We are officially due!

So today is our Due date. We are officially 40 weeks today, but no baby yet. I had a doctors appointment this afternoon. Another ultrasound to check the fluid, she said it was fine, and should be okay until next week. Fundus was measuring the same as last week at 36 1\2cm. His heartbeat was in the 150's again. She also checked me for dilation. I am at 1cm, and she also mentioned that the cervix is still thick, but she did not say the effacement. Not much going on there I guess. Then again you never know...

However, I made another doctor's appointment for next Tuesday. She will check again for dilation and also give me a NST test (see link for more info), and if the baby does not come on his own, she suggested that next Thursday we come in for inducement and hopefully by next Friday, we will have a baby in our arms.

I have been a little crampy today after my appointment...but nothing painful. I am hoping that he comes on his own. I do not want to have to be induced.

So check back often to see what's going on 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,

37.6 weeks-"Chard"-ly any time left

Wow! Another week closer. This week we got the crib back from my Dad, and now the nursery is pretty much set up. I just need to add the finishing touches (ie curtains and pictures). I am getting excited.

This week at our Dr. Appointment the Fundus was measuring at 36cm (guess we are going to have a small baby). I also lost weight, so I gained a total of 16 pounds so far. Baby heartbeat was in the 150's again. Things are looking good. I did get an exam to see if we were dilated yet, but thankfully nothing is happening just yet. I don't mind him "cooking" for a little longer. I still have a few things to do around the house to prepare for his arrival. Besides, we want him to be born on September 4th...lol.

This last week was so busy with our 30th church anniversary services. Don't have time to tell you about it now, but I do have time to tell a funny yet embarrassing story?

I had to make 50 sugar free red velvet cupcakes for our church banquet this last Saturday. Soooo, I spent about 5 hours making them all pretty with fondant pearls and all. Well, I did not see them served at the banquet so I inquired once it was over, and of course they were not served (her reasoning was because no one asked for them...like people know to ask for a sugar free alternative, they will take what you have out on the tray)...so needless to say I was mad, got upset, and when I saw Joel, I immediately started crying. Well if you don't already know, pregnant women can sometimes have accidents. So I started crying into Joel's shoulder, and immediately I had a "small" accident....I was so embarrassed. I told Joel "I think I just peed, we need to go"

So we left right away. Like I said it was a "small" accident, and no on knew the better...yet it was still embarrassing. Once we got in the car, I told Joel, I sure hope that was pee and not my water breaking. At this point, Joel started getting nervous, and realized that we could go into labor whenever, and that at that particular moment, he was not ready. So the next time you see a pregnant woman get upset, have sympathy for us. We just might have an accident, or break the bag of waters and go into labor...lol.


What's new this week?

How far along: 37.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 16 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45". He must have dropped a bit.

Belly Button: It's a flat sorta looking thing, and at times, part of it sticks out. I don't think I will look like a "done turkey" in the next two weeks though.

Best moment this week: Getting the nursery in working condition. We just need the last few things done. Finding his "coming home" outfit. It's so cute! Here is a picture of the outfit so you can agree with me (even if you don't think it's cute), and a few of the nursery. It still needs a few things.





Food cravings: Rocky Road Ice Cream (well, that's what we had in the freezer, and it just sounded good)

Food aversions: Tums, it doesn't go well with my digestive system. I guess I need to eat more fiber.

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

Crazy Dreams: I need to start writing them down. I can't recall any crazy ones this last week.

What I miss: My back not hurting. The load of this child is a little burdensome at times.

What I am looking forward to: His arrival, but I am not in a rush for him to come.

Milestones: The nursery is set up and almost finished. He is moving around like crazy.

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. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

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.

Until next post,

35.6 weeks- Honey Dew this...

Today we had a Dr. Appointment. I gained another three pounds. I guess I like the three pounds every two weeks routine...lol. From this point on, we start seeing the Dr. every week until he is born.

Baby had a strong heartbeat at 150 again. Fundus was measuring small she said at 35 1/2 cm. She guesstimated that Baby Jehoshaphat would weight around 7 pounds. We got another sneak peek at him with an ultrasounds. She wanted to make sure that he was still in head down position; of course he was.

