21 weeks!

Your pregnancy: 21 weeks


See the big picture How your baby's growing:
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.


How your life's changing:
You're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.

You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

TGIF!

It's been another crazy week, even though it was a short one!

Defintely looking forward to this weekend. Tomorrow is a birthday party for my nephew... I can't believe he's 4 years old already! Nothing much else is planned for the weekend, but that's ok. Next week, we have a graduation party on Saturday and my parents anniversary on Sunday, so I'll take the down time when I can get it!

Our lil pumpkin

Couldn't resist sharing a pic!! Here's our lil pumpkin!!

Doctor's appointment tomorrow

It's the ultrasound and 20 week checkup! Excited and nervous all at the same time! We are not going to find out, it's a surprise!!

I'll try and post a picture tomorrow if we get a decent one!

Tuesday...

And it's back to work. It was nice to have the three days off and it's nice knowing that this is a short week. But I also know that I will have so much to catch up on as well!

Happy Memorial Day!

A special thanks to those who gave their lives so that we may be free!!

In honor of Memorial Day...

Thank you to our troops past and present. God Bless you and your families this day and every day!!

20 weeks!!

How your baby's growing:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)

A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)

Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.


How your life's changing:
You've made it to the halfway mark — Congratulations! The top of your uterus is at the level of your belly button now, and you've likely gained about 10 pounds. Expect to gain an average of about another pound each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron for your developing baby and the placenta, and to keep up with your expanding blood volume. Iron-rich foods include lean red meat, poultry, fish, lentils and other legumes, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals.

If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one. Whether you're a first-timer or a pro, you can benefit from a structured class that helps prepare you for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, all-day session. Ask your doctor or midwife for a recommendation. At 37 weeks, you'll be considered full-term, so plan to be done with classes by then.

TGIF!

Thank Goodness it's Friday...it's been a crazy week. Lucky for us, the office is closing early today. YEA!!

Tomorrow, my friend Marcy is coming into town and we will be spending the day together, I can't wait!! Not 100% sure about what we'll do, but who cares, we'll have fun no matter what!

Tomorrow marks the 20 week mark...I can't believe I'm halfway through. This Thursday, we'll have our ultrasound, so I'm excited to see this little one! I'm hoping to get some good pictures to show everyone.

Still haven't felt little one move, but it maybe moving and I don't even know either. The books say as early as 18 weeks and sometimes closer to 24 weeks. I also have a lot of extra "padding" so maybe it'll take me awhile to longer to feel it too!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

The Next Survivor Show

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do
laundry,and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each
week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and
relatives, and send cards out on time.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist
appointment and a haircut appointment.
He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the
Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails manicured and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe
abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings
but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least
once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book and then pray with the children each
night and in the morning, feed them , dress them, brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will
be required to know all of the following information: each child's
birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of
labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack,
favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they
want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man
wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over
again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right To be called
Mother!

After you get done laughing, send this to as many females as you think
will get a kick out of it and as many men as you think can handle it.

I am a #4

Birth Test  

Let me know your number.  Once you have discovered your Birth Number, forward this email to the rest of your friends, including the one who sent
this to you.

Put your 'number' in the 'Subject' and pass it on!  Have fun!

Our Birth Date describes who we are, what we are  good at, and what our inborn abilities are.  It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing.  To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in your Birth Date together, like in the following example, until there is only one digit.

A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.

                                      Example:  March 20, 1950
                                            3  + 20 + 1950 = 1973
                                             1 +  9 + 7 + 3 = 20
                                                     2  + 0 = 2

Keep going until you end up with a single digit number.
2 is the Birth Number to read for the Birth Date in the example.

#1 THE ORIGINATOR
#2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER

# 1 - THE ORIGINATOR - 1's are originals.  Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural.  Having things their own way is  another trait that gets them labeled as being stubborn and arrogant.  1's are extremely honest and would do well to learn some diplomacy skills.  They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them.  Lessons to learn: Other s' ideas might be just as good or better;  and to stay open minded. {Famous 1's - Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, C arol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, and Raquel Welch.}

#2 - THE PEACEMAKER -  2's are the  born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive, they  don't like to be alone. Friendship and companions hip ar e very important and can lead them to be successful in life; but, on the other hand, they'd  rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship.  Being naturally shy, they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off. {Famous 2's - President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopie Goldberg, Thomas Edison, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. }

# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE  PARTY - 3's are  idealists.  They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing.  They start many things but don't always see them through.  They  like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it.  They are very popular and  idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view. {Famous 3's - Alan Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie  Griffith, Salvador Dali, and Jodi Fos ter}

# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE - 4 's are sensible and traditional.  They like order and routine .  They only act when they fully understand what they're expected to do.  They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent.  They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves. {Famous 4's -  Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, and Oprah Winfrey }

# 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST - 5's are the explorers.  Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water.  They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut.  The  whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation.  The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. {Famous 5's -  Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hail.}

