Ryan, week 30

Not a lot to report here...just trying to stay out of the heat as much as possible. Ryan is moving a lot these days. I don't know what he's doing, but sometimes it really hurts...it's like he's trying to come through my stomach. His room (nursery) should be painted this weekend and then we can get everything situated. Look for pictures, but don't hold your breath!

Here's what babycenter.com says...
How your baby's growing:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Ryan, week 29

My 29 week appointment went well. No blood pressure issues this visit! After my appointment, we had our 4-D ultrasound (my doctor's office is so cool, they do 4-D instead of 3-D...ha!). I wanted to post some pics but they burned it to a dvd rather than a cd and I don't have the patience to try to deal with that...not that we got any great shots of Ryan. He's just as stubborn as his big brother. Ryan is head down towards my right side, with his face buried in my back. Despite the fact that I had a REAL Mountain Dew and a few bites of an energy bar (keep in mind I haven't had any caffeine since before I got pregnant) he wouldn't turn enough for us to see his face. Fortunately, we get one "free" make-up session so we'll get to try again. I doubt he will cooperate, but you never know!



How your baby's growing:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Jake & the dentist

Jacob had his cleaning appointment the other day. This is his third time to go to the dentist to get his teeth cleaned. We got there and signed in and a few minutes later, they called his name. We got up to go back and they said, "we'll take him and call you if we need you." I said, (kind of sarcastically) "Good luck!" I didn't have book with me or anything because I've always gone back with him. Minutes went by and no one called for me. After about 30 minutes, they said, "we're ready for Jacob." I went back and he had let them do the whole cleaning and dental check-up on his own! I was so proud of him and a little sad too. They said he was "very busy" but otherwise, great! He got to select a prize and chose some little, green, army men. No cavities!

My baby's growing up...

Ryan, week 28

Well, Ryan doesn't know it but he made his first trip to the beach this past week. (Part of the reason why Jeff went with me to my week 27 appt...to plead with the doctor, had I been put on bed rest). Despite the heat, we had a great time. No oil in Miramar Beach. We did get rear-ended on the night of the 4th. Thankfully, it was very minor...no injuries, just a dent and some scratches on our bumper (which have since been fixed).

Here's what babycenter.com says about Ryan:
How your baby's growing:
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Ryan, week 27

I had a 27 week appointment, opposed to the 28 week appointment so I could take my glucose test early. We were nervous that my blood pressure had been high, thanks to a cheap automatic machine from CVS (which was promptly returned after my doctor visit) so Jeff came along with me.

I signed in and they let me go ahead and start the glucose test. We were then escorted into a room to wait for the doctor. At some point during the wait, there was a loud boom and the hospital shook. I thought we were under attack (not seriously, but it did cross my mind). I had forgotten about the addition they are building and it was blasting from that. The doctor came in and everything was fine. My BP was good, no protein in my urine, Ryan's heartbeat sounded good and strong and he was measuring right on target (so much for the "big" baby from week 24).

The doctor did want to go ahead and start seeing me every two weeks in case I have any BP issues so that should be fun...not! I had about 15 more minutes to kill until the glucose test was up. I was very thankful that Jeff was there to kill the time. When the nurse was drawing blood, I asked how long before I knew the results. She told me a day or two but if they didn't call, everything was fine. That afternoon I get a phone call from a nurse so I immediately said, "I guess you're calling to tell me I failed." To my surprise she was calling to tell me I passed! I couldn't believe it! I don't have to take the 3 hour test! Hallelujah!!!

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