Brooke weeks 3-6

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Brooke Week 2

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2 Week Check up

We had our two week check up this morning with Dr. Black.  She said I am looking great and am a growing little girl!  I had to get my first shot today and I cried, so did Mommy, but once we snuggled, everything was all better!!  Our next appointment is in two weeks!

Birth weight: 6lbs 4oz
2 week weight: 7lbs 1.5oz
15th percentile

Birth length: 18.75 inches
2 week length: 20 inches
36th percentile

Head: 14 inches
59th percentile!

It was Daddy's birthday yesterday and we went out to breakfast and on some errands.  I did so great!  The rest of the day, I just hung out with Daddy at home.  Happy Birthday, Daddy!!

Brooke Week 1

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Brooke is HERE!!

Check out who won the baby pool!
www.bebepool.com/brookewerner

Doesn't seem fair, does it?  :-P

Will post pictures soon!!

39-40 Weeks

Think this will be my last post???  We sure hope so!  
We had our 39 weeks and 5 day check up yesterday and Brooke seems to be preparing herself.  I am 60-70% efface and a 1/2 centimeter dilated.  Our next appointment is a week from today and if we make it that far then we will have an ultrasound, non-stress test and a doctors appointment (all standard procedure post-term).  At that time, they will also schedule an induction date early the following week (probably).
The good news is the past two evenings, I have had regular braxton hicks contractions that have felt stronger than they have before and last night was stronger than the night before.  HOWEVER, they go away when I lay down.  BOOOOOO.  Hoping this is a slow lead up to the real thing!  If it is any indication how labor will start, looks like it will be in the middle of the night!
Adam is trying to get any last minute work done and I am trying to keep the house fairly straight so when it is time, we are ready!  Everything is packed and sitting in Brooke's room, just waiting for the green light.

Mood: I am anxious and starting to be impatient.  After last nights "contractions" it made me a little nervous knowing this is going to happen anytime, whether we are ready or not!  I am trying to keep myself busy.

Energy: Probably the same as last week.  I have been trying to stay very busy, but some days I need more sleep than others.  I am up almost every hour at night and some nights can't get back to sleep, so after a few of those in a row, I usually take a nap during the day.

Cravings: I'm just not in the mood to watch what I eat anymore.  Just give me the sweets!!!!  HAHA!  (I get full much faster though!) 

Nausea: Last night when I was having the strong braxton hicks, I felt nauseous.  Not sure if it was just last night or if this will happen regularly. 

Total Weight Gain: 31 pounds 

BEW update (per Babycenter):
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, 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.

40 Weeks:
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.

38 Weeks

I'm a little late posting this week, because technically tomorrow I will be 39 weeks!  YIKES!!  We are going to have a baby girl before we know it!  I am so excited and yet starting to get nervous again.  We had our check up with Dr. Adams yesterday and she said that Miss Brooke has definitely dropped very low and my body is preparing itself!  (No dilation yet, but all other signs are good!)  Dad told me that Mom had contractions before her water broke, so I'm hoping she passes that on to me, so there are no "surprises" and we can slowly prepare to leave for the hospital. (AKA, we can shower, etc.)
Brooke's heartrate is at 160, so still in the normal range and she is still moving like crazy!  Giving me some good kicks and punches.  I also had my whooping cough shot yesterday, which the doctors recommend now, so I can pass immunities onto her before she is born.  There have been so many outbreaks of this lately, why take the chance!

Not that the Werner Family doesn't have enough excitement coming in the months ahead, but Adam also received amazing news at work.  AGAIN!!!  He was asked to be a part of the team that will open a new PHH office in Buffalo, NY.  NO, WE ARE NOT MOVING!!!  Adam, will be in Buffalo temporarily from April until possibly December, but no longer than that. It is an amazing career opportunity for him and huge resume booster.  I couldn't be more proud of Adam both for being such an amazing husband and not-too-distant future Daddy!

Mood: Adam is very ready.  He has been ready for weeks.  I think I am ready now, but after my appointment yesterday, knowing that she is really getting ready and could come anyday now; I am definitely more nervous!

