27 weeks!!!!!!

Size = 14 1/2 inches
Weight = 2lbs

You're now 27 weeks pregnant -- this marks the beginning of your third trimester! Congratulations, you are two-thirds of the way there!

This period of pregnancy from 27 weeks onward is known as within the period of fetal viability.

When you are 27 weeks pregnant, your baby's brain embarks on a period of rapid growth. The forebrain grows to cover the rest of the brain, resulting in some important brain development.

During week 27 of pregnancy, your baby's muscle coordination will allow him or her to start thumb sucking. This activity calms the baby and strengthens cheek and jaw muscles for nursing.

Other fetal development that is occurring when you are 27 weeks pregnant includes the following:

• The network of nerves to the ear is completed
• The baby takes some breaths, and although breathing in water, not air, it is good practice for the lungs
• Eyelids begin to open, and the retinas begin to form
• Your baby may be able to recognize your voice and your partner's voice.

27 Weeks Pregnant

Odds of a Premature Baby's Survival by Length of Pregnancy

Length of Pregnancy	Likelihood of Survival
23 weeks	17%
24 weeks	39%
25 weeks	50%
26 weeks	80%
27 weeks	90%
28-31 weeks	90-95%
32-33 weeks	95%
34+ weeks	Almost as likely as a full-term baby
Sources: March of Dimes, Quint Boenker Preemie Survival Foundation

Still Sick

I forgot to mention I'm still sick...getting better though! My lung troubles turned into sinus troubles...but for the first time in months I feel like I'm having NO breathing troubles!!!! YAY! I'm on a decongestant which seems to be helping. I was having a REALLY hard time with feeling dizzy :\ So much Jason came home one day a little early from work...but this medicine seems to be clearing it up so I'm not bothered as much...i'm also VERY happy the "heat wave" is going away for a few days!

The Bassinet Arrived!

So Jason came home and carried up the bassinet :) Which is kind of cool since I'm 27 weeks tomorrow. I asked him to put it together :) He said I was a PITA, but I wanted to see it all put together ;) It's not the sturdiest. If a person planned on carrying it from place to place, etc this would NOT be one for that. But it's going between the bed and the wall and not moving so I'm thinking it will be sufficient :) I love the colors of it and the ruffle :) It also has vents on both sides to help air flow. It's supposed to be "travel" but it's not THAT easy to break down...but I didn't buy it for travel anyways, so also no biggie.
But here are the pics!

Here is Jason putting it together...I was told I couldn't post him without a shirt on so I had to paint one on ;)

As you can see our favorite feline inspector was busy watching him put it together right...
She then afterwards gave it a good check before final approval.

Here is it all done!

It didn't take the cat long to figure out the basket on the bottom is perfect kitty size, but we broke it down so they can't make thier new home out of it...Now I just need bassinet sheets and this will be complete :)

Pin cushion

(from the sarcastic journal)

When you’re pregnant, you’re getting ready to change all the “labels” in your life. You go from “wife” to “mother.” “Childless” to “Mom.” There’s another label they may forget to tell you about: Human pincushion.

I have never been poked with a needle as many times as I have while I was pregnant. It seemed that every time I turned around, someone was telling me they needed this or that tested and, of course, it always needed to be a blood test.

The most annoying test, to me, was the gestational diabetes test. Not only would you find out if you would have to stop consuming that gallon of ice cream every night, but you’d actually have to drink a sugary syrup before having your blood drawn.

The doctors always scared me with this test. They’d hand me a glass bottle with a bunch of directions typed on it and say “See you next month. Make sure to follow the directions.”

Too bad the directions were written by someone who had never met a pregnant woman that worried too much.

“Do not eat for X hours before test. Do not look North while drinking the orange soda. Do not hold your breath for longer than six seconds and please do not think about peeing in the next five hours.”

After you drink the orange soda, you have to make sure to get to the doctor’s office in a certain amount of time for them to do the blood work. From the minute the bottle touched my lips to my entering the doctor’s office, I would keep worrying that I wouldn’t get there in time and I had drunk the drink for nothing.

“I’m here for the glucose test!” I’d scream as I ran in. “I drank the drink exactly one hour and 55 minutes ago and I need someone to draw my blood now or I JUST MIGHT DIE.”

