35 week sibling update... Surrogate Side

Date:  October 8, 2015

How Many Weeks:  35 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 20lbs

Baby Size:  Coconut

What is going on with this baby:

• Now,the baby's hearing is fully developed, and responds best to high-pitched noises.  Maybe I'll let out my high-pitched scream when this baby is trying to kick it's way out of my belly instead of holding it in... Maybe it'll listen to my cries and feel bad for me and stop?!  LOL!
• If it's a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.  This is absolutely amazing; I still don't know the baby's sex!!!  Ahhhh!!  So exciting!

Maternity Clothes:  Yes.  I am at the point where I don't have much of anything to wear.  Well, at least that doesn't make me so incredibly uncomfortable at some point during the day.  Can I just wear yoga pants, a tank top and flip-flops everyday?  If only...

Sleep:  Not the greatest right now, but it's not all pregnancy related.  My dog is going through a cycle of constant and annoying snoring behavior.  I'm not sure if I've just been a super light sleeper these days, but his snoring is beyond out of control.  It just amazes me, though.  He can sleep quietly on the couch every evening, but once we head to bed for the night, it's all over. I've been tossing and turning quite a bit, too. 

Movement:  I say this every time, but this baby is strong. And, loves to move. I don't think I've ever seen my belly stretch the way it has been. Although it moves consistently throughout the entire day, the big moves occur in the evening time. 

Symptoms:  Braxton Hicks have surfaced more regularly. My back is hurting quite a bit and my belly feels over-stretched; especially midday/early evening. By the time I get home from work, my body is a mess. Lol! 

Food Cravings/Aversions:  Actually, I'm not really that hungry very often. This could definitely be attributed to not having a stomach anymore (wink, wink)! I'm still wanting cake (chocolate with PB frosting, of course), but I haven't had it in a few weeks. 

I'm looking forward to: Cake. I've gotta get me some cake. And no, I won't bake it. It's totally not the same nor as good if you make it yourself. Just ask my hubby. Ice cream just tastes so much better when he scoops it for me. True story. 

Belly: 35 weeks!

33 week sibling update... Surrogate Side

Date:  September 23, 2015

How Many Weeks:  33 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 20lbs 

Baby Size:  Durian

What is going on with this baby:

• Baby's eyes are being kept open while awake.
• Baby is also starting to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing.
• The bones are hardening.
• And baby is going through (more) major brain development — that's one smart baby!

Maternity Clothes:  Haha; of course. Are they getting tighter all of a sudden?! The time has come where I am doing regular "is my shirt covering my belly" checks. Even my hubby's t-shirts are not footing the bill these days as lounging wear. 

Sleep:  Eh. Not the greatest, but tolerable. My bladder seems to become full quite easily even when I avoid liquids at least 2 hours before bed as recommended. Lots of tossing and turning, but at least I can get back to sleep relatively quickly. 

Movement:  This prompt just makes me laugh. You wouldn't believe how much this baby moves. Any description I offer does not do it any justice. 

Symptoms:  Achey. My back hurts towards the middle to end of the day and my legs become "full" pretty easily. I can't really say they're swollen because they don't look it, but they feel full and tired when I walk or stand. 

Food Cravings/Aversions:  I don't know why I am in love with cake. Although I've used some great self-control lately and haven't had cake in a couple of weeks, I REALLY want some. 

I'm looking forward to: eating cake. 

Belly:

The Countdown Begins.......Parents Side

Where has the time gone? I apologize I haven't been as diligent in our blog updates as much this time around. Between moving a few times and new jobs for J and I, time has certainly flown by. J also had major spinal surgery a few months ago and is finally on the mend after a very long recovery. Still not a great excuse for our lack of writing.

We haven't believe it's only a matter of WEEKS before the baby is going to be born. We are so excited and can't believe Charlie is going to have a brother or sister. Yes, we know the gender, but G has not found out this time!

