OB Appointment and Glucose Test

Today during my OB appointment, it was time for the generally dreaded Glucose test.  I have personally never had any issues with the glucose test.  To me, it tastes a bit like a Sunkist soda.  Some pregnant women can't tolerate it much at all because it is too sweet.  I had 5 minutes to drink it and then would have my blood drawn an hour after that.  I had picked up the drink itself the other day after lunch so that I could drink it before getting to the Dr.'s office to save some time since I would be heading back to work after the appointment.

I got to my appointment and went back for the remainder of the check up while waiting for my blood draw.  It was a good appointment too.  I actually lost 2.4 lbs from the last appointment, which was fine with me since I had gained so much the last time.  My blood pressure was good at 120/66 and the baby's heart rate was 138.  By the time I finished meeting with the OB, I only had a few more minutes before the blood draw, so sat in the lobby until being called back.  It took just a couple of minutes and then I headed back to work. Now to just wait for the results.  They should be back within a week or so.

28 Weeks!!

C & W's Baby in Week 28 of Pregnancy

C & W's baby is settling into the proper position for birth, with his head facing downward (toward your body's nearest exit!). Their little work in progress is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long. He's busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. The baby's sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means he could be dreaming already (what do you suppose he's dreaming about?).

My Body in Week 28 of Pregnancy

While it's good news that the baby is settling into the right position for childbirth (since you're now entering the third trimester), the potentially painful news is his head — plus the weight of your uterus — may now be sitting on your sciatic nerve, which runs through the lower part of your back, buttocks, and legs. This common condition (called sciatica) can cause sharp, shooting pain and/or tingling or numbness, starting in your rear end and radiating down the backs of your legs. The best thing to do for sciatica (and the rest of your week 28 aches and woes)? Take it easy — and hope your baby changes position sooner rather than later.

27 Weeks and onto the 3rd Trimester!!

Oh wow, how the time has flown by.  We are entering the 3rd and last trimester before this little one arrives.  Only 13 Weeks to go......the countdown now begins.

C & W's Baby in Week 27 of Pregnancy

For a baby, it's time to trade in the old crown-to-rump measurement for a new head-to-toe standard. So what are your baby’s stats this week (which, coincidentally, is the end of the second trimester)? Fifteen inches — more than a foot long — and triple (or even quadruple) what it was in week 12. His weight is creeping up the charts as well, coming in at just over two pounds. More big news: Your baby may recognize your voice by now, so feel free to serenade your belly (start learning those lullabies!).

My Body in Week 27 of Pregnancy

Puffy? That's to be expected — about 75 percent of soon-to-be moms experience edema (mild swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles) around this point in pregnancy. That's because fluids build up in your body tissues thanks (or no thanks) to increased blood flow and uterine pressure on the vena cava (the large vein that cycles blood from your lower limbs to your heart). So while you may have a hard time squeezing into shoes or getting your rings on (or off), keep in mind that the puff factor is completely normal and temporary.
Luckily, I haven't had any issues with this just yet and I'm able to wear all my usual shoes and my jewelry.  

26 Weeks

The picture on the right was at work after our Client Luncheon.  26w3d

C & W's Baby in Week 26 of Pregnancy

What's up with the baby? She now weighs a full two pounds and measures nine-plus inches. And this week, her eyes, which until now were developing under fused eyelids, start to open. Of course, there's not much to see in there, but if your baby spots a bright light (or hears a loud noise) near your belly, you may notice an increase in fetal activity. (“Hey, I'm in here, Mommy! Where’s the party!”) What accounts for that response? Her brain is more developed and sophisticated.

My Body in Week 26 of Pregnancy

If a full night's rest has become elusive, welcome to the (sleepless) world of pregnancy insomnia. Between heartburn and leg cramps, bathroom runs and that big beach ball (with its protruding navel!) beneath your nightie, it's no wonder your body's having trouble calming down and drifting off. But there are lots of tactics to try that should help keep you in bed (and asleep!) instead of pacing the floor; these include daytime exercise, a daily dose of fresh air, and limiting fluids before you hit the hay.

