2 Years Old - An Update

I hadn't provided an actual update last week for Ben's birthday, so here is how our little guy is doing at 2 years old:

Weight: 29 lbs 6 oz - (68th percentile)

Height: 36.5 inches - (94th percentile)

Head Circumference: 19.5 inches (73rd percentile)

 

He did great at his last check up, for the most part.  The actual doctor visit was fantastic, but when we had to wait 10 minutes for the nurse to come back and give him his shot, he lost it.  He was putting his shoes on, trying to open the door and walk out, and when I wouldn't let him....well, this happened:

 

 

But back to the visit:  I had been nervous about what the doctor would say about him still drinking milk from a bottle, but she (happily) told me that it was totally fine.  (I'm pretty sure I'm not quite ready to part with them anyway, so what she said wouldn't have mattered much).  In fact, she referred to them as "cozy bottles" - warm milk, in the morning and at night, a comfort thing.  She also said that him having a binky when he is sleeping is fine.  Greg, on the other hand, is ready to see them go.  Blah.  I think we will have to tackle that issue this fall.

 

Another thing she suggested was for us to really encourage him to do things for himself, or to help us whenever possible.  Things like getting dressed, putting on shoes, brushing his teeth, opening the door, etc.  Life skills, y'all.

 

His doctor also was really happy with our attention to and his progress with speech development.  When I told her I think he is around 80 words (plus lots of babbling and sometimes, stuttering - his brain just moving too fast for his mouth to keep up) she said that was well into the normal range and totally normal to stutter.  A good sign, in fact.  And speaking of new words, here are a few we are hearing lately:

 

Thomas (as in, Thomas the Train - Phil (Callie's husband) taught him this one)!

Boom (Which he says every.single.time. he drops a toy on the ground, and now also when he throws his binky in his crib after I pick him up in the morning).

Mickey Mouse

Meow (When he sees the cat).

Pop

Dirt (sounds like "dit")

Oink

Pig

Down

Hot

Up

Boots
All gone/gone (Which he will announce each time he finishes his milk).
I saw a bus - This is my favorite one.  We were out on a walk and from a distance, saw a school bus stop and let all of the kids off after school.  He was pointing at it and frantically saying "bus!!!" as walked towards it.  The bus soon drove past us, but as we approached the corner where the bus had been, Ben pointed to the area and said "I saw a bus"! 

I think this will be the last I keep track of Ben's words, because they seem to be happening at a much more rapid rate these days (and thus cause for less celebration). Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE each time he says a new word, or says an old word more clearly (for example, baby used to sound like "ba-ba", until suddenly today, it was clear as day. "bay-bee").

I've said it before, but I really LOVE this age.  I love Ben's personality so, SO much and it thrills me to no end that I get to hang out with him every day.

 

In his new moustache shirt from Hil and John

 

 

Using his learning tower as a jungle gym.

With that said, he has learned some new tricks that make for some challenging moments.  Things like pushing the footstool all the way over to the counter to reach something we don't want him to have, or the stiff-body move he pulls when he doesn't want to get into the car seat or the bath tub (both of which suddenly seem to be activities he doesn't like to do).  Kids are freakishly strong. 

He also REALLY does not like when we take an item away from him that he wants.  He is obsessed with my EOS chap stick, and will open/apply/close/repeat about 200 times in a row.  And this activity is fine, until he starts to lick and/or bite it, which is when I take it away.  And he will lose it.  He has perfected his pouting moves over the past couple months.  He will either run straight to the couch and bury his face in a pillow, or he will sit down on the ground, gracefully ease himself back onto his elbows, and then put his head on the floor.  And cry.

The last thing I have noticed lately is just how grumpy he is after most of his naps.  He will call for me to go in to get him, but when I arrive, he will lie back down and refuse to be picked up.  Once I do snag him out of there, we will often have a conversation like this:

Me: Would you like some water?
Ben: Nooooooooooooooooooooo
Me: Are you hungry?
Ben: Nooooooooooooooooooooo
Me: Do you want to play with your train?
Ben: Nooooooooooooooooooooo
Me: Should we change your diaper?
Ben: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Me: Do you want to watch Mickey?
Ben: Noooooooooo.....ooooo....uh-HUH!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

But for the most part, we really do have a lot of fun.  When it's nice out (and sometimes even when it's raining) he will happily get into the stroller, armed with a cup of juice and some crackers, snugly with a blanket around him, while we go for a walk around the neighborhood.  On the days I am home, I try to break from work in the afternoon when the buses will be out and about.

