Christmas and 21 weeks

Baby AJ is doing well and lots more moving/kicking these days! Frank was able to feel two on Christmas day, which was really exciting. Yesterday, 12/28, I went to see Dr. O'Connor (Lizzy Bizzy came with me to the appt!) as a follow-up to our level II CPCyst scans that we did last Tuesday in Boston. He said that everything is looking great. We don't have to go back, the cysts look like they are already shrinking and that the baby will be healthy and fine. Very happy and relieving news!

As for the baby's growth and development, we are moving along into 21 weeks today and the baby now has eyebrows and eyelids. From being a banana size, baby AJ has proudly grown into a carrot. As I had mentioned earlier, I can certainly feel him a lot more and he's always flipping around. Just this morning I woke up to him kicking and/or punching. Babycenter.com said "You may soon feel like he's practicing martial arts and internal flutter movements turn into full-fledge kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to his activity as you get to know him better." This could not be true enough.

I also LOVE 2nd trimester, as I think most women do. Being pregnant is finally settling in and I love having my baby bump! I'm def more comfortable at night and have been sleeping a lot better too. I have been attending some prenatal yoga classes and still keeping up with my walking and/or elliptical routine. I'm officially in maturity clothes now and love the clothes, everything is super comfortable and fits really well. My body overall does feel wider than usual, but I think this is all par for the course. I'm just so excited that we have a healthy baby son on the way and can feel him moving around, it's been a special Christmas because of baby AJ!

Thanks for everyone's merry and supportive wishes for our level II ultrasound appt. It truly meant a lot to us. Happy 2010!

And the gender is. . . (drum roll please)

A BOY!! His name is going to be Adrian Joseph Penney ("AJ") after my Dad. We can't wait to meet our son in May!!

Merry Christmas!!

Half way mark!

Half way there at 20 weeks! Here is a 3D ultrasound picture of baby penney, covering his/her face with hands.

The BIG news to come tomorrow!

Happy Holidays everyone!

19 weeks

Gender time! We have the Christmas card in hand with the gender noted inside it, but we are holding off until Christmas Eve to finally reveal what we are having. The suspense is dreadful, sorry guys!

We just got back from our 3rd ultrasound appt and, so far, the baby weight and heights measures out perfectly. Heartbeat was 136 bpm, slowing down from last time at 140 bpm. "Your baby equals a large heirloom tomato in size and weighs 8 1/2 ounces. (length: 6 inches, head to bottom)" It's feeling that big too, between its light kicking and pressure on the bladder. Oh man, this little one can really push when it needs to. The kicks come every other day, so not often but they are there. And just walking makes me feel like I have to go the bathroom 24/7 --- its insane! But, seeing the ultrasound confirms why I'm feeling everything more so. The baby is smooshed in there like a sardine, the baby was in an almost full circle position (very cute). First picture the baby is holding onto his/her feet with hands --- Frank said our baby is stretching for a run! --- and likes to flip-flop positions every second. I felt at least 2-3 kicks during the ultrasound, and the technician said "I can't believe how quickly he/she can move positions!" Must have gotten Frank's reflexes :)

In other news, the technician discovered two Choroid Plexus Cysts (CPC) in the brain (one on each side), which made us feel very nervous and scared. Our doctor reassured us that everything will be okay, and this happens to a lot of babies. Most of the time, the cysts go away naturally on their own within 24-28 weeks or the third trimester. We have to scheduled a Level II ultrasound (Tues. Dec 22nd at 9am in Boston) to have an actual doctor perform the ultrasound and look more closely at the cysts. Right now the technician didn't find any other indicators of any other problems related to the cysts, which was a good sign. It was a roller coaster ride of an appointment, one minute feeling happy seeing the baby move, looking at its little hands and feet, then hearing that there are these cysts. It's something you could never expect. We're certainly feeling a bit anxious because all we can do is wait, but we are going to remain as hopeful and positive as we can. Fingers crossed that everything will be just fine.

First Baby Kick!

Dec. 7th at 7am (I believe) I felt the first baby kick! The past few days I've been feeling bubble-popping/gas-like-movements in my stomach, but this morning it was much different. I was laying on my back, relaxed and felt a little "poke!" and then some more followed. You couldn't feel it if you pressed your hand on my stomach, but I could internally.

