We had our monthly OB appointment this week. I am a lucky lady. 5 months in and Ryan hasn't missed one prenatal appointment. It makes me so smiley to know that he's just as excited as I am to hear what the doctor has to say about our little guy, and he's willing to take the time off of work in order to be there for the appointments.
This appointment was another routine appointment. Dr. Higgins informed us that baby is right on target for weight and length and said that bub is progressing steadily. He answered a few of our questions and checked my blood pressure. I asked to be weighed since I hadn't been weighed since the beginning of the pregnancy, and I wanted to make sure I wasn't gaining too much . I have no idea how... but, I've only gained 1kg = 2.2lbs. I know I shouldn't think of it as a license to eat junk food, but I couldn't help daydreaming about those chocolate covered peanut butter balls that I had wanted to make.
Dr. Higgins said not to worry about such little weight gain. He said that as long as the baby is the right weight and size for this stage of pregnancy, there is no need to be concerned. He also assured me that bub still has a lot of growing to do over the second half of the pregnancy, so I am sure to gain more over the next few months. Never the less, I still came home and made those chocolate covered peanut butter balls and WOW are they delicious!!
On a side note: We had my surname changed to Kearn this week. We were told by the celebrant who is going to marry us that it's necessary to do before the wedding so that all the names on our documents match up. We still have the actual Aussie beach wedding ceremony planned for Easter 2012, but I am now legally Cristi Kearn.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
A Quick Glimpse Inside
Yesterday, we had our 20 week morphology scan. The purpose of this scan was to make sure that baby is developing normally and to look for abnormalities in the baby's structural development and growth. It had been 7 weeks since our last scan, and we were really excited to be able to see our little guy in 4D again.
My excitement soon faded after we met our tech. Unlike our last tech, who laughed and joked and seemed genuinely excited for us, yesterday's tech was a rigid old lady. She had an agenda and just wanted to check the boxes and get it done. During the scan, I noticed the baby's hand up near his mouth like he was sucking his fingers, and I said to Ryan, "Oh my gosh, look at his hand" The Tech abruptly replied, "I'm not focused on his hand right now". I realized quickly that she wasn't interested in what we were focused on, and after that Ryan and I both were pretty quiet for the remainder of the scan. I'm really glad it wasn't our first scan because she sort of sucked the excited out of it for me. But, enough about her negative attitude...and onto the more positive outcome of the scan.
The baby's scan showed us that he is developing properly. It showed us his head, brain, spine, neck, skin, lungs, heart, kidneys, bladder, boy parts and skeleton, and all looked great. It was especially interesting to watch his lungs as he practiced breathing and to see him open his mouth and practice swallowing. We also got to see that the blood is flowing correctly through the four chambers of his heart, and that he has two symmetrical halves to his brain. So, even though the tech only switched to a 4D view for a few seconds of the 45 minute scan, we were happy to see that our little guy is developing on schedule.
Here are a few of the pictures that we got when she switched to the 4D view. He was pretty active during the scan so the one picture we got of his face isn't very clear. I was a little nervous when I first saw it because his upper lip seems to be jutting out so much further than his lower lip. But, Ryan reassured me and reminded me that when he's moving during the scan sometimes an entire limb or his nose will disappear or it will look like he has a hole in his head. So, I'm going to stop worrying about his upper lip. All in all, despite the fact that our tech was far from enjoyable, our scan allowed us to have another quick glimpse of our baby boy, which is always a good thing.
Profile of baby's face
Baby's spine
Baby's right arm and hand
My excitement soon faded after we met our tech. Unlike our last tech, who laughed and joked and seemed genuinely excited for us, yesterday's tech was a rigid old lady. She had an agenda and just wanted to check the boxes and get it done. During the scan, I noticed the baby's hand up near his mouth like he was sucking his fingers, and I said to Ryan, "Oh my gosh, look at his hand" The Tech abruptly replied, "I'm not focused on his hand right now". I realized quickly that she wasn't interested in what we were focused on, and after that Ryan and I both were pretty quiet for the remainder of the scan. I'm really glad it wasn't our first scan because she sort of sucked the excited out of it for me. But, enough about her negative attitude...and onto the more positive outcome of the scan.
The baby's scan showed us that he is developing properly. It showed us his head, brain, spine, neck, skin, lungs, heart, kidneys, bladder, boy parts and skeleton, and all looked great. It was especially interesting to watch his lungs as he practiced breathing and to see him open his mouth and practice swallowing. We also got to see that the blood is flowing correctly through the four chambers of his heart, and that he has two symmetrical halves to his brain. So, even though the tech only switched to a 4D view for a few seconds of the 45 minute scan, we were happy to see that our little guy is developing on schedule.
Here are a few of the pictures that we got when she switched to the 4D view. He was pretty active during the scan so the one picture we got of his face isn't very clear. I was a little nervous when I first saw it because his upper lip seems to be jutting out so much further than his lower lip. But, Ryan reassured me and reminded me that when he's moving during the scan sometimes an entire limb or his nose will disappear or it will look like he has a hole in his head. So, I'm going to stop worrying about his upper lip. All in all, despite the fact that our tech was far from enjoyable, our scan allowed us to have another quick glimpse of our baby boy, which is always a good thing.
