29 Weeks

Jesse and I had an absolutely amazing Christmas! We started off our festivities with Christmas Eve dinner and Secret Santa at the VanRossum's. We woke up Christmas morning and went next door to Dan and Deb's for a big brunch and presents with the Maynard clan! Next, we were off to the Bisio's for the afternoon, and topped off the evening with my Dad at  Grammy and Papa Snyder's for dinner and Festivus. The day after Christmas we had my Attleboro girlies and their significants over for Pot Luck and hang out. It's been quite the fun schedule and so wonderful to enjoy all the company of our family and friends this week.

Monday I had my one hour glucose test at the Dr's to check for gestational diabetes. I got the results back and all is well which is great because I really did not want to do the 3 hour test if I failed. However, they did find me to be anemic so I am now taking iron supplements and trying to incorporate more steak (which Jesse will love) and leafy greens in my diet. This does explain why I have felt more tuckered out than usual lately, but I'm glad there is an easy remedy.

Jesse has been working hard on the baby's room during his vacation week this week. It is really coming along and getting us even more excited for our little one's arrival soon. I will post some before and after pictures at the end of the week for the big reveal. Also, today the Maynard family bassinet (handcrafted by Jesse's Grandpa Bob Maynard) made it's way into our home to get set up and ready for March!

Our little man is now 29 weeks. He is soaking up all my nutrients especially calcium to help his hardening skeleton. His head is growing bigger to accommodate his growing brain. He is just a few inches short of his birth length, but will more than double his weight in his last 11 weeks.

Hello 3rd Trimester: 28 Weeks

Today marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester, and also the start of my Christmas vacation! Today I enjoyed a work Christmas party, and some shopping around town with my Dad. Now it's time for Christmas fun and relaxation with friends and family. There will definitely be a lot of sleeping and eating going on!

Little boy Maynard is about 16 inches long and 2.5 pounds. He can see light that filters in through my tummy, and has different cycles of sleep that include rapid eye movement where dreaming occurs. He is letting me know he's alive and well in there moving and poking around frequently, and I can feel what I think are little feet right under my ribs when I sit. When I feel an elbow, foot, hand, or bum press against my sides I like to have some fun and give him a little push back to play. Just can't wait to see and hold him...only 12 more weeks!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Last night we received 15 inches of snow in good ol' Attleboro, and it's still coming down with another 2-3 inches predicted today! Ashley and I spent yesterday afternoon anticipating the snow by baking Christmas cookies and making chocolate covered pretzels.

My Plow Man! Jesse was out from 2:30-9:30 a.m. for round one, came home for some food and a shower, and is now back out again for round 2 of plowing! He is a snow removal machine. Yay for "white gold".  He loaded up the living room with firewood for me to keep the wood stove going and the house cozy and warm. Hopefully today I won't procrastinate too much and get some housework done for the holidays!

                                                

Love you Jesse! xoxo

Doctors Appointment

Today I had my monthly OB appointment. All good news to report. Current weight gain is....19 pounds, and my blood pressure is 120/68. While the nurse was looking for the baby's heartbeat with the doppler on my belly our little baby Maynard kept kicking it and my stomach was popping up. His heart rate was in the 150's (110-180 is normal). My stomach is measuring right on track at 28 cm. My glucose test got rescheduled to the 28th of this month instead of today.  I am now being seen every 3 weeks, and we have an ultrasound appointment scheduled for January 8th when I will be 30 weeks to see how big our little man is!!!!

27 Week Facts: This is the last week of the second trimester. Baby Maynard is four times as big as he was at week 12. At this point baby's lungs could function with lots of medical help. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, and opening and closing his eyes.

The Elves Came (AKA: Jesse)

I have a slight addiction to Eddy's Peppermint ice cream. I go through a whole container in a few days, and can't get enough of the stuff. I was extremely disappointed they were out of it on my last shopping trip. It's only 100 calories for a 1/2 cup so it's not too bad for me, plus baby needs the calcium! What is bad is that it is a Limited Edition flavor and will only be here for the holidays.

