Jake's Journey » March 2004 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

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Sun, Mar 28, 2004 5:39 PM
Oh! By the way, I want to say thanks to everyone who has signed the guest book!! It has really made this page even more worthwhile to know that you are all out there reading it! Please feel free to sign in as often as you'd like, and leave comments, or ideas for names, or anything you'd like! Just keep in mind that I do plan on printing and saving the pages in the baby's scrapbook so I do reserve the right to delete any ...uh.. shall we say "inappropriate" posts (ie: stories about my childhood, stories about some crazy thing I did, anything I may have to explain to other family members, etc.). Don't worry, you'll all get your chance to tell him those stories in person, and wouldn't you much rather do that and watch me turn all red and embarassed?

On that same note, if there are some of you who come by on a regular basis, and have never signed the guestbook, PLEASE do!! It makes me feel so loved when I come to the site, and there is a new little note from someone I care about!

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Sun, Mar 28, 2004 5:14 PM
(21w 5d): Thursday night we went to dinner at Matt's parent's house. As some of you may or may not know I have a 5-year old niece, and her mom is pregnant too. Since this is my first kid, and the kids I work with are typically unaware of events happening outside of themselves, I hadn't yet experienced having a conversation with a kid about my kid. It actually almost surprised me that she was even aware of my condition, and the fact that eventually there's going to be a baby as a result of all this. Not that she's not a bright kid, I just hadn't thought about it in terms of what it might mean to her.

After dinner the girls are sitting around chatting while the boys are cleaning the kitchen (hm... there ARE advantages to having two pregnant women in the family at the same time), and my niece is buzzing around the house tormenting the pets and patiently waiting for the cake I made for dessert. When she came back into the dining room, walked over to me, kissed my belly and said "hi cousin". Although I wasn't quite sure how to explain to her that there was more steak and artichoke in there than cousin at the moment, I was thoroughly astounded by her lack of self-consciousness, and the display of love she had just shown for what is basically an abstract concept. I mean heck, I've just started to grasp the idea myself, its just started to solidify in my mind... how does she get it so easily? Could it be that she's been there more recently so she can identify with it in a way that is different that how I think about it? She was really excited to tell me all about how she was going to have a new sister, and now three cousins... a girl, and two boys.

Wow. Check me out, I'm going to give birth to a cousin.

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Tue, Mar 23, 2004 7:36 PM
(21w): The baby now weighs about 10.5 ounces (just over half a pound), and his crown-to-rump length is about 7.2 inches. At the appointment this evening we found out that everything looks great! The doctor said the ultra sound results are normal, and the results of my last blood tests are normal.

Another exciting first to report; Matt got kicked last night. The baby was very active after dinner (LOTS of carbs and protein for anyone keeping score), and I had Matt put his hand on my belly where I felt the most movement. Sure enough, as soon as he put his hand down he got kicked.

This is the coolest science fair project ever!

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Sun, Mar 21, 2004 8:44 AM
(20w 5d): So no one is looking at pictures of me anymore anyway right? Just because I kept forgetting to have Matt take the picture, and ended up doing it myself... and then messing up the color... Then flipping it after I had put the date on it and merged all the layers... Like I said, no one is interested in pictures of me anymore anyway... (you can all feel me rolling my eyes can't you?).

This week has just flown by! And, all of it is pretty much a blur since Monday. The rush I get from seeing the baby (or hearing his heart beat) keeps me walking on air for several days. Plus, it has been so much fun telling people! They get excited all over again.

We purchased tickets for the baby's first concert this week! Rush is coming to California in July, and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to introduce the baby. But, I was a bit concerned that at 8 months pregnant maybe loud music wouldn't be the best thing, so I decided to be safe I'd check with Kaiser. I think maybe I would have been safer not calling.

The "advice nurse" let me know that "some people think" that the baby might be able to hear noises from inside the womb (where did she get her information the 1950's?!). So, I say, "um, yeah okay, well, could loud noises be harmful?" (silly me). She lets me know that I should be aware that studies have shown that men who are constantly exposed to loud rock music or loud industrial job sites have higher rates of hearing loss as they get older. "um, yeah okay, well, do you know if loud noises from rock music could somehow affect my baby or his development in any way?" Of course she says, "well I don't think so, I don't see why going to a concert would be a problem." Well, I'm glad she's so smart. I guess I probably should have asked the dog. I think I'll ask my doctor what he thinks at my next appointment, then I'll find out if there is a direct line to Fairfield OB in case I have any other questions. (Can you feel the eyes rolling again?)

Oh yeah, we've decided that if I go into labor during the show we'll name him Rush. We're still working on other names just in case.

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Tue, Mar 16, 2004 3:23 PM
(20w): Crown to rump length this week is 5.6 to 6.4 inches and he probably weighs about 9 ounces. Actually, he's probably a bit bigger than this considering the ultrasound tech. said he is weighing in at about 21 weeks 2 days. But, I'm going to continue to keep up with the book and the August 3rd due date I was told it wasn't enough of a difference for the doctor to change my due date anyway.

Yaaaaaaay!! Happy half-way point! Twenty weeks down, and twenty to go! Woo Hoo!

