Evan, Aidan, Bella & Sophia » February 2006 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

< > February 2006

Tue, Feb 28, 2006 9:00 AM
Looks like a GIRL!!!!!
We had an AWESOME INTEGRATED NT Scan today (12w4d)! The Nuchal Translucency measurement was between 1.4 mm - 1.6 mm consistently (she took 8 measurements) ~ anything <3 mm is awesome. We saw a prominent nasal bone.

Of course, I won't get the final results until my next Perinatology appt. I had the INTEGRATED NT SCAN - which means I also had my blood drawn today, so we have to await those results (actually, it was a finger stick).

The heartrate was 162 BPM and the baby measures between 6.97 -7.04 cm long!

I am measuring 5 days ahead - measuring 13w4d. The sonographer actually said a report will go to my Perinatologist and he may adjustment my EDD to 9/3/06!!!

Ok - now for the gender stuff. I asked the sonographer, "In your opinion, is it too early to look for the gender? I know we are very early."

She said, "absolutely not. I can usually tell by this time whether it's a boy or girl."

She studied the crotch for several minutes and said it definitely looks like a GIRL! She said to have it confirmed at my 15 week Ultrasound on 3/22 for sure (girl genders should be confirmed twice) - but there is absolutely no penis and no scrotum whatsoever!!!!!

We are over the moon!!!!!!! Our little baby was swimming all over the place. She wouldn't sit still for anything. It took over 48 minutes of having me cough and the sonographer bouncing my stomach to get the baby into position so the measurements could be taken. It was truly a fabulous experience and I am so glad we went!!!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 24, 2006 7:37 AM
12 WEEKS
Your baby is about the size of a peach and is growing rapidly. Crown to rump, your baby measures 2.6 to 3.1 inches (6.5 to 7.8cm) and weighs 0.5 to 0.7 ounces (14 to 20g).

Your baby's legs are longer than her arms and her skin is red and transparent. Her eyelids are fused together and won't open for about four more months. Her arms are long enough to reach her mouth and she may begin to place her thumb in her mouth. Her sucking reflex, however, is not yet developed.

The tissue that will become your baby's bones is being laid out, especially around her head and her arms and legs. Some ribs may be distinguished at this time. The nose and chin are more prominent now.

Your baby will begin to practice breathing in the next few weeks as her chest rises and falls in mock breathing motions. She will also swallow small amounts of amniotic fluid which will be passed as urine.

Your placenta is providing all of your baby's needs for nutrition, oxygen and waste disposal, though the amniotic fluid will become more important later on.

All major components of the body are formed and now must grow and mature. From now on, your baby's development will consist primarily of organ maturity and growth and body refinement.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 24, 2006 6:19 AM
Prediction from thePregnancytester.com:

It's A Girl!

Christine, you're going to be the proud parent of a baby girl, and just look- isn't she just so damn cute! Based on our remote test results, your beautiful baby girl will weigh about 9 lbs, 9 oz and have brown hair and green eyes. Truly a Wonder To Behold!

Birth Certificate:
Zoe Emily

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Thu, Feb 23, 2006 1:00 PM
12 WEEK Perinatology appt:

Everything is progessing as it should. Our baby's heartrate today was 160 BPM~ "perfect" as Dr. Voss put it. I gained 3 lbs. since my 8 week appt. EEK. Dr. Voss said that was right on track. Whatever, I feel big. My blood pressure is great: 101/60.

