Snips, Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

WE'RE HAVING A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think I've ever been so excited as I am now and was this afternoon. Mr. Moose, my parents and my sister were all in the ultrasound room with us when we (Baby Moose & I) had our latest scan.

We found out at about 1:05 p.m. this afternoon. My doc said everything looks great and that we are both progressing wonderfully.

Here's Baby Moose's latest "Glamour Shot":

Isn't GOD grand?

The Final Countdown.....

Well, today's the day.

My appointment is at 1:00 and I just know this morning will drag by.

As soon as I call everyone letting them know what Baby Moose's gender is, I'll post the results here.

We're SOOOOOOOOOOOO freakin' excited!

It's off to work I go....

My plans include:

1- Finding out the sex of Baby Moose tomorrow. (Boy, this week has drug by!)

2- Changing the background color here to reflect it's gender.

3- Collecting $10 from my mother because I know our baby is a boy and not a girl! (we have a friendly wager on Baby Moose's gender)

4- Purchasing a gender-appropriate scrapbook for our baby. (Either pink or blue)

5- Registering for some gender-appropriate clothes after confirming baby's gender.

6- Organizing our stuff before baby arrives. (HELP!)

7- Finishing our nursery by getting things outta here that aren't baby-oriented.

8- Resting. (Maybe I'll do this one first!)

Thursday or BUST!

Time is dragging on and on lately.

Thursday we will be told the sex of Baby Moose. Is it just me, or is this week taking FOREVER to pass? Normally, time flies by, but not when you're waiting for some big news, I guess.

Hurry up, Thursday!

Exciting news!

Guess What!?!?!!!

Last night at about 9:30 p.m., I felt Baby Moose move for the first time!

It felt like butterflies in my stomach, only below my bellybutton.

And then again this morning, I felt a twitter below my bellybutton.

I'm SO excited! I've called and told both my parents, Mr. Moose's mom, my sister and my best girlfriend.

We were both so happy, Mr. Moose and I cried. This was such a special moment for us, even if I'm the only one who can feel anything.

YAY!

Babies & Kitties: Will it work?

Mr. Moose & I have a calico kitty that's been our pet for 5 years. She is my daughter, as of now, and I have been concerned about how she will react to the newest member of the Moose Clan.

I will not abandon her because I love her a great deal. Afterall, she's my baby and has been for quite a while.

Luckily, I did some research this morning concerning how to best transition her into our new life with baby. The following information I collected from about.com.

P.S. Don't you love the above pic? It's so adorable. I found it on Flickr.

You do NOT have to get rid of your cat!

Now that I have your attention:

Pregnancy when you have a cat presents some challenges, but don't worry, none of them are even remotely insurmountable. You just need a little planning and know-how. Cats and babies have coexisted peacefully for thousands of years. This article deals with preparing for a new baby; the second part of this series discusses what to do once baby arrives.

First, some common questions and myths. No, cats do not suck the air out of a baby; that is an old wives tale. Yes, it is theoretically possible for a cat to inadvertently suffocate a baby, although there are no reliable reports of that ever occurring, and it's easy enough to block kitty's access to the crib (more details below).

The Facts About Pregnancy and Cat Litter

Next, toxoplasmosis. Because toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects in children, pregnant women sometimes assume that they must get rid of their cat. This is entirely unnecessary, as a few simple measures will thoroughly safeguard against catching the disease, especially from your cat. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can infect your cat if she eats prey already harboring the parasite or comes into contact with contaminated soil. Toxoplasmosis is rare among indoor-only cats.

Note that cats who contract toxoplasmosis do not always show symptoms. To prevent getting infected with the disease, whenever you scoop or clean the litter box, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands immediately afterward. Even better, get a friend or adult member of the family to take over litter box maintenance while Mom is pregnant.

Eating raw or undercooked meat is the most common way that humans contract toxoplasmosis. If you eat meat, wash off all surfaces and utensils that touched raw meat, and don't prepare meat and raw foods like salads on the same cutting board. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.

If you garden, wear gloves when working in the soil. The toxoplasmosis parasite lives in the dirt, so also wash your hands well after gardening. Many people naturally acquire an immunity to toxoplasmosis, and will not pass it on to their unborn child. Your doctor can test to see if you are in this group.

