35 weeks

How your baby's growing:

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.

How your life's changing:
Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

Videos of Little Huang

Ok, I know it's probably not that exciting for most of you out there, but I can't stop watching him.

The numbers are in

Baby is weighing about 6 pounds 2 ounces at 34 weeks and 3 days. He is also measuring 10 days ahead of schedule. Doc said that she expects him to come in at 8 pounds and on schedule. He is supposed to gain a half a pound a week, so if he does come on schedule then he will be about 9 pounds. The doctor states that the ultrasound measurements aren't that reliable. Wow he is a big boy and very healthy. I now start to see the doctor every week.

On another note, my fingers have been replaced with sausages and my ankles seem to have gone missing too.

Garmin Nuvi

If you have a Garmin Nuvi, you can download two new voices. It makes me wish mine was a Nuvi. http://www8.garmin.com/vehicles/voices/

34 weeks

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate him body temperature once he's born — are filling her out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his 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. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
How your life's changing:By this week,fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

Thanksgiving

David and I had a great Thanksgiving, we started the day by delivering food to those in need then went hunting for homeless to hand out food to. I'm not that good at hunting for homeless, I thought the guy pushing a cello down the street was homeless. Every time I handed out the food I just wanted to cry. We are so fortunate.
We then stuffed ourselves at the Conrad's Thanksgiving buffet. As you can see it looks like I ate everything they had.

I'm thankful for

• my husband. He is the best man in the world for me. God has blessed me with a wonderful partner.
• our animals. There are people out there that can't afford to take care of theirs and have to take them to the Humane Society. I wouldn't be able to deal with the heartbreak.
• our family. Even though we aren't together this holiday season, their emails and packages remind me that they are thinking of us.
• our little boy. He is very healthy. God has truly blessed us.
• our house and wonderful neighborhood. Where else would you see this?

Nursery

Still crafting

A stimulating black/white mobile. I used these images and these directions, sorta.


I started making Christmas cards, they take about 30 minutes per card. Directions can be found here.

Apparently the carrots are still good

Daisy decided to pull a carrot today and she thought she could bring it in to eat.

Comic Relief

I saw these on a fellow blogger's site and thought they were hilarious.I love pumpkin pie, in fact David made one for me last week. Unfortunately I only got one slice because Dorito decided it looked better on the floor.

"I love Thanksgiving turkey... it's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts."~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

33 Weeks!

This week your baby may be anywhere between 17 to 19 inches in length and weigh more than four and a half pounds. Your baby could grow a full inch more this week alone — especially if he or she has been on the shorter side. Weight gain can range from a third more growth to a full doubling before the big debut.
The level of amniotic fluid in your uterus has reached its maximum, making it likely that you have more baby than fluid now. That's one reason why you're probably feeling lots of nudges and pushes — there's less liquid to cushion the blows. (Of course that means you're even closer to your baby now!)
If your uterine walls had eyes, here's what you'd see: your fetus acting more and more like a baby, with his or her eyes closing during sleep and opening while awake. And because those uterine walls are becoming thinner, more light penetrates the womb, helping your baby differentiate between day and night (now if only baby can remember that difference on the outside!).
And good news! Your baby has reached an important milestone about now: The development of his or her own immune system that (along with antibodies from you) will be able to provide protection from mild infections.

Monty the Mini Sock Monkey

As you can see he is a bit smaller than the picture on the package. He was a lot harder to make than I anticipated and he didn't turn out quite right. I decided not to make the clothes because I'm pretty sure they won't help his situation. When I told David that I finished Monty, he asked if his head grew. Poor Monty.

I forgot what I used to look like

8 weeks

32 weeks

32 week Doctor Appointment

Good news/Bad news

Baby sounds great/my belly button will never be the same.

We will see the doctor again in 2 weeks and also have an ultrasound then. If I go into labor in the next 2 weeks they will try to stop it like before with the same medicine. After that she said they will just let it happen.

Heard at the Huang house or Madagascar 2?

a. You're the plumpiest girl around.
b. Don't sit on my legs, you'll break them.
c. You're huge.

Tip- only one is from the Huang house.

What have you done lately?

I finally finished another Ring Sling and successfully attached a pocket. I sent my original one to my sis Court. I hope she gets to use it soon.
I also made some flannel receiving blankets and they were sooo much easier to make than I expected.

