Recapping the year- Fun posts from 2010

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year's! This is a time for reflection. May you have a wonderful end of 2010 and a prosperous New Year in 2011.

My New Year's resolution: To expand my blog topics outside of JJ updates to other issues that catch my attention. (Don't worry, I am sure there will still be plenty of JJ updates too!)

Below are some of my favorite posts from the past year:

First Pic of the Belly

Odd Thoughts, crazy feelings and nesting

Traveling while pregnant...a trip to Atlanta

Baby Shower Mishap

Peanut Butter and Jelly= True Love

JJ's Birth Story

(P)oopsie!

2 months and so much learned

Rolling over and Not Sleeping...Oh My

Slowing down and enjoying my baby

Five Years...and still going strong!

First comes love...



Then comes marriage...


Then comes the baby in the baby carriage...


Still having fun after 5 years of wedded bliss!

Slowing down and enjoying my baby

I know that the holidays are a busy time for everyone. But I must say that the past few weekends I have taken time out of our busy schedule for the most important part of my day...naps with JJ. When he starts to get tired, I rock him in his room and watch him drift off. Then I move us to the recliner in our living room for a nap. He takes right around a two hour nap when we snuggle like this vs. a 45 minute nap in his crib.

I know these days are limited and there won't always be time for this, so I don't have one ounce of guilt for taking time to do this.



A friend of mine passed along this poem to me. I think about it when I feel life overwhelming me.

I hope that my child, looking back on today
Will remember a mother who had time to play;
Because children grow up while you're not looking,
There are years ahead for cleaning and cooking.
So, quiet now cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep

Have a great weekend everyone. Take some time to slow down and enjoy your loved ones.

Fun Websites to Share

I could spend hours on these two websites and had to pass them along:

The first is a blog post with Awkward Pregnancy Photos:

Check it out here.

Seriously...a gun and a watermelon SCREAM pregnancy to me. Ok, not really. I had a great pregnancy- never feeling like a watermelon OR like I needed a gun.


The second one is all about Auto-correct on phones while texting...and the stupid things they "correct" peoples' texts to. I sat in front of this website, crying because I was laughing so hard.

Check it out and giggle too!

And lastly, because I am feeling nostalgic here is a link to a blog post written by me about this time last year.

I can truly say we have gotten some similar laughs with JJ. Enjoy your week all!

A time away from blogging

Hello All-

Sorry it has been 1 month since my last post. Things have been wild around here! I was in Vegas for 1 full week for work. It was a lot of work, but worth it. When I got home, I got to hold my little man.

Did I mention he has started to army crawl? And spin 360 degrees on the ground...and get up on his hands and knees and rock?...


Looks like the little man will be crawling in no time.

He also got a helmet to help with his flat spot on his head. We all know JJ is an easy going kid..so he is just taking this in stride.



We are looking forward to Thanksgiving. I will post his 6 month stats next week.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

5 month update

JJ turned 5 months old last week!

His current stats are:
25.5 inches long
18.4 lbs

I wanted to wait until the blog went private to share an update with you all.

We were worried JJ would have to go in for surgery and had a doctor's appointment yesterday to discuss it with a specialist.

He has a flat spot on the back of his head and his pedi was worried that his flat spot near his forehead was so small. There were one of two things causing the flat spot...one would require surgery, the other...a helmet and PT.

We met with the specialist yesterday and he confirmed JJ would need PT (NOT SURGERY) and we would have the option to get a helmet. Jeff and I are still discussing this and I will post an update for you all soon.

Privacy Updates

Hello All,

I will be changing this blog to private this week due to some other projects I am working on. (More details to follow.) If you would like to continue reading this blog, I will need to send you an invitation. I am open to anyone who would like to keep reading, you just need to send me your email address and I will shoot you an invite.

You can include your email in a comment below OR shoot me an email at alibrausen@hotmail.com.

WTF Wednesday...Join in!

Hello All,

Thought I would have fun with today's post and do a "What the F*ck?!" Wednesday. Feel free to post your own WTF moment below...trust me, it makes you feel better!

WTF Bacon on my salad from lunch. Normally, I don't even like bacon...but you were delicious in every way! Makes me crave a BTL for dinner

WTF Teen Mom-You left me with several cliff hangers last night...Will Maci and Ryan get back together, wil Gary grow a pair and do what is right for their daughter?

WTF Wednesday...why can't you be Friday?

Ok- Your turn! Happy Wednesday all.

Rolling over and Not Sleeping...Oh My!

JJ has started to roll over, not all the way, just from his back to his tummy. He is quite pleased with himself for mastering this new skill...until he realizes he is on him tummy. Then he gets a little uncomfortable and upset. We are trying to help him learn to roll from tummy to back, but haven't had luck yet.

Him being upset on his tummy during the day is no big deal...at night, however, things are much different.

First, while I understand the importance of the "Back to Sleep" campaign...I am a bit upset that it has instilled such a deep fear of SIDS in me. To the point where I.CANT.SLEEP when I know JJ has rolled over onto his tummy to sleep in the middle of the night.

Saturday night, I woke up at 5:30am wondering why JJ hadn't had his usual 2 AM wake up (for me to pop his nuk back in and go to sleep.) The woman who hasn't had a full night's sleep in 4 months thought, "We must be over that phase! Woo-hoo!" Then the mother in me thought, "Something must be wrong!" I got up to go check on the little man. And that's when I found him sleeping soundly...on his TUMMY! The only thing I could think of was, back to sleep...he must sleep on his back! I fought my urge to roll him over and walked back into the bedroom to get Jeff's opinion. "Honey, JJ is on his tummy, sleeping and breathing fine. Do you think I should flip him over?"