Energy: Adam says I am getting my burst of energy and doing some major nesting right now.  We have non-stop things to do to feel like the house is clean and ready for her!
Cravings: Well, I feel like the same as normal, but considering I have gained 7 pounds in 3 weeks, I guess I am eating more?  Or she has had a huge growth spurt!! 

Nausea: None

Total Weight Gain: 31 pounds

BEW update (per Babycenter):
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like 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 Brooke Guessing Game!

http://bebepool.com/BrookeWerner

Yes, the time has come! Only 11 days to go, so we thought we would have a little fun over the next week to week and a half and have a Baby Pool to see when everyone thinks Miss Brooke Elizabeth Werner will arrive. Click on the link and enter your thoughts. We can't wait to see what everyone thinks!

Love,
Adam and Charlotte (aka DADDY AND MOMMY!!!!)

HINT: Her due date is October 19. :-)

37 Weeks = FULL TERM!!

Three (ish) weeks to go!!  Brooke is welcome to come anytime she likes at this point, although I have a feeling she will be late like her Mommy and Daddy!
Doctors appointment last week was informative.  We had the Group B Strep test and also checked if I am dilating yet and I am not.  I would have been very surprised if I was.  Her heart rate is still at a strong 140 and she is a growing little girl!  My iron is also still a little below the level they want in spite of my prescription, so I am *Attempting* to eat more broccoli.  I guess more than I was eating, at least!  Next appointment is tomorrow with Dr. Bing.

Daddy had a nice weekend of rest because he has been working so much, so I know he is ready for her to come too so that he can have a couple of weeks off!

We had our maternity pictures taken on Sunday by a very talented photographer named Megan Bond.  Didn't she do an AMAZING job?!?!?!?  She is still working on some of the editing, so I can't wait to order some prints once she is done.  We took them in her backyard and also at the front of our neighborhood.  Adam was such a good sport, because Megan and I both had a bunch of neat ideas from Pinterest that he had to try with us!  :-)

Mood: Getting excited!  At this point I am more excited than nervous, so I hope to stay that way!

Energy: Same as last week.  I am sleeping really well when I do sleep, so that is very helpful. It gives me the energy to get things done around the house after work.  I do nap every now and then, but probably only once a week or less.  Although, I hear from some mom's that I should "practice napping" so I have an easier time sleeping when she sleeps?  I was born a BOND; therefore, don't think I need the practice!  LOL

Cravings: No cravings other than the usual, but I feel like I am eating more, so I need to slow it down!

Nausea: None

Total Weight Gain: 28 pounds (ugh, almost to my max of 30, guess I will be going over that.  Poo!)

BEW update (per Babycenter):

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 (like a stalk 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.

Maternity Pictures

Our photographer is VERY talented!!

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Baby Shower Pictures

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36 Weeks

Four weeks until our beautiful baby girl is here!  It is hard to believe (still!) that a person, A BABY, is growing in my belly and that if she was born right now, would look like a person.  God is AMAZING!

We finished our birthing and breast feeding classes and Adam and I both agree that they helped us with the reality of what will happen.  We know nothing can fully prepare you for labor, delivery and a new baby, but we at least have a better idea of what to expect and how to prepare.
This past weekend we cleaned out my car and installed the car seat.  My goal this weekend is to get all of our bags packed just in case anything unexpected arises!

Mood: Doing good!  Dr's appt today and Caleb and Seth birthday party this weekend.  Very excited!
Energy: Sleep has been better this week.  I think I may have found the most comfortable position with all the pillows.  I am still waking up every 1.5-2 hours to go to the bathroom, but my comfort level has definitely improved! 
Cravings: To have a healthy baby girl! heehee!  I have been hungry more often, because I can't eat as much in one sitting without being uncomfortable.
Nausea: None
Total Weight Gain: 26 pounds
BEW this week (per BabyCenter):

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. 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

Oh MY Goodness, look at that belly!!!!  I really think she has had a huge growth spurt this week!  Brooke is getting really good at laying on my bladder and jabbing me in the sides, but I love to feel all her movements!