# 6 - THE ROMANTIC - 6's are idealistic and need to feel us eful to be happy.  A strong family connection is important to them.  Their actions influence their decisions.  They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help.  They are very loyal and make great  teachers.  They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously.  6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot. {Famous 6's - Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John  Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, and Goldie Hawn}

#7 - THE  INTELLECTUAL - 7's are the  searchers.  Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their  decisions.  Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned  themselves.  They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is 'slow and steady wins the race.'  They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners.  They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets.  They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what is not in the world at large. {Famous 7's - William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball,  Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana, and Vince Riccia rdi}

# 8 - THE BIG SHOT - 8's are the problem solvers.  They are professional, blunt, and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive.  They have grand plans and like to live the good life.  They take charge of people. They view people objectively.  They  should learn to base their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want. {Famous 8's - Edgar Cayce, Barbra  Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, and Nostradamus. }

#9 - THE PERFORMER - 9's are natural entertainers.  They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help.  With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them.  They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood.  To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation. {Famous 9s - Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Elvis Presley

Calmness in our lives...

CALMNESS IN OUR LIVES

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.

Dr Phil proclaimed, 'The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished.'

So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel right now.

Dancing with the Stars and GIRL power!

I really hope she wins tonight...she is FANTASTIC and she deserves it!

Monday Ramblings

The weekends go by WAY too fast!

Saturday, I ended up working for almost 5 hours.  I don't like to do it every weekend, but it's a busy time for us, plus the overtime is nice, so I don't mind too much.  Stopped at the store and brought frozen pizzas for dinner.  Yum.  Just vegged out for the rest of the night.

Sunday, got up to go to church.  As I said in yesterday's entry, I went but didn't stay.  I ended up coming home and going right back to bed...I had a headache and my stomach was a little out of sorts as well.  After I got up again, I had some lunch and then headed out to visit Grandma as well as Mom and Dad.  Grandma started her exercise class last week so she filled me in on that as well.  After I left her place, I stopped by Mom and Dad's and brought her laundry to them, since they were just getting back into town.  Made Nachos for dinner and made Lasagna for this week...YUM!

Then it was to bed...thank goodness it's a shortened day this week!  Early out on Friday! YEAH!!

I went to church...

but I didn't stay there...oops!

Got there and wasn't feeling all that hot...plus, I'm feeling very lost in the church lately. There are some issues going on and I'm feeling torn about staying or going somewhere else. So, I left.

I'm sick of tired of the stress that the place can bring sometimes!

19 weeks!!

How your baby's growing:
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. If your baby is a girl, she has an astonishing 6 million eggs in her ovaries. They'll dwindle to fewer than two million by the time she's born.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.


How your life's changing:
You're just a week shy of the halfway mark. You may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen (perhaps extending to your groin) or even an occasional quick, sharp, stabbing pain on one or both sides, especially when you change position or at the end of an active day. This is round ligament pain, and it's caused by the stretching of the muscles and ligaments that support your growing uterus. It's nothing to be alarmed about, but if the pain is persistent and continues even when you're resting, or is severe or accompanied by cramping, call your practitioner.

You may also have noticed some skin changes lately. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from increased estrogen. Patches of darkened skin are also common during pregnancy. When they show up around your upper lip, upper cheeks and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may see these splotches on your arms or other areas that have been exposed to the sun. Your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva may also darken during pregnancy. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." All of this darkening is caused by a temporary increase in melanin, the substance that colors your hair, skin, and eyes. For most women, these darkened spots will fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

OUCH!!!

What Language Should you Learn?

You Should Learn Chinese

Surprised? You shouldn't be - Chinese is perfect for an ambitious person like you. You're a natural entrepreneur, and a billion people are waiting to do business with you!

What Language Should You Learn?

What does your Tast in Music Say About you...

What Your Taste in Music Says About You

Your musical tastes are upbeat and conventional. You are an easy going, optimistic person. Family and friends are very important to you. You enjoy caring for and helping other people. You thrive in a tranquil environment, and you do your best to keep things peaceful. You enjoy your life. You have your priorities straight.

What Does Your Taste in Music Say About You?

Tuesday

This is one of my least favorite days of the year.  Partially because I don't fully understand the situation.  11 years ago today, Bill's mom was taken tragically from this earth in a horrible automobile accident.  I won't go into details here, but the story definitely takes your breath away at how awful some people can truly be.

I can't even begin to imagine being 20 years old or 14 years old (that's how old my SIL was) and know that your mother will never come home again and you never had an opportunity to say good-bye.  Not seeing you accomplish certain things or share your joys with you or to help pick you up when you are down.  

God, please watch over Bill and Melissa today.  Help them get through this day!

It will change your life...