Planning Ahead for the Introduction

Let's look now at how we can get your cat to accept your new baby with open paws. From your cat's point of view, a baby who shows up with no advance warning is a loud, threatening, and attention-stealing invader. It doesn't have to be this way. Babies and cats can be buddies. The key to getting a cat to accept a major jolt to her routine is soften the blow and introduce the change gradually. In the case of a new baby, you want your cat to be as used to baby stuff as she can possibly be beforehand, so that when your baby comes home, kitty is not totally shocked by this very interesting human life form.

Get kitty used to baby sounds and smells. Long before the big day, wear the baby lotions and powders that you will be using. Let kitty sniff you, and help her develop positive assocations with the new scents by praising her and giving her a treat.

Get a recording of a baby crying - possibly from a neighbor or relative who has a baby. You can also tape babies crying in a pediatrician's waiting room. Play the tape for kitty, starting with low volume and short length, and working up to full volume and duration. Again use positive attention and treat rewards.

If at all possible, invite a friend or family member with a baby to come over, with their baby, for a short visit, followed by a longer visit. Or two or three. During the visits, let kitty walk around, but it's best to have baby sitting on a lap.

A baby seat or playpen might work well, also. Play with your cat as long as you don't bother or scare the baby.

If you're building or preparing a nursery, give kitty a chance to become used to the new setup one step at a time. Let her get her curiosity throughly out of the way. Remember to keep up your daily interactive play sessions. Make kitty feel like she's a part of all this, not an outsider.
Set up the crib long in advance of baby's homecoming. Make the crib uninviting (to a cat). Fill several soda cans with pennies and tape the openings of each can. Fill the crib with these soda cans. If this doesn't deter kitty, you can buy netting that fits over the crib.

You can also block access to baby's room by installing an interior screen door - this is actually quite effective.

Give kitty plenty of exposure to toys, mobiles, and other baby accoutrements. You want all these things to have lost their novelty for her weeks before baby comes home.

Avoid Too Many Changes

Keep your cat's routine the same as much as possible. This won't always be easy between the hubub of visitors and houseguests and preparing for a new baby, but the effort is well worth it. A predictable routine reduces cats' stress and prevents a host of problems. Ask others to help make sure that your cat gets fed, brushed, and played with in the usual manner.

Don't go overboard and give your cat extra, compensating attention prior to the baby's arrival because it will be impossible to keep that up once you have a baby at home to take care of. But do enlist family members to help kitty feel like a valued member of the family. Let all the adults and kids in your household know how they can help keep both kitty and baby safe, happy, and on peaceful terms.

What is Cord Blood?

Mike mentioned "Cord Blood" to me but I didn't know much about it. So, I did some research and found the following information on cordblood.com:

Your baby is born with a precious gift. Don't throw it away.

What is Cord Blood?

The blood that remains in your baby's umbilical cord after it has been cut is called cord blood which is rich in stem cells. These valuable cells which are genetically unique to your baby and family, can only be collected in the minutes after your baby's birth.

What is Cord Blood Banking?

Preserving your newborn's stem cells is called cord blood banking and allows you to have your baby's cord blood saved for potential medical uses to treat life-threatening diseases. If you do not choose to bank your baby’s cord blood, it will be discarded after birth.

How is Cord Blood Collected?

Cord blood banking involves several steps including collection, processing and storage. Cord blood collection is a simple, safe and painless procedure that usually takes less than five minutes and can be performed after vaginal or cesarean births. After your baby has been born and the cord has been clamped and cut, the blood will be drawn from the umbilical cord before it is discarded.

What Happens to the Cord Blood Collected After it's Collected?

After your baby's cord blood has been collected and sealed, the cord blood will then be transferred to a processing facility by private medical courier for processing and storage. Learn more about CBR's collection, processing and storage methods.

Information collected from Cord Blood Registry

Guess Who's Having A Baby?

Last night, my momma called and told Mike that our nephew and niece-in-law are having another baby. Their son is almost 2 now and I guess God decided they are ready for another bundle of joy. I wonder how far along they are and what they are having?

