Monday, April 26, 2010

11 weeks


Baby's Growth and Development at 11 Weeks Pregnant

By the 11th week of your pregnancy, all of your baby's organs are in place. She's ready to focus on growth, growth, growth! At 11 weeks pregnant:
  • When you're 11 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 1 1/2 inches long, about the length of your thumb from the knuckle to the tip.
  • From now until your halfway mark at 20 weeks of pregnancy, your baby will increase her weight by 30% and probably will triple in length.
  • The blood vessels in your placenta grow larger to prepare for this time of accelerated growth in your baby.
  • During the 11th week of your pregnancy, your baby's ears move to their permanent position.
  • Your baby's reproductive organs are developing. But it's still a little early to find out whether it's a girl or boy - gender isn't clear on ultrasound until between the 16th and 20th weeks of pregnancy.

Your Changing Body at 11 Weeks Pregnant

During your 11th week of pregnancy, your baby begins to grow more rapidly and your body keeps on adjusting to the changes ahead.
  • Pregnancy glow? Yes, it's real! You've heard that expectant mothers almost glow and you might be experiencing this yourself. This "glow" is thanks to your increased blood volume, which can cause skin to look slightly flushed and full. In addition, your body's hormones increase the amount of oils on your face, causing skin to look smoother with a slight shine. At this point you might want to consider switching to oil-free skin products, if you haven't already.
  • Your uterus continues to expand during the 11th week of pregnancy to accommodate your baby's increasing size. You might even experience light twinges as this expansion continues.
  • By the 11th week of pregnancy many of the early symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, might be less severe.
  • Acne also can be an issue for pregnant women. As your body's increased oils provide your pleasant pregnancy glow, they also leave you more susceptible to acne. The good news? It's only temporary and should disappear after you give birth.

Intelligender part 2

Wow, when they said they would send a new test, they meant it :)

Of course, I don't think the results are any more conclusive, kinda dark for girl and light for boy lol.




March for Babies

There are two days a year when we ask our family and friends to join together to celebrate, remember and honor the life of the little boy we miss so much.  Considering that Matthew will never have the opportunity to invite family and friends to t-ball games, or school plays, open houses, karate tournaments or anything else he may have been into, 6 hours out of the year doesn't seem like a whole lot.  One of those days falls on a Saturday every April, March for Babies.  The other is his birthday.

March for Babies is an event that is so dear to our family.  Had we of been in the same situation with our pregnancy 20 years ago, we never would have had the opportunity to hear Matthew cry, feed him, hug him, bring him home and properly welcome into our family.  Knowing that Matthew can never enjoy the excitement of ripping open birthday presents, or the joy of seeing toys wrapped in Christmas paper, or experience the fun of an Easter basket, it seems that this is a way that we can give to him.  This is a way that we can not only remember him, but that we can also use to try and raise awareness and funds for research to prevent any other family from suffering the same tragedy that we had to.  It's our attempt at keeping our son's death from being in vain.

This year, Kaitlyn fully understood what the March meant.  Why we do it, what the money is for, and how much those that came loved her brother.  As we went to visit friends that came all the way up from Southern CA for the walk, you could see Kaitlyn beaming with pride as she said "wow, they really love Matthew, don't they." And in her mind, you could see how that relates to her.

I would like to extend my deepest thanks to all of those who joined us this year.  Thank you to those who worked so hard to make a difference.  Thank you to those that gave a few hours out of your busy Saturday and your busy lives to honor our son.  I have no doubt that he was watching from above so incredibly proud to have so many love and honor him.

Thank you to our beautiful team.  You all did so amazing and this year we raised $7,931.  That is going to go really far in saving and improving lives in our area.  I am forever grateful.