Week 26 Pregnancy Tip: Baby's Movements in the Womb

Feel like you're carrying the Karate Kid with all the kicking going on? Your baby is actually practicing all kinds of movements that will eventually be used in life on the outside — including pedaling against your belly, a sort of prewalking skill. As the baby's nervous system becomes more developed, the movements will become much more coordinated. And as the baby gets bigger and stronger, the movements will become much more powerful…and occasionally, even painful to you. If the baby lands a good one, that tiny left hook might hurt — a lot. Another trick she may try — stretching that leg out so far that the foot becomes lodged between your ribs (ouch). Next time you come under attack, try changing positions or doing some stretches of your own. You can also gently push baby back with your hand when your knee-jerker jerks a little too hard. You just might be able to send the little slugger back into the corner of the ring!

OB Appointment

OB Appointment today went great.  I have gained a good deal since the last visit, but Dr. wasn't too concerned.  About 7 lbs.  Considering all of the holidays and extra food, guess a little more than usual is expected.  : )

My blood pressure was good at 109/66 and the baby's heart rate was 133.

Apparently, C's Grandfather is a retired OB and actually worked with our OB several years ago.  He called our OB to talk to her and say hi and that she was seeing his Granddaughter.  Hehe.  I mentioned it to Dr. B and we talked a little about the conversation.  She said when he first started talking to her that he didn't mention any names, but then once he told her my name and I was the surrogate, she knew exactly who he was talking about it.  Such a small world.

My company Christmas party is coming up and it is at a bowling alley, so I talked to her about that as well and she said that it would be fine for me to bowl.  Yea!  She was more concerned about a shoulder or elbow injury.  She said to just be conscious of my balance.  I did also talk to her about the Pertussis vaccine and she said that I can get it anytime before the baby is born.  She said that it has been quite prevalent recently and that if I get the vaccine, it will protect the baby for 6 months after birth as well.  I had talked to C about this prior to the appointment as well and she already has the vaccine and was going to tell W to get set up to get a booster too.  Typically, anyone that will be around the baby will need the vaccine.  I will get it at one of my appointments over the next few weeks.

25 Weeks

C & W's Baby in Week 25 of Pregnancy

Baby is growing by leaps and bounds, reaching nine inches in length and passing the pound and a half mark. Under his skin, capillaries are forming and filling with blood and by week's end, air sacs (also lined with capillaries) will develop in his lungs, getting them ready for that first breath. Mind you, those lungs aren't ready for prime time just yet — but they are developing surfactant, a substance that will help them expand after birth. And speaking of breathing, your baby's tiny nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open, and his vocal chords are getting ready to roar.

My Body in Week 25 of Pregnancy

Let's face it, some pregnancy ailments are a real pain in the butt, especially hemorrhoids! More than half of all pregnant women experience swollen, itchy veins in the rectum due to that big old uterus pressing down — as well as to increased blood flow to the area. And while they're not dangerous to your body, hemorrhoids can be downright painful — so try your best to avoid them by eating right (and avoiding constipation, which aggravates those pesky piles), doing pelvic-floor exercises (Kegel exercises), and trying not to strain when you poop. With any luck, they’ll go away after delivery (and yes, you probably are getting tired of hearing that phrase!).

Week 25 Pregnancy Symptoms

Heartburn or indigestion: Does it feel as if stomach acids are burning up your esophagus and setting fire to your chest? Always have some Tums or Rolaids nearby so you can cool your heartburn as soon as it strikes.
Starting to have a little bit of heartburn these days, but generally close to the time for my next meal.  As long as I keep a little food in my belly, then it seems to stay at bay.  I'll definitely have to keep an eye on it.
Snoring: Snoring is quite common during pregnancy since increased blood flow to mucous membranes in your nose can cause congestion. But if you find your snoring is seriously interfering with your sleep, this could be a sign that you have sleep apnea (which can deprive you of oxygen) — so ask your practitioner about it.
No snoring yet, although it did get pretty bad near the end of my pregnancy with Baby "E", so we'll see.
Skin, hair, and nail changes: Because normal daily hair loss is suppressed by pregnancy hormones, you may notice that your hair feels thicker and more lustrous than ever before. Enjoy it now — after delivery, all the hair that didn’t fall out during pregnancy will shed.
Uh, yeah.  Still losing plenty of hair, but have tons of it anyway, so it's really hard to tell.  Planning on chopping it all off again once this little one arrives.