Babies, babies everywhere!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment Graphics and Myspace Layouts at pYzam.com

My good friend Lynda and her fiance Miguel are getting married today. I am so thrilled for them! I would be there if she didn't live so far away.

I wish them many years of happiness and peace.

YAY!

Baby Wipes For Cheap

A million thank you's to my friend, Lynda, for this homemade baby wipe recipe. Guess what I'll be using around the house on Baby Moose?

1 roll of papertowels...Bounty is Best

1 1/2 c. water

1 tsp Shaklee's Small Wonder Shampoo

1 tsp Shaklee's Basic H2

Cut Papertowel roll in half width wise...best to do if you unroll some and cut that in half. Keep the perferrated edges attached. Fold back and forth so all towels are still attached but compiled. Place in a wipe box what will fit and save the rest. Add the water/soap solution. Use as normal.

New Addition to "A Baby in The Belly"

Hey There intrepid reader!

Check out my newest sticker at the bottom of this blog. It's a family stamp. And surprisingly, it's rather life-like! (The only thing I'd change would be having Mr. Moose and I holding hands.... I'm even pregnant in this pic. AWESOME!)

Tell me what you think! :)

I am 16 weeks (4 months) Pregnant!

Five and a half inches tall and only six ounces in weight. The child can grasp with his hands, kick, or even somersault.

At this time, your baby is holding her head erect. Because her muscles are developing, she can make some faces now. Your baby is able to squint, frown and open its mouth. There is enough calcium in the bones that they will show up on an x-ray. Your baby's fingernails are well formed now and the legs are longer than the arms. Because your baby is moving well now, you may begin to feel his movements! Some women say that the early movements feel like gas bubbles or a slight flutter. If you have not yet felt the baby move, don't worry. Fetal movements are usually felt between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy.

(Information collected from I Am Pregnant.com)

Update time.....

Well, I woke up with a migraine this morning. It wasn't so bad, as migraines go. They always make me feel "hung over", though. Migraines suck, but our little one is SO worth it!

This weekend, we visited our parents. My hubby cut his mom's grass and I visited with my Mom & Dad. Momma has gotten her nursery all ready for Baby Moose. It's precious. There's an off-white, antique iron baby bed, an antique changing table and lots of baby decorations. The nursery is located in my sister's old room. Mom plans on painting the walls and doing a few more touches before the baby gets here. Her nursery is more finished than ours!

I'm starting to show some now. I wore a dress to church yesterday and my baby bump is so noticeable now. Lots of folks said I am so "cute". I felt bad about being "fat", but I realize it's the best kind of look in the world. I am honored to look this way. It means I have "a bun in the oven"!

I can hardly wait to feel my little one move. Hopefully, it will happen soon. I'm so anxious and excited! My Momma told me it's like no other feeling in the world. I can't wait!

Thursday, July 31st, we find out the sex of our little one. I could care less what it's sex is, as long as it's a healthy, happy baby. I do think I'm having a boy (and so does my sister). My hubby and my parents think it's a girl. Whatever it is, it will be loved and spoiled rotten, no doubt! I am so jazzed up and happy to be finding out what my little visitor is. Yay!

I'm a little tired, so I'll post more later. Happy Monday!

They're BAAACK!

Guess what I had this morning? You guessed it! My first migraine headache in TWO WEEKS!

I decided to check out some info online after having something to eat. From what I've found, there's not much I can do to ward 'em off. JOY!

Anyway, here's basically what I found, in a nutshell:

Headache During Pregnancy

Migraine headaches during pregnancy are an often unwanted but sometimes common side effect of pregnancy. If you experienced migraines prior to pregnancy, you will find your condition either drastically improves or possibly gets worse during pregnancy.

What Are Migraines?

Migraine headaches are different from other forms of headaches including tension or cluster headaches. Migraine headaches typically result when blood vessels in the brain dilate to extremely uncomfortable levels. Increasing levels of hormones can contribute to migraine headaches in pregnant women. Some women experience a migraine headache for the first time while pregnant.

A migraine headache is typically characterized by a dull aching that eventually worsens until the patient feels a strong, pulsating pain usually on one side of the head or temples. Migraines are often accompanied by vomiting, nausea and in some cases an aura. An aura is the perception of lights or spots before the eyes. Some women with migraines experience blind spots or other vision problems. Many also report sensitivity to noise and lights.