I never did die, nor did I ever miss the time frame given for me to have my blood drawn. I did, however, annoy plenty of nurses due to repeating “Oh no. I think I’m going to faint. I hate this. I’m going to faint. I have bad veins. HURRY THE HECK UP ALREADY.”

Huge Order :)

So on Friday through my blurry eyes and throbbing head I put in an order through Amazon for a few baby items ;) I bought the bassinet a *little* earlier than 28 weeks, but since the order is coming from three different places I doubt I will have it ALL before 28 weeks so it will work right ;)

Here's what a got a coming:

Kolcraft Tender Vibes Travel Bassinet with Music

Is this ever going to "travel" probably not, but I liked how it apparently folds up nicely for storage and since the kiddo only needs it for a few months it will make putting it away some where easier. It also was half the price of the bassinet I originally picked out and much prettier :) So all over a good deal.

NUBY Coolbite teether with PûrICE Gel

These were the main reason for putting the order in now, since I can't seem to find this actual set from any other place...and why do I want THIS set...well if you know my husband at ALL you know how much he loves penguins, specifically Tux, the linux penguin. So it seemed fitting she have a penguin to gnaw on

Baby Einstein Baby's Photo Book

I don't know why exactly but I liked this one out of all the other baby photo albums I can across. I think it was the mirror and teething binder. Or many it was just the cat on the front, lol. I'm not a huge fan of the baby Einstein things mainly because they are overpriced, but this I splurged on :) Now just to gather pictures of the relatives I'm going to put in it and we'll be all set.


Then last but not least I ordered a few books I've been eyeing. I used to read the first one (Baby Animals) to my kids at work. Well not read so much since there aren't really words in these books but just black and white pictures which are great for developing eyes. The last two I got previews of through amazon and I like them too so these will be our kiddos first set of books :)

There are a number of other books I would like to add to this collection but I figured it would make for baby's first trip to the book store all that much more exciting :) Here are some other must haves in my opinion (most I learned about by reading them to my babies at the daycare)

Moo, Baa, Lalala by Sandra Boynton
15 Animals by Sandra Boynton
Doggies Sandra Boynton
(so without realizing these three books are all by the same author I guess I like her work, which means probably ANY books by her might find thier way home with us someday)

ABCs by Dr. Suess
The Foot Book by Dr. Suess
Anything Dr. Suess really
And this one which is now out of print but I still love it :)
Baby's Book of Opposites illustrated by Mary Hildebrandt
I already have Bugs on the Go which is another cute book by David A Carter
Mommy and Daddy both love books so I imagine this child will have her hands full of books to look at, explore and eventually read :)

Fun Fact & Being Sick

TRUE FACT: When a woman gets pregnant her brain actually shrinks to allow room for water retention and swelling from all of the extra hormones her body carries. Then, after birth, it actually grows larger than it was pre-pregnancy because you build more neurological connections due to being responsible for another life. So when you feel like you are losing your mind...you are!!!


Okay have I mentioned I'm sick yet? Well Jason and I are BOTH sick :\ We do FINALLY have our tv set up so we both can just relax and concentrate on just being sick. I have to say though I never thought a certain friend of ours would be so inconsiderate about it, I guess you can't always rely on those you think you can :\ But getting yanked around not one but TWO nights in a row has made Jason and I both a little upset. Which sucks for the friend since usually when we get a new piece of technology he's the first person Jay calls to share it with, not the case this time.

Oh ya back to being sick and not the part about me being bitter, lol. I can't take most of the GOOD cold medicine so I'm stuck trying to find the right combo of pills/liquids to take care of my problem. Which is a little different from Jason's. I have the temperature and the chest congestion but it also seems I also have allergies on top of it all! My nose has done nothing but run and my eyes water all day. I also won't even mention how many times I've had to change due to coughing to hard or sneezing! Under my ribs hurt from coughing and sneezing so much. I eventually after alot of coughing bring up these nasty hard chunks of green :\ But I don't mind that as much as I do the runny nose and watery eyes. I'm living on benadryl and it seems to barely cut it!!

Oh the drug they prescribed I'm no longer taking. It's horrible! It does NOTHING for my nose however makes me feel SUPER tired and worn down. And I can't take benadryl while on it so I had to suffer 6 hours until it was out of my system to take my good medicine! Oh and not to mention it's a category C drug! Which means they aren't sure if causes problems or not. NOPE not something I'm going to take and take. She said I had my choice between that pill or Robotussin, I went with the Robotussin.

