32 Week Doctor's Appointment and Delivery Date

This past Monday, Jared and I went to our 32 week doctor's appointment w/ Dr. Kari Carlson. We talked about the normal items, she measured me and I'm right on target. I'm measuring 32 weeks despite the fact that I felt small the last several months. My belly is growing though, so I consider the last several months and now a HUGE blessing!

We asked her if she had an idea of when we would deliver. She promptly told us that I would definitely NOT go past 39 weeks which is August 10th due to my gestational diabetes. We talked a bit more on how early she thinks we may deliver and she mentioned 36 weeks, but 37 is even better.

So, what does this mean? Well, I guess it means that depending on how my blood sugars go, how my July 13th UltraSound goes as well as my NST's and doctor's appointments, our baby girl can be here anytime between July 20th - August 10th. Hopefully later than earlier is my hope, but really praying for healthy baby, mommy and delivery!!!

NST (Non Stress Tests)

My non-stress tests (NST's) started this week. First one was on Monday and the second one was today. I'll have these twice a week through the month of July. What is an NST you might ask? My description is about 30-40 minutes of sitting in a chair and relaxing, not thinking about anything. I almost want to fall asleep, it's that peaceful and I probably need the rest. What happens is that I am hooked up to two monitors. The first monitor is to track the baby's heartbeat. The second is to track if I have any contractions and if so, how does the baby react. So far, no contractions and the baby's heartbeat has been fine. What's funny is that our little one is constantly moving around all day and all night long.....except for when we're on this monitor for the NST's. The monitor plays the baby's heartbeat sound and I'm thinking that maybe the baby hears it, but I really have no idea if it's true. For some reason, I sit in that chair, get hooked up to the monitors and baby typically stays still. Go figure! Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm also given a little trigger button to press anytime I feel the baby move....that's where track the baby's movement compared to what I feel.

All in all, the NST's are going well.

32 Weeks.......

How your baby's growing:

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, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

Get support from your partner "Sleeping is getting difficult. The only way I can get any rest is to lie with my back to my husband as he cradles my body. The support from him and a pillow between my legs is the best help." —Anonymous

Decision Guide: Who should be in the labor room with you?

Childbirth is an intensely personal experience, as is your decision whether to have additional family members, friends, or labor coaches in the birthing room with you. Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare your guest list:

• There's no one right decision. In a recent BabyCenter poll, 44 percent of expectant moms said they preferred to have no one but their partner and medical staff in the room when they gave birth, while 37 percent said they brought an additional relative along and 16 percent requested to have a friend present. Only 3 percent of respondents asked for a doula or labor coach in the birthing room.

• Some husbands or partners may be confused about their role in the birth or reluctant to participate if others are present. If you bring outside relatives or coaches in, make sure your partner is on board with the plan.

• You may be under pressure from mothers or mothers-in-law who are eager to be present for the birth of their grandchild — regardless of your wishes to keep the experience private. If you want to be alone with your partner, don't be afraid to enlist hospital staff for support in carrying out your wishes and keeping relatives out of the delivery room.

• Labor and delivery nurses come and go according to their shifts, so if you'd like to be attended continuously by one person, a private labor coach or doula is a good option. In fact, some research shows that women attended by labor assistants have shorter labors, fewer labor complications, and healthier newborns. You should also give serious thought to having a doula present if you're set on having a drug-free birth.

This Week's Activity:

Start lining up helpers. Your friends and family will want to pitch in after your baby's born, but many new moms are too overwhelmed to direct household help. How to prepare now:
• If anyone offers to help during the newborn weeks, write down their name and number.
• Select one friend to set up a schedule so that all the friends who wish to help are given a date on which they can bring you a meal.
• Create a master grocery list so you can hand it off to a friend.
• Create a childcare or ride schedule for older children.
• Line up a friend or neighbor to take out your garbage, walk your dog or feed your pets.

Happy Father's Day to all

And especially to my dad Reg and to Mary Lou's dad Gregory. We thank you for everything that you are.

Today I got my first Father's Day gift....our little girl's first pictures!

Love the dimple!

Thank you Babe for such a wonderful "first" fathers day.

Jared

31 Weeks, 63 days to go...

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.

You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!

If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.

Choosing a focal point "I'm 31 weeks along, and at my childbirth classes they've been telling us to concentrate on a focal point during labor. Anything from a picture to a crack in the wall or ceiling can work, so long as it helps Mom relax and distracts her from the pain." — Anonymous

This Week's Activity:

You don't need to pack your bag yet, but start making a list of items to bring to the hospital. Besides a change of clothes and a toothbrush, some items to include:
• A photograph or object to focus on during labor
• Snacks to keep your energy up and gum or mints for bad breath
• Cozy socks and slippers
• Your favorite pillow
• Some light reading material
• A nursing nightie and nursing bra
• A going-home outfit for your baby
• A camera or camcorder, fresh batteries, and film, if necessary

7 1/2 months, 70 Days to go, 30 Weeks!!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.

Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.

Searching for a pediatrician "I realized that finding a good pediatrician would be at least as important as finding a good doctor or midwife, so I started my search early. I asked my midwife and her assistant, the workers, administrators and mothers at two daycare centers, and my local hospital's referral center for recommendations. The two practitioners whose names came up most often were the ones I interviewed." —Anonymous

This Week's Activity:

Assemble any baby gear This is the perfect job for your partner or a friend who wants to help. Cribs, bassinets, and strollers are notoriously tricky to put together, especially when you're sleep deprived, so get started now. Swings, mobiles, and monitors can all require batteries, so make sure you have enough on hand. Tip: Consider getting rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.

Mom and Holly head home

After a month of having my mother out here visiting and a week with Holy, both have headed back to Colorado.

Strange how things go as now I am the only one left here in Califorina as Aimee and Holly have decided to live in Colorado after graduating from Biola. They both are looking forward to life after college and establishing themselves and both Mary Lou and I wish them the best.

Thanks Mom for all your help around the chaos known as our house the past few weeks. We truly appreciate your help and insight. Hopefully next time the house will be in order and all you will have to concentrate on is spoiling your grandaughter.

Next up is to finish the flooring, telecon wiring, purging of stuff in the baby room, and getting the room ready to go for our new arrival in August!

-Jared

Progress being made!

This is a test

Aimee and Holly Koopman Graduate from Biola University

We're all very proud of Aimee and Holly for graduating from Biola University.

CONGRATS Aimee and Holly!!!

We're very proud of you!

SoCal Coed Baby Shower

Special THANKS to our families for hosting our baby shower in SoCal. Jared and I had a great time with family and friends.

The afternoon started out with some fun, fellowship and food as we started out the festivities with tons of good eats. The decor was nice and the the day turned out to be perfect, not the typical SoCal heat. We then moved on to games and opening of gifts....tons of fun!

THANKS everyone for showering us with wonderful gifts and your presence, it meant a lot to us.

29 Weeks and the countdown begins....

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Your baby's very active now. Your practitioner may ask you to spend some time each day counting kicks and will give you specific instructions on how to do this. Let her know if you ever notice a decrease in activity. You may need a nonstress test or biophysical profile to check on your baby's condition.

Some old friends — heartburn and constipation — may take center stage now. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows digestion, which in turn can cause gas and heartburn — especially after a big meal — and contribute to constipation as well.

Your growing uterus may also be contributing to hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels in your rectal area are common during pregnancy and usually clear up in the weeks after giving birth. If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in a sitz bath or applying cold compresses medicated with witch hazel to the affected area. Also avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your practitioner before using any over-the counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get some regular exercise.

Some women get something called "supine hypotensive syndrome" during pregnancy, where laying flat on your back causes a change in heart rate and blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy until you change position. You might note that you feel lightheaded if you stand up too quickly, too. To avoid "the spins" lie on your side rather than your back, and move slowly as you go from lying down to sitting and then standing.

This Week's Activity:

Run some vital errands now. Here are some things you'll need in the first few weeks when it's almost impossible to go shopping:

• Diapers and wipes.
• Baby care items such as nail clippers, a thermometer, a bulb syringe, and a pacifier.
• Baby-friendly laundry detergent.
• Sanitary pads for you. (You'll bleed for a few weeks after delivery.)
• Thank-you cards and stamps.
• Paper towels and paper plates for easy cleanup after meals.

Back home again!

We had a great time down in southern california....but it is nice to be back home again. 

And now to finish the home renovation project before the baby comes!

3rd Trimester - 28 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

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. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

You're in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week. If you're like most women, you'll gain about 11 pounds this trimester.

At this point, you'll likely visit your doctor or midwife every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, you'll switch to weekly visits. Depending on your risk factors, your practitioner may recommend repeating blood tests for HIV and syphilis now, as well as doing cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea, to be certain of your status before delivery. Also, if your glucose screening test result was high and you haven't yet had follow-up testing, you'll soon be given the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. And if the blood work done at your first prenatal visit showed that you're Rh negative, you'll get an injection of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent your body from developing antibodies that could attack your baby's blood. (If your baby is Rh positive, you'll receive another shot of Rh immunoglobulin after you give birth.)