 

And when I cannot break from work, the easiest and quietest way to distract him is to say, "Ben!  Do you want to watch the iPad in your tent for a little while???"  Read: please shut your yap and stop climbing on me for 5 minutes, mommy has a conference call.

And he will respond with an enthusiastic "UH HUH"!
 

 

18 Month Check Up

Ben's latest stats:

 

Weight: 26 lbs 1 oz - (52nd percentile)

Height: 34.25 inches - (93rd percentile)

Head Circumference: 19 inches (63rd percentile) - Pretty sure they incorrectly measured his head circumference this time, because 3 months ago it was 19.5 inches.  (We had to redo his height measurement later in his appointment because they had him an inch and a half shorter than he ended up being).

 

We had another great appointment, and only ONE shot this time - loved it.  Nothing special to report this time.  I did ask her a lot about his vocabulary and after reviewing all of the words he has said, she reassured me that he seems to be right on track.  She said kids his age typically have 15-20 words that they have used, and I think we counted around 13.  She was reassured by the fact that he understands so much, that he points for things he wants, and that he babbles "with purpose".  Also, him putting two words together at times "No more" and "that's dangerous" is a good sign!  Her advice to us was to talk incessantly, narrate the day, and to point and name everything around us.

 

That night, when we were talking about taking a bath, I mentioned "bubbles", to which Ben responded "Bubble"?  And then continued to say "bubble" "bubble" "BUBBLE".  Awesome!  The next day, he said "Sit Down" and pointed while he was standing on his chair.  And in the last couple days, he has really been saying "mama" and "dada" a TON!  He even took a picture of the three of us and when I asked him where mama and dada were, he pointed us out correctly. 

 

So, I am no longer worried at ALL about his development :)  It's all coming together!

15 Month Check Up

 

Sure, he turns 16 months tomorrow, but we just got around to going in for his 15 month check up this week.  (His doctor is busy and books up quickly)!

 

Here are Ben's latest stats:

 

Weight: 23 lbs 13.5 oz - (35th percentile)

Height: 33 inches - (89th percentile)

Head Circumference: 19.5 inches (95th percentile)

 

Not much else to report on!  The doctor said it's "normal" for kids his age to know 3-6 words, and I would say he is in that range.  (Mama, dada, "yesh"/yes).  I thought it was interesting that all of the things I was SO concerned about at his 12 month check up (him not taking well to "real" milk, not having much of an appetite, and his....digestive issues) are all non issues now.  It goes to show that any and everything can stress you out about parenting if you allow it to, but that most things will pass with time.

 

We ended up in a room that didn't have any kid toys, but Ben found plenty of things to get into while we passed the time.



One Year Check Up

 

Last night we had Ben's 1 year check up.  I had been both dreading and looking forward to it.  I had made a late afternoon appointment in the hopes that Greg could join me for this one - I was NOT excited about him having shots as it seems like he is so much more aware these days than he was at his previous appointments and I didn't want to go through that on my own.  Greg had an abnormally late night at work, so he was unable to get there in time...but the good news was that when I arrived, they checked the records from his 6 month check up to find that we were off by 2 days for when he was due for shots.  I guess certain ones need to have at least 6 months between the doses, so we will have to go back next week (with Greg!?) to do them.  Kind of inconvenient, but I honestly was happy about it.

 

I was looking forward to the appointment as Ben has been not seeming himself for the past couple days.  I have been constantly worried that his digestive issues as of late have been bothering him, and the night before he had been up twice in the middle of the night.  He also has been SO CLINGY lately (not complaining).  He actually will cry for ME..."meh mehhhhhhhh" from his crib, and has been happy to snuggle with me, nap on me, cling to my leg, etc.  It's nice....but I worry that it is because he doesn't feel well.

 

Anyway, the appointment went great!  Our doctor made me feel so much better about the amount of milk he is drinking.  She said that we should aim for 24 oz a day, but to keep in mind that 1 oz of cheese (1 stick of string cheese) = 8 oz of milk.  PHEW.  She also recommended a daily diet of prunes and pears, which we will definitely be doing.