Jeff muttered his response, "Come back to bed and stop worrying about him sleeping on his tummy. Aren't you more comfortable when you sleep that way?"

Now, this comment send me back to the late days of my pregnancy, where I would have given anything to sleep on my tummy. After this memory, I climbed back into bed and stared at the ceiling.

" I can feel you staring at the ceiling. He is fine." (My hubby knows me so well.) 20 minutes later, JJ woke up for the day.

Last night was a different story however. JJ woke up several times, realizing he was on his tummy and was NOT HAPPY about it. Each time he woke up, I went into his room and would roll him to his back, just to have him roll right back onto his tummy. I was up on and off from 2AM on.

It might be a long week readers...stay tuned for an update. OR offer any advice or similar stories you may have to a VERY tired Mommy.

4 month appointment- Shots and no tears

Well, JJ had his 4 month appointment today. My little man is so big. Here are some pics of the little man.

4 month b-day shot with baby lardy


Bathtime!


JJ is starting to talk a lot, play with toys and we will be starting him on food soon. :) So life continues to get better and better!

4 Month Stats:

Weight: 16 lbs. 11 oz (Up 3.5 lbs since his two month appt.)
Height: 25 1/2 inches (Up 2.5 inches)

Shots: Two and an oral dose. He took them like a champ, not even noticing the first one and crying for a minute after the second one. What a big boy I have!

A Father's blog, a touching story and tears on a Wednesday morning

I love reading other people's blogs...about food...family...life. Here is one I have been following for a while, since before I was pregnant with JJ. It is the blog of a father who's wife died 24 hours after the birth of their first child.

I just revisited the archives section of his blog and cried my eyes out for a good 30minutes. Now that I have a child of my own, it makes his story even more heart wrenching. The courage Matt has to take his grief and turn it into something that helps other people astounds me on a daily basis and I encourage you to stop by his blog and check him out: Matt, Liz and Madeline.

He has also set up a foundation to help others in similar situations. They had a fundraiser last week in MN. Check out more information here: The Liz Logelin Foundation.

Matt and Maddy's story is inspirational. What I like about it the most is his honesty and candor about raising their child alone, how much it sucks that Liz died and how he is coping with it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Traveling for work- The first trip

I just returned from my first business trip away from JJ since was born. It was very difficult to leave the little man, but I knew he was in good hands with Daddy. We all knew the day was coming when I would pack my bag and head off to a show for work. (Being a trade show manager, it comes with the territory and I LOVE what I do.) One thing that helped my heartache were the daily pictures I got from Jeff. I can't tell you how much I love texting pics back and forth while we are away. It makes the time go faster and sends us a current snapshot of what we are doing.

For example, I sent Jeff this one of my room:


He sent me pics of JJ at night:


and in the morning:


and here is one of JJ "cheering" for me to come home:


All in all, it was a great trip. I love my men and missed them while I was gone but it also felt great to get back in the swing of things for work. I swear JJ grew so much in the six days I was gone. When I got home, my heart stopped aching and swelled back up with the love only my family can create. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Reading, reading and more reading

I am a self-proclaimed bookworm. When I was young, mom and dad would read my sister and me stories before bedtime. As I started to read by myself, my parents would buy me book after book after book. They were in awe of how quickly I would get through them. ( R.L Stein was my favorite, but I also read the classics like the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.) Finally, my parents learned to take me to the library. There was a larger selection of books AND they were free.

Jeff and I both agree that reading to JJ is important. Experts state many reasons to do this from a developmental standpoint. (Read this article on how to start reading to your kids.)

But, we also want him to enjoy reading. Jeff grew up hating to read. He felt he was too slow and he would find himself daydreaming halfway through a paragraph. When he told this to me, I said "That is what books or articles are supposed to do...make you think about being in another place or time."

When we got married, I started getting the paper delivered each morning. While I poured over the weather and variety section, Jeff would focus on the sports page. It would make me happy to see Jeff enjoying his morning reading time and finally finding something he wanted to read each day.

Part of our bedtime routine includes me reading to JJ. We read Dr. Seuss or "Guess how much I love you." JJ has quite the collection thanks to my passion for books. But, I am not the only one who reads to JJ. While I read children's books to him, I often hear Jeff and JJ reading the sports page together. It is so sweet hearing Jeff read last night's baseball scores or the latest football trade and asking JJ what he thinks about that. (I finally captured one of these moments this morning.)



Tell me readers, what are some of your favorite books to read, either to your kids or by yourself?

Reminiscing about times past

JJ is 13 weeks tomorrow! Time has flown by and I have to constantly remind myself to enjoy this time and not wish for him to grow up too fast. (Yes, it would be great if he slept through the night, but I will miss how little he is and our special night time together.)

Jeff must have been reading my mind yesterday because he re-sent me the following email. He sent this email to family and friends a few days after JJ was born. With his permission, I am sharing it with you. It brought tears to my eyes to think about how much has changed in just 13 short weeks! I hope you enjoy the "male perspective" as much as I do:

The greatest day of my life.

Al woke me up at 1:30 am Friday morning with an announcement that her water broke. We got to the hospital around 3:30. From there JJ didn’t arrive until 5:40 pm, what a long day. The greatest words I heard was “it’s a BOY!” I still get a little choked up thinking about that moment. JJ started to scream and he was rushed away by some nice looking nurses (what is it about those outfits). As he screamed and screamed, mother looking over us anxiously (she was a mother now). He weighed 8lb 3oz, and was 21” long

I have not slept since, well almost, I am defiantly getting way more then Al. Al is the perfect mother I knew she would be. Getting up to feed at all hours of the night, holding her breath until she can hear JJ breathing. Grandma told asked me “How does it feel to love something?” She was right, I have never felt love like this before, oh what a feeling.

