Pregnancy Journal

My 5th sonogram that I had yesterday went really well!! My amniotic fluid went from a level of 6.8cm to over 10cm, so things are looking great! I was told to keep doing what I'm doing because it's working - so I better keep downing the water and keep swimming. I still feel silly in my bikini with my big belly bump - belly mountain, as Clint called it - but I gotsta do what I gotsta do. The sonogram itself was another great moment - we were able to see her swallowing some of the amniotic fluid. It was amazing seeing her lower jaw move up and down. She was also practicing her breathing movements, so her chest was also rising and falling. I really have a tiny little person in there! With all the measurements the sonogram technician took yesterday, Cassie should now weigh approx. 4 lbs 14 oz. With 6 weeks to go til my due date, I have a feeling she's not going to be as small as I thought she might be, but we'll see!

I bought a couple things off the Babies R Us website the other day, only because it was all free shipping, and it looks like we will be receiving them this weekend. Can't wait! Out of the hundreds of baby items we currently have, this is really the first time we're spending any money. I just love all the hand-me-downs of everything we've received!

As far as how I'm feeling, still feeling WONDERFUL!! Of course there are a couple minor things I could complain about (mild heartburn, being a tad uncomfortable sleeping), but what is the fun in complaining? In the end, it's all worth it.

At my dr. appointment last week, my doc again told me I'm still measuring a little small, which still isn't a huge concern, but guess what...he recommended yet another sonogram. If you've lost count, that makes 5 sonograms now...and counting! :) Not that I'm really complaining. It just gives me that many more chances to see my daughter before she's even born. Those moments sitting in the chair with that COLD goo on my belly, looking at my daughter on the screen moving and kicking are just priceless. The sonogram is this Thursday, so i'll keep everyone updated on the results. One thing my doctor said that may help increase my fluid level, besides drinking gallon after gallon of water, is to swim. Not sure how that could help - the buoyancy of my big belly in the water maybe (??), but since I have a membership to the Y, I took the plunge and got in the pool twice now. I think I look super silly in my little bikini with my big bulging belly, but I'll do anything for my baby!

On a different subject, I had my baby shower a week ago! My sister-in-law Libby hosted the shindig at her house, and it was amazing. I had so much fun! Everything just seemed perfect. The food, the decorations (everything PINK), the great company...and of course the gifts.   I had a great time putting everything in its place in the nursery after getting home from my shower. The many adorable outfits she will look so cute wearing. Washing and putting away the crib sheets, bibs, and receiving blankets. I also received 5 - count 'em, 5 - hand made quilts at my shower, from my mom, mother-in-law Judy, and Aunt Brenda. They are all amazing quilts!! Just incredible. The wonderful girls at work are throwing Robin and me a dual baby shower at the office in 2 weeks. Those are always fun, too! Can't wait!!

During my  last 2 routine appointments, my  doctor stated that I (my uterus) was measuring on the small side, so he ordered another sonogram to make sure little baby Cassie is still growing and developing as she should. He said I'm a small framed person, so I may simply just have a small baby, and that would be fine. Well, after having my sonogram last Thursday, we found out my amniotic fluid level was a little low. Not dangerously low, but low enough that this was the main reason my belly measured as small as it did.  But the baby did not measure too small, in fact she is very close to where she should be at this stage, the heart rate was healthy, and everything else about her looked fantastic. Whew!! Clint and I even got to see our daughter's kidneys. Bet not many people can say that about their children! :) So what did the doc say I should do? Rest and drink lots and lots of water. So that's exactly what I've been doing.  I drink until I think I'm going to burst, and then drink some more!! I had a follow-up sonogram yesterday (my 4th sonogram!!) and chugging all that water has helped - the fluid level is increasing! Not increasing by much, but after reviewing all the data with the doc, I've been assured that I shouldn't be concerned at all - so another big WHEW!! Just keep drinking and drinking....and drinking.

At my appointment yesterday, I was 31 weeks, 5 days along. The baby measured right at what an average 30 week fetus measures, so she is a bit on the small side, but not by much. Hopefully she stays small (a healthy small), and help out her mommy during labor! As of yesterday she weighs approximately 3 lbs 6 oz. Around my office, they have started a baby pool for both me and the other gal who is pregnant, betting on the birth weight of both our babies. I think this is a fun thing to do. Good luck to everyone! :)

Last Saturday, Clint and I attended a childbirth prep class at the hospital we chose to deliver our little girl. It was a pretty long day, but the class was really informative, and I for one am glad we shelled out the money to attend. We received a good tour of the birth center, which makes me feel good to know exactly where we'll be for a couple of days. They do have a newer program with the hospital cafeteria food where it's basically room service...just call and order whenever you're hungry! Kinda makes me feel a little better about eating hospital food for a couple days, although I'm sure I'll get plenty of visitors offering to sneak me in burgers or sandwiches...or phad thai??  The class also went into all the basics on when to head to the hospital, the different stages of labor, things to expect after delivery, yada, yada, yada...but again, all really informative. I hope Clint felt the same, although about halfway through the class, I looked over at Clint and he had a look of total exhaustion, and possibly a little look of boredom.

My doctor visits are every 2 weeks now, and at each one, my doc still says everything looks great. I just had my glucose test last week and passed with flying colors, so no gestational diabetes for me!! My uterus is a little on the small side, which means Cassie is a bit on the small side, but there are still no concerns about that. My doc did bring up the possibility of having yet a third sonogram in the next month or so, just to make sure everything is progressing along as it should be, especially since she is so small. But he still assured me not to worry and that everything so far is going wonderfully...YES!

The head of HR here at work and I were talking the other day, and she made a comment that being pregnant seems to really agree with me. I have to 100% agree with her! I still feel fantastic, except for the occasional mild heartburn...and I absolutely LOVE being pregnant! I hope I still feel this great toward the end!! (that seems like pretty wishful thinking though, huh?)

That's it for this update! Love you all!!