It was too cold to get in the water but Sam was ready to swim.














She had her first visit to the ZOO this weekend.

Introducing Ruby June!
Born 6/27/07 around 6:15 (not sure on exact time)
She weights 6 pounds 5 ounces and is 20 inches long. Mother and baby are doing great. I think that Becky was only in labor for about 6-7 hours.
Ruby has a ton of dark brown hair. I think it is about an inch long.

Getting old really sucks and watching your loved ones go through it is horrible.
For those of you reading this, if you are having a good day, feeling young and chipper enjoy it to the fullest. Even if you aren't feeling as chipper as you used to still get out and enjoy the ability to walk. (Sorry if this is too sad, it is a sad day)

Check out this link.

http://www.laduenews.com/june15_07/p6_sm.htm

Today Samantha is 4 months old. It seems like over night she started to really reach out and grab stuff. We got this picture yesterday after a long day out for Father's Day. She is loven' those rings that hang down from the car seat.

I don't know how in the world I got so lucky but I am thankful.

A MUST HAVE that you don't really need. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa A. Sam lover her chair.

Count Down to Ruby June.
My best friend has less than 5 weeks before she has her baby. So as many of you know it could be any day now. I am so excited for her, I can't wait. I will post a picture ASAP.

On another note......
I am so tired all of the time. I know that every one says it is because of the baby but I didn't think it would make me this tired. For instance yesterday when I left work I was so fatigued that I didn't feel like driving. Then when I got home I wanted to call my bf but my arms felt too heavy to lift and pick up the phone. I feel bad complaining to Shane because he works hard all day and then he comes home and cuts the grass for four hours. (he does sit for most of it, but it is still work). I am getting good sleep. I get 6-6.5 hours a night (I use to get 8 pre baby) but I just don't think the loss of two hours a night would make me feel this way. Also, I am freaking out because it is like my breast milk is going away. I am trying not to stress about it, I know that makes it worse. I added another pump at work and I have been pumping after her 10 meal at night. I have been eating enough. But, listen I could go on and on about this and it would change a thing. I just need an extra 4 hours in each day.

Four generations of Weatherholts.

How cute is Great-Grandma Weatherholt

Look at my mad pineapple cutting skills.

Now I am ready to have a Baby Shower.

This is Sam having fun with Grandma.

Well it is the second week and I haven't cried yet so that is something. We had the BEST weekend. On Saturday we stayed at home all day and ate, played and slept. Before I use to look forward to the weekend and the evening but now it means so much more to be at home it is hard to put into words. Sam came to work with me this morning and went home with Grandma so I got to spend more time with her this morning.

So, I am back at work now! It is hard to be here I can't imagine what it is like for people that don't like their job or the people they work with. I love it here but I want nothing more than to be at home. I hope this gets easier. If not I am not sure how long I can take this. It isn't just that I don't get to spend time with Samantha it is everything. When am I supposed to clean the house, fix diner or go to the store. If I do any of that it takes away from what little time I have with her. It didn't help that my car broke down this week and we had to spend time dealing with that. PS I got a new car. Anyway to be completely honest it is like why do people even have kids if they can't spend any time with them. IT SUCKS. Before I had her I never thought I wanted to stay at home but now I wish I could and hate that I can't. It is so weird because everything people tell you about having a kid is true but you can't really know what it means until you have one. I love her more than anything and I just want to hang out with her. I wish I could go back to February 18th knowing what I know now. Okay I will stop bitching about this.

Here is the Hippo picture for 12 weeks.

I tried sitting Sam up with the hippo but....

It didn't work out like I wanted.

Okay I know I just had a baby 8 weeks ago but I feel fat and disgusting. I am trying to exercise but the weather has not been cooperating so I can walk with the baby. (I do have to say my parents have been great about watching her at their house) I have tried running but my knees HURT!!!! I can’t believe the pain. I tried warming up for 10 minutes the other day and the first two steps I took (running) were painful. It feels like I just finished running 26 miles. I tried resting and running less distance but nothing helped. I am trying to watch what I am eating but it is hard for several reasons.
For most of the day and night (Shane has been working a lot) I am alone with the food.
I am hungry, very hungry. I was never this hungry while I was pregnant.
If I don’t eat enough I don’t make enough milk and little missy is crabby and hungry.
I think the worst thing is I am only 5 pounds heavier than I was at my first doctor’s appointment in June but none of my old clothes fit! I am so much wider than I was before. I don’t think this clothes will ever fit. Even my tops don’t fit. They are too tight and short.
I only have 4 weeks until I have to go back to work and I don’t have anything to wear!!!! I don’t want to go out and buy clothes. Who wants to buy a bigger size when they know they have been a smaller size for almost all of their adult life.

