26 Weeks!

November 28, 2012

What Little LaCasse is up to:

• Spine is getting stronger and more supple
• Aveoli in the lungs form now
• Lungs begin to secrete a greasy substance (surfactant)
• Baby's eyes are opening and beginning to blink
• Retinas begin to form
• Brain wave activity for hearing and sight begins to be detectable
• Fetal brain scans show response to touch
• Length (14 inches); weight (1.7 pounds)

What we are up to:

• Made a guest list for our baby shower so the planning can begin via my sister-in-law
• Finished registering at Target
• Randomly lost my mucous plug while black Friday shopping, which led to a little scare and a brief hospital visit, but all is well! Phew! Lennon hated the EFM and I can already tell he is going to be a pain in the butt to trace while I'm in labor.  Poor nurse :(
• Bought Lennon his first tie at Baby Gap on black Friday and finally found a great deal on a black shadow box to make his newborn shadow box!
• Started doing Christmasy stuff.  Made gingerbread cookies, chopped down our tree, and decorated!
• Lennon gets really active when I play "Lullaby Radio" for him on Pandora on my phone and lay it on my belly as I read
• Finished reading "Creating Your Birth Plan" and started reading "Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds," as recommended by a childbirth educator in D.C.
• Started researching about breastfeeding and have already learned TONS of useful tips
• Ordered "Baby Wise," "The Happiest Baby of the Block," and "Bloom" to read in the next few months 
• Realized I'm more of a crunchy mom than I ever planned to be.  Oh well!
• Did another round of bargain clothing shopping for Lennon, which I plan to do once a month until he's born in order to rack up a stack of clothes for birth until 2T. He now has a snow suit and water shoes to add to his outdoor goodies! My luck he will hates the great outdoors.
• Designed a birth plan, which I might only share with Shawn and my doula, since I know how medical staff responds to birth plans.  We shall see.

Disappearing tootsies.

Lennon is the length of a cucumber!

Baby blue scrub pants scream baby boy :)

from babycenter.com

My Tentative Birth Plan

My boyfriend, Shawn, and I understand that childbirth is full of surprises and that decisions need to be made based on the given situation.  The following items are our preferences if the labor and delivery is “normal” and goes as planned.  We are willing to do whatever will result in the delivery of a healthy baby and accept changes to our plan when the benefits outweigh the risks.  Otherwise, we would like to follow our plan as much as possible. Thank you in advance.

• I am planning to have a natural birth.  We have prepared ourselves physically and mentally for this day for many months.  Please do not offer me any pain relieving medications.  I also prefer not to be asked to rate my pain on a pain scale.
• I would like the baby placed on my bare chest immediately following delivery and have the baby remain there for his initial exam and Apgar scoring.  
• I would like to breastfeed as soon as possible, but definitely within the first hour of birth.
• I would like Shawn to cut the cord after the cord stops pulsating and is white.  
• The only support persons I would like present during labor and delivery are Shawn and my doula, Jessica.  I do not want any family members or friends in the room or outside the door.
• I would like the room to be dimly lit and quiet, or have music playing, during labor and delivery.
• I prefer to tear versus having an episiotomy and only want an episiotomy if the baby is in imminent danger.  
• I do not want my baby to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine while in the hospital.
• I would like to exclusively breast feed the baby and do not want him to have a pacifier, bottle, formula, or sugar water. 
• I do not want to be told what time it is, how long I have been in labor, or how dilated I am following vaginal exams, unless I ask.
• I would prefer to push in a squatting position or reclined at a 45 degree angle while pulling my knees to my chest, rather than in a lithotomy position with stirrups.
• I would prefer the baby to room-in with me and have all newborn procedures done in my presence.
• I would prefer to not have an IV.  If it is hospital policy to have a saline lock, I would prefer to have the lock only and not be hooked up to a line.
• I would like to be free to move around during labor, including walking, changing positions, showering, and using the birthing ball.  If I need to be monitored, I would prefer to be able to continue to remain out of bed, but within reach of the monitor.  I would like to be intermittently monitored as much as possible.
• In the event that a decision about a medical procedure needs made and I am unconscious or incapable of making decisions, I grant the authority for making decisions to my boyfriend, Shawn.
• If a major decision or change in our plan needs to take place, we would like time to consider the new plan and discuss the plan in private before consenting.
• My doula will be capturing my labor and delivery through photography and videography and has my full permission to do so. 
• I do not wish to have my labor induced or augmented, even by artificially rupturing my membranes, unless the baby is in danger. 
• Please allow my perineum time to expand around the baby’s head as it is crowning.  As long as there are no signs of fetal distress, I would prefer to not rush the baby out.  I would prefer that my perineum is massaged during the pushing stage and supported during delivery of the baby’s head.

In the event that the health and safety of the baby or me is in danger and a cesarean section is necessary, these are our preferences.

