I am a list-maker. Always have been- ask my Dad. Always will be- ask my husband. They both think it is ridiculous and funny!
When it came to packing for the hospital, I compiled lists of what to bring for myself, Perry and the baby. Now that all is said and done, here's what I think was truly necessary, what was nice to have, and what was a waste of space.
For me
Copies of birth plan {nice to have: I took 4 but only used 2- gave one to my nurse on admission and kept one handy in my room- but honestly never needed/wanted to refer to it}
Copy of insurance card and drivers license {useless: in the excitement of labor, we didn't get these out of my bag when we checked in, the hospital made their own copies}
Chapstick {must have}
Hairties, hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner {must have}
Body wash, loofa, lotion, lanolin cream {must have, except for the lanolin, I didn't get sore until a few days after coming home}
Sanitary pads {useless, the hospital provides the heavy-duty type necessary for the first ~week after delivery}
Bra pads {nice to have: I used them but probably didn't need them as my milk hadn't come in full force to start leaking just yet}
Nursing bra(s) {must have}
Granny panties {nice to have: I wore the hospital's disposable mesh panties until coming home}
Going home outfit {must have}
Cell phone charger {must have}
Socks, 2-3 {must have}
Wrap-around sweater and/or zip up hoodie {must have}
Long-sleeved t-shirt {nice to have}
Pajama pants, 2 {must have}
Crocs {must have: for the shower!}
Journal {must have}
Lysol wipes {nice to have: my intention was to have Perry wipe down the whole room when we were admitted... that didn't happen}
Prunes {must have}
Nurses' goodie bags {nice to have: didn't get these made in time! But I would have liked to have something to give my nurses as a Thank You. I did write out cards- with a picture of the 3 of us from the hospital since the likelihood they would remember us by our names was slim- and delivered them when we visited a friend of mine who had her son at the beginning of April!!}
Books, magazines {useless}
For Perry
(Other than clothing/shoes/toiletries)
Back massager, tennis ball {useless: they might have been useful had we thought to try them! Maybe next time!}
Roll of quarters, $1 bills {must have}
Towel for the car {nice to have: just in case. My water didn't break on its own}
Dirty clothes bag {must have}
Book, magazines {useless}
Deck of cards {useless: it's not like we're waiting in the doctor's office!}
For Gabriel
Coming home outfit with hat, socks {must have}
Car seat and base, installed {must have}
Boppy {must have: it made figuring out nursing a lot easier, plus I could use it when the lactation consultant was teaching me different positions so at home I could do it the same way}
Baby book {must have: to get this footprints in!}
Mittens
Nail files
Diaper bag {must have: to bring everything home in, but diapers & wipes are provided by the hospital! We swiped almost everything that was stocked in the bassinet's drawers- burp cloths, blankets, diapers... shhh!}
"Grab last-minute":
Pillows and "cute" pillowcases {nice to have}
Camera
Video camera
Laptop and power cord
Cell phones
Jeans
Face moisturizer
Make-up {nice to have: but I don't think I used it}
Snacks {nice to have}
Showing posts with label Baby Dub. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby Dub. Show all posts
3.02.2012
1.22.2012
And The BabyHunch Pool Winner Is...
Jennifer & Marc Cornell. Way to go!!! We will have a prize for you the next time we see you!
Thank you to everyone who participated! We had fun seeing who guessed what. Here are the results for those interested in seeing where they stood. Daddy (Perry) came in 5th place! Mommy placed way down the list.
Thank you to everyone who participated! We had fun seeing who guessed what. Here are the results for those interested in seeing where they stood. Daddy (Perry) came in 5th place! Mommy placed way down the list.
What Would Have Been 40 Weeks
On January 19, my due date, Perry & I did a celebratory Releasing of The Balloons. You might be wondering why we chose to do such an odd thing... of course, there is a story behind it!
At my first baby shower, which was on October 30, 2011, my Mom put a helium balloon at the mailbox. After the shower, I took it home with me and it has been tied to Gabriel's highchair in the corner of our dining room ever since. Perry & I were surprised that even after a few weeks, it had not yet started to look deflated. Thanksgiving passed (almost 4 weeks after my shower) with no change to the balloon. Christmas passed (8 weeks since my shower) but still the balloon was tight and not hovering any lower like most helium balloons I've ever seen do!
Once January was here, our excitement about Gabe's arrival grew and weread into every little thing looked for any indication that he might be on his way. Perry made a comment once that maybe one day we will wake up to find the balloon hovering lower & starting to lose air - and that would be the day Gabriel was born!!