As a child my parents had a tradition of the "Elves" leaving candy on me and Derek's pillows the nights leading up to Christmas. I introduced this tradition to Jesse when we started dating and occasionally the Elves will come in December to leave a special treat.  I completely forgot about it this year. So tonight my dear Jesse comes home from work and said the Elves came.....I ran upstairs to find on my pillow four containers of my obsession!!!! Thank you Elf Jesse xoxo
Maynard Elf Dance (click)

26 Week Belly

Well I had my traditional white t-shirt on for the belly photo, but we had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner soooo I had to cover up my messiness with the gray shirt. We got our second snow today. As usual when I woke up I was glued to the news for hopes of a school delay/cancelation but not luck today. We only got about 3 inches followed by rain. Speaking of inches Baby Maynard is about 14 inches long now, and about 2 pounds. I think he had the hiccups last night because he was shaking my tummy about every 5 seconds a few times in a row. This week he is also soaking up my antibodies, getting his immune system ready for life outside the womb. I've also been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions (brief tightening of the uterus)  daily as my body practices and gets ready for the main event in 3 months. Baby Maynard is the size of a small pineapple this week.

Babymoon: Perkinsville, VT

We had an amazing weekend in Vermont for our "babymoon." The weather was not too cold with highs in the 30's and we were lucky enough to get a few inches of snow Saturday during our stay to turn it into a winter wonderland.

FRIDAY: Arrived at The Inn at Weathersfield Friday evening.  Checked into our room, surprised to see that the innkeepers upgraded us to a suite with king bed, 2 person whirlpool, 2 headed shower, and sitting room with fireplace. Also, Dan and Deb had arranged for a delicious fruit and cheese spread waiting for us. We then enjoyed a late dinner in the Tavern and were asleep by 10!

SATURDAY: Walked downstairs to a wonderful breakfast as we planned our day in town. Off to the town of Woodstock for quaint antiquing and shopping. Stopped in the town of Quechee for lunch at Simon Pearce Handblown Glass. Back to the Inn for appointments with the massage therapist. After being turned into noodles we got ready for dinner and sat in the parlor and read while having some cider and wine in front of the fire watching the snow fall. Dinner was an experience of no other. Our chef was named best chef in Vermont in 2008 and and also received Top 10 Culinary Inns in America. He prepared for us a 2 hour 8 course meal/adventure. Every course was made with all local produce and meats, and Jesse and I had to roll ourselves back to our room. We experienced quail and quails eggs, goat and goat cheese, scallops, salmon, octopus, pecan dessert and fudge. We were passed out by 10 in a food coma!

SUNDAY: Lovely breakfast downstairs at the Inn. Sad to pack up and leave. On our way home we
stopped at the local farmer's market and picked up some cheese, bread, milk, and produce. We then hit up the WAAWEA (We Are All What We Eat) for local meats and eggs to bring home. After a quick trip to the Vermont Country store for our traditional vacation Christmas ornament we were on our way home.

What an amazing and relaxing weekend!

25 Weeks....15 more to go!

Can't believe it's already December as we prepare for winter and Christmas. The tree is up, candles are in the windows, we've started our gift shopping, and Jesse's plow is ready to go for snow. On Friday we will be leaving for Vermont for our "babymoon," we are very excited for our romantic weekend away. Baby Maynard's tiny nostrils, which has been plugged up until now are starting to open. His eyes which have been sealed shut are starting to blink as well. Last night was the first time he woke me up in the middle of the night from kicking/moving away.

My Papa Tom is in the hospital so please keep him and Grammy in your thoughts and prayers. He hasn't been feeling well lately and is very weak, so hopefully he can get some strength back and be back home soon.

Happy Turkey Day

Jesse and I have have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We are thankful for each other's unconditional friendship, love and support, and the feeling of home we provide to each other. Our unborn son who we have longed, waited, and prayed for and has brought us already so much joy. Our family who is always by our sides giving us their wisdom, strength, and encouragement in all that we do. Our friends who all have a special place in our hearts and provide us so many memories of fun times. Ours and our families' health, our jobs that we love and enjoy every day, and our house that keeps us cozy and safe!

Thank you Lord for giving us so much to be thankful for!
Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! 
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into God's presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!

For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures for ever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

24 Week Belly

Baby Maynard is starting to pack on the weight this month. His is quite the kicker, and I am starting to notice a time pattern when he is most awake and exercising. He will be gaining about 6 oz. a week (the exact weight of a Yoplait yogurt) to allow his body to fill out proportionally. His brain and taste buds  continue to grow. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree," and surfactant a substance that will help his little air sacs inflate once he joins us outside the womb.  His skin is still transparent but that will change soon.