Attach is a picture of our miracle (in proper gear). See you all soon.

Proud Daddy


Our little football fan!

Things that go ACHOO in the night

JJ has been a little congested lately. We have a humidifier running in his room and have been using the snot sucker nightly, but the little man just can't shake the sniffles and sneezes.

Last night, he woke up wanting a bottle. I brought one in and he started to suck it down (like 4 oz in 5 min!). I wanted him to slow down, so I got up and changed his diaper and tried to burp him. No luck with the burp...

He finished the rest of the bottle and I tried to burp him again. He was sleeping on my shoulder and I figured he had no burp in him. While I was shifting him from my shoulder to a cradle position, the little man let out a HUGE burp/sneeze...right in my face. I let out a started "OH!" and immediately started to laugh. (It was 2:30 in the morning and the first thing that popped into my head was the scene from Jurassic Park where the dinosaur sneezes on the girl in the tree. That in itself was amusing to me.) I had to contain myself because I didn't want to wake JJ up.

In this shuffle, he also managed to spit up, all down Mommy's pjs. Ahhh, the funny moments no one would know about without this blog. Thanks for letting me share and giggle again while re-telling the story.

Tell me readers, do you have any funny nighttime feeding moments you want to share?

A moment to remember...

Things are moving full speed ahead these days. JJ is almost 11 weeks old. I started a new job, life is crazy and it seems like there isn't enough time to get everything done.

But in the early morning hours, when the world is quiet, I have one of the best moments of my day. I get up to feed JJ, change him and rock him back to sleep. There are no distractions, just me and him in our rocker. Usually, when he is drifting off, a huge smile will cross his lips and I know he is happy. So am I.

Last night, I was thinking about how big he is getting and how much he has already changed. He doesn't get "milk drunk" anymore. When he was a little younger and would finish eating, he would arch his back, pucker his lips and put his hand up to his face. Then, he would collapse on my shoulder, ready for me to burp him. I called this phenomenon "milk drunk" and I would know he was full and content and ready to drift off to the land of nod.

I made a mental note last night to record this in my blog, so in a few months, when I am blogging about how JJ can sit up now or how he started solid foods, I will have this memory recorded, always there to remind me of those precious moments he and I would share during his first few weeks of life.

JJ, I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

Fun Cartoon and a JJ picture update!

I love the woman who creates these cartoons and have been posting them since I was pregnant. She always seems to hit the nail on the head with each one!

The following is so true!


Here is a pic of JJ, right before he told me he has had enough tummy time for the day!

2 months and so much learned

WOW- My little man is 2 months old already. People aren't lying when they tell you time flies. (4 weeks ago at 2 in the morning on little sleep I might disagree) It is really true. I have enjoyed the summer off with JJ, it has been the most challenging time, but also most rewarding.

Some of the things I have learned:
1- New parents are prone to freak out about every little new thing. Then in a week, it doesn't phase you at all. Example, JJ started to cry in his sleep during a nap. I called the doctor thinking something was wrong. We went in...it was gas. (Of course.)

2- Trust your instincts. I know what I just posted above, but there have been sometimes where I am glad I paid closer attention to an odd behavior. He is gassy and that can equal screaming baby. We asked the pedi how to help him and now we can get rid of most of the gas before it becomes a problem.

3- Watching Jeff play and take care of JJ has made me fall even more in love with him. Jeff and I make a great team, which is evident in how we both take care of JJ. Jeff is the "fun" one, encouraging JJ to splash around during bath time (so cute!). I am the one who sings silly songs to JJ (off key and usually to a pop culture hit I don't know all the words to.)

Here are some recent pics of the little man.

First trip to South Dakota


Sleeping on the couch with Mom


In Twins gear with dad. (they both have khaki shorts on too!)


2 month shot next to Baby Lardy


2 month check up stats:
Height- 23 inches
Weight- 13lbs 4 oz

JJ is a happy baby, cooing and talking to us now. He recently started to sleep longer at night (Mommy thanks you JJ!).

And to quote our favorite bedtime book:
JJ- I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

Me...a Sugar Doll?

Wonderful Bethany over at Tickled Pink nominated me for this beautiful award! PLEASE go check out her blog. Her blog about her family always gives me something to think about. Her honesty in her blogs about her life always touches my heart.




The rules of the Sugar Doll award are to post 10 things about myself and then pass the award on to some other blogs.So without further adieu....here goes nothing.


1.) I love being a mom...even when my son is screaming...for 20 min. People aren't kidding when they say you can't know or explain what it feels like to be a parent until you are one.


2.) I can't wait to get on the back of a motorcycle with my hubby again. There is something so connecting about riding through the back roads, holding on to him as he guns it to scare me a little. We don't talk on these rides, but we still have to work together through the twists and turns the road brings.


3.) I want another tattoo and will get one soon.


4.) Mornings are my favorite time of day, when the house is quiet and Jeff, JJ and Homer are sleeping.

5.) I call my Mom every day, sometimes we chat about important things, most of the time we giggle about nothing.


6.) I sing at the top of my lungs in my car...usually off key, but I don't care.


7.) I am convinced that everything in life happens to teach us something. We may not like the lesson, but if we grow from the experience, it will help us the next time around.


8.) Being pregnant was a truly enjoyable experience for me and I loved every minute of it.


9.) I need to learn to let go a little more and learn how to do nothing.


10.) I value and treasure every reader of this blog and just LOVE reading your comments. Hint. Hint ;) ( I stole this from Bethany because I agree!)