Alright...off to watch Ghost Hunters for the first time in High Def on the new 46 inch Tv :) Drool. Hope I get well sooner!

26 weeks appointment

Had our 26 week normal appointment. I'm sick so she checked me over for wheezing, which I had. She prescribed an antibiotic and some kind of pill for coughing. I will have to put it in later when I feel more like getting off the couch.

Nothing out of the ordinary. They did another FFN test, the first came back negative, i'm guessing this one will too. She also did a check to see the fluid I mentioned that leaked every time I sneezed or coughed, but we are both thinking it's pee...yes that means I pee myself quite frequently with this new illness and allergies...oh the joys!

At the ultrasound the baby's heartbeat was 157.
She weighs almost 2lbs (1lb 15oz).
My cervix she measured at 4.3 I think, which I have a feeling is off, but still nice and long :)
Everything looks good. We got to see Emilie pee, her bladder was full one minute and empty the next. She still won't cooperate for a spine measurement. She was also opening and closing her mouth alot, which I don't know if it was practice breathes or not, but it was cute anyways :)
The 3d didn't turn out that well, and the tech printed it wrong, but oh well.

Next time will probably be my last ultrasound, since if my cervix changes after that point, it's supposed to...so it's working the right way. As long as it changes SLOWLY.

I think that is everything...

26 weeks!

Size = 14 inches
Weight = 1 2/3 lb

When you are 26 weeks pregnant, your baby will start looking more like a "normal baby," the way he or she will appear at birth. Over the next 14 weeks he or she will continue to put on fat as it gets closer to delivery time.

Although your baby's eyes have been sealed shut for the last few months to allow the retinas to develop, they are likely opening and beginning to blink during week 26 of pregnancy.

Other fetal development that is occurring when you are 26 weeks pregnant includes the following:

• Your baby begins to make breathing movements (although there is no air in the lungs)
• Your baby will respond to touch
• Your baby is replacing the amniotic fluid every hour.

When you're 26 weeks pregnant, your baby's eyelids, eyebrows, and fingernails are present, but they are pretty short.

26 Weeks Pregnant

Odds of a Premature Baby's Survival by Length of Pregnancy

Length of Pregnancy	Likelihood of Survival
23 weeks	17%
24 weeks	39%
25 weeks	50%
26 weeks	80%
27 weeks	90%
28-31 weeks	90-95%
32-33 weeks	95%
34+ weeks	Almost as likely as a full-term baby
Sources: March of Dimes, Quint Boenker Preemie Survival Foundation

ER Trip Last Night :\

Apparently I must have partied too hard, lol ;)

Okay nothing was wrong with the baby on this trip, it was all me. I couldn't breathe!

I took my inhaler at home, took benadryl, cooled the apartment down, moved as little as possible, etc...and it just wasn't working. So we went. Not something I REALLY wanted to cap the night off with, but I was concerned I wasn't getting enough O2 to the baby.

Which apparently being pregnant and not being able to breathe gets you in the ER a whole lot faster. I think I was registered and in a room within 45 minutes, which is exceptionally fast compared to Tom's ER trip and our previous ones.

My O2 saturation was around 95ish. My blood pressure was really good (I don't remember those numbers) but my heartrate was high 98 - 120. They put me in a room and tried giving me oxygen, which was ridiculous! She gave me the nose pluggy thing and I told her BEFORE so went to get one I couldn't breathe through my nose so she told I could put it in my mouth instead...wtf? So I did, since I REALLY couldn't breathe through my nose and I felt like a moroon for doing it.

The doc ordered a breathing treatment which apparently is just a different way to albuterol into your system so no added harm to the kiddo. After one treatment I will say I could breathe better but my stats didn't seem to change, my heart rate was still high and my O2 still varied alot between 93 - 98. But I could breathe so they figured I could go home. Which I wonder if I should have or not since my lungs are still not in the best of shape :\

After the breathing treatment they check the baby's heart rate for 15 minutes. The kiddo even cooperated and moved around and showed the nurse how she could excell and decell her heartrate like a pro, lol. Her heartrate was right where it should have been even though mine wsa high the whole time. I'm a little worried about it being so high, so I will mention it at my next appointment.

