Still waiting....

Had my midwife appointment yesterday. Things are still going really well and I'm making some progress (very slight, but it's progress). Baby sounds good and is moving just as much as ever. After last weeks weight gain (for which I was actually happy for), I ended up losing it all plus another half a pound. Apparently that's normal, but still very frustrating.
We asked them about their policy on inducing since so many of you have been wondering. According to the midwives, a normal full term pregnancy is anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks. They are not concerned until after I go past the 42 week mark. After that, then we'll start discussing natural ways to induce verses going to the hospital and having them give me pitocin.
For now, we continue to wait patiently and pray that God keeps this little one healthy.

 

First day of 3rd Grade

  Even though Iyana is homeschooling this year, I didn't want to miss out on taking the first day of school pictures. Instead of a backpack, I let her hold a couple of her books for the picture. She's really excited to be starting this next journey in life even though she misses her friends from Cole.

  The day went really well. She only had one area of frustration that almost put her in tears. She's quite the perfectionist at times when it comes to school work. We were working on cursive handwriting and it just wasn't happening like she wanted it to. After lots of erasing and frustration, we made it through the worksheet and she's proud of what she accomplished. Besides handwriting, it looks like our only other challenge will be with grammar.

So, day one of homeschooling down, several more to go. Looks like it's going to be a fun year though. I'm looking forward to all that Iyana and I will be doing together and praying that our relationship continues to grow closer as mommy and daughter.

41 Weeks

Is anyone as surprised as I am that I have made it to 41 weeks? I've had my moments this past week thinking that I'll be pregnant forever. Nothing feels different. I've been hoping that my water would finally just break and then we would know for sure that this baby is going to come. We've tried a few things to get labor going, but I think Baby B. is very content to stay in there. Not sure what else to do except keep being patient.

 A bit over 20 inches long, our baby has continued to grow and may now weigh almost 8 pounds. As cozy as he/she is, our baby can't stay inside forever (though it does feel like it). About 5 to 6 percent of women have prolonged pregnancies that extend three or more weeks beyond their estimated due dates. Babies born at 42 weeks and beyond can have dry parchment-like skin and are often overweight.

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far along: 41 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 16 Pounds

Maternity Clothes: Waiting for the day when I can be back in my regular clothes and not have to worry if the bottom of my belly is showing since I can't see it!

Best Moment This Week: Having mom in town for a whole week. Bummed that she had to go home before baby came.

Gender: Very, very soon we will be finding out!

Name: We would really like to announce it soon...

Movement: Still having lots of wiggles. I would think that this little one wouldn't have anymore room to move at all.

Food Craving: No food cravings at all. The only thing I'm craving is having this baby out.

Sleep: Just waiting for the day when it'll be a little bit more normal.

Symptoms: Still having rib problems. Walking is starting to get a little weird too since baby is sitting so low.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting Baby B finally☺.

Update for 8/25/2010

For those still wondering, we're still pregnant. Here we thought all along that this little one would make an appearance early on in the month. When that didn't happen, then we thought for sure by at least our due time. Now, we've made it through a full moon (yes Serena, we were hoping too) and are four days past the due time frame. Baby B. has officially passed Iyana now in going past the due date. So much for the saying of the second one coming earlier.
Aside from all of that, we're doing pretty good. My ribs are ever so slowly doing better as long as I don't sit for long periods of time. Had some nasty back spasms for a night, but those too have gone away. It's just the waiting game. We've been so hoping this little one will show by friday. My mom has been in town but has to leave by then. For some reason though, I'm getting the feeling that Baby B. wants to wait until around the first of September. Hoping not and definitely praying not, but God knows the perfect timing. He's been teaching us all patience as we wait.
Thanks for your continued prayers. If you don't see a blog post for a couple of days, not to worry, I just have nothing new to update with. But for sure either when I go into labor or when this little one is born, there will be a post.

Week 40

40 weeks! Can't believe I actually made it. For so long we thought this little one was going to come early and then of course when it was safe, he/she decided to wait it out. I'm glad for the fact that I didn't go early, but also eagerly waiting for the day we get to see him/her. Come on Baby B! Lots of people are here waiting for you and I'm sure you'd be a lot less cramped than you are now.

It's hard to say for sure how big our baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His/her skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason our baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth (which of course is normal and temporary). 

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far along: 40 Weeks!

Total Weight Gain: 14.5 Pounds

Maternity Clothes: Waiting for the day when I can be back in my regular clothes and not have to worry if the bottom of my belly is showing since I can't see it!

Best Moment This Week: Not delivering on the day that I hurt my ribs.

Gender: Very, very soon we will be finding out!

Name: We can't wait to announce it!

Movement: Have I mentioned that this little one likes my ribs? And wake up time is around 2:30AM until 5:00AM.

Food Craving: Still no cravings, just a lot of baking and cooking.

Sleep: I think I'll sleep better after baby is here. At least I won't be getting up every little bit to use the bathroom, it'll just be to feed this little one.

Symptoms: Severe rib pain still. Hoping that it'll be gone or at least settled down before baby comes.

