Infertility and Me

Yesterday was Jess’ Birthday!!  She turned the big 31!!  We both thought we would have long been parents by now, but all I can say is that we are blessed.  Better late than never!!

Last week we had our final (hopefully) appointment with the high risk / super cervix measuring doc.  The measurement remained the same from when the original shortening occurred.  The doc felt comfortable that this would probably be the status quo for the rest of pregnancy.  The only thing that could drastically reduce the size of the cervix quickly, would be labor.  We got a couple more snapshots, and he sent us on our way.  We graduated from another doc!! Woo Hoo!!

 Now on to Chooch!!

How far along? 28 weeks 3 Days!

How Big Is Choochie? Choochie is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long, the size of a Chinese Cabbage.  She’s busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Choochies sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means she could be dreaming already.  Though her lungs are nearly fully mature, she still has plenty of growing to do.

Sleep?  Jess dreads the time at night when we go to bed!!

Movement? Sometimes Choochie looks like she’s going to jump right out of Jess’ belly!!

Food cravings?Bar Pie, Chicken Parm, Chicken Fraincaise, Gatorade (red), Pink Lemonade, Water, any type of sweets!!!!

Gender 

Milestones? We are officially in the third trimester!

Emotions: Ups and Downs!!

Yesterday, Jess, Myself, and some of the family took a little trip to View A Miracle.  We decided we wanted to do this from the beginning, but had to wait for the optimal time for Choochie (26-34wks).  This is the same place Jess went for the surprise gender determination.  I have to say it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen, and I am so glad we were able to share it with family!  Check out the video of our little miracle!

Here is a couple stills from the session 

 That is definitely a experience I will never forget.  It will be pretty cool to show Choochie when she gets older too!!

The last couple weeks have been pretty quiet.  I had some ups and downs and a little (another) injury, but I will live.  As for Jess, she’s doing good.  She is totally tired all the time, but trucks right along!!  She’s a trooper!!

Now on to Choochie!

How far along? 27 weeks 2 Days!

How Big Is Choochie? Choochie is about the size of a head of cauliflower, fifteen inches, and more than two pounds!  Choochie can recognize our voices now!  Her muscle tone is gradually improving, and her lungs are capable of breathing air but if the Choochie was born now, she would need medical assistance to breathe!

Maternity clothes?  Everything Maternity!!

Sleep?  Jess dreads the time at night when we go to bed!!

Movement? Sometimes Choochie is out of control, and others she just rolls around.  She has taken an affinity to kicking me in the face.  She won’t move when my hands are there, but as soon as i put my face there, POW!!!!

Food cravings? Bagels, Grilled Cheese, Tomato soup noodles, Gatorade (red), Pink Lemonade, Water, any type of sweets!!!!

Gender – confirmed again this week.  I thinks it safe to paint the nursery now!

Milestones? Choochie has moved on to a whole new growth chart this week.  No more crown to rump, it’s head to toes!! I think Jess is definitely getting the Braxton Hicks contractions now as well!!

Emotions: Not too bad this week, we did have one minor episode yesterday, but the problem was solved, and all is well!!

Last week we had another checkup with the super cervix measuring doc.  Everything stayed the same again with 2.68cm measurement.  The doc seems to think this will be the norm for the rest of the rest of the pregnancy, and has decided to space Jess’ visit out a little more. The next one will be in 3 weeks.  We got a little special treat during this visit.  The doc said the baby was hanging out in the perfect position for a face shot, so he surprised us with a 3D picture.

She’s beautiful, isn’t she? I have to say, it’s the most amazing thing I have ever seen! Jess and I love her so much.  Every day that goes by, is another day closer to meeting her. 

On to the stats

How far along? 26 weeks 3 Days!

How Big Is Choochie? Choochie is as tall as an English hothouse cucumber (yeah, I have no clue what that is either!), weighs a full two pounds and measures 14 plus inches.  This week, her eyes, which until now were developing under fused eyelids, start to open. She might even be able to see bright lights placed by Jess’ belly.  She definitely jumps for loud noises!

Maternity clothes?  Everything Maternity!!

Sleep?  Jess dreads the time at night when we go to bed!!

Movement? Movement is getting stronger, and we can even stimulate movement with sounds and touching!

Food cravings? Grilled Cheese, Tomato soup noodles, Gatorade (red), Pink Lemonade, Water, any type of sweets!!!!

Gender

Milestones? 

Emotions: Been a rough week, but we are getting through it together!!

How far along? 25 weeks!

How Big Is Choochie? Choochie  is growing by leaps and bounds, reaching 13 inches in length and passing the pound and a half mark. Under her skin, capillaries are forming and filling with blood and by week’s end, air sacs (also lined with capillaries) will develop in her lungs.  The lungs are developing surfactant, a substance that will help them expand after birth. Choochies nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open, and her vocal chords are getting ready to roar.

Maternity clothes?  Everything Maternity!!

Sleep?  Sleep sucks this week!

Movement? Lots!!! 

Food cravings? French Toast (apparently I make good french toast), Gatorade (red), Pink Lemonade, Water, any type of sweets!!!!

Gender

Milestones? 6 months in!!

Emotions: Emotional roller coaster!!

It’s been pretty quiet the last two weeks.  We had our appointment with cervical measuring doc (a week and a half ago), and everything stayed the same.  Her measurement was 2.7cm, and the doc seemed comfortable waiting 2 weeks (this coming Friday) for another one.  We went a whole week without an appointment!!  That’s a first for us.  Our next appointment is this coming Friday (Friday the 13th!) and it’s another cervical measurement.  Hopefully everything has remained the same. 

How far along? 24 weeks 5 Days!

How Big Is Choochie?  Choochie is about 12 inches long and weighs one and a one quarter pounds, gaining steadily at a rate of six ounces per week. Much of that weight comes from accumulating baby fat, as well as from growing organs, bones, and muscle. Those little ears of hers are getting sharper and can hear very loud sounds, from a yapping dog (Keena loves to bark!) to a jackhammer. Also by now, Choochies face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair.

Maternity clothes?  Everything Maternity!!

Sleep?  Had a couple of good nights in a row (except for last night) !

Movement? This little one is a kicker, she even kicked me in the face a couple days ago!! 

Food cravings? Gatorade (red), Pink Lemonade, Water, any type of sweets!!!!

Gender

Milestones? Started putting paint samples on the wall!!

Emotions: A couple breakdowns this past week.  Mostly minor, but the hormones are raging!!