Tag Archives: baby

37 weeks! 2 weeks or less to go.

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Today is 37 weeks so we have just 2 Weeks or less now! Baby is still moving a ton. I’m hoping he has flipped back down to head down but I guess I won’t know until tomorrow when the Dr checks me. I now have fancy compression leggings and and croc shoes I have been wearing to help with my leg swelling. It’s so weird my feet are fine it’s just my knees down to my ankles. 😂 I have really really been struggling to sleep at night. I’m up ever couple hours to pee and sometimes I just can’t fall back asleep. We are also currently having our basement remodeled. So they start work by 8am. I maybe should have thought that out a little better. 🧐 I’m definitely getting some contractions off and on nothing I can really time yet. They definitely are less Braxton Hicks though because these are hurting ones that make me have to stop what I’m doing and take a break! I’m just glad this guy has already decided to stay longer then his brother did. I will enjoy our time together as long as he wants to hang out with me. 🥰 I’m waiting for any other signs labor is coming not much else seems to be happening though. I do think my boobs are preparing for milk though because they feel much heavier these days! I’m going to pump my colostrum for baby in the hospital and then a girl I work with is having a baby so I will give some to her also! I’m glad I found someone who will get the benefits of the milk. 🥰

As I look back I feel like all my pregnancy’s have gone by so very fast. I always feel sad thinking this could be it for me. Obviously I never know what could happen during delivery. I wonder how so many other women just know they are done being pregnant and they are totally content never getting pregnant again. I secretly wish I could feel this way. Maybe it would make things easier for me? I just feel so sad thinking I will never feel the tiny fluttering of a life inside me again. Or these giant kicks and rolls this boy likes to do! Also knowing I’ve been able to meet such incredible families and help such deserving moms makes all the difference to me. I will never be able to understand the level of trust they were able to put into me. I can’t imagine being on the other side of this. I can only hope someone would do this for me. That’s what I always think, when people say how lucky these couples are to have me. If they only knew how lucky I was to have THEM! These last 12 years of my life I have been pregnant (basically) and every single pregnancy has been a miracle. This will honestly be life’s greatest accomplishment. Being able to have my children and children for others. I’m not sure what else I could do that would make me feel so happy and proud. Then the best part is knowing that I will get to see what these beautiful little people get to grow up and do! I hate that kids grow so fast but it’s amazing to see the personalities they have and to think of all the great things in life they will accomplish. 🥰 I feel like an extra proud aunt I guess🥰.

Tomorrow I’ll do an extra mini update if I remember so we can all see if little LB has decided to move back to head down. In the mean time if everyone could pray for a safe and healthy delivery for us I would appreciate it! Also if he does decide to come before his induction date of June 30th that his mom and dad can make it to town quickly and safely as well! I’ll post a few pictures and a crazy video of this little ninja.

How’s Baby LB?

Baby LB is over 6-7 pounds and 19 inches (48.9 cm) tall, the size of a honeydew melon. And at 37 weeks your little honey is now considered near-term, meaning their systems are developed enough to sustain them outside of the womb, which is a big milestone. But growing in the womb for a couple more weeks can do nothing but help, as Baby LB continues to put on more of that adorable baby fat that you’re going to love spending so much time hugging and kissing! They also keep inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid as their lungs prepare to make their grand entrance into this open, airy world. And their digestive system also waits in the wings for the time when Baby LB will need it for something other than the amniotic fluid it’s been working with for all of these months.

Baby LB’s reflexes are also quite strong by now, and if you were to put your finger in the middle of their palm, your baby’s hand would grasp around yours. By the time your little one is born, this reflex, and Baby LB’s grip, will be strong enough that you could almost lift Baby LB by the hold that they can grab onto your hand with (not that you should try it out!). In fact, when Baby LB first comes into the world, they’re already going to have a full set of the reflexes that will help them thrive.

What’s new with you?

