How big is Maddox? - 27 weeks

Sorry I'm posting so late today...I forgot to do it earlier and then we had our first prepared childbirth class tonight from 6-9 so we are just getting home from that.

I'll start out by saying that childbirth class was very informative. It was our first of 4 classes. It is a very eclectic group of people to say the least...lol. Basically tonight we had introductions, talked about the anatomy of the mom while baby is growing and then a brief overview of labor. We talked about and practiced some breathing, visualization and massage techniques as well. We also watched a short video about the stages of labor which showed an actual childbirth and the birth of the placenta which I think Collin thoroughly enjoyed...LOL...I am 100% kidding on that one...he didn't actually watch those parts which I can't really blame him for...it is somewhat disturbing...lol. Anyways, that about covers our first class. I'll let you know how the rest of them go as we have them (every Tuesday for 3 more weeks)

Now on to Mr. Maddox. Let's see how big he is now.


He now weighs a little over 2 pounds and is about 14 1/2 inches long from head to toe around the size of a large head of cauliflower. Dr. G said Maddox will gain about an ounce a week from here on out. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, his brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

I am still feeling pretty good. I think Maddox has decided to camp out on my sciatic nerve which is causing some sharp pains in my lower back when I do certain things like bend over, sit in certain positions or put on my shoes. This is pretty normal from what I have read but it is annoying. I suppose if a little back pain is the worst thing that I experience during this pregnancy then I'm doing really well!!

Mark one more week off the calendar...13 more to go!!

Two Thumbs Up!!

Another positive appointment is in the books :D. Everything looked good and thankfully I passed my glucose tolerance test!! Dr. G started measuring me at this appointment, which means he measures from the top of my pubic bone to the top of my uterus with a measuring tape to see how far along I am and if things are progressing on time. I measured right on track at 27 weeks. Maddox's heartbeat is still strong and around 150 beats per minute!! At this point, I will start going in every 2 weeks and will continue to do so until 36 weeks when I will go every week. I am so thankful that everything is going so smoothly and pray that it continues that way!!

Check back tomorrow to see how much Maddox has grown this week!!

2nd Trimester...CHECK

Well, today officially starts the 3rd trimester for us!! I can't believe it. Our due date is exactly 3 months from today...92 days. It just blows my mind how the time is flying!! I have another doctor's appointment today at 1 so you will be getting two posts today! Get excited...lol. I'll let ya know how it goes. Say a little prayer because I find out if I passed my glucose test!!

Little Stinker...

Well Maddox did not want to cooperate for his photo session today. He had his arm and leg up in front of his face and refused to move them despite much jostling and pushing. We did get a few pictures that I have posted below. The place we had it done is really good because they are letting us reschedule at no cost to give it another try. Hopefully, we will get some good pictures the second go around. The good news is though that everything still looks good and his heartbeat is strong. So, here are the pictures we did get...

Maddox's little face with his arm going right across his mouth.

His mouth is open in this one and you can see his little chin.

Definitely no mistaking that he is a boy.  He sure hasn't had any problems showing us that but just doesn't not want to show us his face...go figure.

He's either saying "Hello" or "Talk to the hand"...I'm not sure ;D

Here you can see most of his face...apparently that is foot blocking the left side of his face...He is quite the limber one.  I also think his eye is open here which looks a little creepy to me but cool none the less.

 

His little ear and it looks like he already has some hair.  :D

This 3D technology is really cool and I'm glad we are able to do it.  Hopefully, we will get a better look at his face at our next appointment, which by the way will be April 10th at 11 am :D

3D Ultrasound Today

Well the snow has stopped falling and the sun has come out so it looks like we are going to be able to make it to our ultrasound appointment today. I wasn't sure for a while there because we were getting so much snow but the roads are clear now and we shouldn't have any problem getting there. You can bet that right after we get home I will be posting the pics on here. We should be home by about 4:30 (Colorado time). I know you will all be anxiously waiting by your computers for the pics. (lol j/k).

And just for fun here are a couple of pictures of the snow that I took on my cell phone this morning...pretty pretty!!

Blizzard Warning

This is a new one for me. Growing up my whole life in Texas, I have been under tornado warnings and thunderstorm warnings but never a Blizzard warning. They are saying we will be getting 8-12 inches of snow today. That's a lot. lol. I was hoping that if we were going to get that much it would come last night so that Collin could just stay home with me but it didn't so he had to go in to work. Hopefully, he will get to come home early instead because the majority of the snow is supposed to come this afternoon and I wouldn't want him to get stranded at church. I will be staying home all day today and watching the snow out the window because I HATE driving in wintery weather...it stresses me out. I just hope it's gone by about 3 pm tomorrow so that we can make it to our 3D ultrasound appointment.