Good news is that I have a docs appointment tomorrow and will see what my real doc things. Until then I am going to use my inhaler every 4 - 6 hours and take benadryl. I think I *might* be coming down with what Jason has since he was complaining of feeling things in his throat alot and now I have that feeling :\ Which couple that with my already having trouble breathing problem and I just might be screwed!

100 Days!

YAY!! We are officially starting the 100 day countdown until our due date!!! YAY!!!

Today I went out with a couple of gal pals for lunch to celebrate :)
Then one of Jason's friends came over bringing a cake I asked him to pick up to cook dinner since Jason is sick and I spent way to much time up today :)

I'm about 99% sure I have my take my home outfit all picked out. I have three actually, depending on the kiddos size. However I'm hoping it will be on the small side so that way she can fit in the newest outfit I got ;)

Here are some of my newest belly pics, they from the parental units visit this past weekend :)

Dad and I were comparing bellies ;)

Noone else can still really feel the kicks and for some reason Emilie didn't do one of her normal kick fests when they were here or I would have had mom try...but I think that all different voices had her mezmorized :)

And lastly this is our newest baby item in our collection :) Yes Joshalynn has made her apperance yet again in the blog :) She is my model what can I say, she even tries on some of my knitted outfits so I know they look right. I love the fact that this pillow has the "v" thingy that holds the baby in.

HAIR EVERYWHERE, lol

(from the sarcastic journal)

Pregnancy can make your body do really weird things. I won’t even go into the darker nipples or the linea negra. Instead, we’ll discuss hair.

When you think of a pregnant woman, I bet you don’t think of someone covered in hair, do you? Well, you should!

We all know that pregnancy makes the hair on your head grow faster and less of it falls out. But, did you know that the hair on your legs stops growing as fast as it did?

That’s a good thing. If you’re anything like me, you don’t have the energy to lean down and shave your legs every day. (Of course, once you have a newborn, you’ll probably go months without shaving, but that’s a different story altogether.)

Although I enjoyed having to shave my legs even less than I normally did, it seemed as if all the hair traveled from my legs up to my belly. Yes, my belly, the part of me that everyone wanted to touch. The part of me that jutted out much further than should be allowed.

Covered. In. Hair.

I’m not saying I looked like a wooly mammoth, but the amount of hair on my belly easily rivaled (or surpassed) the amount on my arms. Instead of the perfectly round, hairless bellies you see on TV or in ads, I had a big round, hairy lump with an off-center linea negra.

I’d like to believe I could have won some sort of sexy swimsuit competition with my belly, but I doubt that’d happen. That is, unless they have those sorts of things in really dark rooms.

Watch Me Kick!

If you watch my tummy on the upper left side you will see a little rumble early on and then when the cat comes into the screen you will see a GOOD bump happen. It's hard to catch cause of the cat taking some of your attention, but it's there! She's hard to catch on film, since it seems whenever she kicks me a good one she stops for hours then does it again. All the other rumbles I pretty feel alone, however Jason is feeling more and more since he patiently keeps his hand there.

Remember my next appointment isn't until this coming Wednesday. I will be sure to asked about a GD test and we are hoping for another "normal" cervical length :) We're had a string of good news so lets keep it coming, and I wouldn't say a positive GD test is bad news either :)

25 Weeks

Size = 13 1/2 in
Weight =1 1/2 pounds

When you are 25 weeks pregnant, your baby is starting to fatten up to become the butterball it will be when it is born! Although your baby's skin is still wrinkly during week 25 of pregnancy, the skin is now changing from translucent to a color more like your own skin.

Other fetal development that is occurring when you are 25 weeks pregnant includes the following:

• The structure of the spine begins to form
• Taste buds are forming
• If you are having a girl, the vagina has hollowed out
• The hands are fully developed -- fingerprints and all!
• The blood vessels of the lungs are developing
• The nostrils are beginning to open.

Your uterus is now the size of a soccer ball! YIKES...where did all my organs go, lol.

Get ready for pat-a-cake! Baby's hands are now fully developed and he spends most of his awake time groping around in the darkness of your uterus. Brain and nerve endings are developed enough now so that your baby can feel the sensation of touch. That doesn't mean he can feel it when his father pokes your stomach, however, so tell him to knock it off.