Wordless Wednesday- having fun

Guilty Pleasure

OK, so everyone has a guilty pleasure right? Mine happens to be the Twilight series. I know I am not alone in this...but I still feel a little silly when I tell people how much I love the books AND the movies.

In fact, I went to see Eclipse last night with a girlfriend...and I bought our tickets early to ensure we would have a seat...and I wore my team edward shirt...and Jeff bought me flowers because he knew how excited I was...

I know, I know. But isn't that the fun of a guilty pleasure? Tell me, what is yours?

Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there! JJ and I made breakfast for daddy this morning (OK, JJ supervised while I did the cooking) and we opened his present. This afternoon we are on our way to Grandpas to celebrate.

JJ is now a month old! Jeff and I are becoming more comfortable with JJ and are getting used to running on a little less sleep. :)

Hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day!

Sleep Baby Sleep

Well- JJ just went through his 3 week growth spurt. Man, he was HUNGRY all.the.time. He is sleeping well and for the most part on a schedule at night of down around 9PM, wakes up at 12:30 to eat, wakes up at 3:30 to eat and back up at 6. This kid is his mother's son...he likes his schedules and is pretty much up within 5 minutes of the times I posted!

We are still figuring each other out, and I love every minute of it. I really had no clue how much love I had in my heart until I met him!

If there are other mothers reading this post: Let's hear your sleep stories.

(P)oopsie!

My mom came to town to stay with JJ and me while Jeff was out for a business trip. She helped me with JJ and answered some of the questions I have about my new little baby boy.

One of thing I wanted to do while she was here was give JJ a bath. The bath was successful and then it was time for him to eat. Mom suggested I wrap him in a towel and keep him naked. I thought it was a great idea. If he peed on me...no big deal, I would just hop in the shower afterwards.

Well, all went well until I started to burp him. (keep in mind, he was wrapped in a towel) I had his butt in my hand and all of the sudden I felt a rush of movement. Yup...my little boy had pooped in my hand. And...this was a LONG poop. I had to sit there until he was finished, then it was off to the bedroom to clean him up again!

I laughed so hard while he was pooping and while I was cleaning up...so this is what it is like being a mom!

JJ's Birth Story

May 21, 2010

I was getting anxious. I am a planner and just couldn't wait to see when the baby would arrive. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled the morning of May 21st, where I was hoping to hear news of progress and possibly talk about induction the following week.

1AM
I was in bed and had a dream my water broke. I woke up, looked at the clock: 1 AM. I got up to make my usual middle of the night trip to the restroom. Then, it happened...my water really did break! I sat there, stunned for a minute, before opening up the bathroom door and telling Jeff, "Honey, my water just broke!" He mentioned something about coming back to bed, that the hospital didn't want to see us until my contractions started. (This is partially correct. They wanted to see us when contractions were 5 min. apart for 1 hour OR if my water broke.) I called the hospital and the nurse said to come in, my doctor also agreed.

We took our time getting ready (I wasn't having contractions yet) so I showered and ate some breakfast. (There was NO WAY I was going to the hospital on an empty stomach.)

We also called Mom. She was driving from South Dakota and needed as much of a head start as we could give her.

2:30AM
We got to the hospital and checked in. Two nurses (Molly and Amy) helped us get settled in. They hooked me up to the monitors and did a test to make sure my water did break. Sure enough, it had, so we were there to stay.

4AM
My contractions started. They were about 10 minutes apart and started to get more intense. I asked Molly for some suggestions and she recommended Fentenol. (Bless her heart!) Jeff was resting on the couch and he said he could tell when it had kicked in. My conversation was easier and I seemed more relaxed.

7AM
Shift change; Ann came in to introduce herself. She asked what other things I planned to help with labor. She recommended the tub and birthing ball. Jeff and I had already started walking around the maternity ward, to help things along.

8AM
Dad and Sharon arrived at the hospital. Contractions are getting closer, the Fentenol is still doing its job! I hopped in the hot tub to relax, did more walking and sat on the birthing ball.

10AM
Another dose of Fentenol. :)

12- Noon
I am ready for my epidural. 7 cm dilated, 90% effaced and -1 station. The anesthesiologist joins us. His name is Dr. List, but I think he says Dr. Bliss. (Which I thought would have been a great name for a doctor who makes you instantly feel better.) So Dr. Bliss gives me an epidural and I am in heaven. I still have control over my legs but feel no contractions.

Dr. Buss (who will deliver) comes in and would like to break what remains of my water.

This is when things get scary. The baby does not react well to me getting an epidural, catheter and water breaking within such a short time and the heart rate drops. Before I know it, there are 10 nurses in the room, asking me to get on my hands and knees, talking about getting the OR on standby, Dr. Buss saying C-section and all the while, Jeff standing by my side saying it will be ok.

Dr. Buss gets the baby's heart rate back to normal and we all relax.

3:30PM
My epidural is wearing off. Mom and Kimmy are now here. I feel pressure like nothing I have felt before...but I am still not fully dilated and my station is not where we need it to be. I ask for another dose for my epidural.

4:30PM
The second dose for my epidural knocks me on my ass. I have no feeling or control over my legs, hips and right arm. This is scary. Dr. Buss comes in and says we will be ready to push soon.

5:00PM
Dr. Buss says baby does not like the birth canal. The heart rate drops low each time they get near it. We have two options: push like a champ and use a vacuum, or it's a C-section. I tell him I will push like a champ. Jeff is by my side ready to help with anything I need.

We start the final leg of the journey.

5:38 PM
Jeffrey Alan Brausen Jr. enters into this world! Jeff is so excited and tears up, I can see my baby boy, and get just as emotional!