It didn't happen exactly like that, but close. When we came home from the hospital with our newborn son, sure enough, The Balloon {as we referred to it} was floating lower!!! After almost 11 weeks!
Perry came up with the cute idea to release all of the balloons outside on my due date.
We looked for the best spot in our yard to avoid the balloons getting stuck in one of our many pine trees. I waited for the wind to die off and let go!
At this moment, we both are saying "Oh no!!" as the balloons headed towards a tree...
But more wind came in and blew them to the left, just missing the branch. I actually cheered (jumped up & down with my arms up- I was so excited I forgot about how sore I was!)
We watched them until we couldn't see them anymore. It was a special, silly moment that I'll never forget.
At my first baby shower, which was on October 30, 2011, my Mom put a helium balloon at the mailbox. After the shower, I took it home with me and it has been tied to Gabriel's highchair in the corner of our dining room ever since. Perry & I were surprised that even after a few weeks, it had not yet started to look deflated. Thanksgiving passed (almost 4 weeks after my shower) with no change to the balloon. Christmas passed (8 weeks since my shower) but still the balloon was tight and not hovering any lower like most helium balloons I've ever seen do!
Once January was here, our excitement about Gabe's arrival grew and we
It didn't happen exactly like that, but close. When we came home from the hospital with our newborn son, sure enough, The Balloon {as we referred to it} was floating lower!!! After almost 11 weeks!
Perry came up with the cute idea to release all of the balloons outside on my due date.
We looked for the best spot in our yard to avoid the balloons getting stuck in one of our many pine trees. I waited for the wind to die off and let go!
1.18.2012
Happy Birthday, Gabriel!!!!!
We are proud to announce the birth of
Gabriel Turner Whitaker
01 - 13 - 2012
8:11am
7 pounds, 14 ounces
19 3/4 inches
1.12.2012
39 Weeks
How far along: 39 weeks (January 12, 2012)
Size of baby:
Interesting Facts: Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds (a mini watermelon^). Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls. The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
Credit: Baby Center
Total Weight Gain: 27-28 lbs.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: He seems a lot less active this week. It's tight quarters in there. Maybe he's saving his energy for the big day?
Sleep: I've slept horribly this past week. Most nights I fall asleep okay but wake up just a couple hours later and have a hard time getting comfortable to fall back asleep. Up for an hour or two, sleep for an hour or two, repeat. This leaves me exhausted during the day = naps! My back and hips are sore (in a different way than earlier in the pregnancy) so comfort is short-lived before I need to change positions again. And typically I'm up about 4-7 times/night to pee and drink. Poor Perry has had to get used to me moving all around in bed {and grunting!}
Symptoms: Fatigue!! Headaches. Having to pee every 30 minutes.
Other Notes: After it being high again at my doc's appt, I checked my blood pressure at work on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning- 132/85. My "usual" is 115/60-70's... that explains why I'm getting more frequent and sustained headaches lately. I'm praying I don't become hypertensive or have problems with BP when D-day is here!; I lost my mucous plug this morning!!! (Sorry if that's TMI, I want to document everything here!)
Cravings: Water, water, water.
Best moment this week: Date night at Outback {thanks Dad & Kar for the gift card for Christmas!}; Touring the labor & delivery unit at the hospital. Perry said he feels better knowing where to drop me off, park, check-in, and what the rooms look like. Although I had nursing school clinical there, it was nice to see it all again and get information from a patient's point-of-view!
What we are looking forward to: Gabriel's birth day!!!! When's it gonna be?!
Size of baby:
 |
| Photo Credit: Baby Center |
Interesting Facts: Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds (a mini watermelon^). Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls. The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
Credit: Baby Center
Total Weight Gain: 27-28 lbs.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: He seems a lot less active this week. It's tight quarters in there. Maybe he's saving his energy for the big day?
Sleep: I've slept horribly this past week. Most nights I fall asleep okay but wake up just a couple hours later and have a hard time getting comfortable to fall back asleep. Up for an hour or two, sleep for an hour or two, repeat. This leaves me exhausted during the day = naps! My back and hips are sore (in a different way than earlier in the pregnancy) so comfort is short-lived before I need to change positions again. And typically I'm up about 4-7 times/night to pee and drink. Poor Perry has had to get used to me moving all around in bed {and grunting!}
Symptoms: Fatigue!! Headaches. Having to pee every 30 minutes.