Migraine headaches are usually not dangerous for the mother or baby, unless they persist for several days or come with unusual frequency. If you do experience a migraine accompanied by vision disturbances it is important you consult with your health care provider to rule out other potential causes (such as pre-eclampsia, which also causes headaches and vision disturbances).

Preventing Migraine Headaches

While there are no guarantees that you can prevent migraine or any other type of headache, scientists have discovered certain triggers that can stimulate a migraine. These vary from person to person, but common triggers often include:

Wine (which you should avoid anyways while pregnant).
Aged cheeses including sharp cheddar.
Chocolate.
Excessive anxiety or stress.
Muscular tension.
Hormones. (whichfluctuate greatly during pregnancy)
Weather fluctuations.
Coffee.

If you find that something triggers a migraine consistently your best bet is to simply avoid that trigger as much as possible.

Migraine Treatments

Many prescription remedies for treating migraines are not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend you try some Tylenol and lie quietly in a dark and cool room. Many women find applying an ice pack or cool cloth to the head helpful for constricting blood vessels. A cold shower will serve the same purpose. Acupuncture and even chiropractic manipulation can be very helpful for relieving even the most severe migraines during pregnancy or after. Massage therapy can also help reduce muscular tension, stress or anxiety that may contribute to migraine headaches.

If you find you are experiencing more migraines than normal or that your symptoms are intolerable, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding alternate treatment methods. There are some prescription medications your doctor may be able to recommend if your migraine patterns warrant further treatment.

Info courtesy of Women's Healthcare Topics.

4 Exercises That Can Ease Labor

No one — not your doctor, midwife, or even your mother — can reliably predict how your labor will progress. Fortunately, there are a few exercises you can do now to help prepare your body for what's to come.

Kegels

Kegel exercises are small internal contractions of the pelvic floor muscles that support your urethra, bladder, uterus, and rectum. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles improves circulation to your rectal and vaginal area, helping to keep hemorrhoids at bay and speeding healing after an episiotomy or tear, if you have one during childbirth. There's even some evidence suggesting that strong pelvic floor muscles may shorten the pushing stage of labor.You can do Kegels anywhere — sitting at your computer, watching TV, even standing in line at the supermarket. Here's how:
• Tighten the muscles around your vagina as if trying to interrupt the flow of urine when going to the bathroom.
• Hold for a count of four, then release. Repeat ten times. Try to work up to three or four sets about three times a day.

Pelvic tilt or angry cat

This variation of the pelvic tilt, done on all fours, strengthens the abdominal muscles and eases back pain during pregnancy and labor.
• Get down on your hands and knees, arms shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart, keeping your arms straight but not locking the elbows.
• As you breathe in, tighten your abdominal muscles and tuck your buttocks under and round your back.
• Relax your back into a neutral position as you breathe out.
• Repeat at your own pace, following the rhythm of your breath.

Squat

It may not be the most elegant position, but squatting is a time-honored way of preparing for and giving birth. This exercise strengthens your thighs and helps open your pelvis.
• Stand facing the back of a chair with your feet slightly more than hip-width apart, toes pointed outward. Hold the back of the chair for support.
• Contract your abdominal muscles, lift your chest, and relax your shoulders. Then lower your tailbone toward the floor as though you were sitting down on a chair. Find your balance — most of your weight should be toward your heels.
• Take a deep breath in and then exhale, pushing into your legs to rise to a standing position.

Tailor or Cobbler Pose

This position can help open your pelvis and loosen your hip joints in preparation for birth. It can also improve your posture and ease tension in your lower back.
• Sit up straight against a wall with the soles of your feet touching each other (sit on a folded towel if that's more comfortable for you).
• Gently press your knees down and away from each other, but don't force them.
• Stay in this position for as long as you're comfortable.Remember to start slowly and work at your own level for each exercise.

Thanks to Baby Center.com for the above info.

A REAL Medical Explanation:

My newest best friend

While surfing Baby Center's website, I discovered I'm not the only preggie lady having to run to the potty every 5 MINUTES! (I'm NOT exaggerating!)

