Beginning Week 31!

Baby Growth in Week 31

Your baby is continuing to grow and has reached 15 inches in length and weighs anywhere from 3 ½ to 4 pounds.

Your baby is continuing to develop a layer of fat under his/her skin. This is in preparation for his/her arrival into the world and gives the baby more of a newborn appearance. During the next several weeks your baby will really begin to put on the weight. Remember the average size of a newborn is about 7 ½ pounds and 19 to 21 inches long.

Childbirth Class

We spent most of yesterday in our childbirth class with eight other expecting women! The class was actually taught by one of the RN's who works on the labor and delivery floor at Mount Carmel East where I will be delivering (apparently it was my Dr. who asked her to start teaching these classes). It was nice to learn about what to expect at the hospital, and it's what I appreciated most about the class. It sounds like they work hard to accomodate one's delivery expectations, while also reminding us to stay open-minded and flexible. Everyone's goal is a healthy baby and mom. We also learned and practiced some breathing techniques to control the pain of the contractions, and Brian learned how to take care of me while I go through them! This will be the one time I actually get him to give me massages! We got to see all the different kinds of cords I could potentially have hanging out of me, as well as the epidural needle, and Brian has decided that he's glad he just gets to be the "support." We also watched a video that showed 3 different births, but honestly I have seen almost as much from watching the birthing shows on the Discovery channel. Brian and I got the biggest surprise and laugh when our instructor pulled out the GIGANTIC maxi pad that I will be so lucky to wear after I give birth. Brian thought the disposable panties that go over the pad were especially "hot." I honestly could not believe how big this thing was, and wondered why they didn't just puts tabs on the sides like they do baby diapers to help keep it in place. It was funny to watch all of the men in the class curl up into their own fetal positions when the instructor explained to us how a baby boy is circumcised. Brian and I were also entertained by the young girl next to us who seemed overly concerend about her tatoo being cut into if she ended up with a C-section. All in all, it was nice day and several of the questions I'd had about the delivery aspect were answered. Mount Carmel also has two delivery rooms with tubs, which is something I could definitely see myself relaxing in, so I will be talking to my Dr. about this at the next appointment!

Doctor Appointment

Good news... NO diabetes for me! I figured as much since I hadn't heard anything about my glucose test, but it was nice to hear that I had passed with "flying colors." I have only gained a total of 16 pounds (only 1 pound in the last 2 weeks), so more good news! I was actually a little worried about it, but my Dr. said my weight was great for being this far along. I am measuring exactly where I should be (1 cm for each week), so that puts me at 29-30 cm. When we listened to the heartbeat this time, the Dr. also mentioned that it sounded like the baby had the hiccups. She hasn't really talked much about the baby's position, as I'm sure it will change 100 more times between now and delivery, but he has seemed to become a little more adventurous. I now feel him all over the place, but at night he does seem to settle low and I feel him best when it feels like he is lying sideways under my belly button. I head back in another 2 weeks!

Beginning Week 30!

Baby Growth in Week 30

Your baby has now grown to be 14 ¾ inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.

As your baby continues to grow, he/she takes up a larger portion of your uterus. You may not feel that your body can handle your growing baby, but it will compensate by allowing your uterus to extend underneath your rib cage.
Your baby’s eyes are becoming more mature, and now he/she can tell the difference between light and dark. Babies at 30 weeks can even follow a light source with their eyes. Once your baby is born, he/she will spend a great deal of time with their eyes closed. This is completely normal. Newborns only have the ability to focus on objects a few inches from their face. While “normal” adult vision is 20/20, a newborn’s vision is 20/400.

New Belly Pics!

I wasn't going to take new pictures for another week or two, but Katie requested these! Here I am at 28 weeks and 4 days. I don't know why, but for some reason I thought I hadn't really grown much since my last belly pics, but I about fainted when I saw these! I can't believe how much my belly has grown in just 3 weeks!

The baby's position can be felt from the outside now. I feel definite hard spots when his head or butt is pressed against my belly. He seems to be lying sideways most of the time. Grandma Bonnie also got to see him move for the first time last night (thanks for bringing your camera so we could take pictures).

Baby Room Update!

We have finished painting the baby room! I'm not sure we will ever do this many strips again (took two rolls of painters tape, and the laser level that sticks to the wall was a life-saver), but we are very happy with the way it turned out. Thanks to Grandpa Joe for helping us get the rest of the chair-rail up (we had a tricky spot). We just have a few spots to touch up where Brian and I painted outside the lines, and one more coat of blue to put on a nightstand we are re-painting. After that, I am not touching a paintbrush for a very long time!

AHHHH! Stretch Marks!

As much as I hate to admit it, I woke up yesterday morning and for the first time noticed stretch marks on the lower part of my belly! I actaully screamed when I saw them, which made Brian wake up thinking something was seriously wrong. They are quite small and not that noticeable yet, but I know they will only get worse (so much for the cocoa butter, which I am now applying twice a day instead of once). Here's to one of the many joys of being pregnant!

Beginning Week 29!