 

Weight: 21 lbs 11 oz - (25th percentile)

Height: 31 inches - (75th percentile)

Head Circumference: 19 inches (90th percentile)

 

Our little man is long, lean with an enormous brain.

 



9 Month Checkup

Unrelated photo - fresh from the bath, and giving me his best "Gerber Baby" look

Ben had his 9 month check up on Monday!

Weight: 19 lbs, 9 oz - (25th - 50th percentile)
Height: 28.5 inches - (50th - 75th percentile)
Head Circumference: 18.25 inches (75th percentile)

I thought that we were going to avoid shots completely at this visit, but since he got a flu shot instead of some other shot (I can't keep up) at 6 months, he had to get the third (whatever) shot at this visit.  It was quick, with about 20 seconds of sad crying following the shot, but then it was over and we were out of there.

Nothing super exciting to report on, other than the fact that my doctor encouraged me to start feeding Ben "more dense calories" when it comes to his solid foods.  Clearly, this whole food thing has been a bit of an issue for us from the start, both with him not taking well to it for awhile, and with me not having much patience or creativity in the kitchen...but she gave me the go ahead for him to try anything but honey.  This actually helps me a little because now that I know he really is able to have ANYTHING we are eating (assuming it is not a choking hazard and assuming it's not totally non-nutritious).

Her exact words were, "butter on his toast, cheese sauce on his vegetables, peanut butter (!?!) on his banana".

So....

When we returned from the appointment, I shared some of my bagel and cream cheese with him.  He loved it. For dinner, he enjoyed whole wheat pasta slathered with butter and cheese with a side of zucchini (LOVED it - especially the zucchini, BTW). 

6th Month Checkup

I took Benny in last week for his 6th month checkup.  Here is a picture of him before we saw the doctor:

Anyway, everything was great!  Here are his current stats:

Weight: 17 lbs, 9 oz - (50th percentile)
Height: 27.5 inches - (75th - 90th percentile)
Head Circumference: 17.5 inches (50th percentile)

He even did a great job with his shots.  He cried, of course, but not as much before.  It seems to get a little easier for him each time.

The appointment wasn't too eventful.  We discussed Ben's lack of interest in food, and she suggested we stick with rice cereal every day until he is used to the texture.  I can already tell it is getting a little less strange for him, so hopefully soon we can start adding in other foods again.  She basically said there was no "eating emergency".  Phew!

And the next appointment isn't until he hits 9 months - nice to have 3 months in between instead of 2.

4 Month Doctor Appointment

Due to our busy schedule, Ben's 4 month appointment was a few weeks later than it should have been - but it was great to get in there yesterday and confirm we have a healthy boy on our hands!

Height: 26.5 inches tall (90th percentile)

Weight: 15 lbs 14 oz (50-75th percentile) - I weighed him on my parents' digital scale a few weeks back and he was 16.2 lbs, however he was fully clothed with a wet diaper.  Apparently that makes a difference)!

Head Circumference: 17 inches (50-75th percentile)

It was a pretty uneventful appointment.  We spent most of the time running down the list of things that we (the parents) should and should not be doing:

Should - Talk to him a lot, (no baby talk!), sing, dance, read books, tummy-time, create a consistent bedtime routine, etc.

Should not - Leave him unsupervised, hand him sharp objects, leave poisonous cleaning products within reach, etc.

Ben did better with his shots this time around, however we only had 2 instead of 3 like last time.  He seemed quietly stunned by the first one and then waled after the second one, and then immediately ate and passed out. 

