36 Weeks

I am feeling really huge at this point. My ankles have been swollen pretty much every day by the end of the day. I showed the doctor at my 36 week appointment and he said, "That's nothing! You should see some of the really bad ankles that come in here." So that made me feel better. He said the ankle swelling would go away approximately 5 days after birth. He said as long as your blood pressure is still good (mine is) that it's just a normal part of pregnancy.

Kankles... I can't believe I'm posting this picture... but I hope it gives someone a good laugh... and some sympathy for me:


36 weeks:




According to the doctor, the baby's head is down, but she is not "engaged" yet. So she hasn't moved down yet. This makes me feel like she'll probably not be coming early... I think she'll come on her due date or a few days later. But the Lord knows! On the way home from our yearly trip to Mammoth, my hubby and I listened to sermons by J. MacArthur titled "Anxiety Free Living". I downloaded these sermons to prepare for labor and delivery and because I have been feeling a bit anxious about what will happen. The sermons were a great reminder to me that I can trust God for the Labor and Delivery. He already has a plan for us for how He is going to use us in this world, for how long He wants us here for His purposes, for how He is going to provide for us (food and necessities). I can't add an extra day to my life and there is no sense in worrying.

Luke 12:29-32
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

I like to emphasize the "your Father" part because it reminds me that He cares for me. I have trusted in Him as my Savior, I'm His child, I depend on Him for everything, and He'll be right there with me through this labor, delivery and then parenting and...life and then eternity!

California Christmas 09

I just went on a walk around the neighborhood across the street from our condo. It is around 2pm and in the high 60s with humidity of 20%... beautiful. Daddy J is at work and I have a few things to do at home before the Christmas festivities begin. First, I wanted to post a few pictures that I'll title "A California Christmas". I do not have a permanent home where I grew up because I'm an airforce 'brat'. We went to three different high schools and after I left home for college, my parents made another move from Texas to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit, but I didn't grow up there. I didn't really grow up anywhere specific... I grew up all over the place... but if I had to choose one place, I guess it'd have to be Texas (San Antonio, Georgetown, and Del Rio).

Well, I'm so very happy that I've now placed roots in California. My husband was born and raised here. My husband's parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (most of them) not only live in California, but they live just a few minutes drive away. We will be spending Christmas Eve with Grandma J and the J side of the family first, then with the Briasco/Cragnotti side of the family for dessert, then at Emmanuel EV Free church for Christmas Eve service. We'll spend Christmas at Bob and Bonnie's (my in-laws) also with Katie (my sis-in-law) and then Christmas dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Briasco's with our Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. I definitely married into a family with strong family ties and traditions... and I count it a blessing!

These pictures were all taken on Christmas Eve, 2009:
Hubby and I pick lemons from this tree... you can see the Warner Bros building ahead and the street sign is "California St":


Love California Palm Trees:


A beautiful, sunny Christmas Eve on one of my favorite tree lined streets:


This looks similar to some of the hills hubby and I like to hike in:


We have trees that change colors in the fall:


Pictures of the fruit trees I see on my walk around the neighborhood:








A picture of our condo building:

34 Weeks!

Now I'm feeling the pressure of getting a lot of things done before the baby comes.

Diapers:
I just ordered some fuzzi bunz diapers online. Don't know how well they'll work, but I like the idea of washable, but easy to use reusable diapers. I will also purchase disposable diapers just in case, but I'm hoping that the fuzzi bunz work great and I can then use them with any future children we have too. This should hopefully save money, be softer on their bums (supposed to be less diaper rash with these), and be friendlier on the environment. Although I have read arguements that state that the energy used by frequent washing machine cycles and drying can counteract the environmental benefits. Well, I'm going to try it anyways. http://www.fuzzibunz.com/


Baby's room:
Baby's room still needs some organizing. I might need some shelves to put up her books and toys and clear off the dresser countertop which will be her changing station.

Dresser:


Dresser after progress has been made:


Bed with stuff on it (the bed will stay in the room for guests, but we are moving it against the wall to make more room for the crib):


Future site of crib. This desk will be moved out of the room and into our bedroom and the crib will be placed here:


Toys and books on dresser need to be moved... possibly to shelves on the wall:


Baby clothes. I had fun folding and organizing her clothes. We received everything we need from our friends:




Baby books:


Newborn diapers:


Hospital Paperwork:
I have the paperwork to fill out (pre-register), but haven't filled it out yet. I need to fill it out and drop it off at the hospital. If I get it in now, we won't have to worry about doing paperwork when we arrive and I'm in labor.