25 Weeks Pregnant

Odds of a Premature Baby's Survival by Length of Pregnancy

Length of Pregnancy	Likelihood of Survival
23 weeks	17%
24 weeks	39%
25 weeks	50%
26 weeks	80%
27 weeks	90%
28-31 weeks	90-95%
32-33 weeks	95%
34+ weeks	Almost as likely as a full-term baby
Sources: March of Dimes, Quint Boenker Preemie Survival Foundation

My View Each Day, lol

She's going to HATE it when there is a baby on my lap to replace her!

Pregnancy & Pillows

(from the sarcastic journal)

Much to the dismay of my dermatologist, I've always been a belly sleeper. Before I became pregnant for the first time, I had to sleep in the exact same position every night: on my belly, head towards the right, feet crossed just so with my hands tucked up under my pillow.

Even though I was slightly worried at the beginning of my pregnancy about sleeping on my belly, instinct quickly won over and I kept on sleeping that way, figuring I should enjoy it while I could.

Then, the belly started getting a little bigger and the baby started kicking. I really had a hard time sleeping on my stomach, thinking about this itty bitty baby girl in there, kicking at me to change position. Sometimes I imagined a tiny little fetus voice screaming “help me!”

Once it became impossible to sleep on my belly, I went out and bought one of those expensive “body pillows.” You know, the type that are about the length of your bed and resemble a snake? Yeah, I had one of those.

Except, I hated it. I’m not sure how I was supposed to sleep with it (I don’t remember reading a “how to sleep with your pillow for dummies” manual), and just couldn’t get it down. Hands above or below? Do I “spoon” it or just snuggle up near?

Finally, the stupid thing made it to the closet, along with all the other things I thought I needed but never used. I took up sleeping with a variety of pillows for comfort: one for my back, one for my head and one between my legs. If I was feeling in the mood for some loving, I might even hug one.

My entourage of pillows and I took up a good ¾ of our bed, a fact that I’m pretty sure secretly annoyed my husband. If my conquering of the bed wasn’t enough to anger him, the fact that a group of pillows were getting more “action” than he was (thanks to my nonexistent libido) probably did the trick.

All sorts of NEW

So by this time with Kaitlin I stopped feeling much of anything aside from a few kicks here or there. I definitely FEEL way more this time. Kaitlin I would feel on occasion this one I feel ALL day. She was practicing kick boxing last night, after an afternoon of yoga poses. I felt for the first time kicks by my belly button, most of the time it's all down low...which I always figured was because she was in the kiss her toes pose. But I think she stretched out. However today it seems to be back to the same ole smushed up feeling. Her kicks aren't quiet regular enough or hard to feel to the touch, Jason has felt some but he has to patiently keep his hand there for 30 minutes to feel one. However she is getting stronger. I can also now watch my belly giggle on occasion she she taps me a good one, lol.

Our next appointment is another whole week away, but no new pains or strange feelings to report.

24 WEEKS!

Alright I'm a girl on a mission. I went and did a little shopping today :) I didn't spend too much honey ;) I've been really eager to get a in the hospital outfit together for the baby. A few receiving blankets, mitts, etc. All the receiving blankets we have thus far have been unisex so I wanted something to say this is my GIRL :)

I have these two outfits, but here's my issue, I couldn't find the matching sleep gowns. I bought them at Kmart and would REALLY like matching sleep gowns rather than onsies. If you can find the gowns please let me know! I would take either newborn and/or 0-3 months. I bought onsies in each size to make sure they would fit. They came in packs of 5 so I have extra ones for the other nights, but the picture is of my FAVORITE ones, the hearts. I also am looking for caps, but I'm not sure if they have them or not. OH and a sleeper in the hearts pattern could possibly become a take me home outfit, so really let me know if you find them! I think it's going to be a last "seasons" pattern so I might not ever find the rest of the things.


Oh and nothing new came from my appointment today other than I might be allowed up a little more after 28 weeks, I will still be on some modified bedrest but will be allowed a little more freedom. Jason is thinking I can cook more meals ;)

24 weeks FINALLY!

Size = 12 in
Weight = 1 1/2lbs

Your baby will gain nearly 6 ounces this week as his or her body begins to fill out. This weight will mostly consist of muscle, bone mass, and the growing organs and tissues. Your baby's weight could top 1.5 pounds by the end of the week!