Living large in Pevely.

Bath time fun and my first boom box.

My daughter's first running shoes.

I saw my doctor last Tuesday for the post delivery follow up and he cleared me to resume normal activities. So, on Thursday I went out with my brother and we went for a run at my parent’s house. It was splendid. We ran for about 30 minutes and walked for a while too. I was a little sore but it was a good sore. Then the next day Shane watched Samantha and I ran for 50 minutes around Pevely. It was marvelous. I forgot how much I love running. I stopped running when I was about 5 months pregnant so it has been at least 6 months since I ran last. On Saturday I was sore in places I haven’t been sore in forever. My stomach muscle hurt! I ran again today (Sunday) for 55 minutes the weather was wonderful. Go Cards!

Boys don’t read past here…..


For all of my girlfriends that run and have babies you will know what I am talking about.
I am happy to report no pee leaks.

How cute am I?

Miss Samantha had her one month doctor's appointment today and she did great.
She is up to 9lbs. 3oz. from two weeks ago at 8lbs. 1oz. (I guess she is getting enough to eat).
She is now 21 inches long from 19 at her birth. She is at the 50% for weight, length and head circumference. Sam did have to get a shot, but nurse Jane did it fast and she only cried for a minute.

Miss Samantha had her one month doctor's appointment today and she did great.
She is up to 9lbs. 3oz. from two weeks ago at 8lbs. 1oz. (I guess she is getting enough to eat).
She is now 21 inches long from 19 at her birth. She is at the 50% for weight, length and head circumference. Sam did have to get a shot, but nurse Jane did it fast and she only cried for a minute.

Bathtime.

I am not sure why these pictures are blurry. I am going to look into it.

I didn’t make it to the store on Monday. In the afternoon I started feeling horrible. My temperature went up and I was cold and hot all at the same time. Last Friday I noticed an infection so I called the doctor and got on some antibiotics. I felt pretty good over the weekend but Monday I felt like hell. I did make it to the store today but as soon as I got home I started to feel like hell again. The infection has gotten worse and I had a temp of 100.9 today. My doctor upped my pain meds and said if I don’t feel better by Thursday I have to go in for a visit.
Something good did happen today. Shane got off work early so we all got to hang out. I am very glad he was here I don’t feel good enough to take care of Samantha by myself.
I hope that all is well with everyone.

Update:
We had another doctor’s appointment yesterday and things are moving along. I am now 3 cm dilated but still 80% effaced. The new plan: the doctor is going to set up an induction for me one day next week, but hopefully I will go into labor on my own over the weekend. After the doctor’s visit Shane and I went to the mall and walked around for an hour. We are going to do the same tonight. They say it is going to snow on Saturday so maybe that will send me into labor.

Not much to report.
I know this will be my last Monday at work. We are closed next week and my doctor won’t let me go over my due date that long. I am feeling big and uncomfortable to be honest. It isn’t the end of the world but I am ready for normal breathing and stuff like getting up or out of bed without help. I am doing everything in my power to speed things up. I was at the gym this morning hoping to walk myself into labor. My next doctor’s visit is Thursday. Hopefully he will have better news at that visit.

Your Baby: Preparing For Labor
Fully developed and ready for birth, your baby will weigh somewhere between 6 and 9 pounds and will measure between 18 and 21 inches in length. When labor starts, your baby's body shifts gears to prepare for the journey. The fluid in the lungs is absorbed, airing out the lungs in preparation for breathing. The fetal hormones are on the rise to help maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels after birth. It's showtime!

The people I work with are so nice. They knew I was bummed about being at work today and not at the hospital in labor so they got me this pretzel! Can you guess what it is?