Birth Plan:
I need to complete a simple one-page birth plan to give to my doctor, my doula, and the nurses who will be assisting me during labor. This birth plan will have details like, "I prefer intermittent fetal monitoring (not full-time monitoring)", "I do not want to be offered pain medication. If I want it, I will ask for it." etc...

Send Christmas Cards and Gifts:
It's that time of year!!

Clean the House & Organize:
Now is a good time to do that. When the baby comes, I hear it's hard to get much done at first.

Well, there is probably more, but this is a good start. This week I have my 34 week appointment on Wednesday. Not sure what will be done at that appointment.

We finished our last Bradley class on Sunday. The last class was on baby care. One fun fact I learned is that breast-milk can be used to help open a clogged tear duct... just apply a few drops to baby's eye. A few drops of breast milk can also be put into baby's nose if she has a cold and then suctioned out. Breast milk helps break up mucus and also helps fight infection.

Tricky Ultrasound

An example of a 3D ultrasound picture done at 20 weeks (note: this is not Baby J... just an example I pulled off of wikipedia)

Just had my 32 week doctors appointment specifically to have an ultrasound to check on the baby. I had one at 12 weeks and one at 18 weeks. If I could do it over again, I would have declined this 32 week ultrasound. The doctor even told me at 30 weeks that he'd like to do an ultrasound at 32 weeks, but it wasn't absolutely necessary. He just likes to do it to check the size of the baby and the amniotic fluid levels and blood flow to the baby. I thought to myself, "If it's quick and its the 2D kind, then I guess it's OK."

Well, it ended up not being so quick... I got light headed from laying on my back... so he said I could turn onto my left side and continue the ultrasound. Before turning, I could see the ultrasound screen and it was definitely taking 2D pictures so I felt comfortable with that. But after I turned to my left side, I couldn't see the screen anymore. The doctor told me he wanted to try to get a picture of her face so I could send it to my hubby (hubby is out of town in Switzerland for work). I assumed it would be a 2D shot... but he switched the machine onto 4D and took a picture that way. This made me really upset, but I didn't say anything at the time because I realized that I didn't specifically remind him not to do a 4D. Now, what's the big deal about a 4D ultrasound? Most people say there is nothing wrong with them and they haven't been proven to be unsafe. But they also haven't been proven to be safe and the FDA recommends against them unless there is a medical need. A photograph of the baby's face is definitely not a medical need. So I was upset and even started crying on my drive home. I don't want to do anything that would harm the baby. My hubby also asked me to tell them not to do a 4D ultrasound because he had also heard from an Electrical Engineer PhD friend that they are very powerful and may cause heating in delicate tissues (like the brain). So I had to tell him about the 4D face picture (too bad it was her face and not her foot or something less delicate). Also, you can barely make out her baby face features in the picture... she looks distorted in the picture. I'm going to see her in a few weeks... so why do I need to see her face now if it isn't medically necessary to expose her to strong ultrasound waves? This all made me sad.

My husband reassured me that she's probably just fine and that there will be much bigger trials we'll have to face in the future - like the first time she falls and hits her head. I'm going to have to toughen up in order to do a good job at dealing with this new precious life I'm responsible for. I want to protect her from everything!

Oh, and Baby J is in the transverse, spine down position with her head, hands and feet all on my right side! Time for some inversions (see pregnancy links "Helping turn a breech/transverse baby 1 & 2" in my list of Helpful Pregnancy Links).

An excerpt from one of the articles on the dangers of using 4D ultrasound for "portraits":

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-03-27-prenatal-portraits_x.htm

"Even worse, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine warns that although there are no confirmed biological effects from prenatal ultrasounds, possible problems could be identified in the future, especially because these unregulated scans are longer, use more energy and can be more frequent.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images of developing babies.

Two-dimensional ultrasound has been around since the 1960s, helping doctors diagnose birth defects, fetal growth and position, and more. Millions of fetal ultrasounds are done each year, and more than 30 years of research and practice have found them to be safe.