Other Notes: After it being high again at my doc's appt, I checked my blood pressure at work on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning- 132/85. My "usual" is 115/60-70's... that explains why I'm getting more frequent and sustained headaches lately. I'm praying I don't become hypertensive or have problems with BP when D-day is here!; I lost my mucous plug this morning!!! (Sorry if that's TMI, I want to document everything here!)
Cravings: Water, water, water.
Best moment this week: Date night at Outback {thanks Dad & Kar for the gift card for Christmas!}; Touring the labor & delivery unit at the hospital. Perry said he feels better knowing where to drop me off, park, check-in, and what the rooms look like. Although I had nursing school clinical there, it was nice to see it all again and get information from a patient's point-of-view!
What we are looking forward to: Gabriel's birth day!!!! When's it gonna be?!
1.11.2012
Doctors Appointment at 39 Weeks
{Technically I'm at 38 weeks and 5 days for this appointment}
A Few Stats
Baby
Heart Rate: 136 to 139
Position: Still head down. Good boy!
Mom
Progress: 1.5cm dilated, 70% effaced, station -2. YAY!!!
Weight Gain: I asked the nurse what my total weight gain is now (because I'm not really concerned with it and have lost track) and she said 27 pounds. I thought I was at 27 last week, but it's around that!
Vital Signs: My blood pressure was high which concerns me (especially since I've been having more headaches lately). BP 148/80-something the first time, so the nurse rechecked it. The second time it was better but still high at 138/80-something. HR in the 80's.
My next appointment is scheduled for Tuesday 1/17 if I make it. As she was walking out the door, the doctor said "maybe we'll have a baby by the weekend!". Oh wouldn't that be nice!!
A Few Stats
Baby
Heart Rate: 136 to 139
Position: Still head down. Good boy!
Mom
Progress: 1.5cm dilated, 70% effaced, station -2. YAY!!!
Weight Gain: I asked the nurse what my total weight gain is now (because I'm not really concerned with it and have lost track) and she said 27 pounds. I thought I was at 27 last week, but it's around that!
Vital Signs: My blood pressure was high which concerns me (especially since I've been having more headaches lately). BP 148/80-something the first time, so the nurse rechecked it. The second time it was better but still high at 138/80-something. HR in the 80's.
My next appointment is scheduled for Tuesday 1/17 if I make it. As she was walking out the door, the doctor said "maybe we'll have a baby by the weekend!". Oh wouldn't that be nice!!
1.07.2012
38 Weeks
How far along: 38 weeks (January 5, 2012)
Size of baby:
Interesting Facts: Your baby weighs about 6.8 pounds and is over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek^). He probably has reached his birth weight now; most babies weigh somewhere between 6-8 pounds when they are born. Boys are usually longer and heavier than girls. All his internal organs are ready to support him in the outside world. He has also developed healthy amounts of baby fat over the past week and his immune system is developing and will continue to develop after he is born. His fingernails and toenails have reached the end of his fingers and toes and might even need a trim after he is born!
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes *like his Daddy*, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel *like me*, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Total Weight Gain: 27 pounds.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: No major change from last week. I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions- my belly gets unbelievably tighter and contorted! Perry & I are mesmerized by the shapes it takes on.
Sleep: Horribly, except when I'm completely drained.
Symptoms: The same burning pain in my upper abdomen; A few sudden, shooting pains in my pelvis and down my legs; Headaches.
Other Notes: I don't even know how to describe my belly button anymore... it's sort of pointy!; I can really tell that Gabriel has "dropped" some; My skin is really itchy from being dry and pulled tight; I haven't noticed any swelling yet and my wedding rings still fit (I'm so glad because I really do not want to have to take them off!)
Cravings: Water. Fruit {pears and oranges}. Raw veggies & dip.
What we are looking forward to: Meeting our son!!!! Touring the hospital on Saturday.
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-I finished packing my hospital bag and Gabriel's diaper bag {thanks Mom & Paul for the Christmas present!!!}
-Perry cleaned & vacuumed out my car and put our bags, the Boppy, breast pump, and everything in there! The only things we'll have to grab as we're running out the door are our pillows, cameras, the laptop, and few other things we can't pack up yet.
-I bought favor bags for the nurses' goodie bags that I want to give out as a "thank you" {I got this idea from a blog that I read, leahandkyleg.blogspot.com!} Still need to buy candy & snacks to fill them.
38 Week Belly Pictures:
Size of baby:
 |
| Photo Credit: Baby Center |
Interesting Facts: Your baby weighs about 6.8 pounds and is over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek^). He probably has reached his birth weight now; most babies weigh somewhere between 6-8 pounds when they are born. Boys are usually longer and heavier than girls. All his internal organs are ready to support him in the outside world. He has also developed healthy amounts of baby fat over the past week and his immune system is developing and will continue to develop after he is born. His fingernails and toenails have reached the end of his fingers and toes and might even need a trim after he is born!