Update
My parents made it home safely yesterday and I am sure they were shocked by the temperature change. My doctor’s visit was not as exciting as my parents return. I am dilated to 2.5 cm and 80% effaced. So, things are still happening, I just wanted them to happen a little faster. But, after about 3 hours of being bummed out I am over it. I am not that uncomfortable (it could always be worse). I enjoyed a bowl of cookies n’ cream ice cream last night, because I lost another pound (nothing to worry about) . I slept pretty well last night and I know this baby will come when it is good and ready.

I thought maybe I would be at the hospital today.

Yesterday after lunch I started having contractions. I had a few in the afternoon and several in the evening. A few of them were pretty intense. But, at 8 pm them stopped. Isn’t the human body weird? I have had a few contractions today but nothing worth noting. I have another doctor’s appointment on Thursday so we will see if we are any closer. Also, my parents will be home Thursday at 4 so this little baby can come anytime after that. At least the contractions from yesterday got Shane to pack his bag. Wouldn’t it be nice if I had the baby on Friday got to stay in the hospital over the weekend then go home on Monday. Shane gets the week off then we have the weekend again before he has to go back to work. (no pressure little baby but I think you can make it happen)
If you are at home tonight at 7 watch Bones on Fox. You won’t be sorry.

Your Baby: Reaching Full-term
During the last couple weeks of pregnancy, your baby might gain a very small amount of weight or may stop gaining at all. Now considered full-term, your little one may weigh anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds and measure 18 to 21 inches long.

We made it through the weekend with no baby. I tried to rest as much as possible but it is hard to rest when you know the baby could be here at anytime. I am still feeling good. I am having contractions every once and a while and I am feeling pressure.

Report from doctor’s visit on 2/1/07:
I am currently 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. For those of you that don’t know what that means read below. Dr. H seems pretty sure I won’t make it to my original due date 2/19/07. I would like to wait for my parents to get home so I am taking it easy for the next week. That means no exercise! Can you imagine being told not to exercise? I slept into day and it was weird not going to the gym and not feeling guilty about it.

Cervical effacement and dilatation
As labor nears, the cervix begins to thin or stretch (efface) and open (dilate) to prepare for the passage of the baby through the birth canal (vagina). How fast the cervix thins and opens varies from woman to woman. In some women, the cervix may efface and dilate slowly over a period of weeks. A first-time mother often will not dilate until active labor begins.
Late in your pregnancy, your health professional will manually check (wearing sterile gloves) how much your cervix has effaced and dilated.
Effacement
As the baby''s head drops down into the pelvis, it pushes against the cervix and causes the cervix to relax and thin out, or efface.
See an illustration of cervical effacement .
Throughout your pregnancy your cervix has been tightly closed and protected by a plug of mucus. When the cervix effaces, the mucus plug is loosened and passes out of the vagina. The mucus may be tinged with blood. This passage of the mucus plug is called "show" or "bloody show." You may or may not notice when the mucus plug passes.
Effacement is described as a percentage. For example, if your cervix is not effaced at all, it is 0% effaced. If the cervix has completely thinned, it is 100% effaced.
Dilatation
After the cervix begins to efface, it will also begin to open (cervical dilatation).
Cervical dilatation is expressed in centimeters from 0 to 10. Zero means that the cervix is closed, and 10 means that it is completely dilated.

I have been feeling a little less than certain I wanted the first name to be Reed, if we have a girl. For some reason it just doesn’t feel like a name to me. I kept it to myself for a while but then I was like -wait a minute this is my kid I better feel 100% about the name. I finally said something to Shane and he was fine with either using Reed or thinking about a different name. So, we started thinking and every name I liked he did and the names he liked I didn’t. Until we said Samantha Reed. We both like that name. Shane likes the idea of a cool nickname like Sam and I have loved the name Samantha. There you have it…. Henry or Samantha.
Just thought you might want to know.
Next doctor’s visit is Thursday I will update everyone on Friday.

Your Baby: Growing Everyday
Just a few weeks before your due date, your baby averages around 6 1/2 pounds and measures anywhere from 18-21 inches long. During these last days inside the uterus, your baby continues to grow and mature. The fine touches are taking place now in preparation for the journey out into the new world!

As anxious as you may be to meet your baby face-to-face, you still have a little time left to feel him flutter about inside you. Each time he kicks or jabs you with an elbow, stop for a second and put your hand on your stomach to memorize the movement and record it in your head. It's a precious time, and who knows if and when it will happen again?