When you are 24 weeks pregnant, your baby now has basic control of all of its senses -- vision, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. He or she can swallow. Your baby's head is still large compared to its body size.

He or she is getting ready for life outside of you! Other fetal development that is occurring when you are 24 weeks pregnant includes the following:

• Blood vessels in the lungs are developing
• Your baby has almost fully developed eyelashes
• Your baby is starting to produce white blood cells, which fight disease and infection
• Your baby's inner ear is now completely developed. This means her sense of balance is working and she can tell whether she's hanging upside down or right side up.
  

Odds of a Premature Baby's Survival by Length of Pregnancy

Length of Pregnancy	Likelihood of Survival
23 weeks	17%
24 weeks	39%
25 weeks	50%
26 weeks	80%
27 weeks	90%
28-31 weeks	90-95%
32-33 weeks	95%
34+ weeks	Almost as likely as a full-term baby
Sources: March of Dimes, Quint Boenker Preemie Survival Foundation

24 Weeks Pregnant

24 weeks ultrasound pic

Okay two days shy of 24 weeks, but close enough :) This picture really shows you what Frank Breach is, lol. This is how she has been for the last 4 ultrasounds! I think she's going to like yoga. Yes, that is indeed her knee by her nose, lol!

Appointment Update

So my cervix is still long and closed, but the burning is still there. I wasn't impressed with the doc I saw, I never am when I'm stuck seeing someone on uncle docs side. They always seem so quick to dismiss me. I wasn't tested for a UTI or anything which I probably should have pushed for. I was relieved to see my cervix was fine, but I mean there must be an explanation even if it is just ligament pain. She could have asked a few more questions atleast! I wasn't asked about cramping, discharge, nothing and she was very quick to get me out. We won't mention they paged her saying she had a patient and I think she ignored it! They went to FIND her and when they did she said how I wasn't on her "list".

However we do have new ultrasound pics I will post later. Heartbeat 151. My cervix is still 3.9. The baby is measuring 1lb 3 oz. Amniotic fluid is good. So it's nothing serious we hope.

Emergency Appointment

So quoting my all time favorite tv show...SERIOUSLY?

I JUST let my guard down, was happy about the baby, enjoying being pregnant again...then WHAM things hit. Well I'm being dramatic...because right now we don't know if there is anything wrong. But here is the scenario.

I had a burning feeling when I was carrying Kaitlin and it turned into my cervix shortening. Well I got the same feeling last night. It went away and I thought no biggie I have an appointment on Wednesday. Well today it's back, and on top of it I'm a little crampy and sore feeling! It might a bad case of constipation or it could be something more :\

They are squeezing me in today at 3 for an ultrasound and then up to see the NP which doesn't know my history other than what I told her on the phone.

Let me just end this with I don't want to end up in the hospital again! I hated it, it was super tough on Jason and I, and frankly I don't know if I can do that again without crying every day. It's so incredibly lonely, you are surrounded by nothing that gives you comfort and they poke me with needles more often that what I like!

I will update after the appointment. Send positive thoughts our way please.

LOL, I'm not a bitch I'm pregnant

(from the sarcastic journal)

There were four words that drove me nuts every time I heard them while pregnant: How do you feel?

I know, I know, seems simple enough. Someone wants to know how you are feeling! How nice! Those words, although simple enough, seem loaded during pregnancy.

How do I feel? HOW DO I FEEL? I’m pregnant, my belly is stretching, I have cravings for peanut butter at 3 o’clock in the morning and my husband has affectionately nicknamed me “Pudgy.” How the heck do you think I feel?

The people who asked me this question always did with such concern. They’d place a hand on my shoulder, lean in and utter those four little words, much like I’d expect a doctor to say “It is malignant” to a patient.

My pregnancy hormones usually had a role in the way I answered. I’d have to bite my tongue not to reply something horrible about how I really felt.

How do I feel? I feel like shoving my foot up your butt if you ask me that stupid question just one more time.

Milestone Markers

MILESTONE MARKERS

So things are as always subject to change, but since we didn't need much more in terms of larger items I decided to buy them at each milestone we reach.