Well, well, well....here we (still) are at 40 weeks

How far along: 40 weeks
Weight gain: 30 lbs
How big is baby: 7.5 pounds and 20 inches long (although, who really knows at this point...!)  Greg and I asked our moms what our measurements were at birth.  I was 7 lbs, 1/2 an ounce and we think 20 inches long (there may have been an error on my birth certificate, LOL).  Greg was 7 lbs, 7 oz and 19 inches long.  Wondering if Ben will be similar in size?
Maternity clothes:  Yep. 
Stretch marks: Still in the clear!
Sleep: Still annoyed by the frequent (as in hourly) bathroom trips and heartburn, but I still wake up feeling rested. Sleeping on my stomach is something that will be an option for me again soooo soon.  Yippie! 
Best moment this week: Hmmm.  "Best".  I spent a lot of this week mildly annoyed that things didn't seem to be progressing, but in between pity parties, I did squeeze in a few fun things :)  Over the weekend, Greg and I watched our friend Collin skydive and then had a lunch and movie date.  (Contagion was a great movie - I highly recommend it)!  My friends Lisa and Rachel came over and hung out for awhile on Sunday evening - always fun!  Also, my friend Kim took me out to dinner on Wednesday night, which was super nice of her.  I swear, I have been SO spoiled throughout this pregnancy.  I know I say it a lot, but I feel so incredibly lucky by the amazing support system Greg and I (and soon Ben) have.
Movement: Yes - and uncomfortable again.  In fact, this is the foot that I am constantly feeling dig into my right ribs:

Food Cravings: My appetite is still about half what it was during most of my pregnancy.
Labor Signs: Ha.  I think that most first time moms can relate to what I'm going through, in that I'm having a hard time determining what is and is not a labor sign.  From what I'm told, I will KNOW when what I'm experiencing is "real" and when it's just a "pre-labor" symptom.  I do know, however, that I'm experiencing a lot more braxton hicks lately and a lot of cramping and back aches.  I have also progressed since last week's appointment in that I'm slightly dilated (maybe 1/2 - 1 cm) and 50% effaced.  After about 4 hours of appointments yesterday (weekly check up, ultrasound, fetal heart rate monitoring, etc.) I went to my friend Willow for a labor-inducing massage.  She basically focused on pressure points on my feet, ankles and legs that DEFINITELY made me have contractions while I was there.  I had some cramping throughout the evening as well, but that is about it.  Maybe it will kick start something soon?
Belly button in or out: Sometimes out, sometimes flat - always disgusting.
What I miss: I know that I am not the most patient person in the world....but making someone like me wait potentially another week for their baby is a mild form of torture ;)  I can tell Greg is getting anxious as well!  For now, we will continue to wait...
What I'm looking forward to: This week is going to be the week, that much I know for sure.  Unless Ben decides to arrive on his own, I'm scheduled for induction next Friday! 

38 Week Prenatal Appointment

Thankfully, I have great insurance.  MAN - I feel like I'm at doctor's appointments all the time lately.  Because I am.

I had my 38 week appointment this morning, and surprise-surprise, I'm only measuring at 36 weeks.  Both my doctor and I were a little confused, as last week another doctor measured me at 38 weeks...but I guess there is room for error when 2 different people are doing the measuring.  While she was pleased at the results from last weekend's ultrasound, she still ordered another one for this afternoon.  Ben was moving a TON during my appointment this morning, which she was happy to see.  Now that I'm an old pro at the ultrasound appointments, I'm thinking nothing of the fact that I will be going in for another one today.

We discussed labor a little more.  I told her that both Greg and I aren't interested in seeing...well, anything...during the birth.  She laughed and said that was fine, but also told me that seeing it all happening is the coolest thing in the world.  I guess it makes sense that she feels that way, since she has chosen a profession where she sees it All. The. Time.  (Hilary, do you and John feel the same...I'm thinking no)?

I had the option to have her "check me" (for dilation), but I passed.  I think that it would only make the waiting that much harder, especially because it basically means nothing in terms of when labor will happen.  Maybe I will have her check next week?

I found out that my doctor had to reschedule her trip that had her leaving town on my due date for 4 days, and instead she is out of town NEXT weekend!  This is good news if Ben decides to arrive on time, or a few days late :)

Finally, I asked her if due to my fluid level increase, I could start getting active again - walking, moderate yoga, ANYTHING.  She said no.  Since I have proven that for me, increased activity = lower amniotic fluid and lots of rest = higher amniotic fluid, I need to continue on with that. 

