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Lombardi's Brett & Gabe 03-30-04 Ashlee Rose 06-25-07 |
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Stories 10 May - We just finished making some extremely delicious frosted/sprinkled sugar cookies. Funny thing, once we'd baked them and decorated them to perfection (well they ARE colorful!) the boys' didn't want to eat them. We just updated the website with pics of baby Ashlee from the Tuesday appointment. She was tucked WAY down and hiding her face so much they even tried 4D to get better views for us to see her. The pic on the front page shows the side of her face and her little arms coming up in front of her face. What a cutie pie...the boys' had such a good time watching "baby sister on tv!" Everything is progressing nicely, she weighs 4 pounds and 14 ounces already. Since we had a C-section with the boys' Mom is going to go ahead and have another with Ashlee. So we've scheduled her birthday for Monday, 25 June at 7 a.m. Now we just wait......
WEEK 32 - And in the latest developing reports, your amazing baby has now developed sensitivity to temperature! This means, you'll probably get a swift kick if you put a hot pad on your ginormous belly. For the Elton John lovers out there: baby's got blue eyes. At this point, all babies do, although depending on their chromosomal disposition, this could easily change after birth (or even between now and labor), but for the time being, blue it is. Thanks to their recently matured lungs and a remarkably strong immune system, over 90% of babies born in their 32nd week, survive premature births. So it's pretty much a done deal. Even if your little monkey's planning on heading out early, their survival odds are in everyone's favor. Time to celebrate (no, no, wait until after the birth to crack open the champagne!) We're talking baby-showers and alcohol-free punch!
Surprise! Your third trimester symptoms aren't going away yet. If you just got back from peeing, you already know that your bladder is nearing non-existent-land. These joys will persist till you're on the birthing bench. Also, be careful of lightheadedness during these last weeks. Your blood tends to pool in the lower limbs, resulting in low cranial blood pressure, so watch out for the head rushes and 1 May - Happy May Day!! We had a blast at the beach after Daddy got home from work. It was wonderful, not too hot and nobody there but us and some guys fishing from the beach. We even got to see them reel in a few!!
Week 31 - Your not-so-little-one is just a bit closer to their birth weight and height now-at around 4 lbs and 17 inches in length. With each added layer of baby fat their skin starts to look more and more like it will when they finally get to see the light of day. The heavy news: you can expect little miracle-gro to gain about a half a pound of weight gained per week from now until about two weeks before birth. Great. That's just what you needed. Even more weight to carry around! Your baby's still-developing immune system has gained substantial strength over the past few weeks getting them in full gear to face our disease-ridden world o' wonders. Obviously, a large majority of your child's immune strength will be derived from exposure to breast milk as well as the outside elements. Their cute little noggin' (which could already be covered with luscious locks or just purty peach fuzz), is still soft because the skull bones have not yet fused together. As much as that sounds a little too vulnerable, their "skull softness" allows for a much smoother passage through the birth canal during labor-something both you and your little swimmer will appreciate when it's finally time to "go!" Also, some bavbies will have that "soft spot" on their head for up to one year after birth.