I haven't really had a lot going on this last week, (Oh, this week had two people ask if we were expecting) but I anticipate that next week will be filled with a "Honey Dew" list for Joel as the baby shower is on Saturday, and I will be adding my rocking chair and crib back to the room (hopefully)!

I got to spend time with one of my "best good friends" (thats my version of a BFF) Tammy yesterday. We went and got Pedi's. I have been telling Joel for the last three weeks or so that I was going to get my feet done before I had this baby (especially if I had to look at them while giving birth; nothing worse than looking at gnarly ugly toes)....AND if I went into labor before I got them done, you better know that I would be sitting in that pedi chair (labor pains and all) getting my toes groomed. It was nice, refreshing, and absolutely relaxing. Thanks so much Tammy.

I am sure next week's post will be filled with more special thanks as well. So without further ado, lets see...

What's new this week?

How far along: 35.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 17 lbs. Had a Dr. Appointment and gained yet another three pounds. I'm cringing thinking I have four more weeks to gain weight....why am I so worried? I dunno. I know you have to gain weight, but why so much? lol.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45".

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

Best moment this week: Getting a much needed Pedicure...Thanks so much Tammy! I really, really, really, really, needed it!

Food cravings: None this week

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 a bunch of crazy dreams this week, but most of them centered around me not being able to get to Joel for whatever reason it was in the dream.

What I miss: Being comfortable while singing and sitting. It never fails, every time I start singing, Baby Jehoshaphat decides its a good time to be in my ribs....and then after singing, sitting down is a nightmare with him in my ribs still. I am sure that in a few weeks time, I will be missing the feeling, but for right now the only thing I miss is being comfortable...lol

What I am looking forward to: The baby shower this Saturday. Finishing setting up the nursery.

Milestones: We made it to our weekly OB appointments. It's crazy how time is flying. I know he will be here very soon. My doctor thinks I should be right on time.



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). 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


Until next post,

31.6 weeks- Orange you glad I didn't say peanut

Knock knock?
Who's there?
Peanut.
Peanut who?
Knock knock?
Who's there?
Peanut.
Peanut who?
Knock knock?
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn't say peanut?


I just love those classic "knock knock" jokes. I thought it appropriate because last week Baby Willoughby was weighing in about as much as four oranges. This post is late because I had a virus on my computer that wouldn't allow me to get on the computer. I was so mad!!! We finally got it removed, thank you Jesus! So this post is really my 31.6 week post, and so all "what's new this week" stats will be from then.

Had a Dr. Appointment on Wednesday. I gained three pounds, but since I am going every two weeks now, it's fairly appropriate to the "a pound a week from this point on" rule. Baby W's heartbeat was at 150, but the fundus did not grow. She said that it could be that the baby just dropped down farther into the pelvis. I truly believe that because this last week....HE FOUND MY PELVIS BONES!!! It is now his prerogative to kick off those bones, and oh does that feel un-comfy.


What's new this week?

How far along: 31.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 11 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 42". It's measuring smaller this week, but could be that he dropped a bit.

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Receiving the anticipated baby mobile in the mail, and getting a few extras that the seller threw in. Winning a lamp that will match the mobile, and prepping the nursery to be painted.

Food cravings: Watermelon, but isn't it always? I made fruit salad for the fourth, and devoured at least three full plates of it. It was good!

Food aversions: Spicy...heartburn again

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

Crazy Dreams: Had some weird ones, but I can't remember them. Oh well, next time I will write them down.

What I miss: Energy once again. Naps are my friend. I have never been a nap person though, so it's not my norm.

What I am looking forward to: Painting the nursery, the baby shower on August 7th, and Baby W being here.

Milestones: Baby W found the pelvis bones, ribs, and any other area that he can stretch into. It's rather un-comfy, but I love it. I look forward to his movements and sharing them with Joel. Had two people FINALLY ask me if I was pregnant. I was excited, because I still don't always look prego, but I guess now I do look it enough for people to ask. Yay me!



