Tillman's Birthday!

Tillman surprised us yesterday at 2:45AM with my water breaking (premature membrane rupture).  I labored until the late night, and Dr. Villers concluded a c-section was needed.  They are unsure, but think I acquired an infection since my water broke before being in labor.

Tillman is 6 lbs 3 ozs and 19 1/2 inches long and was born on 9/12/10 at 11:00PM.  We are certainly proud parents! 

More news to come in the upcoming days.  Hope to be back to blogging soon. 

38 weeks

At 38 weeks pregnant, I 'm doing fine.  Sleeping and turning over at night is getting harder, but I'm still getting my full 8 hours.  9PM seems to be the magic bedtime.  Nick says that I have perfected the preggo waddle.  I asked him if he thought others could tell if I was pregnant from behind, and he said "YES."  It all has to do with the waddle. 

This week I packed Tillman's bag and 1/2 my bag for the hospital.  They tell you to pack all of that stuff in advance, but that just isn't possible.  I can't pack some things until the last minute, as I use them everyday!  I just hope I'm at home when this whole labor thing starts!  It would make it a lot easier, but if I am not, I have a list going of everything that needs to go in the bag before it comes to the hospital. 

Here's the babycenter.com update: "Your baby has really plumped up.  He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)"

I am really hoping Tillman has blue eyes.  Nick's eyes are brownish and mine are blue.  I know we'll love him just the same, but it is a wish.  We also have other random wishes for Tillman-hope he doesn't get eaten by mosquitoes like I do, hope he doesn't have dry skin like his dad, hope he gets the skinny genes, hope he get the smart and athletic genes (from somewhere), etc.  Most of all, we hope the little guy is healthy! 

To help with the healthy part, we have decided not to do anything to induce labor, we want to keep him in his happy place for as long as possible.  Many people schedule their due date to be induced, have membranes stripped, do random exercises to move the process along, but we've decided that isn't for us.  We're going to let nature do its thing.  If nothing has progressed after his due date, we'll look at options.  Dr. Villers says he has to come out at 41 weeks (no value to keep him in after that point as the placenta gets old), so we know he'll be born on or before September 28th.

37 weeks = Tillman is a "(full) term" baby!

Tillman is term is the theme of the day!  I am glad he has hung out this long.  Although there seems to be some discrepancy between babycenter.com and some folks regarding if Tillman is term or full term. My trusty source, babycenter.com says "your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away."

"If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz."

I don't have an outie-the shirt is just folded weird...

While "Term Tillman" is growing and measuring like a stalk of Swiss chard, I am still growing as well.  Here are some facts about Mrs. Pregnant in the Lowcountry.

-How big is the baby? Tillman's weight was guesstimated around 5lbs last Thursday.

-Weight gain? Ugh...32lbs. I read one of my post from the first trimester about how much is a healthy weight to gain, and it said 30lbs.  Well, I have passed that and still have 3 weeks to go!  Feeling pretty huge these days...especially my legs (not attractive).

-Stretch Marks? Not that I can tell...at least new ones...ugh puberty was not nice to me!

-Sleep? I sleep just fine with 4 pillows, and wake up at 12, 2 and 4 for potty breaks!

-Best moment of the week? A surprise baby shower at work last Friday!  Complete surprise!

-Food and cravings? Cold food...ice cream (Blue Bell Banana Split).

-Movement? Tillman is "tearing it up" in his happy place this week!  He has been super active.

-What I miss? SUSHI-I had a California roll this weekend...just not the same, but got me my fix.

-Belly Button? Just about flattened out.

-Looking forward to? Getting back into my normal clothes and successfully breastfeeding.

-Milestone? Tillman is full term!

Don't do this to a pregnant lady!

This is a completely random post.  I am sure that I am "preaching to the choir," but I feel it must be said. 

Don't tell a pregnant lady (especially someone you don't know) "Oh, when are the TWINS due?"  Really....do you want to be slapped?  As if I am not feeling pretty huge right now, a MAN has got to say something like that!  I was shocked and said "I'm not having TWINS...and HE is due the 21st!"