While Baby LB may still do a little more growing, you’ve probably grown as big as you’re going to during pregnancy, and you might start to notice new stretch marks in different places as your uterus reaches its largest size. You might also be continuing to deal with some uncomfortable heartburn. And you could even see some spotting around this time, as your cervix may be beginning to dilate and get thinner as it prepares to pass Baby LB through. As your cervix thins, you might start seeing a bloody mucus discharge that indicates the blood vessels in your cervix are rupturing as you prepare to give birth. While this is common, especially after a vaginal exam or sex, contact your provider if you notice increased vaginal bleeding.

Check out these crocs… 😂 They are actually super duper comfortable!
My poor legs have a fat roll from the space between my shoes and my compression leggings 😆

I got checked today!

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Dr sammons told me last week that she would check me this week and do my group B test this week. Because I was worried about all the contractions I was having at work. She also advised me to slow down and take more breaks. So I have been doing that. I also only worked 2 days this week though so I’m sure that helped 😂.

I went back and forth on if I should go ahead and get checked today or not since I’m only 35 weeks and I was worried what if it put me in labor or something crazy. I ultimately decided she’s a dr and obviously knows best. Plus it would be nice to know if I was super progressed or needed to stop working or something so we could keep him cooking for a few more weeks!

The Great news was he was head down! At least for our appointment today. He moves a ton but I’ll take this as a win and hope he likes the view down that way. 😂 when she checked me she said I was 1cm but my cervix was still long and thick!!! Woohoo 🙌 this made me so happy. She even said well maybe we will make it to induction day.

I was just so worried because of Leaf coming at 37 weeks. I don’t want to be cheated out of my last few fun weeks of pregnancy. I’m totally fine with him coming at 38/39 weeks 37 just seemed too soon. We also decided to go ahead and get my first dose of the Covid vaccine today. We are hoping the baby will get some of the good antibodies from it before he flys home. I can’t get my last dose until June 21st so we are cutting it super close to induction day. 😂 I’m now hoping I don’t get any yuck symptoms right before birth. I obviously don’t want to feel like crap and not be able to take anything or be trying to birth not feeling well. I guess we will see. So far I just have a sore arm but feel fine. Here is what sweet baby LB is up to this week!

How’s Baby LB?

Many babies are now rotating from the breech position (head up) to turn head down into your pelvis. As they move into their birth position, Baby LB will then drop lower in your pelvis. If this is your first pregnancy, this may happen soon, even weeks before you give birth, though in later pregnancies it often doesn’t happen until just before labor or even after labor begins.

At between 18 or 19 (45.7-48.3 cm) inches and 5-6 lbs (2.25-2.7 kg), the size of a bunch of carrots, Baby LB is getting close to the size they’re going to be at birth! And most of Baby LB’s organ and skeleton development is complete, although they’re still refining their abilities every day. Really, most of the work Baby LB has left to do is just growing bigger and stronger. In particular, Baby LB’s lovely lungs need a bit more time to prepare for the outside world.

What’s new with you?

Are you feeling ready to have Baby LB in your home and your life? Even if emotionally that question might be hard to answer, make sure you’ve done what you need to do to prepare for your little one’s arrival from a practical perspective, like getting your little one’s sleeping space set up; getting some diapers, clothes, and any other basics; and looking into any necessary insurance changes you may want to make.

As you approach the end of pregnancy, you might notice that you’re squirting out a few drops of urine when you cough or sneeze, but Kegel exercises can help with this. You may be noticing an increase in vaginal discharge too. So if you need some extra protection in your underwear, pads can provide you with some extra assurance. And soon your Braxton Hicks contractions may start to happen more frequently, last longer, and be more uncomfortable. Again, this is a normal part of your uterus preparing for birth, and Baby LB will be here before you know it!

I have also been addicted to sonic cherry limeades!

Small in between update.