Profile of baby's face
Baby's spine
Baby's right arm and hand
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Half Way There
Today is the beginning of our 20th week, the half way point til the birth of our baby. I'm trying to be positive and look at it as the glass is half full, but it feels like the past 20 weeks have gone by so slow. Hopefully, now that I feel better and now that we're starting to buy the baby things, the next weeks will go by faster.
Yesterday, we bought the cot (cot = crib in Oz). I know I've mentioned this before, but things in Australia really are quite expensive. The cheapest cot we had seen before yesterday was from Ikea, and it wasn't anything special. In fact, it was just as I described "cheap". But, we were going to settle for it since it was about $300 less than anything else we had seen. Then, yesterday, we saw a Boori cot on Gumtree (Aussie Craig's List). We had seen the Boori line of cots at http://www.bubs.com.au/ , but seeing that they were no less than $700-$1,000, we stopped looking for a cot at that store. So, you can imagine my surprise when I came across a Boori Paddington Cot on Gumtree for $390 with the $150 mattress included. I thought it would be sold for sure. I called the seller and was happily informed that it was still available. Ryan and I went and picked it up last night, and then late last night after I went to sleep he surprised me by putting it together. I woke up to see our baby's crib set up in his new room, and I've been smiling ever since!!
Yesterday, we bought the cot (cot = crib in Oz). I know I've mentioned this before, but things in Australia really are quite expensive. The cheapest cot we had seen before yesterday was from Ikea, and it wasn't anything special. In fact, it was just as I described "cheap". But, we were going to settle for it since it was about $300 less than anything else we had seen. Then, yesterday, we saw a Boori cot on Gumtree (Aussie Craig's List). We had seen the Boori line of cots at http://www.bubs.com.au/ , but seeing that they were no less than $700-$1,000, we stopped looking for a cot at that store. So, you can imagine my surprise when I came across a Boori Paddington Cot on Gumtree for $390 with the $150 mattress included. I thought it would be sold for sure. I called the seller and was happily informed that it was still available. Ryan and I went and picked it up last night, and then late last night after I went to sleep he surprised me by putting it together. I woke up to see our baby's crib set up in his new room, and I've been smiling ever since!!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Let the Nesting Begin...
Dear Baby,
Even though I knew it would inevitably get here, I didn't feel it coming. Today, my "nesting" phase officially started. "Nesting" is a term used to describe "an uncontrollable urge to clean one’s house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world."
I wouldn't say that my nesting is as severe as your Aunt Lindsey's...yet! One morning a few a weeks ago, she cleaned and organized their whole house by 10 a.m. She even went as far as getting the tools out to assemble some things. Then, a few days ago, she steam cleaned their couches, drapes and carpet. All of this in preparation for your cousin, who should be here in the next month or so.
I don't know if it's because your daddy and I picked out your furniture yesterday, but I woke up with a strong desire to get busy. I laid in bed and planned my attack. First, I would throw away or recycle everything that we don't need from the office. Good thing I talked it over with your daddy first. Some of the things I was ready to chuck, he wasn't so keen on chucking : ) Then, I would sort and organize all of my office/art supplies inside the cubicles of my project table and find a new home for them in the closets or in the living room. After that, I would ask your daddy to help me move the antique trunk and project table out of the office to make room for your furniture. I know that once these things are done, we can bring home your furniture, and I can get busy washing and putting away all of the cute clothes and blankets that you'll soon be wearing.
As I write this, I still haven't attacked the office. Ironically, I didn't even make it past the kitchen. After brekky, I had the sudden urge to clean and organize the entire kitchen, cupboards and all! I not only organized everything in the cupboards, but also took a warm rag and wiped everything down. I must say, the kitchen is looking damn good right now. So, the plan for the afternoon is to ATTACK THE OFFICE. Your daddy is online right now creating an ad for the project table. Hopefully, we can sell it and get your side of the office/baby room cleared out soon because I am ready to get the tools out and assemble some furniture.
Love,
Mommy
Even though I knew it would inevitably get here, I didn't feel it coming. Today, my "nesting" phase officially started. "Nesting" is a term used to describe "an uncontrollable urge to clean one’s house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of old projects and to organize your world."
I wouldn't say that my nesting is as severe as your Aunt Lindsey's...yet! One morning a few a weeks ago, she cleaned and organized their whole house by 10 a.m. She even went as far as getting the tools out to assemble some things. Then, a few days ago, she steam cleaned their couches, drapes and carpet. All of this in preparation for your cousin, who should be here in the next month or so.
I don't know if it's because your daddy and I picked out your furniture yesterday, but I woke up with a strong desire to get busy. I laid in bed and planned my attack. First, I would throw away or recycle everything that we don't need from the office. Good thing I talked it over with your daddy first. Some of the things I was ready to chuck, he wasn't so keen on chucking : ) Then, I would sort and organize all of my office/art supplies inside the cubicles of my project table and find a new home for them in the closets or in the living room. After that, I would ask your daddy to help me move the antique trunk and project table out of the office to make room for your furniture. I know that once these things are done, we can bring home your furniture, and I can get busy washing and putting away all of the cute clothes and blankets that you'll soon be wearing.