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes *like his Daddy*, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel *like me*, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Total Weight Gain: 27 pounds.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: No major change from last week. I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions- my belly gets unbelievably tighter and contorted! Perry & I are mesmerized by the shapes it takes on.
Sleep: Horribly, except when I'm completely drained.
Symptoms: The same burning pain in my upper abdomen; A few sudden, shooting pains in my pelvis and down my legs; Headaches.
Other Notes: I don't even know how to describe my belly button anymore... it's sort of pointy!; I can really tell that Gabriel has "dropped" some; My skin is really itchy from being dry and pulled tight; I haven't noticed any swelling yet and my wedding rings still fit (I'm so glad because I really do not want to have to take them off!)
Cravings: Water. Fruit {pears and oranges}. Raw veggies & dip.
What we are looking forward to: Meeting our son!!!! Touring the hospital on Saturday.
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-I finished packing my hospital bag and Gabriel's diaper bag {thanks Mom & Paul for the Christmas present!!!}
-Perry cleaned & vacuumed out my car and put our bags, the Boppy, breast pump, and everything in there! The only things we'll have to grab as we're running out the door are our pillows, cameras, the laptop, and few other things we can't pack up yet.
-I bought favor bags for the nurses' goodie bags that I want to give out as a "thank you" {I got this idea from a blog that I read, leahandkyleg.blogspot.com!} Still need to buy candy & snacks to fill them.
38 Week Belly Pictures:
 |
| 38w3d |
1.05.2012
37 Weeks
How far along: 37 weeks (I'm behind- this is from December 29, 2011) = FULL TERM!!!
Size of baby:
Interesting Facts: Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard^). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: He's getting hiccups just about every day. I don't feel the occassional kick or punch anymore- it's a lot of movement all at once then he settles back down. I can feel his head and hands moving around really low- awesome!
Sleep: Ok, not having too much trouble getting comfortable but I wake at least every 2 hours to pee and sip water, and sometimes have a hard time falling back asleep due to the BH contractions.
Symptoms: The burning feeling at the top of my big belly has gotten worse. It hurts a little bit all the time, but when I cough or sneeze, roll over in bed, or push on it, it is so painful!
Other Notes: I had an unnerving experience a week and a half ago (on my 36 weeks Thursday) that scared me & Perry. I called my Mom, then my doctor around dinner time. It was good to actually talk to her- not an on-call MD; she advised us not to worry but to come in the office in the morning if it wasn't better & I wanted to be checked out. Perry literally got 1 hour of sleep, and I got 4 only after taking Benadryl. We got to the office 10 minutes after they opened on Friday morning! Everything checked out okay, thank God!! Just a twist in the road. Before the doctor left the room Perry asked "would you say this is no big deal?", mostly to calm my anxiety because I was still freaking out, and she said "no big deal"! It's unexpected and abnormal, but I can handle it. {I really have no choice!}
Best moment this week: Completely finishing the nursery! I can't wait to share a "tour" with pictures of the room {Jamie, you don't have to wait much longer!}.
What we are looking forward to: Meeting our son!!!! The New Year! Touring the hospital (if we make it!).
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-We hung the last of the artwork in the nursery!
-I finished my birth plan, titled "Birth Preferences," as it's for my ideal experience and I know you can't plan this sort of thing!
37 Week Belly Picture:
Size of baby:
 |
| Photo Credit: The Bump |
 |
| Photo Credit: Baby Center |
Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard^). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: He's getting hiccups just about every day. I don't feel the occassional kick or punch anymore- it's a lot of movement all at once then he settles back down. I can feel his head and hands moving around really low- awesome!
Sleep: Ok, not having too much trouble getting comfortable but I wake at least every 2 hours to pee and sip water, and sometimes have a hard time falling back asleep due to the BH contractions.
Symptoms: The burning feeling at the top of my big belly has gotten worse. It hurts a little bit all the time, but when I cough or sneeze, roll over in bed, or push on it, it is so painful!