Our 2010 Team

Photo Missing: Jamie, Joel, Carmen, Sarah, Kayla, Dylan

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Kaitlyn's T-ball game

Here are the highlights from one of Kaitlyn's T-ball games :)

One of the Best Sounds in the world

I gave in and bought myself a fetal heart rate doppler.  I did before with Matthew, but could never find the heartbeat, so I sold it on ebay (where I bought it lol) and gave up.  I said I wasn't going to buy one this time, but I caved.  And I'm glad I did :)

According to Intelligender

the results are a light boy.  Lol.  I sent in my picture with the: What does this mean? and Why does the test smell so awful? questions and was told that it looks Boy, but it's pretty light.  So, free of charge, they are sending me a new test!  How cool is that!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Results of the Intelligender Test

For fun, I thought I would take the Intelligender test now that I'm at 10 weeks.

The Intelligender test can be found in stores nationwide such as Target, CVS and Walgreens.

It is marketed in this way:


IntelliGender’s Gender Prediction Test™ ... a fun pre-birth experience for moms who can’t wait to know! Discover whether you’re having a baby boy or girl weeks before the sonogram can tell you.

IntelliGender’s Gender Prediction Test™ is an affordable, simple-to-use urine test that provides immediate gender results in the privacy and comfort of the home. In minutes, the IntelliGender Gender Prediction Test indicates your gender result based upon an easy to read color match.  Green indicates boy and orange indicates girl!  


As early as 10 weeks into your pregnancy (8 weeks post- conception)! Most women find out the sex of their baby at their 20-week sonogram as long as Baby chooses to cooperate. The Gender Prediction Test bridges the curiosity gap between conception and sonogram!

How it says it works:


IntelliGender's Gender Prediction Test™ is a simple urine analysis similar to the pregnancy test you took a few weeks ago.  It uses first morning urine and a proprietary mix of chemicals which reacts with a combination of hormones to indicate the gender of your baby.  It can be performed as early as 10 weeks of pregnancy (six weeks from the first day of the missed period). It is an easy test to perform and provides quick results in-home so the news can be shared right away.  

Laboratory results indicated a 90% accuracy rate and real world studies indicate an 82% accuracy rate. IntelliGender has an on-going commitment to further research and development to continually improve the test.  We welcome your comments and suggestions.  

IntelliGender reminds all pregnant moms that seeing an obstetrician early in the pregnancy is critical for the health of the mother and the baby and should follow the advice of their physician. 

You simply collect first morning urine and insert into the test vessel.  Swirl rapidly in a circular motion, place the test on a flat white surface undisturbed for minutes. Below are examples of test results:

And it closes it's FAQ with this:

Can I paint the baby’s room after the test results?
IntelliGender does not recommend test users to make any financial, emotional or family planning decisions based on the test results. This includes painting a nursery! 

So basically, take the result with a grain of salt ;)

Here is what my test looked like, I wish I would have taken a picture similar to the ones above, but the test smelled just awful once the urine mixed in with the chemical reactors and I couldn't stomach any more time around it lol.




If it matches the color on the left, Boy, the color on the right, Girl.  What do you think?

How about an update on Kaitlyn

It sure has been a while ;)

Kaitlyn is doing great in school.  Yesterday she moved up another reading group.  The group consists of 10 kids, 1 is Kaitlyn, 1 more from her class and the rest are all second graders.  She's doing fantastic.  She reads every sign she sees on the side of the road, in the store, or wherever she can see words.  On top of that, she can sound out and spell out every word.  Which means we have to be sneakier talking around her ;)

She is also super proud that she is now on the 500 page, so every day she gets to write up to 500 and thinks she'll be up to 600 in days.  At this rate, she just might be up to 1000 by the end of the year.

Now, the bad news is that her school is closing.  It was really important to us that Kaitlyn be able to go to the same school with the same kids all through her school years.  We are fortunate that we are an open enrollment district, so we get to pick which school we want, regardless of whether it is the closest or not.  We were up in the air between two schools.  Our problem is that we do not like one of the major changes they are doing in the schools, which is changing them all to K-8.  I just don't feel comfortable with sending my precious, innocent 5 year old to school with 13/14 year olds.  But, I guess we are going to have to get used to it.  We were torn between two schools.  One is closer, has an organic garden, but it doesn't get out until 3:45 every day.  Which seems so late to me.  However, it does start at 9:00 AM, which will probably be easier with a new baby in the house this winter.  Her current principal will also be moving to this school, which is great for Kaitlyn, and some of her other classmates.  The other school gets out earlier, is a larger school physically, and isn't too much further.  We opted for the first school.

