Baby Ticker
Five Weeks
How your baby's growing: Deep in your uterus your embryo is growing at a furious pace. At this point he's about the size of a sesame seed, and he looks more like a tiny tadpole than a human. He's now made up of three layers — the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm — that will later form his organs and tissues.
The cells are forming for his major organs, including his kidneys and liver, and his neural tube is beginning to develop. This neural tube — from which your baby's brain, spinal cord, nerves, and backbone will sprout — develops in the top layer, called the ectoderm. This layer will also give rise to his skin, hair, nails, mammary and sweat glands, and tooth enamel. His heart and circulatory system begin to form in the middle layer, or mesoderm. (This week, in fact, his tiny heart begins to divide into chambers and beat and pump blood.) The mesoderm will also form your baby's muscles, cartilage, bone, and subcutaneous (under skin) tissue. The third layer, or endoderm, will house his lungs, intestines, and rudimentary urinary system, as well as his thyroid, liver, and pancreas.
In the meantime, the primitive placenta and umbilical cord, which deliver nourishment and oxygen to your baby, are already on the job.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
It's All Good
Maybe I was over reacting? Let’s blame the hormones.
I’ve been thinking about our recent decision to cancel our vacation in Florida.
I’m feeling doubtful.
I check the fares for the flights we would have taken.
I’m thinking the rates will have gone up or the plane will be full.
I’m looking for comfort.
The price has dropped $200.
What a deal!
Maybe I was just being overprotective?
I’m checking out the forum at www.babycenter.com
I realize there are lots of moms due in February that have done this before.
Experienced moms.
They can tell me what to do, right?
So I ask them what their OB’s think about flying during the first trimester.
After all, I didn’t talk to my OB. I only talked to her nurse.
All the moms say it’s OK to fly.
Time for some internet research.
I read and read and read for hours.
Everything I find says it’s OK to fly.
I print everything I can find.
Chris will read all of my research tonight.
Shouldn’t I just have more faith that everything will be fine?
I’ve been thinking about our recent decision to cancel our vacation in Florida.
I’m feeling doubtful.
I check the fares for the flights we would have taken.
I’m thinking the rates will have gone up or the plane will be full.
I’m looking for comfort.
The price has dropped $200.
What a deal!
Maybe I was just being overprotective?
I’m checking out the forum at www.babycenter.com
I realize there are lots of moms due in February that have done this before.
Experienced moms.
They can tell me what to do, right?
So I ask them what their OB’s think about flying during the first trimester.
After all, I didn’t talk to my OB. I only talked to her nurse.
All the moms say it’s OK to fly.
Time for some internet research.
I read and read and read for hours.
Everything I find says it’s OK to fly.
I print everything I can find.
Chris will read all of my research tonight.
Shouldn’t I just have more faith that everything will be fine?
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Feels Like Quarantine
The baby is in control.
There, I admitted it.
Any normal woman would admit defeat at this point and relinquish control. Anyone that knows me would quickly assure you that I am anything but normal.
It seems like every time I turn around, there is just one more thing that I can’t do or one more thing that I can’t eat, or lots of things that I can’t drink.
I NEED STARBUCKS.
I WANT A MOCHA NOW.
On a serious note, Mike (close friend, future sponsor) asked me the other day if I would be flying this summer considering the pregnancy. Before you become jealous regarding the early announcement Mike received, please note that I had to tell Mike and Laura so I could quit volleyball. Yes, volleyball is just one of the many things that I can’t do anymore. I knew Mike and Laura would never believe any excuse (I’m a horrible liar) so I just told them the truth. Laura was very excited and Mike just seemed like he knew it was inevitable.
Back to the subject of flying…
Mike asked if it was OK for me to fly this summer. We’ve been planning to visit my Dad in Florida this summer and were hoping to take Kayla and Erica on a plane for the first time. A 3 hour flight sounds a heck of a lot better than a 24 hour car ride. Or a 3 day Amtrak train ride. UGH!
So I start to panic because I’ve never heard about flying restrictions unless you’re in the third trimester. Mike was an EMT before he hurt his back, so I’m thinking he might know what he is talking about. I decide to call my doctor’s office. They’ve talked to me a lot already, so they already know that I’m neurotic.
The doctor’s office doesn’t help. The nurse tells me that there is a higher risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. There is no evidence to suggest that flying increases that risk, BUT there is no evidence to prove that it doesn’t increase the risk. The change in air pressure does put stress on the mother’s body, so it obviously stresses the baby’s body as well.
The nurse suggested that if I had trouble conceiving, had miscarried in the past, had conceived through IVF, or was high risk, then they would definitely not allow me to fly. But, since I conceived so easily, it would be OK to miscarry this pregnancy and conceive again later. So, go ahead and fly.
