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

It's time....

Yay! We were admitted. Details to follow...

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,

Nope...not yet

Title says it all. Grr...I know, I know. He'll come when he wants to...but quit playing with my emotions. I thought for sure that today would be the day. Oh well, guess it doesn't really matter. Besides, the day isn't quite over yet...just mostly over.

Well a few contractions this morning...

Not sure if this is it, or just false labor, but I have had regular contractions since 6:00am this morning about 7-8 minutes apart and for about 30-45 seconds long. They don't hurt, more like a menstrual cramp. Hope it is! Today would be a good baby to have this baby.

Check back often to see what's new with the baby!

Until next post,

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,

38.6- A shallot and an onion met, fell in love, and created a "Leek"

Another week closer to the baby being here. This week he is measuring as long as a leek. We had a Doctor's appointment last Thursday, and we gained three pounds, so I am back up to 19 pounds total. The Fundus was measuring in at 37cm, so a gain of 1cm from last week.

Not much happened this week as far as baby wise. Oh, we did get the car seat ordered, and Monday we received it. I was so happy! Now we are set. This baby can come. I still need to get curtains, but that can wait. I am getting really excited. I'm not so miserable that I want him to come right now, but I am getting tired of my back hurting, and cant wait to have a normal appetite again....AND NO HEARTBURN!!!

Poor Sadie! I have been waiting for the last month for her to go into heat, and of course she decided to wait until the baby is almost here to go into heat. It's bad enough that she is going to feel rejected because we have the baby, let alone to be in heat. Hopefully it will be short one. Not likely though. She normally goes 4 weeks, and we are only in week 1 still.

Onto other events, we had some exciting news from a friend. Bryan and Kaleo got engaged on Sunday. We are so excited for them. They are two wonderful young people who love God, and will be a great married couple. It's about time you two got engaged!!! These two have been childhood sweethearts. Congratulations!



What's new this week?

How far along: 38.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 19 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures in at 45 1/2".

Belly Button: Flat, but part of it sticks out. Joel said that it looks like it's scarring. I told him it's probably just a stretch mark...lol. Who knew you could get stretch marks ON YOUR BELLY BUTTON!

Best moment this week: Getting the car seat on Monday and getting a new iPhone. I love the car seat. Thanks Mom!...and our new iPhones will be handy once we have the baby.

Food cravings: Super Burger. I got one on Friday, but it just wasn't that good. Oh well!

Food aversions: The smell of raw chicken and raw pork chops...I almost vomitted the other day when I was feeding Sadie her B.A.R.F. diet.

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

Crazy Dreams: None this week to report.

What I miss: This headache, backache and heartburn being gone! Oh and did I mention that my hands and feet itch like crazy!!! Birth should solve all these problems though.

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

Milestones: We got a crib mattress. Now we just need some curtains and a few decorations on the wall and it will be set up. I know, I know! I'm such a procrastinator. I just realized as of today, we have 8 days till our due date! AAAHHHHH!!!!! I will have a baby in my arms within the next two weeks. That is a crazy idea to wrap around still.

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

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, 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, 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.)

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,

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,

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,

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,

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,

29.6 -Squashed? Most likely!

So I know squashed is not a common word, but it seem to fit nicely with my title, as Baby Willoughby is measuring up to a Butternut Squash this week.

Sunday I thought Baby Willoughby was going to kick his way out into this world. I seriously think he like Spanish music. We had a combined church service with our Spanish congregation, and every time I have been in service where there is Spanish music, he always kicks more. He usually kicks me during service, but more so when it's in Spanish....crazy huh?

I'm super excited about this weekend. I have a baby shower scheduled, and I am anxious to see my mom and other family members. It's been a few months since I have seen my mom, and undoubtedly I have grown since then. Next weeks post will probably be full of pictures, and special thanks.

Last week I pre-registered with Eden Hospital (that is where we will be delivering),and they asked me if I had a GP....well I didn't so I had to find a GP. So Monday I had a Doctors appointment with my regular GP, but today I have a doctors appointment with my OB. I think from now on I go in every 3 weeks until I hit the 32 week mark (8 months), then it's every two weeks....we'll see after today.

What's new this week?

How far along: 29.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 9 lbs. Yay! Gained another two pounds in the last month. Weigh in is from my DR. appointment on Monday.

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

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Watching Mone't feel the baby move, and he gave her a really strong kick. It was so funny!

Food cravings: None...well I went to the Farmers Market and I saw these extremely large english peas, and I just had to have them.

Food aversions: None.

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

Crazy Dreams: This morning I dreamed that I was in Venezuela, and I missed my plane back home. I didn't know my plane was leaving, and so all my luggage was still at the hotel. Since I missed the plane, I decided to go back to the hotel and get my luggage, only to find a note that said

"It looked too clean, we got suspicious. Your luggage is at the front desk. Get out immediately! Signed Sasheen G."

So I go downstairs grab my luggage, and as soon as I am out of the hotel, a high speed chase starts. Then I woke up....crazy!

What I miss: Sleep! It seems like I am now having insomnia. Maybe my mind has too much to think about, I dunno

What I am looking forward to: Having the nursery set up. It's slowly getting there. Seeing the Baby again.

Milestones: Feeling the baby move and getting the "kick in the ribs" everyone was talking about.



Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Until next post,

28.6 Weeks- My ever growing cabbage patch

Do you remember those? I do! I had a whole collection of them. I even have one of my nieces dolls here and ready when she comes over to play with. Speaking of cabbage patch dolls, my little cabbage patch is growing. This week I found my first two signs of mommy-hood on my belly. Yep! Two tiny stretch marks...smaller than a dime in length. They are not that dark, so hopefully the will fade soon (they already look lighter).

This week has been eventful for me. FINALLY, we moved the office out of the nursery, and downstairs. I still have my filing cabinet to put in the garage, and hopefully next week I can move my dresser into the nursery.

I mentioned in my last blog that I have two baby showers scheduled. The first is for June 26th. My mom is throwing that one for family on her side. The other is scheduled for August 7th, and that one will be for the many friends and other family members we have.

So this week I added a new category for the "What's new this week" part of the blog. I have decided to start measuring the waist. Please don't be too harsh, I was a little chunky prior to being pregnant, and so therefore my waist like was bigger. With that said, it should be easier now to see how much Baby W has grown.


What's new this week?

How far along: 28.6 Weeks

Maternity clothes: Yes.

Total weight gain: 7 lbs.

Waist: This week my waist measures (now don't criticize me, cause I was chunky before pregnancy) in at 41 3/4".

Belly Button: Still an innie, thank the Lord!

Best moment this week: Moving the office out of the nursery. I still have some things to move out, but I can't get to it until next week. I also plan on cleaning it next week. Finding out a good friend is also having a boy. Yay! for Rachel and Ryan S.

Food cravings: Watermelon and chocolate, but not together.

Food aversions: It's not really a food aversion, but more like un-satisfaction. It never fails that I can made dinner, and never want to eat it, and then half an hour later, I am starving!

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

Crazy Dreams: None this week.

What I miss: Not having a headache. For the past week, I have had off and on headaches, and my lower back has been hurting.

What I am looking forward to: Continuing to set up the nursery. Next week I should have some things set up. My dad is still planning on painting the crib, I just have to get it to him.

Milestones: Got my first two stretch marks on the belly. :( Baby must be putting on weight, as he is over 2 1/4 lbs now. Having people feel the baby move.



By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Until next week,