Baby was saying good morning to Momma!

17 weeks

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you all had an awesome holiday! Here is the Penney family on Thanksgiving day (post dinner). I'm usually a bit bigger after I eat, but this is close enough to what I look like every day.

We just got back from our 3rd appt. and thought it was going to be an ultrasound appt. but it wasn't, we were bummed. But I did have to give more blood work (my least favorite part) and we did get to see the doctor and hear the heartbeat. He said its around 140 bmp now which is perfect. My blood work also came back from my last appt. and everything looks healthy and great --- we're a low risk pregnancy. My weight has bumped up to 136 pds. (2 pds more than last check-up) and its starting to even out. In two weeks, we'll be hitting the middle-mark of the pregnancy and I should be gaining a pound per week at this point on. Fun times! Overall, still feeling great just bigger and my doctor reminded me this is the "enjoyable" part of the pregnancy --- there is no more risks such as miscarriage, not as much discomfort, the baby is growing more slowly, more settled and sickness goes away even though I never really had that --- minus my smell issues.

More info on the baby, haven't felt any moving around yet but that should happen between weeks 20-24. Babycenter.com says that typically at 17 weeks the baby's skeleton is developing from soft cartilage to bone. Baby's weighs in about 5 ounces, length 5 inches from top to bottom and is now considered "turnip" size. Not sure if I like calling my baby a turnip, but hey what can you do! Sweat glands are also starting to grow and he/she can now move their joints which is pretty cool. Frank always jokes (but secretly serious --- its one of those "jokes" if you know what I mean haha.) that he hopes the baby gets his reflexes and NOT mine because, to him, mine are horrible! And his judgment is based only on my softball skills which I never played before the age of 25 yrs old so cut me some slack! Jeff & Tina, not a word! I keep reminding him that we'll be happy with whatever kind of kid we get, even if our son can't hit a baseball and starts a love for dancing, then we'll have to go with it. He wasn't too pumped about this thought, but, of course, will be very supportive and accepting either way. The joys of parenting! LOL

Next appt. on Dec 14th at 3:30pm is an exciting day for us! This is when we will find out the gender. We're actually going to see if the ultrasound tech can write down the gender on a piece of paper (christmas card actually), put it an envelope for us to take home that day with us. Ideally, we want to find out on Christmas morning just the two of us, then we'll share with family and friends later on. Don't worry no one will be left out, and it'll def be posted!! More **bigger news** to come!!

15 weeks

We're moving right along, 15 weeks and 2 days! The baby is now 4 inches long, grew a whole inch since last week, weighs 2.5 ounces and is the size of an "apple." He/she can move limbs, and legs are growing longer than arms right now. Eyelids are still shut, but they say the baby can be sensitive to light so if you flashed a flashlight onto the stomach then the baby will move away from it. Taste buds are also forming, and the gender is just about "complete" --- we technically can find out the sex this week but we are waiting until 18th weeks to make sure that we can get an accurate reading. Don't want to make a mistake on this one!

As for my body changes, been feeling fine and can still be somewhat uncomfortable/crampy at night. I do a lot of tossing and turning when sleeping, sorry Franko! Babycenter reports:

"You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy.""

Well, I'm WAY over 5 pounds, I'm actually 15! Whoops! But my doctor has told me time and time again (because I keep asking) that I'm fine and if he was worried about my weight gain, then I would know. It's scary though, I just wonder why so much and why so quick? I'm nervous that it will be hard for me to lose the baby weight afterwards. I'm sure I'll be fine, I live an active life-style esp with my job, but its a constant stress of mine --- and I'm sure I'm not the only one. As for the cold, that's about 95% gone. I def have the "stuffed up nose" they mentioned above --- its clear when I blow my nose but I still feel congested in the morning and throughout different points in the day. It doesn't help that this past week (Wed. & Thurs. mornings) were 35-37 degrees outside either. Makes it so hard to get out of bed. Grrr to the cold!

