Labor, delivery, and our PRECIOUS MIRACLE pt.1

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."
-- Agatha Christie

Monday, September 6 - Labor day
I woke up with contractions at 2:30 am. I got up and decided to do some last minute cleaning, seeing as how I was not sleepy. They continued to come every 5-7 minutes apart. They were not that bad, but bearable...sorta like a menstrual cramp. Since Saturday's contractions only lasted a few hours, I figured it would be the same today, so I decided to wake up Joel if they continued on until 7:00 am. Well they did, and so I woke him up and told him that I had been contracting, and that if they continued we should go to the hospital around 9ish. I asked him to take a shower,and after his shower, would he mind timing the contractions for me so I could rest in between them. Of course he said okay, and after an hour of that I decided to get up and start cleaning the house/packing my bag and getting last minute things together. We ended up getting to the hospital at 11:15am. I was still hesitant to go to the hospital. I just didn't want to be sent away and be embarrassed, but Joel said it's better to be safe than sorry.

So we get there, and we are immediately hooked up to the monitors (baby and contraction) and for the next hour we are assessed and she checked me for dilation (1 1/2 cm). During this time, the machine also checked my blood pressure, and it showed it to be higher than normal. The nurse came in at around 1:00ish and said "Well since you're here, and the baby is overdue, we might as well send you downstairs and check your fluid"...and so we headed downstairs. To my further embarrassment, the technician was a male. However we got through it, and went back upstairs.

As we walked through the door, the nurse said to us, "Guess who's staying?"....at that moment, reality hit. We were about to have this baby soon; real soon! We decided to call my mom, as she is 3 hours aways. Apparently, I had low fluid. What should have been around 7-8cm of fluid was 3.5cm. Time to get the birth plan out right? Wrong!

And so preparations were made to get me into active labor with Pitocin. I told the nurse I did not want pitocin, but she told me that sometimes we have to think what is best for the baby, and the reason why we needed to get pitocin started was because we had such low fluid, and that was not healthy for the baby. So I consented.

Around 5:30pm my mom made it to the hospital, and boy was I ever glad to see her. There is just something so comforting about seeing your mom. Joel was getting hungry, and so I told him to go get something to eat. He went out to eat with a few friends (and they stopped by to say hello before heading out to bring me back my "After I have this baby dinner" of Chipotle) I was determined to have this baby before 10:00 pm...lol.

I labored for 17 hours (of which 5 were with the pitocin being increased every 45 minutes)before it started to get really bad. I decided to wait until Joel got back before I made any decisions. I wanted this birth to be as natural as possible, but the way things were going it was far from my birth plan and what I wanted. When Joel came back around 7:00pm, I waited another half an hour. The nurse came in to check me (only at 2cm...WHAT! You mean this pitocin isn't working?...all this time of laboring has been for nothing??) and said she needed to up the pitocin...I just couldn't handle it. My body was shaking so bad from the contractions, I was unsure how much more of the pitocin I could handle. She told me she had to up the pitocin in order to get my body to dilate or we would be laboring like this for 2 days.

I was left in a dilemma. Do I up the pitocin? Do I just get an epidural? Can I handle this? What about my birth plan? This is not what I wanted!!!

In the meantime, my blood pressure was all over the place and that kept making the babys heart beat drop and he was stressing out. I had to think about the baby. So I consented to an epidural....

I felt like a failure...all I did was cry through the whole thing and kept saying I did not want this. Joel was trying to be comforting, but it just wasn't working. Then in the middle of the needle being put in my back, my nose starts running. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am super self conscious....and so I asked the nurse for some tissue because of my nose. I am sure that they were all looking at me like I am weirdo...here this needle is going in my back, and all I can think about is my nose running...lol

Playing the waiting game..."patiently"...lol

Well, it's been an uneventful weekend for labor, but have been glad that at least I was having some contractions. Here's how my weekend went:

Saturday, September 4th:
I had contractions for about 4 hours that were pretty consistent..but they stopped shortly after the 4 hour mark. So Joel and I went to my Dad's for an early Labor Day BBQ. While there I had more contractions, didn't time them, but they weren't that bad, so I wasn't too worried. Had a late dinner with friends, still more contractions, but nothing too painful, so I went to sleep. :(

Sunday, September 5th:
Went to church in the morning and evening. During the evening service I had contractions, but again, noting too painful. The difference with these though was that it felt like someone was pushing down on my belly. It was weird, but I got through it, and went to sleep later that evening.