Don't tell a pregnant lady after you have been in her office for an hour that you have a BUG, you think it will turn into bronchitis, and that you have not gotten your prescription filled yet!!!  I have gone this entire pregnancy without a sickness, and don't need one in the last few weeks.  Do you not know that pregnant ladies are limited in the medicine they can take? 
P.S. on this one....I hope it is my paranoia, but I have been sneezing and sniffing this morning.  Dang!  It better not be!  I've Germ-Xed my office this morning.  If my keyboard stops working, I know it will be from all the hand sanitizer dripping into the keyboard controls.

These two things happened yesterday afternoon, but good things happen too.  Nick isn't a follower of the blog, and you won't see him comment; but he does read my post.  Here's his response to yesterday's post!

"Even though you might feel big, I think you are doing much better than you thought you would be at this time. If that makes any sense. I think you are going great. Look at it this way, your a** is flat. It could be sticking out as far as your stomach.
XOXO
By the way the couch is mine."
 
Nothing like a peep talk from the husband to keep the spirits high!

36 Weeks (full term in 7 days)....

So, I think this is the week that I have starting feeling huge!  I look at this picture of myself, and I can't believe it is me! 

This week I have been pretty active.  We've been walking at night (I'd say we're walking the dog, but he really walks us), walked all over that Babies R Us store on Saturday, and went for a swim on Sunday. 

Sitting for a long time is uncomfortable.  I'd rather stand or lay down.  Nick and I have been fighting over the couch this week.

As for Master Tillman, he has been moving a lot, and at his last heart beat check, Dr. Villers said he appeared "happy!"  Babycenter.com says Tillman should be packing on the pounds this week "at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly." (Tillman is head-down)

5 weeks to go (35 weeks along)

I realize with this title I've just jinxed his arrival.  He'll probably come at 41 or 42 weeks (which is actually fine with me...I could use another week to get mentally prepared for the rest of my life).We learned at our childbirth education class the average pregnancy is around 41 weeks and a few days.

Here's what babycenter.com says about Tillman at 35 weeks: "Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

So, I guess in return I'll be packing on the lbs as well for the next few weeks.  There are certain things that are getting snug.  I do find pieces of clothes that I have to put in the "little" materinity wear box.

When we were taking this picture, we looked out the window and saw this full rainbow.  Hopefully, that means we're going to have a great day!

Sweet Husband

I came home from Target yesterday, and this is what I saw by the bed.  For those of you who can't tell by the pictures, I'm 5'2" on a good day.  We have a pretty high bed, and the bigger my belly gets, the harder it is to get in and out of bed.  My sweet husband purchased a step stool for me!  (yes people...I love my computer, and it stays by my bedside all the time...crazy I'm sure to some.)

His sweet card read: "Meredith, I noticed you are starting to have a more difficulty getting into bed.  I hope this little step helps the late night trips to the bathroom.  Thanks for being a wonderful prego wife. With Much Love, Nick"  On the other side of the card he said "Keep up the good work and positive attitude. Not too much more to go."

I have a pretty thoughtful husband.  He has been also busy around the house with his "honey-do" list too.  Yesterday he surprised me with clearing out a space in the garage for my car!  This may seem strange to some, but we have lived in our house almost two years, and a car hasn't spent the night in there yet. 

Dear Nick,

You are the best!  Thanks for all you do, and being so thoughtful!  I'm luck to have you in my life.  I know that you will make a great Daddy to Tillman, and I simply can't wait to have a family with you!

I heard this song yesterday (Brad Paisley - Anything Like Me), and I thought of you and Tillman! You're going to be a great Daddy!

Love,

Meredith

34 weeks

Here's babycenter.com's update: "Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

This weekend for us or should I say all day Saturday consisted of Childbirth Education Class (9AM-4PM).  ¡Ay, caramba! 