I asked Dr. Voss what type of cerclage I would be having (McDonald, Shirodkar or trans-abdominal). He confirmed that I would be having the McDonald cerclage. Dr. Voss told me that I have VERY little risk with a McDonald cerclage at 14 weeks (considered a preventative cerclage). Dr. Voss drew me a diagram of the procedure and I am comfortable that they know what they are doing. There are much higher risks associated with an emergency/rescue cerclage (done after 20 weeks when the cervix is already shortening/dialating) than a preventive one. He said he has NEVER seen a miscarriage in all his years of practice from a preventative cerclage (not from rupturing the amniotic sac nor from infection). I asked if I will be given antibiotics and/or monitored over night. Dr. Voss said "no." They have no problems with infections whatsoever and that the overnight monitoring is not necessary. At this point, Dr. Voss asked me if I was either a Nurse or a Dr., and we both got a chuckle out of that. I explained that I do WAY too much internet research and had been gathering my list of questions over the past month. Dr. Brady will be performing my surgery on March 10, 2006 at 11:30 am. We will arrive at 9:30 am for preparation. Please say a prayer that all goes well.

I will begin weekly ultrasounds starting March 22, 2006 (16 weeks). The ultrasounds are to monitor my cervix length and check on the cerclage. I will also get a picture/peek at our baby at each ultrasound. They will occur every Wednesday until I am 26 weeks pregnant.

I asked Dr. Voss my limitations post cerclage. He said I can still pick up my boys, but I shouldn't be carrying them up and down steps (nor around the neighborhood this summer). I can take walks and do everything I used to do. The weekend after the surgery I should remain in bed or on the couch and off my feet, though. No *relations* after 3/10/06 between Slawek and I are permitted (not that we would want to, since I will have strings hanging out!)

I will begin the 17alpha hydroxyprogesterone injections starting the following week, March 28. I will get the order for that at my 16 week appointment next month on March 22.

That's all for now. It's a lot of information to digest and I trust my Perinatology group. I just hope and pray everything goes as smoothly as Dr. Voss assured me it would.

2 weeks and counting until my cerclage!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Wed, Feb 22, 2006 10:59 AM
I had another vivid dream last night about giving birth to a baby girl. It's funny. During my pregnancy with Evan and Aidan, I had constant dreams of delivering baby boy(s). The last dream I had a few weeks ago about delivering a healthy, full term baby girl were amazing. I delivered her at home and we named her Josie (a name we are not even considering!) It's funny how the subconscious takes over when you are pregnant.

I read today that the baby's thyroid, pancreas and gall bladder have now finished developing, and the intestines are now fully formed and contracting within the abdomen (no longer in the umbilical cord). Our baby is also urinating (sterile, of course). Our baby also has a rooting reflex now - if anything touches his/her little head, his/her mouth automatically opens. How sweet!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Mon, Feb 20, 2006 9:34 AM
Madame Zaritska's prediction for me:
The day you deliver, outside will be cloudy. Your baby will arrive in wee hours of the morning. After a labor lasting approximately 24 hours, your child, a GIRL, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 5 pounds, 7 ounces, and will be 17 inches long. This child will have blue eyes and a little patch of brown hair.

But there is more. It is perfectly healthy and normal to want to look good, even during these interesting months! I sense you feel a little reluctant. Well, you're not being silly or shallow -- you're taking care of yourself. And I am happy that you are. Here is some fashionable advice for you to peruse at this special time.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 17, 2006 3:20 PM
The Baby's heartbeat today was 168 BPM. It's consistently going down, just as it should. Here are the heart rates I have logged since 9 weeks:

8w4d (1/31/06) - 180 BPM (via ultrasound)
9w0d (2/3/06) - 184 BPM
10w0d (2/10/06) - 176 BPM
11w0d (2/17/06 - 168 BPM

I only listen to the heartbeat 2 times per week maximum. Dr. Brady voiced concerns during my last pregnancy of overusing a home doppler, and to be honest, I just don't have the time to listen as much as I would like to (with twin 14 1/2 month olds at home!)

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 17, 2006 8:33 AM
11 WEEKS
Your baby is now almost 2.5 inches long (6.1cm) when measured from crown to rump, and weighs between 0.3 and 0.5 ounces (9 to 13g).

Your baby's fingers and toes have separated and are getting longer. Your baby can open and close its mouth and drinks amniotic fluid which it passes out as urine. Its head is becoming more rounded, though it is still large in proportion to its body. It has eyelids.