Doctors Appointment

Today I had my monthly doctor's appointment. My total weight gain so far is 14 pounds, and tummy/baby are measuring and growing right on track. The Doctor measured my belly today which was 22 1/2 cm, and it usually correlates with how far along you are, and I am 23 weeks. My blood pressure was good 104/62, and I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat which I love. The Doc gave me the green light for some Tums or Zantac if I need it for some reflux I have been encountering due to all my insides relaxing and moving up. I go back in a month on December 18th for my lovely glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. All in all we're doing great, and looking forward to the holiday days off and fun next week!

My co-worker Jessica loaned me her Snoggle pillow to assist in comfortable sleep. I'll be testing it out tonight!

 

23 Weeks

Last night the Maynard clan went out to eat at The Colonel Blackinton Inn (our favorite restaurant) for soon to be Grandma Deb's birthday celebration. It was a fantastic evening of fine dining and family togetherness.

Dan, Deb (Birthday Girl), Lynsey, Josh, Taylor, Ashley, Me, Jesse

Baby boy Maynard's blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. His cute little face is fully formed, and just needs some fat to make chubby cheeks. He is gaining about 6 oz. per week, and I am gaining about 1 pound/week. His keen ears are picking up sounds such as my voice, stomach gurgles, deep breathes, and loud noises now such as music playing or the vacuum running. He is about 11 inches long (head to toe), and weighing about a pound and a half. He is about the size of a large mango or an ear of corn.

22 Week Belly

The liitle guy's face is fully formed and he is starting to settle into sleep cycles. He sleeps now about 12-14 hours a day much like a newborn. His fingernails have grown to the end of his fingertips, and his teeth buds are beginning to form.

We Love You!

The little man is getting stronger. Dad was able to feel him kick twice in a row this weekend. Yesterday sitting on the couch  I felt him kicking away. I lifted up my shirt to see if I could see any action, and sure enough I saw him kicking/punching because my tummy poked up next to my belly button. I can also see my belly shake when he is doing his karate in there. The little alien is quite the athlete so far.  Can't wait till I actually see a hand or foot pressing against my belly!

p.s. Thank you Hilary for being my photographer during one of my silly/creative moments!

Changing Belly Button

Before having a bun in the oven I could never see the bottom of my innie belly button. Slowly as I started to get rounder my button started to open up which was cool. Now it's changing again, and it turning into an outie. I imagine it will be like a cooked turkey and be popped up when the baby is done! So neat to see all the changes your body goes through.

Attack of the Leg Cramp

My legs have been achey in the middle of the night, but early this morning a charlie horse cramp in my calf woke me right up. Due to my "Ow &*%^ ow" I also woke up my dear Jesse (sorry hun). After flexing my foot and rubbing my calf  for a minute it went away, but it did scare the crap out of me since I was in a sound sleep. Apparently this is quite common in the 2nd and 3d trimester. It is caused by my growing uterus' extra weight, and it putting pressure on my blood vessels that return blood from my legs to my heart and the nerves leading to my legs. I think I will try the football player's remedy and eat some banana before I go to bed, and make sure I am drinking lots of H2O.

3D Ultrasound

Today I went to see a perinatologist (a high risk OB) to measure and discuss my potentially shorter than normal cervix. I won't go into detail but everything turned out to be great and in normal range. There is no cause for concern, and I don't have to go back!!! Before I met with the Doc they did a full anatomy scan of our little guy. I got to see him again moving around and see his cute face, little fingers, toes, heart, and brain which I love. To my pleasant surprise I also got to see him 4D (3D images in real motion). This was really cool and a little weird. The tech said baby boy is weighing about 14 oz, and heart rate is 145 (all right on track). Next doctors appointment is my 6th month check up on November 20th.

