Belly Diaries – Week 31 August 21, 2009

Your pregnancy: 31 weeks

See the big picture

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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s development.

How your life’s changing:

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they’re irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don’t hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it’s pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn’t have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or “premilk,” from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it’s certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don’t see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you’ll be grateful for that extra room!

If you’re having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.

(from babycenter.com)

Card of the Day:

Clipboards = Love August 20, 2009

I really love my clipboards. I love designing them, I love looking at them, I love using them. lol. I could go on and on. Here are five, yes that’s right FIVE new ones! Three of which I made yesterday and today.

 

 

I am now out of clipboards and the place where I was buying them from discontinued the big ones that I like. I guess I can switch to the big ones that are the same as the mini ones but if anyone knows where I can find clipboards that are like the ones shown here that would be awesome! I haven’t done too much searching yet but hopefully I can come across them somewhere.

In case you are interested, here is some more info on my clipboards:

Add some fun and style to all your school, work and home projects with these super fun clipboards or mini clipboards. Great for holiday party planning and gift list organizing.

For party planning, order taking, mailing list sign up, homework….the uses are endless!

**Get a free matching photo clip/gift card holder/binder clip with every clipboard**

These fabulous clipboards would be the perfect gift for just about anybody, including yourself! I can do themes such as….

*baby (boy or girl)
*pets
*music
*kids
*love
*and so much more!

You give me a theme and some colors and I will come up with a design for you. I will keep you updated throughout the steps of creating to make sure that you are completely satisfied with the final product.

Made from a standard size clipboard with paper, ribbons, jewels, etc…

Card of the Day:

 

 

Catching Up August 19, 2009

So I’m behind on my cards. I’ll catch up. At our house Andrew has strep, tonsillitis and a cold. He’s drugged to high heaven and his head is killing him. Not to mention the sickness makes his heart thing worse. That man could use some prayers!

Come to think of it, I could use some too! Taking care of the house and family is hard with your husband not well. Praise the Lord I found my energy over the past few days. It has been missing for months. Most people call it nesting. I like it! I’m cleaning, shampooing carpets, and buying baby gear.

I’ve also had a few custom orders for LoveAlways, XOX so that has been fun. And today during the tornado I worked on some new clipboards!  If you want to stay updated on my new items you can always join my fan page on Facebook.

Card of the Day:

This is my favorite so far!

 

You Made My Day

 

Oh Happy Day

Belly Diaries – Week 30 August 18, 2009

Your pregnancy: 30 weeks

 

See the big picture

How your baby’s growing:

Your baby’s about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). 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.)

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby’s development.

How your life’s changing:

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.

Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It’s normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you’ll be a good parent. But if you can’t shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you’re frequently nervous or anxious.

(from babycenter.com)

Just Smile August 13, 2009

I had a bad day.

I was cranky, the kids were cranky. My house needs to be cleaned and it’s hot out.

Miracle had a WIC appointment this evening and I got a late start. As I rushed out the door I knew I would just be making it. As soon as I got in the car and started out I decided that a lot of my bad day had to do with my attitude. So I smiled. I decided to smile the whole way and that I would make the rest of my night pleasant.

I felt better pretty much right away. I remembered how nice the WIC nurses always are and was glad that I would be in a good mood for them. I then felt silly because with my bad attitude had come an uncaring attitude for my apperance. I was not a pretty sight.  Oh well, I was smiling.

Then I missed my exit. Had to go the long way around. Now I was really late. Next I got a not so happy nurse. Miracle had fallen asleep in the car on the way there and was not thrilled to be woken up and then have to be weighed and measured.

In not so many words the nurse told me my daughter was short and fat. (please) My pregnant self took everything she was saying personally. I am very emotional right now!

Then the puking started. Miracle just threw up. A lot. For no apparent reason. WIC nurse hands me a box of not so absorbant tissues and keeps on talking.

“ummm…. I think I’m going to need your garbage can or something.” (the puke is now coming out Miracle’s nose)

Finally she gets up and gets some paper towels. I was more than happy letting her clean up the mess on the floor. Pregnant self is now trying not to join in on the puking.

Miracle finally stops, I take off her clothes and do my best with the box of worthless tissues.

I’m pretty sure I didn’t hear a word the nurse said the rest of the time. I put my baby back to sleep and all I could think of was how desperately I wanted to wash my hands. Oh wait, the nurse did throw me a few unpleasant remarks about how my daughter hadn’t looked well the whole time, and how she was going to get cold with no clothes on.

The whole time I was fighting back tears. I was finally done and headed home. I realized that the smile fest on the way there was God preparing me for what was about to happen. I decided I would smile the whole way home too.

I cried instead.