6 month OB appointment

I had my 6 month appointment today...a week later than normal, but we were on vacation last week.

I cannot believe that in the last 4 weeks I've gained about 7 lbs! That's more or less what I've gained in the past 5 months before it. However, it felt good when the RN showed me my weight chart, wrote down the number and told me that I was doing a good job. I really like her...I should really find out what her name is!

The OB is pretty happy, too. Both he and the RN made comments on how I'm growing, mentioning that I wasn't out as much the last time I was in. Baby even gave the OB a hard time finding the heartbeat (again) because it was moving around so much!

I also asked my OB about the hip pain I've been having and the hemroids. The hip pain is normal, but I didn't think to ask him what to do about it. The hemroids he said are also normal, however he explained them better than any internet source I read. Most sources said it had to do with an influx of hormones. He said that the baby is resting on my intestines, which is pushing the tissues which cause the hemroids. As long as I don't overdo the activity (like I did in the garden on saturday), I should be able to cope.

Next appointment is in 3 weeks when I also have my 1 hour glucose test. I also got my registration package for the hospital. Apparently it takes 2-4 weeks to get a consulting nurse to contact me, so I'll start the calls now! I was also told that the hospital offers prenatal classes that are 9am to 4pm on a Saturday, but it costs $200. I think I'm going to find another resource. Any ideas?

All in all, everything is good with my active little baby!

On vacation!

Tomorrow morning DH and I are flying out to Florida! It's a combo vacation, babymoon, family wedding and 2nd anniversary trip for us. I have to admit that I can be a little bit nervous as a flier, but I'm praying for peace.

I don't know how many of you are also going on vacation soon, but I hope that you have safe travels and sunny skies!

Leaking and Allergies (not related)

*warning: this post may be a little TMI*

So I'm very aware by now that CM in pregnancy is different and happens a lot more. Does anyone else feel a little freaked out about how much it's changed?

On a related note, is anyone experiencing book leakage? The other night DH touched my chest and a few minutes later I noticed a wet spot on my t-shirt. I have no idea what it is and it was totally unexpected.

And now for the allergies portion. I have severe allergies to Birch, Oak and Willow trees (it sucks, really) which are in the high levels for pollen right now. I'm not having a severe reaction because I'm inside most of the time, but I am quite itchy.

I normally take Claritin for allergies because Benadryl makes me sleepy and I can't be doing that while at work. Does anyone know if their DR is OK with using this for allergies?

Back from month 5 OB appointment

Everything is good! The Dr said that the 20 week u/s came back normal and all my blood work and testing was normal, too. I asked about the Strep B test, but he said that they don't do it until week 35. Phew! We got to listen to the heartbeat although baby was hiding deep because it took a while for him to find it. I'm still in awe of that sound!

I've gained 5 pounds this month...I was surprised at that! That puts my total at 8 since my very first appointment.

I also got a chance to tell the DR that I'm having a UC flare. Luckily it's very mild by comparison, so it'll probably resolve itself. He also gave me the all clear to use a topical steroid cream for my excema.

All's well!

21 weeks baby belly!

This morning while getting ready for church, I snapped a picture of my baby belly. I have to admit that it looks a lot bigger in person than it does in the photo, but I won't complain!

So without further delay, here I am in my baby belly glory, half way through the pregnancy!

Truth to Old Wives Tales?

I was looking up old wives tales when it comes to guessing gender. I thought it would be interesting to see if any ladies (who know what gender they are having) can give credence to any of these.

Here goes:

1. Carrying high - it's a girl, carrying low - it's a boy
2. Mixing urine with Drano - blue/yellow, brown, black or blue and it's a boy; green/brown, green, blue or does change and it's a girl
3. Heartrates - over 140 and it's a girl, under 140 and it's a boy
4. Cravings - something sweet and it's a girl, something sour and it's a boy
5. If your husband gains weight, it's a girl and if not, it's a boy (LOL at this one)
6. if your face is round and rosy it's a girl
7. If your right breast is larger than the left, it's a boy
8. if you have acne during pregnancy, it's a girl

Any of these hold true or are they still all just as they say: old wives tales?

19 week u/s pictures

Today DH and I went for our 19 week u/s! The experience was much quicker than our first, but unfortunately not as "fun" as the first.

I was called in pretty quickly and didn't have to change into a gown. The u/s tech set about to work and had DH sit outside the examination room. He asked part of the way through if he could come in because last u/s he saw the whole process. The tech said no, and that he should wait until she finished with the measurements.

I was told that the baby was very active and amazingly saw the baby move on the monitor at the same time I felt a kick. That really confirmed for me that what I've been feeling really is baby movement and not just gas!

The measurements were done quickly and I was told that everything looked good. Baby even threw up a hand which looked like the "i love you" sign in sign-language. Then DH got to come in and she showed him the baby. I love the look on his face when he gets to see the LO growing inside me.

We got some pictures printed out and immediately had to share. So here is our little Baby Bee at 19 weeks!