In recent years, medical technologists have developed 3D ultrasound systems that determine the volume of the fetus and then reconstruct the image in three dimensions. The 4D ultrasounds take those 3D pictures and turn them into moving images.

Outside of obstetrics, ultrasound is widely used for an array of diagnostic and therapeutic reasons, from heating and healing tissue to locating gallstones.

"Ultrasound is a form of energy, and even at low levels, laboratory studies have shown it can produce physical effects in tissue, such as jarring vibrations and a rise in temperature," the FDA said. Because of this, "prenatal ultrasounds can't be considered completely innocuous.""

Week 32! Bradley Class Notes on Breastfeeding

It's week 32. Tomorrow I have an ultrasound scheduled. I think the doctor is going to try to estimate the weight of the baby, check blood flow to the baby, and check to make sure everything looks OK. I heard that it is a good idea to drink a lot of water before the 3rd trimester ultrasound so that your water levels (amniotic fluid levels) look good. If you are dehydrated, it may show up on the ultrasound.

Bradley Class Notes on Breastfeeding:
* Advantages: bonding, involution, immunities, brain growth, less colic, cheaper, easier; Helps Prevent: SIDS, constipation, tooth decay, allergies, skin disorders and respiratory illnesses

* Supply/Demand: the more the baby nurses, the more milk the mom will have. When bottles begin to be added, the breast slows down its production. The stimulation of the breast by the baby causes the pituitary gland to initiate more milk production.

* Colostrum: yellowish pre-milk rich in nutrients. Causes early evacuation of first bowel movement called meconium. This makes the baby hungry and therefore a more vigorous nurser. Set up the right bacteria in intestines for digestion, high in protein, gives antibodies. Flushing out meconium prevents reabsorption of bilirubin, therefore reducing chances of jaundice. Milk will come in by end of 2nd or into the 3rd day unless baby is not nursing often enough.

* Nutrition: mom should be eating healthy foods, no junk food or sugar; drink lots of water, no soda, no coffee; eat fish, whole grains, keifer, yogurt (if baby can tolerate dairy)

* Don't introduce the bottle until 6-8 weeks after nursing. Bottle feeding is much easier for baby than breastfeeding so if they start bottle feeding too early, they may not want the breast.

* Don't introduce solid foods until after 6 months... babies can be 8-10 months old before starting any solids. Wait for baby's cues. Why? Solids are inferior to breastmilk.

Breastfeeding mothers should get 1500 mg of calcium each day. If you can't eat milk products, here are calcium substitutes:

Cereals, Cereal Flours, Fish, Fruits (Figs, Oranges, Rasins), Legumes and Seeds (Soybean curd, beans, garbanzo beans, sesame seeds, almonds), Syrups and sugars (black strap molasses), Veggies (Broccoli, Collards, Spinach), Fortified OJ, Soymilk

What is so special about Breastmilk?
* FATS: rich in brain-building omega 3's (DHA and AA). Formula does not have DHA, cholesterol or lipase.

* PROTEINS: Rich in brain and body-building protein components AND contains sleep-inducing proteins

* CARBS: Rich in lactose and oligosaccharides that promote intestinal health

* IMMUNE BOOSTERS: Rich in living white blood cells, millions per feeding. Rich in immunoglobluins

* VITAMINS AND MINERALS: Better absorbed iron, zinc, and calcium (50-75% of iron is absorbed as opposed to only 5-10% if using formula)

* ENZYMES AND HORMONES: Rich in digestive enzymes, such as lipase and amylase. Rich in hormones: thyroid, prolactin, oxytocin, and over 15 others. The processing of formula kills digestive enzymes and hormones (which aren't human hormones anyways).

* TASTE: varies with mother's diet; by taking on the flavor of the mother's diet, breastmilk shapes the tastes of the child to family foods.

* COST: $600 per year extra food for mother vs. $1200 per year for formula (or up to $2500 for the more expensive food)

According to our teacher, if you have the baby latch on correctly (wide open mouth, top and bottom lip open wide), there shouldn't be a lot of pain associated with breastfeeding. Also, inserting a finger in their mouth to decrease the suction when removing the baby helps a lot. If we are experiencing lots of pain or trouble, it's best to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as possible so that the baby doesn't develop bad habits.