So, I guess this means that I'm going into a beautiful, sunny (yet too warm if you ask me) 3-day weekend with absolutely nothing on the agenda but some R&R.  Could be worse ;)

38 Weeks

How far along: 38 weeks
Weight gain: 28 lbs - down 1 from last week.
How big is baby: 6.8 pounds and over 19.5 inches long.
Maternity clothes:  Yes.  SO looking forward to wearing some of my non-maternity clothes (hopefully) soon.
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Sleep has been good, but less-good this week.  Overall,  I really have lucked out with this throughout my pregnancy....but lately I've found myself waking up and staying awake more often.  I'm not sure if it's a physical discomfort issue, or if my mind is preoccupied with the baby coming so soon.  Probably both.
Best moment this week: Speaking of sleep, I spent a lot of this last weekend napping :)  After visiting with Shauna, I got a glimpse into what the first few days is like after bringing home a brand new baby.  I hope to get as much rest as possible in these last days/weeks leading up to delivery.  I think the best moment this week was meeting baby Bronson.  Another best was the ultrasound I had done over the weekend (last Saturday).  They really are staying on top of my low amniotic fluid issue, and I'm happy to report that I'm now at a 12.4 (much better than my low of 8.7 which was what caused all of this additional testing and check ups).  They also conducted a Biophysical Profile to measure how Ben is doing, and he received 8 out of 8 points!  They gave him 2 points for the good fluid level, 2 points for "tone" (opening and closing his hands - he was even grabbing his toes!), 2 points for how well he was practicing his breathing and 2 points for movement.  Also in the "best" category?  Nightly foot rubs, courtesy of Greg :)
Movement: Yes.  It's nice because it really does not hurt anymore, I'm more just surprised by his sometimes sudden movements.
Food Cravings: Not really, no.  I'm trying to shift my mind into my post-baby food mindset, where I hopefully will not give in to my cravings as easily as I have been able to during pregnancy ;)
Labor Signs: Some mild-moderate cramping here and there and some low back pain, but otherwise, no.
Belly button in or out: Out....but there are times, depending on Ben's position, that it's flat again.
What I miss: I don't really miss anything too much right now.  Trying to enjoy the moment before everything changes!
What I'm looking forward to: Now that Ben is full term, I am REALLY looking forward to his arrival!  I am still nervous about what my labor and delivery will be like (not to mention everything that follows), but it's more of a curious-nervous than anything else :)  Greg and I are officially on baby watch!

37 Weeks

How far along: 37 weeks
Weight gain: 29 lbs ---> growth spurt this week?
How big is baby: 6 and 1/3 pounds and around 19 inches long. 
Maternity clothes: Stretchy pants are my new BFF's. 
Stretch marks: None yet.
Sleep: Sleep is the same.
Best moment this week: This has been a pretty great week:  We had another great baby shower thrown for us, my work threw me a "shower" at our company staff meeting/dinner this week, and my friend Shauna had her baby boy, Bronson!  After 24 hours of labor (OMG!), Bronson entered the world on August 23rd at 11:04 am, weighing in at 9 lbs, 10 oz!  I look forward to meeting the little big guy sometime this weekend!

Movement: Still a lot, but luckily his moving hasn't caused me as much discomfort this week as it has in the past.  Apparently he is running out of room...
Food Cravings: I haven't had any specific cravings this week.  I have been living on PB&J's, fruit, minute maid light, and beet/spinach salads for the most part. 
Labor Signs: I've experienced some cramping this week - and being that I have never been pregnant before, I had no idea if they were contractions or not?  I checked with my doctor and she said that things sound like they are progressing.  The other news is that this week I was measuring 38 weeks (wow)!  Such a change from last week.  I will be getting weekly ultrasounds and non stress tests (heart rate monitoring for Ben) to make sure that my fluid levels stay in the "safe zone". 
Belly button in or out: Out. 

What I miss: I am feeling ready (for the most part) for my pregnancy to be over and for parenthood to begin.  I have to admit, I'm feeling a little tired of constantly having people tell me how hard caring for a newborn will be on us.  I believe I have a healthy expectation set for the amount of work the first few weeks and months will be like, but I also believe that it will be a special and rewarding time for us as a family.  I have discussed this with Shauna a lot over the last few months.  She and I are both used to doing SO much (and all at once) over the past few years between going to school full time, working full time, having fairly full social calendars, keeping up with house work, teaching yoga (me), cooking dinners (her), etc.  I really do believe that after cutting out ALL of that and adding in "taking care of the baby", that we will each be in pretty good shape.  Sure, there are things that will be unexpected and hard, but that is life.  I am looking forward to the change and the challenge!
What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby :)

36 Week Appointment....and ANOTHER ultrasound

36 weeks.  Wow.  I still cannot believe how close we are to the end we are.  I still have not experienced contractions (other than Braxton Hicks) or any other labor signs.  Today was the start of my weekly doctor appointments and it was the first time I got "checked".  Apparently Ben's head is "very far down", but my cervix is still closed.  (I had no idea what any of this meant until about 2 weeks ago).