The first one is 24 weeks, which is in 3 days! YAY! This is the most important one. It means at this point they will do something to try to save the baby if she is born early. So I'm not going with the traditional boppy, this one is called the Leacho-Cuddle U. I like the aspect of being able to "strap" baby in. I can think of times that would have been helpful at the day care.


I also want to get this really cute set of teethers that has a penguin in it :)




Next big milestone is of course 28 weeks, which
At this point the baby has a 90% change of making it. We know obviously from past experience they don't always make it but, chances I think will be better this time since we haven't detected any defects yet. So I figure its a good time to get the bassinet home and set up. Also I want the cats to be familiar with it so I start hollering at them now to NOT get in it.

Along with this buy I want to get a baby photo album, Baby Einstien makes a cute one. It's durable for baby to slobber on and chew while keeping pictures of loved ones safe and sound. It will help her recognize people she doesn't see all the time this grandpas, grandmas and uncles.

Lastly at 32 weeks, when most babies survive with little to no health issues I want to get this swing. I debated for awhile over a bouncy seat or a swing. We don't have alot of room for both. This caught my eye since it's a "travel" swing, which means it folds up. Which is awesome to store it away when we don't need it out or need the extra room. I love the colors and I was trying to not buy things specific for a girl, but I couldn't resist.

Along with this one I want to start collecting more board books and specifically black and white ones I have a few favorites that I want to get, so I'm thinking I will order them with this swing.



Once bedrest is lifted I am going shopping for some pink sleep gowns and receiving blankets. I have a ton of unisex, I want some girly ones for the hospital.


Lastly this is Jason's buy :) He loves this onsie so it will also be ordered probably around 34ish weeks.
He also likes the V1.0 and V2.0 shirts that think geeks has. He wanted those with Kaitlin too, so we will be making sure he gets them :)

I'm SO excited to be FINALLY getting close to our first milestone. It should go quickly from here. It took MONTHS to get to the first one and after this they are only weeks apart, so I'm hoping this part of the pregnancy goes by much quicker. I can remember where I was at this point last time with Kaitlin and I already think things are going in a better direction. Baby Emilie will be coming home :) Oh and I am attempting to make a sling based on this pattern. I don't know if I bought the right fabric, I almost like my mock one better...but whatever. Travis might get me from one from Kyrgie too, so in the end i'm sure I will have one I really like :)

Goal Met

I'm hoping that since we've had a string of positives as of recent they con't :)

Today is the day we reached our goal for the March of Dimes. We raised $1 for every gram Kaitlin weighed. I want to send thanks you to all the following people for their support in helping us make this goal.

Uncle Jesse, Aunt Lisa and Family
Mary G.
Kristina W.
Sandy G.
Grandpa & Grandma Henry
Liberty E.
Cristina and Sebastian L.
Mike and Lori M.
Dan and Gina S.
Maureen L.
Dan F.
Grandpa and Grandma Dineen
Patricia V.
Sharlene C.
Shannon B.
Emily C.
Candace C.
Laura S.
Poppie and Nana
And the biggest donation of all came from the Miscarriage Blanket Sales :)

23 weeks Pregnant

Weight: 1lbs
Size: 11 1/2 in

We are officially entered viability stages!! Not that 23 weeks would be great odds but it's a comfort to know we are here in the THEY HAVE A CHANCE stage.

Odds of a Premature Baby's Survival by Length of Pregnancy

Length of Pregnancy	Likelihood of Survival
23 weeks	17%
24 weeks	39%
25 weeks	50%
26 weeks	80%
27 weeks	90%
28-31 weeks	90-95%
32-33 weeks	95%
34+ weeks	Almost as likely as a full-term baby
Sources: March of Dimes, Quint Boenker Preemie Survival Foundation

Your baby will begin to move the muscles in its fingers, toes, arms, and legs more regularly, which may cause you to feel more forceful movements in your abdomen. If you look down at your belly, it may seem as if you have a boxing match going on in there.

At this point in pregnancy, your baby will start gaining approximately 6 ounces of weight per week. Other fetal development that is occurring when you are 23 weeks pregnant includes the following:

• Eyebrows and eyelashes are forming
• Lips are becoming more distinct
• Eyes are becoming more developed, but they still lack color
• The bones of the middle ear begin to harden
• The pigment that colors your baby's skin is being deposited this week
• Your baby's body is becoming more proportioned.

23 Weeks Pregnant