Your Body: Gearing Up For Delivery
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may start noticing signs and feeling symptoms of false labor. They can set in one month or one day before you actually give birth -- only time will tell. The question is, how will you know when it's real -- and when it's not?
Generally, your health care provider will be able to tell if you are in labor by looking at your cervix to determine if you are effaced and dilated. Often, it can be difficult to tell whether you are in true labor or having false labor. The following are some tips that may help you to distinguish true labor from false labor:
The Real Thing (True Labor)
After timing the contractions, you determine that they are coming consistently and getting closer together.
Each contraction is lasting anywhere from 30-70 seconds getting longer.
The contractions do not go away even if you change your level of activity.
Usually with true labor, the contractions have a radiating feeling in your lower back and upper abdomen.
The intensity of the contractions becomes greater as time progresses.
False Start (False Labor)
The contractions continue to be irregular or have a sporadic pattern.
There is no consistent length or intensity of contractions and no pattern develops.
No clear change or increase in the intensity of the contractions.
May feel the contraction lower in abdomen without the radiation feeling.
Changing activities affects the contractions.
Remember the list above includes the most common findings between true and false labor, but every woman is different. You may still be unclear whether you are in true labor, and it always better to call your health care provider or go to the hospital for guidance.
On Note: On A Scale Of 1 To 10
If your friends continually regale you with the details of their deliveries and you have yet to experience it firsthand, this Cervical Changes During Labor simulator is a must-see. Dynamic and detailed, the two images show a cross-section of female reproductive system and a frontal view of a woman's cervix. As you move the bar at the bottom of the scale, you will see how a cervix dilates from 1 to 10 centimeters.

I had another doctor’s appointment yesterday and everything is going great. I gained that pound back so I am up to 19# total, not too bad. We had what will probably be our last ultrasound yesterday and the baby looked good. The head is down and the feet are in my ribs (those cute little feet woke me up several times early this morning). I have my first pelvic exam next Thursday on the 1st so I should know a lot more than.

The cake that did me in.
I had a baby shower this weekend at my friend’s house and it was tons of fun. Thank you to all of you that were there. I just wanted to post a picture of that cake that did me in this weekend. Layers: browning, mint ice cream, fudge topping, whipped cream and last crushed Oreos. I had two pieces on Saturday and two more on Sunday. So much for that 1# I lost.

36 weeks is 9 months! We only have 4 weeks to go I am getting excited. I don't think I can wait much longer to see if this a little boy or girl.


Your Baby: Dropping Into The Birth Canal
Your little one weighs about 5 1/2 pounds (a tad over 2 kilograms) and measures approximately 17 inches or 45 centimeters tall. He has filled out so much that fat is forming creases in the neck and wrists and dimpling on the elbows and knees. That said, the closer you get to your due date, the greater the size differences in babies. To get a better idea of your baby's weight, ask your doctor to feel around your abdomen (to palpate) and approximate it.

You may have less difficulty breathing - and more of an urge to urinate - as your baby settles down into your pelvis, getting ready to descend into the birth canal at any time.

Your Body: Changes In Fetal Movement
As you start your ninth month and look down at your burgeoning belly, you might notice a passing leg or arm poke out or punch you. But sometimes, you might sense a quietness that makes you wonder just what is going on inside. By this time, your baby has become so big and takes up so much room in your uterus that he has little room to perform those amazing acrobatic stunts of months gone by.
Despite the cramped conditions, it is important to continue monitoring your baby's activity and make sure that he is moving on a daily basis. An absence of fetal activity may indicate fetal distress, or it may not mean anything more than a tired baby. Talk to your health care provider for instruction on how to monitor your baby's movements.
Note: If you do not feel your baby's movements at all or suddenly sense frantic activity, call your doctor without delay.

We had a doctor’s appointment yesterday and everything is going great. My blood pressure was very good. Much to my surprise I lost 1# since my last visit. If you know how much cake I have had in the last two weeks you would be shocked too. I had three showers and one of them sent me home with the leftover cake. Not to mention the m&ms I have to take home too. Oh well, I am sure at the next visit it will be up again. The nurse said it was nothing to be concerned about. We saw the fill in doctor just incase Dr. H can’t be at the delivery he is very nice. My next appointment is early next week.
PS I noticed for the first time that I am swelling a little.