What I'm Looking Forward To: A baby coming today. If not today, then hopefully soon ☺.

Prayer

Well, I did a doozie today and could really use some prayer. This morning after waking up, I decided to stretch like most people like to do after sleeping for a while. I must have been slightly twisted or it could just be from being pregnant, but I have pulled a ligament in my rib cage. Quite painful. I was actually praying after it happened that I wouldn't go into labor any time soon. Here I am hoping that any day I'll have this baby and then this happens. Now....I think I can wait a few more days so that this can hopefully heal and I won't have to deal with this pain on top of labor pain. My midwife said I should only be sore for a day or two. Praying that that is the case and that little Baby B. will be patient.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for us during this time as we wait for Baby B. We really appreciate it! I'll keep you up to date when I can as to what all is going on and when labor gets going! Take care!

Wow, you're really getting big...

     I know my wife has done all of the work, but in honor of the last few days before baby, I thought it was time for me (BJ) to chime in. I find it interesting how some people have actually told my wife she's getting really big. I beg to differ. Take a look at the pictures. In the first picture, you 'll notice my wife holding a basketball. In the next picture, the ball is gone. Well, in all reality, she's still holding the ball. It just happens that the ball is entirely hidden by the baby in the belly. Now, even though my wife's belly can hide the basketball, the two are very much the same size. So, would we call a basketball big? I wouldn't. For instance, a car tire is bigger than a basketball. A beach ball is bigger. You can find watermelons and pumpkins that dwarf basketballs in size comparison. So, a basketball cannot, in my very untrained scientific opinion, be considered big when compared to many other things in this world. Therefore, if we can't declare a basketball to be big, we can't say the same about my wife. She is, and always has been, tiny and petite.

     As we near the end of this part of the road, let me emphasize that I find my wife to be very attractive with a basketball in the tummy. Even better, she's beautiful on the inside as well. I love you Amanda. Hang in there... it won't be long- Love, Your Hubby.

Week 39

The night before week 39 we thought once again that it may be time. This little one sure likes to keep us guessing. Lots of contractions and pressure and good ole classic labor signs......but no baby. Within an hour or so, everything slowed down and then completely stopped. Baby B., we're so anxious to see you and these little practice times are great, but I'd really love for them to go somewhere. Also, as I'm sure you'll notice with the picture, I have now passed being as big and round as a basketball. I was going to take a picture with one and forgot to bring the ball it with me. If I make it to next week, I'll work on getting that picture done.

Baby B. weighs over 7 pounds (or at least around there) and is about 20 inches long. He/she is continuing to build a layer of fat to help control temperature for after delivery. The outer layers of his/her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

 

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far along: 39 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 14 Pounds (gained my pound back that I lost.....woohoo!!)

Maternity Clothes: My clothes are getting smaller and smaller. I only have a few shirts left now that completely cover my belly. Not going to buy anymore since we're so close to this little one being born.

Best Moment This Week: Having everything at the apartment almost completely unpacked. It's definitely taken a lot longer than I was hoping for, but as long as it's getting done, and especially before Baby B. comes along, I'm happy.

Gender: Very, very soon we will be finding out!

Name: Iyana is chomping at the bit to find out☺!

Movement: Poor little one is so cramped in there. I'm cramped feeling too. This one really likes my ribs. Feels like I've done 100 crunches with nothing to show for it.

Food Craving: Still no cravings, just a lot of baking and cooking.

Sleep: I got a little over two hours of sleep right in a row this week. That's a big improvement!

Symptoms: What can I say.....I'm pregnant and due to "pop" at any time ☺.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Still looking forward to those hugs but also very much looking forward to meeting Baby B.

Letter to Baby B.

My dearest little Baby B.,

  How excited we are to finally meet you! The days of waiting are coming to an end and now we wait (just a little longer) with anticipation for when you are ready to finally enter this world. I have very much enjoyed feeling you grow inside of me knowing that God has created the perfect environment for you. He has also created you in the most wonderful of ways. Never forget that He knit you together in my womb and that you are very special to Him. He loves you so much, much more than mommy and daddy could ever imagine loving you (though we do love you in ways we can't even express). I'm so excited for the day we can finally see your lovely little face, hear you cry for the first time and kiss all your little fingers and toes. We have been blessed beyond belief with you and your sister. Never did we think that we would have children and God has shown His great might and wonder to us twice! We are in total awe of His wonderful miracles and gifts that He has bestowed upon us. We pray that you and Iyana will someday understand all that He has done for us and that you will come to love Him with an everlasting love and serve Him with all your heart.
  Baby B., I'm going to miss carrying you inside of me. I will miss all your wiggles and jabs and maybe even miss having you push on my ribs. As miserable as I feel at times, these past weeks have gone by way too fast. This is a once in a lifetime to carry you so closely for so long. I have loved our bonding time that we have when I dance my fingers across my belly and you respond. You very much love to be massaged and have very ticklish feet. Love it when I find them and you jerk away only to come back for more. Or is it you come back because that's the only place you can put your feet? We have found that you do NOT like anything cold being put on you. Whether that be cold hands, ice pack or anything else, you immediately jerk away and start wiggling to change positions. Oh, and as for loud noises, you really don't like those either. I have learned what the startle reflex feels like when in the womb. You can sure make my belly look funny. As soon as any loud noise starts (especially the bath water or hair dryer) it's like you immediately throw your arms and legs out as much as possible and turn sideways. Makes it look like I swallowed something funny. Good memories that I will forever treasure. I love how you respond when daddy and sissy sing to you. Somedays you will be so quiet until you hear their voices and then it's like you get so excited by bouncing all around inside of me.
  Ahhh, Baby B., how we long to see you soon. When you are good and ready, we will be waiting with open arms. Your sister asks me everyday if this is the day. She is so excited to meet you and can't wait to rain down hugs and kisses upon you. We love you so much and look forward to seeing you soon!