 We are sitting at lunch when she casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says, half joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?" "It will change your life," I say, carefully, keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on the weekend, no more spontaneous vacations..."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my friend, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in child birth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will be forever vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never read a newspaper again without asking "What if that had been MY Child?" That every plane crash, every fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die.

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for child care, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting, and she will think about her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my friend to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonalds will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.

However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother. Looking at my attractive friend, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years -- not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.

I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor. My friend's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the ways she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is always careful to powder the baby or never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my friend could sense the bond she'll feel with women throughout history who have tried desperately to stop war and prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.

I want to describe to my friend the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.

My friend's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I say finally. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my friend's hand, and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings. The blessed gift of God and that of being a Mother.
        -Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day!

To all the moms, grandmas, great-grandmas!

18 weeks

How your baby's growing:
Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.


How your life's changing:
Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline increase. Look for specially designed maternity clothes that can accommodate your expanding belly.

You may have heard that you should avoid lying on your back during your last two trimesters. Here's why: When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein (called the inferior vena cava) that returns blood from the lower half of your body back to your heart. Lying on your side (or even partially tilted to the side), particularly your left side, prevents this compression and improves your blood flow. Try placing a pillow behind you, or under your hip or leg for comfort.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during your second trimester your blood pressure is probably lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

If you haven't already, you'll probably have an ultrasound done sometime this trimester (usually between 16 and 20 weeks). This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking her thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

We're Registered!

Although it might be a little early, we registered last night at Babies R Us. We're getting together with the inlaws this weekend, so we figured if they ask the question we can respond with YES! :) We had fun although it was a bit overwhelming. We still might make some changes, but it's a start.

Mother's Day Plans?

What does everyone have planned?  Saturday, we are heading out to my in-laws for a Mother's Day and birthday celebration.  My BIL turned 21 on Wednesday, so we're having a party for him.

Sunday is church and it's bell choir Sunday.   Then, we'll probably take lunch over to Grandma and spend the day with her too.  

Whatever you do, hope your day is a happy one!!!

Happy Birthday Matt!!!

He is the big 21today!  Must call him tomorrow morning to see how he's doing! :)

Met with the HR person to discuss my maternity leave

I met with her last week to get some basic information about maternity leave and what my options were.

I get 7 weeks paid leave...5 at 100% and 2 at 75%.  After that, I can use my remaining vacation time, which I still have over 2 weeks!  

I'll meet with her again closer to due date so I can finalize everything and fill out the necessary paperwork.

Monday Ramblings

The weekends go by WAY too fast!  Ugh...

I was so proud of myself for getting so much done on the scrapbook over the weekend.  Now I feel pretty confident about getting the rest of it done in time for the reunion.

Yesterday, after church, I had to do some shopping for my hubby for work.  Afterwards, I came home and vegged out on the couch for awhile and then worked on the apartment a little bit more.  I've got more energy these days, so I keep trying to do little projects here and there.

Now it's Monday....another long week ahead of us!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Wowser....

I went to two crops this weekend...Friday night at my church and last night at Archivers. In the past two days, I have completed...40 pages!! I was working on the reunion album and I'm now up to 2003! Only 5 more years to complete! This just might get done by June 21, the '08 reunion!

On a side note, I did buy some pregnancy scrapbooking supplies! Once the reunion book is done, that's my next project! :)

17 weeks

How your baby's growing:
Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and he's around 5 inches long. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.


How your life's changing:
With more weight up high and out in front of your body, you may feel a bit off-balance as you walk around. Store away your high heels and wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble.You're likely to feel protective of your tummy, and that's good. Trauma to your abdomen could be harmful to your baby and dangerous to you, so be sure to buckle up when you're driving. Keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly and very snug across your hips for maximum protection.


An easy way to keep track of the nutrients you need "I made a simple chart of the basic food groups and posted it on the refrigerator. At the end of the day I checked off what I had eaten. Then, for my bedtime snack, I tried to pick something that would fulfill whatever category was lacking — yogurt (or a bowl of ice cream!) if I needed more dairy, for example, or an orange if I needed more fruit." — Anonymous

TGIF

Thank goodness another weekend is here!!  I can't believe it's May already! Tomorrow, I'll be 17 weeks along.  Still no feeling the baby yet, but I'm sure it'll be any time now.  

Tonight, I have a scrapbook night at church.  We haven't done one in awhile, so we're due for another one! :)  Tomorrow, I'll be working for a few hours and then I'll probably head out to a scrapbook store and work some more.  I need to finish the family reunion album before June! Ack!!  We started with 1987 and I'm up to 1995.  Only 12 more years to go!  Ha!

Sunday, I'm going to another church to hear a friend preach...she is a member of our church, but she is a seminary student.  It'll be exciting to see her!

Hope everyone else has a good weekend too!

How can April be over already?!?!

2008 is just flying by and before I know it, it's going to be October! Ack!!!

May is going to be busy with birthdays and get-togethers and such. Pretty soon it's going to be Memorial Day weekend!