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I’m still pregnant Woohooo. This is my last official month of pregnancy. This makes so so excited for J and K. June 30th will be our induction day if he doesn’t come before then. Some days I feel like I could be pregnant for another 3 months and some days I’m worried I won’t make it another few days. 😂 This boy just moves and kicks so much he takes my breath away when he’s getting all crazy in there. Plus since his brother came at 37 weeks that makes me worry too! I want this boy to cook at least 38 weeks. So last week I had a good amount of Braxton Hicks contractions. Only when I was super busy at work and obviously not drinking enough water. So I let Dr Sammons know what was going on and she obviously told me to take more breaks and drink my water. She also said for me to start coming each week and she may check me this week. I’m hoping to not have as many Braxton Hicks this week and then maybe I can skip being checked unless she thinks I really need it. She will also do my group B test. I did start scheduling myself some actual breaks into my busy days as well so hopefully that also helps. I was joking with my clients that they would be the ones to actually put me into labor. 😂 I will be 35 weeks tomorrow and I have my appointment on Thursday so I’ll update everyone then. Hello home stretch. Don’t forget to pray baby LB flips head down and stays that way!

This was from last week. 🥰
Sonic slushes are my favorite right now. 😆

33 weeks!

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Only 6 weeks or less to go!!! I’m really really hoping to go until 38 weeks at least. I know the Dr will induce us on June 30th so we shall see. As far as symptoms go I’m still eating my ice and other then that I’m actually not eating a ton because I honestly don’t have a ton of room for food. 😂 I just try to eat little stuff through the day. I am having some Braxton Hicks from time to time so that’s fun. Last week our appointments went well. I had a regular ob appointment with a 3D ultrasound and then the growth scan! Good news everything still looks perfect even with the two vessel cord. He’s growing just fine. They estimated he was 4 pounds and 1oz at 32 weeks! So he could be a big boy. ❤️ I’m so excited to meet this little man. His mom and dad are getting super excited too! Hopefully they are ready for this little night owl. He really does love playing at night time. I love this time we get to spend together. I feel so lucky to be trusted with such important cargo. Next week I’ll have another regular appointment then one more growth scan before the big delivery day!!!

How’s Baby LB?

Baby LB is growing up so fast! Your baby is 17-19 inches tall, the size of a cauliflower blossom, weighs between 4 and 6 lbs. At this point in pregnancy though, there is a large variation in size from one baby to the next, and it’s harder to give an estimate for how big Baby LB is getting. Baby LB is going to keep putting on about a half pound (230 g) a week, and as long as your healthcare provider says they’re on track, it’s safe to assume that your little one’s growth is just perfect for them.

Your baby is also beginning to keep their eyes open while they’re awake, and before too long you’ll get to see those eyes look right into your own! Baby LB’s bones are still forming, and though relatively soft, they keep hardening. And your little one’s brain is developing more and more every day. 

Is Baby LB still causing a ruckus in there? While their kicks should have become more regular now, counting kicks is as important as ever as it can go a long way in helping you monitor your baby’s health. So it’s a good idea to pick a moment each day to count the kicks. 

What’s new with you?

Your growing body may increasingly be making some of your normal activities harder and more uncomfortable. So take care as you move through your days — take your time getting in and out of bed, cars, or up from seats; be careful moving in crowded spaces as you might accidentally bump your belly into furniture, and just be patient and forgiving as do your usual activities with an amazing body that’s still changing every day. 

Many folks also experience insomnia during their third trimester, which you can blame on a restless mind, restless hormones, and trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep in. Getting enough rest is very important though, so try to get as comfy and cozy as possible so that you can sleep as much as you can. And if you haven’t started using a sleep pillow yet, this may help you get more comfortable and feel more supported so that you can get in those zzzs.

Awe I love it!!!

30 weeks

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30 weeks means only 10 weeks left! Actually we only have 9 or less since Dr Sammons said she would induce us on June 30th if I don’t go before then. On one hand I’m so incredibly excited for J and K and on the other I’m sad that my time is coming to an end with my belly buddy. 🥰 The end of pregnancy is my absolute favorite. I love all the big movements and all the excitement that comes with contractions and labor.