At my appointment, I asked my doctor what my chances of having her at the delivery were, and she said about 75%.  Good odds, or so I thought!  Then she checked my due date and saw that I'm due on her and her husband's 10 year anniversary, for which they planned a 4 day trip - September 16th - 19th. 

When it came time to measure, I, once again, was measuring small.  She measured me around 33 weeks instead of 36 weeks.  This time I was not concerned much, as she said that plenty of women measure small and end up doing several "size less than date" ultrasounds throughout their pregnancies.  Just another opportunity to see Ben!

This time, Greg was able to join me at the ultrasound!  The good news is that the results show that Ben is growing exactly as he should be.  In fact, at 32 weeks he was in the 25th percentile for size, and now he is in the 37th percentile :)  The not as good news is that my amniotic fluid levels are on the low end.  At 32 weeks I was at 11.7 cm (25th percentile) and now I am at 8.7 cm (10th percentile, but still okay).  We then strapped a fetal heartbeat monitor on and confirmed that Ben's heartbeat is super strong :)

Monitoring

I have been instructed to "lay low" this weekend and drink lots and lots of fluids, which I absolutely plan on doing.  I will go in on Monday for ANOTHER ultrasound to make sure my fluid levels aren't dropping further.  I guess if it were to ever get down to a 5-6 cm level, they would bring me in and take Ben out!

I will report back next week!  I hope this info isn't going to influence the pool votes ;)  No cheating, you guys.

32 Week Appointment and Impromptu Ultrasound

I had my 32 week prenatal appointment this morning.  I'm up 23 pounds and feeling great!  This was a pretty uneventful appointment in terms of what we went over.  She covered all of the things I need to watch out for that might indicate preterm labor, and said that if I should experience any of these, that they would do everything they could to stop labor until I hit 35 weeks.

At the end of my appointment when she measured my belly, she had concerns that I was measuring small.  I think she said she measured me around 30 weeks and not 32, but I can't quite remember.  She said as a precaution that she wanted me to get an ultrasound today, which worried me and excited me at the same time.  I had not had a chance to see Ben since I was 19 weeks along, so while the circumstances had me a little nervous, I was happy to take the opportunity to go!

Greg had to work, but I my mom was able to join me.  After all of the measuring, it was determined that everything was just fine!  I'm wondering if I measured small this morning due to the fact that I hadn't had much to drink and nothing to eat yet....but I haven't really been given an explanation, other than this can happen sometimes.  So - phew!

Ben's Face!  (The black parts are his eyes - for those of you

who can't quite tell what you are looking at....Rachel)

Is it just me, or does this kid look EXACTLY like his dad?  Those cheeks?  His chin?  SO ADORABLE! 

The only thing about him that does not quite resemble Greg?

Ben has hair.

30 Week Prenatal Appointment

2 weeks ago, I saw a different doctor in the practice as mine was out on vacation.  Today, I got to meet with Dr. Hollister again - who I love - and things still are looking great!  She has commented a few times now about how nice it is to see someone with such an easy pregnancy - and I tell her that I am VERY happy to be the one to show it to her :)

The highlights:

• 30 weeks along
• 21 pounds gained.  It's funny, because mine and her calculations are off by 3 pounds.  She is measuring me from my weight last September when I had my last annual check up, and I am measuring from my weight in January - apparently I had put on a few holiday lbs ;)  But my official pregnancy weight gain IS 21 pounds.
• Ben is HEAD DOWN - good job Ben!  She said that he could move still over the next few weeks, but that it would be a very noticeable (to me) somersault to get him out of this position. 
• I'm measuring right where I'm supposed to be (whatever that means)
• We discussed the fact that Greg and I have decided to not participate in child birth classes.  We went back and forth on the matter a few times, but eventually we sort of want to enjoy these last few weeks and not add another obligation to our already busy schedules.  She said that she was totally fine with that, and was happy to hear that I have been reading up on the subject.  I also am very lucky to have had several friends who have had babies, some of them very recently, who have shared their experiences.  We will not be going into this experience without a general idea of what to expect.
• She asked if Greg will want to cut the cord, to which I responded, "oh God, no".  Then I realized that I don't think he and I have discussed this?  My assumption is no, but shoot - he can cut it if he wants.  She said she will ask again at the birth - no rush to decide.
• We discussed my birth plan.  I would sum it up as "very loose" (I've since been told this may be a poor choice of words....let's change that to "very go-with-the-flow") and "highly medicated".  She seemed to like the fact that I was really going into this trusting her opinion on what needs to be done without a specific and detailed idea of what I think "should" happen.
• She asked if we want to have him circumcised, which we do, and said she would be doing that before we are discharged from the hospital - apparently about 8 hours after his birth.  Rough day for Ben!
• We talked about breastfeeding a little, which I plan to do (or attempt).  I'm reading a book on the subject in efforts to prepare myself ahead of time.

I think that about covers it! 

28 Week Appointment and Glucose Screening Test

I distinctly remember Maureen taking/posting this exact same picture last year (so I did too). 

I looked it up and it looks like we chose the same flavor :)

This morning I had my glucose screening test, a test to check for gestational diabetes (or to see if I am at risk for developing it).  I honestly have not been too concerned about it, and I guess I'm still not.  I drank my sugary drink, waited 1 hour, had my blood draw and I was on my way.  I'm told they will call me back soon if the results require me to go in for the 3 hour test.

This appointment was a little longer in general.  My doctor went over a few "early labor" signs to look out for in between appointments, which now will be every 2 weeks (instead of every 4 weeks like they have been).  She also went over signs of high blood pressure for me to be aware of.

I honestly cannot believe that I'm this close to the end.  I have appointments on my calendar all the way up to 36 weeks now.  STAY IN THERE BEN!  I'm not quite ready...

*UPDATE* I heard back from the doctor and I'm in the clear - no gestational diabetes!  Yay!  Apparently my iron is a little low though, so I need to start taking an iron supplement. 

4th Prenatal Appointment (and OMG the belly has arrived).

I had my 4th Prenatal Appointment this morning, which was rescheduled from last Friday.  On my way to last week's appointment, I got a call saying that another patient had gone into labor and my doctor was heading to the hospital to deliver the baby!

Everything looks and sounds great with the baby!  I am measuring right where I should be, I'm up 7 lbs, and I'm feeling really good!  Hollister (my doctor) asked me if I have been feeling any contractions yet.  I told her I did not think I had, but if I was, what would they feel like?  She told me that they would just feel like a slight tightening around my stomach - often times during or after long walks or exercise.  It was then that I realized the discomfort I was feeling while Greg and I were walking around Greenlake were most certainly these types of contractions!  Nothing to be alarmed about, but good to know for the future I suppose.

I have noticed (over the past few days) a few symptoms that seem to be the beginning of my "feeling pregnant":

* After long periods of sitting, my tailbone/lower back are sore.  I can tell after a day sitting in my office chair that it is time for me to get some movement in.  Might need to incorporate some office yoga during lunch more often!

* Headaches.  I would say I have one strong enough to make me take some Tylenol at least every 2-3 days.  Mildly annoying, but manageable.

* Mini-contractions (I guess?)

And I just had to share this picture.  After changing into my yoga clothes, I walked out of the bathroom at work and my coworker Shauntel said I should take a picture.  I swear, so much bigger from just last week's picture!

Baby BOY!

My assumptions were correct!  I KNEW I saw something at the 13 week ultrasound, but as we got closer and closer to our appointment yesterday, I started to second guess myself!  Yesterday was one of the most exciting days I've ever experienced.  I was so anxious to get to my appointment, that Greg and I arrived 20 minutes early just to sit in the parking lot and wait some more.  I was so happy when they called us back.  I asked the tech to do everything she could to avoid telling us the gender as we were waiting for my mom to meet us after work!  We watched her take measurements of the head, the spine, the arms, etc.  When my mom got there I let her know that as soon as she wanted to check out the goods, we were ready!

