39 Weeks

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, about the size of a mini-watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

38 Weeks

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she is over 19 1/2 inches long (about the size of a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Baby Sprinkle!

Sunday was our Baby Sprinkle! The ladies did a wonderful job. 

The theme was "Apple of Mommy's eye" apples everywhere, Apple cider, apple cake, apple pie. The whole thing was adorable.

The cake was adorable - the very hungry catapiller was wrapped around the cake with yummy fondant apples. 

Thank you to everyone who attended. Thank you for all of your hard work Jane, Becky, Dana and Stephi! Love you! 

2 weeks to go!

Baby Girl

You're furniture has arrived! Now we just have to set it all up! Neeno and Poppy sold the house on Silverside today.  Now every room of the house has furniture, it's very exciting. 

Mommy is a klutz and she tripped going into a store yesterday. For lack of a better word, I did a belly flop on the floor. I was really worried about you so I went back to the doctors again today. (I was just there for a regular appointment yesterday!) They did an ultrasound to make sure you were ok and that mommy didn't squish you. You are fine, sleeping, practice breathing and your little heart beating away. What a wonderful sight! The bonus of being a klutz...more pictures of you!!! I'm so glad you are ok. I feel much better now. 

You currently have a case of the hiccups. What a fun feeling. 

Only 2 weeks until it's go time! I can't wait to meet you! 

Love

Mommy

Picture disclaimer - 3d picture. Aubrey's arm is across her mouth, you can see her nose and one eye. 

37 Weeks

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

36 Weeks

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long (about the size of a head of romaine lettuce). She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

35 Weeks

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 (about the size of 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.

34 Weeks

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (about the size of a cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her 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.

PINK

After a great debate today at Lowes we painted Aubrey's room. It's "Prom Pink" and a little darker then Pepto Bismol. It's actually not as bad as I thought it would be. Now we just have to wait for her furniture to arrive! Just over 5 weeks until we get to see your little face! 

33 Weeks

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark (about the size of a pineapple). He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a cone head-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

32 Weeks

By now, your baby weighs 3 3/4 pounds (about the size of a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

31 Weeks

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3 1/3 pounds (about the size of a coconut) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

30 Weeks

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost 3 pounds (about the size of a large cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will shrink as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Baby's New House!

We officially moved in today! We are so excited to be spending our first night in our new house. Our neighbors have been great and we had a wonderful group of friends help us move today. I couldn't be more grateful for all of the help we received today and the past two days! 

I can't wait for all the wonderful things that will happen in this house. Bringing home baby Aubrey, our first Christmas here, birthday parties and so much more! 

 

29 Weeks

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (about the size of a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

11 weeks to go!

I just did a little count and there are 11 weeks until you are here.  I am very excited to meet you and look at your little face.

Some news, we are closing on the house next Thursday, August 1st.  So exciting!  Kaitlyn was able to go to house yesterday with us and see the inside for the first time.  She is very excited about your rooms, that they are right next to each other and that you are sharing a bathroom.  I will have to remember these moments when  you are both teenagers and fighting over the space. :-)  As we were sitting in the house I realized that is where we will bring you home and where you will have all of your firsts; first step, first word and so many more.

So back to packing and preparing to move.

28 Weeks

By this week, your baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Daddy!

Last night daddy got to see and feel you moving! Normally you stop the moment anyone touches my belly but last night you were dancing all over. Her laid his head on my belly for some daddy daughter time to feel you moving. You put on quite a show. 

Kaitlyn is still freaked out by it a bit and doesn't want to feel you move but she talks to you all the time.

Your Great Grandfather

Aubrey,

We received some sad news late last week.  Your Great Grandfather, Papa Jay, is very sick.  He has a brain tumor and was given a short amount of time that he will still be with us.  As I digest this news and cry for the man that took care of me when I was sick, went on my class field trips with me, video taped all the big moments in my life and generally spoiled me rotten.  I also cry for you.  I can not describe how sad I am that you may never meet this wonderful man.  He will never watch you ride the rides in Rehoboth, video tape your Christmas concerts and birthday fashion shows, or just hold your hand as you go for a walk.

Papa Jay has influenced so many people who will be in your life that I know you will still "know" him even if you never get to meet him.  The hugs when you walk in the door, the smiles and laughter as we retell stories over and over, the big family get togethers, the desire to look at the dessert menu first so you know how much room you need to save, the hidden stash of peanut m&m's where there will always be a dr. pepper and the two handed waves from the end of the driveway until you can't see them anymore in the mirror are all things that Papa Jay has instilled in our family.