Why do I have to go to the bathroom so often?

You may have noticed a more frequent need to pee even before you realized you were pregnant. In fact, it's one of the most common early signs of pregnancy, starting about six weeks into your first trimester.

Why do you suddenly need to go all the time? It's mostly because the amount of blood in your body increases dramatically when you get pregnant, which leads to a lot of extra fluid getting processed through your kidneys and ending up in your bladder. Eventually, you may also feel pressure on your bladder from your growing uterus.

You may notice that you need to get up to pee more often during the night in particular. That's because when you lie down, some of the fluid that you retained in your legs and feet during the day makes its way back into your bloodstream and eventually into your bladder.

Some pregnancy books say that you'll begin to feel some relief early in your second trimester as your uterus rises out of your pelvis, but research doesn't support this idea. The fact is, you may not get that fabled second trimester break at all.

In one study in which pregnant women actually measured how often and how much they urinated, researchers found that both the frequency and volume increased over the course of the women's pregnancies, with no relief in the second trimester.

Try not to let this get you down, though. You'll probably feel better in other ways during the second trimester and, as a result, you may find it less of a chore to be running to the bathroom all the time.

Is there anything I can do about it?

You can reduce your number of bathroom trips by avoiding beverages that have a mild diuretic effect, such as coffee, tea, and alcohol. (Of course, you shouldn't be drinking alcohol now, anyway.)

Another tip: When you pee, lean forward to help completely empty your bladder.

You can make fewer nighttime visits to the bathroom by drinking plenty of fluids during the day but then cutting back in the hours before you go to bed. You may not be able to get much relief, though. As one mom we know puts it, "It's nature's cruel way of training you for the many nights of interrupted sleep once your baby arrives!"

When does frequent urination signal a potential problem?

Talk to your doctor or midwife if you feel pain or burning when you urinate — or if you continue to feel the urge to pee even when you're only able to produce a few drops at a time. These could be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are the most common kind of bacterial infection in pregnant women and, if left untreated, can lead to a kidney infection or preterm labor, or both.

Will "holding it" cause urinary incontinence?

Many women have what's called "stress urinary incontinence" during pregnancy, meaning that they lose some urine when they cough, laugh, sneeze, lift heavy objects, or do certain types of exercise, like jogging. It's most likely to occur in your third trimester or in the postpartum period. You may be able to prevent it somewhat by not letting your bladder get too distended, so don't ignore the urge to pee.

Doing Kegel exercises, which strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor, can also help minimize stress incontinence. It's a good idea to begin Kegel exercises early in pregnancy and continue them postpartum. (In fact, it's prudent to make doing Kegels a lifelong habit!)

Finally, remember to empty your bladder before exercising. And, if need be, wear a minipad to catch any unexpected dribbling (and keep fresh ones handy in your purse).

When will this constant need to pee ease up?

You can expect all this peeing to die down soon after your baby is born. For the first few days postpartum, you'll urinate in greater quantities and even more often as your body gets rid of the extra fluid you retained during pregnancy. But after a few days, your need to urinate should be back to what it was before you were pregnant.

Make Your Body Happy!

My new favorite beverage:

Thanks to Be-Fit-Mom.com for the following info:

Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness & Exercise

Hydration and Exercise during Pregnancy

Studies show that just a small amount of dehydration decreases performance capability and motor control, which increases the likelihood of injury. Adherence to medical advice about maintaining adequate hydration levels becomes especially crucial during pregnancy. Even with sufficient fluid intake, pregnant women should not exercise in the hot sun, or out-of-doors during very hot and humid weather to prevent the risk of heat-related injuries.
Though most commonly associated with hot weather, dehydration during exercise also occurs in cold temperatures and at high elevations.What Water Does for You

Adequate water intake helps you:
•
Cool your body
•
Maintain a healthy salt and electrolyte balance
•
Prevent constipation
•
Avoid hemorrhoids
•
Prevent injury
How Much Should You Drink?
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink, as thirst is not an accurate indicator of hydration levels.