Your Baby: The Final Touches
Nearing the ninth month, your baby weighs approximately 5 1/2 pounds (roughly 2495 g), and measures approximately 20 inches from head to toe. The baby will continue to grow, putting on about a half a pound per week until delivery.
Over the next few weeks, the organs (which are all present), are just putting on the final touches before birth.

Would you like to get in on some fun?
My work has started a pool to guess if I am having a boy (Henry) or a girl (Reed), when he or she will be born and how much they will weight in lbs and oz. If you would like to take a guess send me what you think in a comment box. If you would like to try and win some money the pool is $2.00. You can still guess without paying but if you are right you don’t win. The person that is the closest that paid will be the winner of the money.

I am due on February 19, 2007

Good luck.

Your Baby: Preparing For Arrival
Your baby gets bigger and bigger as each day passes. As of week 34, the baby weighs almost 5 pounds (2268 g), and is between 19 and 20 inches long (roughly 49 cm). There are lots of new developments in progress. The baby's skin is starting to be less wrinkled and while the hair covering the baby's skin (lanugo) is decreasing, the vernix white coating is getting thicker in preparation for the delivery.
If you've seen or felt something drip from your breasts, you're not imagining things. Pre-milk substance (colostrum) is in the making, thanks to the hormones from the placenta.

We had a doctor’s visit yesterday and everything is going great. I am up 19 pounds, which I can’t believe. You can ask the waitress at Denny’s about the French toast I had at 2:00 am on Saturday if you don’t believe me. At our next visit we get to meet our alternate for Dr. H. I doubt he could be as nice as Dr. H but we will see. At least he won’t be a stranger if he does end up delivering the baby. We go again on the 17th and then every week after that. But, I already told Dr. H that this baby can’t be born before the 9th. I have to pick my parents up from the airport on the 8th.
Guess what I saw at Target this morning? Swimsuits! That is right swimsuits.

Your Baby: Floating In Fluid
With less than two months to go, your baby weighs about 4.4 pounds (1996 grams) and is 18 inches (46 cm) long. If your baby is a boy, this is time when his testicles move into the scrotum. The baby has gotten big enough now that you may even be able to tell what part of the baby is moving or kicking such as foot, arm, and knee! There is just not as much room to move around now.

These pictures were taken on the same day. Isn't it interesting how different clothes make you look bigger or smaller? This is my 8 month picture. Only 8 weeks left until we get to meet this little baby.

I received several wonderful gifts for Christmas this year. The most surprising one was from my unborn child. As many of you know my sciatic nerve has been bothering me for about four weeks now. I have been limping around grimacing in pain from time to time. I noticed on Tuesday that it didn’t really hurt anymore it just felt slightly uncomfortable (big difference trust me) Today I don’t feel anything. I am not sure why it is gone I just hope it doesn’t come back.

Posting Early For Week 32 (Because of Christmas)

Your Baby: Nearing The Finish Line
By the eighth month, your baby is becoming her own little person. The baby weighs around 4 pounds (1800 g) and measures about 16 inches long (40 cm). She is almost ready to make an appearance. The baby has red, wrinkled skin but would likely survive easily outside the uterus at this point in time. The baby will still continue to grow inside your uterus with every body part still maturing.

Your Body: Tips And Tricks To Get Through The Workday
It's a toss up as to what wears on you more - being pregnant or working 9-5. It's no wonder that when you put the two together, you're worn out by noon and ready for bed by 7 p.m. If your bulging belly is affecting your ability to work, you may consider some of the following suggestions to help cope with your day a little better:
Take frequent short breaks during the day.
If certain times during the day seem to be worse for you, consider asking to rearrange your work hours so that you are more comfortable and productive during that period of time.
Be comfortable while at work -- wear comfortable clothes and make sure if you sit at a desk that the chair is adjusted properly for support of your lower back.
If you are on your feet working all day, consider resting one foot on a stool or something low (to relieve some of the pressure off your back) at frequent periods throughout the day.
For stress relief, use some of the relaxation techniques that you have learned in childbirth classes. This helps to relieve stressful periods during your pregnancy as well as during labor and delivery.
You may need to modify some of your activities at work later in the pregnancy if the activity requires you to lift or maintain balance because your weight change may affect your ability to perform certain activities. (It could also be dangerous to you and the baby.)
You may consider changing some of your routine activities after work to be able to take a short nap or at least rest.
Solicit help from your partner or outsource various tasks that you normally do, such as housecleaning and grocery shopping.
Take care of yourself by listening to your body. It is very important if you continue to work to recognize that you have to get enough rest and relaxation. Find solutions and you will be able to continue to work and remain healthy and happy too!

