How Big is Baby Anthony?

How far along? 30 weeks!
Waist measurement: 46.5 inches Now, don't fret over the shrinking number, we think he's flipped to the head down position (last night my pelvis took a bad beating) and therefore, my belly won't be growing as much the way it has. We shall see, though.
Total weight gain/loss: up 11 lbs. 206 lbs. Been trying to watch what I eat a little more and control the swelling
How much does Baby weigh?: 3 lbs
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: sleep is getting harder and harder now, but that's to be expected when you can't flip over easily. Getting up to pee 2-3 times a night makes long stretches of sleep kinda hard too...
Best moment this week: Realizing we only have TEN weeks left!! Also, on a different note, Adam's Uncle's GF's daughter (say that 3 times fast) had a baby on Friday. She was about 27 weeks. Baby girl is doing great (scored 9 out of 10 on apgar scale!) and mother is fine after emergency c-section. Oddest thing about it all? She didn't know she was pregnant! Congrats to the family though!
Movement: more active.
Food cravings: banana bread, milk, cheetos, orange soda, and some salty snacks. All things in moderation, right?
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: still just the BH contractions. Nothing to get excited about.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but super shallow. Just under 1/4 an inch deep now. Lookin kinda funny!
What I miss: walking fast enough to keep up with people and being able to shave my legs. Now adding I would like to be able to put on my shoes and socks without breathing heavily and people NOT telling me "OMG you're huge!" when they see me. I know I'm bigger than some think. I didn't start out that small and I'm carrying all the belly in front pretty much straight out. I've also had MANY people asking if I've got twins in there. Umm, no but thanks for that lovely boost in self esteem.
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. Can't wait for the next ultrasound. I wanna see my baby Anthony again! I'm also excited for this week's class. This is the one we are supposed to get to tour the hospital and we have a dr coming in to answer questions. Shall be interesting as most of the couples in class seem to be afraid to speak!

Just wanted to point out, there is a change to the format of these entries. Baby Anthony's name is being added. We chose this name because of Adam's good friend who died in Iraq back in 2005 (his nick name was Ant, which we plan to adopt also) and FIL's middle name is Anthony. Needless to say when we told the IL's what his name is going to be (unless he comes out looking nothing like an Anthony) we thought it would be a while before they shared the news. NOPE! Half of Little Falls already knows! Our runner up name is Isaiah.

From parents.com, Anthony is the size of a thick wool sweater, folded...WTF?

Your baby likely tops three pounds now and measure up to 17 inches in length. The lanugo, the downy hair that has covered most of his body during the past weeks, begins to disappear at this point. When he's born, he may still have a few patches of fuzz, usually on his back and shoulders, but these remnants will disappear within a few weeks of birth. The hair on his head is thickening, too, though this hair is often a temporary topping that begins to shed about a month after birth, to be replaced down the road by more permanent hair.
By this week, your baby's senses are developed to the point where he can taste, touch, see, and hear what's going on around him. He'll also react to stimuli--for instance, if you poke your belly, he may kick or hit back at the spot you've touched. It's exciting to interact with your baby even before he's born. Try rubbing your belly and talking gently to him when he kicks--you may find that you're already able to calm him down.

How Big is Baby?

How far along? 29 weeks!
Waist measurement: 47 inches *remember, I'm measuring the biggest part of my belly which may not always been the exact same spot*
Total weight gain/loss: up 10 lbs. 205 lbs. Been trying to watch what I eat a little more and control the swelling
How much does Baby weigh?: closing in on 3 lbs? (hard to tell with so many sites saying so many different numbers.
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: sleep is getting harder and harder now, but that's to be expected when you can't flip over easily.
Best moment this week: deciding on a name and buying a little wooden train. Each of the cars is a letter to spell out his name. Its so amazing to think that we have that chosen and can call him that (only in private for now, still telling family members first).
Movement: more active.
Food cravings: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, milk, cheetos, orange soda, and root beer floats.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: Mostly when I get worked up or something goofy like that. Its all braxton hicks though. I've looked it up, trust me.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but super shallow. Just under 1/2 an inch deep now. Lookin kinda funny!
What I miss: walking fast enough to keep up with people and being able to shave my legs. Now adding I would like to be able to put on my shoes and socks without breathing heavily and people NOT telling me "OMG you're huge!" when they see me. I know I'm bigger than some think. I didn't start out that small and I'm carrying all the belly in front pretty much straight out.
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. I think there will be another ultrasound involved. Last monthly appointment (sept 16) and then we go to every other. Child birth classes are so fun and exciting to think about!

From Parents.com
For the past six weeks or so, your baby has been listening to your voice (along with the voices of your partner, older children, and anyone else who's been talking to your belly). Speaking to your baby is not only a key part of prenatal bonding, but may also form the basis of language development. Babies who have been spoken to in utero recognize and turn to familiar voices immediately after birth. There may also be links between prenatal stimulation and the development of speech and IQ. Conversely, studies have shown that songbirds hatched from the nests of silent foster parents don't sing.