• Though I would prefer not to be able to see the majority of the surgery, I would like the screen to be lowered so I may observe the actual moment of birth.
• I would like Shawn to remain with me before and during the surgery.
• Following the surgery, I would like Shawn to remain with the baby at all times.
• If possible, I would still like to attempt to breastfeed within an hour of the baby’s birth.
• If possible, I would still like the baby’s first bath, weight, exam, and other measurements to be withheld until I am out of the operating room, so I can still be present for those moments.  

Decking the Halls!

November 25, 2012

Fourteen days until my half century birthday, one month until Christmas, and 3 1/2 months until Baby Boy arrives (approximately)!!! Now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm feeling more in the Christmas spirit and spent all weekend decking the halls and making goodies. I still have to don my apron and whip up some of my Grandma's, Grandma's family Christmas cookies, but I'll save that for a snowy day. I can't wait to have Lennon around for the holidays next year :)

Pappy cutting down the tree!

Pappy yelling at me for taking pictures and not helping...

Hooray! Good thing no children were around to hear the Grinch during the chopping session.

O Tannenbaum

Getting out my ornaments always brings back so many memories :)

Finally got to hang the ornament I made back in October.

Finished the back of the ornament, now that I know Baby Boy is a boy.

Run, Run, as fast as you can! You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread (wo)man!

25 Weeks!

November 21, 2012

What Little LaCasse is up to:

• The structures of the spine begin to form (joints, ligaments, and rings)
• Blood vessels of the lungs develop
• Baby's nostrils begin to open (develops scent preferences)
• Nerves around the mouth and lip area are showing more sensitivity
• Swallowing reflexes are developing
• Dexterity is improving (can make a fist and grasp objects)
• Length (13.6 inches); weight (1.46 pounds)

What we've been up to:

• Started taking food based prenatal vitamins and 500 mg Vitamin C capsules to prevent PROM
• Finished reading "Hypnobirthing" book and started reading "Creating Your Birth Plan" by Marsden Wagner (recommended by my doula)
• Shawn felt baby boy move several times
• Ordered Lennon a bike helmet that will fit him as early as 6 months and California Baby bug spray. These items will be added to his pile of other outdoor products, including a bike seat, bike trailer, sunscreen, two swimsuits, life jacket, pool floaty, hiking backpack carrier, sunshade tent, fisherman hat, jogging stroller, and tree swing. He is officially all ready for tons of outdoor fun!!!
• Had my 6 month check-up and all is well!  I only gained 3 pounds up until my last check-up and all of the sudden gained 6 pounds in a month. Yikes! My midwife said it's normal to have a growth spurt during this gestational time.  Fundal height is measuring 23 weeks and I was sent home with the dreaded GTT juice and instructions to be tested around 26 weeks. Blah.
• Went to see a bull riding show last weekend and Lennon had his first taste of lobster tail at dinner beforehand.  Hope he loves seafood as much as we do!

Belly is soooo low.  He can't possible ever "drop" or he'll be hanging out with my knees.

from babycenter.com

24 Weeks!

November 14, 2012

What Little LaCasse has been up to:

• Baby gains about 6 ounces
• Body begins to fill out
• Appearance becomes more like a newborn
• Taste buds begin to form
• Creases appear on the palms
• Sweat glands form in the skin
• Lungs develop bronchi and surfactant cells
• Baby is officially considered viable
• Length (11.8 inches); weight (1.3 pounds)

What we have been up to:

• Finished reading the Bradley Book and started reading Hypnobirthing book
• Watched "The Business of Being Born" documentary
• Picked out a doula and met with her for the first time to discuss the birth plan and she gave me three more books to read and lots of other useful tips and information
• Lennon was doing karate in my uterus for an hour the one night and kept me up from 4 AM-5AM, but I loved feeling him move around :)
• Started drinking a 30 g protein shake each day at work.  It taste disgusting, but being that I hardly ever eat meat, I want to make sure I get an adequate amount of protein each day. I plug my nose like a little kid, chug the shake, and continue to keep my nose plugged with swishing my mouth with water and trying to get the taste out of my mouth.  If nothing else, it amuses my coworker, who thought I was strange prior to this regimen. 
• Had my first stranger ask how many weeks I am
• Started wearing my TED stockings! Sex appeal.
• Still having back pain at work after sitting all day in front of a computer
• Did some P90X yoga in hopes of getting some good stretching in and boy did my hamstrings hurt for a good 2-3 days.

from babycenter.com
I reallllly hope he's not breech like that in there!

Lennon is an eggplant! My favorite color AND my favorite entree ever...eggplant parmesan!

My new RayBan glasses...the first thing I've bought for myself since I found out I am pregnant!
I actually did need glasses though.  Not designer glasses, but glasses anyhow, so I guess that sort of gives me an excuse to buy myself something.