Around this time, some women feel an unpleasant "creepy-crawly" sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep. If this sensation is at least temporarily relieved when you move, you may have what's known as restless legs syndrome (RLS). No one knows for sure what causes RLS, but it's relatively common among expectant mothers. Try stretching or massaging your legs, and cut down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse. Ask your caregiver if you should try iron supplements, which can sometimes relieve RLS.

This Week's Activity:

Choose a doctor for your baby. Get names of pediatricians or family practitioners from friends, co-workers, neighbors, or your pregnancy caregiver. Make sure the doctor accepts your health insurance, keeps hours that work with your schedule, and has an office that's convenient for you. If you can, schedule face-to-face interviews with your top candidates. If it seems too early to be thinking about this, consider that your baby will have his first doctor's visit shortly after birth.

Memorial Day Weekend

What a whirlwind of activities these last several days. On Friday morning, we left the bay area just a little before 3am. We got to my mom's house at 9am only to have breakfast and run errands for the upcoming days. We finally got to bed late that evening after making about 100 lumpias....which was worth it because we got to enjoy them the following day.

On Saturday, we woke up bright and early for Aimee and Holly's college graduation from Biola University. After that, we headed over to my mom's house to start the graduation party.

On Sunday, mine and Jared's family threw us a baby shower. It was a blast to see family in friends we haven't seen in a long time.

On Monday, we finally got to sleep in a bit and relax before we checked into the Peacock Suites in Anaheim where we'll be staying til Friday. We enjoyed dinner and ice cream at the Garden Walk and then ended the night in the pool.

Tomorrow.....we're off to Disneyland!!!!! Whoohooooo!!!

Have a great week everyone!

Thanks Ladies Poker Group!!!!

My ladies poker group threw Debra and I a baby shower this past weekend. It was a blast. Thanks ladies for awesome food (as always), great conversation and thoughtful gifts for baby girl Koopman! Here are some pics from the afternoon....

I'm tired....

Well, I'm a few days from my 3rd trimester and I'm starting to feel it. Today was a big realization that I'm going to need to start slowing down. It's also a time that I need to figure out when I'll be on maternity leave.

Any suggestions?

Anyway...I really need to take care of myself and do everything I can to make sure the baby is happy and healthy in my tummy.

I was a bit concerned about the weight loss of 11-12 lbs., but my doctor reassures me that baby and I are doing okay. I've gained a couple back, but I've been told that I'll see it all back in the 3rd trimester.

All in all, I feel blessed to have a safe pregnancy with minimal effects. Thank God!!!

That's it for now...just wanted to share.

27 Weeks....

How your baby's growing:

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. She'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 her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she 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 her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief. Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but it's not too soon to think about family planning. You'll want to have made some decisions about postpartum birth control before your baby arrives. If you're considering a tubal ligation, be aware that most states require you to sign a consent form at least 30 days beforehand. So if you'd like the option of having the surgery during your postpartum hospital stay, don't wait too much longer to discuss it with your caregiver. (You can still change your mind later.)

Just add heat and stir....

Of course the weekend we attempt to do some household renovations, our place becomes an oven.

We are making progress...The carpet is cut, the tack strips are pulled and we are working on removing the carpet padding staples. We are also trying to fix the "squeaky" subfloor as we go to eliminate those annoying sounds.

Mom has been a trooper doing what she can to help.

Mary Lou is supervising since she is unable to help with the heavy stuff.

Yesterday Mary Lou had a baby shower with the "Lady's poker group" and brought home some wonderful baby items. We also found a great deal at the Lullaby Lane warehouse sale on a dresser/changing table, which we are picking up today. We needed to borrow a friend's truck in order to bring it home.

We have learned that the heat is causing us to wear out quickly so progress is slow, but steady. We will have new flooring installed soon I promise!

-Jared

Spring Cleaning and more!

Piles, Dust, Storage bins, Boxes of new flooring, allergies....

All over the place. Crazy times in the Koopman house. We are purging room by room clearing out everything we don't need anymore to make space for incoming baby things.

We also decided to replace the carpeting with wood laminate flooring in the living room, kitchen and hallway. While we are excited that the flooring was delivered quickly, we now have a pile of flooring boxes in our living room.

The next step is to remove the carpeting and get the subfloors prepared and ready for the new flooring.

Mom has been a big help in the purging process.

All for the baby!

98 Days To Go - 26 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

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.

See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prepare your baby's room while still taking care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest. Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it's probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia — a serious disorder characterized by high blood pressure and protein in your urine — most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it's important to be aware of the warning signs of this condition. Call your caregiver if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your caregiver know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

Happy One Year Anniversary and Happy First Mother's Day!

