Week 16!

Right now, the baby is about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too.  The bones that are now in place in his ears means he can probably hear our voices as we talk to each other. While he’s getting used to our voice, the tiny muscles in his body, especially the ones in his back, are gaining strength, so he can straighten out a little more. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.  And thanks to his developing facial muscles, your baby is capable of making a few expressive frowns and squints, even at this early stage.



I've felt pretty good the last few days.  We left for NY on Thursday night and drove to Thurmont, MD.  It was a good stopping point because my body wasn't enjoying being in the car anymore!  We then woke up first thing on Friday and drove the rest of the way to Endicott.  My body seemed to be ok with this car ride and we got into Endicott at about noon.  We were very excited to be there!  The last time we saw J's parents was when we told them our news which was right around 7 weeks.  I feel like I have gotten huge since then, but no one said anything like that (although they were probably thinking it)! We had a great weekend with family and friends.  We were able to see all of Justin's family and several friends.  It's always hard getting together with everyone in NY especially during holidays because everyone is busy with their own families.  We were also able to get together with some Rosplock's for dinner on Saturday night!
Brinkley had a great time in NY as well.  That dog is sooo spoiled!  She just eats up all the love and attention!  Every morning when I'd get up to feed her, she'd try to go jump into bed with her grandparents...she pretty much succeeded every morning too!  She'd just roll around and LOVE it. 
The trip back to NC was about 10 hours on Monday, but it really wasn't too horrible.  I got in the car and slept from like 9 - 12 and left poor Justin to himself!  Oops!  My back only started to mildly hurt with about an hour and a half left of the trip.  Not too bad at all!  Brinkley was a bigger bum than me and slept for pretty much the whole trip, she was one tired pup!

In closing, here's a cute gift that Gramma Crooks bought the baby...

Only 10 more days til our next appointment...hoping  the baby cooperates so we can find out if it is a boy or girl!!

Week 15!

I am extremely tired today after this weekend's festivities!  We had a great time, some more than others!  I've never been a huge drinker, but I soo badly wanted a drink to celebrate with everyone!  I was a good girl though and kept to water. 
This week in baby news: the baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces, which is about the size of an apple!  She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds.
I feel like this week's picture looks a lot like last weeks picture, but here it is.  Same clothes, same pose, same location.

Our bridesmaids dresses finally came in this week.  My dress fits perfectly...I don't think I can afford to gain an ounce until the wedding.  Soo, I will basically wait til 2 weeks before the wedding and try it on again and then see what will need to be done.    I'm not going to worry about it because what's the point!
Brinkley had a long weekend with all that was going on, so she was feeling a little sluggish when it came to picture time!

Enjoy your week!

Amanda's Shower

 Today was the start of Amanda's Shower/Bachelorette weekend.  I knew it'd be a long weekend for me, but I was just hoping to make it past 9 pm tonight!  Amanda's shower was thrown by a few of my mother's good friends, Lorie, Carol, Kathy, Cheryl & Jan.  It took place at the Bramante's house and everything was setup perfect!  They had made TONS of food and went all out decorating the house.  Amanda's soon to be mother-in-law and sister-in-law made the trip as well as her bridesmaids from NY, NC & MD!


Melissa, Jamie, Me, Amanda, Shelly, Nicole & Jenna

 Amanda received a bunch of great things and everyone was able to pack up and head back to my parents before the big storm started!!  Here's a look at some of the delicious food...I of course didn't partake in the chicken salad, but pretty much ate everything else!!!  It was a great shower and thanks to all the woman who put it together!!

Amanda & Ian

Week 14!

So as promised, I had Justin take a pic of the baby bump today. 

I felt so weird taking this pic, but I guess it's something I need to get used to! 

This week's big developments: The baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck it's thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, the facial muscles are getting a workout as it's tiny features form one expression after another. The kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth.  The baby is also stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches, about the size of a lemon, and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.)  Don't get caught up on the whole he/him thing...it's just how the website phrases everything!  We still obviously have no idea of the sex!
Supposedly, the start of the second trimester often means less queasiness and more energy for me.  I am feeling less quesy but am still pretty tired.  It isn't helping that I have problems sleeping soundly through the night.  Alright, I think that's enough for now...in closing, here's a pic of Brinkley in Week 14...it seems only fair that someone else should have their picture taken weekly!

Appointment Time

Justin & I went to my appointment this morning to check-in on Baby C.  My blood pressure was normal and Baby C's heart rate was 162 BPM (beats per minute), which was perfect!  I was really nervous at first when the nurse had a hard time finding the actual heart beat!  Good thing they didn't check my blood pressure during this time because I was freaking out!  Justin of course could tell I was freaking out and just put on his happy face.  Apparently he knows he has to be the rational one in our relationship.  After about a minute, which it might not have even been that long, the heartbeat came through loud & clear!  It's such a pretty sound to hear! 
We then waited for the doctor to come in to answer our questions.  I'm still having pain in my right thigh and she assures me there is nothing I can do.  I then wanted to make sure I could travel the 10 hour drive to NY for Easter and she said I was perfectly fine to do so.  She said my ankles might get a little swollen from sitting in a cetain position too long, but it's normal.  Dr. Clark then told us that at our next appointment we would be getting an ultrasound which means we will be able to find out if Baby C is a BOY or GIRL!!  I can't wait to find out so Justin can finally participate in picking out a name for the baby!!  He doesn't want to think about it until he knows for sure because why think of girls names if it is a boy?  Uhh, such a pain he is, but I love him soo much so I guess i'll keep him!
Anyways, I'll be back on Sunday with a picture of the "bump" and some baby updates!

Week 13!

So I might have lied when I said I was going to take a picture of the "baby bump" today.  I started the day off with running some errands for Amanda's Bachelorette Party.  I waited for Shelly to get home, but she was moving a little slow since she had celebrated the BIG 21 the night before.  I was surprised she wanted to help at all...I use the term "help" relatively loosely.  After a few stops we had what we needed.  Shelly's bday dinner was scheduled for later in the evening, so I had to run home quick to change and grab Justin.  My mom, Justin, Amanda and I joined Shelly and 5 of her girlfriends at Tasu.  Poor Justin was the only guy because my dad was out of town!  It was a yummy dinner, but I felt sooo full after!  I just couldn't bring myself to take a picture because I felt so large!  I promise to get on it for Week 14 though!

Baby C is now as large as a peach!  The baby's head is now about half the size of it's crown-to-rump length.  Tiny bones are beginning to form in the arms and legs, the intestines are beginning to move from the umbilical cord to the abdomen, and the vocal cords are well under construction (Hopefully Baby C will have mom's indoor voice and not dad's loud outdoor voice!)  Also because the baby can move it's arms and legs in a jerky fashion, it may be able to get it's thumb into it's mouth!
We have an appointment on Wednesday, so i'll be sure to update everyone then!