Weighing in at 8lbs, 2.5 oz and measuring 20.75 inches, our little one is finally here. I am exhausted...I am elated and high...I am happy. I know Jeff feels the same way. When they put JJ in my arms, I feel the world stop.

And it starts...so this is love.

Hurry up and wait

Well, yet another lesson in life about how planning rarely works out. I find myself working from home today...waiting to have this baby.

I know, I know, I have a little over a week until my due date. I am enjoying the last few days of this gigantic belly while I can, but still...I want to hold this little one on the outside.

Jeff and I worked on the nursery this weekend, we are all set. Bags are packed and in the car, car seat is installed, baby clothes are washed.

Tick-tock tick-tock....

Week 38 Highlights

Your baby is the size of the electric motor in the $110,000 2008 Tesla which can
go from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. Sweet.

We are so close! Jeff arrived home last night from his work trip and my whole body and mind just relaxed when he walked in the door. Baby can come at any time now! (Ok, if the baby wants to wait until sometime next week, that would be ok too.)

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning to see how much more progress we have made. I will update you all as soon as we know more.

I still feel good, just a bit more tired and walking is a LARGE challenge. It takes me forever to get somewhere.

Week 37 highlights

Your baby is now considered full term, even though your due date is still three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. He weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long.

We are almost ready for baby!

Peanut Butter and Jelly = True Love

One of my best memories as a kid is sitting down to the kitchen table to my mom's grilled cheese sandwich, cut diagonally, with ketchup on the side. It is such a simple dish, but I can never duplicate how it good tastes compared to when she makes it.

I know our kids will grow up and have the same memories. Jeff does 99% of the cooking in our house. I believe the kids will grow up loving his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, something I have craved throughout my pregnancy. (Which we are both baffled by; I didn't like PB&J before I was pregnant.)

Jeff lovingly makes me lunch every morning before work and each day provides me with a healthy meal. It seems like a small thing, but it means a lot to me. (And makes him the talk of the office at lunch time!)

I can envision him doing the same thing for our kids in a few years. Packing a lunch, with mom adding a note and fruit each day. It makes me smile to know something as simple as PB&J could become such a happy memory for them.

So tell me readers, did you have a meal when you were growing up that you have tried to duplicate but it just doesn't taste the same as when your parents made it?

Sampsonite...I was way off!

It is funny how if you feel good or life is humming right along,you assume something is wrong or will go wrong soon. I have been so blessed this entire pregnancy and have felt really good the entire time. Of course my mind would logically think: then something will go wrong.

Well, I just got back from my first internal check at the doctor's office. This whole week I was convinced the baby was heads up and that I would not be dilated.

Well....I was WAY off. My doctor informed me the baby's head is down and engaged. I am at 1 cm, with 25% effacement. This was exciting and scary news at the same time. He followed the exam with "Do you have your bags packed yet? If not, I would recommend doing so this weekend!"

I am so thrilled and scared. Little one will be here in a few short weeks. I can't wait. Get ready world, soon a Baby Brausen will enter!

Other stats:

Blood pressure: Still low 110/70
Total weight gain: 26 lbs.
Mama feeling: Good. Sometimes it hurts to walk and I have started that "adorable" pregnancy waddle everyone talks about.

Week 36 Highlights

Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position, but if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

We will find out tomorrow what position the baby is in and talk with our doctor about our birth plan. The key word in our plan is flexibility. We plan to go with the flow as much as possible and not be stuck to a "It has to go this way" kind of plan. If there is anything Jeff and I have learned from this pregnancy it is that we can't plan everything and once you do life throws you a curve ball. (I am sure this lesson will continue once Baby Brausen arrives!)

I am feeling really good! A few aches and pains, but overall feeling fine! :)

Getting closer and closer

Well Baby fans, we are t-minus 30 days for D-Day! These last few weeks have been flying by.

Things left to finish:
Put away baby clothes in the nursery
Wash and sanatize all toys, bottles and nuks
Add finishing touches to the nursery
Pack hospital bag

Can't wait to meet the little one soon!

Week 35 Highlights- 35/35 today!

WOW, what a milestone...today I am 35 weeks pregnant with 35 days left to go!! I am starting to feel more uncomfortable, and when you read this week's information, you will understand why!

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

I start my weekly doctor appointments tomorrow. Not to much longer now!

Gorgeous Blogger Award...my first blog award!

Thank you to Bethany from her Believe blog for this wonderful blogger award!! Check her out at: http://believe-o-bethany.blogspot.com/.

The Rules:

1. Accept and thank the person who gave it to you! Thank you Bethany!

2. List 10 things about yourself

3.List 5 additional things you DON'T like!

4.Then pick three people to give this lovely award to


First things first -- 10 things about me:

1- Reading is more than just a passion for me, it is an escape and a stress-reliever. I get cranky when I go for periods of time without reading something. It could be an interesting article in a magazine or a novel, it doesn't matter. My mind just works better when I read constantly.

2- When I met my husband Jeff, I knew instantly that he was my soul mate and the man I was going to marry...which I told him right away. (Thank goodness it didn't scare him away.)

3- I could live off pizza, broccoli and white rice.

4- I try to look at life as positively as possible. It wastes everyone's time and energy to focus on the bad parts and in my experience is the easy way out. Trying to find the good in each situation is challenging and hard sometimes, but I find it helps you to get through the tough times easier.

5- I appreciate the things my parents did for me as a child. They did a damn good job raising me. I didn't really understand how great they are until I was 20 or so. (Of course after I moved out and started to really live life on my own.) So THANK YOU.

6- I love motorcycles, old cars (Circa 1960-1970 muscle cars are my favorite).

7- I have amazing and diverse friends...but you already knew that, didn't you! :)

8- I am a homebody at heart.