We also got Kaitlyn's MRI results back.  They started with the good news.  No tumors or unexplained masses.  The bad news wasn't terrible, but it isn't great.  We may have found the cause for not only her migraines but her asthma and allergy symptoms as well.  It appears that she has acute chronic sinusitis in all 10 of her sinus cavities.  For her age, the doctor was surprised by the severe degree of inflammation.   Her neurologist believes that surgery is in her best interest to try and mediate some of the damage, her pediatrician is of the idea that we need to try other avenues first.  So, first we are doing a strong antibiotic for the next 21 days (1 week down!) to see what that does.  She will see the ENT specialist on May 19.

The MRI also found a small cyst on her brain.  About the size of a raisin.  Many people have these cysts and never have any problems with it at all.  We will redo the MRI in 2-5 years (unless she shows signs of problems prior) to see if the cyst is filling with fluid at a fast rate, if it is, the cyst will be drained.

Kaitlyn is LOVING T-ball.  I am uploading some pictures now, but she's doing great!  She plays 2-3 times per week and is showing so much improvement at every game.  She needs some reminders once in a while to pay attention to the ball, but once she sees it, she takes off after it, regardless of whether or not it is hit anywhere near the position she is playing!  I have some great video I can't wait to upload.  Her favorite positions right now is first base and pitcher since she gets to play more :)

She's also growing like a weed!!  She's outgrown all of the pants that we bought too big for Christmas.  Almost all of the weight gain is length since she's up to nearly 44" and still at the same weight.  She loves eating healthy (most of the time) and right now is obsessed with eating protein so she can get really big and strong.

I am going to try and get her to read for the camera today so I can share with all of you :)

And that's most of the updates for Kaitlyn for now :)

Monday, April 19, 2010

10 weeks pregnant


Baby's Growth and Development at 10 Weeks Pregnant

It's official! After weeks of life as an embryo, by the end of the 10th week of your pregnancy, your baby becomes a fetus*. Here are some of the other changes your baby is going through during your 10th week of pregnancy:
  • By the 10th week of pregnancy, your baby measures more than one inch, or roughly the length of a quarter. By the end of the 1st trimester, your baby will grow to be about 3 inches — around the length of a kiwi fruit. This measurement doesn't even take into account arms and legs. That's because in the 1st trimester, your baby is measured from the top of the head to the bottom of the rump.
  • By the beginning of the 10th week of pregnancy, all of your baby's vital organs have formed.
  • His embryonic tail, located at the bottom of his spinal cord, has disappeared.
  • His bones continue to develop. On an ultrasound, your baby's bones appear white.
  • At 10 weeks pregnant, his ears get close to their final form.
  • His teeth buds emerge and his eyelids develop further.
  • His testes start producing the male hormone testosterone around the 10th week of pregnancy.
  • Tiny fingers and toes are fully separated (no more webbing).
  • Plus, your baby's brain growth really takes off. Every minute, 250,000 new neurons (or first brain cells) are produced.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

9 weeks pregnant


Baby's Growth and Development at 9 Weeks Pregnant

When you're 9 weeks pregnant, your baby's body parts and proportions continue to develop and change quickly:
  • During the 9th week of your pregnancy, your baby grows to about one inch, or about the length of an olive.
  • By your 9th week of pregnancy, your baby's skeleton begins to harden. Hardening of the bones (ossification) begins with the formation of cartilage.
  • Her fingers, toes, knees, and elbows develop.
  • Nipples and hair follicles form.
  • Her intestinal system — pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, and anus — forms. Her intestines elongate.
  • Your baby's reproductive organs begin to develop internally when you're 9 weeks pregnant.
  • Muscles develop and your baby may start to move — you may feel her movements in several more weeks.