Monday, September 6th:
Labor Day, hopefully it will be a true labor day for me...lol. Woke up this morning around 2:30 and started having regular contractions again. These ones are a bit more painful, but like I said, nothing too painful yet. They are about 7-8 minutes apart still...I'll see if they keep up till about 7 and then wake up Joel. If they are still regular, maybe we'll head over to the hospital to check our progress.

I just don't want to be one of those ladies who show up at the hospital and get checked and then sent home. That is so embarrassing just thinking about it.

Today just might be the day...hopefully.

Keep checking to see if there is any progress with the baby!

Until next post,

39.5 - Any day now we could drop this mini watermelon

So I decided to blog a day early because I don't know when this baby is going to come, and I want to make sure that I get week 39 in.

Last Wednesday we had a Dr. Appointment. She did not check for dilation (which I was glad), but we did get an ultrasound. Baby and fluid looked good, and she confirmed that he is still a boy...lol. His heartbeat was in the 130's, a little lower than it normally is, but she says that it's normal. Fundus was 36 1/2cm. Half cm smaller than last appointment. Not to worry, it's so close to my due date, and he's still moving around. My blood pressure was down too. Not that I have had high blood pressure, but it was noticeable enough that the nurse commented on it. It was 120/70. It's normally 130ish/70ish. I told her that was weird because I had a headache, so I would assume that the blood pressure was higher with a headache. I wasn't complaining though. ;)

This week has been uneventful. I had a few contractions yesterday and today, but nothing lasting, or painful. I guess my body is warming up. :) Hoping to get past today without having the baby....anytime after today is good for us. Joel is working late today, and it's sorta an important training day. I mean he'll leave from work if things get serious, but we'd rather Baby Jehoshaphat comes after today.

Don't forget to check out our baby game at expectnet.

You will want to enter the game name: babywilloughby.

Although it's too late to pick the gender, you can still guess how much he will weigh, and when he will be born.

What's new this week?

How far along: 39.5 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 19 lbs. Didn't gain any weight at the last appointment.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45". Every week it seems to be getting smaller. Does that mean he is dropping? We'll see!

Belly Button: Flat, but part of it sticks out. Joel keeps making fun of it. He asked me the other day what's wrong with my belly button....He said it looked bruised. I told him once again that it was probably just a stretch mark.

Best moment this week: Hearing his heartbeat once again. Joel hanging the curtain rod for me.

Food cravings: Today I wanted twice baked potatoes....and they are so good!

Food aversions: None.

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: None this week to report. Well, I had one or two, but I didn't write them down again.

What I miss: Nothing. This has been a good week for me.

What I am looking forward to: His arrival.

Milestones: Got the curtains set up. Crib bedding will be washed today as well. The room will be ready minus some pictures. Those will have to go up after he is born. Two days! Yikes! He could come tonight if he wanted. I'm grateful for an easy pregnancy without complications. Let's just hope that labor will be the same.


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.



Until next post,

36.6 weeks-Carrying a baby melon to take a bath...or is it a shower?

This last weekend "Baby Jehoshaphat" had another shower. This was his main shower and 36 were in attendance. We were so blessed. He got lots of clothes and diapers! We even got some big items such as an exersaucer (from Nana Wendy) and a travel crib/play pen (from our good friends Siena and Bryan). I left feeling blessed and very grateful. He is definitely loved.

