Photo update

Since I really have nothing to write about, and limited time in which to attempt to be inspired to write, I'm skipping it again.

But for those of you who may cry, die, or have some other dramatic happening if you don't have a photo (i.e. this is for you, mom)...  =)

Here's me at 25 weeks:

And me at 26 weeks:

Above I'm with Kassidy.  She was in my K3 class a year ago.  She's the one who told me (after seeing a picture of Joel) that she wanted to go home with me to see my husband... because she loves him.  "I love him.  He's so beautiful."  Joel's head got a little big.  I made sure it came back to size when she told me a few days later that she loves him "because he has no hair - just like my daddy."

I miss that girl!  So Sunday, she and I, along with Joel and Melody (her mom) had ice cream for dinner.  Always a bad choice, but it tasted good at the time.  I paid for it all day Monday.  Baby likes healthy foods.  So, I won't be doing that again any time soon.  =)


Baby stats for 26 Weeks:
- The size of lettuce (13.6 - 14.8 inches and 1.5 - 2.5 lbs.)
- Eyes are forming and will soon start to open
- Eyelashes are grown
- Immune system is getting ready for life on the outside
- Taking breaths (of amniotic fluid - poor thing, sounds gross.)

The Countdown is ON

Today I'm 25 weeks pregnant.  I can't believe that there are only 15 (ish) weeks left.  Last week, after my 24 week appointment, I got home and it dawned on me that we only have a few months until the baby is here.  I had a momentary freak out.  You know all those things that are just un-done around your house?  Little things that you haven't bothered to update for years?  Those things freaked me out. 

When Joel and I were getting married, I took FOR-EV-ER to pack my stuff.  I was down to the last day and Joel came to "help".  His way of packing?  Throw it in a box and put it on the truck.  My way?  Sort it.  Pack it.  Realize if you had sorted it differently it would have fit perfectly in the box.  Unpack it.  Resort it.  Repack.  (Do again if necessary).  Label the box - in detail.  Put in on the truck. Clearly, Joel and I have different methods.  His method annoyed me.  But, honestly, it's two years later and some of my stuff that HE packed is still in disarray.  My teaching license (that I have no use of right now) is mixed in with my old tax forms.  Old bills (that at this point need to be shredded) are mixed in with other papers.  You get the idea.  It's been like that since we've gotten married.  But I had this "IF I DON'T DO IT NOW, IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.  EVER!"  kind of moment.   It was not pretty. 

So I did what I always do.  I made a list.  I've decided that a much more reasonable goal is to try to knock off one extra project each week before the baby is here.  If it gets done, AWESOME!  If not, well, it hasn't been done for two years, so does it REALLY matter? 

Project number one?  My music.  Oh good gracious.  Do you know how much music a person collects when one has been playing the piano for (almost) 30 years?  (Geez- I sound freaking old!) And on top of that - this has been part of my career for over a decade.  I have a LOT of music.  Some of it is organized really well, but some of it - not nearly as much - particularly the music that I don't play so often.  Anitra's Dance is mixed in with Gershwin.  (Actually, it's a stride piano version of Anitra's Dance, so that one isn't too far off), but then I have a Mozart piece, mixed in with Brahms which is all mixed in with the more modern music.  Sheet music.  What a pain in the @$%.  So this week I've (mostly) conquered that.  I still have one pile of music to go, but you saw my method above.  This is no quick project.  It must be done with precision.  Otherwise, what's the point? 

See how beautiful!  It's ALL sorted!

But there is still this.  Small compared to what's done... but ugh.

That was week 24 - And, by the way, since you've been missing out on a couple of pictures - here's my week 24 picture.  We went to a National's ball game with some friends. That's Margaret sitting with me.  She's pretty awesome.  It may have been even more awesome if it were a random stranger who just wanted to be in the picture with me. 

 

24 Week Baby Stats (yup - last week's info):

-Baby (was) the size of a canteloupe (10.5 - 11.8 inches and 12.7 - 20.8 ozs.)

-Skin is gradually becoming more opaque and it has a new pink glow due to small capillaries that have recently formed.

As for week 23 - I won't give you stats - but I will give you a couple of pictures... The baby REALLY started kicking that week.  It was to the point where one day I just sat on the couch for at least an hour watching my belly move.  So weird.  So crazy.  And so cool. 

Belle wasn't quite ready:

Pictures and stats from week 25 to come.  With the way the last two weeks have gone, I figured I better go ahead and post this without it or you won't get anything. 

Happy Thursday to you!  



Baby Fortner Goes to Washington

Last night, Joel and I went on a tour of the West Wing.  For those who have watched the show, I'd like to point out that, sadly, Donna doesn't actually work there.  Also, the layout of the building is very different from the show.  T.V.!  I thought it was supposed to be real!  What a disappointment! 

