 weeks along, so 3/4 of the way there and only 10 weeks to go! I still can't believe how fast its going by!
This week you'll be about 3.5 pounds and around 18 inches (40 cm) long. Your lungs are maturing quite a bit, and you can pee now! You might even be able to see, although its pretty dark in there. You can recognize several voices by now, and respond to sounds and light near my belly.

I am doing well, but am battling another cold right now :( The aches and pains of the 3rd trimester are definitely here! Its getting more and more uncomfortable to work, where I'm standing all the time, and its getting harder to sleep as well. Finding a position that is comfortable for any length of time is no easy feat! I feel tired quite often, and sometimes feel breathless since you're taking up some of my lung space!

In other news, I have now secured someone to be my replacement while I stay home with you for a little while. At this point I'm planning to take 7 months off, but we'll just see how things go. Its a huge relief to have found someone that I trust to treat my clients while I'm away. Her contract got signed this past Tuesday, so its official now, even though I had her picked out a few weeks ago.

And now for the 30 week belly picture!

Week 29

Dear Sweet Pea,

This week you weigh over 2.5 pounds and are about 37cm long from head to toe. You're starting to plump up now, and you should have eyelashes and a good head of hair. Your brain development is increasing in preparation for life in the big world!

As for me, it's starting to get uncomfortable to stand at work, especially if its a long or busy day. Luckily I am going for my own massage treatments every two weeks. You have been pretty active and I feel you moving around a lot. You were really rocking out during the Bon Jovi concert last night!

Mexico!

Dear Sweet Pea,

Daddy and I got back from our trip to Mexico a few days ago, and we had a fabulous time! The weather was sunny and warm, and we spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool, which was just what we needed! We did venture out a few times, to check out the sights and enjoy one excursion. We even bought you a little outfit to commemorate that you were there too, even though you were still in my belly! It was nice to have some quality time together, away from our busy lives at home. We came back tanned and refreshed. Here are few photos from our trip:

Week 27

Dear Sweet Pea,

I am 26 weeks along today and entering the last week of the second trimester! I just can't believe how fast the time is going. In only 3 months or so, we will be meeting you! Aside from coming down with a cold (the day before we leave for Mexico, of course!) and irritating back and hip pain, I'm still feeling pretty good. I have gained about 23 pounds so far!

As for you, you're now just over 2 pounds and are over a foot long from head to toe. Your eyes are probably opening around this time; up until now, they've been sealed shut. Will they be brown like Mommy's, or bright blue like Daddy's? You continue to pack on fat and are looking more and more like you will at birth. You're still quite active, and give me some good kicks sometimes!

Here's my most recent picture:

New Due Date

Dear Sweet Pea,

I just got home from an appointment with our midwives, and they have decided to change my due date from June 15th to June 17th. At our first ultrasound, you were measuring two days behind what I thought, and at the most recent ultrasound, there were also a few measurements that were a little behind so that's what the change is based on. You are still growing perfectly normally, but its good for everyone to be on the same page (that way, I won't start thinking that I'm 2 weeks overdue if I'm really not).
So I'll post pictures and growth updates on Fridays now :)

Shopping Trip

Dear Sweet Pea,

Last weekend Daddy and I took a short road trip down to Bellingham, Washington to buy a bunch of baby stuff for you. Things are so much cheaper in the states so we were excited to save a bundle. We lucked out at Target and we able to buy your crib and mattress, a stroller, a playpen, and baby carrier as well as some smaller things like crib sheets, change table pad, bottles, and soothers. We also saved over $100 alone on a breast pump for me. We still need to get a nice glider chair for all those late-night feedings! Overall we probably saved $300-$400 easily, so we think it was a pretty successful trip, not to mention a nice little getaway for us! Your room looks more like a baby room now as opposed to a guest/storage room that it was before. We even got a new light fixture, complete with dimmer switch! Not long now before we can use all of our purchases!

Babymoon!

Dear Sweet Pea,

Some people refer to a babymoon as that first week or so after baby's birth, when the new family take time alone to bond. More often though, its referred to as one last vacation that Mommy and Daddy take to enjoy some time together before welcoming their new arrival. Some of the moms I know have done a trip like this and said it was the best thing they could have done while still pregnant. Many went during the second trimester, when they were still feeling good. It took me a while to convince your Dad that we should go somewhere (for longer than a few nights). He was unsure about taking the time off. I just kept arguing that this would be our last chance at a child-free vacation, and since we've hardly done any big trips as a couple, we shouldn't pass up the opportunity. Our honeymoon six months ago was our first real vacation together aside from a weekend trip away here and there. I didn't want our honeymoon to be our first and last week-long trip together before you arrive! So finally Daddy decided that he wanted to go, and since we both had some money set aside that wasn't spoken for, we booked a trip to Mexico! We'll be going to Puerto Vallarta for one week, leaving on March 12th, so I'll just be starting my third trimester while we're there. We're staying at a resort that I've been to before with my family four years ago. We had a great time there so I have no hesitation about going there again. Daddy will have to drink my share of alcohol, and I will just eat a lot in order to get my money's worth! While we are excited about the idea of family vacations once you (and future sibling(s) are a little older, we're really looking forward to some quality time together, just the two of us. I will be sure to post a few pictures when we get back.