20 Weeks: Half Way There!

I can't believe we are halfway through the pregnancy. In only a few months we will have a baby boy! We booked a "babymoon" at a quaint B & B in Vermont for some quality husband and wife time before the little man arrives. We will be going in the beginning of December to enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery, dining out, fireplace in our room, shopping, and of course a spa trip! Check out the inn: http://www.weathersfieldinn.com/

The baby is moving like crazy, and I can feel him flop around and kick numerous times during the day. It is so amazing, but very alien/sci-fi. The little guy is about the size of a small cantaloupe, and now has working taste buds that can enjoy what I eat. Speaking of eating,  my total weight gain so far is 8 pounds and climbing. I have been averaging about a pound a week for the past month, and I am constantly hungry and snacking all day. Maternity clothes are a must now and I recently just ordered some great tops very cheap at Old Navy online. Now I am on the hunt for a cute night-out outfit for Jesse's 10 year high school reunion at the end of November.

Celebrating Team Blue

I can feel our little man moving now! Sometimes it feels like a flip flop flutter, and other times I get a good poke. I notice it the most sitting or laying down. My five month appointment with Dr. Stricker is on Friday at 19 weeks. On the name game, we are down to two boys names we like, and leaning a little more towards one. Our current front runners are:

Jaxson Arlan Maynard

Jake Arlan Maynard

Arlan is Jesse's deceased Grandfather's middle name, and also both of our Dad's have A middle names as well (Absolom and Alan). Vote on the side of the webpage for your favorite. =)

It's A BOY!!!!

Here is our little boy blue's teenie weenie and bum!

Cute little profile busy sucking or drinking away. Little hand under his chin.

Front of the little guy's face. You can clearly see his eye, hand under mouth, and arm up beside his head.

His little profile, and belly.

Our little boy is measuring about 8 inches and weighing in at 10 oz. His heartbeat was 140. Mom and Dad went to Babies R' Us and picked out his first construction and football onesies after the ultrasound appointment.  We are still working on the name!

18 Weeks!

18 Weeks Down....22 To Go!

Baby is now about 5 1/2 inches long, and weighing in at at 5 oz. There is a lot of action going on now; baby can yawn, twist, roll, kick, and punch. Sometimes I think I feel a little flutter or popcorn popping but then think it could just be digestion or hunger. Stay tuned for Friday's big announcement, and new ultrasound pics! I'll also get a recent pic of Daddy up too =)

Fall In New England!

The weather has cooled, the air is breezy, and the leaves are changing and falling. However, it wasn't officially fall without our cornstalks, mums, and pumpkins. My Dad and I took a trip to Briggs today and decorated the front step. Still can't believe the hydrangeas in front are still going strong.

Baby Maynard is 17 weeks now, and is very hungry. Yesterday he/she wanted onion rings and a sundae, and today a Thanksgiving sandwich. It's umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, it's skeleton is changing into bone, and it now has one of a kind fingerprints this week. Baby's home is now the size of a cantaloupe, and he or she is the size of my open hand. 6 more days till the big reveal!

Noticeable Baby Bump

I went to go get my new maternity pants altered today, and before I even tried them on the tailor said "Oh I see you've gained some weight (wink wink), congratulations when is the baby due?" Yay! Someone other than family or friends has noticed sure enough that it's a baby bump to say something without thinking it could be just a gut!

16 Week Belly: It popped!

Yay I think I finally popped! I gained 2 pounds in the past week. I have started the need for some maternity clothes, which are quite comfortable (no more buttons or zippers). Two more weeks till the big ultrasound so vote for team pink or blue! Baby is about 4 1/2 inches from head to bum. Tiny bones in its ears are forming and it can now start to hear its parents' voices. Baby also is developing eyebrows, lashes, toenails and hair this week. Jesse and I will start doing more frequent belly photos since the little Maynard is growing at a fast past now.

4 Month Doctor's Appointment

Today I met with my Doctor whom I love, for my four month appointment. I have so far gained 3 pounds, and all other vitals are great! I got to hear the little bambino's heartbeat, and it moving all around in the amniotic fluid. Next Friday I have more blood work, and then on October 16th we find out if we're having a son or daughter!!!! We'll also have new ultrasound pictures to post as well. That's only in 3 more weeks, and by then I'll be about halfway done with my pregnancy. That is crazy! Stay tuned for the 16 week belly picture next week.

15 Weeks

We're 15 weeks today and the size of a Naval Orange (4 inches from head to bum)! The baby is busy moving amniotic fluid through it's nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in it's lungs begin to develop. The baby's legs are growing longer than it's arms now, and it can move all of it's joints and limbs. Although the baby's eyelids are fused shut, it can sense light. Off to the OB on Friday for my monthly visit!!