My doctors appointment was rescheduled because two of the doctors were called out for an emergency, so I won't have any updates on that end until next week (and by then I will be almost full term!!!).

This weekend, we plan to get my car cleaned out and the car seat installed along with packing of our hospital bags.  Besides that, we are just going to relax, hang out and watch some football with friends since we won't get to do much of that for a while!

The second birthing class was really good!  It went into more detail about pain medication, the different stages of labor, pushing and breathing.  I think Adam and I both learned a lot.  Tonight is our breastfeeding class and I'm hoping to get a lot out of it, also.

Mood: Starting the feeling of: ok, I think I could handle going into labor soon.  I'm getting so big and uncomfortable, the "joys" of being pregnant are beginning to not be as appreciated as they have been!
Energy: It's ok.  I'm out of breath easy and sleeping is becoming quite a challege.  I'm having a lot of hip pain at night, so I have been trying a million different ways to get comfortable in the bed.  Luckily, while I am actually asleep, I am sleeping well.  
Cravings: Still, nothing unusual!
Nausea: Haven't had any heartburn this week, so maybe it was just a few days and then went away?  Cross my fingers!
Total Weight Gain: 24 pounds
BEW this week (per BabyCenter):
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.

34 Weeks

We had our 34 week checkup today and Miss Brooke is right on track. I am measuring where I should be and her heartbeat is in the 140's still. No contractions yet, and we are totally okay with that! Dr. Adams asked me if I had any or not and thank goodness, no! We start weekly doctor visits now, so my next appt is Thursday. Still can't believe it!

Adam is in Orlando this weekend with his Dad getting my car all fixed up before she arrives. I wish he wasn't gone again, but we are so thankful for Bob to help with my car and save us literally thousands of dollars, since we can really use that when Brooke gets here and I am not working!

We started our childbirth classes this week. So far it is just a review of what I already know, but I think Adam learned a little bit! Next class is Monday.

Mood: Our birthing classes are making me anxious because it is a reality check of what is coming VERY SOON!
Energy: The smallest things make me out of breath.  Not sleeping well isn't helping either!
Cravings: I'm running out of room in my stomach, so food isn't quite as exciting now-a-days.  :-)
Nausea: Figured out that I am having heartburn.  I've never had it before, so I didn't even know what it was! HAHA!
Total Weight Gain: 23 pounds
BEW this week (per BabyCenter):
Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average 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.

32-33 Weeks

Miss Brooke is getting soooo big!  She is starting to give me jabs in the side and ribs and have lots of hiccups.

Good news!  I passed my glucose test!  YAY!!  I had a feeling that huge meal at Carrabba's 12 hours before my first test probably had something to do with it (thank goodness!).

We also had our 32 week ultrasound and got to see Brooke with some fat on her.  The coolest thing we saw was her opening and closing her eyes and mouth.  We could also see her foot right before she kicked me, and then she did.  I guess she was just saying hi to Mommy and Daddy!
She is head down already, weighs about 4 lbs 2 oz and is in the 41st percentile for size.  The doctors expect her to be about 7 lbs when she is born.  She also has what appears to be lots of hair!
Here is one of the ultrasound pictures.  It is a little blurry, but you should be able to make out the left side of her face with her eye partly open. Looks like she has chubby cheeks like her Mommy!

Mood: Getting nervous and excited at the same time.  Still have a few things to get done before she demands her entrance!

Energy: Sleeping is not so fun anymore.  Waking up every two hours to either go to the bathroom or flip sides because I am uncomfortable.

Cravings: Sweets!

Nausea: I am noticing that if I eat just a LITTLE too much, it feels like it is hard to keep down, but I haven't felt nauseous or gotten sick.

Total Weight Gain: 21 pounds

BEW this week (per BabyCenter):

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. 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 conehead-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.

31 Weeks

Gotta love my 7 am pictures!  :-)  Nice hair, Charlotte! (complete sarcasm!)