When and How Much to Drink:
•
Drink up to 16 ounces of water one to two hours before you exercise.
•
During exercise, drink 8 to 12 ounces more water.
•
In the hour following exercise, drink up to 16 ounces to fully rehydrate. This may sound like a lot, but if you are engaged in moderate to strenuous cardiovascular exercise, you’ll need that much.
Don’t Skimp on Water
You should never restrict your fluid intake just to cut down on frequent bathroom visits, the common plague of pregnancy. You’ve probably already gotten into the habit of going to the restroom before exercise sessions or arriving early so that you can position yourself where you’ll have the most convenient access to the restroom. Such concessions are far better than the adverse effects of dehydration.The Sweat Rate Formula for Replacing Lost Fluids
Be sure to replace the fluids you lose during exercise. An accurate scale that displays ounces can help you estimate your sweat rate, and assist you in estimating how much fluid you need to drink to replace the amount you lost during your workout. Weigh yourself before and after your workout. Note the difference in ounces. Add to that the number of ounces of water that you consumed during exercise. If the total is less than the amount you started with, be sure to replace at least that amount in the hour after your workout.
If your scale doesn’t accurately display ounces, then let the color of your urine be your guide. Pale yellow urine means that you are adequately hydrated. Dark yellow urine indicates that you are not consuming enough water.What to Drink
You won’t need sports drinks with electrolytes; they’re needed only for the most strenuous endurance events, which are not advisable during pregnancy. Plain water is fine. Inquire with officials about your tap water to determine if it contains contaminants, and, of course, use a water filtration system if it does. Fitness waters that are slightly flavored are an acceptable alternative to plain water. Steer clear of high-sugar content beverages (especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup), and any that contain chemical additives, such as artificial sweeteners and food colorings.
Safe Use and Re-use of Water Bottles
•
With sports tops, make sure that you do not accidentally suck in excess air into your gut as you drink, which can cause intense gas-pain and cramping.
•
Never drink from a plastic bottle that has not been thoroughly cleaned or that shows signs of overuse.
•
Run plastic bottles and caps through the dishwasher before reusing them.
•
If you don’t have a dishwasher, thoroughly wash bottles and tops with soap and hot water, rinse well, and let air-dry.

15 Weeks & Counting.....

Your baby's crown-to-rump length is approximately 4 inches and she now weighs approximately 1.75 ounces. Your baby is close to the size of a softball and you can easily tell that you are pregnant now! If you wear maternity clothes or a swimming suit, other people will be able to tell that you are pregnant also. You can probably feel your uterus about three to four inches below your bellybutton.

Your baby, 25 weeks to go.....

If you do not yet have a due date, your doctor can easily determine an accurate due date based on the measurement of your baby's head. This is done by an ultrasound examination. Your doctor will be discussing upcoming tests and procedures with you around this time that are able to diagnose or confirm birth defects and other abnormalities.

Your baby is growing at an amazing rate and looking more like a human every day. Because your baby's skin is so thin, you are able to see blood vessels through the skin. Lanugo hair covers your baby's body, but it will be gone when your baby is born. The hair on the eyebrows and head continues to grow. Some babies are born with little or no hair and others have a head full of hair! If you have an ultrasound at this point, you might be able to see your baby sucking its thumb. Even though the eyes continue to move to the front of the face, they are still widely separated. Your baby's ears look like normal ears and continue to develop externally. The bones that have already formed continue to get harder and retain calcium. The baby is very mobile and flexible at this point. She can bend her arms at the elbows and wrists and she can also make a fist with her hands.

My Swimsuit Search Is Over!

Yesterday, my mom & sister went with me to the maternity clothes store and helped me purchase a maternity swimsuit. It's black "panties" with a dress-kinda top. The top is back and white printed with a red stripe down the middle. I was surprised it looked so cute. Sorta vintage-like.

I plan on getting my nails painted red today to match the red stripe. AWESOME!

I plan on swimming Friday in my brother-in-law's pool. FUN!

I will post a pic later today.

Restless Night

I had a horrible night last night. I've been sleeping on my side, due to my OB's urging. I just COULD NOT get comfortable. No matter which side I'm sleeping on, I cannot get comfortable. The pressure on my shoulders HURTS!

I am going to invest in a pregnancy pillow. They provide the much needed support I'm looking for. Maybe it won't be to expensive. We hope!