How big is Maddox and Mommy? - 26 weeks

Another week has passed and it's time to see how much Maddox and I have grown. I know I just posted a picture on Friday but I wanted to do one like I have been doing for my scrapbook so I will go ahead and post it too.


Maddox is now about 14 inches long, around the length of an English Cucumber, and weighs about 2 pounds. The network of nerves in his 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.

I am now in the last few days of my 2nd trimester. From what I've read the 3rd trimester starts at 26 weeks and 6 days, so next Monday will begin the 3rd trimester. Here is my 22 week picture and now my 26 week picture. I think it's a huge difference and from what I have read my belly will continue to grow a 1/2 inch a week from here on out. I am continuing to feel pretty good aside from the back pain that I mentioned before. I am still sleeping well but I know that will change as I get bigger making me more uncomfortable. I still can't believe we are only 3 months away, I get more and more excited the closer we get. I just can't wait to meet our little guy!!

ICK!!!

Well I had my glucose tolerance test today. I have never had a problem with shots or getting my blood drawn so that was no big deal. But let me tell you that liquid they make you drink is GROSS. I don't care what anyone says it is NOT good. Mine was lemon-lime flavor and tasted kinda like really thick Sprite with no carbonation. Not yummy. Other than that it wasn't too bad. I will get my results at my doctors appointment next Monday. I'll let you know how it turns out. :D

100 Days

It is officially 100 days until our due date. As of tomorrow, we will say goodbye to triple digits and move into the double digits. I can't believe how the time is flying. I have heard though that the last few months go the slowest, so we shall see.

This week I have my glucose tolerance test and we have our 3D/4D ultrasound so that is exciting. Of course I will post about these things as they happen so look forward to that.

As promised...

So I know it's late but as promised here are my belly pics...Today I am 25 weeks and 3 days. I think it's a pretty big difference :D.

Before...at 22 weeks

After...at 25 weeks, 3 days

Is this not the cutest...

Thing you have ever seen!!! I got this as a gift from a friend at church and just thought it was so adorable and so very appropriate. I just had to share it with all of you that read my blog. I think it is just precious and can not wait for Maddox to get to wear it.

And Katie...I don't know if you read my blog or not but if you do, thanks so much for this adorable onsie. I love it and have been telling everyone about it!!!

Also, on a side note, I have gotten several requests for a new belly picture in the last couple of days. I usually take a picture every 4 weeks and it's only been 3 weeks since my last one but since several of you have asked I will take one tomorrow so you can see how much I have grown. The reason I am waiting until tomorrow is because I am planning on wearing a really cute dress and want that to be my picture :D. So be looking forward to that :D.

New Set of Wheels

I got a new car!! YAY!! Collin and I have been talking about getting me a new car for a while now. As many of you know I have had a Jeep Wrangler. I was so blessed to have parents who got me an amazing car to drive when I turned 16. They actually bought it in August of 1999, which was 3 months before my 16th birthday and I have had it ever since. It has been an awesome car and I never had any major problems with it. Honestly, it was a little sad to see it go because it is the only car I have ever had, but it was time.

Collin and I both knew that a Jeep wasn't a very reasonable car to have with a baby. Just the thought of trying to get a baby and a car seat into the back seat of it was not good. So I have been looking around for a while trying to decide what I wanted and Monday I fell in love. I found a car online and went out to the dealership and test drove an Infiniti FX35 and knew it was the car I wanted. Then yesterday after Collin got off work we went back out there to talk about the price and what not and then a few hours drove off the lot in my beautiful new (well used...but new to me :D) car. I haven't had it for more than 24 hours yet but I absolutely love it. Here are a few pictures...





Isn't she pretty :D!!!! Thanks Collin for making this happen!! I love it!!!!

How big is Maddox? - 25 weeks

Another week has come and gone taking us one week closer to meeting our little guy. Things are still going well. I am still feeling good for the most part...just a little back pain here and there. Oh ya and getting up to pee several times during the night which is kinda annoying (TMI??? sorry) but I know things could be much worse.

Let's see how big Maddox is now...


Head to heels, he now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga (whatever that is...lol), but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

I will be interested to see what color hair Maddox will have when he is born. Collin and Clark both had super blonde hair when they were babies but it has since changed to brown and mine has been brown from birth. So, I guess there is a chance he could have blonde hair when he is born...we will just have to wait and see though.