Week 25

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today I am 24 weeks along and that's a huge milestone! You've now reached the age of viability, which means that if you were born today, you would likely survive thanks to the advanced medical technology we have today. You're about 1.5 pounds now and are about 22cm long. You now look more like a full-term baby; your facial features are in their final positions. You have hair on your head and eyelashes too! Your sleeping and waking patterns are more predictable now, and you are becoming more aware of your surrounding environment. You are practicing your strong grip, and may even have a preference for your left or right hand already. Will you be a lefty like Daddy or a righty like Mommy?

As for me, I am still feeling good and enjoying the last few weeks of the second trimester. That being said, I'm definitely feeling big and noticing that I move a little slower now and am starting to experience back and hip pain again. My uterus is about the size of a soccer ball now (regular size is about that of a pear). My organs are getting more and more cramped in there, and the biggest symptom I've had of that is acid reflux! You are probably getting more cramped in there too; last night I'm sure you had a body part wedged under the bottom of my rib cage! You're still very active though, and move around a lot.

Week 23

Dear Sweet Pea,

Since I've only been taking pictures of my bump every two weeks, I figured I'll just do development updates every two weeks as well.
Today I'm 22 weeks along! I definitely feel you a lot these days, and you seem to be most active in the late afternoon and into the evening. Luckily you don't keep me awake at night (yet)! I've gained about 15 pounds so far!

You weigh about 1 pound now (450g) and are about 8 inches long (20cm). You are growing like crazy, and even people who see me regularly say I seem to be bigger everyday! Your little body is starting to plump up as fat begins to deposit under your skin. You drink amniotic fluid regularly, which is probably what causes your hiccups. That's about it for this week!

Daddy Felt You!

Dear Sweet Pea,

A few days ago we hit another exciting milestone, especially for daddy. He and I were just watching TV and you were really moving around a lot. At one point I kept feeling steady jolts over and over in one spot, and I immediately thought you had the hiccups! Daddy put his hand on my belly and sure enough, he could feel it too! We both thought it was pretty cool, because while I've been feeling you for a long time, Daddy has been wanting to experience that as well. Now we're just anticipating the day where we can actually see my belly moving when you kick and punch!

Week 21

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today I am 20 weeks along, so that means I'm halfway there! The next 10 weeks will supposedly be a time of major growth for both of us, so I'm anticipating an increased appetite during this time. I can expect to gain half of my total pregnancy weight during these weeks. At this point I've gained about 12 pounds! The top of my uterus is now in line with my belly button, which has made it flat. It will be an outie very soon!

At this point you weigh about 300g and are about 7 inches long from crown to rump (about the size of a small cantaloupe)! You're developing taste buds on your tongue, and your digestive system is developed enough to process water and sugar from the amniotic fluid. Your eyes are still sealed shut, but they should open in a month and a half or so. You still have enough room to move around a lot, and your kicks and punches are getting stronger all the time.

Here's the newest bump photo:

Detailed Ultrasound

Dear Sweet Pea,

Yesterday Daddy and I went for our detailed ultrasound. We were anticipating it big time because we knew lots of important measurements would be taken, vital organs would be examined, and we would find out if your growth is progressing normally. Great news: you look perfect! We were also really excited to find out if you are a boy or a girl. I know in my previous entry, I said that we'd only be telling immediate family, and that I wouldn't mention anything here. But, the technician was 99% sure, and the image on the screen was pretty obvious. So, we made the decision to tell everyone the news....you're a little boy! This came as somewhat of a surprise to both of us, because for the longest time, we were thinking you were a girl (especially me). Only in the last week or so, I began to really think that you were a boy. The night before the ultrasound, I had a dream that as soon as I walked into the exam room, I was told you were a boy, so I guess my gut did tell me! Anyway we are just thrilled and excited to buy you cute little boy clothes!

Here are the pictures of you we received; we especially like the one of your little feet!

Your Coming Home Outfit

Dear Sweet Pea,

It may still be months away from your big arrival, but I picked up your coming home outfit already! I found it at Superstore yesterday for $5 and I couldn't resist getting it for you. It was, however, hard to resist buying one in each size!

Hospital Tour

Dear Sweet Pea,

Yesterday evening, Daddy and I went for a tour of the labour/delivery and maternity wards of Burnaby Hospital. It was recommended that we do this at some point by our midwives, just to find out what we can expect when your birthday finally arrives! We were shown and told exactly where to check in depending on what time of day we arrive, where we should park, and what will happen when we arrive. We were shown one of the birthing suites which are actually quite large, and each one has its own bathroom with a large walk-in shower (easily big enough for two people). There are CD players in case we want to bring our own music, and I was assured that the lighting can be dimmed in the room (this is really important to me - I can't stand the thought of labouring in a room with bright florescent lights shining on me the whole time)!
Next we were taken to maternity, where I'll spend 2 days if I have a vaginal birth (fingers crossed!) or 3 days if a C-section is required. Time spent in the hospital could go up or down though, depending on how well (or not) baby and mom are doing. We were shown the differences between a ward room (3 moms), semi-private (2 moms) and private (1 mom) rooms. I am covered under Daddy's benefits for a semi-private room, but we may pay the small difference for a private room, if one is available. There would be a lot more space and privacy this way.

