Week 35

On the inside:

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she'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, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Apple:

I think she was still at 4lbs last time we checked, which is good. I'd rather her be small :)

Dr. Visit

Had my last two-weeker visit today...after today I'll go EVERY week. Which sounds like a lot, but in making the remaining appointments, it's only FOUR MORE TIMES... YIKES!!!!! How did THAT happen?


Over Christmas (okay, who we kidding, since Halloween) I've been eating whatever I wanted. ESPECIALLY the last few days over Christmas, so I was prepared for them to say "whoaaaa" at the Dr.'s office today. But to my surprise... I only gained ONE.. that's right 1lb, over the holiday!! She said it's amazing, but has to do with the continued workouts over the holidays....YEAH ME! I came home and had a cookie to celebrate :)


Apple is doing good. Crazy strong heart beat, head down, measuring right on schedule (just under average), and is still on track to be 7lbs on 2/2/12! 


Nursery is painted and furniture is put together. Now time to go thru all the shower gifts, and see what we have and what we still need before her big arrival. 


So everything is moving right along. . . :)

Week 34

What's happening on the inside:
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like youraverage cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers – which she'll need to regulate her body temperature once she's born – are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her 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.


Outside:
It's been super busy trying to work and get ready for the holidays. But in the midst of it all, we found time to take our "Birth Preparation" class (see diploma below). Bill also took a Daddy Boot Camp Class, and I took a Breast Feeding Class. So we are now 100% Prepared for this baby!  LOL-- okay, not really, but knowledge is power I guess :) 

We also have the nursery painting finished. Hoping to get the crib/dresser/ changing table up over the holidays so we can start putting her stuff away and get her room a little closer to ready for her arrival. 

We are all still doing well. Apple still moves ALL THE TIME. I feel her feet a lot on my upper right side, I try to lengthen out to give her some more room when she's really movin'. I'm still feeling really good. Been sleeping good too. Still haven't started to go to the bathroom any more than before pregnancy... so that's a good thing! 

Bring on the holidays!

Week 33

Still can't believe I'm already in the '30's' ... amazing the time has just flown by. 


What's on the inside:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her 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. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.


And on the outside:
Still feeling really good; slowing down just a bit, but not much. 
Had a good Dr.'s visit this week and my last ultrasound. So the next time we "see" her will be when we "See and hold" her!!! Crazy!  She was breech two weeks ago, but she has turned and is now face down and heading south--which is all good and right on time. She's also just over 4lbs, which 'should' make for a 7lb baby on my due date. So everything is going smoothly. 


Our birthing classes are going well. Learning lots about the stages of labor, pain meds, breathing, etc. So far it's been good, nothing too earth shattering, but all good to know before the big day I guess. It all still feels a bit surreal...wonder when that goes away (??)


Had another FANTASTIC Shower last weekend. It was given by the wives of Bill's co-workers and my friend Kim and Donna were the hosts. Donna might as well be Martha Stewart as she planned and HAND made so much!! From the drinks, straws, cake, thank you bags, wash clothes, headbands, diaper cake, etc, etc. She also found the most unique, yet FUN games to play. Ones that I've never done at a shower... I was so impressed with EVERYTHING. I really didn't want the shower, but once there, I didn't want it to end! Here are some photo's:

Week 32

Sorry I've been behind on the blog. . .here are some updates:


PS to week 30:
Forgot to mention that Apple received her first hand made gift from her Great, Great Aunt Vera Ann (which is my grandpa's sister). Not only did she make the oh-so-soft blanket for her, but she also made Hungarian Kolash, which was Apple's first Hungarian dish, but she and I had plenty of Hungarian walnut cake as the weekend progressed!

Weeks 31 and 32 on the inside:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She'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.

(wk 32) 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, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

And on the outside:

All the above is true! She (me) is getting bigger and she's moves around a TON. The new thing is that I wake up at 4am and can't go back to sleep, so I've just started getting up and doing stuff. It's sorta nice having 2xtra hours added to my day, but we'll see how long I can sustain that schedule!! :) 

We also had my work shower this past week. People were SO generous! We were both a bit overwhelmed, Below are some photo's of the shower, so nicely done, and the LOAD of gifts people gave. 

 A diaper cake, and a REAL cake, it was yummy!

 the host's: Kelly, Kate, Ashley. We had about 25 people show up, but about 40 gave gifts but couldn't come due to meeting conflicts.

 The car was PACKED!

 One coworker recommended: become one with the diaper geenie!

The very cute bath tub!

Week 30

What's happening on the inside:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.) So what's your little dove doing all day while you're busy feathering your nest for his or her arrival? Making faces, hiccupping, swallowing, breathing, pedaling with little hands and feet along your uterine wall, and even sucking his or her thumb. In fact, some babies suck their thumbs so vigorously while in the womb that they're born with a callus on their thumb (what a little sucker!).


On the outside:
Apple has been putting on quite the show since Thanksgiving as she's been moving around like crazy. Bill thinks she tried to stand up one time. Who knew sitting around watching your belly could be fun!
We had a great trip to the Midwest for Thanksgiving; got to see the Indiana and Ohio crowd, including our nephew Gavin (below). 

