Exhaustion has hit the Koopman's

Well, since this past weekend, Jared and I have been going, going, going with a lot less sleep than normal. I think my passion to get rid of tons of stuff and get organized has taken its toll on both of us.

It was great to have a half kitchen full of things to donate and we now have lots more space for the baby. We described it as a tornado hitting the condo....at least half of it is out and donated. We still have a ton to do, but it was a huge dent it getting this place ready.

We are very excited that Jared's mom, Linda is coming on May 9th to help us on our way to a clean and organized house! Yahoooooooooooo for my mother-in-law!!!! We haven't seen her in 8 months and we miss her. We'll see Jared's dad, Reg, on the 19th as they'll be in California for Aimee and Holly's graduation! So exciting!

Unfortunately, the outcome has been that I wake up with headaches and utterly exhausted from not getting a good night of sleep. Poor Jared has been sick the last couple days and we're trying to get him feeling better ASAP.

Last night, I was trying to fall back asleep around 4am and all I could think of was work tasks and other responsibilities I have outside of work and home. There's a lot and my mind kept racing making it very difficult to fall asleep. I guess it didn't help that our little girl typically likes to be very active in my tummy at midnight, 4am and 8am!!! It's fun at the time, but the lack of sleep is a bit tough....although everyone says..."she's just getting you ready for when she gets here!"

6 months - 24 Weeks!!!

How your baby's growing:

We're having a girl, but this information refers to the baby as a boy...

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

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:

In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.Most women have a glucose screening test (also called a glucose challenge test or GCT) between now and 28 weeks. This test checks for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related high-blood-sugar condition. Untreated diabetes increases your risk of having a difficult vaginal delivery or needing a cesarean section because it causes your baby to grow too large, especially in his upper body. It also raises your baby's odds for other complications like low blood sugar right after birth. A positive result on your GCT doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes, but it does mean that you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) to find out for sure.

Finally, if you don't already know how to spot the signs of preterm labor, now's the time to learn. Contact your caregiver immediately if you notice any of the signs mentioned below.

This Week's Activity:

Tackle your home improvement projects. Sit down with your partner and take stock of the things you'd like to fix around the house before your little one arrives. Then let your partner handle them. (You shouldn't be exposing yourself to chemicals or getting up on ladders.)

Some things for the list:
• Install or check smoke detectors, get a fire extinguisher for each floor of your house, and plan a fire escape route.
• Fix or remove any broken furniture or fixtures.
• Paint the nursery, hang curtain rods, assemble new furniture.

Daddy felt our little girl kicking today!!!

This morning, Jared had his arm on my tummy. His arm must have been right over her because she started moving around. I mentioned to him that she was moving and he said all he felt was me breathing. So, to see if he could feel her, I isolated my breathing to the top half of torso as to keep my belly area stationary.

Low and behold, she started moving a lot and as I looked at him, he had a big smile on his face and as I asked if he felt that....he said "yes!" She continued to move around for a little while longer and the moments were absolutely surreal.

I'm so happy he was able to feel her as I thought he might not be able to for a couple more weeks as I just started feeling her last week.

Yay! So exciting!

Thanks for reading!

Fluttering....

What's fluttering you ask? Well, at my last doctor's appointment 2 weeks ago, my doctor mentioned that if I haven't felt the baby yet, I will be any time now. She was right. She also said that since this is our first, I'll probably think the movement may feel like gas. This is when she mentioned that it'll be a fluttering feeling. Other doctors say butterflies, but how do you know what that feels like. That's why she refers to the feeling as fluttering.

I didn't really know what to expect and what fluttering really meant, but she was right. About 5 days ago, I started feeling the fluttering!!!! :D

It was pretty surreal. Unfortunately, I feel the baby's movement mostly while resting and TRYING to sleep. I'm going to assume that she moves more while I'm laying down.

Although it sometimes keeps me up or wakes me up, I'll just chock it up to....getting ready for her arrival!

Okay, just wanted to share!

Hooray for baby movement!

Next doctor's appointment is May 12, 2009.

Thanks for reading!

23 Weeks - This is going by so fast....

How your baby's growing:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she'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 her 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 her when she hears them outside the womb.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 notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.

This Week's Activity:

Write a letter to your baby. You and your child will treasure this gift for years to come. Go with your heart and follow your inspiration.