We had an amazing week 31!  The baby shower was so WONDERFUL!  The girls all worked so hard to make it perfect, and it was!!!  We are so blessed to have so many friends and family that traveled near and far just to celebrate with us.  Brooke is going to be one spoiled little girl!  Will post some pictures of the shower once we have them downloaded.

I had my second glucose test yesterday.  It didn't seem to affect me nearly as bad as the first, but I was still very tired all day from that "sugar crash" feeling.  

Maternity pictures are next week and so is our 32 week ultrasound!  We can't wait to see our baby girl with some fat on her!

Mood: Still doing good!  Can't believe that we only have 2 months to go.  I still can't believe that we are having a baby!
Energy: Starting to waiver!  Sleep is not coming as easy and not as easy getting chores done.
Cravings: Same as usual.
Nausea: None this week.
Total Weight Gain: 21 pounds

BEW this week (per BabyCenter):
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She'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

Brooke had her checkup on Wednesday and she is looking GREAT!  We saw Dr. Bing this week, who we love, and we got to schedule the next sonogram for August 29th!  We will look at Brooke's size and position at that one. 
My iron is still below what it should be even with my prescription, so am going to try to eat some more salads and broccoli.  My glucose test re-do will be sometime next week, as well. (BOOOOO!)

This is a pre-thank you to Jessica, Megan and Kristen for hosting our shower for us this weekend. I know they have worked so hard to make it a perfect day and we are so excited!  Adam and I are so lucky and thankful to have such wonderful and supportive friends and family that are going to be there with us (in person and in spirit!).
Mood: Excited!  The baby shower is this weekend and we can't wait to see everyone!  The girls have been working so hard and we are so thankful that they are hosting for us!
Energy: Starting to waiver!  Sleep is not coming as easy and not as easy getting chores done.
Cravings: Same as usual.
Nausea: None this week.
Total Weight Gain: 20 pounds

BEW this week (per BabyCenter):
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease 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.)

29 Weeks

Adam's first thought after he took this picture? "HEE HEE, your stomach is getting BIIIGGGG!!!"
It is still hard for me to believe when I see myself in a mirror that THAT is me!  I am the one with the big belly and a baby girl in there!

Big news for the Werner house this week!  Adam received a promotion at work!!!  He is now a Team Leader (not sure the name of his official position).  This is going to be so wonderful for our family, especially because he will be able to take full advantage of his 5 weeks of vacation that he will begin accruing on August 12th for his 10 year anniversary at PHH.  He will have lots of time to be home and be a Daddy!  I am so proud of him and thankful for all the hard work he has put in to get to where he is!

Mood: Well, I was a little grumpy yesterday because I was tired, but I guess that happens to all of us!  :-)

Energy: Starting to have shortness of breath if I do too much at once, but still having good energy.

Cravings: Same as usual.  Brett came over for dinner last night and I was snacking on a slice of apple and she thought it was a slice of ONION!  HAHA!  Gross!

Nausea: Little bit.  Discovering I can't eat as much! 

Total Weight Gain: 18 pounds

BEW this week (per BabyCenter):

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like 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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

28 Weeks - Beginning of 3rd Trimester

We had a great Doctor's appointment this week!  Dr. Walsh said that Brooke sounds great and that she is measuring exactly 28 weeks!  She is a growing girl!  Also, good news, my iron is almost up to where it should be!  I have to eat more red meat and the Dr. told me that Adam needs to take me to a steak dinner.  No arguing with Dr's orders!  :-)

Adam (aka Daddy!) and Uncle Charles have been busy this week working on Brooke's room.  The room is all painted and the chair rail up.  Will post pictures soon.

Mood: Good - have been very busy at work and with embroidery orders!  Our little business has picked up recently!  :-)

Energy: Feeling great! Trying to make sure I am resting enough and keeping my feet up.  Brooke comes first!
Cravings: Sweets. I could literally eat them all day, BUT, I don't!  Had some popcorn last night from Target.  The salty tasted really good too.  LOL, but of course it does.  Who DOESN'T want sweet and salty all the time?!!??