Okay, not really.  I think that was coolest thing that we have done since living here.  Bobbi, who works for V.P. Biden, met us at the gate at 8 PM and got us through security relatively quickly.  We had 6 people in our group, so it was fantastic; we were able to interact with her quite a lot.  We were not able to go into the Situation Room, but she opened the door so we could at least look in a little bit.  She told us stories about working there and about the people.  I learned a lot about the buildings and such.  They change the photos out every couple of weeks, so she told us about most all of those - as well as the paintings. We saw the rose garden (gorgeous), the Roosevelt Room, the Navy Mess, and I feel like I'm leaving stuff out. But none of this was the highlight for me.  I was waiting for the Oval Office.

And then the moment came.  As expected, there was a partition and we could not go in.  That was not going to stop me.  Oh no.  My baby was going to go into the Oval Office.  So I did what any reasonable mother would do.  Forget security!  I scooted up as close as I could to that partition and I stuck my belly into the office of the President of the United States.  That's right ladies and gentlemen, Baby Fortner was in the Oval Office. 

Then the craziest thing happened.  My calm child started kicking and dancing.  I think Baby knew what Mama did was saying thanks.  :)   The only downside to all of that is that my bladder started to feel like it was a play toy.  So as we turned the corner, there were two bathrooms.  Oh yes.  I used the bathroom in the West Wing - not even 100 ft from the Oval Office.  Bet you haven't done that.

All of my photos are from last night - which is really ALMOST week 23.  We were not allowed to take any photos inside the White House so these will have to do.

At home:

Just before entering the West Wing:

Leaving the West Wing: 

Baby Stats for 22 Weeks (Depending on who you ask I'm either at the end of the 5th month or the beginning of the 6th month - not that it really matters):



-Size of a papaya (10.5- 11.8 inches long and 12.7 - 20.8 oz.)
-Eyes and lips are more developed - so baby looks more like a newborn now.
-Sleeping in cycles - about 12 to 14 hours a day

I have no stretch marks or an "outtie"... yet.  Thankfully.  I'm still sleeping pretty well - although I wake up about 3-5 times a night - to use the bathroom or try to get comfortable. Today is the first day that my belly feels heavy to me, although the scale told me that I don't weigh any more, so apparently it's all in my head. 

My next appointment is May 17 - a week from tomorrow.  I believe it's at that point that my pregnancy is considered "viable."  In other words, I could give birth and the chances are quite high that the baby could/ would survive.

Well, Happy Wednesday to you all!  I'll definitely post a bit late for week 23 so that there's actually more than 48 hours between my belly shots.  Ha.

Puggle Preparations

I know, I know... I missed a week.  I was sick last week and then Joel and I went out of town for a birthday/ anniversary weekend.  And quite frankly, I just didn't feel like writing anything. 

Lately, I've been doing some research on how to make sure the pup is ready for this new baby.  We've been told things such as "start preparing her now if you are changing her sleeping arrangements".  (We're not.)  "Make sure you bring something of baby's home from the hospital for her to smell before you bring the baby home".  (That one we knew.)  "Carry a baby doll around the house - preferably one that makes crying noises so the dog can grow accostomed to it."  (Okay - now that's just taking things too far.) 

A few weeks ago our friend Kate came over with her baby.  Belle did NOT like the attention that the baby was getting.  That was the first time I was a little bit concerned.  I know no matter what, it will be a transition for all of us - puggle included, but I want to make it the easiest transition possible.  This past weekend, our same friends kept Belle while we were out of town.  What we were told?  "Well, you're gonna have your hands full in September."  HA!  Belle wanted nothing more than to get into baby things and lick the baby's face.  Let's be honest.  Neither of those things surprised us. 

But really, I'm not too worried about it.  Belle is curious.  And she loves to lick people.  But she is also usually pretty obedient once she knows what the rules are - so long as the rules are consistently enforced at the beginning. We'll make sure she continues to get her walks and we'll spend time with her.  I'm sure the first few weeks will be a challenge, but we'll get through it and then the puppy will have a new friend to play with.  Okay, it will be more than a few weeks before she has someone new to play with, but still...

Here is the 21 week photo... along with a video.  What a ridiculous (six and a half year old) puppy. 

Annnnnd... the video refuses to have sound on it!  What a bummer!   If I can figure it out in the next couple of days, I'll definitely post it.  I'll just say this: Joel has something to say about the choice of the word "playmate". 