To my lovely wife I love you more than anything! Thank you for the wonderful and amazing first year of marriage and I am looking foward to the next year in store for us!

Love you Babe,

Dentist and Massage

Yesterday started Jared and my 4-day anniversary weekend! It started with dentist appointments, mushroom burger lunch, awesome massages, some errands and yummy dinner!

This was my first time to the dentist (Dr. Romeo M. Floresca is an awesome dentist - located at 9 Silliman, San Francisco, CA) while being pregnant. It was hilarious....our little girl got pretty active with all the noise and vibrations going on in my mouth. She must have been doing flips in my tummy because I felt her moving all over the place the whole time. I wanted to laugh so many times, but ..... of course, there were dental cleaning instruments in my mouth. Too funny! Both Jared and I left the office with very clean teeth and a reminder, as always, "don't forget to floss!!!"

A couple doors down, we had lunch at J. Georgies where they have awesome mushroom burgers. You enter with aromas of donuts in the window and burgers and fries on the grill. YUMMY! Unfotunately, the teeth were no longer clean....but the tummy's were satisfied!

Now....on to the highlight of our day! Our massages at Kabuke Springs & Spa in Japantown on Geary Blvd. I got to enjoy the ladies lounge area before they called me in for my massage. It was very peaceful and quiet. Then on to the massage. My therapist was a guy named Chris from New Zealand. Really great demeanor and very professional. I was really lucky....he knew a lot about back issues. His prenatal massage consisted of some swedish, but mostly shiatsu. Wasn't expecting that but when I explained to him my recurring back issues from a boating accident in my college years, he asked if he could do some special work as to try and help prevent or lessen major back pain and sciatica as I get further along in my pregnancy. I have to admit, it was a little painful at the very beginning, but when he taught me correct breathing techniques and I realized that this was going to really help in the long run, I was so much more relaxed, my muscles relaxed more with every breath and the inflammation in my lower back went down tremendously. Of course, only time will tell, if it worked or not, but it certainly felt great then and afterward.

On another funny note....baby was very active again while I was on the massage table! She was moving like crazy. I was on my sides the whole time, but she must have been feeling some things going on inside. I couldn't help but laugh...and then the therapist played along too. The massage was so relaxing, fun and filled with laughter and great energy!

For all you expectant mothers out there...I absolutely recommend it. I'm hoping to have 1 last one in the 3rd trimester. For all you expectant fathers....surprise your ladies!

25 Weeks!

How your baby's growing

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

See what's going on in your uterus this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing

Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before. Unless your caregiver has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks, a second tube of blood may be taken at the same time to check for anemia. If blood tests show that you have iron-deficiency anemia (the most common type of anemia), your caregiver will probably recommend that you take an iron supplement.

Have you started thinking about baby names yet? Choosing a name is an important decision, but it should be a fun one, too. You may want to consider family history (Great Grandpa Zeb), favorite locations (Venice, where you honeymooned), or cherished literary or film characters (Greta, Meg, or Atticus, for example). Check out a couple of baby-name books to help you brainstorm, too.

This Week's Activity

Dedicate time to your partner this week. Treat your partner to a romantic surprise. Write down all the things you love about him, tell him why you think he'll be a great dad, or just go for a stroll while holding hands. Take time to connect on a physical and emotional level and celebrate what connects you and makes you love one another. Try to do something at least once a week that clearly communicates the importance of your partner in your life, says clinical psychologist Diane Sanford.

Yay for wood laminate flooring! We ordered it today!

Today was a great day! Jared and I have been talking about replacing our carpet for a while now as well as covering up the linoleum flooring in the kitchen which is such a pain to clean. I can't stand how dirty both gets from everyday use. Well, today it finally happened...we put in our order at a flooring place in Menlo Park called Town & Country Flooring. They were great! We let them know our budget and said that we found a couple places cheaper than what they quoted us this past week. We had a such a great customer service experience with them and although they had a higher price, we wanted to give them our business if at all possible. Fortunately, they came down in price dramatically (10% over distributor cost on everything). We were grateful for them working with us and they were grateful for our business.

Looks like we'll be installing it within the next couple weeks...actually, I should say "Jared" will be installing it along with the help of his mom. Hopefully, I can help in some way like cutting the pieces with the chop saw or helping with the removal of the carpet, but we'll see.

Looks like it's time to pack unused items and move them into the bedrooms and get everything off the floors, aye yay yay. It'll all be worth it in the end though.

Can't wait! Whoooooohooooooo!

Happy Anniversary honey! In lieu of spending money on celebrating our anniversary, we've decided to spend the money on the floors. We'll celebrate in a more economically friendly way!!!! :D