Please don't judge me on this, but I'm really craving a nice glass of red wine --- and just A glass not several. It's hard. Of course I won't, but I do miss coming home on a cold Friday night after a hectic work week, opening a bottle with Frank, sitting by the fire, feet up and watching a movie. How do the Europeans do it with so much great vino floating around them constantly? Ivy or Lizzy Bizzy? I'm not going to mimic, just really curious. This is the season for lots of relax time and hyphenation. . . so I think this is why I'm thinking of it so much. It's my end-of-the-week-relaxing-treat that is GONE. Along with my morning coffee. But, of course, 6 months is going to fly right by (3 months already has!) and it will be all well worth the wait :)

Well, that's all to report for now. Next blog will have new ultrasound pics --- we have our next check-up appt. on Monday, 11/30 at 6pm!!

P.S. Random note, but for any readers out there, I HIGHLY recommend reading the new Julia Child's bio "My Life in France" --- great, great book. I read Julie & Julia last year, and that's a great read, too, but this takes it a step further into Julia's life and journeys in France and throughout Europe. She's a truly remarkable woman. I'm anxious to see the movie!

14 weeks - Welcome to 2nd Trimester

Well I'm officially 14 weeks today (first week of 2nd Trimester), and woke with the start of yet another cold :( Didn't think I would experience a cold again, but, unfortunately, it has somehow made its way in. Right now its just stuffy nose, sore throat at night and sneezing, minor stuff. Luckily my Mom made me some homemade kale noodle soup last week (my favorite) and that what helped me conquer the last cold, so I think it will do the same this time around.

This week is already feeling like its going to be a "quick week" because I have lots of fun activities planned for the kids I nanny for, Kiernan and Bridgette (thank goodness). Today is story time at the Melrose library, tomorrow play-date at Bonkers in Peabody, Thursday another play-date with a new friend we met at the Reading library and Friday Museum of Science. More of a reason that I'm still happy that I got vaccinated two weeks ago, so I can go to all of these places with the kids and not feel so worried of getting sick --- anything beyond the cold, at least.

In other news, babycenter.com reports that a 14 week baby is the size of a "lemon" or measures 3 1/2 inches from top to bottom. This week's big developments: squint, frown, grimace, pee (awesome, like I don't have to go every 5 minutes already!), and possibly suck his/her thumb! Oh man, I would love to see that on an ultrasound! The baby is also stretching out, but I can't feel any kicking yet. They say that is suppose to come later in the 2nd trimester or 17-18 weeks I believe. I REALLY can't wait for that "fluttering" feeling. . . just to know that the little one is movin' & grovin' in there! Along with finding out the gender, those are two things I'm looking forward to the most :)

P.S. Another quick update that I forgot to mention earlier. . . my sense of smell is now totally wacky! Frank isn't too happy about it because one particular smell affects his favorite thing in the ENTIRE world. . . cologne. So, yes, I'm asking Mr. Penney not to wear ANY cologne for the next 6 months. If anyone knows my husband, he's obsessed with his cologne and doesn't leave the house normally without spraying at least 20 times, no joke. Another "smell issue" was my shampoo and conditioner. I had to get rid of it because it was making me feel so sick. Last time I used it, I seriously almost passed out in the shower and I typically don't have a weak stomach. It was awful. I've since changed hair products, but had to get the non-scented kind. Keep it safe. This smell issue is interesting because its just one of those things that you don't know until it hits you, can happen anytime and anywhere which isn't fun. So I'm sorry to anyone in advance! And I can smell anything from a mile away, too!

13 weeks

How quickly 13 weeks can pop right up! I had my 2nd ultrasound/3 months last Tuesday 10.27.09 at 8AM and everything went great (minus the wait-room time). The baby's heartbeat was perfect at 164 BPM and he/she did lots of moving and bouncing around which allowed me to see an arm and tiny fingers. It was amazing! The baby "should" be a little past 2 inches now, which, according to fruit-size has advanced to a fig. . . no more blueberry and, sorry Mary, no "fig newton" size! Babycenter.com measures in fruit only, not cookies or pastry snacks!

As for my health, I've been feeling fine as usual. I was probably a bit more hormonal this week with my moodiness, which I know Frank would nod a big "YES" to but probably would never say anything because he's a good man. I also have been getting really uncomfortable at night time, usually right around 7-8ish before bed/after dinner. I asked my doctor and he said that my body is doing a lot of moving around to make room for the baby and this could be the cause. I've also felt some cramping which is part of expanding my hips, etc. My belly is pretty round, I think, and at the doctors I weighed in at 134 pds. I'm officially 14 pds. over my usual weight, that I think/hope (fingers crossed) is a healthy growing rate. Staying away for candy and goodies have been tough these past few weeks given Halloween preps and my Mom's bday party hosted at our condo over a week ago. We had lots of yummy leftovers and CHEESECAKE!!