Other Notes: I had an unnerving experience a week and a half ago (on my 36 weeks Thursday) that scared me & Perry. I called my Mom, then my doctor around dinner time. It was good to actually talk to her- not an on-call MD; she advised us not to worry but to come in the office in the morning if it wasn't better & I wanted to be checked out. Perry literally got 1 hour of sleep, and I got 4 only after taking Benadryl. We got to the office 10 minutes after they opened on Friday morning! Everything checked out okay, thank God!! Just a twist in the road. Before the doctor left the room Perry asked "would you say this is no big deal?", mostly to calm my anxiety because I was still freaking out, and she said "no big deal"! It's unexpected and abnormal, but I can handle it. {I really have no choice!}
Best moment this week: Completely finishing the nursery! I can't wait to share a "tour" with pictures of the room {Jamie, you don't have to wait much longer!}.
What we are looking forward to: Meeting our son!!!! The New Year! Touring the hospital (if we make it!).
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-We hung the last of the artwork in the nursery!
-I finished my birth plan, titled "Birth Preferences," as it's for my ideal experience and I know you can't plan this sort of thing!
37 Week Belly Picture:
Doctors Appointments at 37 and 38 Weeks
37 Weeks (on 12/29/11)
We finally met the last doctor in the group would could be with us at delivery! {Technically, there's a 5th who is returning from her own maternity leave in mid-January so there's a small chance she might be working that day or night}. Now Perry & I can stop worrying about ending up with a doctor that we've never met! I asked her to read over my birth plan so she took a few minutes to discuss that with us. I also asked her about the pain in my ribs/cartilage to which she said is most likely the muscles & lining pulling away from the bone. Her response when I asked if there was anything I can do to help it was "have a baby"!
A Few Stats
Baby
Heart Rate: 140
Position: head down- the doctor could feel it!!
Mom
Progress: 50% effaced (which means my cervix has thinned out halfway! YAY!!!)
Weight Gain: 26-27 lbs total
Vital Signs: BP 130's/80's, HR 80's (a little higher than usual... I'm hoping it's just because we took the stairs up! Next time I'm riding the elevator).
Lab Results: negative for Group B Strep = no antibiotics needed at delivery!
38 Weeks (on 1/4/12)
Another good appointment. Gabriel & I are both doing just fine! Perry and I were bummed to find out that there's been no change from last week; the doctor said I'm right where I want to be at 38w, but asked if we were getting impatient. Um, yes!! Knowing that my due date is just 2 weeks away and that he really could decide to come anytime has us excited, anxious, and just plain ready to get this show on the road!
A Few Stats
Baby
Heart Rate: "130 and happy"
Position: head down- the doctor could feel it again!
Mom
Progress: No change
Weight Gain: I'm now at 27 lbs
Vital Signs: Much better this time- I took the elevator instead of the stairs! BP 114/68.
We finally met the last doctor in the group would could be with us at delivery! {Technically, there's a 5th who is returning from her own maternity leave in mid-January so there's a small chance she might be working that day or night}. Now Perry & I can stop worrying about ending up with a doctor that we've never met! I asked her to read over my birth plan so she took a few minutes to discuss that with us. I also asked her about the pain in my ribs/cartilage to which she said is most likely the muscles & lining pulling away from the bone. Her response when I asked if there was anything I can do to help it was "have a baby"!
A Few Stats
Baby
Heart Rate: 140
Position: head down- the doctor could feel it!!
Mom
Progress: 50% effaced (which means my cervix has thinned out halfway! YAY!!!)
Weight Gain: 26-27 lbs total
Vital Signs: BP 130's/80's, HR 80's (a little higher than usual... I'm hoping it's just because we took the stairs up! Next time I'm riding the elevator).
Lab Results: negative for Group B Strep = no antibiotics needed at delivery!
38 Weeks (on 1/4/12)
Another good appointment. Gabriel & I are both doing just fine! Perry and I were bummed to find out that there's been no change from last week; the doctor said I'm right where I want to be at 38w, but asked if we were getting impatient. Um, yes!! Knowing that my due date is just 2 weeks away and that he really could decide to come anytime has us excited, anxious, and just plain ready to get this show on the road!
A Few Stats
Baby
Heart Rate: "130 and happy"
Position: head down- the doctor could feel it again!
Mom
Progress: No change
Weight Gain: I'm now at 27 lbs
Vital Signs: Much better this time- I took the elevator instead of the stairs! BP 114/68.
12.24.2011
36 Weeks
How far along: 36 weeks (December 22, 2011... less than 30 days!)
Size of baby:
Interesting Facts: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs 6 to 6 ½ pounds (like a crenshaw melon^) and is more than 19 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position.
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Total Weight Gain: Around 25 pounds.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: He pokes his little behind up right in the center of my belly and stretches out his long(?!) legs to and sometimes under my right ribs! I can definitely tell a change in his movements as he's running out of room.
