Tuesday, June 17, 2008

21 Weeks Along - Progress Report for Mom, Dad, and Baby

So, I am happy (yet somewhat terrified) to report that we are 21 weeks along now in the pregnancy - more than half way there to D-day (aka. DDDDelivery day). I can't believe this pregnancy is moving along so quickly. When it first started out, I thought time was standing still. But now...

We're going to be parents, like, tomorrow. I don't feel ready yet. We are doing a good job of getting things together to prepare for the little guy's arrival. But, as far as making the emotional transition into being a real Mommy - and for the rest of my life? It's not happening this fast is it?? We only have 4 short months left.

While I don't feel very ready psychologically, I do feel like Dad and I are doing a pretty good job getting ready on a practical level. Dad has been helping me do exercises almost every night so that we will be ready for pre-labor, and so that I'll be more fit for the whole process. He encourages me to eat my vegetables, and he goes on walks with me. (VJ isn't here yet, but Dad is really making sure we have a strong family!) I've also been taking yoga every couple of days to try to stay strong and flexible...

Anyway, about VJ's progress. According to babycenter.com our baby is 3/4 of a pound this week, and almost a foot long. He has been kicking, but I barely feel it. I want to say that I've only felt about 8 total HINTS at a kick since last week (and ever). But soon, his kick should be getting more intense and noticeable.

Dad and I have signed up for a Bradley Method class, and we have already attended 2 lessons (weeks) of this 13-week course. I can't say we have learned a lot just yet. The best aspect has been that we spend at least 2.5 hours together each week, just focusing on taking in information about the birth together. It is also reassuring to meet and hear some of the other couples' concerns.

The last class was almost 2 hours on nutrition, which is obviously very important, but the information is pretty much all on line. (The Bradley Method recommends that pregnant women follow the Brewer Diet, so as to avoid premature labor, preeclampsia, toxemia, and general poor development). We got special charts to take home to keep track of our food intakes. I have been trying to follow the guidelines since then, but to be completely honest... it's too much food. I just can't eat as much food as this diet recommends in a day. I feel pretty confident though that I am taking care of the really important stuff - like adequate nutrition from very good quality foods (milk, eggs, veggies, cheeses, etc.)

One thing new and very important that I learned was that the 8th month is the most important when it comes to brain development for the fetus. That was interesting to know....

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

MomsJustKnow.com

I just shamelessly cut and pasted the list below of things to buy for a newborn. I stole it from my friend's amazing starter website www.momsjustknow.com because I wanted to keep it at arm's reach as we prepare for VJ's arrival.

What do I need to keep my baby happy & healthy at home?
o nasal aspirator
o diaper rash ointment
o 2 packages of disposable diapers
o 2 dozen cloth diapers (for burp cloths)
o gentle baby soap
o no tears shampoo
o 2-4 pacifiers (you will lose them)
o blunt baby nail scissors
o baby brush and comb set
o alcohol wipes (for the cord)
o 4-6 bottles (4 and 8 ounce size)
o bottle brush
o 2 nursing bras (if nursing)
o disposable or washable breast pads (if nursing)
o breast pump (if nursing)
o 6 bibs
o 2-4 hooded bath towels
o 4-6 wash clothes
o 4 bassinet sheets
o 2 waterproof mattress pads
o 2 quilted crib pads
o 3-4 crib sheets
o crib bumper
o 2 comforters (depending on season)
o 2 crib blankets (depending on season)
o 6-8 snap t-shirts or onesies
o 4-6 lightweight sleepers
o 6-8 receiving blankets
o 6-8 baby gowns with pull-ties
o 4-8 pairs of booties or socks
o 1 sweater
o 1 snowsuit (depending on season)

So far we have managed to already gather a small storage supply of baby stuff (but not many things on this list yet!), so that we won't be too overwhelmed with all the expenses when VJ finally comes in October. Mainly through steals I have found on craigslist, we have bought VJ a car seat, baby boppy, some clothes (night gowns/PJs, socks, hats, and onesies), 3 receiving blankets, and a co-sleeper. Tomorrow Dad and I are going to buy a crib with mattress and baby bumper - and then on Saturday we will buy a Exersaucer we found (for $4 - amazing)!

Oh yeah, AND last month, we just bought a new car for the little guy! Since Dad and I both drove trucks until now, we had to buy a baby-friendly automobile in which to put the car seat. Man, this kid is clearly already ruling our lives, and he is barely a 20-week-old fetus! (Obviously I am not complaining too much about this though - Mom got a new car!) This is a picture of our gorgeous new, pre-owned Honda - as it was advertised by the car dealer.

The list of things to buy is endless. The next crucial things on my list to buy are a snap-n-go stroller for our car seat, a bathing basin, and ... I thought I'd never hear myself saying this, but... (omg) a breast pump!

Monday, June 9, 2008

VJ's first home movie: Heartbeats and Ultrasound



Executive Producer: ST Carolan, aka "Daddy"
To view movie, please click on the arrow at the center OR at the bottom left corner of this image.

In this scene, VJ plays the role of an unborn fetus in which he displays his long legs and relaxed demeanor. VJ seems to be hanging cool with his head propped up and his feet kicked back on the wall of Mom's uterus, while showing off his strong heart beat to the audience.

Just kidding. This is VJ's second trimester anatomy screening on June 6, 2008. He really wasn't on a movie set in Hollywood - but down the road a few blocks at the UCLA Medical Center's Obstetrics Department. You can see toward the end of the film, that mom's belly was shaken by the ultrasound technician with the goal of getting VJ to move around. You'll see him kick his leg around and raise his hand just as the video ends.

Please be sure to turn your volume up as high as possible to get the full effect of his very strong heart beat. Enjoy the show~!

Mom's note: Once again, our little guy amazed us with "perfect scores." According to our doctors, he is developing very nicely, showing good growth, no visible problems, and plenty of amniotic fluid to hang out in. Apparently he likes to suck his thumb, as he often has his thumb in the mouth when we ultrasound him. The ultrasound techinician said that he is very very active in the womb.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Straight A's for our little guy, VJ!

Today I learned what it feels to be a proud parent, sharing some good news about our boy with Dad. We got a call from our geneticist to let us know that our little tyke passed his amniocentesis with flying colors. No major genetic defects! Horray!

I was unable to take the call so she left a message, which ended up being very fortunate. I was able to replay it for Dad later in the day. He seemed so pleased. Like I said, it really was like standing outside the principle's office after we had just heard her tell us our kid was a super star. We are very very proud parents. He got his first awesome report card.