Mykey has his doggie Wings

We have two greyhounds and a schnauzer. The oldest greyhound... 8 years 6 months had to be put down today. On Wednesday we noticed he wasn't as active but he is old too and moves slow anyway... Well yesterday he had a lump (hump is more like it) on his back, didn't eat or drink, and had no control over his hind legs... We took him to the emergency vet today at noon and put him down at 2... They x-rayed the hump on his back and it was a massively large and fast growing bone tumor... We had only one option ~ steroids... surgery was out of the question due to the fact that it was in spine and ribs on one side. The vet was honest with us and told us that steroids would only do so good for so long and then we still have to put him down... So we put him down... They gave me a plaster print of his paw... and we should have the remains (ashes) back in about a week. He is so without pain but we are hurting...

18 weeks and 7 days.....

End of week 19

Our baby weighs about 8.5 ounces and is measuring 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large mango. The hair on the scalp is sprouting ( if there is lots of hair-- there will be heartburn). If our baby is a girl, she already has 6 million eggs in her ovaries. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Our baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Baby may be able to hear us as we talk. Research shows that baby is learning to distinguish my voice from others, and will soon show a preference for it. Daddy is putting his head to my belly — he is talking to our baby.

Our little action figure is able to choreograph Matrix-like moves by now. Arms and legs are finally in proportion, neurons are now connected between the brain and muscles, and cartilage throughout the body is turning to bone. All these upgrades combine to give our baby more control over limb movements. Which explains all that kicking, stretching, and bodysurfing (or rather bellysurfing) you've possibly started feeling by now. Something else going on this week: Our baby is getting a cheesy varnish. Say what? Yup — a protective substance called vernix caseosa (vernix is the Latin word for varnish; caseosa is cheese) now covers our baby's skin. It's greasy and white and is made up of lanugo (that downy hair), oil from our baby's glands, and dead skin cells. This waxy "cheese" may not sound too appetizing or attractive, but it's there for good reason: Vernix protects our baby's sensitive skin from the surrounding amniotic fluid. Without it, our baby would look very wrinkled at birth (sort of what you'd look like if you soaked in a bath for nine months). Some babies — especially those born early — will still be covered with vernix at the delivery, so we might get a look at our baby's first anti-wrinkle cream. If I think I'm big now? I'll start growing even more rapidly in the weeks to come. This added weight may make it hard for me to keep up my regular pace (what pace?) without taking a catnap (been doing that) during the day. If I start to get that darkened line running from the top of your belly button to the top of your pubic bone---haven't yet. It's called the linea nigra, or 'dark line,' and is caused by a temporary increase in melanin, the substance that colors my hair, skin, and eyes.

My niece... my brother's and his girlfriend's baby

Bob and Becky
Rachael Morgan
8 lbs 11 oz.
21 inches.

My Results are Back...

Well, my results for the AFP test came back... They were normal. Brian and I are very happy to know this. We and everyone we know continues to pray that this will be a healthy baby, even if the pregnancy hasn't been all that easy up to this point... I can say this I don't know of a more prayed for and prayed over baby. A lady on my mom's mail route asks about me... Mom always gives her updates and she tell mom, "Let Hannah know she is in our prayers." I am often amazed at the way the Lord works and to see so many families, friends and even strangers pulling for a healthy pregnancy for Brian and myself.


With gratitude... We say, "Thankyou"

I am 17 weeks and 6 days today. Twenty two weeks and 1 day to go. Less time if the baby is early; more if the baby doesn't come on the "due date."

The appointment

OK several things:

1). Lost two more pounds... 12 pounds lost so far...
2). Iron levels are down again...
3). Heartbeat was great...163
4). 3 more weeks and I am half way there.. Wow seems to have flown by to some degree.
5). Went for a AFP test (tests for Down Syndrome) results will be back nenxt Wed. No matter what the results, this baby is ours. Brian wanted the test just to prepare mentally if need be.

Then....

Went to the hospital for the AFP test... I HATE needles so much that I think my veins run and hide when they see needles coming. They tried to get a vein to "pop" on the left arm... Nothing..went to the right arm .. found a very small vein... Got the needle in and then dug around for about 10 min to try and get a drop of blood -- nothing. Went back to the left arm... I was fed up.. Told them I have plenty of showing veins in my wrists, feet and at this point boobs too... I don't care where you get the blood leave my arms alone... They then go for the left hand. Finally got a vein, but the blood just dripped ever so slowly in there... Well, that is my update....

Next Appointment is in January... till then or at least the next post.

Baby's First Movements?

Twice so far today... (I am 16 weeks and 2 days) I think I felt the baby move.... "flutters" or whatever you call them.... It felt like swirling (I was in a store the first time) you know when you like take a spoon and swirl water into a tunnel vacuum in a glass... It scared me this morning... It happened again just now laying on the couch, and lasted maybe two minutes... Scared at first; went and grabbed the Doppler FAST... I thought if I am able to find a heartbeat because of the swirling sensation then that might actually be the baby moving. I found that fast beating heart in less then 2 seconds...If so our baby is a swimmer for sure... LOL or Skating in fast circles...DH says baby is doing water acrobats.

Window Shopping...

Yes, I have started window shopping and seeing what I would like for our baby too. It is so fun to do that... We have even registered at several places this weekend to start giving people ideas of things that would be practical and that we think we will need most for the baby. I am sure there are things not on the list that other moms may know that would be important to a new mother... so those items are greatly appreciated too.

Places we are Registered would be:

Babies "R" US (there is one item on here that is also located at Discount Depot in Williamston for almost half of what it is atBabies "R"Us) ... (I am all about saving money) The swing above is at the Discount Depot in Williamstion across from Hardees.

Target

Walmart


I only put down a few things (multiples at all 3 locations; this way people can choose where to shop) I will probably be adding more when we find out if we are having a boy or girl.

15 weeks and 7 days

~~~Ending of week SIXTEEN ~~~ What has been happening this past week?

At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, our baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails. Her fingernails and toenails will continue to grow, so don't be surprised if baby needs them trimmed soon after birth.

12~04~07 Heartbeat Movie

The heart beat of the baby ranged from 164-167 Awwwwww how precious is that. There is even a kick or two in there but I guess if you don't know what to listen for you might just miss it... I am so glad to have this doppler as it gives me a little peace of mind knowing that the baby is doing fine.