26th Week Update

Had another checkup today! Dr. Chan reported that my glucose results came in normal (spent two plus hours in the lab last week having my glucose levels monitored - which includes fasting and downing a VERY sweet "orange-soda-flavored" drink) and that my belly size is perfect. :)

26 Weeks

In two weeks, I'll start tracking fetal movement, which includes making sure that I feel at least 10 movements within a two hour period, at the point in the day when the baby is at her most active. This is something I'll be tracking daily. There has been a substantial increase in movement the last few weeks - little pokes here and there and then some big kicks. Last night I was staring down at my belly and saw the whole thing move!

The nursery is pretty much ready for the furniture at this point! Still have to put up the crown moulding and new light fixture but painting is complete  - including the closet. And the closet is already getting some use!

Doodoo and DUDU

Those were two of the topics we covered last night in our first parenting class, "Surviving the 1st Month." The class was hosted by Sutter Memorial and it was the first time we actually stepped foot in the hospital that we'll be delivering at!

So yes, we talked about the topic of "elimination" or doodoo - and what to expect it to "look" during the first month. And DUDU, refers to the swaddling method taught by Harvey Karp, MD, who spearheaded the approach explained by the "Happiest Baby on the Block" books and DVDs. Kevin definitely mastered the down-up-down-up (or DUDU) swaddling method during our hands-on practice in the class. If you've never seen Dr. Karp in action demonstrating the Five S's to soothing a baby, it's amazing - check him out! He should be known as the "baby whisperer!!"

The key for us will be to identify which combination of the "S's" will work for our baby girl.

In a thought-provoking new view of infancy, Dr. Karp blends modern science and ancient wisdom to prove that newborns are not really ready for the world when they are born. Through his research and experience, he has developed four basic principles that are crucial for understanding babies…improving their sleep…and, soothing their senses:

• The Missing 4th Trimester: As odd as it may sound, one of the main reasons babies cry is because they are born three months too soon.
• The Calming Reflex: The automatic reset switch that can stop a baby’s crying…and boost a baby’s sleep…during the first months of life.
• The 5 S’s: Five simple steps that trigger the calming reflex (swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging and sucking). For centuries, parents have tried these methods only to fail because, as with a knee reflex, the calming reflex only works when it is triggered in exactly the right way.
• The Cuddle Cure: The perfect mix the 5 S’s that can soothe even most colicky infants and add hours to their sleep.

The instructor also touched on the topics of feeding, "wearing" a baby (using slings or carriers) bathing, cord care, and the well-being of the parents. It was definitely reassuring to know that there is no "normal" and that there will be quite a learning curve. We'll have to be very open to this new experience, to not getting sleep, keep our communication open with each other, be very understanding, and allow ourselves to make mistakes. Each baby is different but one thing we learned is that their needs are extremely limited! They need their parents, food, and sleep. And that's about it the first month!

One of the things I loved most about this class was that it brought Kevin and I closer together in this whole experience. We really are two lucky parents-to-be.

Waiting for our Girls!

Viv at 24 weeks and Rox at 22 weeks.

"56% of the way there!"

That's what Dr. Chan said today. Everything continues to look great, medically speaking! All test are coming back negative and my belly size is on track (fundal height measurement.) We didn't do an ultrasound today but we did dust off the old monitor in his office and listened to her little heart. In a couple weeks, I'll go to the lab for glucose testing, but other than that, he hasn't ordered any further testing. Which is a good thing!

So you've seen pics of my insides - here is finally one of me on the outside! There's no hiding the belly now. I am very comfy in my maternity jeans and have found some pretty cute maternity tops.

22 weeks 3 days

We are now starting on her room. We've emptied out the closet (of course I was using it!) and cleared out the furniture. We'll do some painting soon, followed by putting up some crown molding. Thanks to Grandma Ericka and Grandpa Mo, Baby Fitz's furniture is on order! And the bedding, a gift from Auntie Yoli, is on its way. Thank you all!

The furniture that we've ordered. Thanks Grandma Ericka and Grandpa Mo! :)

Her bedding (not her actual room!!) Thanks Auntie Yoli!

And the gifts keep on coming! I hope this little girl learns that she'll have to do some chores to earn presents like these!

Clothes from Grammie Dawnie and Grandpa Jud!

Adorable sneakers from Elaine and Joanna Lima!

First pair of shoes. :)

Thanks Satya! :)

Grandma Ericka and Grandpa Mo Hit the Mall!

Spoiled?!?

It's a GIRL!

So we couldn't wait until our next appointment with Dr. Chan! A girl at work told us about a place she went to in Roseville called  "The Baby Connection" that offers ultrasound services for sex determination - including 3D. We opted for the 2D, unsure if we were ready to see what our baby looks like at 19w 6days (she ended up giving us a freebie 3D pic that you'll see below!)  Billie, who assisted us, was so professional and caring and new IMMEDIATELY what she was looking at when she started the ultrasound.

Billie: "Okay, so I know what you're having. . do you wanna take a guess?"

Rox: "Well I. . "

Billie: "Do you know what you're looking at?"

Rox: "Well I don't SEE anything!?!"

Billie: "YUP! It's a girl!"

Kevin and I looked at each other and smiled - so excited about our little girl! Billie also noticed the size of her feet. "This is going to be a big one. She's going to be a model!"

There's the butt shot! Our little girl. :)

Here she is bent over towards her knees - check out her feet.

Strong heartbeat!

Her cute little profile.

The first 3D pic of our girl! Almost looks like she's sucking her thumb.

Here is an 11-minute video of the entire ultrasound (no audio.) There are moments when the video looks paused  - this is because she was either explaining what we were looking at, or pausing to take a picture.

Now it all begins - looking at names, deciding on paint, furniture, decor, and the registry! We can't wait to meet her.