Week 29

What's happening on the Inside this week coming up:
Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week she weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is getting bigger to accommodate her growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester.


On the outside:
Big Dr's appt last week. Glucose test (passed!), Rhogam shot (hurt, but I lived), Ultrasound--3D! Dr. said she's still perfect and just under average size, which is a good thing for labor. She's right where we want her to be size wise. So it was a good visit overall. It was great to "see" her again, she moves around SO much now and the Dr agreed she's "an active one". She has started moving around during the night, which is NOT very cool, but I guess I don't mind. I will get to see her again in 4 weeks at my next and last ultrasound :) 


Amber is visiting this weekend YEAH!!!!!!!! When we hugged at the airport, our bellies met first and our tears turned to laughter. Had a fun day today of shopping and massage. Here's a photo of our post pre-natal massages :)

Welcoming the Third Trimester

On Friday, I thought it would be nice to celebrate the start of the third trimester. See below:

(don't worry, it's alcohol free wine).

But our friends came over and Kaitlyn (age 4 mo) thought I should be celebrating my new life to come! See below:

Guess she's only projectile vomited on three people: Her mom, her dad and now me. So I feel blessed! (and look forward to Apple vomiting on THEM in the near future) LoL !!!

Week 28

So this week is the start of my third trimesters... WHA???? Whoa.. are we sure about that? Sorta thought that happened when you reached the 30's.. but I guess 40 (weeks of pregnancy) minus 12 (trimester) equals....28 (I've never been good at math). So this was a shock to me!

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

What's happening on the outside:
Still feeling great. Super happy about the TIME CHANGE last weekend, allows for Sedona, Apple and I to walk in the mornings now. Time is getting really exciting now too with with lot's of fun things to look forward to in the upcoming weeks like: Amber coming in town NEXT weekend!!! (our due dates are 2 weeks apart--we've never seen eachother pregnant (skype doesn't count), Going to Midwest for Thanksgiving, Girls Cabin weekend, a work shower and an Air Force Girls shower. --and that's all before Christmas. All so fun!

Big Dr's appt coming up next week (Glucose test, Rhogam shot, Ultrasound). Will keep you all updated. Thanks for reading :)

Week 27.

What's happening on the inside this week:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

What's happening on the outside:

Yep, she's moving around a lot. She actually had me laughing at work today because she just wouldn't stop moving! It was a very nice distraction! We've registered for our classes at the hospital for December (things like 'tour of the hospital', 'daddy boot-camp', and 'child birth preparation'). Should be interesting! I've been of the the mindset of 'not knowing is a good thing', but supposably there are a few things that I should know and be prepared for . . ."they say". 

The websites say I should be getting leg cramps and back aches around now, but I haven't had either yet (knock wood). Still feeling pretty normal/great. Hope it lasts!

Miss Apple also got her first piece of real mail this week. I'm attaching a photo!

Week 26-Halloween!

What's happing on the inside with Apple this week: 
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. 


What's happening with us:
We took her to her first concert last weekend-- Sugarland, and first Halloween party this weekend. We were hippies! Showing off our "make love not war" outfits!

Dr.'s appt this week. . .

Week 25: Everything is going well and very normal. I told them she was very active and they found that out when they were listening to her heart beat as they had to chase her around my belly a few times as she kept moving. They agreed she's a VERY active baby already.

We also got a flu shot while we were there so we are both covered now and hopefully will not get the flu!

Next appt is in 3 weeks.

Furniture (wk 25)

Finally checked one BIG thing off the list. . .her furniture. Feels good to have at least one thing done ;)   In celebration we took her to her first concert as we saw Sugarland last night!

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Week 25

I get updates each week from babycenter.com on what's happening with Apple and me. So here's a snip it for this week: Week 25-
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

So I wonder what color her hair will be?!?!?! I hated my red hair growing up, but now it's pretty popular, so I'd be happy with a little red-headed girl :)

Speaking of red-headed girls.... Sedona wants to say Hi. . .

Still week 24

Random Thoughts:
First 'cold' day in Atlanta, got to wear my new 'winter maternity coat' (thanks Bernie!), so it looked nice over this outfit.

Work is increasingly stressful yet I'm bound and determined to not let it get to me and to 'take the high road', but gotta tell ya, that's exhausting! People keep telling me I have the patience of a saint (I owe that to my mom, as so does she). So I really hope since I'm practicing my patience EVERY DAY right now, that this trait passes onto apple. :)

First Gifts !

Week 24

Thought a blog might be a nice way to keep everyone updated on the status of Baby Hutchinson, also known as "apple" (just a nicname for now). I'm feeling really good. I think the morning walks and pre-natal yoga are helping.

Last week Bill and I both saw her kick for the first time. Been feeling her for weeks, but hadn't seen my belly move with every kick like we did last week. Her kicking replaced us watching Modern Family! -- so you know she put on a good show!

Next Dr.'s appt is next Monday (10/24) so I'll update you all again then!