If you need help getting started:

• Describe your feelings toward your baby and what it's like to know she's growing inside you.
• Imagine a perfect day with your baby and what you'll do together.
• Write down your hopes, dreams, and wishes for your baby.
• Think about what being a mother means to you and your definition of what makes a good mother.If writing isn't your style, put together a collage or a memory box of pregnancy mementos, says Diane Sanford, a clinical psychologist whose focus is on helping women make the transition to motherhood.

126 Days to Go - 22 Weeks!

How your baby's growing (this article refers to the baby as a boy)

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

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

At this point, you may find your belly becoming a hand magnet. It's perfectly okay to tell folks who touch your tummy that you'd rather they didn't. And if people are telling you that you look smaller or bigger than you should at this point, remember that each woman grows — and shows — at her own rate. What's important is that you see your practitioner for regular visits so she can make sure your baby's growth is on track.

You may start to notice stretch marks on your abdomen as it expands to accommodate your growing baby. At least half of all pregnant women will develop stretch marks by the time they give birth. These small streaks of differently textured skin can range from pink to dark brown (depending on your skin color). Although they most commonly appear on your tummy, stretch marks may also show up on your buttocks, thighs, hips, and breasts. There's no proof that lotion helps prevent stretch marks, but keeping your skin moisturized may help with any itching.

Write it down "I kept a journal for my son while I was pregnant, and I brought it to the hospital with me so I could write in it as soon as I was up to it. It really helped to share all the feelings I was having." — Anonymous

This Week's Activity

Check out your rings. It's common to have some swelling in your fingers as your pregnancy progresses. If your rings are feeling the least bit snug, do yourself a favor and take them off now before it's too late (or at least keep an eye on them). If you can't bear to be separated from your wedding band or another important ring when you can no longer sport it on your finger, loop it on a chain and wear it close to your heart.

21 Week Doctor's Appointment Today - 040909

Jared and I went to the doctor's office this morning for our 21 week appointment. We chatted about several things and then got to hear the baby's heartbeat. As usual and in her normal fashion, her heartbeat was strong and all seems to be going as planned.

I asked about our next ultrasound and that won't be for a while. We're looking at the next one being when I'm about 32 weeks. Fun, fun, fun!

Thanks for reading! Until next post!

Next Doctor's Appointment at 21 1/2 weeks -040909

Our next doctor's appointment with Dr. Carlson is on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 9:15pm at Kaiser. Jared and I are looking forward to finding out about the progress of our little girl. More information to come some time tomorrow.

Please pray for a healthy and well appointment for mom and baby!

133 More Days - 21 Weeks!!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.

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're probably feeling pretty comfortable these days. You're not too big yet, and the usual discomforts associated with early pregnancy are, for the most part, gone. If you're feeling good, relax and enjoy it while you can — the third trimester may bring with it a new crop of complaints.

That's not to say you won't have some minor glitches to deal with now. For example, increased oil production may contribute to the development (or worsening) of acne. If that's the case, be diligent about washing well with a gentle soap or cleanser twice a day, and make sure that any moisturizer or make-up you use is oil-free. Don't take any oral acne medications — some are very hazardous during pregnancy — or use any topical acne products without first checking with your practitioner.

You're also more prone to varicose veins now. As your pregnancy progresses, there's increasing pressure on the veins in your legs; higher progesterone levels, which may cause the walls of your veins to relax, can make the problem worse. You're more likely to get varicose veins if other family members have them. Also, they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you age. To help prevent or minimize varicose veins, exercise daily, prop up your feet and legs whenever possible, sleep on your left side, and wear maternity support hose.

You may also notice so-called spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin), particularly on your ankles, legs, or face. They may have a spider- or sunburst-like pattern with little branches radiating out from the center, they may look like the branches of a tree, or they may be a group of separate thin lines with no particular pattern. Though they may be a bit unsightly, spider veins don't cause discomfort and usually disappear after delivery.

This Week's Activity:

Create a baby registry. Even if you don't like the idea of asking for specific gifts, family and friends will soon be asking what you need or want — particularly if someone's throwing you a baby shower. If you prepare a gift registry, you'll know exactly what to tell them. Two common mistakes to avoid:• Registering for clothing. Don't waste your time: People can't resist buying baby clothes, and they generally pick out what they think is cute.• Not registering for big ticket or expensive items. Don't worry: You won't be seen as greedy. Many shower guests like to go in on a "big gift" together, so give them something to sink their teeth into.

20 Weeks! March 30, 2009

How your baby's growing:

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She'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 her torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of her head to her bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, she's measured from head to toe.)