Nausea: None

Total Weight Gain: 18 pounds

BEW this week (per BabyCenter):
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) 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.

27 Weeks

ANOTHER crazy week in the Werner lives!

Adam went to Las Vegas over the weekend and had a great time celebrating his friend Mike's Bachelor Party, but spent entirely too much money!  (no surprise there)
Meanwhile, I watched Addison and Ansley from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.  Can I just say that I have so much respect for Mother's and have NO CLUE how they get ANYTHING done, EVER?!?!?!?!?  How do you keep up with two children AND keep your house clean AND get errands done AND make your husband happy????
Adam and I know we have a whole new adventure coming in October, so it will be interesting adjusting our lives to meet all our new demands.  We know it will be tough, but can't wait to meet our baby girl!

On a different note, I had my glucose tolerance test last week.  I was borderline pass/fail.  I am really hoping it was high because we ate Carrabba's and dessert 12 hours before I took the test.  Not really sure what I was thinking!  I think I wasn't thinking at all!  Luckily, Dr. Greene is having me retake the 1 hour test, rather than going straight to the 3 hour. I will retake the test between 30-32 weeks.  Let's all pray for lower numbers!

Mood: Good - happy to have my husband home after two LONG weekends gone!

Energy: Feeling great!  Hoping these iron pills are working!

Cravings: Sweets.  I could literally eat them all day, BUT, I don't!

Nausea: None

Total Weight Gain: 16 pounds 

BEW this week (per BabyCenter):

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like 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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

26 Weeks

I am really starting to wonder if I am in the 3rd trimester yet (sarcasm!). . . It's just so hard to believe that my stomach is going to get much larger and Brooke is going to triple her weight!  I already feel so big already!

This past week has been so busy!  Adam was out of town for his annual "Ryan's Birthday weekend getaway to Atlanta" to be super lazy and play a bunch of golf.  He had a great time and when he got home, looked at my belly and said, wow, you are really round!!  haha!  I think he was in La La Land for the weekend and is trying to get back to reality that we have a baby to prepare for!  Lucky for him, he has a bachelor party this weekend in Las Vegas, so he has one more weekend of fun, before he starts his Daddy Do List.  :-)
I spent the weekend trying to get some baby clothes washed and organizing done, so I can be somewhat prepared by the time the shower gets here.  I still have to separate into drawers and hang up dresses, but hopefully can have that done in the next few weekends.

We had our 26 week check up yesterday.  Dr. Greene says Brooke is very NORMAL!  Love hearing that!  She even kicked him a couple of times while he was trying to listen to her heartbeat.  Apparently, she is a little feisty one because she is also stealing all her Mommy's iron to keep herself healthy.  Dr. Greene put me on prescription iron supplements and I will go back in 2 weeks for a recheck.  He said I will just start my every two week appointments now.  Tomorrow morning I have my glucose screening scheduled for 7:45, hopefully we will know those results by our next blog post.

Mood: Good - starting to stress about everything we have to do, especially since Adam is out of town.  Just can't believe our life is going to change so dramatically in only 3 months!

Energy: Feeling great!  Although, apparently my iron was so low that I should be feeling sluggish.  So my thought is if I feel like I have been feeling great, then once these iron supplements kick in, I will feel like a new woman!  HAHA!
Cravings: Don't feel like I have been craving anything unusual, since pre-pregnancy I loved cereal and mexican.  That seems to be what I want now.

Nausea: None

Total Weight Gain: 16 pounds 

BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):

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 a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

See what your baby looks like this week.

25 Weeks

We still can't believe that we have already made it to the 25 week mark.  Miss Brooke has been getting bigger and stays active.  Luckily, she isn't waking me up at night yet, but her kicks are getting stronger, so I know its coming soon!  I can also now tell the difference between the hiccups and the kicks and movements.  I never was sure about the hiccups before.

Doing the everyday chores around the house are definitely getting harder.  Vacuuming seems to now be Adam's chore.  I don't think I mind this AT ALL!  Can't imagine how we will get anything done once we have a baby, let alone 2 in the future!