As I write this, I still haven't attacked the office. Ironically, I didn't even make it past the kitchen. After brekky, I had the sudden urge to clean and organize the entire kitchen, cupboards and all! I not only organized everything in the cupboards, but also took a warm rag and wiped everything down. I must say, the kitchen is looking damn good right now. So, the plan for the afternoon is to ATTACK THE OFFICE. Your daddy is online right now creating an ad for the project table. Hopefully, we can sell it and get your side of the office/baby room cleared out soon because I am ready to get the tools out and assemble some furniture.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Dear Baby....
Dear Baby,
For the past couple of weeks, your Daddy was in Taipei, Taiwan on a business trip. While he was away, I started feeling the first little flutters of you moving. I remember the first time. I was sitting on the couch typing on my laptop. After I felt you, I sat motionless waiting for it to happen again. It went on for about fifteen minutes. I don't think I even took a breath for fear my breathing would make me unable to feel you. Over the last couple of weeks, your little flutters have progressed to little kicks. Your little kicks feel almost like a tiny heart beat under by belly button. Your daddy and I were talking on Skype the other night and I told him how you are moving around and kicking more and more. I was sure he'd be able to feel it from the outside when he got back home to Brisbane. I was so excited for him to get home and feel you kicking. Five minutes after he walked in the door, you decided to get active. Did you recognize his voice? We sat on the couch, and your daddy got to feel you kick for the first time. After that, I kept waiting for you to get active again so that we could feel you. You should know, it makes us extremely happy knowing that you are growing and developing, and we can't wait for the day that you are born so that we can meet you in person.
Love,
Mommy
For the past couple of weeks, your Daddy was in Taipei, Taiwan on a business trip. While he was away, I started feeling the first little flutters of you moving. I remember the first time. I was sitting on the couch typing on my laptop. After I felt you, I sat motionless waiting for it to happen again. It went on for about fifteen minutes. I don't think I even took a breath for fear my breathing would make me unable to feel you. Over the last couple of weeks, your little flutters have progressed to little kicks. Your little kicks feel almost like a tiny heart beat under by belly button. Your daddy and I were talking on Skype the other night and I told him how you are moving around and kicking more and more. I was sure he'd be able to feel it from the outside when he got back home to Brisbane. I was so excited for him to get home and feel you kicking. Five minutes after he walked in the door, you decided to get active. Did you recognize his voice? We sat on the couch, and your daddy got to feel you kick for the first time. After that, I kept waiting for you to get active again so that we could feel you. You should know, it makes us extremely happy knowing that you are growing and developing, and we can't wait for the day that you are born so that we can meet you in person.
Love,
Mommy
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Expanding Belly and Baby Movements
Up until a week or so ago, my belly looked more like an "I've eaten too many doughnuts belly" than a baby bump belly. So, we haven't really taken any pictures since week 10. I know, I know. It's ironic that someone who loves to take pictures has neglected to take pictures of her first baby belly for seven weeks. I'll try to be better in the future! I think that it looks more like a baby bump when it's a naked belly, hence the naked belly picture!
(Week 17)
A few days ago, I started feeling what I think is the baby moving. The Dr. said I could start feeling him move any time between now and week 20. It feels like a faint flutter...Almost like when your stomach growls minus the sound and a bit more faint. Who knows, maybe in a week something different will happen, and I'll realize that until then I wasn't feeling the baby at all. But, since I have nothing to compare it to, I'll just go with my gut instinct.
(Week 17)A few days ago, I started feeling what I think is the baby moving. The Dr. said I could start feeling him move any time between now and week 20. It feels like a faint flutter...Almost like when your stomach growls minus the sound and a bit more faint. Who knows, maybe in a week something different will happen, and I'll realize that until then I wasn't feeling the baby at all. But, since I have nothing to compare it to, I'll just go with my gut instinct.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A Trip to the Doctor's Office
Ryan and I just got back from our monthly OB appointment. You know the phrase, "hurry up to wait"? That pretty much sums up our visit. After a rushed morning getting ready, we got to our appointment on time only to be told that the doctor was running three appointments behind schedule. WTF?? Couldn't the receptionist have made some phone calls to let us know? So far, Ryan and I have been pretty spoiled. We've had either a 2D or 4D scan at every one of our doctor's appointment. Ryan took off of work so that he could be at the appointment just in case we were lucky enough to get another glimpse of our little guy. Finally, after waiting in the waiting room and reading almost all of the reading material available, Dr. Higgins came out to greet us. I've really appreciated that Ryan has made a point of going to all of our appointments. However, I felt really bad that we he took off work and waited for so long for what consisted of a 10 minute Dr. visit. Dr. Higgins checked my blood pressure, felt my belly to make sure my uterus is rising and answered a couple of our questions. That was it. The quickest Dr. visit in history...if you don't count the long a** wait in the waiting room.
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