You can now hear your baby's heartbeat with a Doppler Ultrasound device!

Your baby continues to grow rapidly and has doubled in size in the last three weeks alone.

The face is beginning to look more human, and all body structures are present with a few refinements still in progress. Fingernails and toenails begin to develop this week.

Your baby's muscles are sufficiently developed to allow for involuntary movements at this time. The messages which control your baby's movements are sent from the spine, rather than the brain, which is not yet sufficiently developed.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Wed, Feb 15, 2006 1:22 PM
I took Evan to the Pediatrician today. We got to meet 1 of our new Pediatricians at the new office we moved to ~ Dr. Hines. He seemed very nice, I liked him. Evan has a sinus infection.

Evan weighs 21 lbs. 6 oz.
Aidan weighs 24 lbs. 11 oz. (he was weighed last week when he was taken in for a follow up ear appt)

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Tue, Feb 14, 2006 8:26 AM
Happy Valentine's Day!

I can't believe it ~ exactly 2 years ago today, Slawek and I were sitting in Dr. Scheiber's office for our 1st and only IUI. It was such a sad day, because Dr. Scheiber told us we didn't really have a chance. I remember being so sad and depressed on that day. It was that day, or shortly thereafter, when Slawek and I decided to go with In-Vitro Fertilization to start our family. It's hard to believe that now we are expecting a miracle baby - the one that never had a chance!!

Thank God for miracles.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sun, Feb 12, 2006 4:10 PM
Hee Hee - it seems one of my journal entries may have been confusing. I copied that "10 WEEK" entry straight from a fetal development website, and they did refer to a 10 week baby as being a "she". I guess it would be rather confusing, looking back.

We do not know what we are having just yet. It is too early to tell. The soonest you can find out on an ultrasound is between 16-20 weeks of pregnancy. I am in my 11th week of pregnancy, so it is way too soon to tell. I am still trying to convince Slawek to find out - as he is determined he doesn't want to know. I would like to know, since if we are having another boy - we have absolutely everything we need (times two!) And if we are having a girl, we would need a few things. Time will tell - I'll keep working on Slawek.

My gut instinct sways as to what I feel we are having. Slawek says he is sure we are having a girl, as do most of my friends. I did have a very vivid dream this weekend that I delivered a healthy, full-term baby girl and named her Josie (which is not the name we have chosen for a girl!) I can also say this pregnancy is completely different than my previous one. When I was pregnant with Evan and Aidan, I craved salty/spicy stuff (chips, Cheetos) ~ and chocolate/sweets made my stomach turn. With this pregnancy, all I crave is sugar. I can't stand the thought of Cheetos or Doritoes (something I really craved while pregnant with Evan and Aidan) - but can't seem to get enough of chocolate, ice cream and Cap'N Crunch cereal. Also, while I was pregnant with Evan and Aidan, my skin was glowing. I didn't have breakout issues (until after I delivered them). Now my skin seems to be going through a horrible breakout phase. My morning sickness has also been worse from the beginning with this pregnancy, but seems to have recently gotten much better. With Evan and Aidan, I had wicked headaches from the very moment I conceived them. My headaches were so severe and lasted for the first half of my pregnancy. This pregnancy ~ no headaches. Not one! Of course, that is another old wives tale (boys cause headaches and girls do not).

So, these differences lead me to believe it could possibly be a girl - but as soon as I say that, I also realize Murphy's Law predicts it will be a boy. The Chinese Gender chart says I am having a Girl!! I hate to say my feelings about it, as I will be proven wrong as soon as I speak my opinion! :o)

Time will tell. We will be happy with whatever God has given us, and pray that this baby is healthy and full-term.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 10, 2006 9:44 AM
Things are going good in the Gorczyk home these days. The boys are into everything - exploring and learning about the world. Evan is hilarious with the way he mocks everyone. No matter what you do (make funny noises, say words, or make a funny face), he tries to copy it. Aidan is very possessive with his things. He wants what he wants - and it always seems that he wants what Evan has! They are both learning and growing together, and it's the sweetest thing ever.