As you may have noticed I went and did some shopping today (see the photos section)! It was a bit surreal, and I grinned when the sales girl asked me if I wanted a gift receipt.... hehehe nope.

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Mon, Mar 15, 2004 9:46 PM
(19w 6d): Wow! That was exciting! We went to the ultrasound appointment this afternoon. I drank about 30 ounces of water in under an hour (they actually ask you to do this, I didn't do it just for fun), then as I'm laying on the table with the fullest bladder ever she says, "I'm going to take about 35 pictures for the doctor, then I'll explain everything to you, and if you want I'll see if I can tell if its a boy or a girl." Then she went to work as Matt & I anxiously watched the monitor for anything recognizable.

After 15 - 20 minutes of silence, and nervous glances between Matt and I, she finally said, "okay, there's the face" She showed us the feet, the spine, a couple of profiles, and we heard (and saw) the heart beat again before she asked us if we wanted to know the sex. Sheesh!! Finally!

So... Its A Boy!! I asked her how sure she was, and she said, "If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have told you." So I take that to mean she knew what she was talking about, and now we have two little pictures of what she says is proof that its a boy! I'm going to try to photograph the pictures tomorrow, but they are so glossy it may be difficult to do without glare. I'll spend the morning working on it.

The best moments so far, other than telling the rest of the family, had to be my mother in law proudly saying, "you have testicles!" (really? I do? How did you know that? *giggle*). And, sitting in the restaurant tonight Matt and I holding up our glasses, I said, "To Testicles!" And Matt replied, "And a future full of fun with them!" The bus boy clearing the table behind us got a look on his face.... well, it was priceless. I'm sure he'll wonder about that one for a while.

Yeah, this is going to be fun.

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Fri, Mar 12, 2004 2:18 PM
(19w 3d): So, I'm pretty sure I got kicked yesterday. I guess it could have been a punch, but either way it was right below my belly button, and I felt it. I'm sure I've felt other little things before this, but so far its been the only one that was this obvious. I hear that this kid is only going to get stronger and more persistent in demanding room within my body, and that it won't be but a couple of weeks until I'm fondly looking back on these days remembering when my bladder wasn't a trampoline. I guess I'll enjoy it while I can, but I can't help but wonder just what is going on in there.

I read a post on a message board the other day from a woman who went to her OB with a strange sensation of a "vibrating cervix" (I have friends who have paid good money for this sensation, but whatever). The doctor pulled out the ultrasound machine to see what was going on, and showed her a picture of her baby bouncing up and down right over her cervix. I can't say I've experienced that one, but I'm sure I'll have my own odd moments (after all it IS me). Yes, some things about pregnancy are just downright strange.

As a fun little side note; I went by my old job for a visit yesterday (after all the kids had gone home for the day... I'm not dumb), and found that they are on their 3rd replacement person for me. The first went nuts after a week and a half and slapped the school's director during lunch (among a couple of other equally offensive acts), the second just didn't come back after a week, the third is a guy about my age. He's been there about a week and seems to be adjusting okay. I was told that "my shoes were tough ones to fill", and that I am a "tough act to follow" (two separate times, two separate people). I feel special (or really stupid for not asking for higher pay while I was there). Naw, wasn't a stressful job at all.
*insert cynical laugh here*

~there are new links at the bottom of the main page~

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Tue, Mar 9, 2004 4:32 PM
(19w): Crown to rump length of the baby is 5.2 to 6 inches, and it weighs about 7 ounces (abot the size of a small banana). The book says that the baby will increase its weight by 15 times by delivery!

Today is one of those beautiful days that makes me happy I live in California. A perfect 80 degrees with a light breeze, the kind of day that makes me want to buy flowers, and puts an extra spring in my step (trust me, with all this extra weight a spring in my step is no easy feat!).

I decided to run some errands (sun roof open, Rush playing really loud... I think this baby's first words are going to be "Geddy Lee"). First stop, drop off the paperwork to have our taxes done. I had to grin when she asked, "no changes in dependants?" I almost giggled while saying, "not last year."

My next stop was the grocery store (a common stop for me these days). I got a little freaked out when I couldn't figure out why people kept looking at me. Could it be that I'm walking around with a goofy grin for no apparent reason? hmmm wait... maybe there is an apparent reason for the goofy grin... oh yeah. I guess I should get used to it, they'll be trying to touch me next.

On the way out to the car I'm soaking up the sunshine, looking at the blossoms on the trees when I hear this horrible, whiny, grating voice saying, "Its too hot! Why is it so hot!" She went on like this until she was out of earshot. I just couldn't imagine being so miserable on such a beautiful day! And you know she was probably complaining about the rain last week!

It just reinforced that I really do love my life, and love California with its perfect spring days.

The new pictures are up! Also, don't forget to go check out The Baby Game and make your guess for boy or girl (among other things)!! Just click on the link at the bottom of the main page!

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Sun, Mar 7, 2004 4:22 PM
(18w 5d): All moms have split personalities. Its a little frightening because I'm realizing that along with a person developing in my belly, I have a person developing in my head.