This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

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,

Dr's Appointment Week 24.6

So today I had my Doctor's appointment. It was a nightmare of a wait. Our appointment was at 4:40 p.m., and we didn't leave until 6:00 p.m. Guess they scheduled too many appointments in the afternoon.

Anyways, on to the details:

I did not gain any weight at all from last Doctor's appointment on April 22 to this appointment. I weighed in at 171 pounds. Whoo Hoo! Hopefully I will not gain a lot of weight, and end up weighing less than I started out as when I deliver.

Baby Willoughy was being difficult to find the heartbeat. He ended up being on the left side of the belly going across the waist line (horizontally). His heartbeat was 157.

His heartbeat has been as following:
15.6 weeks-153
19.4 weeks-135
20.6 weeks-135
24.6 weeks-157

One other thing I was in awe of...last appointment the uterus was measuring near the belly button, NOW, it is in the middle of the upper abdomen. I was amazed how much it has grown in the last month.

Personally, I think that I am going to have a long baby. Joel is over 6 feet tall you know.


Guess what! I got the "drink" today too! I am supposed to take the glucose test this Monday. Yay! Whoo Hoo!....you can hear the sarcasm right? My doctor gave me lemon lime. Hopefully it won't be that bad, and hopefully it comes out normal. I'll let you know how bad it taste...lol.

Until next time,

12 Weeks today

Yesterday we had our second ultrasound. We were so excited. Baby Willoughby was moving around like crazy. To be honest, I think I felt the baby move for the first time Tuesday night. It felt like when you get a twitch in your eye. It wasn't very much, and I think if I had not been in that half conscious/sorta sleeping state, I might not have felt it. I know they say that it's too early, but we'll see. ;)

So it looks as if the baby is measuring a week ahead of schedule (12w and 2d...instead of 11w and 3d), and so the Dr. said that we should just go by the original due date of September 2, 2010....which would make us exactly 12 weeks today.

So our new due date will be September 2, 2010. I can't say how excited we are. It's been such an emotional journey for me to get to this milestone. With miscarriage on my mind constantly, it was very hard for me to really embrace the fact that we might become parents soon.

Bro. Rodney Rushing just preached a message on Sunday (Feb 14, 2010) about faith, and how Abraham was considered to have great faith even though he laughed at God when God told him that he was going to have a son. Bro Rushing even went on to say that yes, that was doubt, and that he tried to reason with God that the promise would come from his other son.....but God mentioned in Romans 4 (I think that was the scripture he used) that Abraham had Great faith. Bro Rushing also said that even though there was doubt, Abraham never acted out on that doubt, and that it's okay for us to have doubt, but not to act out on it.

I felt like God had given me peace about this pregnancy from that message...and that even though I think that my pregnancy might end in miscarriage, that as long as I did not act out on that doubt, I could still have faith.

I am so grateful for God taking the time to reassure my mind, and that even though I had doubt, everything turned out alright. Our baby was alive with a heartbeat, and moving up a storm. That we reached the milestone of 12 weeks and the baby is still alive was great faith to me. I am so thankful for my God.

Yes, we are indeed Pregnant!

So we are officially announcing that we are pregnant. Joel and I went in for the first ultrasound/appointment today, and I have to say I was very...did I say very?....very nervous.

Most people do not know this, but a year ago (December 2008), we had a miscarriage. We went in for our 9 week appointment, and found that the baby measured in at 6 weeks without a heartbeat. We were devastated....and waited for the impending miscarriage to come a month later.

And so with that in mind, we attended this morning's appointment (at 8 weeks, 4 days along, according to my calculations) more nervous than should be expected.

So here is a video of the appointment, and our wonderful news! A heartbeat...I cried through the whole thing. I couldn't stop...blame it on hormones, but I think it was just the fact that we had a viable, living baby, and I was overjoyed.

Let's not forget Joel! He was super excited. Just look at that cheesy Cheshire Cat grin on his face.




And so here is the info on Baby Willoughby:

Due: September 5, 2010
Approx. age: 8 weeks, 1 day
Size: Grape
Updates: Should follow weekly from this point.