As far as the way I am feeling this week, it is much the same.  I do find myself wide awake at 5AM (7AM on the weekends...booo!).  That last for about 15 minutes, and then I want to go back to sleep...a deep sleep!  Also, I'm getting up more frequently through the night to "potty."  I heard in our class this weekend (and I've heard it from others) the potty breaks at night are preparing me to get up with Tillman for feedings. 

So, maybe I should have put one hand on the top
and another at the bottom...looking like a huge blob today!

One funny thing I've noticed is our dog, Graham.  He loves to lay on the hardwood floor to stay cool.  I just step over him when trying to get around him.  It isn't a problem, as he doesn't move (although I know he has always slept with one eye open).  However, he must notice that I've gained a few "lbs" because when I start walking towards him, he immediately get to his feet like he is about to play defence.  He wants nothing to do with me stepping over him (I guess he is scared of the potential consequences!).

Graham's "deer in the headlights look"
when I'm coming towards him!

33 Weeks....7 Weeks to go?

Babycenter.com's review of week 33: "This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood."

As for me at week 33, I am really thirsty and am starting to see the signs of "kankles!"  Lovely!  I asked Nick about it last night, but he said didn't notice them (or did he?).  Also, this was the first week I went to the grocery store and had the typical "pickles and ice cream" in my cart.  I wondered why I was buying this stuff, but I know why.  Both are cold, and I'm always hot.  So, it makes perfect sense why women like these items!  Just like my slushies, these cravings are all centered around cold food! 

Another noticeable thing this week was clothing.  I certainly can't wear any clothes that I wore in my first trimester.  Nick helped me get into a top that I wore a lot in May.  Well, we got it zipped, but Nick wasn't going anywhere with me while I was wearing it!!  Let just say....it was TIGHT!  I've had to fold up the "little" maternity wear (if that's a such thing!).

My Baby of Blue is 32 (weeks)

Ok...so I'm not too much of a poet!  I tried....

Our house over the past week has been invaded by baby blue (the color).  Between washing all the hand-me-downs and new outfits from the shower our living room and kitchen are a sea of blue!  I finally put away all of Tillman's clothes last night (0-3 months to start with).  We decided from 0 to 3 months he would live downstairs (we may transition him sooner...don't judge).  Fortunately, we have a armoire in our front room (right outside our bedroom) that only has a TV in it (no cable to the TV, so we never watch it).  The drawers have never been filled, so now Tillman will have a dresser down stairs for all of his things until we venture to make the big move to his nursery. 

This boy doesn't need anymore clothes.  I simply don't know where they would go!  He has a sock & hat, bib & burp cloth and two large clothes drawers.  The shelves of the armoire are filled with blankets!  Nick might be taking the TV out to the garage if we have to pack much more into it (a great problem to have; we certainly do appreciate every one's generosity)! 

Switching gears....

Here's what babycenter.com has to say about Tillman this week: "By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth."

So, in short, babycenter.com is telling me to get prepared for the "lbs!"  I say "bring it on."  I want to make sure Tillman catches up in the next 7 weeks, so we won't have to worry about his growth. 

Growth Scan Video

On July 8th, I went for a growth scan at MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center (to see results click here).  Below is the video.  This three part video features me talking about why I was having it done, some footage of the scan, and then Dr. Newman explaining the findings.
Take a look!  If you have trouble seeing the YouTube version, click here to see it on MUSChealth.com.

Today I have my 31 week appointment.  I'm now seeing Dr. Villers every two weeks.  Also, tonight Nick and I go to the MUSC breastfeeding class.  Busy day of Tillman activities!

I'm in my 30's...

Today starts the true count down to Tillman's delivery.  I'm 30 weeks today (10 weeks to go)!  As you can see from the picture above, my baby bump is starting to get larger by the day!  I'm still feeling really good and have lots of energy, which is good because Nick and I have certainly been on the go and aren't slowing down for a few weeks.