The last time I went to see Papa Jay, before we knew his diagnosis, he asked about you.  How you were doing and how I was feeling.  He loves you just like he loves every one of us and I know that he always will.  I hope that you do get to meet him.  That I can get a picture of him holding you or sitting with you.  But if I can't I want you to know how much you are loved and I want him to know that it's ok.  I know he will watch over you and all of us.

I love you baby girl. I love you Papa Jay.

Love,
Mommy

27 Weeks & A New House

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

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

Our offer was accepted on the house last Friday!  YAY for the bank finally getting it all together.  Now we just need to schedule closing and do all the fun stuff that leads up to it like title search, inspections and .... packing.  OYE!  Big sister Kaitlyn is with her Grammy & Pops this week so hopefully we will be able to get a lot done.  I'm so excited about this house!  I can't wait!

26 Weeks

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about 1 2/3 pounds and measures 14 inches (about the size of a scallion) from head to heel

25 weeks!

How your baby's growing

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — 1 1/2 pounds — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.





It has been a crazy week.  Big Sister Kaitlyn turned 4 and had a party with her friends at the house.  When I left my doctors appointment on Wednesday some guy backed into the two week old van, told me he would take care of it...then told his insurance company that I hit him!  UGH!  On top of my first semester of grad school coming to an end and constant papers, preparing a presentation.  The first week of summer school.  Jury duty.  Can you tell I have been a little stressed!  But it all melts away when I feel Aubrey rolling and kicking around in there.  I think that my belly has dropped and is sitting lower then in previous weeks, but I could just be crazy. I have had a lot of pain in my hip, lower back and pelvis bone (remember it didn't heal correctly after I had Kaitlyn).  I think mostly cause to constant motion this week.  I will take it.  Aubrey will be here before we know it!

In other news we should be hearing something about the offer we have in on a new house this week.  Please keep your fingers crossed!!  Just over 3 months until Aubrey makes her arrival.  Kaitlyn is very excited and tells me all the time that she is going to give Pumpkin her bottles and and help change her diapers even the stinky one. She loves to snuggle and talk to her sister...who talks back according to Kaitlyn.  She tells me pumpkin tells all kinds of things.  It is really cute to see her bonding with her baby sister even before she arrives.  Here are a few pictures of Kaitlyn snuggling her baby sister.  We love you Aubrey can't wait to meet you!

24 Weeks!

We have hit the 6 month mark!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at about 1 1/3 pounds. Since he's almost a foot long (about the size of an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

23 weeks

 

 

How your baby's growing:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about the size of a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.



23 weeks - 17 to go!

Hello World

We had to go back for more ultra sound stuff today. Much better then last time! Aubrey was still moving and shaking but they got everything they needed. She is about 1 lb now which is right on track. She looks a lot like Kaitlyn in my opinion. 

22 Weeks

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

At 11 inches and almost 1 pound (about the size of a spaghetti squash), your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. 

 If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

10/10

As long as Aubrey stays in the oven for her whole recommended cooking time her birthday will be October 10th. 

10/10/13! 

The C section is all scheduled. Check in at 10 and the party starts at 12. 

Now we will see how much of a show off this little one is. Is she a true actress and will arrive exactly on cue? Or is she a drama queen and will demand to go on early? Only time will tell. 

21 Weeks

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — about the size of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.

Show Off

I had a doctors appointment yesterday and the doctor called Aubrey a "Show Off".

When she went to "find" her by feeling my belly she was "right where she should be".  When she tried to find the heartbeat she got it on the first try and it sounded "perfect".  She said "What a show off!" with a big smile on her face.

This got me thinking about the little dancing baby that was on that ultrasound screen.  I was talking to Shaun about it and we think she is a little show off. She always seems to be saying "look at me!"

Shaun thinks we are in trouble. We already have a director, now we are getting an actress too.  :-)

I love my little show off!

20 Weeks - Half way there!

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)
He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system.

19 Weeks

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

The verdict is in!

After the craziest ultra sound ever... Over and hour of having my stomach smashed around which has left me feeling like someone punched me in the gut repeatedly. Being told we would have to come back in a few weeks because our little pumpkin was moving around too much and wouldn't hold still for her pictures. Then having the doctor come in to try to get the pictures the tech couldn't. 