There are still quite a few items we still need to get (such as a stroller), but knowing that diapers and clothes are set for the next few months is such a big help! I am amazed how much stuff a little one needs though.

Special thanks:

Mollie P.-Your generosity was too much! Thank you so much for blessing us with a car seat, and a changing pad and cover. Words can't even express how grateful we are.

Lynette R.-Organizing the baby shower. I really appreciate your hard work. Also, thank you for making the cake so cute with the fondant blocks.

My Dad and Lynn-Opening up their house to host the shower and taking pictures. We had 36 in attendance, see the pictures above. Also, thank you for the beautiful rocking chair! It will be well used I am sure.

Mone't T.-For putting together the games (even though there wasn't enough time to get to them). I appreciate your hard work!

Carisa V.-For making the fondant blocks on the cake, and for your help with the shower.

Mary S., Rochelle R., and to anyone else, that helped make the shower a wonderful day.

Jasbir S.-For making it out to the baby shower. She lives about 30 minutes away. I was so glad that you were able to come! It was great seeing you again.

As I am typing this out, I realized he will be here in approx. 3 weeks! It's crazy how quickly this pregnancy has gone. I am so thankful that I have had such an easy time being pregnant, and that I really haven't gained a lot of weight. I am looking forward his birth too. I am curious to see which set of genes he has taken too, or if there is a healthy mix of both Joel and I in him. We'll soon see, in the meantime:

What's new this week?

How far along: 36.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 17 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 46 1/4".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord, but it's getting sorta flat looking.

Best moment this week: Firstly, a surprise visit from a friend with a very special and big gift; His baby shower; Putting away all his clothes; Bringing home my rocking chair (finally!); Getting the bedding set in the mail.

Food cravings: Something tasty, but I just don't know what it is! Nothing satisfies :(

Food aversions: Everything. Heartburn is almost over right?

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had one that involved Joel, but can't remember it.

What I miss: He's still in my ribs, so I miss being comfortable while singing...and this week there is a lot of singing to be done! Poor me!

What I am looking forward to: Finishing setting up the nursery. It's never going to get done, at least that's how I feel.

Milestones: I think he might have dropped. I had two friends say that the belly looked lower. I will say that that last two nights of sleep have been great! We'll see what the Dr. says. I have my next appointment of Friday.

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 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. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly.

Until next post,

34.6 weeks-Nursery is on it's way towards being finished

This week has been pretty uneventful...well except for my crazy emotions...lol. This is one thing I can't wait to be normal again. It's rather embarassing. I went over to my SIL's house on Saturday night, and she and another good friend asked how I was doing....to which I simply replied "I've been emotional today."...and the next thing I know, I'm crying. It was so embarrassing, but I was so grateful that it was just in front of family. They were understanding and gave liberal hugs and in a few moments time, I was better.

I was so excited to get the nursery finished and painted. Thank you to the best husband in the world! It's like a load lifted off my plate. I ended up shampooing the carpets today as well, and last Friday, my Dad came and picked up the crib. Now I can finish decorating and setting it up once he is done painting it. Can't wait!!!

I also got to spend some time with my niece Mya. She is my little luv bug. I miss her so much when she is not around. Thanks Alex for letting her spend the week with me. We had lots of fun!

Special thanks to:

Monica H.-Thank you for the beautiful bedding. I always appreciate it when people think of me.
Jesse and Lynna- Those onsies are adorable, and Joel will be a proud papa when Baby Jehoshaphat sports them!


What's new this week?

How far along: 34.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 14 lbs. Have a Dr. Appointment next week, so we will see how much more I have gained.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 44 1/2". That's a gain of 1 1/2" in one week!

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: When Joel finished painting the nursery. Shampooing the carpets.

Food cravings: None this week

Food aversions: Everything....It gives me heartburn. I can drink water, and I get heartburn...That's okay, only 5 more weeks to endure this heartburn.