Our monthly doctors appointment is next Tuesday, so will update again next week!

Mood: Doing good and staying busy

Energy: Still having the nice 2nd trimester energy.

Cravings: Still the same, no cravings!
Nausea: None

Total Weight Gain: 16 pounds (as you can see, my tank top almost doesn't fit, will have to change my weekly outfit soon!)

BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — 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.

24 Weeks

This last week or two have really been a turning point for "feeling pregnant".  My stomach (and OTHER THINGS) have really gotten bigger and I have NOTICED!  16 Weeks to go and she still has a lot of growing to do, so I better get used to it!

Adam and I have been busy working on the nursery and finishing up the gift registry for the shower on August 18th.  The nursery is about half way painted right now and will hopefully be done by this coming up weekend.  The furniture is already here, too!! Will have pictures of the nursery soon!

Mood: Good!  Trying to keep my "to do" lists in check and get everything done a little bit at a time.

Energy: The second trimester has been very good to me.  Although, I must admit I have been easily napping lately!

Cravings: No unusual cravings, but have been waking up very hungry in the mornings.  I have been eating a lot of cereal.
Nausea: None

Total Weight Gain: 14 pounds
BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture 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.

22 Weeks

Last week was very busy!  On Tuesday, we had a Doctor's appt and it was our typical in and out.  Heartbeat was great and everything was normal.  Next appt won't be until middle of July.

Adam and I started our vacation on Wednesday after work and headed to Orlando to stay with his parents for the night.  Thursday morning, Adam played golf with his Dad and then after lunch we headed to our resort for 4 days!  The weather did not look promising, but we just crossed our fingers.  Well, apparently that wasn't enough.  We had one good morning of sunshine and then it rained the rest of the time.  Luckily, the resort was BEAUTIFUL, so we just had to enjoy ourselves inside for the next few days.

Top picture is from our last night there.  The restaurant is at the top of the resort and opens to a pool on the 11th floor.  So pretty!

The second picture is from our first night there at one of the italian restaurants.

21 Weeks

Sorry for missing week 20, we were a little busy planning for our LITTLE GIRL!!!!  May I tell you how in shock I was?  I was completely convinced she would be a little boy, but Daddy knew better!  Adam knew she was a girl all along!  The REALLY cool thing about having a little girl, besides the obvious, is she will be the first Werner girl born in 58 YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we got to the ultrasound, Adam and I both were so nervous about making sure she was healthy(which she is!) and anxious to find out the sex.  Once we got into the room, we specifically asked the tech to check all of her parts to make sure she was doing good before telling us the sex.  Well, about half way through, she did a SPREAD EAGLE!  So the tech froze the screen and told us that she was going to reveal the sex because it was such a good shot.  (I am tearing up as I am thinking about this part!) The tech said, "See those 3 lines right there?" and immediately, I started laughing and crying at the same time, literally in hysterics because I was so happy! Didn't realize how much I wanted a little girl!!!!!!!! (probably would have done the same thing for a boy, though) :-)  Also, at the same time, all of Adam's fears went away and he was so excited!  Now, he is all about his little girl!  P.S. she gave us such a good shot of her girly parts that the tech said there was absolutely NO MISTAKING her gender.

I think it took me a few days (at least) to adjust to the thought of having a baby girl. Shopping has not been hard to adjust to though! So many cute girl outfits, it will be hard to control my spending!  Luckily, I have two nieces that have outgrown so many of their outfits, so Miss Werner will be well stocked!

Mood:
WONDERFUL!!! So excited to have a daughter!

Energy: Feeling great! She is kicking up a storm and I am just loving every minute of it. The other night, I think she was actually punching and kicking me at the same time. I know Adam is already tired of me asking him to come feel her kick all the time. LOL

Cravings: Nothing unusual

Nausea: one mini episode
Total Weight Gain: 10 pounds

BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):
Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length 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, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

Baby GIRL Werner Nursery - Phase I

Looking GOOD thanks to a wonderful Daddy (and Uncle) our little girl already has! We took up the carpet that was in the nursery and laid new floors that are easy to clean.  Next phase is closet organizers and paint!