Telling My Students

Some of the parents at school were starting to question other parents and teachers about whether or not Mrs. Maynard was pregnant. So today I decided to get the word out and tell my lovely 2nd grade students that their teacher was going to have a baby, and was not just getting fat. I decided to tell them by playing Hangman before lunch. It wasn't till there were only a few letters left did all the hands start going up wanting to solve the puzzle "Mrs Maynard is having a baby". They were all very excited. One little sweetie kept hugging me all day saying she was hugging the baby and wouldn't stop thinking about her teacher having a baby till it arrived. Some thought it was going to arrive next month, others thought next year. Overall, the response was a success.

12 Week Belly

Three months down, six to go! Belly has started to get a little rounder, and pants are starting to get snug. No major hair growth seen in this picture like seen before due to my haircut, but my nails are starting to grow much faster and are healthier.
P.S. This picture was taken at night after a day of eating and drinking, so I am thinking it may of added to my poochie belly, but either way it's starting to expand a little. I'm in that "Has she just gained a few or is she pregnant?" phase. 

12 Week Ultrasound

You can see it's adorable little profile, belly, and legs crossed Indian style pretty clear. It's arms were up but then down by it's side for the picture. These three pictures are mostly alike, but I thought I would put them all up anyway.

Today Jesse and I started our day with a very exciting doctor's appointment. We had an ultrasound session and were able to see our little 3 inch (from head to toe) baby sleeping away. The ultrasound tech had me cough to wake it up, and then it started moving all around kicking legs, moving arms, and jumping up and down. We were able to see it open and close it's mouth. It's little heart was beating at 156 beats per minute. The spine measurement was normal. Baby then went back to sleep, but I woke it up coughing one last time to see it roll over on it's side and look at his Mom and Dad straight on. See you again in October baby Maynard to know if we should buy blue or pink.

In this picture you can see the top of the baby's head, and it's two little arms and hands giving a touchdown signal or a give me ten! We also got to see it's little feet too. The tech said because I am on the smaller side that the little bubbles I've been feeling the past few days are the baby jumping around. Next OB appointment will be September, 25th. 

First OB Appointment

I had my first official OB appointment today on August 25th. All my prenatal blood work came back great. I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat with the Doppler on my belly, such a wonderful sound to know that all is well and alive. Next appointment will be September 1st. 

Welcome Family and Friends!

Since many of our loved ones are both near and far I've created this blog so that miles and busy lifestyles don't separate us from keeping in touch and sharing with you the journey, joy and growth of our little miracle. It's taken us almost a year and a half and some reproductive medical assistance to get here, but it's finally here. Yippee! Jesse and I are beyond excited to be able to include you in all our news and pregnancy progress. So stay tuned!

This picture at 4 weeks preggy was taken on July 8th (my Mom's birthday). This was the day Jesse and I found out we were going to be parents. I had my blood drawn in the a.m. to see if our procedure had worked and would not know the results till the afternoon. I had no reason yet to suspect that this cycle was a negative, and because I had taken a million home pregnancy tests before in the past 16 months I decided why not take one. I was used to seeing it stare at me blank. Well I was completely shocked when I saw the faint second line appear. So I ran to CVS and bought a digital response test. I needed more concrete evidence. Tears of joy flowed as I saw that wonderful word "pregnant" appear in under a minute. So I wrapped up the test in a box and waited for Jesse to come home to open up his present. The nurse called with our blood results which came back positive, so I had double confirmation now...it was for real! Jesse's expression upon opening the box, and seeing the positive test was priceless. We both couldn't believed it worked especially since our Doctor was not very optimistic this cycle. We then shared the news that evening with our siblings and parents. 

"Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that He will"

Our first ultrasound was taken on July 30th at 7 weeks 1 day. We were able to see one little blueberry sized baby, it's little heart flicker, and hear it beating at 140 beats per minute...amazing! At the end of our appointment Dr. Baghavath shook our hands and said we had graduated from the Infertility Clinic and were now off to the OBGYN! We are so thankful for the care and help they gave us!

Here I am at 8 weeks on August 5th. Not too much to show yet for our raspberry sized baby. However, look how much longer my hair is from the 4 week belly shot seen above. Must be those great prenatal vitamins. Next belly photo will be taken at 12 weeks.