Here's what Babycenter.com has to say about Tillman this week-"Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage....Tillman was at 2 lbs 8 ozs on Thursday). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)"

Growth Study Results

Tillman was not much into being on camera yesterday.  The majority of the pictures were of him with his hands in his face.  The picture above certainly looks like he is tired of the "Paparazzi!"

The reason for the ultrasound was to check on his growth.  My belly growth has been consistently about two weeks behind, so the study was to see if he is growing as he should.  As Dr. Villers explains the growth study- "A growth study is just to see how much the baby weighs and how much it has grown since your last ultrasound. We have standards to compare the baby to which helps us determine if the baby is growing at an expected rate."

Master Tillman is in the 27th percentile for weight.  The majority of his "lag behind" comes from abdominal growth.  His femur length is also behind, but I have pretty short legs, and Nick doesn't have long legs either.  An average baby is in the 50th percentile.  Tillman at 29 weeks weighs 2 lbs 8 ozs.  All his little pieces and parts are in place, and fluid levels are good.  The blood flow in the umbilical cord is good, so they don't have any worry about him getting nutrition. 

While they were testing the flow through the umbilical cord, Tillman was doing "practice breathing."  This is normal and good!  The ultrasound tech let us listen to him while he "preformed!"

He had plenty of fetal movement during the study, so I think that indicates that he is "thriving."  His heart rate was 144 bpm, and that was completely normal.

Comments from the physician report-"A repeat ultrasound of this single intrauterine pregnancy was preformed. The anatomic survey was abbreviated today but reported as normal on previous exam.  The amniotic fluid volume was normal. Appropriate interval growth was noted. The AC (Abdominal Circumference) was < 5th percentile on today's scan. EFW (Estimated Fetal Wight) was 2lbs 8ozs, placing the fetus at the 27th percentile. Umbilical artery Dopplers and MAC Dopplers were preformed with normal S/D ratio.  BPP (Biophysical Profile) was 8/8."

(In this picture his hand was chopped off by a sound wave.

Notice the nub?  An ultrasound is made up of sound waves. 

I think he looks like Captain Hook!)

We will go back in one month for a follow up to check on the little guy's growth!  All and all, a good visit at MUSC's Prenatal Wellness Center!

Let The Third Trimester Begin

Yikes...28 weeks today means we're in the home stretch.  I certainly understand the "nesting" concept people always say pregnant women go through because I am starting to get that way (ok...so maybe I'll already feeling it).  When I tell people I am due in September, they say "wow, that is soon."  When I hear this, it gets me thinking-"We're not prepared." "What if he came tomorrow....we don't even have the crib yet"...and the list just goes on and on.
In the past few weeks, I've noticed that I've been a lot more hungry, a little tired, and am gaining some serious weight!  The one thing about weight gain is I feel completely out of shape.  When in Atlanta, I felt like I constantly wanted to sit down, dreaded hills when we walked, and was out a breath before I knew it (oh yeah...pretty sweaty too...gross, I know)! 

Me at 28 weeks

So, obviously I take my pics at work

(hints the MUSC badge)

See what babycenter.com says sweet Tillman is up to this week....
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Week 27

Since my third OB appointment there has seemed to be some discrepancy on my due date.  This wouldn't bother most (I'm sure), but (of course) it bothered me.  The due date of 9/21/10 is extremely significant in the family.  It is the birthday of Nick's Grandfather for who Tillman will be named. 
When the LPN checking my weight and blood pressure said "your due date is 9/24/10, right?"  I immediately got tense!  "NO", I said.  She further goes to say that she can't change it since it is less than a week off.  This "silly" little thing has bothered me (not a good thing to ask me while taking my blood pressure!).  I still keep telling people it is 9/21/10. 
At my last appointment, Dr. Villers solved the mystery.  On my first ultrasound, he measured being due on 9/21/10.  On the second ultrasound, he measured due 9/24/10.  Dr. Villers changed it to the 9/21/10 date, so we're all good now (I'm sure she thinks I'm a little nuts about this, but hey....I'm nuts about a lot of things). 
So, I tell you all of this to say that I am officially 27 weeks today!