19 Weeks

3 days to go until our ultrasound!

Mood: Good mood this week

Energy: Feeling great!
Cravings: Nothing unusual

Nausea: none this week
Total Weight Gain: 8 pounds

BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):
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.

18 Weeks

We just got back from visiting Dr. Sievert for our 18 week checkup.  She says we have one happy baby!  I am measuring for 18 weeks and the baby has a 160 heartbeat.  Only a week and a half until we find out the sex!

Mood: Good mood this week

Energy: Had a fever on Thursday, but called the nurse, took a tylenol and it went away, just felt drained for the next few days.  Also, worked a lot!

Cravings: Nothing unusual!

Nausea: Actually did have some nausea this week.  It was different than my first trimester nausea, it only lasts a minute or two, but did have that for a few days.  

Total Weight Gain: 8 pounds

BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):

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.

17 Weeks

Good Morning!  I will say that because we took this picture at 7am!  Clearly, I am not fully awake.  :-)

This was a good week!  Very busy too.  Thursday night we went to see Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker and Thompson Square at the Arena.  They were so good!  Then Adam's parents came in on Friday and we went to TPC on Saturday.  My very good friend from college, Kasey, was also here for TPC, so it was a good day!  Sunday was Mother's Day and Judi made me the most beautiful card.  Yes, I started crying!  :-)

Here is a cute picture of Adam and I from the concert:

WELL, I can officially say I have felt the baby!!!!!!!!!  WOOHOO!  I'm pretty sure I have felt the "quickening" for weeks now, but thought it was gas.  Now, I can actually feel bumps or kicks or whatever they are.  They are so obvious that Adam has felt it twice too!!!  Can't wait to tell Dr. Sievert next week!

We also bought a glider and ottoman for the baby room.  It was such a good deal, we couldn't pass it up.  So, that is our first official purchase!  :-)


Mood: Good mood this week

Energy: Was tired after the concert, but other than that, have had good energy this week.

Cravings: Nothing unusual!

Nausea: No nausea, still eating lots as you can see by the next category!  :-)

Weight Gain: 7 (total) pounds

BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):
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

Can't believe we are almost half way through our pregnancy (only 4 weeks to go!).  It seems like time has flown and gone by so slow at the same time. 

This weekend we were very productive in getting the baby room cleaned out.  It's almost time to tear up the carpet. Can't wait to post pictures! This coming up weekend is TPC, so it will be a fun, relaxing weekend!

I think BW grew a lot this past week, he gave me lots of growing pains, but I love it!  There have been a couple of times, I thought I felt him (or HER!) move, but still not sure.
I also had a few "nervous nelly" days, but Adam was right there to calm me down and remind me everything is going great. 

Mood: Had some up days and down days.

Energy: I have been fine most of the week, but am VERY tired today.  I felt like I slept well last night, but still could definitely go to sleep right now!

Cravings: Nothing unusual!

Nausea: None this week, but appetite has picked up.

Weight Gain: 5 pounds

BW1 this week (per BabyCenter):
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

Please don't go into shock that I am actually posting something on our blog. heehee!

We are 15 weeks pregnant! Yay!
Will try to do an update every week:

We saw Dr. Greene a little over a week ago and heard Baby Werner's heartbeat. It sounded great at a strong 158! Next appointment isn't until May 22nd.

We have started working on BW's room. It was kind of our storage room, so there has been lots of cleaning out to do. We are about half way done and then will focus on new floors in there.

Adam has been the BEST Dad-to-be by being so helpful, supportive and patient.

Mood: Great! Got to hear heartbeat AND it was our 4 year Anniversary!
Energy: Doing so much better than first trimester. Rarely feel like napping, but do still like to go to bed around 8:30-9. :-)
Cravings: Nothing unusual!
Nausea: Only when I am super hungry. So much better than first trimester, which was VERY often.
Weight Gain: 4 pounds
BW1 this week (per BabyCenter): 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!