WHAT??!!??
Did this lady just tell me that it’s OK if I lose this baby because I could always have another one?
WHAT??!!!!???
I share this information with Chris over dinner (Bob Evan’s again, late work night). I find that Chris is just as neurotic as me. He doesn’t think we should chance it. I love this man.
We’ve waited too long for this baby to throw it away on a vacation. I just can’t.
We talk about driving instead of flying. The doctor’s office told me that I can’t sit in a car for more than 6 hours per day. It would only take 4 days to get to Florida! But I only have seven days of vacation time scheduled…
Are you starting to see how unrealistic this baby is acting?
Truly inconsiderate.
I’m so sad because I know my Dad is REALLY looking forward to seeing us. I REALLY wanted to see him. Especially while we can still afford to fly our entire family to Florida.
So, I’m trying to be optimistic about this whole situation.
Chris and I could always fly to Florida for a long weekend during the second trimester.
Or, we could save our vacation time and let Dad and Renita visit this winter.
Or, we could save our vacation time and let Dad and Renita visit in March.
How am I going to tell Dad?
There, I admitted it.
Any normal woman would admit defeat at this point and relinquish control. Anyone that knows me would quickly assure you that I am anything but normal.
It seems like every time I turn around, there is just one more thing that I can’t do or one more thing that I can’t eat, or lots of things that I can’t drink.
I NEED STARBUCKS.
I WANT A MOCHA NOW.
On a serious note, Mike (close friend, future sponsor) asked me the other day if I would be flying this summer considering the pregnancy. Before you become jealous regarding the early announcement Mike received, please note that I had to tell Mike and Laura so I could quit volleyball. Yes, volleyball is just one of the many things that I can’t do anymore. I knew Mike and Laura would never believe any excuse (I’m a horrible liar) so I just told them the truth. Laura was very excited and Mike just seemed like he knew it was inevitable.
Back to the subject of flying…
Mike asked if it was OK for me to fly this summer. We’ve been planning to visit my Dad in Florida this summer and were hoping to take Kayla and Erica on a plane for the first time. A 3 hour flight sounds a heck of a lot better than a 24 hour car ride. Or a 3 day Amtrak train ride. UGH!
So I start to panic because I’ve never heard about flying restrictions unless you’re in the third trimester. Mike was an EMT before he hurt his back, so I’m thinking he might know what he is talking about. I decide to call my doctor’s office. They’ve talked to me a lot already, so they already know that I’m neurotic.
The doctor’s office doesn’t help. The nurse tells me that there is a higher risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. There is no evidence to suggest that flying increases that risk, BUT there is no evidence to prove that it doesn’t increase the risk. The change in air pressure does put stress on the mother’s body, so it obviously stresses the baby’s body as well.
The nurse suggested that if I had trouble conceiving, had miscarried in the past, had conceived through IVF, or was high risk, then they would definitely not allow me to fly. But, since I conceived so easily, it would be OK to miscarry this pregnancy and conceive again later. So, go ahead and fly.
WHAT??!!??
Did this lady just tell me that it’s OK if I lose this baby because I could always have another one?
WHAT??!!!!???
I share this information with Chris over dinner (Bob Evan’s again, late work night). I find that Chris is just as neurotic as me. He doesn’t think we should chance it. I love this man.
We’ve waited too long for this baby to throw it away on a vacation. I just can’t.
We talk about driving instead of flying. The doctor’s office told me that I can’t sit in a car for more than 6 hours per day. It would only take 4 days to get to Florida! But I only have seven days of vacation time scheduled…
Are you starting to see how unrealistic this baby is acting?
Truly inconsiderate.
I’m so sad because I know my Dad is REALLY looking forward to seeing us. I REALLY wanted to see him. Especially while we can still afford to fly our entire family to Florida.
So, I’m trying to be optimistic about this whole situation.
Chris and I could always fly to Florida for a long weekend during the second trimester.
Or, we could save our vacation time and let Dad and Renita visit this winter.
Or, we could save our vacation time and let Dad and Renita visit in March.
How am I going to tell Dad?
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Miracle Timeline
Since I have so much catching up to do, I thought it might be a good idea to summarize in a timeline.
April 20, 2006
Rx for birth control pills runs out
The only way to get a refill is to get a PAP Smear
This is an evil tactic used by my OB/GYN to raise cash
Choice: quit using the pill or put my feet in stir-ups
I choose to quit
May 12, 2006
Visit the OB/GYN
I picked a new doc because someday we want to deliver at UHHS/Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
Erica was born there, and she turned out OK
(maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it still seemed like a good choice)
I love my new doctor and decide that she needs to catch my baby someday
The doc orders blood tests to check for immunizations and Cystic Fibrosis genes
I’m ready to conceive!