Your Changing Body at 9 Weeks Pregnant

Welcome to the last month of your 1st trimester. At 9 weeks pregnant, your body continues to change to protect and nourish your developing baby. That means that pregnancy symptoms still might be in full force. Take a look at some of the changes happening during your 9th week of pregnancy:
  • Hormone production increases around the 9th week of pregnancy, but a shift occurs by the 12th week of pregnancy, signaling the relief of many 1st-trimester pregnancy symptoms. Until then, continue to seek relief from symptoms that bother you.
  • Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, breast soreness, increased urination, insomnia, and vivid dreaming.
  • Your heart pumps harder and faster, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and headaches.
  • Increased estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of your breasts and milk glands. The skin around your nipples may enlarge and darken. Breast soreness and fullness is normal. Consider shopping for a supportive and comfortable bra to accommodate your changing breasts.
  • Your body shape begins to change, which also can cause you to change how you feel about your body. Remember that body changes and healthy weight gain are important but temporary aspects of pregnancy. Take the steps you need to maintain a positive body image by exercising and eating well. Wear comfortable clothes that make you feel and look good. Don't worry if you are not showing just yet — it might take a few more weeks. 

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

First OB Appointment

This morning was my first OB appointment.  At 8w2d it isn't that special or dramatic of an appointment.  Mostly, it involves a pelvic exam, a repeat of my pap smear, a bacteria screening, weight and blood pressure check.  And of course discussing of concerns.

First was weight.  I'm up 6 pounds which is shocking considering how sick I have been lol.  Next was blood pressure, I was too busy talking with the nurse (she was impressed with my ability to match my make-up to my tan lol) to see what it was, but it was good, so that's great.  Next was the pelvic exam, which was fairly uneventful.  My uterus is already measuring 9-10 weeks pregnant and he thinks I will be showing in the next few weeks.  We followed that up with the pap and the bacteria screening, all basic stuff.

After that, we went over discussing concerns.  Without even asking, I was offered the option of having a VBAC, which is GREAT news and has me very excited.  I hated having a cesarean and the thought of not repeating that experience is just awesome.  We discussed the nausea.  Since I'm already at 8 weeks and the meds really just take the edge off, we decided to just wait it out.  It should pass in the next few weeks and if we can go through the first trimester drug free, that's great.  Next came asking about when we start seeing the MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine, High Risk doctors) team.  He said he would meet with them this afternoon to decide what the plan of action was.

I got a phone call about an hour ago with the details from that meeting.  While at first we were thinking we wouldn't be seeing them, they believe that we should.  For starters they want me to go back my doctor on Thursday for another cervical screening.  They are looking for something very particular (unfortunately I didn't write down what it was and my attempts to Dr. Google it have been unsuccessful) to see if perhaps that has caused our previous pregnancy problems.


They are also going to do a first trimester screening, which includes blood work, an u/s to check the nuchual folds of the baby (this is typically done to rule out downs syndrome and similar birth defects) as well as get a starting point for measuring amniotic fluid levels and cervix length.  We should be downtown to do this in about 3 weeks.

So, that's where we are at :)  So far, so good.

Monday, April 5, 2010

8 Weeks Pregnant, 30 to go :)



Week 8 How Big is the Baby at Eight Weeks Pregnant?

By pregnancy week 8 your baby is anywhere from 14 to 20mm long, or about the size of a Lima bean! In fact, some women refer to their baby as their little 'bean' as they follow their pregnancy week by week. Though it is hard to believe, one day your little bean will grow into a full size baby!

Your Baby's Growth and Development

Your baby is doing a lot of growing during pregnancy 8 weeks. Up until this point in time your baby had a small tail... which starts to disappear this week, and your little one will soon have eyelids to cover his or her blossoming eyes. While the arms and legs are also lengthening, the fingers and toes are likely to still be webbed. Your baby's brain is also maturing during pregnancy week 8, as nerve cells begin to connect with one another, forming the groundwork for communication later in life.

