21 Weeks and a Baby-moon

The 21 week mark. Before that, the ultrasound and the 20-weeks prenatal visit.

Ultrasound went fine. It was so long, the sonographer measured everything. Your length, size, 10 fingers and 10 toes, mouth, nose, eyes, arms, legs, heart, veins, etc etc. By the size of it, you were 19 weeks and 4 days. It's normal for the day count to change a few. Adik came along with us. The sonographer has an idea if you're a girl or boy but it's not even 50% sure. The lady even said not to start painting the bedroom blue/pink yet. I've a sure idea what it is but we're trying our best to keep in mind.

Dr. Chandler mentioned the placenta's looking a little too low for her liking at this stage. It's 17mm from the cervix. She'd like to see the placenta move upwards as my belly grows bigger leaving at least 2 or 3cms distant to the cervix for a good measurement to normal delivery. She scheduled me for another ultrasound to have a look at the placenta (and also for another try at gender look) at 34 weeks and I am banned from heavy lifting and too much walking.

My back hurts. I don't know if it's torn muscles or it's the pregnancy. Mostly it's at the upper top of my backbone which to my common sense wouldn't be because of the baby. Baby's only ever slightly above my belly button so the pain should be on my lower back as it was before. It's worst at night especially when I'm tired and only a complete vertical lie down would ease the pain. I'm scheduling for a chiro soon.

And baby, you kick so hard now I can actually feel your bones when I get up in the morning. On Sunday, Daddy and I hit Surfer's Paradise's beach and we went straight for the waves. It was so strong and HUGE! I tumbled once under the water and got worried. Lie down trying to feel you move and you did. Twice. Took a while though but you did. Relieved, I set back down to the beach but only at knee level.

Sometime during the stay with the fam, we managed to get your car seat, few clothes (Mama chose), a duffel bag to stuff your things in and mine and a big handbag for our outings. In GC, we got you a plain white outfit (Daddy chose), and at Movieworld I bought a blue Tazmanian Devil outfit and a white Bugs Bunny outfit. Also, a head-gear at Pumpkin Patch. So, you're unborn and shopping around. Hmm.. =)

Week 21: Look Mommy, I'm dreaming!

Fetal development in pregnancy week 21: Fetus in fifth month Your beautiful little miracle-gro baby will be putting on a full ounce and a half this week (and weighing up to 16.5 ounces), but that’s just the beginning! Within the next five weeks, they’ll really be packin’ it on! For now, we’re pleased to report the addition of rapid eye movement (REM) a key component to any healthy baby’s sleep schedule. While in the dermatology department: their thin soft skin is very red, rather translucent, and a bit wrinkled. Not to worry, it’s not a premature aging disease. It's just their clever little body setting them up with extra space that will smooth out once your little one starts packing on the baby-fat. That won’t be for a few more weeks, though. So for the time being, your munchkin is still a little lean mean growing machine! The beginnings of what is commonly called “brown fat” is just starting to fill in to help your baby retain some body heat, which is crucial as they’re not yet capable of regulating their own body temperature.

And how's mom doing? We’ve hit trimester two and you're in full-swing pregnancy mode. Most moms are feeling pretty good right about now. Funnily enough, you may already be noticing some mild uterine contractions—don’t panic, this is completely normal. Actually, your uterus contracts throughout your whole life—only now that there’s enough pressure on the uterine muscles you can feel them more distinctly when they contract.

If you’re still deciding whether or not to buy gender-specific clothing, it’s time to bite the bullet and head in for an ultrasound... unless you’re not the planning type. Now that we have the technology, it’s fairly obvious to modern couples that determining the sex early on makes it easier to plan ahead, prepare the nursery, inform the family and purchase the right colored cigars. Of course to some parents, that’s not the point. You're going to love your little one whether they've got a cheeseburger or hot dog. Really though, many couples enjoy the suspense and choose to leave the sex as a final surprise. Talk with your partner and figure out what feels right for you. Just keep in mind that once you know, you can’t turn back!

Melbourne trip was fine. Tiring but good. Daddy and Papa did most of the driving while I navigate (as best I can). Daddy and I both are doing it again soon. And yes, the Great Ocean Road trip as well. I'll update pictures soon.

For now, the house is full with food, laundry's to be done, floor to be swept and rest rest rest for me =) Oh and I've a nasty sunburn on both legs. It's all red almost purplish, stings and swollen. Ouch!