Yesterday at work I was super busy and when I got home I noticed I definitely had some mild swelling in my ankles! This hasn’t happened since I was pregnant with Ellie. I am glad I have only had one pregnancy that swelling was an issue because I can honestly say it sucks. I hate fat sore feet. Thankfully by this morning my feet were just fine.

We had a Dr appointment today and it was an easy quick appointment. We checked on baby and he looks good. He was actually head down today too! Now who knows how long it will last but I really hope this little guy will be extra nice to us all and just stay head down so we have less to worry about. He is definitely quite the mover in there though and I love it. I got some good kicks on video the other day to send to his mom and dad.

I’ve definitely started getting more sleepy again and my major craving is still ice 🧊. I love long naps and lots of trips to the bathroom all day and night. The kids are getting super excited for baby to come too. Kailynn is excited to see him and I’m pretty sure Everett is just excited because he knows we are going back to Disney after baby comes. 😂 I’m pretty excited to go back to Disney too.

It’s so crazy how fast all this goes. I feel like I was just suffering with all the shots and extra hormones. Now looking at how big this guy is getting and knowing soon he will make his grand introduction into this world. I’m excited to see exactly what he looks like. All those little features we see on ultrasound in real life. I just know Mr Leaf is going to be a great big brother. Like most siblings I’m sure he has no idea what’s really in store for him though. 😂 I remember Kailynn was so confused that this new baby was just going to be staying with us every day! That all changes quickly though and then they have a built in best friend.

I’ll post what baby LB is up too now and some new pictures.

Baby LB is growing like crazy, now 16-17 inches, the size of a cantaloupe, and probably weighing somewhere near three and a half pounds. At this point, most babies will start to move from the breech position (head up) to the birth position (head down) where their heads are delivered first. If your healthcare provider says Baby LB doesn’t appear to be moving from the breech position, you can ask them about exercises to encourage Baby LB into a head down birth position. In all likelihood, though, your little one is already rotating towards that birth position as you both move closer to that special day!

How else is your little one developing this week? Baby LB’s lanugo, the furry coat that’s been keeping them warm in the womb, will begin to fall off this week as they put on enough fat to keep them warm without it. Your little one is going to start putting on up to a half pound each week until they’re born — they’ll be far less little in just a few weeks! 

Your baby’s eyes are also still developing. And while they can open their eyes, right now their vision is extremely poor. It will continue to improve while Baby LB is in the womb, and soon this development will speed up. They might reach the point of being able to track objects moving horizontally and vertically in just a few short weeks, and by week 34, they’ll probably have vision that’s just as strong as it will be at birth.

What’s new with you?

Around now, you might notice a return of the mood swings you may have thought you left behind in the first trimester. You also might have paradoxical symptoms, like increased tiredness right alongside difficulty sleeping. These issues are common, and the important thing is that you’re three-quarters of the way done with all of these frustrations, and three-quarters of the way to meeting Baby LB.

And as you approach delivery day, it’s increasingly important to start planning for some of the important, practical things in Baby LB’s life, like their nursery or sleep space. The transition from the womb to the world is a pretty drastic one, and you want Baby LB to be in a comfortable and nurturing environment so that they can be as happy and healthy as possible. So it’s also a good time to start thinking about things like where you’re going to get baby supplies, like diapers (you’ll need diapers!), and set up a crib or bassinet if you haven’t already. 

If you have a partner, it’s great to include them in all of this prep. It can make for a nice bonding experience for you both and help them prepare for the big change happening in both of your lives — and get used to the idea that they’re going to be changing a LOT of those diapers! This is also a great time for them to spend some quality time with your growing bump, which can be a sweet way for them to nurture their bond with Baby LB even before your little one is born. Let them talk to Baby LB, touch your bump, and try to feel some of your growing baby’s movements so they can appreciate just how huge, and how wonderful, this change in your lives is going to be.