We have several baby related things coming up in the next couple of weeks too. I have to take my glucose tolerance test next Monday. We only a week and a half until our 3D/4D ultrasound. And our next OB appointment is 2 weeks from yesterday. Fun times :D. I pray things continue to go smoothly...God has truly blessed us in this pregnancy thus far and I am so very thankful for that!!

Happy (belated) Birthday Post

Many of you know that Friday was my sweet husband's birthday. I didn't forget, I just didn't have time to make a post about it until now. So, better late than never right?!?!

Collin, I hope you had a wonderful birthday!! I love you and hope being 25 is all you want it to be!! :D.

American Idol - Season 8

It's that time of year again!! American Idol is back on and the contestants have been narrowed down to the top 13. I personally think this is one of the best groups they have had. I felt like everyone did a really great job last night and am finding it somewhat difficult to pick my favorites.

I do know my absolute favorite is Danny Gokey. I just think he is outstanding!!


As far as the girls go I think Jasmine Murray is my fav. She is only 16 years old but has an amazing voice!!


I also really like Kris Allen and Scott Macintyre.

Two people are getting voted off tonight and I honestly have no idea who it's going to be. I don't think there was anyone who did extremely terrible. They are also changing something pretty big apparently in regards to how the show works and we will find that out tonight as well. I think is has something to do with the power the judges have regarding who gets voted off but we'll just have to see what it is tonight.

Who are your favs and who do you think should go home tonight??

How big is Maddox? - 24 weeks

6 months!! Can you believe it?? I sure can't. It seems like the time is just flying by and there is still so much to do. So let's see how big Maddox is this week...

He is about the length of an ear of corn and weighs over a pound now. 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.

He is very active and now big enough that I can feel him moving on both sides of my belly at the same time. I still weirds me out a little to see my stomach move in and out when he moves around but I never get tired of seeing it happen!!

On a side note...my family (minus Heather :( she has to work) is coming to visit starting tomorrow. The boys are planning on going skiing and us girls will just hang out around here shopping and what not. It should be a good time and hopefully I get some good pictures I can post on here. Let's just pray that we don't have any incidents like the last time my mom and sister came to visit!!

Register...CHECK

Well, we did it. We registered for baby stuff. I'll admit though, it was absolutely, 100% overwhelming. It got better once we got going but when we started we were completely lost. We kinda just stood there for a second laughing at ourselves because we really had NO idea what we were doing. We just happened to be in the feeding section so we decided to stat there. I will say that I honestly don't know how something so little can possibly need so much stuff but apparently they do :D. Between Babies R Us and Target I think we registered for like 150 different things and I'm sure there is still stuff that we left out. If you get a chance take a look at it and let me know if you see anything major we forgot.

If nothing else we had a lot of fun (at least I think we did :D). And this just takes us one step closer to being ready for Maddox's arrival!!

Registering

Collin and I have been trying to find a time to go out and register for all of our baby stuff and have just been so busy lately that we haven't had time to do it yet. But tomorrow is the big day!! We have lunch plans at noon and then have nothing else the entire day so hopefully we can get that all taken care of. We are planning on registering at Babies R Us and Target.

For those of you that have kids and have done this before, I would appreciate any advice you might have in this endeavor. I have a list from a friend and I know the places will give you a list as well but if you have things you love or hate or would recommend, I would love to hear about them. For the most part we are flying blind :D.

It should be a fun time and will get us one step closer to getting everything done that we need to do before Maddox gets here. So yay for registering!!

3D/4D Ultrasound

Just wanted to let you all know that I scheduled our 3D/4D ultrasound today!! It will be March 27th at 3:30 p.m. :D. I am so excited. It will be so awesome to see the actual features of our little guy. Only 23 days!! YAY!!!

Bachelor Finale Party

Let me start out by saying that I do not approve of the results of this season of the Bachelor. Rumors are flying everywhere and of course I have no idea what really went down between Jason, Melissa, and Molly but regardless, you could tell that people were hurt in the process. Although, as sad and disappointing as it all was I'm not going to kid myself and say that I'm not going to tune in next season because I will, just like I have for the past however many seasons have come on.

Despite the outcome, we did have fun at our party last night. We were all dressed up and enjoyed watching it all unfold together (even though we kind of cheated and found out what was going to happen from our central time zone friends ;D). I somewhat failed in the picture taking arena but here are the few that I got.

The whole group...can you see my little baby bump?!? :D

Nat and Aly during a commercial

The group during a commercial

The Whitlow Clan

My super cute cupcakes that I made...If you can't read them it says

"Jason + Melissa or Molly" They were very yummy!!