Here's what babycenter.com says about Tillman's growth this week. "This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if he were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him, so just relax and enjoy the tickle."

26 week appointment

I had my appointment with Dr. Villers today at 8:30.  I got to listen to Tillman's heart rate.  Everything is sounding good!  She did say that my belly growth is still behind, so I'll be going for a growth study (an ultrasound) on July 8th to make sure everything is ok with him and Tillman is growing as he should.  Dr. Villers doesn't think Nick and I will have a huge baby just given our size, but she still just wants to check things out.  I am very grateful for her being cautious.  It makes me feel really good about the care I am receiving.

The first thing I do when being called back to my appointment is get weighed...booo!  I've gained 10 lbs since my last appointment.  I officially weigh more now than I ever have in my life (including all fat stages that sent me back and forth to Weight Watchers)!  I will say 10 pregnancy pounds feel a lot different than 10 regular pounds.  The weight is all in front; where as the other weight gain is all over.  So far, I don't mind the pregnant look.  It is the first time I'm 18 lbs heavier, and people tell me I look good.

My blood pressure was also good this visit-117/70. 

The majority of my appointment was chatting with Dr. Villers.  I did ask her about stretch marks.  She did say if I had them in puberty (which I did); I'd likely see them again.  Dr. Villers said if you prone, then you are just going to get them.  It has to to with the collagen levels in the skin, and it is all hereditary.  She suggested after pregnancy to get them laser treated.  Laser treatment only works on the marks that are still purple.  Once they turn silver/skin color, there's really nothing that can be done.

We also chatted about my next appointment.  I will be receiving the shot, Rogam.  My blood lacks the Rh antigen (- blood type), it is called Rh-negative. If it has the antigen, it is called Rh-positive. Basically, since my body isn't used to Rh antigen and Tillman were to have Rh in his blood (+ blood type), my body would build antibodies against the baby.  Apparently, you are given a shot, and all is taken care of after that.

Also, at my next appointment, I'll be reviewing my birth plan or wishes during the delivery process.  MUSC has a birth plan on their website that I'll be filling out. Click here to check it out.

Stretch Marks Prevention

I was first introduced to stretch marks while I hit that first major growth spurt in middle school.  It was the summer between my seventh and eighth grade years.  I guess that is referred to as blossoming, but dang, I was in full bloom that summer!  I remember my mom purchasing my Confirmation dress.  I planned to wear it to my cousin's wedding that August.  We'll I went to put the dress on, and my mom had to bust the seems to make it work for the wedding.  I think that was the first time in my life I felt FAT.  Kids shouldn't have to feel fat, but from that point on, I was introduced to stretch marks and dieting!!!

So now being pregnant, I am super sensitive to the fact of me being prone to stretch marks.  I just can't handle anymore; I have enough.  I certainly fear them during pregnancy after seeing post like this (do check it out...at least the stretch mark picture...Julie, I finally broke down and read it).  After seeing that picture of someone who didn't believe in creams and lotions, I had to try every lotion possible to avoid that situation.

I have a three lotion regiment once a day (may up it to twice a day).
-Publix Cocoa Butter (Free from Publix Baby Club mailer)-I put this mainly on my legs, arms and chest.  I consider this lotion, phase one.  It might help, but certainly look to higher powered lotions for problem areas.

-Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, phase two.  At least this lotion has Stretch Marks in the name.  I use this lotion for my belly!  I don't have any stretch marks (knock on wood) there, but feel like this would do a good job in helping fight them. 

-Bio-Oil, phase three.  Several women have recommended this product.  I use it on my thighs and lower back....the unfortunate places I've had stretch marks since 7th grade! Bio-Oil is not cheap.  The small bottle cost $20.  However, their website has a coupon!  (click here for the coupon).  I have found it at Wal-Mart and Target.

Any advice from moms out there on what is the best products to use?

26 weeker = viable baby

Excuse the hair-HOT and HUMMID in Charleston!