May 20, 2006
Period begins.
Cramps from hell.
I paste a smile on my face because my family is celebrating M-Day and my B-Day.
The family makes me breakfast, takes me to the Jewish Heritage Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, takes me to Parasson’s for lunch/dinner, then we head off to Strickland’s for dessert, even though we are all stuffed.
I open presents.
I have a gift card from Pet Smart.
The kids bought me a hamster!
The newest addition to our family is Murphy the Hamster.
May 26, 2006
Chris and I go to Portland, Oregon.
Our first vacation alone together ever.
Probably our last.
June 3, 2006
The pregnancy due date calculators guess this was the date of conception.
Why waste time?
June 17, 2006
Period is late
June 18, 2006
Father’s Day
I take a pregnancy test thinking it would be the best F-Day gift ever.
The test is negative.
I’m a little sad, but excited to keep trying.
June 19, 2006
My doctor’s office calls to say that I am a carrier for the Cystic Fibrosis gene.
I quickly do some internet research.
1 in 4 chance of child with CF if both parents are carriers.
PANIC!
Call Chris.
Chris panics.
Schedule appointment with genetic counselor.
June 20, 2006
Chris and I agonize over the possibilities.
What if Chris is also a carrier?
What if I’m pregnant now?
What if I’m not pregnant and Chris is a carrier, will we keep TTC?
Should I go back on the pill until we get test results?
June 21, 2006
Meet with the genetic counselor.
She makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I remember that I trust God.
Whatever the outcome, it will be OK.
Chris refers to me as “Mom” while talking to the counselor.
He’s so cute, I just want to have his baby.
June 22, 2006
Chris takes me to Bob Evan’s for dinner.
We both eat homemade bean soup and salad.
Chris is fine.
I’m not.
Chris insists it’s just morning sickness.
He feeds me soup crackers and milk and it helps.
I’m wondering how this could be happening to me.
June 23, 2006
I take a pregnancy test.
I got one that is either positive (+) or negative (-) because I don’t trust myself to read it properly.
The test is +
I’m in shock.
I go back to bed and cuddle with Chris for an hour.
Chris wonders why the heck I’m trying to climb inside his body and why I won’t fall asleep.
Chris gets up to pee, sees the test, and is also in shock.
We spend the rest of the day in shock.
June 23, 2006
Evening
Chris takes me shopping after dinner.
He buys a crib.
He buys a crib mattress.
He buys a play pen.
He buys a high chair.
He buys diapers, baby wipes, and sippy cups.
I make him put the baby bath tub back because we’ll get that at our shower.
He feels better knowing that we’re ready.
I just LOVE this man.
Isn’t he cute?
I feel better, too.
June 24, 2006
My company picnic at Geauga Lake Amusement Park.
The van overheats one mile from the house.
We wait two hours for the mechanic to fix the van.
Chris tells everyone in the mechanic shop that I’m pregnant.
They go outside to smoke their cigarettes.
We finally get to Geauga Lake, but I can’t ride any rides.
No roller coasters.
No water slides.
No wave pool.
We watch some shows and eat.
I pig out on Loaded Park Fries and Funnel Cake with Strawberries.
We ride the Ferris Wheel.
I’m afraid of the Ferris Wheel.
June 25, 2006
We go to church.
Chris tells Laura that I’m pregnant.
I wanted to wait, but I play volleyball with her and I can’t play anymore.
She wouldn’t believe a lie, so she got the truth.
Laura is excited.
She will be a sponsor for the baptism.
June 26, 2006
I’m still in shock, but the morning sickness (all day sickness), constipation, fatigue, and breast tenderness all remind me that this is really happening.
I’m thankful for these symptoms.
Otherwise, I would be in denial.
June 27, 2006
We’re already 5 weeks pregnant!
Time flies when you have a bun in the oven!
April 20, 2006
Rx for birth control pills runs out
The only way to get a refill is to get a PAP Smear
This is an evil tactic used by my OB/GYN to raise cash
Choice: quit using the pill or put my feet in stir-ups
I choose to quit
May 12, 2006
Visit the OB/GYN
I picked a new doc because someday we want to deliver at UHHS/Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
Erica was born there, and she turned out OK
(maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it still seemed like a good choice)
I love my new doctor and decide that she needs to catch my baby someday
The doc orders blood tests to check for immunizations and Cystic Fibrosis genes
I’m ready to conceive!
May 20, 2006
Period begins.
Cramps from hell.
I paste a smile on my face because my family is celebrating M-Day and my B-Day.
The family makes me breakfast, takes me to the Jewish Heritage Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, takes me to Parasson’s for lunch/dinner, then we head off to Strickland’s for dessert, even though we are all stuffed.