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

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:

Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.

If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.

Take an extra pillow to bed tonight "I found it so much easier to sleep on my side when I hugged a pillow and wrapped my legs around it. In fact, two years after the birth of my child, it's still my favorite way to fall asleep." — Clara

Surprising Facts: Getting a good night's rest

It may become more difficult to sleep through the night as your pregnancy progresses, thanks to some obvious and not-so-obvious changes taking place in your body. You may be surprised to find that:

• You start snoring for the first time in your life, thanks in part to more estrogen, which contributes to swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose and may even cause you to make more mucus. What to do: Sleep on your side and elevate your head slightly.

• Heartburn and indigestion can make it extra uncomfortable to lie down in bed. What to do: Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, give yourself two to three hours to digest a meal before going to bed, and try sleeping semi-upright in a comfy recliner or propped up with extra pillows under your upper body.

• Leg cramps jar you out of a deep sleep. What to do: Ease the cramp by straightening your leg, heel first and gently flexing your toes back toward your shins, or walk around for a few minutes.

• You toss and turn all night trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. What to do: Lie on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs. For extra comfort and support, arrange other pillows under your belly and behind your back. Or try using a contoured maternity body pillow.

• You become hot and sweaty in the middle of the night. It's common for pregnant women to feel a little warmer than usual thanks to shifts in your metabolism, hormones, and weight. What to do: Keep your bedroom cool and strip down to the bare essentials. Keep slippers and a snuggly bathrobe handy for those nighttime trips to the bathroom.

• Getting out of bed is harder than ever! What to do: Roll over onto your side so you're facing the edge of the bed. Dangle your legs over the side and use your arms to push yourself into a sitting position. Plant your feet squarely on the floor and then stand up.

Wear sleepwear made of a natural, breathable fiber like cotton. Avoid synthetics, which trap moisture next to your skin and can leave you damp and chilled.

• Sometimes even when you're exhausted, you just can't sleep. So do you toss and turn waiting for sleep to catch up with you — or do something else in the meantime? Take our poll.

This Week's Activity:

Treat yourself to something nice. You've made it to the halfway mark in your pregnancy, so celebrate with a little indulgence. Need some ideas?
• For your comfort, try scented candles, a new nightgown or pajamas, or a prenatal massage.
• For a keepsake, splurge on professional pictures of your pregnant self, or a beautiful frame for your baby's first picture after birth. (In the meantime, you can use an ultrasound picture!)
• To feel like a hot momma, buy yourself a piece of clothing that makes you feel really sexy or get a free makeover at a department store.

Where the heck did my energy go?

Where the heck did my energy go? Well, I've come to realize that I reached the point of not knowing how much energy I'll have each day. Some days, I'm fine and some days, I want to nap. Sleeping patterns at night are no longer peaceful as the tossing and turning and frequent visits to bathroom wake me up and then keep me up for long periods of time. Fortunately, I'm told that I'm just getting my body ready for when the baby comes. Well, I've accepted it and just taking it day by day and making the best of everything! People ask me how I'm feeling and I have to admit....."I can't complain." From all the other stories I hear, I've been blessed so far.

Thanks to every for all your well wishes for a healthy baby and mama! I appreciate it!

What a great weekend!

Jared and I had a great, but busy weekend. Jared had to work early on Saturday, but he came home for lunch, we had some bonding time together and then had a great time at Amy and Dave's wedding. The Santa Clara University Mission Church was a beautiful setting and who could've asked for better weather. It was warm and sunny with a little breeze.

We then relaxed at a friend's house nearby and then joined everyone at the reception held at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga. Another beautiful place. Jared and I have never been there, but now want to go back to watch a concert. The whole amphitheater has been renovated with new seating and even a new supporting building. Congratulations to Amy and Dave!

On Sunday, I had meetings to attend and Jared was doing some work and graciously did the laundry. For those of you who know me, I HATE doing laundry with a passion. I think it would be different if we had in unit laundry, but for now, we don't.

All in all, the weekend was full of great friends, couple time and tons of fun.

Visiting the Girard's in SF before they head home

The Girard family is finally heading home to Arnold. Over 6 weeks ago, Emmy and Elsie Girard were born at UCSF Hospital. The girls, Erin and Eric have had a roller coaster ride these last 6 weeks in the NICU, but everyone has gotten a lot more healthy and have been discharged to go home as a family. Jared and I were so glad to be able to visit before they left. It was a joy to see the whole family together. Enjoy your new home! Hope to see you again soon!