Anyways, here's an update picture of my belly with the ultrasound. First picture of Momma with baby, makes me so proud. Can't wait to meet the little one in May! Post more in a few weeks!

P.S. Got the H1N1 shot during this appt. too --- was a little hesitant at first but now I'm glad that I did. Just being in public places and hearing a person cough or sneeze freaks me out!

10 Weeks

We have moved to our 10th week of pregnancy today. I feel my belly is more visible now, especially more towards the end of the day after all of my binge eating. Luckily I'm not eating every two hours now, but I'm still fighting off bad food craving! Overall, with everything else, I'm feeling pretty good, still no morning sickness (thank goodness!) however get really tired around 3ish and anytime after 9:30PM. I've been trying to work out at least 30 minutes each day by either power walking, Wii fit yoga or going to the YMCA after work to use the elliptical. I have been sleeping well too, but it's going to be super hard when I can't sleep on my belly anymore. . . that's my right-before-I-fall-asleep comfy position. Will be interesting!

Overall, its been exciting watching my belly expand or as the ultrasound lady calls it "my baby's home/nest for the next 9 months!" Fruit-size, my baby is a grape. Frank has been a HUGE help along the way, telling me how gorgeous I look everyday, even though I may feel the exact opposite! Its crazy how quickly your body can just change over night. As the doctor has explained, my body is working overtime when making a baby so, internally, it feels like I'm climbing up a mountain daily --- this is why the extreme exhaustion. Plus the baby takes 90% of the mother's nutrients, so your immunity changes and is low --- hence the H1N1 scare. This is why I got a cold my 4th week of pregnancy, said Dr. Joan.

Although, the biggest perk about being pregnant is that everyone is soooo nice, not that anyone wasn't before but the instant "what do you need?" or "what can I get you?" ready-to-help-you-mode is really awesome! I can get use to this! JK :) Truly, I have been really blessed during my pregnancy so far and keeping my fingers crossed that it will continue!

First Ultrasound & Frank's Bday!

October 5th, 2009 was a very special day for us! Not only was it Frank's 29th Birthday, but also we received the best present of all and that was seeing our baby for the very first time. It was an amazing, surreal and unforgettable experience. To see the outlining shape of the head, body, little growing legs and arms, and see/hear the heartbeat actually moving at a faster pace then mine. . . one word: unbelievable! Absolutely loved the doctor, staff and whole Melrose-Wakefield facility so far. The practice we decide to go to is very small, has four doctors only, and Dr. Brian O'Connor (our doctor) does 90% of the delivers at Melrose-Wakefield so the chances of having him day of delivery is really high, which is great. Everything is working out very nicely, especially considering the hospital and his office are next door to each other and both are less than .2 miles walking distance from our condo! I can walk down when I'm in labor!

As far as health wise, the baby is growing perfectly and is currently the size of a blueberry --- less than an inch! Tiny tiny! We are 9 weeks into the pregnancy and at 12 weeks will be back again for another ultrasound and more test runs. Lots of test runs in the first trimester. I've been very lucky and have experienced no morning sickness so far, however, do get an uncomfortable-uneasy feeling at night but my doctor says that's normal because of the prenatal vitamins. They can be tough on your stomach. I'm not going to complain if that's the only discomfort I have felt this far! I do have a small little bump, gained about 6 pounds and am hungry ALL the time! Seriously! I have to eat every 2-3 hours otherwise I will start to feel nauseous, its crazy! Again, can't complain because I rather feel hungry than sick but its still annoying to have a I'M STARVING-emptiness feeling all the time. And I'm craving the worst things too --- mint oreo ice cream, pizza, french fries! Really need to control myself but this baby is eating up everything. . . save some for Momma kiddo! JK I'm more than happy to share my food! Its just so relieving to know that after yesterday's appointment the baby is really healthy and we are all doing very well. Three more weeks to go then we will be at 3 months. Time is flying by!