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had a bunch of crazy dreams this week, but I forgot them...too bad!

What I miss: Energy- it's so bad I have to take naps still.

What I am looking forward to: The baby shower on August 7th. Finishing setting up the nursery.

Milestones: Baby still kicking up a storm, and gaining weight each day!



Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Until next post,

33.6 weeks- Making our way towards the finish line with a pineapple in tow

So excited!!!! Today was a busy day. We painted the nursery 3/4 of the way. It would have been finished, but we ran out of paint. Boo! I am so happy though with the outcome. We also toured the hospital and had a dr. appointment today.

At the doctor's appointment, Baby Willoughby's heartbeat was 150, and the fundus grew 3cm to a total of 33cm, and I gained three more pounds.




We will be delivering at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, and after tour of the hospital, I felt so much better. I left feeling like the nurses and staff would be considerate of my birth plan and take care of me, the baby, and Joel. It was so cute, the tour took us by the nursery and we got to see a newborn baby getting his first bath. Joel said he almost teared up when he saw the new dad touching his baby, and the baby grabbing his finger. Joel's going to be great dad!

Needless to say, we are getting excited as we only have 6 more weeks left.

What's new this week?

How far along: 33.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 14 lbs. Gained three more pounds (I better stop drinking all that soda)

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 43".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Painting the nursery and touring the hospital.

Food cravings: None this week

Food aversions: Spicy...heartburn again.

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had a dream that I delivered this monster toddler that was sooo ugly. It was fat and probably weighed 50 pounds.

What I miss: Energy and sleep...zapped of energy this last week. I was so cranky in church tonight. I just wanted to go to sleep because I woke up at 2:15am and couldn't go back to sleep for hours after.

What I am looking forward to: Finishing painting the nursery. Shampooing the carpets, and then being able to set up the nursery for good. :D

Milestones: Baby is getting bigger and moving around a lot. It's crazy that we are already 8 1/2 months along.

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Until next post,

32.6 weeks- STOP THE CLOCK, I'm not ready for the baby to come yet!!!

I can't believe another week has gone by!!! It needs to slow down; the nursery is still not ready!!!!! Please don't come early Baby W, I'm not ready yet....just a few more weeks please?

Okay, now that I have that out, I can go on about my day. So Monday Joel was supposed to paint the nursery, but since he has been working so hard the last two weeks with 6-7 day weeks, I told him not to worry about it. He is on vacation next week and so it will be done sometime next week.

I got bad news though. My camera is lost!!!! I donated to the thrift store for sure. BOO HOO! I got a call that said they couldn't find it. RIIIIGGGHHHT! Oh well. I guess we will have to borrow a camera once the baby comes or purchase another one.

On another note, I got the baby vintage lamp I bid on a week and a half ago. Decor is coming together. I still need to get bedding and a mattress. Maybe after the shower, I can purchase some bedding. Anyways, here is the picture of a similar lamp. The lamp I bought is a white base and a blue arm. The girl is in a white dress with blue polka dots and her rocking chair is painted pink; the little boy is sitting on a blue stool and his outfit is blue and white. Mine is much cuter than this one. But since I don't have a camera, this pic will have to do.



What's new this week?

How far along: 32.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes, but occasionally I will still wear regular clothes.

Total weight gain: 11 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 42 1/2".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Got my vintage baby lamp, see picture above.

Food cravings: None this week

Food aversions: Spicy...heartburn again.

Gender: He's still a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had a dream a friend got pregnant out of wedlock. Not a good thing.

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach. Sometimes it's hard to sleep JUST on your sides.

What I am looking forward to: Nursery being done. Dad, you need to come pick up this crib and paint it.....otherwise, I might just do it! :D

Milestones: We are nearing the end of the pregnancy with only 7 weeks left. Baby is getting bigger and moving around a lot.





By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.