Baby stats (as of last week):
-Length of a carrot (10.5 inches long - carrots are that long??? weird!)
-Weighing about three quarters of a pound
-Baby has eyebrows and eyelids.
-If this is a girl, she already has a lifetime supply of eggs in her womb - about 6 million

I (should) get the week 22 post up by the end of the weekend.   Should. 

It's a......!!!!!!

Healthy Baby!!!!!!!!!! Yup, we're still Team Green.  We didn't cave. 

"Hi Mommy.  I'm having a dance party in here.  Tell the tech, 'just TRY and get a good picture!'"

Seriously, s/he was having a great time moving around in there!   Nevertheless, we still got several photos and the tech was able to get all of the measurements she needed.  Baby is measuring right on target at 20 weeks.  The heart rate is about 150.  I also had my 20 week appointment today.  And I'M measuring right on target in both size and weight.

Patrice, today's midwife is my all time favorite.  I LOVED her!  Seriously, I want her to deliver the baby.  Not only is she absolutely hilarious and the type to set you at ease, but she thinks I'm perfect.  Well, I mean, who am I to argue with THAT? 

But really, every thing is healthy with me.  I don't weigh too much or too little.  I'm not gaining too much or too little.  I exercise regularly, but not over the top crazy exercise.  (I walk, do the elliptical for a bit more intensity and have started yoga.  Running had to go out the window in the first trimester.)  But all that said, I loved her advice of not stressing about the "should and should nots" of pregnancy, but instead, just love each other and the baby, because that's the best thing we can do for the baby.   It was her one sweet moment among many irreverant ones.  :)  Also, I feel like she included Joel in more of the conversation than many of the others have in the past.  But, we'll see.  I don't get to schedule a midwife.  When the baby comes, whomever is working with be the one to deliver - which is why I now rotate through and meet them all. 

Another picture?  Okay!

Maybe I'm biased, but those are two of the cutest little feet that I've ever seen.

Half way there!  I can't believe it.  Time has flown by and I assume will continue to do so.  In the couple of months we have two trips planned, my parents coming into town, and other minor (but exciting) things coming up.  Then it will be summer and I'll really have to get into gear getting baby stuff ready.  I feel really lucky to have had such an easy pregnancy so far.  I hope it continues as things get busier!  

Baby Stats for you (as this child is kicking me!  wow!):
-Weighing in at 10.2 ozs and measuring at about 6.5 inches, this baby is about the size of a cantaloupe.
-Has working taste buds
-Baby is gulping down several ozs of amniotic fluid each day.

(Is it weird that these last two facts go together?  While I'm intensely curious what those taste buds are tasting, I have to be honest... I'd never want to try tasting amniotic fluid!)

Happy Thursday to you all.

Boy? Girl? Ultrasound is next week!

Okay, so the truth is that we are NOT going to find out if we're having a boy or girl at next week's ultrasound, but for fun I thought we could speculate today.  Here are some old wive's tales.  I've highlighted the ones that apply to me.  Some of this may be a bit "TMI", but, for accuracy sake (is there such a thing when it comes to OWTs?) I've included it all... well, except for most of the stuff about my breasts, because... well, my dad reads this.  But all you analytical types, don't stress.  I have taken care of you.  I deleted one item from each list and nothing was highlighted.  So it should still be accurate.  HA!

It's a boy if:

• You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy.  (I had mild morning sickness - no actual throwing up).
• Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute.
• You are carrying the extra weight out front.
• Your belly looks like a basketball.
• You are carrying low.  (I'm carrying in the middle)
• You are craving salty or sour foods. (I am this trimester!)
• You are craving protein -- meats and cheese.
• Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy.
• The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy.
• Your hands are very dry.
• Your pillow faces north when you sleep.
• Dad-to-be is gaining weight right along with you.
• Pregnancy has you looking better than ever.
• Your urine is bright yellow in color.
• Your nose is spreading.
• You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles.
• You are having headaches.
• You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number.

It's a girl if:

• You had morning sickness early in pregnancy. (Again - it was mild - not sure where this goes).
• Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute.
• You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear.
• Your left breast is larger than your right breast.
• Your hair develops red highlights.
• You are carrying high.
• Your belly looks like a watermelon.
• You are craving sweets. (First trimester this is mostly all I wanted!  But now I'm not as much)
• You are craving fruit. (Again - this was big during the first trimester).
• You crave orange juice.
• You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy.
• You are moodier than usual during pregnancy.
• Your face breaks out more than usual.
• You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread. (But I ALWAYS have - so does this REALLY mean anything, I think not.)
• Your pillow faces south when you sleep.  Okay - seriously - how can you tell, because it seems to be that your pillow would either be north/ south OR east/west.  But this "it's facing north" business doesn't make sense.  I mean, if one side is facing north, isn't the OTHER side facing south???  So how are you supposed to tell?
• Your urine is a dull yellow color.
• You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side (both ways have happened.)
• You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number.