As many of you know I work at MUSC Children's Hospital.  I am not "clinical" and do not pretend to know much about all the clinical stuff!  However, I am surrounded by people everyday that work with preemies, high-risk moms (pregnancies), children who are sick, and so on.  This is an awesome thing.  I ask lots of questions and absorb advice from the best!
Yesterday, after everyone got in a belly rub (I'm getting used to that...not too bad as long as I like you.).  A group a nurses asked how far along was I.  I said "26 weeks tomorrow!"  One of the nurses said a great thing "we got a viable baby!"  That is such a nice thing to hear.  If something were to happen, I know the NICU at MUSC Children's Hospital takes care of little ones at Tillman's size everyday!  (Don't get me wrong, if Tillman were to be born, it would be a long way to recovery, and he would likely spend months in the NICU.)

Of course, I asked this smart group of nurses about my belly growth.  They all made me feel much better.  One of the nurses said she didn't start wearing maternity clothes until she was at 28 weeks.  Let me tell you; I couldn't fit into my pants after week 16!

On the other hand, I've had comments in the elevator at work like "how far along are you?"  (24 weeks)  "Gosh, you're small!"  Elevator opens, they get out; and leaves me there to wonder...am I???
Another recent comment about my size came from another nurse.  "When do you find out what you are having?"  Oh, we're having a boy.  "When did you find out these days?  Around 20 weeks...we found out back in April.   Then I get this look...like what?  She didn't say anything, but I knew what she was thinking!

Here's what babycenter.com says about Tillman at 26 weeks:
"The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days."

He weighs as much as a mango!

Here's what babycenter.com had to say about Tillman's growth on his 23rd week. "Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that he's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing his for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb."

As for me, I feel pretty good!  (random thoughts below)
I do notice that my hands are getting puffy.  I took off my wedding rings the other day, and I had to tug at them.  They left a mark on my finger, which is unusual because these rings before I was always trying to keep them on/secure to my finger.

I don't have any real cravings here lately, and I find that I get full quickly (at sit down meals).  I guess there is something to them telling us pregnant ladies to eat smaller meals through the day. 

My paranoia right now is being around the "sniffing sneezing" type.  I really don't want to get sick.  So far, I have fended off the germs and haven't caught anything.  I'd really like to keep it that way!

Sleeping is also going pretty well.  I've been sleeping with a million pillows (Nick just loves all the extra company consuming the bed).  One of those million is a body pillow!  It has been great to put between my legs and "anchor" me on my left slide. Before, I was a stomach sleeper, so this has been an adjustment!  I do find that my legs go numb at night after being in the same position for a while.  Usually my sleep is interrupted once or twice a night for a potty break.  Our poor dog, Graham, got trampled the other night.  He never sleeps on my side of the bed, but he was right there when I got out of the bed. Lucky for him (and me) I didn't go tumbling down and caught myself from the fall.

Another funny thing is most people ask me about is wearing heels....it just hasn't bothered me yet.  I don't feel off balance, and they don't hurt my feet (yet). I'm going to wear them until I just can't anymore!  I'm 5' 2", so I need the additional support in the height department!

Here's me!

Week 20...Halfway there!!

At 5 months pregnant, it hardly feels like we are halfway there (shouldn't we be a little over halfway).  No one told me that you're technically pregnant for 10 months.  What is the 9 months stuff all about?  When I do hit month 10, I am going to tell people I am 10 months pregnant. I'm sure I'll get a reaction or two!

I am feeling pretty good.  Still pretty tired, and lately I have been more hungry.  I hear I should gain a pound a week from here on out (yippee!). 

Here's what I am looking like at week 20.  In this pictures and for pictures to come, I'll be sporting my friend, Jennifer's, clothes.  I got a box in the mail and another box over the weekend of maternity clothes.  This has been a huge help and savings!!  I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe!

Here's what Tillman looks like....well at least his length.

Here's what Babycenter.com had to say about week 20:
"Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)

He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery)."