9- Have I mentioned how much I love my husband?

10- If I could do anything in the world, I would want to own a small bookstore.

5 things I don't like:

1- Cancer...it sucks.

2- Selfish people, while I understand it is important to do things for yourself, I don't understand adults who are all about them without any consideration for others around them. Just a different mindset, I guess.

3- Being scared of the dark. I don't like this about myself at all!

4- The way strangers grab my pregnant belly in public. WHAT ARE YOU DOING!

5- Horseradish on prime rib. Who came up with that?

Pick three people to give this lovely award to:

Jenny at Baby Meneghin

Melissa at Tales from my Ridiculous life

Casey from Funky Blog

Enjoy ladies!

Week 34 highlights

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine.

I am getting more uncomfortable these days. I have a hard time sitting all day for work, when baby wants to kick me in the ribs or pick on my hip bone. :) Other than that, all is well. Waddling is my main form of transportation these days.

Week 33 highlights

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Well, I am starting to really feel baby kicking in my ribs a bit more. This week the doctor should be able to tell the position of the baby.

Pregnancy survival skill: How to get out of a soft chair

Put your feet flat on the floor and bend from the hips. Push on the armrests with your hands! Use your stomach muscles. If upward motion is still elusive, pick up your magazine and yell for more mint-chip ice cream. (Standing up is totally overrated anyway.)

Hmmm, maybe Jeff will have to start bringing my ice cream vs. helping me out of the chair.

Brausen Baby Pool- Take a guess!

Alright folks...we are nearing the end of the pregnancy journey(7 weeks to go). Some of you have been less than pleased that we didn't find out the sex of the baby and have kept you guessing this entire time. Now is the time to make your guess known! Go to this link and fill out your guess for our baby pool!

http://bebepool.com/aj1310

We aren't handing out prizes, but it will be fun to see the guesses as we get closer to the date!

I will post updates every few weeks.

Nesting Nesting Nesting

OK, I have a rush of energy and want to get home to wash baby clothes, blankets, etc. I have also started a list of things I need to get done before baby gets here. This list includes, but is not limited to:

Finish cleaning the nursery (empty shelves of non-baby stuff, clean out dressers for baby clothes)
Shop for items we need
Pack bag for hospital
Clean/sterilize all toys/stroller/high-chair/swing/bouncer seat
Sew the cute border on the curtains for the baby's room and make matching pillow
Re-arrange the furniture in nursery (Don't worry, Jeff will help with this one.)

Mop the closet floor...oh wait...I already did that last week! :)

It will be a fast moving 7 weeks, I know it will all get it done in time.

Baby Shower Mishap

I had my first baby shower this weekend and it was great! I was so touched by the work Kimmy, Sharon and Mom put into the planning of it all. For decorations, they put a clothesline up and hung baby blankets and onsies from it! Very cute. They also had diaper cakes on a few of the tables.

It was great to see friends and family for the shower and I was truly overwhelmed by everyone's generosity!

There was one mishap that will make us all giggle for years to come.

The shower started at 1PM. Everyone had arrived and was eating when a woman walked through the door, around 1:30. I greeted her (her face was not ringing a bell with me)and asked if I could get her anything. She asked me for a soda and her tone suggested she had no clue who I was either. I looked at Kimmy and asked her who she was...Kimmy had no idea either!

Kimmy, being the resourceful girl she is, asked the woman to guess how many items were in our baby item jar on a slip of paper with her name. She handed the paper back to Kimmy. Linda S. was the name. The woman walked away and sat in a chair near the present table. Kimmy and I both started to giggle...we had NO CLUE who this woman was, it was apparent she belonged at another baby shower in the building. Luckily, Sharon was gracious enough to walk over and ask the woman how she knew me. It turns out there was another baby shower in the building being thrown by "Allison". The woman was very confused, but picked up her present and left.

We all got a good chuckle out of that for years to come.

I will post pictures of the shower as soon as I get them.

Week 32 highlights

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

I read a friend's baby blog and she does her weekly updates with the following questions. It sounded fun for this week.
Pregnancy: Just over 32 Weeks - 8 Months! :)


Weight Gain: 19 lbs

Sleep: Sleeping through most of the night. I am up every few hours to use the bathroom or shift positions

Gender: Unknown.

Name: You will have to wait and see!


Feeling: Great. I have a shower this weekend, I am excited for my family and friends to see the big belly! I hope to post pictures next week.

Health: Everything is fantastic! Blood pressure is low, weight is right on track and I feel good.

Movement: Baby is moving ALL the time. Jeff and I have decided we have a ninja in training!

Belly: Getting bigger. I hit my belly button when opening doors all the time now.


Next Appointment: Friday, April 2nd. My doctor and I have a good relationship and our appointments are pretty quick right now.

Another fun labor prediction site

I was on another just for fun labor prediction site...here's what came out:


Just about the time you think you can't handle hearing one more "when is that baby going to pop?", your baby will decide to make it's appearance. We predict your baby will be born 3-7 days before its due date. Your baby will most likely be born in the morning. Justmommies predicts that your baby will weigh approximately 7.5 pounds and that your labor will be about 13 hours long.

I know it is just for fun, but this prediction doesn't sound too bad. :)

Yup, another give birth then push the baby back in dream

I haven't had a good dream about baby in a while. I was beginning to think that my sleep pattern of waking up every two to three hours or so was causing me not to dream. Then last night, another baby dream snuck into my slumber.

I can't remember the entire dream. All I remember is the baby started to kick my tummy. We could visibly see the baby's hands, feet and entire head (with facial features) as they pushed against my skin. We started to play with the baby's hands, its fingers were squeezing around mine. We looked at its feet and tickled them. Then, I wanted to hold the baby...so I tried to hold them while they were in my stomach. This didn't satisfy me, so I gave birth to the baby to hold them. After a while, we realized it was time to put baby back as the baby wasn't fully developed and needed to stay in my tummy for a while longer. Then, I woke up.

