More on car seats...

Yep, though we generally are a relaxed couple I tend to have my waves of worry and anxiety. Currently I'm in a tizzy (stomach ache and all) about these darn car seat laws, recalls, and expirations... (Sigh) As of 2010, Texas requires any child (8 and under) shorter than 4'9" to use a restraint system. Previous law required a child restraint system only for children (5 and under) and less than 36 inches tall. Don't get me wrong I want both my kiddos to be as safe as possible. We seem to be in the car a lot and I want them protected. I just get overwhelmed with all the changing laws, the never ending recalls, and learning that most of these products are made of plastic yet all expire. Most car seats have an expiration date on one of the manufacturer labels. If there's no expiration date listed then use the date of manufacture and consult the car seat owners' manual. Here's a good one: manufacturers don't recommend storing them in garages or attics because the extreme heat or cold can shorten the seat's lifespan. That's interesting because when my car sits in the Texas summer sun it's far hotter than my garage gets. I've been told; the rule of thumb is that car seats expire five to six years from the date of manufacture. Though, when/if the vehicle is ever in an accident (even minor), the child safety seat should be replaced immediately. Wow, this can get really expensive to keep up with! I’m in the wrong business I should be making/selling car seats – with the laws requiring use and constant supply of kiddos talk about job security.

Info for Texas parents, grandparents, and ‘taxis’

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/carseat.htm

Past half way

We began our 21^st week! At this time the baby swallows lots of amniotic fluid daily. From what I understand the taste of the fluid differs from day to day depending on what I eat. The smorgasbord of tastes won't be lost on little Eggert either, because the taste buds are already very developed. Though I seem to eat more basic foods and toned down flavors while pregnant (compared to my usual all over the place taste), I get big kudos from the doctor regarding my nutrition and food verity. I think there is something to eating well and introducing food flavors while pregnant and breastfeeding. Though Guin has typical kid likes of desserts and fruits, she is a well rounded eater with a love of veggies plus a tolerance for strong flavors and spice. She eats her meat and proteins too, though she’s not too crazy about nuts in standard form (crunchy) she does enjoy an occasional creamy nut spread. I am a bit of a foodie as most people know and am excited to have such an adventurous eater to share food experiences with. I hope with the next one, they also don’t put up a fight when it comes to eating and eating well.

It has begun – Cankles!

My ankles and feet have begun swelling by the end of the day. I realize, drinking water (proper hydration) is key, but it continues to be a little tricky for me. I am back to water giving me heartburn or causing nausea. I drink as much as I can stomach because I know it’s so important. Also, I try to rest in the evenings with my feet elevated. So far so good, no broken blood vessels in my legs and I can fit into my fat feet shoes (sizes and styles I had to use at the end of my previous pregnancy due to swelling) comfortably.

Sick & Tired

So, I vomited for the third time this pregnancy (two more then when carrying G). What was nice was that I felt completely fine afterward. I know I can’t complain because so many of my friends and family have shared with me their struggles with ‘morning sickness’. Though mine seems more blood sugar related, I seem to have it a little easier – regarding frequency anyway. My challenge is the abruptness of the onset of symptoms.

Baby still has a great deal of room; there's plenty of space for twisting, turning, and even an occasional somersault. With all that belly dancing going on, it's hard to believe Eggy gets any sleep at all. I do feel the baby wakes and sleeps in regular intervals based on the movement patterns. I’m pretty sure the little one sleeps as much as a newborn, perhaps 10 to 12 hours per day! Now if only I could get some restful sleep! I am short of breath, sore, and tired – Although, I really do feel quite good, physically.

Emotions

This month was and continues to be a challenge for me emotionally. This year we had a tragic lose in our family (my dear nephew) and I am in mourning. Though I’ve been told that my hormone levels have stabilized, I have yet to feel ‘stable’. I received a lot of support from family, friends, and work – but I need more time to process this whole thing. Since I am prone to spiking my heart rate due to anxiety, I have to remind myself (as well as get reminded) that I need to stay calm and keep my rate down. I’m staying busy and have returned to work, but my heart (emotionally) aches! I can’t help my sudden spells of sorrow with uncontrollable tears.  

We have a kicker

Since I was being watched by the doctor for the last month or so, she had me on heightened awareness of possible problems like early contractions. I must admit that made me very nervous. One long and highly active day the movement and internal sensations strengthened and I thought I might be having those early contractions while grocery shopping with my mom. I was hunched over leaning on the cart with my belly hanging without support. And then I felt tightening on both sides with extension in the middle. It scared us both. But later that evening I figured out it was the baby stretching! I realized it out once ‘Eggy’ shifted from the center to the right causing uneven pressure. With a big sigh of relief - Oh yeah, this is what big movements feel like!

Though movements vary from baby to baby this seems to be the most similar experience between my pregnancies so far. Both Guin and Eggy are quite active with movement of each limb as well as full body twist and turns. I’ve noticed fluttery feelings some days and not others, but I know as baby's movements get stronger I’ll start feeling them every day. I was reminded that fetal activity is affected by sleep, sound, time of day, and mother's activity level. Well, it’s been over a week now since I began to not only feel the movements but also see my belly quickly bulge out then return back to ‘normal’. This is an exciting time!

By the way, the growing baby has been nick named Eggert or Eggy, but that won’t be what appears on the birth certificate J

Banana - Yikes!

When I was pregnant with G, I could tolerate dairy better than before. But have you heard of developing allergies or reactions to food you've never seemed to be bothered by?! Well, apparently that happens too. I just ate a banana and before I was finished my throat and inner ears became really itchy and irritated. Not thinking it through, I finished eating it. Afterward, I sought some relief by drinking some de-caff tea, but the itchiness remains and now pressure with heartburn has begun. Looks like, I will be avoiding bananas for a while!

Up eight pounds and loving it

We had another silent sonogram on Monday where they took many measurements. Our baby, Eggy, weighs about 10 1/2 ounces and is about 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel, around the length of a banana. The top of my uterus is about level with my belly button, and I’ve gained around 8 pounds. I’ve been told to expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. 

Catching my breath

It's been a while since I've had a chance to share what's been happening with us. Well, we've been busy with work, travel, budgeting, planning, birthdays, super bowl, illness, doctor appointments... Guin's getting over an ear infection while the baby and I are under the doctor's watch. We also show signs of improvement and lessening restrictions. 

I feel like I'm just catching my breath. However that is short lived because we have another 2 weeks of craziness ahead of us.

The longest most gentle sonogram

Ok, so while traveling I needed to get checked out. Luckily my aunt was nearby and was able and willing to take me to the ER and stay with me. I had a full workup with labs and a thorough exam. I was relieved that nothing major was found, just a bladder infection with atypical symptoms (now cleared thanks to antibiotics). Anyway, while at the ER I had a sonogram (without doppler - no sound). The technician was sweet and very gentle. She explained what we were seeing and what she was looking for and measuring. I was overjoyed seeing the baby's little flickering heart! My little one was dancing and moving so we got to see many different positions :) I think it lasted about 10 minutes, compared to the usual 2 minutes worth of image viewing. My aunt was really excited that she got to share this time with us, and I was very glad I had her with me!