I passed…
As you may know I failed by glucose screen last month at the doctor’s office so I had to go back for a 3-hour test.
I arrive at the office at 9:00 fasting and have my blood taken, then I drink a sugary beverage and have a seat in the lobby. After one hour I have more blood taken and again at two and three hours
I passed with flying colors.
Results
Fasting blood sugar 73
1-hour post 103
2-hours post 97
3-hours post 45

45 that is right!!!! That is pretty freaking low. I had packed a lunch to eat in the car but I forgot it. Luckily I had my emergency apple juices in the car and a granola bar to eat and I went straight to Mr. Goodsence for a delicious Sammie.
Read the blow remarks on low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

-Symptoms of low blood sugar, however, usually begin at a level below 60 mg/dL. Some people may feel symptoms before this level. A level of 50 mg/dL is thought to affect brain function.
What are symptoms of hypoglycemia, and how low is too low?
The body’s biochemical response to hypoglycemia usually starts when sugars are in the high/mid 60’s. At this point, the liver releases its stores and the hormones mentioned above start to activate. In many patients, this process occurs without any clinical symptoms.
While there is some degree of variability among people, most will usually develop symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia when blood glucose levels are lowered to the mid 50’s. The first set of symptoms are called neuro-genic (or sympathetic) because they relate to the nervous system’s response to hypoglycemia. Patients may experience any of the following;
nervousness,
sweating,
intense hunger,
trembling,
weakness,
palpitations, and
often have trouble speaking.
In most patients, these symptoms are easily recognizable. The vast majority of patients with diabetes only experience this degree of hypoglycemia if they are on medications or insulin. Patients (diabetic or with insulin resistance) with high circulating levels of insulin who fast or lower their carbohydrate intake drastically should also be cautioned. These patients may also experience modest hypoglycemia. http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/article.htm

What a Pain in the BUTT
I am starting to get a little uncomfortable. It isn’t too bad and I don’t think it would be bad at all if my sciatic nerve wasn’t hurting 24/7. I feel like I am getting bigger everywhere. I had the guts to get on the scale and it is the same as the last time I weight in 12/4/06, but I know that I am growing because some of my tops are too tight now.
I had my three hour blood glues test Tuesday I should get the results today, just incase I do have gestational diabetes I had pizza for dinner last night. But, it wasn’t that good because we got “The Square beyond compare” and it cost $33 for 2 medium pizzas. I told Shane we could go out to eat for that price. It was his turn to pick so we got it, don’t worry it I managed to get a few slices down.
Also we found out that Shane’s sister Chantel and her husband Ryan are expecting a little boy. Gee imagine that one of the Weatherholt girls are having a boy. Happy Birthday Chantel, Erik and Justin.

I am off work next Monday, so I am posting early.December 18th
Your Baby: Eye-Opening Developments
The third trimester is a time of rapid growth -- for you and your baby. You might gain a great deal of weight -- and for good reason. (What great timing for Christmas)Only 31 weeks, your baby weighs in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces (1590 g), and measures over 18 inches (46 cm) tall. Thanks to the deposits of white fat underneath the skin, the baby's color is changing from red to pink. At this point, the baby's irises dilate and contract in response to light, and his fingernails may extend to the end of the hands.
The organs are also in a growth period. Don't worry: Even if your lungs (and heart) make you feel breathless when you climb a flight of stairs or walk around the block, your womb mate is getting plenty of oxygen from your placenta.

Your Body: Planning For The Birth
Most first-time moms have mixed emotions and endless questions when it comes to labor and delivery. You may wonder how you will know when you're having a contraction, or when you should go to the hospital. You may be worried about what you can take for the pain. One of the easiest ways to get answers and ease your fears is to arm yourself with knowledge: Read books on childbirth, take notes during your childbirth education class, consult your health care practitioner, and ask friends and family to share their experiences.
Many women put together a birth plan to delineate their wishes for labor and delivery. It’s probably better to think about your “birth preferences,” because the inherent unpredictability of labor and birth makes it hard to have a plan.