Did you know the tip of your baby's nose is already formed by pregnancy 8 weeks? The lungs are also working hard at maturing, though they won't be fully mature until near term. However, tubes leading from your baby's throat to the lungs begin to form branches.

By week eight, your baby should have distinct elbows, which allow the arms to curve around the chest. Your baby's organs continue to develop with lightning quick speed. Before you have time to even blink an eye, your little one will resemble a miniature human being, complete with ten fingers, ten toes, skin, and all the body parts we all have!

Your Growth and Development
You are definitely starting to grow by 8 weeks pregnant. Though your uterus continues to expand, it is likely that you still are not showing much on the outside. This is particularly true of first time moms, though you will likely start feeling some tightening along your waistline. You may want to start looking for maternity jeans.

Your healthcare provider might tell you that your uterus is now about the size of a grapefruit by pregnancy at 8 weeks. That is a lot of progress from its pre-pregnancy state, where it was smaller than a plum!

Women who have been pregnant before often report showing sooner than they did with their first pregnancy. While it is not uncommon to not show until the fifth month the first time around, many moms report that they started showing as early as eight weeks with their second and third pregnancies. If you are carrying twins or triplets, you will start showing sooner than your singleton peers, as your babies will be taking up a lot more room in the uterus.

Changes in You

 During pregnancy at 8 weeks it is very likely that you have started to notice some breast changes. Aside from some tenderness you may notice that your breasts appear slightly enlarged. Most women will experience some breast growth during pregnancy week by week, particularly near the end of pregnancy when the breasts prepare to make breast milk for the baby. You may even start thinking of looking into nursing covers. These come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your fashion taste.


Your waistline may continue to seem thick to you, though onlookers will not be able to tell you are pregnant.

You are probably consumed with fatigue, and still battling some nausea. Remember that the symptoms associated with early pregnancy pass with time, and most women go on to find their pregnancies rewarding and enjoyable.

If you are having a particularly rough time with sore breasts, consider purchasing a supportive maternity bra . You should consider buying one a size or two bigger than your normal size, as you will need room to grow during pregnancy. A maternity bra may in fact be one of your very first purchases, even before you buy any maternity or baby clothes!

Some women notice some mild abdominal cramping midway through their first trimester. This is a very common experience and may continue for several weeks. The cramping is usually mild and does not cause any harm. Your physician may recommend you rest and stay off your feet if you are having abdominal cramping. Remember that your body is also accommodating a growing baby, and your uterus is stretching, a process that might cause some discomfort over time. However, if you have any unusual abdominal pain or cramping that is persistent and worrisome, or if you experience any cramping accompanied by bleeding, be sure to contact your healthcare provider's office right away.

You may be having a lower backache by now. This is common and is a result of the pressure the uterus is applying to the low part of the spine. You may be experiencing a sharp pain in your buttocks and along the side of your thigh as well. This is due to the uterus placing pressure on the sciatic nerve that innervates the buttocks and side of your leg. If these discomforts are troublesome, you may be asked to rest and have physical therapy.


Look for an update soon on everything from T-Ball to Easter and all the stuff inbetween.  I haven't been feeling that great (darn nausea!) and since I've banned my laptop because of the risk the electromagnetic waves present, I don't get on the computer too much :)  But, that should change soon I'm sure.  Tomorrow is my first prenatal appointment, I will update again then :)

Friday, April 2, 2010

Viability U/S today

This morning we had our viability ultra sound.  Basically, it was to see if we had a viable pregnancy in the right place.  We timed it so that there would either be a heartbeat, or there wouldn't and there wouldn't be any limbo time.

We are excited that we had a very healthy heartbeat of 167 bpm and the baby was measuring at 7 weeks and 4 days, which is only 1 day off from what we had.  Which is perfect!  Due date has been changed to November 15, which doesn't really mean to much since we'll be scheduled a couple weeks before that :)