Until next post,

30.6 weeks- A baby's shower

Saturday Baby Willoughby had his first baby shower. Here are a few pictures from my cousins camera. I would have had pics on my camera, but sadly, before the shower I stopped by the thrift store to donate some boxes, and low and behold, my camera by accident made it into the box and was donated. We are still hoping to get it back.

Thank you so much Mom for throwing Baby Willoughby the shower. I had a wonderful time, the food was excellent, and it was great to see family that I haven't seen in a long time. You are the best mom! I wouldn't trade you for anyone. I love you!


Also special thanks to:
Grandma Stella-for letting us use her house/backyard to host the shower
Mone't and Mom Wendy-for coming with me all the way out to French Camp for the shower.
Alex, Cami, and Mya-for your help and the beautiful cake!
And to all who gave gifts to Baby Willoughby.

He got so many cute outfits and DIAPERS!!! My M-I-L made him some handmade gowns, and would you believe it, she found Joel's old baby blanket, and gave it to the baby. I am so excited. It's perfect for the vintage nursery theme we are using. I'll post a picture of it as soon as I can borrow a camera (or we get ours back). :(

Last Wednesday I had a doctors appointment. Baby's heartbeat was 150. Fundus grew 6cm. She also did an ultrasound (no pic) to check on the position of the baby. He is already in head down position facing my back. Great news! That means he is not breech, or facing the wrong way. I was glad to hear that. From now on (until the last month) we are going to visit our doctor every two weeks. It's crazy! I mean we only have 9 weeks left....it's flying. But enough about that, on to the baby stats:


What's new this week?

How far along: 30.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 8 1/2 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 43 1/4".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Getting the perfect baby mobile, and my mom throwing the baby a shower. We got some really cute clothes. Finding out another friend is pregnant. So happy for Shyra and Omar!

Food cravings: WATER! My-lanta (speaking of, I need to go get some tums) I can't get enough water. I am probably drinking about a gallon or so a day....okay maybe half a gallon is more accurate. Seriously though!

Food aversions: None.

Gender: It's a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had a bad dream this week, but I won't post it. I had to wake Joel up in the middle of the night to pray. It was scary!

What I miss: Not having a headache. For the past couple of days, I've had a headache. Boo!

What I am looking forward to: Painting the nursery (same color, just refreshing the walls), finishing with the decorations, and the baby shower on August 7th.

Milestones: Baby is moving a lot. Hitting the "every two weeks" doctor's appointment. It's crazy!



Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Until next post,

Emotions of a pregnant lady...

I never knew that a baby mobile could bring me to tears, but that is exactly what happened to me this afternoon. I am constantly looking for things for the nursery, and today while surfing eBay, I found the perfect baby mobile. As most of you know, I decided to go with a vintage theme. It can get rather expensive looking for decor, so I limit myself to looking for certain things, and today I decided to check out the vintage mobile section on eBay....and then I found it.

I immediately called Joel and asked if I could make a "best offer", and after thinking about it, he said "Why not?"....and so I did.....and then I waited....and waited...(okay so my wait time was probably about an hour, but that is an eternity when you want something, and it's perfect, and you have to have it, and know right now that you're going to get it), and then I checked my email and saw that they accepted my offer....and then the emotions started coming. First I got so excited, and I sent a text to Joel telling him the good news, and the next thing I know, I'M BAWLING LIKE A BABY!

I know to most people it sounds silly, but to those that have been pregnant before, you understand (at least I hope you do, and I am not the only weird one to ever cry over something as silly as a baby mobile...lol)

So without further ado, here are a few pictures of the mobile that made me cry today. It's going to look perfect in the nursery....and for those who are worried, it is just for looks, and baby will not be "playing with it" due to the small choking hazards it possesses.







It is authentic vintage from the 1950's that is Brand new in the box. How cool is that? Also, here is a reminder picture of the two decorative toys already purchased for the nursery.


The duck is a reproduction, but the apple is vintage. Aren't they so cute?