I really hope that we can keep it a surprise from G until delivery day, so far we have done a good job, but I'm sort of afraid to look her directly in the eyes when I see her, in fear that she will find out. She has been such an unbelievable trooper, this has not been the easiest pregnancy. The plan is to have the delivery take place at the same hospital as before. This has been an amazing few years and we couldn't be more grateful. It's hard to write into a blog how much we appreciate and love G.  We look forward to November and pray for safety for both G and the baby. I think Charlie is very excited as well!

32 week sibling update... Surrogate Side

Date:  September 19, 2015

How Many Weeks:  32 weeks

Total Weight Gain: Not quite sure... I'll have to get some numbers at next week's appointment. Stay tuned. 

Baby Size:  Squash

What is going on with this baby:

• Baby is getting ready for it's descent — baby is likely in the head-down position now.
• And baby is probably feeling even more cramped.

Maternity Clothes:  There's no turning back now. My pants have been bothersome as they are always falling down. This is partly my fault because I refuse to pull the band up over my belly. And then, when the band falls down, it cuts into the underside of my belly causing some discomfort. 

Sleep:  Not the greatest, but it could totally be worse. I'm tossing and turning quite a bit and needing to get up to use the bathroom. All par for the course at this point. 

Movement:  ALL. THE. TIME. And, it hurts. We had an ultrasound today and the technician was shocked by how much movement there was and the power behind it! Just this morning, I was drying my hair and watching body parts travel around my belly. It looked like a mouse caught under a blanket! 

Symptoms:  I still struggle with shortness of breath, but it's gotten better. My back has started to bother me some, but it's not too bad. By late afternoon, I am done; my body pretty much hurts everywhere. I took the kids shopping after school the other day for just a couple things and we ended up in there for two hours! Clearly, I was walking slow. And, I'm VERY tired. All the time. Bleh.  

Food Cravings/Aversions:  I'm not really craving anything per se, but I still seek out chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. Man, that sounds good right now. And, similar to my last couple of pregnancies, I really enjoy chocolate Cheerios. Not sure why?

I'm looking forward to: the home stretch! According to the ultrasound today, baby is measuring 4.5lbs... With 8 weeks to go... Eek. 

Belly:

31 week sibling update... Surrogate Side

So, I'm really terrible at these updates this time around... I have every good intention of doing them, but I just cannot seem to find the time these days! Between work, my babies, homework, football, gymnastics and whatever else comes up, I am at a loss. 

Anyway, here's some recent updates within the last few weeks:

I was notified by my lawyer (as I was laying on the beach during my vacation) that I was to "appear" for the pre-birth order hearing tomorrow. I explained to him that I was on vacation and he assured me that I could simply call in. So, the very next day, as I walked around Martha's Vineyard, I kept checking my watch to be sure I did not miss it. If any of you are following since our last journey, you will remember that things did not pan out too well for us in this arena last time around. We were denied a pre-birth order and required to petition for a post-birth order after Charlie was born. Although things ended up working out just fine, it was still a pretty chaotic and stressful predicament. So, I positioned myself on a park bench in Oak Bluffs and prepared for the call. I have to admit, I was a bit anxious and kinda nervous about the possible outcome. The call started and we made introductions. The judge was pleasant and the lawyers (both mine and the one representing K&J) reviewed the purpose of the hearing. The judge pretty much said that it was all made very clear and that we had all of our bases covered and, I quote, that he "just needs to sign the damn thing." And that, folks, was the end to the pre-birth order hearing. We did it!!

The next order of business that surfaced during these last few weeks have been a couple of OB appointments. Let me preface this with the fact that I had just returned from vacation when I had my first appointment. Turns out, I ended up gaining 6lbs in 4 weeks. What?! Lol! In my defense, this baby had a growth spurt, I swear... Or, maybe I had a lot of sweets? Nah. 

At my last OB visit, however, I learned that I lost 1lb in 3 weeks. Hehe! I also learned that baby is breech and has a great heartbeat of 140bpm. It's measuring a week ahead, but is perfect. The doctor wants an ultrasound next week to monitor growth since this is an "artificial reproductive" pregnancy. I think it's just an excuse to see the baby again. I also learned that I need to increase my dose of iron due to my levels being significantly low again. **sigh**

And, here we are; all up-to-date! I think...