Things I've learned about pregnancy

• Stretch marks hurt
• You can get heartburn from water
• Buying maternity clothes in your pre-pregnancy size is a lie
• It's impossible to "eat for two" due to the baby pushing on your stomach
• It feels like an Olympic event when you have to get out of bed or walk around a storeAnd here are some 32 week belly pictures

8 things tag

I was tagged by my friend Lindsey

8 TV shows I love to watch :
1. CSI
2. The Office
3. Jon and Kate + 8
4. 30 Rock
5. Grey's Anatomy
6. Ellen
7. Scrubs
8. Rookies

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1.McCormick and Schmick's
2. Olive Garden
3. Yen Cheng
4. Noodles and Company
5. Morton's
6. BD's
7. King Wok
8. Sprouts (Oh, how I miss you)

8 Things that Happened today:
1. Checked out freebie blogs
2. Stuffed about 200 bags of candy for Operation Christmas Child
3. Cooked
4. Updated blog
5. Cleaned kitchen a little
6. Listened to music and danced for about 5 seconds before getting exhausted
7. Ate some candy as I packed it
8. Cleaned Daisy's feet after she went digging in the garden

8 Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Meeting our little boy
2. Mom coming to visit
3. Pumpkin Pie
4. David taking vacation time
5. Looking at Christmas lights
6. Having family come to visit
7. Being surrounded by friends
8. Seeing David hold our boy

8 things on my wish list:
1. Finish nursery
2. Finish to do list that seems a mile long (Although my to do list has now become David's to do list)
3. Get Christmas shopping done
4. A smooth labor and delivery
5. A healthy, happy little boy after Christmas
6. My clothes to fit again
7. Time with family and friends
8. Snow!

8 people I tag:
1. Karla
2. Courtney
3. Zombie Mom
4. Sara
5. Vegas Mommy
6. Sarah
7. Jenn
8. Shari

Cord Blood Banking

This is something that I knew I wanted to look into but wasn't sure if it would be useful for us. After doing some research there are two options here in Indiana, public donation or private banking.
With public donation we would be donating it for research since we are not delivering at Clarian. If we were to deliver at Clarian then others could use it. I found this info here. The public bank can be found here.
Now for private banking, initially I found that cord blood could only be used to help a few diseases and most likely for a sibling not for the child the cord blood is coming from. But now I have come across some wonderful trials the medical community is doing, which I am very excited about. I also found that there is a cord blood bank here in Indianapolis which is half the price of Viacord, the national bank.
We decided to donate the cord blood for research. I called the bank and within 24 hours they sent us a collection package.
How awesome would it be to see a cure for breast cancer developed in my lifetime. I am amazed at how God made our bodies perform miracles.

31 weeks

Your baby now weighs as much as four navel oranges. (Length: over 16 inches, head to heel.)

Doctor appointment

For those of you keeping up with my doctor's appointments here's how yesterday's went.
Told to lay off the carbs because my glucose level is high.
Can stop taking Procardia unless I start having contractions again. No contractions last night that I know of.
Cough may get better by not taking Procardia, if not take Robitussin.
Baby sounds great and see the doctor again in two weeks.

X-Ray

The chest X-Ray came back negative. That means I don't have pneumonia. So what is it? The antibiotics didn't work and the cough hasn't changed in 3 weeks.

30 weeks

Baby sees the world through rose-colored glasses. Well, actually, through tomato-red colored glasses. Sunlight shines through your tummy into the womb, and your baby can feel the warmth and see the light.By now, your chubby little one looks like he will when he arrives--just a smidge

Trick or Treat

Halloween was great on Hickory Hill. The weather was warm and our book covers were a hit, you would have thought they won the lottery. Towards the end of the night we got one little girl that came up to David and just held out her bag. They stared at each other for a good few seconds before she said, "What are you going to give me." Notice I ended that with a period because she did not sound like she was asking a question, more like making a demand.
Then David said, "What are you supposed to say?" and her answer, "Halloween."
I'm still cracking up from their interaction.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

My sister, Courtney, had her baby today through C-section. Olivia and Mom are doing great. She was 6 pounds 13 ounces and 21 inches long.

Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) Test

It came back negative! YEAH! That means there is a high chance that I won't go into labor in the next two weeks. I'll see the doctor again next Tuesday and hopefully I will be able to stop taking this medicine that makes my feet and ankles swell when I stand up. Baby is doing great and I am still just taking it easy, which is hard when I really want to get this house ready for baby.

Month 7

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Snow?

Yup, I saw it. There were flurries this morning at 3am! I'm used to rain for Halloween not snow. I guess it's that crazy Indiana weather.