I have heard of other women having dreams like this one. The birth experience is not scary, nor is the fact that my baby isn't fully developed. I think these mean I am excited to meet my baby, but understand it isn't time yet. It should be interesting to see how these dreams change the closer we get to my due date.

Bi-weekly Dr. Appointment update

I just got home from my bi-weekly doctor's appointment. (In 4 short weeks, they turn into WEEKLY appointments!)

Stats Update:
Blood Pressure: Good
Baby is measuring right on time
Total Weight Gain: 19 lbs.

I feel good. Baby is moving around constantly, which doesn't always help me sleep. I force myself to remember I will miss feeling the baby move in my tummy after they are born, so I enjoy every twitch, kick and hiccup. :)

I haven't been sleeping well, but that is to be expected at this stage.

Overall, I still feel great and energetic!

Week 31 Highlights

Your baby is now about 16 inches long, which is the size of the front wheel on the origional Big Wheel.

How your baby's growing:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Feeling good, sleeping less. :)

Hiccups, hiccups and more hiccups!

Baby has started to get the hiccups at least once a day. I am feeling them in my lower abdomen on the left hand side. Does this mean Baby's head is down? We will just have to wait and see.

Here is a short article about baby hiccups:
Fetal hiccupping is a normal phenomenon that's been felt by many pregnant women and has been observed on many an ultrasound. Your baby may have started hiccupping intermittently beginning in the late first or early second trimester, although you wouldn't have been able to feel the hiccups at that early stage.

Some women notice episodes of hiccups — which feel like a series of little rhythmic movements — a number of times a day, while other women only notice them once in a while.

Hiccupping is common in newborn babies, too, so after you give birth, don't be surprised if your little one hiccups occasionally.

My OB told me that not only is it normal, but a good sign of a healthy baby! Ahhh... we certainly love to hear that! Now those hiccups are not only entertaining, but reassuring as well!

Baby Classes and a new picture!

Here is a picture of Jeff and I comparing our bellies. He said his belly would be as big as mine if he pushed it out...as you can see, he is nowhere close!

This weekend, Jeff and I completed our labor and baby education class. If you ask Jeff, he thinks the class could have been condensed into a half hour cheat sheet. I found much of the information valuable.

Things the class helped me to think about:

1- I want to be mobile during labor.
We practiced relaxation techniques by holding ice in our hands while the instructor timed us for 1 min. Each time, we used a different technique to help us focus through the pain. Breathing and walking were the two things that helped me the most. Jeff massaging my back also helped.
2- If I want to be mobile during labor, I need to rethink my plan for drugs.
I have been planning to get an epidural this entire time. Now, I don't know if that is the route I would want to take... 9 weeks to figure it out.
3- We need to remain flexible.
If we keep all of our options open for labor and delivery, there will be less shock when it actually happens. This means I should prepare for showing up to the hospital, fully dialated to 9, with no time for drugs AND should think about a 15 hour labor where drugs might be needed. Keeping our minds open will truly help us through the situation in a less stressful way.

We also spoke about newborn care, relaxation techniques, signs of labor, stages of labor and watched birthing videos.

Week 30 Highlights

How your baby's growing:
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.

Week 29 highlights

How your baby's growing:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Looks like I will have to keep up the healthy eating, putting more of an emphasis on veggies and fruits. Milk has been no issue with me...I think I drink at least a gallon a week by myself.

I am really starting to feel pregnant...it is harder to get up and move around now. I have a feeling this will get worse over the next 11 weeks. WOW...only 11 weeks to go!

Traveling while pregnant...a trip to Atlanta

This week is a huge week for my company. We are exhibiting at the largest trade show we have ever done. This means this week is also a huge week for me. I am down in Atlanta for 6 days and am a bit nervous about traveling in my 28/29 week of pregnancy.

My doctor said everything will be fine, but sent copies of my medical records with me just in case. (They were fun to read through and will be a valuable addition to my baby journal.) He told me to keep drinking water, and when I can't take another sip, then drink some more.

I have taken a few steps to be safe and comfortable during my trip.

1- I brought comfortable shoes and will be walking to and from the exhibit hall with them on my feet. No black leather heels for me this week, I got a pair of comfy Mary Jane flats to wear while at the show.

2- I brought Burt's Bees Mama bee foot and leg lotion. I put it on after the flight last night and I was in heaven!

3- Snacks! I brought snacks for the trip and at my hotel. I also am making myself eat healthy this week, which, if you have ever traveled for work, know it can be very hard to do. I was upgraded at my hotel and have access to FREE cereal and fruit each morning! :)

4- Reminding myself to take it easy. I am used to hauling and lifting at shows, which I can't do now. My co-workers have been great with doing the heavy lifting for me this week.

I will keep updating the blog as my week goes on. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will owe myself a pedicure next week when I am back.

Week 28 Highlights

How your baby's growing:
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

You're in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week. If you're like most women, you'll gain about 11 pounds this trimester.

Updates- Monthly Dr. Appt

As you sit reading this, I sit with a bouncing baby in my tummy. The activity level has really increased over the past few weeks.

I had a glucose screening test last week, I will get results back this week. If all is well, I don't have anything to worry about. If the results are abnormal, I am back in for a 3 hour test to see if I have gestational diabetes.

Stats from the appointment:
Blood pressure: 112/68
Total weight gain: about 12 lbs.

The baby is measuring great and the heart beat is still strong.