Sleep: Good. Getting up multiple times a night to pee and take a few sips of water. Changing positions in bed is getting increasingly difficult, especially when my back is hurting. I use my arms as much as possible, and sometimes even pull my butt over with the back of my pajamas!
Symptoms: Acid reflux; Urinary frequency and urgency; Lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions {Perry & I got excited one night while running around town because I was having SO many contractions, mostly every 5-6 minutes but some closer together & some further apart up to 15 minutes. Then they stopped once I drank & ate dinner}; Numbness and a painful sensation at the top of my big belly- the best way I can describe it is like my skin was burned there- ouch! Maybe this is from the stretching & downward pull on my skin.
Other Notes: You can still see a little "button" on my belly through my clothes, but I think it's flattening out; My nails are getting ridiculously long. I want to get a pedicure {and maybe a mani too!} before I go into labor. First Perry said no one will be looking at my feet, but then made a good point... I will be!;
Cravings: A non-craving I noticed is sweets. We have a house full of donuts and Christmas cookies but I'm rarely in the mood for them. Give me something salty, tangy or spicy!
What we are looking forward to: Meeting our son!!!! Christmas! Ringing in 2012!
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-Car seat is inspected!
-All the Christmas presents are bought and wrapped. Perry impressed me by coming up with perfect ideas for people this year. He really is a good gift-giver. I can't wait to see what he got for me! Then we had a night of wrapping together: I did the tissue paper & boxed everything and passed it off to him to wrap & tag, then later I put ribbons & bows on- so fun!
-I started painting the trim in the foyer. If I get around to finishing it before Gabe is born, it will be a miracle.
-Perry's hospital bag is packed & in the car! With his persistence, I've gotten a good start on mine.
36 Week Belly Picture:
Size of baby:
Interesting Facts: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs 6 to 6 ½ pounds (like a crenshaw melon^) and is more than 19 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position.
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Total Weight Gain: Around 25 pounds.
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: He pokes his little behind up right in the center of my belly and stretches out his long(?!) legs to and sometimes under my right ribs! I can definitely tell a change in his movements as he's running out of room.
Sleep: Good. Getting up multiple times a night to pee and take a few sips of water. Changing positions in bed is getting increasingly difficult, especially when my back is hurting. I use my arms as much as possible, and sometimes even pull my butt over with the back of my pajamas!
Symptoms: Acid reflux; Urinary frequency and urgency; Lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions {Perry & I got excited one night while running around town because I was having SO many contractions, mostly every 5-6 minutes but some closer together & some further apart up to 15 minutes. Then they stopped once I drank & ate dinner}; Numbness and a painful sensation at the top of my big belly- the best way I can describe it is like my skin was burned there- ouch! Maybe this is from the stretching & downward pull on my skin.
Other Notes: You can still see a little "button" on my belly through my clothes, but I think it's flattening out; My nails are getting ridiculously long. I want to get a pedicure {and maybe a mani too!} before I go into labor. First Perry said no one will be looking at my feet, but then made a good point... I will be!;
Cravings: A non-craving I noticed is sweets. We have a house full of donuts and Christmas cookies but I'm rarely in the mood for them. Give me something salty, tangy or spicy!
What we are looking forward to: Meeting our son!!!! Christmas! Ringing in 2012!
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-Car seat is inspected!
-All the Christmas presents are bought and wrapped. Perry impressed me by coming up with perfect ideas for people this year. He really is a good gift-giver. I can't wait to see what he got for me! Then we had a night of wrapping together: I did the tissue paper & boxed everything and passed it off to him to wrap & tag, then later I put ribbons & bows on- so fun!
-I started painting the trim in the foyer. If I get around to finishing it before Gabe is born, it will be a miracle.
-Perry's hospital bag is packed & in the car! With his persistence, I've gotten a good start on mine.
36 Week Belly Picture:
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| Christmas Evening (36w3d) |
12.14.2011
35 Weeks
How far along: 35 weeks (December 15, 2011)
Size of baby:
Interesting Facts: Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon^) up to 6 pounds, depending on the source. Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: Kicks and stretches out under my right ribs. He gets the hiccups almost daily on the lower left side of my belly. I typically feel them in the late evening/early morning, between 9pm-2am!
Sleep: I've been sleeping well this week, but not feeling well-rested. I worked the past 3 nights in a row and I got a good 8-9 hours of sleep each day but I'm just worn. out!
Symptoms: The new one is heartburn; Stress on my bladder; Lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions; Itchy skin and a little numbness in places on my belly- such a weird feeling!