Well, I am exhausted as I write this. Woke up every 20-30 minutes last night starting at midnight. Finally took a Benadryl at 2:30 knowing I would be groggy when I had to get up. My child likes to sit really "low." I have yet to feel him move much above my belly button.

I am getting excited about our upcoming "baby" events: childbirth class on Jan. 20th (we are doing a 1-day, all day course), hospital tour on Feb. 3rd, meeting our pediatrician on Feb. 19th, and 3 showers planned over the next two months! Will let you know how it all goes!

Baby Growth in Week 29

Your baby now measures 14 ½ inches and weighs 2 ¾ pounds.

Your baby is rapidly growing at this point. Obviously your baby is continuing to gain weight, and his/her head is also growing. This is due to the rapid brain development that began in week 28. Muscles and lungs are also continuing to develop and mature.

Beginning Week 28!

When I read in my book this past week that I was now in my third, and FINAL, trimester, I sort of did a double-take! It's gone by so quick and yet the end already can't seem to get here soon enough (although I still need to motivate myself to put together sub plans for my classroom). I'm sad we don't have our camera (it's being repaired) to document how the baby's room is coming along, but I will post pictures as soon as we get it back. The room should mostly be finished by then!

The baby has been moving like crazy tonight! I now have my own belly-show entertainment. It cracks me up to watch my belly wobble around as the baby makes his presence known!

At the Dr's this past Tuesday the scale showed that I have gained a total of 15 pounds (yea! can't complain about that). My uterus is measuring normal, no swelling to make mention of, blood pressure good, baby's hearbeat good, and no heartburn, although I do burp sour if I eat too much at any one time. I have some pressure and of course back pain (I go for my massage next Tuesday), but I really can't complain! I now have to be aware of the baby's movements each day, and I am waiting to find out if I passed my orange-soda glucose test.

Baby Growth in Week 28

Your baby is about 14 ¼ inches long and weighs in at 2 ½ pounds. This still seems very small, but remember that during the last several weeks of pregnancy your baby will gain a significant amount of weight.

Your baby’s brain is really beginning to develop into a more complex organ. Up until this point, your baby’s brain has been relatively smooth, but beginning this week his/her brain will develop grooves and indentions along its surface. The amount of brain tissue also begins to increase during the 28th week.
The development of hair also continues. Eyebrows and eyelashes are visible, while the hair on your baby’s head grows even longer. Your baby is also starting to look a little rounder as the fat storage under the skin continues to develop. This is an important part of development that will continue through the remainder of your pregnancy.

Beginning Week 27!

Baby Growth in Week 27

Your baby is now 14 inches long and weighs 2¼ pounds.

Around week 11 your baby’s eye lids became fused, but around the 27th to 28th week babies can open and close their eyes. Your baby has also developed a regular wake and sleep cycle. Unfortunately, it may not be the same as yours. You may also begin to feel rhythmic movements in your uterus and wonder what is going on. It is likely that your baby is experiencing a case of the hiccups. This is completely normal and may occur quite frequently during this last part of your pregnancy as your baby’s lungs continue to mature.

Christmas 2006!

Well, it's December 26th and most of the Christmas festivities are over, which makes me a little sad. It always goes so quick, but it was a WONDERFUL weekend! We spent the 23rd with Brian's extended family. There are currently 3 baby girls under the age of seven months in that family, so everyone is excited about us adding another boy! We shared Christmas Eve with Brian's family. We opened presents in the afternoon and then headed to Mass. After Mass we headed out to Easton for our now traditional Christmas Eve dinner at P.F. Chang's. Christmas day was spent with the Glandon's/McLaughlin's with more presents to open, the traditional standing rib roast dinner, the Chinese gift exchange, and a fun game of Pictionary - guys vs. girls. It was another Christmas full of memories to cherish as we head into a new year! It makes Brian a little emotional to think about how these traditions, as well as new ones, will be shared with our own child next Christmas. We hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday and we wish you all many blessings in the new year!

Brian and I with Baby Sauer on Christmas Day at Grandma and Grandpa Glandon's house.
Mommy and Daddy Sauer outside P.F. Chang's at Easton on Christmas Eve.

Nuge was having fun helping cousin Heidi and Aunt Aimee open presents!
Here's Baby Sauer with his cousin Heidi on Christmas Eve. This time next year there will be two little one's running/crawling around!
We had Christmas with my sister's family Thanksgiving weekend. Here's Baby Sauer with his cousin Megan as she opens her presents!

New Belly Pics!

Here I am at 25 weeks and 4 days! Compared to these pictures, the first belly pics I posted don't even look like I am pregnant!

Beginning Week 26!

Only 3 and a 1/2 months left. I can't believe it!

Baby Growth in Week 26

Your baby is around 13 inches long and weighs 2 pounds.

The development that is occurring at this stage may seem small and insignificant, but it is very important as your baby begins to prepare for his/her entry into the world. The nerves in the ears are developing and allowing your baby to respond more consistently to the sounds that he/she hears. Your baby is also continuing to swallow amniotic fluid which is causing his/her lungs to develop. If you are having a little boy, his testicles have begun their descent into his scrotum.

Beginning Week 25!