I've also looked that the Chinese gender prediction calendar on few different websites.  It usually tells me boy, but sometimes comes up girl.  It just depends on how THAT website calculates the Chinese lunar calendar. 

All crazy speculation aside, I really don't care what we have...as long as it's not a donkey.  (That's right, Joel!  I'm putting in on the record: NO donkeys!)  I originally thought we were having a girl.  But I felt like that before even getting pregnant - and have no basis for feeling that way.  Lately, I have kind of felt like it was a boy.  Again - no reason to think it. 

Reasons I prefer a boy:
1. We really struggled to find a boys name that we liked, but once we figured it out, I found that I actually like it BETTER than I like our girls name.
2. I think every little girl needs a big brother.  So, it would be great if we had a boy first.

Reasons I prefer a girl:
1. Dresses
2. Tea parties
Need I say more?

I guess the saying is true: "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" 

And check it out... I managed to find a way to style my hair that I like!  (And... read the sign for sure this time!)

So what do you think?  Is my belly more like a basketball or more like a watermelon? 
Baby Stats:
-Size of a mango (6 inches, 8.5 oz)
-Developing a protective coating over his/ her skin
-Nerve cells for the 5 senses are developing

The Dreaded Mom Cut

It's true.  I am mortified to admit it, but I now have a mom haircut.  It wasn't supposed to be this way. 

On Monday evening, Joel and I returned from a trip to TN.  Thursday morning we have guests coming to town for a long weekend.  That gave me two days to clean our house, go grocery shopping at both stores.  (Yes - I have a two store grocery routine). I also needed to buy random things like a spare pillow and some much needed hangers, etc., and prepare for and teach all of my piano students.  Well, two of my students will still have to be on Thursday because I couldn't get them into those two days.  Nevertheless...

Tuesday morning I woke up feeling exhausted.  I was at the tail end of a bug that completely wore me out.  And then I also had all of this to do.  I was tempted to reschedule my haircut knowing that would take 2 hours of my day.  (Sometimes it's annoying that it takes 30 minutes to drive to and park someplace that's 2 miles away.)  But the problem is, it sometimes takes a couple of weeks to get into see Megan.  She's fantastic and reasonably priced.  Besides, I figured I could use that to wind down in the middle of the day, right? 

I won't lie.  I was feeling very stressed Tuesday morning, and relieved to go do something relaxing.  I arrive and Megan and I quickly discuss what's to be done: a trim.  She asks if I want my layers freshened up a bit.  Yes.  That would be great.  She begins and our talk turns to running and traveling and I was having a lovely time.  The hair cut is looking good and Megan starts to blow it out for me.  I close my eyes.  Then my thoughts go something like this:

"I know I'm not sleeping, but my eyes are so heavy."
"I should just leave them shut for a few minutes."
"Hmm, she's cutting again.  Well, she didn't really freshen up the layers yet.  I'm sure that's what she is doing."
"I'm so comfortable.  Just don't fall asleep.  Don't fall asleep."
"Still cutting?  Maybe I should open my eyes."
"Eh - it's Megan, she's always does great cuts, why am I worried?" 

A couple of minutes later I open my eyes.  Horrors.  Those aren't freshened up layers.... oh no... that's straight up a mom haircut she's giving me.  Crap.  What do I do?  Well, I have two choices... Have her fix it and have a much shorter haircut.  SO not what I want.  I was TRYING to grow out my hair.  OR... leave it and see if I can work with it. 

I opt for the second. 

So here I am, day 2 of the cut.  Still can't stand it.  Although, if I pull back just a bit on both sides, it doesn't look bad.   It's just when it's down all I can think is "mom cut". 

Maybe I was putting off some mom vibe.  I AM pregnant after all.  But we didn't discuss baby things - not even ONCE.  Joel tells me it's not bad at all.  However, he is married to me and therefore it's in his interest for me to be happy.  So, I'm not entirely sure he can be trusted in this instance.

Thankfully, my hair grows quickly.  And maybe as the days pass I'll figure out other ways to style it that make me hate it less.  If not, I'll bite the bullet and chop it.  I'd rather have a short cut that I like and wait forever for it to grow out again. I think. 

Obviously, I will not be posting a picture for you to look at and mock today. 

However, since I missed my week 18 post...

Week 18 baby stats (nearly a week late):
-About the size of a sweet potato (5.6 inches and 6.7 ozs) and growing
-Baby is yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing
-Baby is twisting, rolling, punching and kicking.  (I THINK I felt the baby last week, but I haven't felt anything since...)