Swollen ankles ewww
Kailynn took these photos and she wanted me to be a model she said. 🤪
Awe baby kicks

20 week ultrasound

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Today was the 20 week ultrasound at the MFM office at the hospital because now at 36 I’m an old pregnant lady. 😂 It was a long appointment and they looked at everything. We got mostly great news. He looks so perfect in there. He has sweet little lips and loves to move his arms and legs. I loved watching him wiggle around. He started out head down and we all know that makes me happy! But then he went transverse and then to breach! 😆 Obviously it’s still super early and he has lots of wiggle room to flip and turn and play. We could see all 4 chambers of the heart and his brain and spine they even looked at kidneys and eyes! Every square inch of this sweet boy we saw. The nurse practitioner did come in and let us know that it looks like we only have a two vessel umbilical cord. She said they normally have 3. The good news is because everything else seems perfect she said we shouldn’t really be worried. I will have to now have more appointments to watch and monitor his growth. So I will be going back every 4 weeks for a growth scan. The obvious perk is we will get to see his sweet little face more often!!! It will always amaze me how fast they grow and how perfect he looks. The screen makes him look SO big but in reality he was a whopping 12oz! A whole soda can in there. Seeing him wiggle and grow makes me love him even more and I can’t wait to see his sweet little face in 20ish weeks. Leaf was so sweet on the phone and talked about his baby brother coming. It’s so special to help a family have a baby but, it’s also so exciting to help make Leaf a big brother!!! I’m sure like any older sibling he’s going to be shocked that a new baby is there and all his normal attention has to be shared now but I just know he’s going to do great.

We then had my regular OB appointment and we got to talk about birth plan!!! Basically the plan is to have a healthy baby 😆. We will plan to still deliver in lake St. Louis. Apparently they have done a new remodel since we were there last and it’s very nice. The goal is to make it to 39 weeks and induce if needed but generally I go by 39 weeks anyway. So hopefully since his due date is July 7th maybe I’ll be home having some drinks 🍹 on the 4th of July!!!

Thanks to everyone who loves and supports us all and let’s all keep praying that this umbilical cord issue isn’t an issue at all!

Look he’s smiling!!!
Pregnancy perks! 😝
Awe baby feet 🦶
Ricky also sent me flowers today and it was a perfect day for them. 🥰

We’re half way!!!!

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Woohooo today we are 20 weeks! So that means half way, only 20 weeks or less to go! Generally I go around 39 weeks so that would be great. Last time mister Leaf cheated me out of the end of pregnancy and came at 37 weeks. 😆 I LOVE the last 3/4 weeks because it’s filled with so much anticipation and excitement for everyone. I go tomorrow for the big ultrasound at the hospital because I guess at age 36 I’m considered a super old lady! They called it a geriatric pregnancy. It’s also funny because it’s a like 26 year old embryo. Not my old lady egg! So my ultrasound should be about an hour and then I have a regular drs appointment. So tomorrow will be an all day event. I’m already sleepy 💤

I’m feeling great still. I do get a bit more winded after showering and dressing. Especially if I have to blow dry my hair. The kids say my belly is really firm 😂. Baby LB isn’t as active as leaf was. I’m hoping to get some good kicks and moves here soon. I’m still eating lots of fruit and I have started back on my ice cravings. I still haven’t gained weight!!! (I’m super happy about this) Today kailynn did our photo shoot and she actually did a good job. She definitely didn’t complain as much as Ricky does when I ask him to take a picture! All this crazy snow we have had the last couple days has me super nervous walking outside. I feel like I do the 90 year old woman shuffle.😆 Now let’s get to the fun stuff baby LB is up too!


How’s Baby LB?