24 Weeks

C & W's Baby in Week 24 of Pregnancy

Baby is about eight and a half inches long and weighs one and a half pounds, gaining steadily at a rate of six ounces per week. Much of that weight comes from accumulating baby fat, as well as from growing organs, bones, and muscle. Those little ears of hers are getting sharper and can hear very loud sounds, from a yapping dog to a jackhammer. Also by now, that fabulous face is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair. Is your baby a brunette, a blonde, or a redhead? Actually, right now her locks are white since there's no pigment yet.

Since hearing is getting sharper, I have been and will continue to play stories C&W have recorded through my belly buds.  This way their little one will get to know Mommy and Daddy before they arrive earthside.  Obviously, the baby will know the voices of my family, but I really want the baby to know it's parents before he/she is born and this is a great way to do it.  C&W have been great about recording messages and stories to their little one and can't wait to see them hold and talk to their bundle of joy!

My Body in Week 24 of Pregnancy

If your former innie is now an outie, welcome to the club. Almost every expectant mom's pregnant belly button pops at some point as her swelling uterus pushes on everything in its path. Things should return to normal after delivery, though your navel (and some other parts of your body) might look a bit, well, stretched. Just think of it as one more badge of honor that only moms get to wear. What other pregnancy woe is pushing your buttons? Well, probably your uncomfortably numb wrists and fingers, thanks to carpal tunnel syndrome. (Don’t worry — the sensations will disappear when you give birth.)

I'm actually doing ok with both of these for now.  I think seeing my chiropractor has definitely been helpful.  I do remember the numb hands when I slept when I was pregnant with Baby "E", so guess we'll see if it develops later or stays at bay.  I'm feeling fantastic right now and hoping to keep it that way.

23 Weeks

C & W's Baby in Week 23 of Pregnancy

C & W's little doll-sized babe is about to chub up a bit. His saggy skin will start to fit his frame as fat deposits fill things out. Beginning this week, he'll start to pack on the pounds (which means I will too!) and by month's end he'll be double the weight he is now (though I won't be — whew!). Right now, C & W's baby's organs and bones are visible through his skin, which has a red hue due to developing veins and arteries beneath. But once those fat deposits settle in, he'll become less transparent.

My Body in Week 23 of Pregnancy

If you're suddenly sporting a dark line down the middle of your tummy, say hello to the linea nigra. That line has actually always been there, but you probably never noticed it until pregnancy hormones caused hyperpigmentation (the same phenomenon that may have darkened your areolas and the area around your forehead and cheeks). Other (less than delightful) skin changes on your body in the sixth month may include red palms and soles, bluish blotchy legs, heat rash, and skin tags. Oh, and don’t forget that itchy belly (keep slathering on those creams!).

22 Weeks

 

C & W's Baby in Week 22 of Pregnancy

This week, the baby weighs in at a whopping pound and measures nearly eight inches, about the size of a small doll. But C & W's little doll (who now has eyebrows, eyelashes, and maybe even some hair on that little head) is a living one who can now perceive light and dark. She can also hear voices, your heartbeat, your gurgling stomach, and the whoosh-whoosh of blood circulating through your body. And as her brain and nerve endings develop, she may reach for her face (or whatever she can reach) just to experiment with her newfound sense of touch.

My Body in Week 22 of Pregnancy

As if an ever-expanding belly wasn't enough — now your feet are getting in on the act! That's because the pregnancy hormone relaxin, which loosens your pelvic ligaments when you're expecting, loosens every other ligament too — including the ones in your tootsies. In turn, the bones beneath those ligaments spread slightly, which results, for many women, in a half or whole shoe-size increase. So if you haven't already stashed away your stilettos, now's the time to bid them farewell — at least for a while. Besides, you need sensible shoes to help you balance that big belly and your changing center of gravity.