So what’s to prefer? Births are a little like weddings – you’ve probably been to weddings that you think are lovely and tasteful and elegant, and you’ve been to others that you thought were vulgar and tacky. But the bride and groom chose to spend their day with that cake, those flowers, and that DJ – and it was right for them. Similarly, some women want to have a birth without any pain medicine and minimal medical intervention, and want to hold and bond with their baby immediately after birth, amniotic fluid and all. Other mothers would happily have an epidural placed before the first contraction, and would like their baby washed, with lots of soap, diapered, and dressed before touching him or her for the first time. Within the realm of what’s safe, there are lots of different “right” ways to have a birth. You and your partner should think about what works best for you.

The following are some of the key issues to think about what your preferences are, then ask your practitioner or talk to the hospital to learn about general policies. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various options. You may have to fill out specific forms or releases concerning many of these items ahead of time.

How do you feel about using medication for pain relief in labor? Do you want to try to go without pain medicine, or would you prefer to have anesthesia as early as possible?
Would you like to be able to labor in a tub or shower, if one is available at your chosen birthing center or hospital?

Is there anything you want to bring to the hospital? Check the hospital's guidelines about video cameras, music, pillows, lights, etc. Some hospitals may have rules regarding video taping the birth.

Who do you want to be present during labor? During delivery? Is there anyone you specifically want kept out of the room?
What is the role of your coach?
Is there a particular delivery position or procedure you would like follow? How do you feel about the use of stirrups to brace your legs? If you do not want to use stirrups, who will be with you to help hold your legs when you push?
Would you like to have a mirror in the room when you are pushing, so you can watch your baby emerge?
Do you have strong feelings about assisted delivery methods (forceps, vacuum extraction) or cesarean delivery?
Would you like to avoid an episiotomy, if possible?
If you have a cesarean, would you like your partner or coach to be present during the surgery?
Who do you want to cut the umbilical cord?
Do you want to hold your baby immediately after birth, or do you want her washed and swaddled before you meet her for the first time?
Do you have specific desires about a bonding period with the baby after birth?
Do you have strong feelings about receiving a routine IV to replenish your fluids?
Are you planning to breast feed? If so, how do you feel about having your baby stay in your room after delivery? Would you like to avoid pacifiers or supplements, unless ordered by your baby’s pediatrician?
Do you want anyone from the hospital to help you with breastfeeding, or to explain bottle-feeding or other baby care issues?
Do you want a male baby to be circumcised?
Some other issues routinely come up in books and web sites about birthing plans, but are rarely used at hospitals today. Check with your health care provider to make sure, but generally, you won’t be offered an enema, nor will your pubic area be shaved, unless you specifically request it.

Today around 12:30 I got a catcall from some dude driving on Compton. How funny would it of been if I could of stood up so he could see my big pregnant belly. Well at least my face is still hot.

Your Baby: Filling Out
Your baby continues to grow taller and fill out as you near the end of your pregnancy. By now, he weighs approximately 3 pounds (1400 g) and measures about 17 inches (38 cm) in total length. Your baby is continuing to grow rapidly now. In preparation for the journey to the new world, the baby is taking deep breaths of amniotic fluid. Sometimes at this point the baby may get hiccups and you may feel that happen!

After talking with the doctor and living with this lower back pain I think I know what is going on…. Sciatic Nerve Pain. That is why the acetaminophen isn’t helping at all and when it hurts down my butt sometimes. The pain isn’t coming from muscles in my back it feels like my spine. So, I think that is what is going on. My doctor said to stretch at least two times a day. The pain is caused by the baby’s location so maybe he or she will more over a little so I can function normally. Seriously by the end of the day (really after lunch or even earlier) I am DONE I just want to lie down or not move to make the pain stop.

Here I am at 7 months and 1 week (29 weeks). I went to the doctor yesterday and everything looks great. The pictures are really hard to understand. But, I will have them scanned next week and post them for you to look at.