Week 27 highlights

I thought it might be fun to post a picture of me...this was at 26 weeks! Look how baby is growing!


This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief. Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

Good Lord, I hope this is partially wrong

I went to a birth prediction site, answered some questions and here is what popped out:


The day you deliver, outside will be overcast. Your baby will arrive in the late afternoon.

After a labor lasting approximately 11 hours, your child, a boy, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 13 pounds, 7 ounces, and will be 22 inches long. This child will have dark brown eyes and a lot of blonde hair.

I don't think brown eyes are possible if the parents both have blue/green eyes. Also, a 13 lbs baby...Lord have mercy!

Week 26 highlights

How your baby's growing:
The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

How your life's changing:
Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

For the record, my blood pressure has been wonderful through the entire pregnancy so far.

Odd thoughts, crazy feelings and nesting

I am starting to have paranoid thoughts about situations beyond my control. For example, I worry about Jeff dying in a car accident on the way to work or the baby dying after they are born. I don't like it when Homer starts coughing because I believe he is choking and will die. I have thoughts, small thoughts, about dying during childbirth and leaving Jeff with the responsibility of raising our child on his own.

The books I am reading say these feelings of the unknown and "worst case" are normal for a mother to experience. Between the hormones and changes my body is going through daily, thoughts like these are going to pop up. When I start to have these thoughts, I think about the books saying this is normal and that calms me down.

Another interesting symptom I have been experiencing is nesting.
Here is a definition:
Nesting is the term used to refer to an expectant mother’s instinct which gives her a surge of energy which prompts her to clean and do various chores around her home. Nesting usually arises as the mother nears her due date.

What Does Nesting Feel Like?
Some women are nesting and are mentally unaware of it. Their nesting instincts may be subtle, yet they are going around their living quarters doing tasks in preparation for their child’s birth. When nesting is subtle, it is thought to be because the woman may be energetic or active naturally, regardless of her pregnancy.

Other women report a surge of energy that is impossible to still. These women know they are nesting and they are unable to quell the surge of energy.

Thoughts about nesting will make some women nervous about their pending labor and delivery.

What Do Some Women Do When They Are Nesting?
Each woman will nest in a way that is unique to them. Below is a list of possible things a nesting mother do.

Clean out the cabinets, Mop the floor, Rearrange furniture, Clean out closets, Clean a child’s nursery meticulously, Steam clean upholstery and carpets, Clean the bathroom

While these may seem like normal household chores, when a woman is nesting, she will probably carry out the tasks more meticulously and persistently than usual.

For me, nesting thoughts and actions have been the following:
"Honey, we need to rearrange the furniture in the baby's room....NOW."

Cleaning the kitchen-in a psycho NO GERMS WILL ENTER HERE kind of way

Driving home having the urge to stop at Target to get bedding for the crib...even though our shower is not for another month.

These thoughts and feelings come on strong then fade away quickly...for now. I have the feeling as we get closer to our due date, it won't be unusual to find me cleaning the cabinets at 3AM on a Monday night.

Week 25 highlights

We got results from last week's ultrasound, baby weights 1 lb. 6 oz.

How your baby's growing
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

How your life's changing
Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

Profile pic of the baby

Here is a profile ultrasound picture of the baby at 24 weeks. Look at the cute nose! Jeff says it looks like a Duchenes nose, we will have to wait and see!

The heartbeat during the ultrasound was 139.

Week 24 highlights

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

I have another ultrasound tomorrow, to get some pics of things we missed the first time due to baby's position. I can't wait to see how much baby has changed in one month!

Nursery is painted and awaitng furniture!

Pregnant women in my dreams

Last night I had another odd pregnancy dream. I was at a gas station, with lots of green land around it. There were 7 or 8 other pregnant women there too, walking and waddling around. My mom wanted me to pick up subway for her, she ordered a sandwich I had never heard of before. The meat on the sandwich looked like wishbones from a turkey, but with meat on it. (Kind of like U shaped ribs). She also wanted it to be 18 inches, not 12 like a standard subway sandwich. I had a really hard time saying the order, but they understood what she wanted. I thought it was odd she was going to eat right through the bones, but she said it was what she wanted.

When we were going to leave, some random guy who was with us needed to use the bathroom. As he walked back there, the owner showed us to a panel in the wall with buttons on it. Each button played a different spooky Halloween sound in the bathroom. Mom and I thought it was the funniest thing in the world. So we hit all the buttons.

Then, I woke up.

At least this dream wasn't scary. Just odd.

Monthly Dr. Appt- 23 weeks

Just got back from my monthly Doctors Appointment and all is well. I am at 23 weeks, so next month I will get to do the glucose screening test...what fun.

Here are some stats from my appointment:
Blood Pressure: 112/73 <--- The nurse always tells me this is wonderful!
My heart rate: 63 beats/min.
Total weight gained so far: 6 lbs.

Everything is right on track. My belly is measuring just fine and the baby's heartbeat is strong.

Jeff and I toured Maple grove hospital last night. It is a beautiful hospital with state of the art everything. When talking to my doctor about the pros and cons of the hospital, he mentioned they have neonatal staff on 24/7...which is a huge advantage if we were to need it. Time will tell which one we choose, Maple Grove or Unity.

Week 23 highlights

I better start dancing with this week's update!




How your baby's growing:
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound, you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.


You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery.

First pic of the belly

Ok, here it is! The first pic of the belly, where it is really starting to show. I am 23 weeks in this picture.

Where did I put that...

Well, I feel like I am losing my mind some days. Most mornings, I almost throw the milk jug into the freezer or the trash, then catch myself at the last moment. I hear that pregnancy can do that to people. I found this cute comic to express how I feel some days.