Taking it easy

After spending over 5 hours in the hospital today the treatment is to take it easy. Which means no lifting, no prolonged walking or standing, and the doctor doesn't want to see me at Wal-Mart, but she did not put me on strict bed rest. Just medication to stop the contractions. All this time I thought it was just Buster kicking me.
Earlier today I had a little bleeding and called the on-call doctor who then told me to go to the hospital for monitoring and an ultrasound. Ultrasound looked good but I kept having contractions so we tried a couple different medications. The second one worked so I got to go home and am now taking it easy. 10 more weeks to go!

Halloween Party!

We got second place.

This guy (Rock'em Sock'em Robot) got first.

Carrots anyone?

These are supposed to be Short & Sweet carrot, but they are huge! This is only a few of the hundreds we have. If you would like some carrots just let me know. They have such great flavor. Once you have some home grown carrots, store bought carrots will never taste as good.

Week Twenty-Eight Facts

• Eyebrows and eyelashes are now very noticeable!
• Hair on baby's head is growing longer. Some babies are born with almost none at all, while others appear to be ready for their first haircut!
• Eyes are completely formed now. Quite a view from inside!
• Your baby's body is getting plump and rounded. Most of that increase is muscle tissue and bone. Fat will be added during the third trimester.
• Muscle tone is improving. Preparation for the Olympics feels like it is taking place in your womb!
• Lungs are capable of breathing now (but baby would still struggle and require medical attention if born now)
• Talk to your baby often, reading stories, singing songs and more. He or she can recognize your voice now and will often calm to it later on!
• Your baby weighs in now at 2.2 pounds (1005gm) and is 14.8 inches (37.6cm).

When you're pregnant...

and you want to decorate.

Week 28: Fetal Brain Activity

from whattoexpect.com:

Are you dreaming about your baby? Your baby may be dreaming about you, too. Brain wave activity measured in a developing fetus shows different sleep cycles, including the rapid eye movement phase, the stage when dreaming occurs.
By now, your baby, who weighs in at about two and a half pounds and stands — or rather lies — at almost 16 inches (measured head to toe) has added blinking to his or her growing bag of tricks. (Outside in the real world, blinking is necessary to help keep foreign objects out of the eyes.) Other impressive new talents being added to your baby's roster in the womb include coughing, more intense sucking, and, perhaps most important, better breathing.
The good news is that babies born this week, though premature, have an excellent prognosis because their lungs have reached the point (for the most part) of maturity — so you too can breathe a little easier now. Of course, it's still best if a baby doesn't check out of that uterine hotel just yet — there's still a lot of growing and maturing to do over the next 12 weeks.

Happy Birthday Daisy Dog!

1 year old!

Indy Baby Shower

This past Sunday my friends in Indy threw us a Colts themed baby shower. We had the game playing the in the background.

Here's one of the hostesses, Karla. Sorry Allison, I didn't get a picture with you. They did an awesome job and were very creative. We played NFL babies, matching NFL players with their baby picture and present bingo. As we opened presents, people were trying to find that present on their bingo card. My mom and step dad were able to make it up for the baby shower. David completely surprised me by asking the guests to bring a piece of cloth and a saying/phrase to make a 100 Good Wishes Chinese quilt. I always love getting together with friends and family. Thank you friends for all the wonderful presents and great company. We are truly blessed.

Glucose Test & 27 week check-up

The check-up went great. No problems, got a lot of freebies and even some samples of heartburn medicine. I hope they work. I was really hoping I would pass the 1 hour glucose test, I didn't even eat any sugary foods yesterday! But I failed the test by 2 points.
Now I have to fast for tomorrow's test, which is 3 hours. They will take my blood when I get there, then every hour for 3 hours. I can't eat, drink, or leave the office during those 3 hours. The plus side is that I get to catch up on my magazines and maybe even finish my mom's slippers.

27 weeks

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he 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 him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

The New Indianapolis Airport

Today we went on a tour of the new Indianapolis Airport. It was fun to go behind the scenes, look at where baggage gets sorted and to go out on the tarmac.

26 week ultrasound

This ultrasound was to see if the placenta has moved away from the cervix and it has! It is 8cm away and they like for it to be 3cm away. We got to see our little sleeping. He was grabbing his ear and had a knee in his eye. We also got to see his fat rolls, how cute! I also got the flue shot, yuck. Since I am getting it in my last trimester, he is also getting the flu vaccine. He is now vaccinated for his first flu season. I'll be seeing the doctor next Tuesday and also get tested for diabetes.

Another wonderful day

You know those delicious homemade cookies, well they are all gone. Dorito ate them. David was enjoying them for breakfast Saturday and when he got up, Dorito moved in.