Cravings: Still ice water.
Best moment this week: Completing our Labor & Birth class at the hospital!! We chose the Weekend Intensive option (all day Saturday & Sunday- with lunch included!) which was a little mentally exhausting, but wham- bam- over and done with! Before I signed up for it I asked new Moms on Facebook and got mixed opinions on the benefits of the class, especially since I am nurse, but Perry & I are so glad we took it. Our class had 9 other couples and was such a fun group! We feel empowered with knowledge that we wouldn't otherwise have- questions to ask my doc, things to know when labor first starts, what to expect before/during/after the birth, our options with regards to different interventions, what Perry can do, and lots more. It also brought up things for Perry & I to discuss so we're totally on the same page on D-day!
What we are looking forward to: Christmas!! New Years! January!!!!!
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-We picked our pediatrician!!
-Scheduled a tour of the hospital where I will deliver. The only available slot is on January 7th... pushing it mighty close!
-We returned/exchanged the last of the repeat gifts.
-I finished washing & putting away ALL Gabriel's baby clothes, blankets, etc.
-Mailed our Christmas cards & almost finished shopping!
-Perry cleaned out & organized "his" shed.
35 Week Belly Picture:
I didn't take one!
Size of baby:
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| Photo Credit: Baby Center |
Credit: Baby Center & Planning Family
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: Kicks and stretches out under my right ribs. He gets the hiccups almost daily on the lower left side of my belly. I typically feel them in the late evening/early morning, between 9pm-2am!
Sleep: I've been sleeping well this week, but not feeling well-rested. I worked the past 3 nights in a row and I got a good 8-9 hours of sleep each day but I'm just worn. out!
Symptoms: The new one is heartburn; Stress on my bladder; Lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions; Itchy skin and a little numbness in places on my belly- such a weird feeling!
Cravings: Still ice water.
Best moment this week: Completing our Labor & Birth class at the hospital!! We chose the Weekend Intensive option (all day Saturday & Sunday- with lunch included!) which was a little mentally exhausting, but wham- bam- over and done with! Before I signed up for it I asked new Moms on Facebook and got mixed opinions on the benefits of the class, especially since I am nurse, but Perry & I are so glad we took it. Our class had 9 other couples and was such a fun group! We feel empowered with knowledge that we wouldn't otherwise have- questions to ask my doc, things to know when labor first starts, what to expect before/during/after the birth, our options with regards to different interventions, what Perry can do, and lots more. It also brought up things for Perry & I to discuss so we're totally on the same page on D-day!
What we are looking forward to: Christmas!! New Years! January!!!!!
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-We picked our pediatrician!!
-Scheduled a tour of the hospital where I will deliver. The only available slot is on January 7th... pushing it mighty close!
-We returned/exchanged the last of the repeat gifts.
-I finished washing & putting away ALL Gabriel's baby clothes, blankets, etc.
-Mailed our Christmas cards & almost finished shopping!
-Perry cleaned out & organized "his" shed.
35 Week Belly Picture:
I didn't take one!
12.10.2011
My First Baby Shower!
On Sunday, October 30, my Mom hosted my first baby shower at her house in Chapel Hill. We decided to divide up the guest list into 2 to keep the size of the party more intimate, so this one was for my Dad's side of the family, the Durrs, with a separate shower for my friends. Everyone enjoyed all the delicious food, cake & punch made by my Mom, then we played a few games! Thank you so much to all my family who came to celebrate and showered me & baby Gabriel with love!!! Thanks to my mom-in-law Debra for taking all these pictures!
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| My Momma, the incredible hostess!!! I can't thank her enough!!! |
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| Owl (head) cookies!!! Perfect. |
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| Pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese icing! |
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| What was I doing? |
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| This is not a great picture of me, but LOOK AT ALL THAT FOOD!!! |
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| Documenting all the ladies together <3 |
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| Aunt Kathie |
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| Aunt Beth |
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| My cousins Allie |
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| and Caitlin |
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| Aunt Amy and my cousins Clare & Becca |
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| My "stepmom" Karlene |
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| My mother-in-law Debra |
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| My stepdad's mom "Grandma" Jerry |
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| And the next day with all of the gifts unpacked in the nursery! |
34 Weeks
How far along: 34 weeks (December 8, 2011)
Size of baby:
Interesting Facts: Measuring about 17.5 inches long, he now weighs over 5lbs (like your average cantaloupe^)! And from this week, until 2 weeks before birth, he will continue to gain about a half pound of weight every week. Unlike the first trimester, the weight between all babies in the third trimester is much more variable. Some babies weigh more and are taller; some babies weigh less and are shorter. Also unlike the first trimester, by week 34 not much is changing. Your baby continues gaining weight through the development of subcutaneous fat and with that weight, is probably gaining strength in his movements. You may even be startled by a sudden jab to the ribs or be able to see a punch to your belly from the outside!