Love,
Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister Iyana

Week 38

Wow, week 38. For a while there we didn't think we would make it this far into the pregnancy and now I'm wondering if this little one is going to be stubborn and make us wait until the due date. The longer in there though, the better just to make sure everything is developed and ok. Still getting very excited for the day to come when ever it is. That's the one thing about having a baby is you just don't know when the actual day is going to be (unless other wise scheduled). We'll keep you updated as to what all is happening as the weeks progress.

Baby B. weighs about 6.8 pounds and is around 19 1/2 inches long. He/she has a firm grasp, which we'll soon be able to test when we hold his/her hand for the first time! The organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. The circumference of the head and the baby's abdomen are about the same size now. Baby is plumping up and getting ready for delivery (woohoo!)

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far along: 38 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 13 Pounds (lost a pound this last week. I've tried so hard to gain and now to be losing doesn't sit well with me. The midwives tell me it's normal and ok though)

Maternity Clothes: My clothes are getting smaller and smaller. I only have a few shirts left now that completely cover my belly. Not going to buy anymore since we're so close to this little one being born.

Best Moment This Week: I'm sure there was a "best moment", I just can't think of it right now.

Gender: Very, very soon we will be finding out!

Name: Very, very soon you will be finding out ☺!

Movement: Feeling super cramped this week. He/she is starting to bulge out the sides now since there's no more room elsewhere.

Food Craving: No cravings but I did send BJ out to get teriyaki chicken this week from our favorite Japanese restaurant only to find out that they are closed for two months. Had to settled for Panda Express......doesn't really compare.

Sleep: I'm up more at night than not. With all the baby weight sitting out front, my back is really starting to complain. Warm baths and ice at night have been helping some.

Symptoms: Contractions seem to be slowing down at times. This is what happened with Iyana so maybe here really soon this little one will finally come out.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Giving my husband and daughter a great big hug once this little one is born without the belly being in the way.

Pregnancy Update

Thought I would try something a little different today. Here's a bunch of small updates as to what all is going on.

• As of right now, I'm still pregnant.
• Today is the first day according to our baby game poll that I'm supposed to have this little one (I'm trying Serena!).
• Had my midwife appointment and all is going well. My only concern is that I lost a pound and am measuring smaller. They said it's all normal though. Baby has probably just moved farther down to get ready for delivery. And as for weight, well, I've struggled with that this entire pregnancy.
• We finally got out car seat!! Now we won't have to walk home with Baby B ☺. Just need to get it installed.
• We will do our best to keep the blog updated as things progress (or, when they progress). I figure BJ will probably be the one doing that as I will be a tad busy.
• Other than all that, things around here are pretty normal. Getting a little anxious as the time gets closer. Iyana asks me everyday if this is going to be the day. I keep hoping so, but well, you know babies, they have their own time schedule.
• And one last thing, we truly appreciate your prayers. Just knowing that there are those out there praying for us gives us peace and we know God is with us.

Week 37

I've finally made it to 37 weeks. It doesn't seem possible that any day now, we could be having this little one. All the aches, pains and sickness have been well worth it in getting to this point. Pretty soon, we will be holding our new baby and starting the journey of raising another child to glorify Christ.

Baby B. is around 19 inches and about 6 1/3 pounds. Baby is considered full term now even though the due date is still a couple of weeks away. He/she may also have a full head of hair at this point or maybe just some peach fuzz (Iyana had the peach fuzz).

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far along: 37 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 14 Pounds

Maternity Clothes: My clothes are getting smaller and smaller. I only have a few shirts left now that completely cover my belly. Not going to buy anymore since we're so close to this little one being born.

Best Moment This Week: Knowing that I'm in the all clear to have this baby. Also finding out that I'm starting to progress in the labor area.

Gender: Very, very soon we will be finding out!

Name: Very, very soon you will be finding out ☺!

Movement: Really getting cramped in there. Still lots of wiggling around though.

Food Craving: Still no food cravings but lots of wanting to bake instead of eating it.

Sleep: I get it when I can. Finding out that sleeping at night is close to impossible, but if I get up for a while in the morning, I can get probably a good hours nap in. Really need those.

Symptoms: Nothing new to report other than your typical pregnancy symptoms that happen around this time frame.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Having this little one. We've had lots of predictions as to when the actual date will be. I'm just going to sit back and wait for when he/she is ready.

Mommy and Iyana