As for this baby? Can you say M-O-V-E-R?! And, STRONG! Holy smokes! And I thought Charlie moved a lot. Forget about nightly performances; just touch my belly and this baby will fight you. No lie! Put 'em up. Put 'em up!

Baby belly anyone?

28 Weeks

29 Weeks

31 Weeks

 

26 week sibling update... Surrogate Side

Holy smokes; time has flown right by!  I am the worst blogger ever.  The time has come to really nail this sibling project down and get back into the swing of how Charlie's updates went!  Here goes!

Date:  August 5, 2015

How Many Weeks:  26 weeks

Total Weight Gain: About 14lbs!

Baby Size:  Lettuce


What is going on with this baby:

• Baby's eyes are forming, and will soon start to open.
• The eyelashes are now grown, too.
• Baby is getting it's immune system ready for life on the outside by soaking up my antibodies.
• Baby is taking breaths, too. They're of amniotic fluid, not air, but it's still good practice.

Maternity Clothes:  Oh, but of course!  My wardrobe consists of a lot of sundresses, maxi skirts and tank tops these days...  I am not complaining!  I absolutely LOVE this weather!

Sleep:  No complaints here!  Although, I'm still waking up super tired and feeling exhausted during the daytime.  I consistently have my daily "crash" around 2/2:30pm where I literally cannot stop yawning consecutively.  It's really quite a sight to see!

Movement:  There is no denying that this child is directly related to Charlie.  We've got another little mover on our hands!  I am blessed with nightly performances once again, but this time much later than Charlie's.

Symptoms:  Some pretty significant shortness of breath and low blood pressure.  I'm not dizzy anymore, but have episodes of not being able to catch my breath.  Docs think it's related to my low iron and my iron supplement not working as well as they'd hoped.  We shall see what these next few days/weeks present.

Food Cravings/Aversions:  I cannot believe it; I don't want ice cream!  I actually don't feel well after eating it.  I am, however, pretty drawn to cake.  Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.  Delightful.  But, the most demanding craving I have at the moment is a specific panini from a local bakery/deli located just across the street of my work; Wild Oats.  I may or may not go there to purchase one every now and again.   Or, maybe every other day?!  I am just a little bit obsessed with them.  No lie.  The workers know me by name and are already writing down my order when I walk in.

I'm looking forward to:  Relaxing!  We are heading out on vacation next week with my brother and his expecting wife to Cape Cod!  She's due the day before me!  How funny is that??

Belly:

Before at 23 Weeks!

Today at 26+ Weeks!

19 week sibling update... Surrogate Side

19 weeks!  Yowza!  Almost halfway there.

Not much has really changed, but at least I'm not nauseous anymore! For crying out loud, all I want to do these days is eat!  (Specifically Japanese food; veggie sushi rolls, seaweed salad, gyoza...)  I'm still having shortness of breath and dizziness, but I'm hopeful those symptoms will subside soon enough!

I haven't had another appointment just yet, but have one scheduled for next week Wednesday. This will be our "big" appointment with our anatomy scan ultrasound where K&J will find out the sex of their baby!  They just cannot wait to learn if it will be a boy or a girl.  I was hoping they could hold out, but dangit, they just can't!  LOL!  So, notice I only said "K&J"...

Given that this will be my very last pregnancy ever, K has decided that I deserve to get the surprise birth I've always wanted, but never could have.  With my own pregnancies, my husband just HAD to know and he wasn't going to be able to make it through the duration of the pregnancy without spilling the beans in some way or another.  K&J and I tried to keep it a secret for Charlie's pregnancy, but the ultrasound technician didn't advise me to look away before he got to "that" area and low and behold there he was right on that screen for the whole world to see.  When I said, "well, there goes that idea..." to the technician, he was surprised that I figured it out that quickly.  I told him that this was not my first rodeo and there was no denying what I had seen.

Anyway, K is determined to prevent me from finding out.  We'll see how this goes!

19 Weeks!

17 week sibling update... Surrogate Side

Well, hello there!  I am just terrible these days with blog posts.  Please forgive me!