And unfortunately, I discovered my first real pregnancy pet peeve/annoyance.  I am so sick of people who talk about how horrible labor and delivery is and how hard it is to take care of a newborn or baby in general.  Recently, everytime my future labor/delivery or pregnancy is brought up, I hear about how horrible labor is and how I'll feel like I'm dying and then I have to hear how once the baby is here, I won't ever sleep and I won't even have time to shower or eat and "I have no idea."  Yes, I have never been pregnant, been in labor, or raised a newborn, so yes, I have no idea what it is really like, but it would so much nicer to hear people talk about the perks of being pregnant and having a newborn.  Maybe it's because I'm a nurse, but I like to think of pregnancy as any other change (whether negative or positive) that occurs in someone's life.  For example, someone getting diagnosed with cancer.  People don't find out about the person's diagnosis and proceed to tell them that they could die and are probably going to have to have surgeries and chemo and radiation and "just wait until you're puking your guts out after that chemo and loose all your hair" and so on.  No, they say, "It will be ok," "Everything happens for a reason," "You'll be in my thoughts and prayers," "Let me know if there's anything I can do for you or your family," "You'll beat this," "This will pass and make you a stronger person."  So, why is it that when people speak of pregnancy, birth, or having a newborn, they tend to ramble on about how horrible everything is going to be like they are trying to make you feel bad?  Well, anyhow, I'm proud of myself for making it 24.5 weeks without an overwhelming annoyance :)

23 Weeks!

November 7, 2012

What Little LaCasse is up to:

• Body proportions are quite similar to a newborn
• Bones in the middle ear harden
• Baby is able to hear
• Eyes are formed
• Pancreas is developing steadily
• Begins producing insulin
• Length (11.38 inches); weight (1.1 pound)

What we are up to:

• Nobody at work has noticed I am pregnant yet (then again, I do wear scrubs all day).
• I started doing the Bradley exercies (squats, sailor sit, kegels, imagery, relaxation)
• I've been reading a lot of posts from women around the world due March 2013 in the group on the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" app
• Little LaCasse hasn't been as active this week.  Just a few kicks here and there.
• Started thinking of a list of guests for the baby shower
• Started having back pain in the middle of my back, along the right side
• My ankles seem a bit swollen by the end of the day.  I'm going to buy compression stockings (I know, sooo nurse like and sooo not sexy), but they will prevent ugly varicose veins from forming.
• My belly button is still normal!
• Discovered freecycle.org and have been finding some goodies on the site
• Bought the book, "Hypnobirthing. The Mongan  Method," and am going to start reading it
• Shawn is half way through the Bradley book

I realized after the fact that this looks like a mug shot. Oh well.

Grow!

Lennon is the length of a carrot!

Got to use a special parking spot at Babies 'R Us!

22 Weeks!

October 31, 2012

What Little LaCasse is up to:

• Baby can hear conversations clearer than before
• Eyelids and eyebrows are fully formed
• Fingernails have grown to the end of the fingers
• Brain has entered a stage of rapid growth
• Liver starts breaking down bilirubin
• Testes begin to descend into scrotum
• Sperm have formed and he produces testosterone
• Length (10.94 inches); weight (nearly 1 pound)!

What we've been up to:

• Baby bump is finally growing at a more rapid rate and looks more "popped"
• Shawn holds his hands over my belly and wants to feel the baby move on the outside
• Shawn talks to the baby through my belly
• I can feel the baby kick from the inside and outside, but when I put my hand over my belly, he kicks once more then stops or stops immediately.  I like to think he senses my hand over my belly.
• Urinary frequency has started to pick back up
• Still not sleeping well.  Considering ordering a maternity pillow, but they are expensive and will only be good for another few months.
• Painted my belly like a pumpkin for Halloween!
• Took our "Chuck Taylor" shoe picture for a family of three
• Lennon and I survived "Frankenstorm/Hurricane Sandy"

It's getting there slowly but surely.

Found this hiking backpack that has a "seat" in the top for Lennon to sit in for only $4 at a local Good Will!
We live right off the Appalachian Trail and love to hike and be outside, so I'm excited to take him along.

from babycenter.com

For the Love of Fall

October 28, 2012

I just love fall! It's my absolute favorite season and Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday.  Being pregnant has taken some of the fun out of Halloween, considering I used to get dressed up in some cute costume and go to costume parties and bars filled with people dressed like fools, as well as haunted houses and creepy old buildings.  With that being said, I still found some ways to have fun this Halloween season and am looking forward to dressing up little Lennon this time next year and eventually dressing up as one, big ol' jolly family to go trick-or-treating.  Plus, hardly any trick-or-treaters came by to get candy, so I get to eat it all, which is a huge plus due to my candy cravings! "Frankenstorm" is on its way to Pennsylvania!  I doubt it will be anything more than some wind and rain, but everybody here freaks out at anything slightly out of the ordinary, so I enjoy the hype and am looking forward to some potential overtime at work if we aren't able to get home.

Homemade apple dumpling! Nom nom nom.

Finally did my long awaited "chucks" picture.

Pumpkin belly!!!
Thanks to Brittany!