Luckily, I'm doing ok in this department for now.  I do have a couple of pair of bigger shoes from when I was pregnant with baby "E" that I can use if they do end up growing a bit.

Week 22 Pregnancy Tip

By now you may have been the target of at least one well-wishing tummy-toucher — you know, those people (and they could be anyone — friends, co-workers, the guy you buy your morning paper from, a perfect stranger on the deli line) who just can't resist reaching out and rubbing your belly. And who can blame them? After all, pregnant bellies — so round, so cute, and housing something even cuter — practically beg to be touched.  Now, at 22 weeks pregnant, you may not mind being treated like an exhibit at a children's museum (and, if you're a touchy-feely person yourself, you may even welcome the public display of affection for your belly), but if you do mind, there are a couple of approaches you can take. One, use your words ("I know it's tempting, but I really would rather you didn't touch my belly"). Two, back off — literally, dodging their advances. And three, turn the tables by giving their belly a rub to see how they like it (especially effective with middle-aged men sporting paunches). Remember, you're sharing your body on the inside — you don't need to share on the outside too.

Busy Day - US Appt and Fun with DD

Today was a big and busy day!!  We got to see the little one again today and it was so much fun.  C & W flew in for the appointment since W had to head back to work later that day.  I was off the entire day because DD had a casting call for a local photo shoot in the early afternoon.   Our timing couldn't have been better, as we all walked in at the same time.  We went up to the office and visited for a little bit while we waited to go back for the ultrasound.  This US was an anatomy scan to ensure that everything is going well with the baby.  The Dr. was great about explaining everything during the scan, pointing out each organ and describing the details.  We could see all 4 chambers of the heart, the kidneys, the umbilical cord, face and even see the baby practice breathing.  Before the appointment, we talked about the gender and if they wanted to find out today or not and originally thought that they would want to know, but when we were all in the room during the US, C&W decided that they didn't want to know today so the Dr. let them know when she was going to be in that "area".  It was so cute and funny.  When she told them she would be in the area that would revel gender, C turned around and faced W and W put his head down.  I watched the whole time, but of course, I'm not a sonographer, so I really couldn't tell either way.  I would have a 50/50 chance of getting what I saw correct, but it really would be a guess.  We will just have to wait and see how long the envelope lasts.  After the Dr. was done with the part that would show gender, she let us know so that C could turn around and they could both watch the rest of the US.  The Dr. tried really hard to get a good profile shot of the baby's face, but this little one was a bit stubborn and didn't want to cooperate too much.  I still think the one she got is a good one though.  

After we finished the appointment, we headed to the lobby to schedule the next OB appointment and had one of the nurses take a picture of all of us.  It was so sweet, because all of the office staff came into the lobby to "help" get the best picture.  They are all super supportive.  Here are the pics from the visit today.

Boy or Girl???  We'll see how long the envelope stays sealed.  : )

Head and Spine

Face with an open mouth

Baby was a little stubborn, so this was the best profile shot the Dr. could get.

We all walked out to the parking garage together and visited in the lobby area of the garage for a few minutes.  My belly is a bit bigger now and C was so sweet because she asked if she could touch it.  I told her, "of course!"  I told her that she could touch it anytime she wants to because after all, it belongs to her. As long as their little baby is in my belly, my belly is just as much theirs as it is mine.  <3  I really just wish the baby would have been a bit more active, so they could feel it kick.  Hopefully next time they come up to visit, baby will be a bit more active.

When we left, they headed to the airport and I headed to pick up DD for her photo shoot.  This one was for the Picture People and they were photographing children for potential Valentine's marketing.  We were advised that there would not be a stylist or make up artist, so to bring everything we need.  Ugh!  I'm not used to that.  I picked her up from school, took her home, gave her a bath and dried her hair.  I then curled her hair and pinned it up so she would still have curls when we got there.  I took 3 outfits for them to consider, multiple pairs of shoes, curling iron, hair accessories, hair spray and an iron (just in case her clothes got wrinkled).