So, there's quite a bit to update all of you on since my last post.  I hadn't been feeling great at all; still nauseous much of the day, but no vomiting.  I was having some pretty good headaches and one that really didn't want to go away.  I was always so dizzy.  I would get up and have to stop and hold onto something so I wouldn't fall over.  I would even see stars.  My most frustrating symptom at that point (apart from being woken up in the middle of the night with the feeling of having to puke) was some pretty significant shortness of breath.  I'd barely take a few steps and would feel like I've run a marathon; not that I would know what that feels like because if any of you know me, you know that I don't run unless I'm being chased (wink, wink).

I've also had another appointment with my OB.  The doctor took my blood pressure and had a weird look on her face.  She asked if I was feeling okay.  I shared the symptoms I was having and she told me that my blood pressure was significantly low.  I was also diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. The doctor hopes that taking the iron supplement will help my low blood pressure, too.

Baby is perfect with a heartbeat of 160.  I was told I'm measuring large (ahem, what?!).  But, that may be par for the course at this point.  This is my fourth pregnancy...  Doc wasn't concerned at all and pretty much had the same train of thought as me and added the fact that I do grow some big babes.  She doesn't lie; they do end up being on the larger side... o_O

K&J are still amazing.  They are always so thoughtful.  Just the other day, I came home to a flower delivery at my door.

And I just love the pics of Charlie they send periodically.  He is such a handsome little man! Watch out, ladies!!

And, now onto me...!  Here's my 17 week (measuring a little big) belly pic!

Faith, Hope, and Love.....Parents Side

Three things will last forever--faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.  On Mother’s Day, I appreciate all the good things around me. My own mom, sister, mother in law and grandmother and all they given me. I feel so much more than gratitude for what G has done not only for me—but for my entire family. She has taught and showed us the true meaning of all these things. I hope that someday Charlie and his sibling can have a similar compassion for others, learn from G's kind heart, and know that they are always loved.

 

Let it grow... Surrogate Side

Folks! The time has come where we just let the little HIPster grow on its own!  NO MORE MEDS!  WooHOO!  My body sends its undying thanks!

K met up with me this past Tuesday to attend our nuchal-translucency scan (otherwise known as a sequential screening).  This scan requires specific measurements of the baby's spinal fluid. Baby looked more like a baby this time and not so much like a blob; LOL!  It was nice to see the baby moving all around.  We've got another little jumping bean on our hands!!  It's a running joke about Charlie always being on the move and I constantly kid that I called this when he was in the womb!

Following the ultrasound, I was directed to the lab to have my blood drawn.  I won't even get into that.  Let's just say I don't have much luck and I didn't get the "Lead Lab Attendant" this time around.  Both arms for 1 tiny tube...

Anyway, not only were we able to see the little mover at the ultrasound, but we also had an appointment directly following with my OB.  At that time, Dr. G greeted K and congratulated her on this new journey and joked that she didn't wait long and based that on the fact that I am getting old and reaching "advanced maternal age".  Ha. Ha...  Always a joker that Dr. G!

We talked about the logistics of the duration of the pregnancy and listened to the heartbeat; 169 bpm.  We will be discharged to our other OB (closer to our delivering hospital with a NICU) around 35 weeks.  All of our regular appointments have been scheduled; including the big ultrasound for the anatomy scan!!  That bad boy is June 24th.  K&J have until then to decide if they want to find out the gender or let it be a big surprise at the end!!!  May I suggest... LET IT BE A SURPRISE!  Ha ha!

But, let's be honest.  I think it is very clear that K has her heart set on dresses and bows.

And, since I'm pretty confident (LOL) that this baby is a boy, there is a greater likelihood that it is, in fact, a girl since I have been wrong EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. before.  Could this be the one time I am right??

As for how things are progressing for me:

• I still feel like crap, but not as much like crap as before...
• My porn star boobies have officially returned.
• I am tired.
• Sleep and peeing have been good.
• My belly is beginning to grow, but it's in that awkward stage where it's not obviously a baby belly and could easily be confused with a muffin top.

So, there's that.  Until next time!