Until next post,

My husband has a new blog

So most might not know that Joel loves writing, and has always loved to write stories. With much encouragement, he has decided to start blogging his short stories. Now please keep in mind, he is still working on them, but your feedback would be much appreciated. So if you have a few minutes, stop by and read "a piece of his heart".

Love you Joel, and I know that you are a good writer. Who know's, maybe you'll be the next Harlan Coban, or Stephanie Meyer's....

His blog can be found here or in the left sidebar under "My favorite blogs".

27.6 weeks - Calling my lovely cauliflower by name

*********ATTENTION...sort of a long post**********

Joel and I decided on a name for the baby quite some time ago. Well actually it was on our list from the last pregnancy, but since the baby did not come to full term, or grow enough to know if it was a boy or girl, we decided to keep the name as an option. And so when we found out this baby was a boy, we already knew what we were going to name him, (hehe...we are just keeping it a secret until he is born).

It's so hard sometimes not to tell people. Funny thing is Joel tells people we are naming him Jehoshaphat, and we usually get a laugh from people (No seriously, we are not naming the baby that). Once Joel slipped and called him by his real name in front of people, thankfully they were all talking and no one heard. But in the morning I try and make a ritual of saying "Good Morning _____" to the baby. Sometimes he responds, and other time he does not. Like this morning....I thought my stomach was going to explode he was moving around so much! It was crazy. He must have had the hiccups because sometimes it was a steady rhythm of movement.

Thursday I am officially entering my third trimester and will be 7 months along (28 weeks). Crazy that I am nearing the end already. I think posting a weekly blog helps make the time go by faster....lol. I still have lots of work on the nursery to do, BUT I bought two toys for the nursery this week, wanna see?

Ist't that duck just so cute?....He's not authentic vintage, but a reproduction, but I still like him none-the-less, and I love my apple!

What's new this week?

How far along: 27.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: yep!

Total weight gain: 7 lbs. Had to be weighed the other day, and I gained one more pound. Whoo hoo!

Belly Button: Still an innie, but I dunno for how much longer. :o/

Best moment this week: Feeling the baby move, and realizing I only have 12 more weeks until the baby is here.

Food cravings: None this week.

Food aversions: None this week.

Gender: It's a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: Had two this week that I can remember, well one that turned into two. One was of me skydiving from a cliff, and falling into a sink hole, and then when I fell into the sink hole, I fell into a river, and there were things or people trying to pull me under. I'm glad it was just a dream.

What I miss: Being able to get up out of bed without pain. I think I might have something called SPD (Symphysis pubis dysfunction). Let's just say it hurts to lift my legs, turn in bed, etc...you can read up on it here.

What I am looking forward to: Getting rid of things, and rearranging furniture.

Milestones: Heartburn is officially here almost everyday. He's weighing in around 2 pounds now! Movements are much more jerky and can be visually seen. I have a family shower set on June 26th, and a friends and family shower for August 7th.


This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.


Until next week,

26.6 weeks-Cool as a cucumber pt. 1

Yay! We are nearing the third trimester. One more week and we are there! Baby Willoughby will be here before we know it! I am getting really excited. I had Joel take a new baby bump shot on Monday (Memorial Day) Here is a pic:



What's new this week?

How far along: 26.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Maternity clothes have finally been embraced. I still wear regular clothes, but I mostly have been wearing maternity for the last week and a half.

Total weight gain: 6 lbs.

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Getting a whole bunch of maternity clothes from a friend, and My Dad and (his wife) Lynn showing me the rocking chair they purchased for the nursery ...well for me really! Also, the looks on people's faces on Sunday when I came in my first maternity outfit, and they could finally see the baby bump. I got so many compliments, it was very embarrassing.

Food cravings: Water, I must be dehydrated.

Food aversions: None this week.

Gender: It's a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: None this week that I can remember.

What I miss: My energy...I feel zapped at the end of the day, and have to take naps.