Since finding out that I'm going to have a baby, I've been fully aware of other moms and moms to be, and I'm taking vigorous mental notes. Sometimes I actually catch myself staring, but I can't help it, it is truly fascinating (I'm not sure when or how they became more interesting to watch than some of the crazies around, but it happened).

Today I noticed, more than once, a woman just standing there looking somewhat surly, tired, and disheveled, staring off into space. Then, she glances into the stroller, or car seat and her whole personality changes. She's smiling (and not one of those half-assed tired but I'll smile anyway smiles, a real true happy smile), her whole face transforms and either she's glowing radiant joy, or making a funny face just for the sake of getting a reaction from the baby. Then her voice takes on that high-pitched lilt that only women can get, and only when they are talking to children or cute animals. Her whole personality transforms. It is astounding.

Two things that made my heart sing today:

1~ Matt stopping on the side of the road to help two elderly women who looked like they were having car trouble.

2~ A single scoop of Baskin Robbins Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream in a waffle cone.

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Sat, Mar 6, 2004 5:11 PM
(18w 4d): Let's play "entertain the pregnant girl"! A week from Monday Matt and I go in for the 20 week ultrasound. Ideally, they will be able to tell us the sex of the baby. Even if they have a hard time, we'll probably be making an appointment for a 3-d ultrasound soon after, and they WILL be able to tell us.

So, I've been kind of excited, and playing with all the different wive's tales just for fun. I thought I'd share them with you all, and you can tell me what you think the sex of the baby is! There is a link on the bottom left of the main page for "The Baby Game" click on it, then put in MFraser (use Capital M and Capital F or it won't work) as the name for the game, and you can make your guess there! Don't worry about guessing at all that other stuff yet if you don't want to, you can always go back later and fill that stuff in (if you do guess the other stuff, you can always go and change it later).

So, here are some hints (maybe):
The Chinese Gender Chart says Boy.
So far I'm carrying low (of course you have to remember I'm only 18 1/2 weeks).
The hair on my legs does not seem to be growing any faster.
My feet have been colder than they were before I got pregnant.
I will not eat the heel of a loaf of bread.
I had morning sickness early in pregnacy.
I have not had acne too much more than usual.
The sum of my age at conception and the number of the month of conception is odd.
I've been craving salt more than sweet.
The baby's heart rate was 158 BPM.
I don't know what I'd do without orange juice EVERY DAY.
I've had my share of headaches.
My wedding ring, when dangled on a piece of string over my belly swings back and forth (not in a circle).

There you have it....what do you think?
(I'm not telling what I think)

~By the way; there is a message board on the baby game website that I set up just for this specific game. After you tell it what game you want to go to, and you are at our main game page, look on the top right side of the screen for the message board. Feel free to post questions and stuff. Click on Hints to see the hints again.~

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Thu, Mar 4, 2004 10:02 PM
(18w 2d): Some of the firsts I have experienced so far have been ... well ... less than glamorous. But today, today was more of a reality check than anything.

Since the sun finally decided to make an appearance (and seems to be promising to stick around for more than 15 minutes) I figured it would be a good time to take my car down and have it washed and detailed. Ya know, I'll miss the dirt and hay from faire, but I guess it was time to let it go. I went inside to pay for my "4 star" wash, and asked the woman behind the counter if getting the upholstery cleaned was just a steam clean, or if it would be worth the extra twenty bucks. She seemed to like the fact that I was asking her opinion, and launched into a lengthy description, to which I replied, "hmmm, scotchguard huh? cool."

(and here's where the conversation took a turn for the slightly more interesting)

She says ... "well, with the baby you'll be glad you had the seats scotchguarded." Or something like that, really the last thing I heard was "baby".

Now, you may think I took this in stride, and perhaps to anyone watching it seemed that I did. But, we really have to start questioning my sanity when I admit that my first thought was, "do I know this person? who told her? I didn't tell her. did I?" Then I noticed as I was walking out the door to bask in the sun and wait for my car that ever so subtly, I was doing the waddle (just a little bit, but it was there).

The good side of all this is that I must no longer just look fat, the scary side of all this is that I must look pregnant.

By the way, I've decided, next time I'm getting the scotchguard.

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Tue, Mar 2, 2004 9:32 PM
(18w): Crown to rump length of the baby this week is 5 to 5.6 inches, and the weight is about 5.25 ounces. We should (*hopefully*) know the sex of the baby in less than two weeks! (I can't wait to be able to say he or she instead of "it").

Ahhhh girl scout cookie season. My new favorite time of the year. I saw them from the parking lot, I'm sure they heard me coming. The shriek of joy followed by the running pregnant girl should be enough to keep those little girls scared of pregnant women for a while. The troop mom promised they would be there for the whole month, now I just need to figure out how many boxes to buy to keep me in cookies for the next 5 months.

Theory: Waiting to feel the baby move for the first time is like fishing on a windy day. (Jill, maybe you can help me out with this one) You keep thinking you've felt something, but you really know the difference as soon as you've got a fish on. So far, I've had nibbles... pretty sure my bait has been stolen a couple of times (although it may have been gas), but no fish on. I'll let you all know when I'm sure I've felt something.

Now... what else can I eat??

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