This week has been interesting! The most exciting thing that happened was that Brian was able to feel the baby move a couple of times. Baby Sauer definitely gives me a good whack every now and then, and he moves pretty rapidly a couple of times a day now! The pregnancy fatigue has started again, and I am pooped after a long day at work. I don't think I got my whole 2nd trimester's worth of feeling great. I have some slight discomfort, but still mild and not all the time. I can barely tie my shoes the way I used to, and I think what they call "pregnancy dementia" as well as the "dropsies" is upon me. I don't know how many times I dropped a pen, or a piece of paper, or a pointer today at work! Not to mention that my amount of patience decreases each day (my poor students - I think fatigue is to blame for this).

When I saw the Dr. this past Friday, she did admit that 1 lb. at the time of my ultrasound was on the big side, but nothing abnormal. I just know I am going to deliver a 9 pounder (ahhhh!). I've been praying for less than 10 hours of labor, and a baby that weighs no more than 8 lbs. Oh, and of course that he is healthy! We'll see if my prayers are answered :)!

I will have to have Brian take new belly pictures this weekend. Everyone at work keeps saying, "You're getting big!"

Baby Growth in Week 25

Your baby is now 12 inches long and weighs anywhere from 1½ to 1¾ pounds.

While it does not appear that your baby is that big, he or she is slowly gaining some baby fat, making his/her appearance less wrinkled. If your baby has hair, the color and texture could be seen at this point. However, it can change after the baby is born.

Beginning Week 24!

Our little boy's feet are causing me some discomfort. We've been having little chats about needing to CHANGE positions! Otherwise, all is well :)!

Baby Growth in Week 24

Your baby is now 11 inches long and weighs 1¼ to 1½ pounds.

Your baby's brain is growing rapidly at this time. Taste buds are also developing, and the lungs are becoming more developed and complex. The branches of the main lung are beginning to form as well as special cells that will produce surfactant. Surfactant is necessary for the air sacs to inflate easily. Babies who are born prematurely often have trouble breathing because these cells have not had enough time to develop or are not producing the necessary amounts of surfactant.

The Baby Room Begins!

The baby room has begun! Here's Daddy Brian putting the crib together. It didn't seem too bad until he had to put on the side that slides up and down!
The dresser - why does it have to have so many pieces?
Well after recovering a missing piece to the crib from Babies R' Us, a sliced thumb (Brian's) from opening the dresser package with a pair of scissors, and some supervision from Nuge, we now have a completed crib and dresser thanks to all of Daddy's hard work!
This shows how we are going to paint the room, but instead of a light blue we are going to use more of a navy blue. We are going to put up a chair rail just like the picture shows as well. Bedding not included, although we are going to accent the room with some sports touches!

Beginning Week 23!

Baby Growth in Week 23

Your baby has finally reached a weight of 1 pound and is approximately 10 inches long.

Your baby is continuing to gain weight, but the next several weeks will be when he/she really begins to fill out. Lanugo, or the fine hair that covers your baby’s body, may darken at this point allowing it to be seen on an ultrasound. Your baby is also beginning to look more like it will at birth.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend eating, laughing, shopping, playing cards, and watching football with the FAM! Baby Sauer and his 4-month old cousin Megan even had fun taking turns kicking each other! Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Glandon and Aunt Angie and Uncle Dave, we now have a crib and dresser/changing table for Baby Sauer. They are sitting in boxes waiting for Daddy Brian to put them together. Here we are with some of Baby Sauer's beautiful girl cousins (once removed of course)!

Here we are at Megan's baby blessing. Baby Sauer will have his turn in the Spring!

Beginning Week 22!

Baby Growth in Week 22

Your baby is approximately 9 inches long and weighs a whole 14 ounces.

Your baby has pretty much taken on the form of a newborn baby, but is incredibly small. Much development will continue to occur over the next 18 weeks. His or her skin appears wrinkly, but this is because he/she has not yet gained enough weight to fill the skin out. The lips are becoming more distinct. The eyes have completely formed, but the iris (the colored portion of the eye) still lacks pigment. The eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and the pancreas is continuing to mature.

It's a BOY!

Today was the big day, and it's definitely a boy! Little Baby Sauer was more than willing to show all his parts! He was moving all over the place! Everything looked normal and good, and he now weighs 1 lb. Brian and I both just stared in awe as we watched him dance around on the monitor. You really can see the baby much clearer on the screen than in any picture.

The pictures are as follows...
1) Profile view - you can see his cute little nose (must be his dad's)
2) His leg - shows up on the right side, thigh on the bottom, bends in the middle (looks like there is a fist resting on the knee), and the foot is on top (very faint) where he kicks me all the time
3) His male parts - he is mooning us! His parts stick out from between the cheeks (I love the arrow that points to it and says, "male.").
4) His beautiful little face - the two black holes on the left side are the eyes, and the white part in between is the nose
5) The back of his head and an arm - it looks like he is waving
6) His spine and ribs
*If you click on the pictures, you can see a larger image!

I am still trying to fully comprehend that there is a living life inside of me! But this does make it VERY exciting!