What I am looking forward to: Cleaning the room that is to become the nursery and moving furniture around.

Milestones: Baby Willoughby is moving so much. His kicks are a lot stronger now. Showing off a legit baby bump.





The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

Until next week,

24 weeks and 5 days

Would you consider this a baby bump? or just baby chubbies? I still think it looks like baby chubbies (see previous post for reference)

Monday night I threw Joel under the bus at dinner with a group of people from our church. It was actually quite funny though. The ladies were asking if Joel talks to the baby, to which I replied "No! He thinks it's silly!", and of course all the ladies told him that he should be talking to the baby. Well last night, he started talking to the baby. Made my heart soar, knowing that he cares.

I'm getting excited. The other day, I was in the store with Joel, and there was a baby girl in front of us. I just wanted to kiss her nose. I can't wait till I can do so to our baby boy! I know I have 4 more months to go, but if it goes as fast as the past few have been, Baby W will be here in no time.

I have decided to go with a vintage inspired nursery. I am currently looking for the following:

Vintage Baby scale, old wooden pull duck, vintage suitcase and hangers, leather button up shoes, glass bottle from 1920's or so, phonograph, old rocking horse, and whatever else I can think of.

The good thing is there are a lot of antique shops that I can look for these items in. I am currently bidding on a few on eBay, but with eBay, you never know if you are going to get the item, unless you are willing to pay a fortune, to which I do not have.

Joel and I went stroller shopping last week, and we found one that we really like. Since, we have not bought any big ticket items (crib, dresser, swing, etc) we have decided to splurge on a stroller. We are thinking about purchasing the UPPAbaby Vista Stroller:



Although it is expensive, this stroller has the option for becoming a double and triple stroller, and so we will not have to buy another stroller when we decide to expand out family. I also have another stroller in mind, if we cannot afford the UPPAbaby (with the help of family). I also like the Bumbleride Flyer. This one is a little more reasonably priced to which we can afford.



One other thing I have been thinking about, is birthing classes. I would really like to take "The Bradley Method" classes. I want to go natural, and the Bradley Method classes teach relaxation tips to help speed up labor. Maybe that's why I had that crazy dream (see below). The bad part is the class is $350.00. I don't know if I can afford to take the class though, so I am reading his book called Husband Coached Childbirth. I plan on contacting an instructor in the next week to see if they possibly take payments.



In the meantime:

What's new this week?

How far along: 24.5 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Transitioning to maternity clothes. I still wear regular clothes, and maternity is still too big. Maybe next week we will better fit into maternity...lol.

Total weight gain: As of last Dr. appt., 6 lbs, but tomorrow I will have a new weigh in. Look for tomorrows post for an accurate account.

Belly Button: An innie, but it looks like in another month it might pop out...yikes! That's gross. I think I will have to put a bandaide over it if that happens.

Best moment this week: Watching the baby move around the belly.

Food cravings: Sweets, I hope I do not have gestational diabetes.

Food aversions: Spicy food, because it give me heartburn. BOO HOO! I love mexican, and that seems to be the worst.

Gender: It's a boy! Check out the picture from our previous post.

Crazy Dreams: I had a dream that I delivered the baby at 6 months. In the dream, my labor was only three hours, and since I thought it takes forever, I never went to the hospital, and Joel had to deliver the baby at home. The funny thing was the ambulance came, but they said that the baby was fine, and that he did not have to go to the hospital. Crazy I know!

What I miss: My energy...I feel zapped at the end of the day.

What I am looking forward to: I finally decided on how I would like to decorate the nursery...drum roll...........Vintage inspired, (ie, toys, leather button shoes, old rattles, wooden pull duck, phonograph, etc...), and so now comes the fun part of getting it all together. Also, if I can, I would like to take "The Bradley Method" birthing classes. I am going to try and contact a teacher this week.

Milestones: The baby is moving all throughout the day. He is almost a foot long, and likes the right side of the belly.


Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Until next week,