This week marks a milestone – Baby LB has straightened out enough that we can now measure him from head to toe, as opposed to the old “crown to rump” measurement that we previously took, so don’t worry if it sounds like he has grown more than seems possible when you hear his measurements – we’re just measuring more of him now. Because of this, Baby LB is now about 10 inches tall (25.4 cm), the size of an endive, and he weighs about 10 ½ ounces (298 g). If Baby LB is a girl, she now has seven million primitive eggs in her ovaries, and if Baby LB is a boy, his testicles are descending from his abdomen into the scrotum.

Inside your uterus, Baby LB’s skin is still in the process of being covered in a creamy white substance called vernix caseosa that will cover and protect his skin through until birth. Scientists speculate that this coating might play a part in helping Baby LB adjust to living ‘on land’ instead of in the watery environment inside your uterus.

Your healthcare provider will be able to see the presence or lack of male genitals at your second trimester ultrasound, and if you wish, can tell you Baby LB’s sex by now. He is going to keep gulping down that amniotic fluid – he now consumes multiple ounces a day. Baby LB is also sprouting teeth buds underneath his gums, as well as lips, eyelashes, and eyebrows – the face you’re going to know and love is on its way! Just 20 short weeks until your bun will be fully cooked.

I’m not really sure what this is but it’s kind of cute 😝
I also don’t know what this is…

Almost 15 weeks!

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Tomorrow we will be 15 weeks. I’ll be going back to the dr soon too! I feel like every 4 weeks is so long to wait now 😂. I’m just so used to going at least once or twice a week for ultrasounds, bloodwork etc. Not much is really going on other then that. I’m glad to be off all meds and into the second trimester already! I’m pretty sure I can also feel the baby every once in a while. Just those tiny flutters. I’m already starting to feel like it’s going too fast. My belly is definitely growing. I have been eating LOTS of fruit! Mostly berries raspberries, blueberries and blackberries but a lot of kiwis also! I haven’t gained any weight yet. That’s still typical for me I don’t usually gain much if any when pregnant. I’m actually extra happy about that this time because well those quarantine pounds were not kind to me! Hopefully when the weather warms up a bit I can go for some extra walks.

This is a short little update because I don’t have a ton to share. January is just boring and that’s ok with me! I’ll add a belly progress pic. I took this a day early for 15 weeks.

12 weeks already!

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Well 12 weeks and 1 day! Wow 😳 it’s already going by so stinking fast. Im happy and sad because well obviously I just love all things pregnancy. We had a drs appointment today and we got to see sweet baby LB. He already looks perfect. A real big baby in there now. He is 6 1/2 cm they showed me. 😂 Basically he looks big and perfect on the screen but is actually super tiny in there. He has fingers sweet feet too. Actually they measured him and he looks to be measuring 12 weeks and 6 days so almost a week ahead.

It is seriously incredible to me how fast they grow and change in there. I don’t think I will ever not be just amazed by it all. Also great news guys I am officially done with meds in two days!!! I’m starting to feel the prego belly growing. I think I look like I’m 20 weeks instead of just 12 😆. Also during the ultrasound baby LB was quite the active little man. He was just kicking and playing and rolling too! Also I asked again in case anyone is wondering he is still head down!!!

😂 If you have followed me for all my journeys you know this has been a little bit of an issue for me at the end. Today was a great Christmas Eve and now we just get to wait for Santa to get here in the morning. I’m trying my hand at making home made cinnamon rolls so let’s all say a little prayer these turn out ok! I’ll update with some cute and fun pics. Merry Christmas to everyone and drink a glass of wine for me this year!

Baby LB is starting to practice breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid, and now that he is taking something into his system, he is building up his first poop. For you, second trimester symptoms like heartburn and vaginal discharge might pick up or begin this week.

How’s Baby LB?

Pretty soon, his intestines are going to recede down the umbilical cord and move back into his abdomen. Baby LB is also practicing breathing by inhaling and exhaling the amniotic fluid surrounding him, which is only strange when you think about what amniotic fluid is made up of – mostly water, Baby LB’s skin cells, and Baby LB’s waste (he still needs a lesson in social customs).