Its no secret that I'm not really looking forward to being in a hospital. This will be the first time I've stayed in one, and I just don't like the almost institutional feel, or the smell! At least the birthing suites have some color on the walls so its not stark white everywhere. The upside of course is that if there are any complications once I've been admitted, they can be dealt with right away. I do also like the fact that laughing gas is readily available in each birthing suite! It would just be nice to cuddle you in my own bed, get to eat my own food, and just be in a more comfortable environment. Hopefully Daddy will be more open to a home birth for your little brother or sister sometime down the road!

Week 20

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today I am 19 weeks along, and almost halfway there! By now you're probably finished that rapid growth spurt that occured in the last month or so, and resulted in me getting bigger very quickly! You're still about 6" long and weigh about 260g now. Your skin is thickening as the different layers begin to develop. You're covered in vernix, which will protect you from the amniotic fluid. You can now grip with your fists, and hair is beginning to grow on your scalp.

I am feeling well, now that I'm over the cold that I had since I posted last. There were a few days there where I really felt awful! I could really only take Tylenol which helped with the headaches and body aches, but didn't do anything for the congestion (which was on top of the regular pregnancy-stuffiness I've had)! People are definitely noticing my belly now, and aren't afraid to mention it!

On Monday we will be going for our detailed ultrasound. Luckily this time, its in the morning so I don't have to wait all day! The technician will be looking at all of your organs and taking lots of measurements to ensure you're growing and developing properly. This will also be our big chance to find out if you're a boy or a girl! Our fingers are crossed that you will be in a good position, and the tech will be willing to tell us. Daddy and I have decided that if we do find out, we will only be revealing the news to our parents and siblings(and our siblings' significant others). Gender determination at this point is really just a good guess, so we don't want to tell everyone that you're a boy or a girl, and then you turn out to be the opposite! For this reason, we won't be including your gender in this blog. You will be reading it as a book, but before that happens its all online for anyone to read.

One last bit of news is that we've decided on the prenatal/labour prep class we're going to take. Our midwives recommended the Childbearing Society to us. They are based in Vancouver and offer both evening classes (over 7 weeks) or a condensed weekend version. By signing up, I'll also get to take part in a breastfeeding class, nutrition classes, a few postpartum classes, and even a reunion class with all the other parents who are expecting around the same time as us. We'll probably do the weekend course in May so that it will be nice and fresh in our minds.

That's all for now!

Week 19

Dear Sweet Pea,

Today I'm 18 weeks along and starting the 5th month of my pregnancy! You are still growing like a weed, and Daddy comments that I am getting noticeably bigger every few days!

At this point you're up to 6" long and weigh about 200g. Your nervous system is developing rapidly; motor neurons are in place which means you can control your own movements now. Your ears are now in their proper position, and your small body is at birth proportions. Your little feet are just 1" long! By now you can hear my voice and distinguish it from other sounds and voices.

I can feel you moving all the time now, and the sensations are getting stronger (not just like tiny bubbles popping anymore). I'm sure before too long you'll be kicking me all the time!
I am in the middle of my first cold during pregnancy, generously given to me by your Daddy. There is very little I can take besides Tylenol, so I'm trying to take it easy and get lots of sleep (which is hard when your nose is all stuffed up). I am definitely feeling big, but thank goodness my favourite jeans still fit!

And now for a new bump pic...

Week 18

Dear Sweet Pea,

I am 17 weeks along today, and you are in the middle of a big growth spurt. This week you weigh about 150g and are around 5.5" long. You practice breathing by gulping down amniotic fluid, and you might even be sucking your thumb! You are becoming more sensitive and aware of the outside world. By now you can probably hear my heartbeat, and recognize my and Daddy's voices. You might be startled by loud noises, and would be able to see bright light, if only it was sunny outside these days!

By now my uterus is about the size of a cantaloupe, and you still have lots of room in there. I can easily feel the top of my uterus just below my navel. My belly seems to be getting bigger all the time, and I've now gained 5 or 6 pounds. I am still experiencing my fair share of insomnia, some fatigue, stuffy nose and lots of sneezing. And lets just say that my digestive system isn't working as efficiently as it once did, especially since my intestines are being compressed by the uterus. This makes it even harder for food to pass through all those twists and turns.

This morning we visited Beth, one of our midwives, and everything seems to be going well. They say all my symptoms are completely normal, and we got to hear your heartbeat again. It was about 150, so its gradually slowing down as expected.

Lastly, I finally got asked The Big Question yesterday: "are you pregnant?" It was a client of mine that I hadn't seen since February and yesterday was only the second time I've treated her. So its definitely becoming obvious now, but I still felt relieved (for her sake) that I am indeed expecting, and not just getting fat! I've also been told that I have the "pregnancy glow", which was nice to hear :)