Then we went to the Walk to Remember, which was better than I expected.

After that, we hit up all the stores in the area armed with coupons. We found some amazing deals.
Got a Rubbermaid tote filled with book covers (which we are giving out for Halloween), baby swim gear, page protectors, page dividers, and folders all for $9.99 at Goodwill. David wants to go back to see if they have made more goody totes.
Armed with a 20% off coupon we found this bouncy seat on clearance because the box was damaged, regularly $54 we got it for $20 at Meijer.
And we used a 40% off coupon on these wonderful stickers at Michael's. And this humidifier was on clearance for $16, regularly $32, but it rang up $5 at Meijer!
And the greatest deal of the day... gas for $3.09 at Wal-Mart.

Walk to remember

We went to Avon Town Hall Park for the Walk to Remember Baby Huang. The walk commemorates the lives of children who have died. The program included a memorial service, dove release and a leisurely walk around the park's lake. The dove release was amazing and beautiful.

Each October, as part of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, officially proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, we come together for a Walk to Remember. We come as bereaved parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and healthcare providers – as a community – to honor and remember our children, of any age, whose lives were all too short. We are here to remind each other that we are not alone and to proclaim that no child should be forgotten.

Here are the words of the book "Born to Fly - An Infant's Journey to God".

A miracle has happened.
A life has begun.
"Are you there God? "
"Yes, I am here, Nathan," the Lord whispered.
"Where am I?"
"You are in the womb of your mother," God smiled.
"Oh what is that sound?" Nathan asked.
"It is the voice of your mother, Nathan. She is singing to you."
"It's beautiful."
"Yes. She loves you very much," God said.
"I feel the warmth on my back," Nathan whispered.
"Yes, she is rubbing her stomach, caressing you the best she can right now. She is speaking to me, Nathan. She is asking me to care for you."
"I will kick her back, so she knows I love her, too" Nathan said excitedly.
God smiled.
"Now what is she saying, God?"
"Your mother is laughing, Nathan."
"She is happy, isn't she God?"
"Yes, Nathan. She is happy."
"I hear a different sound. What is that?"
"It is the voice of your dad, Nathan."
"He sounds strong," Nathan said.
"Yes," answers God.
"I'm not feeling so well, God"
"I know my son, but soon you will fly."
"I will fly?"
"Yes," God smiled.
"Will my mother fly with me?"
"Someday," God said.
"I think I'm ready," Nathan whispered.
"I know, my child."
"Is it time to fly now, God?"
"Yes," God said gently, and wiped His eyes.
"When will I see you, God?"
"Very soon, my son."
"Is that my mother and my dad?"
"Yes, Nathan," God said and pulled the child onto His lap.
"Why are they crying?"
"They cry for you, my child," God answered as He wrapped his arms around the boy.
"Why do they cry for me?" Nathan asked.
"Because they want to hold you in their arms, Nathan."
"But instead, You hold me in Your arms, huh, God?"
"Yes son," God said.
"Why does that make them sad, God? I like it in Your arms!"
"They love you very much, Nathan. It can make a mommy's and daddy's heart sad when they don't get to hold their children - I know how it feels to watch my child die."
"Have I died, God?"
"Just on earth, Nathan."
"I don't feel dead. I feel very much alive! Watch how fast I can run!" Nathan crawled down from God's lap.
"Yes Nathan, you are fast," God clapped.
"Now watch me fly!" Nathan said as he soared high.
"You are amazing!" God laughed.
Nathan settled back in the safety of God's arms and said, "When will my parents fly, God?"
"Someday my child."
"We will fly together?"
"Yes Nathan, my mark is on their foreheads."
"Good," Nathan said."Will you tell them I am safe and happy?"
"I will comfort them, my child."
"Will they be happy again?"
"Yes child. They will heal."
"And someday we will all get to be with you, huh, God?"
"Yes, Nathan. Someday," God promised.
"I love you, God." Nathan said as he snuggled close to God.
"I love you too, son," God said as he put His hand on Nathan's head.
"Take good care of my parents until they fly!" Nathan said.
"I promise," God whispered.

Oh Wonderful Day

Last night I decided to make homemade chocolate chip cookies, and they are delicious.
Today UPS stopped by and delivered a nice surprise from my friends Julie and Aaron. Thank you. Then Goodwill called to tell me I won their drawing of a $50 gift certificate. They had their grand opening in Brownsburg this week.

Look Ma...

I made a button hole! It's not perfect but it works.

Which happens to be a part of this grocery bag holder/dispenser. I got the pattern from here.