From thebump.com

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

How Big is Baby?

How far along? 28 weeks!
Waist measurement: 46.5 inches *remember, I'm measuring the biggest part of my belly which may not always been the exact same spot*
Total weight gain/loss: up 8 lbs. 203 lbs. Been trying to watch what I eat a little more and control the swelling
How much does Baby weigh?: closing in on 3 lbs? (hard to tell with so many sites saying so many different numbers.
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: sleep is getting harder and harder now, but that's to be expected when you can't flip over easily.
Best moment this week: Adam getting to feel some of the more sharp kicks and punches.
Movement: more active.
Food cravings: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, milk, cheetos, orange soda, and root beer floats.
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: Mostly when I get worked up or something goofy like that. Its all braxton hicks though. I've looked it up, trust me.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but super shallow. about 1/2 an inch deep now. Lookin kinda funny!
What I miss: walking fast enough to keep up with people and being able to shave my legs. Now adding I would like to be able to put on my shoes and socks without breathing heavily and people NOT telling me "OMG you're huge!" when they see me. I know I'm bigger than some think. I didn't start out that small and I'm carrying all the belly in front pretty much straight out.
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. I think there will be another ultrasound involved. Last monthly appointment (sept 16) and then we go to every other. Child birth classes (if we got in)start on Tuesdays so PRAY we got in and get to start them. So excited for it!

From Parents.com:

At the end of this week, you'll enter the third trimester--a busy time for your little one. His movements will increase from now until around week 32, when he'll start running out of room to roam. (He'll keep moving after that, but it will feel more like wiggling compared to the sharp kicks you may be experiencing now.) He's also growing strong--and long! He measures about 14 inches from head to toe, and weighs roughly 3 pounds. Your doctor will keep track of his growth by placing her hands on your belly to measure the size of your uterus, also known as fundal height.

How Big is Baby?

How far along? 27 weeks!
Waist measurement: 46.5 inches *remember, I'm measuring the biggest part of my belly which may not always been the exact same spot*
Total weight gain/loss: up 8 lbs. 203.5 lbs. A little more than the dr would like, but who cares?
How much does Baby weigh?: 2.5lbs
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? They are there. Growing and turning bright red-ish/purple on me.
Sleep: Get to sleep late (late night playing) and up around 5-5:30 to either pee or drink some water. I think this will be wake up time, but I'm perfectly ok with that when he's born. Just not now.
Best moment this week: realizing I'm in my 3rd trimester! (ok, so one way of measuring has me still in my 2nd until the 3rd day in and another had me in 3rd tri last week, we are hitting in the middle) and knowing that we are full term in 10 weeks!
Movement: more active. Especially after meals and sweets. and when I lean over a bit. Like he's telling me he's cramped.
Food cravings: cereal, milk, orange soda, and chocolate. I guess he really is like his daddy more and more!
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: Mostly when I get worked up or something goofy like that. Its all braxton hicks though. I've looked it up, trust me.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but super shallow.
What I miss: walking fast enough to keep up with people and being able to shave my legs. Now adding I would like to be able to put on my shoes and socks without breathing heavily and people NOT telling me "OMG you're huge!" when they see me. I know I'm bigger than some think. I didn't start out that small and I'm carrying all the belly in front pretty much straight out.
What I am looking forward to: the next appointment. I think there will be another ultrasound involved. Last monthly appointment (sept 16) and then we go to every other. OH YEA! and we signed up for our child birth classes! Can't wait until Sept 8!

From Parents.com
Your frisky fetus is on another growth spurt, shooting up half an inch this week to measure about 14 inches from head to toe. He weighs roughly 2 1/2 pounds, and will gain approximately half a pound each week for the next 10 weeks. The average full-term baby weighs about 7 1/2 pounds and measures from 18 to 20 1/2 inches, but many normal, healthy babies fall outside this range. Unless your practitioner has told you of a potential problem, it's safe to assume that your little one is right on track.

Just thought I would also add that telling a pregnant woman that she's bigger than someone who is due before her isn't the best for her self-esteem. If she happens to mention she's feeling rotund or bigger, then it might be ok, but to walk up and claim "OMG! You are HUGE!" is not the nicest. Please remember this and make sure to remind her that she's beautiful and glowing. That should put her at ease. Also, ask to touch the belly unless invited. Its still kind of intrusive to just walk up. You leave yourself open for her to reach out and rub yours and make her own comment. Just a heads up!

How Big is Baby?