The woman definitely saw that it was a boy before we did!  The angle that he was sitting in (or squirming in) was not the best - but she was able to confirm that it was a little boy!  We are so happy and excited and cannot wait to meet him!  Now, if only we could agree on a name... :)

The little guy

Cute little arm!

I honestly cannot figure out exactly what we are looking at here

...but apparently this was the determining shot!

16 Weeks...? And 3rd Prenatal Appointment

I had my 3rd Prenatal appointment this morning.  It has been 4 weeks since my last visit and I was really looking forward to checking in to see how things were progressing.  I am up FIVE pounds - clearly I had underestimated myself here!  My doctor said that a five pound weight gain was perfectly acceptable and that I should not worry - the baby is getting everything it needs from me.  I was very happy to hear that as I had been a little curious as to why I was not more obviously showing at this point.  We felt my uterus (weird) which is right under my belly button now instead of where it usually sits (between the pelvic bones).  We also got to hear the baby's heartbeat!  The baby was VERY squirmy throughout my appointment - the doctor had a hard time tracking the heartbeat for a full 15 seconds, and we could actually HEAR the movement, even though I am not feeling anything yet.

I found out that according to my last ultrasound I had done at 13 weeks, they moved my due date from September 20th to September 16th - so I am officially 16 weeks today!  I figured I would move my weekly blog posts to Friday as well - so here is the next one!

How far along: 16 weeks
Weight gain: Up 5 lbs!
How big is baby: The baby is the size of an avocado, and about 5 inches long.
Maternity clothes: Not quite yet - but getting there.
Stretch marks: No
Sleep: Still great
Best moment this week: Hmmm....getting an iPhone (finally)...or hearing the baby's heartbeat again....it's a toss up. 
Movement: No
Food Cravings: Bagels with cream cheese and Starbucks' Black Tea Lemonade.
Labor Signs: No
Belly button in or out: In
What I miss: Nothing this week!

12 Week Ultrasound

I am still in awe of what Greg and I saw last night - it was unreal.  The ultrasound was probably one of the coolest experiences I have ever had.  I kept saying "WEIRD...." and Greg just sat there with his jaw dropped most of the time! 

Neither of us were quite sure what to expect from this appointment.  I don't think either of us expected to see something that actually looked like a BABY!  But that is exactly what we saw! 

Baby Ingle was jumping up and down nonstop when we caught our first glimpse.  (I later realized it was probably from the glass of orange juice I had before leaving the house).  A bit later he/she started dancing around a bit (Greg's genes) and finally settled down enough (kicked back with it's leg's crossed - cute) to get some pictures and measurements. 

According to the ultrasound tech she thinks I was approximately 12 weeks and 3 days yesterday, which is about 3-4 days further along than what my doctor and I originally calculated.  I will probably just stick with the 9/20 due date though unless I am told otherwise.  We all know babies rarely stick to the day they are due!

Below are the pictures we got to take home with us:

Baby's profile

Cute little foot!

Baby's face

Face picture #2

2nd Prenatal Appointment

This morning I had my 2nd, and very thorough I might add, prenatal appointment with my doctor.  It was the first time I actually was able to see MY doctor, so I was excited to be able to ask her all of the questions I had been wanting to ask.  Unfortunately, due to my flu earlier this week, I had to reschedule my appointment from Tuesday to this morning at a time when Greg was unable to join me - but he will be there for the ultrasound next Monday night, which is where most of the excitement happens anyway :)

After an hour and a half of questions about our medical histories, explaining all of my future appointments and when they would happen, going over what is safe during pregnancy and what is not, running through my options of genetic screening, etc., I had a full exam and then was FINALLY able to hear the baby's heartbeat!  We heard it almost the instant she put the fetal doppler (yes, I had to Google to find that term) to my skin.  160 bpm!  It was amazing to hear that, and for some reason I couldn't stop myself from laughing as she was trying to count the bpm.

I also was given a bag full of "gifts" - a breastfeeding kit, a pregnancy journal, info about the hospital I will be delivering at, check lists, and a few other things that I got too overwhelmed to look at too closely.  (Will report back).

It feels as if things are officially happening now!  Like I can officially be excited that this is happening, without as much worry as I had before.