As far as my pregnancy goes, I am feeling a little bit better these days. I'm almost into the 2nd Trimester and have had a solid week of no puking. I hope this trend continues. I am still very tired and fatigued in the evenings, but thankfully Slawek has taken over with putting the boys to bed. (I am usually asleep on the couch at their bedtime, I just can't make it past 8 pm right now). I listened to the baby's heartbeat last night for a while - and it's beating at a steady 176 BPM. Awesome!

I have my next Perinatology appt. in <2 weeks, and I have so many questions and concerns to go over with the Dr. I will be seeing Dr. Voss this time, so I am going to be asking for a 2nd opinion about the cervical cerclage (stitching). I am just worried that the procedure could cause me to miscarry (rupture the amniotic sac). I want to know all the risks involved and if this has ever happened to a woman 14 weeks pregnant (like I will be at the time of the procedure). I know that a rescue cerclage (performed later in pregnancy when a woman's cervix shows signs of early opening) is much riskier and has more complications and miscarriages, but I am not sure of the risks for me at 14 weeks. I am just worried about it. If it helps me carry full term, I am all for it, but I am afraid.

We also have another very detailed ultrasound coming up on 2/28/06. This ultrasound is to measure the nuchal translucency of our baby. It's a routine procedure just to tell us that everything is fine with our baby ~ we hope.

That's the news for now! Have a great weekend.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 10, 2006 8:11 AM
10 WEEKS
Your baby is growing incredibly rapidly right now. She is approximately 1.75 to 2.4 inches (4.4 to 6cm) when measured from crown to rump. She will double her length in the next three weeks. Your growing baby weighs about 0.3 ounces (8g).

The neck is developing and the chin lifts up from the chest. Fingernails are also present. While your baby's sex was already determined at the time of fertilization, male or female genitalia are now visible. Essential organs are formed and most have begun to function. The blood vessels in the placenta are increasing in number to meet your baby's increasing nutritional needs. Her ears are moving towards the sides of her head, away from the neck. Your baby's head is still not in proportion with her body. Your baby's head accounts for about half of her body length.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Sun, Feb 5, 2006 1:16 PM
Today we received a Peg Perego Triplet Stroller from Grandma and Grandpa Campbell! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Campbell, from Evan, Aidan and the baby-on-the-way (oh, and mommy and daddy, too!)

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 3, 2006 9:15 PM
9 Weeks - I heard your heartbeat for the first time today. Your heart is beating 184 beats per minute and sounds beautiful!!

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates
Fri, Feb 3, 2006 5:18 AM
9 WEEKS
The crown-to-rump length of your baby is about 1.25 to 1.68 inches (between 3.1 and 4.2cm). He weighs about 0.18 ounces (5g).

The placenta is now producing progesterone which helps to make nutrients for your developing baby.

Your baby has passed the stage when he is most susceptible to damage. By the end of this week, the danger zone for congenital abnormalities has passed.

The plan for your baby's body has been completely laid down by now. Further growth and cell division will build on this plan.

Taste and tooth buds have appeared.

Your baby has recently developed fingers and toes which are now well-formed. Ankles, wrists and the inner ear have formed. Your baby's nose is flat and his eyes are far apart. His eyes, ears, mouth and nose are all recognizable. The tail is disappearing.

Your baby is moving around the amniotic sac, and moving his feet and ankles. You still will not be able to feel these movements but you may be able to see them on an ultrasound.

Blood is circulating through the arteries and the vein of the umbilical cord.

The brain of your baby is developing at a phenomenal rate. About one quarter of a million new neurons are produced every single minute at this stage in your pregnancy.

If your baby is a boy, his testes, though they are not even clearly visible, are already producing testosterone.

Your baby is no longer called an embryo, but rather a fetus.

Comments:

Add a comment:

Name: Email:
Comment:

Notify me of scrapbook updates