We are proud to announce that Kaitlyn is having a little SISTER! 

Kaitlyn loved hearing pumpkins heart beat her face was priceless. She was a little overwhelmed due to the length of the appointment so she didn't really catch the announcement that the baby is a girl. When the tech left before the dr came in we started to ask Kaitlyn about her sister and what her name is. Kaitlyn started to get excited and wanted to go back to "that store we were at the other day" to get the "tutu dresses". 

So after we left the appointment (with one picture... We had about 12 of Kaitlyn). We went to Babies R Us and let Kaitlyn shop for her baby sister. She picked out 3 outfits and a snuggle blanket/animal. 

So the next question everyone wants to know is... Names? We have known the 
names of potential future children since we decided Kaitlyn's name. Aubrey Kelly Gines. She will have the same initials as her Grammy. 

Little Aubrey was VERY active while we were watching her. She was moving her hands and feet all over the place. It even looked like she had both hands resting under her head at one point. The doctor said she has all of her parts and organs look good. She is right on track with her growth and looks good. Happy Parents! Happy Big Sister! 

We love you Aubrey! Almost halfway there!

Also a note in the fancy level 2 ultra sound... I think I saw every bone in the baby's body. But I didn't get a lot of the cute here just stare at your baby's profile and count their toes. That I got with Kaitlyn. I'm sure they are great for really checking out organs but I preferred the slightly fuzzier pictures we have of Kaitlyn. Who knows. I'm just happy she's a healthy baby! 

Pink or Blue??

Today is Ultra Sound day!  Our appointment is at 4:30 this afternoon which feels like forever right now!

What do you think baby will be?

Take the poll over to the right and let us know what you think!

Hello in there...

Hello in there Pumpkin...

I can feel you moving around.  I love you too!

18 Weeks

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Thinking of you...

Today when we were out shopping Kaitlyn wanted to buy matching dresses for herself and pumpkin. She still insists you are a girl. Daddy had to talk her down. 

Daddy bought you a "squirt" toy. Squirt from Finding Nemo. He has been eyeing the Disney baby toys for a while, now he has an excuse. It makes mommy smile. 

Our ultra sound is on Tuesday at 4:30pm. Everyone is very excited to see you. Don't be shy, let us know if you are a boy or a girl. ;) 

Mommy loves you! 

How are you feeling?

What is the most asked question recently?

"How are you feeling?"

Generally I have felt pretty good.  Kaitlyn and I battled a stomach bug last week but other then that I feel good.  My energy has come back, I generally feel pretty good.  The biggest issue right now is heart burn.

Shaun and I went to my appointment last week and everything looks good.  Baby pumpkin was very cooperative and we were able to hear the heart beat easily.  I can't tell you  how much I love hearing that sound!  Zantac twice a day for my heartburn until they see me again.

When we got home I told Kaitlyn that I went to the doctors and they used a big microphone to listen to Pumpkins heartbeat.  She got so excited and asked me if I had a big microphone she could listen to the babies heart beat with.  She cracks me up.

We have our ultrasound appointment next week and will hopefully find out if Pumpkin is a boy or a girl!  We will have to wait and see!

17 Weeks

See the bigger picture.

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

16 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's 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 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.

15 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (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. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

Dear Pumpkin

Dear Pumpkin,

I just wanted to share a few things with you.  Your daddy wanted you to have your own blog that was about you.  I will do my best to keep it updated. 

Why Pumpkin?  Kailtyn is 100% sure she is having a baby sister.  She has told us, first mommy will have my baby sister, then my other baby sister, then my baby brother.  We will see how good she is at predicting the future. We didn't want Kaitlyn to get too stuck on the idea of you being a girl or a boy so we decided to call you pumpkin.  It works pretty well, Daddy and I can avoid saying "he" or "she" when we talk about you and how you are growing.  Kaitlyn attached to the idea right away and started to kiss mommy's belly and rub it, she likes to tell you how much she loves you and kiss you good night.  But she still tells everyone "my baby sister is in mommy's belly and her name is pumpkin".  Oh well, we tried.

Love you already,
Mommy

Kaitlyn's Big Announcement

Kaitlyn was finally able to share our big secret with the family on Easter.

"I'm going to be a big sister!!"  She is very proud.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This was how I told Shaun.  It was still very eary so we decided to try to keep baby # 2 a secret until we were able to get my whole family together.  The goal was Easter.