We arrived at the photo shoot and were there about an hour.  She did really well considering how long they photographed her for.  I think they got some really good shots, so we will wait to see if they decide to use any of them.  After we finished up there, we headed to meet one of my surro sisters, Beth and her two boys at Chick-fil-A.  It was a nice little treat for DD too.  She got to play while Beth and I visited and then she had some fruit and ice cream.

I was definitely a very busy day, but so wonderful and filled with fun.

OB Appt

Had an OB appointment today to check on the baby.  I headed to this one on my own since C & W will be at the US appointment tomorrow.  So excited!! 

Everything went well at the appointment.  Blood pressure is good at 111/67 and baby's heartbeat was 143. 

21 Weeks

 

 



C&W's Baby in Week 21 of Pregnancy

How big is the baby? About the size of a large banana — and speaking of bananas, if I eat one this week, there's a good chance the baby will get a taste, too. That's because he swallows a bit of amniotic fluid each day (for nutrition, hydration, and to practice digesting), so he eats whatever's on my menu — and gets to put those developing taste buds to good use. So go ahead and nosh on those nachos (or crunch those crudités): The baby may develop a taste for them when he’s older.

My Body in Week 21 of Pregnancy

You may start to notice some stretch marks as your body expands and your belly and breasts just keep on growing. These pink, red, or purple streaks appear when the supporting tissue under your skin gets torn as skin stretches (and stretches and stretches) during pregnancy. Not every woman gets them, though you're a likely candidate if your mom had stretch marks during her pregnancy or if you've gained weight rapidly. So go ahead and slather the cocoa butter — at least it’ll keep your skin from drying out, even if it won’t keep those marks at bay.

20 Week Milestone!!!

 

Oh my gosh!!!  We're at the half way point.  So exciting!!

C & W's Baby in Week 20 of Pregnancy
Curious about whether that melon-sized belly contains a boy or a girl? Now's the chance to take a peek! The second trimester ultrasound, scheduled for anytime between 18 and 22 weeks, gives our practitioner a chance to see how things are going in there. And, wow, are they going! If baby is a girl, her uterus is now fully formed and her ovaries are holding about seven million primitive eggs. If baby is a boy, his testicles have begun their descent from the abdomen to their ultimate destination — the scrotum. And while the baby is definitely getting bigger (weighing in at about ten ounces and measuring six and a half inches), there's still plenty of growing room in there, which allows him to twist and turn (and allows me to feel his acrobatics and hopefully Mommy and Daddy too!).

Your Body in Week 20 of Pregnancy

Now that you’re at the midpoint of your pregnancy (20 weeks down, 20 more to go!), that little cantaloupe (aka baby) you have in your belly is becoming more of a reality as you feel his movements and draw smiles from passersby who see your baby bump. You might also be noticing that your nails are stronger (though they could also turn dry and brittle) and your hair (all over your body) is thicker and fuller than usual — all thanks to pregnancy hormones and increased circulation, which furnish extra nutrients to hair and nail cells. But while the hair on your head may be lovelier than ever, you might not be digging those sprouts on your chin. This situation is indeed temporary, but feel free to tweeze!

Week 20 Pregnancy Symptoms

Heartburn or indigestion: If you’re looking for a simple heartburn fix, try chewing a piece of sugarless gum after meals. The increased saliva it produces neutralizes gastric acids and helps force fluids back into the stomach.  I've had a couple of episodes of heartburn, but nothing horrible yet.  Hoping it stays that way.

Leg cramps: Experts aren’t clear on what causes leg cramps during pregnancy, but one theory is that they are caused by compressed blood vessels in the legs (a consequence of extra weight and swelling). Help the blood circulate throughout your body more easily — and minimize cramping — by putting your feet up when you can and drinking plenty of fluids. Oh my!  These were horrible on Thursday and Friday, with Thursday night being the worst.  I was up at least 3-4 times that night.  I'm going to have to make sure I drink plenty of water, especially when I'm going to be doing so much more activity.  I'm sure all the walking on Halloween and not a lot of extra water was part of the cause.  Saturday was much better. 