I open presents.
I have a gift card from Pet Smart.
The kids bought me a hamster!
The newest addition to our family is Murphy the Hamster.
May 26, 2006
Chris and I go to Portland, Oregon.
Our first vacation alone together ever.
Probably our last.
June 3, 2006
The pregnancy due date calculators guess this was the date of conception.
Why waste time?
June 17, 2006
Period is late
June 18, 2006
Father’s Day
I take a pregnancy test thinking it would be the best F-Day gift ever.
The test is negative.
I’m a little sad, but excited to keep trying.
June 19, 2006
My doctor’s office calls to say that I am a carrier for the Cystic Fibrosis gene.
I quickly do some internet research.
1 in 4 chance of child with CF if both parents are carriers.
PANIC!
Call Chris.
Chris panics.
Schedule appointment with genetic counselor.
June 20, 2006
Chris and I agonize over the possibilities.
What if Chris is also a carrier?
What if I’m pregnant now?
What if I’m not pregnant and Chris is a carrier, will we keep TTC?
Should I go back on the pill until we get test results?
June 21, 2006
Meet with the genetic counselor.
She makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I remember that I trust God.
Whatever the outcome, it will be OK.
Chris refers to me as “Mom” while talking to the counselor.
He’s so cute, I just want to have his baby.
June 22, 2006
Chris takes me to Bob Evan’s for dinner.
We both eat homemade bean soup and salad.
Chris is fine.
I’m not.
Chris insists it’s just morning sickness.
He feeds me soup crackers and milk and it helps.
I’m wondering how this could be happening to me.
June 23, 2006
I take a pregnancy test.
I got one that is either positive (+) or negative (-) because I don’t trust myself to read it properly.
The test is +
I’m in shock.
I go back to bed and cuddle with Chris for an hour.
Chris wonders why the heck I’m trying to climb inside his body and why I won’t fall asleep.
Chris gets up to pee, sees the test, and is also in shock.
We spend the rest of the day in shock.
June 23, 2006
Evening
Chris takes me shopping after dinner.
He buys a crib.
He buys a crib mattress.
He buys a play pen.
He buys a high chair.
He buys diapers, baby wipes, and sippy cups.
I make him put the baby bath tub back because we’ll get that at our shower.
He feels better knowing that we’re ready.
I just LOVE this man.
Isn’t he cute?
I feel better, too.
June 24, 2006
My company picnic at Geauga Lake Amusement Park.
The van overheats one mile from the house.
We wait two hours for the mechanic to fix the van.
Chris tells everyone in the mechanic shop that I’m pregnant.
They go outside to smoke their cigarettes.
We finally get to Geauga Lake, but I can’t ride any rides.
No roller coasters.
No water slides.
No wave pool.
We watch some shows and eat.
I pig out on Loaded Park Fries and Funnel Cake with Strawberries.
We ride the Ferris Wheel.
I’m afraid of the Ferris Wheel.
June 25, 2006
We go to church.
Chris tells Laura that I’m pregnant.
I wanted to wait, but I play volleyball with her and I can’t play anymore.
She wouldn’t believe a lie, so she got the truth.
Laura is excited.
She will be a sponsor for the baptism.
June 26, 2006
I’m still in shock, but the morning sickness (all day sickness), constipation, fatigue, and breast tenderness all remind me that this is really happening.
I’m thankful for these symptoms.
Otherwise, I would be in denial.
June 27, 2006
We’re already 5 weeks pregnant!
Time flies when you have a bun in the oven!
Ambitions
I've been trying to keep a journal since I found out I was pregnant, but I simply can't write as fast as I can type. This is very important to me, so I don't want my journal keeping project to end the same way my wedding album project ended.
Just for the record, the wedding album project is not over, it is simply a work in progress. Can you think of a better tenth wedding anniversary gift for Chris, my darling husband? I can't think of a better anniversary gift, either, so I need to keep this project as an option. I knew you would understand.
Anyway, you got me off subject...
So far, I'm 5 weeks pregnant.
There's a lot of catching up to do already...how did I get to this point in my life, the events of the last couple of months, my reaction to the news, etc.
Lots of looking back to do and so many expectations for the future!
Just for the record, the wedding album project is not over, it is simply a work in progress. Can you think of a better tenth wedding anniversary gift for Chris, my darling husband? I can't think of a better anniversary gift, either, so I need to keep this project as an option. I knew you would understand.
Anyway, you got me off subject...
So far, I'm 5 weeks pregnant.
There's a lot of catching up to do already...how did I get to this point in my life, the events of the last couple of months, my reaction to the news, etc.
Lots of looking back to do and so many expectations for the future!
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