Baby LB is starting to develop reflexes as his brain continues to grow and become more complex, and he is using the greater command he has over his body to curl his fingers and toes. His nerve endings are developing right along with his reflexes, and at this point, if you poke your abdomen, Baby LB will respond by wriggling (though you almost certainly won’t feel it).

His kidneys are beginning to function. he has also started building up the waste he will store until his first poop, a tarry substance known as meconium. Baby LB’s neck, which he only just started to form in the last few weeks or so, has already begun to straighten as his chin lifts off of his chest, and he is growing rapidly, measuring over two inches long, about the size of an apricot.

😍😍😍

Happy 10 weeks!

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As of today we are officially 10 weeks and counting. You may all remember me looking forward to this day so I could stop the meds! Well turns out we are just going to start tapering me off the meds starting today. At least it’s a start! I go next week to get my blood levels taken so they can make sure I can decrease more I guess. I’m so ready to just be a normal pregnant person without all the shots and drugs.

Nothing huge has been going on in my world. Just trying to continue being safe due to covid and staying home as much as possible. Working is the riskiest thing I do 😂. I know we all will be so happy when we can get together and all live again. I can’t wait for more traveling and just being with friends and family.

No major symptoms or anything still. I actually feel like I’m getting my energy back so I’m taking less naps and doing more house work! I’m sure that makes Ricky happy 😆. I will just be so happy when I can finally feel baby move! Since I don’t get major symptoms I just feel feel so much better and safe when I can feel the little reminders that baby is safe. I did bust out of a bra at work last week! The hook on the back just said nope I’m not taking this anymore… The good news is the other hook was a fighter and held on for dear life all day. I guess it was time for some new bras anyway.

Oh and baby boy has a new perfect nickname! His mom and dad are calling him baby LB it stands for Leafs Brother! How adorable is that.

How’s Baby LB?

Baby LB is the size of a kumquat, at about 1 ¼ inches long, and is beginning to develop tiny human features, like teeny tiny bit of hair, the buds of baby teeth, and elbows and other joints that bend. If it’s a boy, his testes are just beginning to produce that ever-so-masculine hormone, testosterone. Because Baby B’s heartbeat – which is super rapid at 145-165 bpm, as much as two to three times as fast as yours – can now be detected, statistics say the chances of a miscarriage are greatly reduced. Baby B’s heart isn’t the only thing moving, either – he is starting to move around enough that it might even be visible in an ultrasound scan, which your healthcare provider may perform at your next appointment.

His digestive system is also functional by this point, transporting food matter to bowels in preparation for that first poop! Excited yet?

How’s mom?

Hopefully by now, most of the emotional turbulence is over, and you’re settling into the heart of your pregnancy. From here on out, you are probably going to start gaining weight at a more rapid rate, and you should keep track of your weight gain to make sure it is in the healthy range.

As far as pregnancy symptoms go, you might notice an increase in vaginal discharge, as well as more visible veins, due to the extra blood being carried to Baby B. In fact, total blood volume in the body may increase between 30 and 50% during pregnancy, and is something to watch carefully if you have a history of cardiac problems, as the increase in the blood being pumped through the heart can put it under strain. The vaginal discharge is nothing to worry about, as long as it’s whitish, thin (or clear, later in your pregnancy), and odorless. Discharge that’s tinged with yellow, green, or has a thick or uneven texture could be a sign of infection.

Visible veins are also a natural physical reaction to the hugely increased blood volume, including both varicose veins, which usually show up as bulky blue veins on the legs, and spider veins, which are smaller clusters of visible blood vessels expanding out from a central point on your face, arms, or chest. Varicose veins can be painful, though spider veins generally aren’t. Both spider and varicose veins have a hereditary component.

Well how adorable is this little fishy.