Happy Halloween!

 

Had such a fun Halloween this year.  We have a costume contest at work and my office got 2nd place this year.  Not too bad at all.  The office that got 1st place, totally earned it, so we were happy with 2nd.  I actually busted out my sewing machine and did my first start to finish project with it.  I sewed all the yellow beanies for our costumes and made the headbands and goggles.  I was the Beedo, Beedo minion and had such fun with it.  I made the lights using a shrink wrap gift bag and just molded it over a mason jar and then hot glued it to the inside of the lid.  It was a lot of fun.  After work, we went trick-or-treating with some friends of our little ones and got in lots of walking and treats.

It was really neat to walk around and every now and then I would hear a kid say, "Beedo, beedo" and so many others that told their parents, "It's the beedo, beedo minion."  Hilarious.  So glad I had such a fun costume.

Me Trick or Treating with my little Ninja and Ariel. 

 

When we got home from Trick-or-Treating and the kiddos were in bed, I decided to paint my belly like a pumpkin.  It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  I just did it in front of the mirror, so I could see everything.  Luckily, I had some Crayola paints from one of my oldest son's projects.  The mouth was the hardest part, but I think it turned out pretty good.  : )  I texted it to C and said, "Your little pumpkin says goodnight."



19 Weeks and Surro GTG

 

 



C & W's Baby in Week 19 of Pregnancy
Have you ever seen a mango dipped in cheese? Well, that's what the baby looks like this week due to a little growth spurt (she's about a half pound in weight and six inches long) and a substance called vernix caseosa. This greasy white stuff covers the baby's skin, protecting it from the surrounding amniotic fluid. (Without it, she'd look totally wrinkled as she entered the world.) The vernix sheds as delivery approaches, though some babies still sport a bit of the coating at birth.

Your Body in Week 19 of Pregnancy

One minute you're lying peacefully in bed and the next your calf muscle feels like it's about to explode. Leg cramps during pregnancy are pretty common (no one knows exactly what causes them, but muscle fatigue or compressed blood vessels are the likeliest culprits) and tend to strike at night. You might also be wondering about tingling and numbness in your fingers and toes about now. It's a weird sensation but totally normal, probably a result of your body's swelling tissues pressing on nerves.

 

The Preggos - Krystal (12 wks, Singleton), Lisa (20 weeks, Twins), Vanessa (32 weeks, Singleton), and Me (19 weeks, Singleton)

 

Today, I got to get together with some of my wonderful surro-sisters.  We had lunch at Babe's in Carrollton and it was a great visit.  So many wonderful ladies.  It was nice to meet a couple of new ladies just starting out in there journeys and those that I have followed since beginning my first journey.  Surrogacy is such a wonderful thing and I love being a part of such a supportive community as well.  

18 Weeks

 

The usual pictures.  Baby is now the size of a sweet potato.  Our DD had a soccer game in the early afternoon and it was such a beautiful day outside.  My oldest DS took the picture of me in my wrap shirt.  This shirt is super comfy and I'm so glad one of my surro sisters posted a link to it a while back.  http://baby.steals.com/

C & W's Baby in Week of 18 of Pregnancy
My pregnancy back pain may have me tied up in knots (see below), but baby's getting ready to bust a move. At five and a half inches long and five ounces in weight, he now may be large enough for me to feel him twisting, rolling, kicking, and punching his way around the womb. Plus, he's developing yawning and hiccupping skills (I may feel those soon, too!) and his own unique set of toe and fingerprints. (Definitely been feeling some very small movement here and there.  Nothing too big or consistent quite yet and I really have to be paying attention to it.  Can't wait for the movements to get a bit more noticeable.  I'm really hoping that by our appointment in a couple of weeks, C & W may be able to feel them too.  *fingers crossed*)