Glendale Memorial has an excellent lactation consultant and even a mother's nursing support group:
"The Nursing Mother's Circle" meets every Thursday from 1-3pm
Location: Breastfeeding clinic in the waiting room on the basement level of Glendale Memorial Hospital, 1420 S. Central Ave in Glendale, (818) 507-4191

Lactation consultant: Roza Baghdassarian, (818) 353-7446, moreserlactation@yahoo.com

Baby J moving around - her favorite side to kick and move is my right side.

31 Weeks!

Bradley Class Lesson highlights from Sunday:
* Children's vaccinations. I'm leaning towards finding a pediatrician who will allow us to spread out Baby J's vaccinations. I'm going to try to check out the Vaccination Book by Dr. Sears and read more about it. We've got both Autism and Auto=Immune Disease (Lupus) in our families so we want to carefully research vaccines and what will be best for Baby J.

* Newborn procedures done at the hospital. What really needs to be done right away? What can wait? What isn't necessary? I think we'll decline the Hepatitis B shot (not needed for a newborn and it's really strong) and the intramuscular injection of Vitamin K (not needed unless there is a history of bad blood clotting in the family). She wont need the erythromycin eye goop either - if you have been in a monogamous relationship and you know you don't have chlamydia or gonorrhea, the baby doesn't need this. We'll allow the P.K.U. testing (60 tests for certain genetic disorders) and Daddy J will stay with the baby for the heel prick and blood draw for this test. But we'll delay this test until after Baby J has been able to nurse. Daddy J can also go with the baby for the hearing test - she'll need to be asleep for this test. Also, Daddy J will be giving Baby J her first bath. Warms my heart just thinking about it. I have total confidence in Daddy J and his ability to care for Baby J. He has a lot of experience with babies... probably more than I do!

* Delayed Cord Clamping. It's best to delay clamping the cord for at least 2 minutes after delivery. You can actually feel the cord pulsing, still delivering red blood cells and blood stem cells to the baby after delivery. Babies do a lot better if the cord is not cut immediately. At home births, some people wait up to 20 minutes before clamping and cutting the cord.

I had an amazing baby shower on Saturday thrown by my friends at Emmanuel Church. I was overwhelmed by the love and generosity of each and every person. Baby J was showered with gifts - lots of cute pink outfits, baby onsies, footies with hoodies, wash cloths, toys, bedding, stroller, high chair, pack-n-play, and lots more. Daddy J and I were seriously amazed and delighted at the love everyone showed us by attending the shower and offering sweet gifts for our baby girl.

On Friday, November 20th, I first noticed... the dreaded... swollen ankle! Yes, it was only one swollen ankle - the left one. And it was combined with a little pain in my left shin... felt like a vericose vein wanted to pop out. Daddy J confirmed that the left ankle was swollen! I've been eating lots of salt (we both love salt) so that, combined with being on my feet cleaning and cooking for dinner guests probably did it.

Thanking the Lord for His care during this time... only a few more weeks to go!

30 Weeks!

I had my 30 week doctors appointment today and everything went well. Waiting in the waiting room takes the longest (50 minute wait) and seeing the doctor only takes a few minutes. I have my blood pressure measured, urine sample tested, and weight measured by the nurse. Then the doctor comes in and measures my belly, listens to the baby's heart rate, and asks me if I have any questions! Today I told him that I think the baby's head is down because I can feel her hiccuping really low in my abdomen. He checked by feeling around and confirmed that the baby's head is down! Yay! That should be one obstacle out of the way for labor and delivery.

I barely have back pain anymore and I think it's because I've improved my sleeping habits. I always sleep on my side and push a pillow under my belly to prop my belly up a little. And I use another pillow between my knees. This has almost eliminated all of my hip pain and back pain! My husband puts up with all the pillows because he knows it's making me feel better. I sleep with one pillow under my head, one on my right, one on my left and one between my knees. I think this system is just as good as the pregnancy pillow system if not better because I toss and turn a lot. I heard that sleeping with a pregnancy body pillow can feel like wrestling with a snake under the covers if you have to pull it with you each time you turn.

We sold my little S2000 today... my husband drove it to the bank for the transaction with the buyer and I followed him in the honda minivan. On our way there, I was admiring the S2000's curves and perfect design. I definitely have good memories with that car. Now I'm ready to make new memories with the minivan.

30 Weeks!