My back is freaken’ killing me. That is right the fun has started. Don’t get me wrong I am still loving being pregnant. At this point in time I think I might even miss it after the baby is born. But, I don’t think I will have enough time to worry about that. My back started hurting last night after a 12-hour workday (and that made since to me). It is still hurting today and has been since I got out of bed. Tonight when I get off work I think I am planting myself on the couch.
I was brave enough to get on the scale today…. Up 16 pounds…. I thought it was going to be more like up 20 from the way I have been feeling. But, it looks like I might not gain the 40 pounds I thought I would.

This week is Week 29. I was off work last week so I wasn't able to post week 28 until yesterday. Look how big that kids is. The face looks like a newborn baby.



Your Baby: The Inside Story
Your baby is growing taller and fatter by the day. This week, he measures over 16.7 inches tall and weighs about 2 pounds 7 ounces (1250 g).
Amazingly enough, your baby's organs are beginning to self-regulate. The baby is filling out with layers of fat and everything is growing and maturing. Over the next three months, the baby will double in size, so this is when the baby will have a big growth spurt!
At this late date, you may feel a change in fetal activity as your baby's movements become smaller due to the increasingly cramped conditions. The kind of movement isn't as important as the frequency. Talk to your doctor for instruction on how to monitor your baby's movements.
Your Body: Problems Sleeping?
For some women, falling -- and staying -- asleep at night can be a real challenge. Between the leg cramps, the anxiety, the extra weight, and the occasional kicking, it's no wonder you feel like an insomniac. But rather than lie in bed awake and fret about losing precious sleep, you might want to consider some of these suggestions to make nighttime dreamy:
Sleep positions: Generally, pregnant women find it much more comfortable to sleep on their side once they are further along in their pregnancy. This helps to take pressure off your back and also helps to relieve pressure from your uterus on the main vein that brings the blood back to the heart from your legs and your feet. Consider putting a pillow between your legs and under your abdomen for support.
Relaxation Techniques: Some women seem to have their wheels spinning all night thinking about labor and delivery, and all the new things that are getting ready to happen. You can start using some of the tips on breathing and relaxation from your childbirth classes. Not only will it serve as good practice, but it will also help you to relax and get some sleep.

Week 28 (7 months)

The picture would not download for whatever reason.

Your Baby: Seeing Is believing
By now, your baby is approximately 15-16 inches long to (35 cm) and weighs about 2 pounds 4 ounces (1100g) - just a tad over 1 kilo! You can see changes in your baby from head to toe. At this time, the baby's brain is developing more fully. Hair on your baby's head is growing more and more and your baby is truly looking like a baby now!
If you're carrying a boy, his testicles are on the move, making their way down from the kidneys via the groin en route to the scrotum. In a girl, you can make out the clitoris, but the labia aren't yet big enough to cover it.
Your Body: Counting Down To Your Due date
Welcome to the third trimester, which goes from week 28 to 40 -- or until you give birth. By now, you may be feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension as you approach the end of your pregnancy. Some women sail through the whole nine months symptom-free, while others watch their bodies grow and change in ways they never thought possible. On the other hand, some women may have some discomforts that may creep up during this trimester. Some of those discomforts may include:
Shortness of breath -- from the decrease in the space your lungs have to expand due to the growth of your uterus.
Problems sleeping -- usually due to not being able to find a comfortable position with the size of your belly, excitement, and, sometimes, a baby who decides to be active while you are trying to sleep!
Minor aches and pains in your hips, buttocks, thighs -- usually due to pressure from your uterus on the sciatic nerves.
Minor vaginal pain -- sometimes this pain is thought to be from your cervix slowly starting to dilate or getting ready to dilate.
Skin discomforts or changes -- such as dry skin on abdomen that itches, worsening stretch marks, varicose veins and vascular spiders (all from the growth of the baby and pressure from your uterus enlarging).
Bouts with leaking urine -- from the pressure of your uterus on the bladder.
Hemorrhoids -- sometimes worsen in this trimester due to the pressure from your uterus.
Breast colostrum leaking -- this is normal, and it signals that your breast are preparing for breastfeeding.
To top it off, you may have a 10-mile long to-do list that includes finding a pediatrician, buying baby gear, preparing a birth plan, registering at the hospital and packing your bag, among others. No matter how you feel, however, remember this is a special time for you and your partner. So try to enjoy as you begin the final countdown and wait for the day when you and your baby finally meet face-to-face!