How far along? 26 weeks!
Waist measurement: 46 inches
Total weight gain/loss: up 6 lbs. 201.5 lbs. None too happy about that 2 being there!
How much does Baby weigh?: 2lbs
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? same ones. possibly some new ones on my sides. I know my belly itches, so something is stretching.
Sleep: Getting harder. He likes to play late at night and the pillow between my knees doesn't always work like I think it should.
Best moment this week: realizing that September is just around the corner, meaning November is sneaking in!
Movement: more active. Especially after meals and sweets. and when I lean over a bit. Like he's telling me he's cramped.
Food cravings: cereal, milk, orange soda, and chocolate. I guess he really is like his daddy more and more!
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: Only when I poo! LOL (well, you have to expect some TMI on here!) Don't worry, they go away in a minute or two.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but getting shallower!
What I miss: walking fast enough to keep up with people and being able to shave my legs.
What I am looking forward to: our next appointment (maybe this one he will co-operate?) and the baby shower, whenever that comes to be.

From Parents.com
There's an important development in your baby's lungs this week: They begin to secrete surfactant, a fatty substance that covers the inner lining of the air sacs and allows the lungs to expand normally so breathing can occur. Although it will be approximately 10 more weeks before the lungs are fully operational, the production of surfactant is an essential step in making the fetus viable outside the womb.
A liter bottle of soda? W.O.W.

How big is baby?

How far along? 25 weeks!
Waist measurement: 45 inches
Total weight gain/loss: up 4.5 lbs. 199.5 lbs.
How much does Baby weigh?: 1 1/2-2lbs
Maternity clothes? but of course!
Stretch marks? same ones. possibly some new ones on my sides. I know my belly itches, so something is stretching.
Sleep: Getting harder. He likes to play late at night and the pillow between my knees doesn't always work like I think it should.
Best moment this week: setting up the appointments for the next prenatal and the glucose test. Kinda nervous for the glucose test, but anything to make sure all is well!
Movement: more active. Especially after meals and sweets. and when I lean over a bit. Like he's telling me he's cramped.
Food cravings: cereal, milk, orange soda, donuts (glazed sour cream please!) and chocolate. I guess he really is like his daddy more and more!
Gender: I was right! Its a BOY!
Labor Signs: Only when I poo! LOL (well, you have to expect some TMI on here!) Don't worry, they go away in a minute or two.
Belly Button in or out?: in, but getting shallower!
What I miss: walking up stairs without losing my breath, wearing certain jeans, sleeping like a log, enjoying a drink with friends at the bar.
What I am looking forward to: Adam also seeing the movement I see, our next appointment (maybe this one he will co-operate?), and the baby shower, whenever that comes to be.

Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

The fetus weighs in at 1 1/2 to 2 pounds this week, and measures about a foot from head to toe. Though still skinny and wrinkly (skin hangs loosely until the fetus develops more baby fat), he's growing rapidly and starting to fill the space in your uterus. You'll feel his kicks and pokes more strongly with each passing week, with kick-strength peaking in about a month when he gets too crowded to do anything but squirm.

Since when is it appropriate

To question someone's intentions with their kids? To make someone feel like they will be a failure at being a parent based on their choice for child birth? Isn't it enough that a pregnant woman has to deal with people asking themselves and others "is she pg or just fat? My God! She's huge!" "I hope she's married, being pg and not married is a SIN!" "She's not eating right, I'm gonna say something for that kid's sake" "She's such a wuss when it comes to pain. How is she EVER going to do natural childbirth?"
Answer? ITS NOT! Why is it ok to make a pg woman feel like such a piece of garbage because of her choices? She wants to drink coffee while pg? LET HER! She gives up caffeine? LET HER! She wants to continue smoking? You aren't going to change her mind so let her be! She's eating something you think isn't healthy for the baby? Let her! She's probably eating a craving food and if you have EVER had a craving for food like a pg woman, you can't just say no to that craving. You have to eat it at least once. She's probably eating pretty damn healthy at home and you just aren't seeing it. Also, why is it your place to judge her? She wants to do natural, drug free birth? Don't try to talk her out of it or scare her into thinking she'll never be able to. It will only make her feel like she's never going to measure up to society's super sickly high expectations. Seriously, its none of your business. Giving advice and thinking its law is just rude. How would you like someone coming up and rubbing your belly and talking to it (pg or not!)? Would you like someone telling you you are eating junk food and its not good for you? You want someone to tell you you can't do something because you are a wuss and can't do anything? I'm willing to bet you would be fairly upset. Guess what? Being pregnant is not easy. I wouldn't change it for the world, but I have to say, there are things I NEVER thought would happen that I've had to deal with. I thought I would never feel pain in places I feel pain. I thought I would do some sort of excersize (guess what? That's safe too!) or something like it, but I've been too freaking tired with work and keeping myself healthy.
Basically, my point is, STOP JUDGING PG WOMEN! Even if you have been pg, that doesn't mean that her experience is JUST like yours. Every pregnancy is different, even for the same woman! Be respectful. Next time you see a pg woman who is looking upset/down/pissed off/whatever, walk up, tell her she's beautiful and glowing and see what she says. Stop telling her she's HUGE, that baby must be ENORMOUS! Put yourself in her shoes and think about how you would feel.