My Body in Week 18 of Pregnancy

Oh, my aching back! If you've uttered those words more than once this week, here's why: Your uterus, now about the size of a cantaloupe, is causing your body's center of gravity to shift, pulling the lower back forward and pushing the abdomen out (so now everyone can see that you’re pregnant!). On top of all that, joint-loosening pregnancy hormones are wreaking havoc on your muscles and ligaments, adding up to one big ouch! (Luckily, no back pain yet.  I have been going to the Chiro regularly and it has been fantastic.  She specializes in Pregnancy chiropractic and every time I go in there, just about everyone is pregnant.) 

NSR: State Fair Fun

 

Today we had a wonderful day at the State Fair of Texas.  My Mom and oldest nephew came over to go with us.  The morning definitely started out a little chilly, so we waited a little late to leave.  We have had a lot of rain in the area over the last week and half or so, and even though it was a cold start to the day, when we got to the fair a little after noon, it was so crowded.  We had planned to go on this day since before the fair opened because it's the only Saturday that our oldest son didn't have a marching band competition.  Honestly, we probably couldn't have picked a better day.  As we were loading up in the car, our neighbor across the street asked if we were going to the fair and if we needed tickets.  Apparently, they had gotten some from one of their Mom's and they had decided not to go.  4 FREE tickets!  Fabulous!!!  We paid it forward some because that meant I had extra coupons when we got there, so I gave those to some of the people around us in line.

 

We had to park in the furthest lot, but they had trams that ran back and forth to pick us up.  We were all so excited and ready to try some food.  We had twisted taters, roasted corn (twice), funnel cake corny dogs (Fletcher's only of course - twice), classic ice cream bar, fried s'mores, turkey legs (twice), and of course, we always get the cotton candy to take home. Oh, c'mon, we all know you go to the fair for the food. LOL!

 

When we got there, we went to the petting barn first, where the littles had so much fun seeing and petting the animals.  They really liked the baby pigs the most, who were under a heat lamp because it was still a little cool inside the barn.  The funniest part was DS trying to "pet" the rooster.  It pecked his hand.  It didn't really hurt him, but definitely startled him.  We had the twisted taters after that and went to watch the dog show.  It was fun and the dogs did some amazing tricks. 

 

 

 

After that, we headed to the kids favorite area.....the Midway!  On the way to the Midway, our oldest son and my oldest nephew spotted a Doomsday Preppers obstacle course.  Of course they did fantastic and finished at 1:24 sec and each got a bag with a shirt and a couple of other things.  Not too shabby for a free event.  We ate a turkey leg while they were waiting in line for the course.  The kids rode plenty of rides and even my little ones are dare devils and will try to ride just about anything they can get on.  Some, they were just tall enough for.  Those things that spin around and go upside down.  Of course, no rides for me this year, so my Mom, hubby and oldest had to fill in and they did a great job.  They rode a few rides and then we got some corny dogs.  Mmmmmm!  They were so yummy!  We had a funnel cake too and then the kids rode a few more rides.  Nope, no one got sick.  After spending a few hours at the midway, we decided to head to some of the exhibits.  The food and fiber building and the car show buildings. 

 

Once we made it through the food and fiber building, we headed to the auto show buildings, but it was getting close to time for the parade, so we decided to scope out a spot to watch.  We didn't have to wait too long before it started and we loved it just as much as the little ones.  The older boys were waiting in line for a car simulator in the auto show building, so we let them skip the parade.  The best part for me were the amazing stilt walkers in their elaborate costumes.  They were so beautiful!!  Here are two of them.  there were several others too.

 

 

After the parade, we headed to Big Tex and to grab another Corny Dog.  I totally blame wanting seconds on the baby....and of course all the walking I did.  I'm sure between the baby and walking, I probably burned a ton of calories.  We got a good family pic in front of Big Tex (the first one our youngest son had the best smile on his face, but DD had her hand over her face, so I'll have to get in photo shop to swap his head at some point), but this one will do for now.  At least we're all looking at the camera and there are no photo bombers.  After our Big Tex photo op, we headed to the Texas Star.  It is the largest Ferris Wheel in North America.  All the kids wanted to ride it.  I haven't been on it since I was much younger and to be honest, going up the first time was a little unnerving, but it was still fun.  It was definitely a bit more chilly 20 stories up.

