The Age of Viability

Most of you know what the age of viability is, but for those of you who don't- its the time when our little Brooks has a chance at surviving outside of the womb!  He has a 50% chance of survival if he was born today.  With each passing day and week, the percentage will increase (but we want to keep him in there until he is ready... maybe 38 weeks)!

By the end of this week, Brooks will be 2 pounds and 15 inches long!  Which probably explains the belly....

24 weeks pregnant!

Along with the belly- comes EVERYONE'S comments!  It seems as though no one can walk passed me with out a, "How are you feeling?" or "Good luck with the baby!" or "When's the baby due?" or some type of HIGHLY important advice.  Advice ranges from what to rub on my belly to prevent itching and stretch marks to what I need to buy to prepare for baby!  I think I will have withdrawals once Brooks finally arrives... its so nice that everyone notices me :)

Brooks is very busy packing on the pounds now, but knowing how active he is- I think he is probably making that hard on himself :)  I am enjoying feeling all his movements throughout the day, and especially at night.  The "websites" stay that I should start reading to him and playing music for him- but my baby already has a foot up on the world... he sits through first grade math TWICE a day!!

Until now Baby Bud had no idea what was up or down, but now that his inner ear has developed he is starting to know the difference!  His lungs are developing surfactant- a substance that helps his lungs inflate once he enters the world (hence the age of viability).  
My forgetfulness is in full swing!  In the last 24 hours I have almost: left the car running in the garage, driven away without my ATM card, and driven right past 3 places where I was supposed to stop!

Tim and I put the crib together last weekend (without any fights I must add) and it looks perfect in the nursery!  For your viewing pleasure....

We are still kinda-patiently waiting for the dresser to arrive!

This weekend we will be doing our baby shopping and registering (so get your advice in fast, haha)!  I am so excited to finally pick out things for Brooks.  Our plan is to hit up BuyBuy Baby and Babies R' Us.  Yay!! 

14 on 8/26/11

He Has a Name!!!

I'm 22 weeks along and we have officially given baby Bud a first name! Are you ready?  Drumroll please.....

Brooks

We have some middle names in mind, but have not decided for sure.  I'll let you know when his full name becomes official!  I'm sure he will remain baby Bud for many of you out there ;)

I finally felt him move and Tim was able to feel him as well!!  I have to give credit to my BFF, CJ, who has come up with the perfect concoction for getting their wiggles out!  She first felt her son move while watching the Bachelorette finale and eating icecream with chocolate chips.  So... CJ brought over icecream and chocolate chips during the Bachelorette finale.  And guess what ?!?  He moved!! It was a very special moment!

After that night, I have begun to feel him more and more.  His kicks are still gentle, but continue to be sporadic (although this week he should begin to start a sleep and awake cycle).

Brooks is now about 11 inches long and weighs about 1 pound!!  He is being compared to a spaghetti squash or a package of oreos, yum!  His facial features are becoming more distinct, although his irises are still lacking pigment.  The bones in his body are now full of bone marrow that is able to produce red blood cells.  Brooks' sense of touch is more developed and he is busy exploring all the things around him.  He is putting fat on his body now which will help with brain development :)

The nursery is finally finished!  It was quite a project!  Here are a few pictures:

The furniture arrived (minus dresser), although we have not put the crib together yet.  You can see the nightstand in the picture above.  

The bedding will be perfect in the room.  If you're curious, here is the link of our bedding:
http://www.http//www.newarrivalsinc.com/Boy-Oh-Boy-Baby-Bedding-Set_p_2322.html


The pregnancy is going great, although starting school has really worn me out!  I have LOTS of forgetfulness and my belly is beginning to get in the way of my eating- not much room in there :)  Can't you tell:



And the covered belly!


All in all, feeling my lil guy move puts a smile on my face everyday :)

12 on 8/12/11

Half Way Point

20 weeks, yay! 

My little Bud has been busy growing and my stomach is great proof!  He is currently growing eyelashes and eyebrows to accompany that cute face. 

This week his length is now measured from head to toe instead of head to rump.  He is now 10.5 inches long and about 12 ounces- quickly approaching 1 pound.  He is quite skinny and just beginning to get fat on his body (don't worry, his momma is carrying it all for him).  The fruit of the week says he should be compared to a banana in length and cantaloupe in weight. 

With this growing belly I have found that my belly button is beginning to get very shallow.  I won't be surprised if it becomes an "outie" in the next few weeks.  Here are a few new belly pics:

I have some answers for my uncertainty in feeling Bud's tiny kicks!  At my last ultrasound they found that my placenta is anterior and low lying.  It usually sits in the back, but for me is sitting in the front.  This means its like a pillow between the baby and me; therefore, it may take a bit longer for his kicks to get stronger before I am certain that it's him I'm feeling and not the pains of my stretching stomach :)

With that being said, I have had a few instances where I think (or hope) that I have felt him.  The first time was in the middle of my work day, outside in 96 degree temperature, and my boss brought us some chocolate icecream.  It didn't take much to convince me to dig in.  I ate my bowl while I was headed down to the lake to help the kids canoe.  Right as I crawled in my canoe and settled into the heat, I felt about 10 quick kicks on my side.  He's officially a mommy's boy- loving chocolate already!

We ordered the furniture last weekend and are so excited for it to come in!  A special thanks to both of our parents for helping out :)
It takes 8-10 weeks before delivery, so we have to wait very patiently!  The nursery is still "under construction," but I am expecting it to be finished by my next post.  We did run into one problem, noticing that the previous owners of our house painted the ceiling a faint purple color- just enough that the vaulted ceiling must now be re-painted white!  My husband won't let me climb the ladder- so it looks like we'll be waiting for him to complete the job before I post pictures.

School officially starts next week, so I am enjoying my week off!  I have a gaint list of things to accomplish, but I slept until 10:45 this morning- don't tell my husband, we'll find out if he really reads the blog ;)   To help me get ready to return to school sporting my new belly, my mom took me shopping for some maternity clothes.  We had a good time trying things on, finding out what size I will be needing, and adding to my diminishing wardrobe.  Thanks Mom!  My mother-in-law also helped me out!  She came home from the mall with new maternity clothes for me as well.  I am so lucky to have such generous people in my life!! 

                            Here's a covered belly pic ;)

9.5 on 8/1/11