19 Weeks!!!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid. Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb.

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:

Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.

You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."

These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

This Week's Activity:

Start your childcare search. It may seem early to you, but the best centers often have long waiting lists and it's easier to go on tours now than when you have an infant in tow. You have many options, so review the pluses and minuses of daycare centers, nanny care, home daycare, and relative care. Put your name on a few lists even if you aren't sure what you'll do. When the time comes, you may be grateful for the options.

This information is from the "BabyCenter."

Thank You!

Thank you everyone who celebrated with me at Chevy's yesterday. The food was delicious and filling.

Thank you all for the wonderful gifts and cards.

San Jose Sharks Victory on 3/21/09

Jared and I went to the Sharks vs. Stars game on Saturday afternoon. We had a blast! It even got better as the Sharks scored each goal and won the game!

He (We) enjoyed his birthday present and are looking forward to watching the Sharks in the playoffs!

Aimee and Holly are in town!

Aimee and Holly, Jared's younger sisters arrived on Friday evening to spend the weekend with us. The girls are in their last year at Biola University and we're hoping that this getaway weekend will be relaxing for them. Unfortunately, they have to head back after lunch tomorrow and their getaway weekend will come to an end.

Thanks Aimee and Holly for coming up for Jared's birthday lunch!!!

First Premie in our Condo Today!

Ms. Elsie Girard brought her parents over to our house this morning as Erin is borrowing Jared's car for several days. It was soooooooo awesome to see Elsie doing so well. She was born on February 10th along with her twin sister Emmy. Emmy is still at UCSF, but the family is hoping her health improves by leaps and bounds so that the whole family can head back home to Arnold.

Eric left to head to training and Erin hung around the condo to feed Elsie and rest a bit. It was so nice to see a baby in the condo. Just gives us a glimpse of what to expect when our little one arrives and comes home.

Great to see you this morning Girard's!

Thanks for blessing our home with the presence of little Elsie!!!

That was fun!

Happy Birthday Jared!

Happy Birthday Jared! Hope you have a wonderful day! Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

It's a GIRL!!!

Today, March 16, 2009, Jared and I found out we were having a girl, just in time for his birthday tomorrow! Yes, he's a St. Patrick's Day baby. We had our big ultrasound at Kaiser earlier today and spent about an hour in the ultrasound room as the sonographer was capturing tons of data and pictures. I wasn't able to see the monitor and view all of the action going on, but Jared was able to as I sat back and relaxed.

The sonographer was great! She explained how the procedure would occur and showed us a lot of fun pics and body parts. The head, limbs and the spine were the easiest body parts to figure out, but the rest had to be explained.

Our baby gave the sonographer a hard time as she kept on moving around and was active the whole time. She also had a very strong heart rate at 163 which is also in line with the first smaller ultrasound we had back in January at our first appointment where she was moving a lot and had a strong heart beat.

I was pretty nervous going into the ultrasound thinking there was something wrong because I've lost almost 10 pounds rather than gain any. The sonographer calmed my fears and said that there was nothing on the abdominal survey that would indicate that anything was wrong. THANK GOD!!!!

At the end of the ultrasound, the sonographer showed us the female body parts and let us know that we were going to have a girl. Earlier on, she asked Jared if he had any guesses from seeing all the movement on the monitor and he said he had no idea.

All in all, the appointment went very well and now we can prepare for our little girl! We're very excited and ask that you keep all of us in your prayers for a healthy pregnancy, delivery and baby.

Week 18 - March 16, 2009

Information provided by Baby Center's "My Pregnancy This Week." Article refers to the baby as a boy.

18 WEEKS

How your baby's growing:

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll
start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out
from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

How your life's changing:

Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or
sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.

From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.

If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

Our Little Blessing!

Jared and I are happy and excited to announce that we're expecting our first baby in August 2009.

FUN DATES TO KNOW

December 18, 2008 - Found out we were pregnant

January 22, 2009 - First doctor's appointment. Baby was moving around a lot and has a strong heart beat!

February 28, 2009 - Mary Lou buys her first set of maternity pants and a couple of tops!

March 9, 2009 - 2nd doctor's appointment. The highlight of the visit was that we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat. It was strong, loud and healthy. What an
absolutely amazing experience!

March 16, 2009 - Big ultrasound day!

April 9, 2009 - Next doctor's appointment

August 17, 2009 - Baby's Due Date