Credit: Planning Family
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: Not as many big movements lately- he's starting to get squished!
What I miss: Moving and changing positions freely & without much thought!
Sleep: Some bad mixed with some good. I'm just thankful I still can get some good sleep!
Symptoms: No change from last week.
Other Notes: It is very annoying when I use the restroom right before leaving my unit at the end of my shift and have to stop to use the bathroom again in the lobby before I walk to the parking deck!!; Still no stretch marks or swelling, but my belly is shiny.
Cravings: Ice & ice water. Coca-cola. And I realized I've been wanting Smithfield's for dinner which I never used to request (BBQ with baked beans & cole slaw!)
Best moment this week: Going out for dinner with Perry's parents one night and my Mom & Paul another night in celebration of my 26th birthday!; strengthening relationships with extended family members; meeting our last prospective pediatrician, then deciding which is the right fit for our family... the very first one!
What we are looking forward to: Our Labor & Birth class at the hospital this weekend!!
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-Hung wall decor in the nursery!!! Such a good feeling- it looks finished now (except for window treatments... if I do any!). A few frames are blank for (1) a print from Etsy that's coming all the way from New Zealand; (2) pictures of our little man after he's born!
-We ordered... cloth diapers! After much researchand drooling over them for months, we bit the bullet and decided on the bumGenius Elemental All-in-Ones. They are a bit expensive, but we think it'll be well worth the investment as they're one-size (7-35 lbs), "no-stuff", organic, super cute, and will save us money over the period of time Gabriel is in diapers (and can be saved for our second child. And third! And fourth?!). We have enough disposable diapers for the first ~2 months at which point we'll start using the cloth. Here's one of the colors, Ribbit, that we chose:
-I lined the dresser drawers and washed & put away most of Gabe's clothes.
-We started packing our hospital bags! Purchased all toiletries in travel sizes (so we aren't chaotically grabbing things out of the shower), set aside extra cell phone chargers, and finalized the list of everything else.
34 Week Belly Pictures:
Coming soon...
Size of baby:
 |
| Photo Credit: Baby Center |
Interesting Facts: Measuring about 17.5 inches long, he now weighs over 5lbs (like your average cantaloupe^)! And from this week, until 2 weeks before birth, he will continue to gain about a half pound of weight every week. Unlike the first trimester, the weight between all babies in the third trimester is much more variable. Some babies weigh more and are taller; some babies weigh less and are shorter. Also unlike the first trimester, by week 34 not much is changing. Your baby continues gaining weight through the development of subcutaneous fat and with that weight, is probably gaining strength in his movements. You may even be startled by a sudden jab to the ribs or be able to see a punch to your belly from the outside!
Credit: Planning Family
Gender: BOY!!! Gabriel Turner.
Movement: Not as many big movements lately- he's starting to get squished!
What I miss: Moving and changing positions freely & without much thought!
Sleep: Some bad mixed with some good. I'm just thankful I still can get some good sleep!
Symptoms: No change from last week.
Other Notes: It is very annoying when I use the restroom right before leaving my unit at the end of my shift and have to stop to use the bathroom again in the lobby before I walk to the parking deck!!; Still no stretch marks or swelling, but my belly is shiny.
Cravings: Ice & ice water. Coca-cola. And I realized I've been wanting Smithfield's for dinner which I never used to request (BBQ with baked beans & cole slaw!)
Best moment this week: Going out for dinner with Perry's parents one night and my Mom & Paul another night in celebration of my 26th birthday!; strengthening relationships with extended family members; meeting our last prospective pediatrician, then deciding which is the right fit for our family... the very first one!
What we are looking forward to: Our Labor & Birth class at the hospital this weekend!!
Things checked off our "to-do" list:
-Hung wall decor in the nursery!!! Such a good feeling- it looks finished now (except for window treatments... if I do any!). A few frames are blank for (1) a print from Etsy that's coming all the way from New Zealand; (2) pictures of our little man after he's born!
-We ordered... cloth diapers! After much research
-We started packing our hospital bags! Purchased all toiletries in travel sizes (so we aren't chaotically grabbing things out of the shower), set aside extra cell phone chargers, and finalized the list of everything else.
34 Week Belly Pictures:
Coming soon...