 

My Mom with all the Grandkids.

 

It was such a wonderful, fun filled day!  Can't wait for next year. 

 

 

Most of our wonderful food below.  The pic of the funnel cake is on my phone, so I'll have to add that later and I missed a pic of the Fried S'mores because I didn't eat any of that one.  hehe 



 

Wonderful Roasted Corn and my beautiful Momma!  This is one of all of our favorites.

 

Classic Ice Cream Bar and the BEST....Fletcher's Corny Dog.  With Mustard of course (although the littles still prefer ketchup).

Turkey Leg - Before......and after.

Cotton Candy to go.  6 bags are a bit hard to carry, so they gave us a bigger bag to put it in.

 

 

Happy Bump Day!

Ok, so I probably won't do this post every week, but in the Surro world, Wednesday's are "Bump" days.  Haha, instead of "hump" days, of course.  : )  Here is my "Bump" Day pic. 

OB Appointment

Had an OB appointment today to check on this little one and everything is going well.  I just took the morning off work since my appointment was for 8:45am.  I stopped for a Jamba Juice on my way to the Dr's office since I didn't really have time to eat anything quite yet.  I headed to Dr. B's office, got signed in and waited for my appointment.  "C" got called to NY for a luncheon, so wasn't able to make it, but these appointments are usually pretty short anyway, so no worries at all.  I got called back, gave my urine sample, which all came back clear.  Then I got on the scale.  Only gained .2 lbs since the last visit.  Not bad at all and I'll take it, as I know there will be plenty added on in the next few weeks. 

Blood pressure was good too at 128/72 and baby's HR was 145.  I recorded the OB's Doppler to send to "C" after the appointment.  Dr. B said that everything is going fine and will see me again in 4 weeks.  So our next OB appointment is in 4 weeks and it's actually scheduled the day before our US appointment.  : )  I know it will be here before we know it.

17 Weeks

 

C & W's Baby in Week 17 of Pregnancy

My how this baby has grown! She's about the size of your palm (or an Onion), weighs about five ounces, and is developing some body fat (join the club, baby!). Her heart is now regulated by her brain (no more random beats) to beat 140 to 150 times per minute — about twice as fast as yours! What else is up? She’s practicing the survival skills she’ll need at birth — like sucking and swallowing.

My Body in Week 17 of Pregnancy

Now that I'm starting to show (yeah, that's been happening for a few weeks now), chances are that friends, coworkers, and even strangers may feel the urge to reach out and touch your belly (So far, just one of my surro sisters, but I'm totally ok with her doing it.  : )  No strangers or others as of yet, so we'll see what happens). If you don't mind, that's fine. But if you do, speak up kindly but firmly. More new developments with your body: a slight vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) and a greater sensitivity to allergens these days — both are totally normal — and the appetite of a truck driver now that the queasy feeling is (probably) gone.

Week 17 Pregnancy Tip: Snoring

If your partner finds your new snoring habit about as sexy as a hippo in a thong (which, by the way, you're starting to feel like), take heart. The stuffiness that often triggers world-champion snoring is common and temporary, another unexpected (make that inexplicable) side effect of those pregnancy hormones at work (that’s right, even your nose is affected by pregnancy hormones!). Try putting a humidifier in your bedroom, using one of those nasal strips on your nose to open up your nasal passages (doesn't look pretty, but it works for some people), or sleeping on a couple of pillows to keep your head slightly elevated. And if he still complains, buy him a set of earplugs — or banish him to the couch for the night; after all, it's more important that you get a good night's sleep these days. (This wasn't a big problem until a few weeks before baby "E" was born and DH did end up sleeping on the couch.  Let's hope it waits just as long this time, or maybe doesn't show up at all.)