As for other third-trimester niceties; your nipples may be engaging in a bit of "pre-milk" expulsion at the most untimely moments. So next time you've got yourself a pair of damp head-lights in the grocery store, just go ahead and purchase the nursing pads to protect your clothes, bras, and any shred of dignity you can salvage
. WEEK 30 -- Fetal development in pregnancy week 30 -- fetus is in the seventh month. The light is visible at the end of the tunnel! Your oversized self and amazing growing baby have finally reached the single digits (in terms of weeks till birth)! The fine lanugo hair that has been growing all over their little monkey-like body is going to start falling off this week in preparation for the big day. But don't be shocked if they're hairier than you'd anticipated, some babies keep their lanugo until after birth. Still, it's not any cause to be concerned as it will fall off eventually. No surprises here: your little porker is getting even cuter with increasingly pudgy arms and legs this week thanks to the ever-growing layers of subcutaneous fat. In terms of numbers, they'll be weighing in at around 3 pounds 12 ounces (or more!) and are nearly 16 inches long. And mom? -- As for the ongoing joys of being in your third trimester: your not-so-fun symptoms are just intensifying this week, so it might not hurt to slow down a bit and focus on yourself. If you're feeling extra fatigued, you've probably joined the sleeping shouldn't be this tough when I'm this tired club, especially if you're experiencing a lot of back pain and general discomfort. If you've been pushing the exercise thing, then this is the time perhaps to cut down on the physical activities and focus more on getting proper sleep (if this means buying a pregnancy pillow, then do it!). Oh and all that moodiness? Just go with the flow emotionally. This doesn't mean letting the hormones win and becoming a complete psychotic. Instead, feel the feelings, but know that the drama you're feeling is largely a result of increased adrenaline thanks indirectly to hormonal swings-not because things really are that dramatic and merit adult temper tantrums. The clincher symptom for this week: it's highly likely your libido has gone on sabbatical. This, as far as we're concerned is perfectly natural in your condition. 30 Apr - Whoa Mom been awhile since you've updated huh?!? Will cut her some slack 'cuz she's been busy working on baby sister - Ashlee's- nursery. Man, there sure is alot of pink in there!! As for the ever-growin' boys'! They continue to be such blessings. So fun, so curious, very helpful and love to learn. The weather is warming up nicely here and we'll be going to the beach more and more. Next weekend we are "officially" getting the pool READY! Other news, Aunt Cristy found out she's having a girl too. Rebeka Faith is due in mid-September. Zach is 14 and Erica will be 10 and they are getting a baby sister too! Dad made it safely back from a week away with work. The boys' (and MOM) sure did miss him. We are finally getting over the most horrendous HAY FEVER in the history of who knows what! Who would have thought it would happen in Florida?! Luckily Daddy was spared! We are all loving the new Honda, especially the boys'....Daddy can fold the back seat down and put their electric cars in there and off they go to the park with its' big track and all of the fields....they have a blast.
16 Apr - So does Brett make a cute Buzz or what?! Mom came across the Buzz outfit at a thrift store and had to snap it up for her Buzz and Woody fan! He's so cute with it on, he pushes the buttons and calls to Star Command and quotes lines from Toy Story. Oh my gosh that was the best $2 ever spent! Right now Gabriel is feeding Sophie some bones after giving her the "sit" command. Ok she's had five treats and Gabriel has moved on to his tool bench. Not sure what he's building but he has his safety goggles on, well they are hanging around his neck so he knows about safety but can't be bothered! LOL We'll have to get some photos of their morning activity. We put up a tent for them and they had a blast. I think we'll leave it up in the playroom for a few days. Keeping an eye on Gabriel, he has developed a funky cough...maybe croup, his voice is affected so those vocal cords are bothered. He seems fine otherwise, playing and being his normal entertaining self. It's just hard to keep him from getting to riled up so he doesn't have a coughing fit.
10 Apr - we got word back that the bug Brett had wasn't just a regular bug...seems he had Rotavirus. Thankfully Gabe escaped. Surprising to note that normally children have had it a few times before their third birthday...not being in a daycare situation has helped them not get exposed to lots of bugs and germs. Anyway, the positive note is that his body fought it off superbly and he is all better now. That rotavirus can be very harmful, escpecially to littler ones. The boys' finally got the last part of their birthday presents delivered today. They helped Daddy set up their new beds! Yippeee...bye-bye toddler beds and hello TWIN beds for these twins!! They love them...Mom is glad they have more room to move around and these beds have 3-drawer storage built into each bed...BONUS! Now the hunt is on for a comforter that each one wants. Seems Gabriel wants something with Monster Trucks and Brett wants Buzz and Woody. Mom is searching hi and low but these are NOT easy requests. As for tying these themes together, Mom hasn't even begun to go there! She's started working on the nursery for Ashlee as well so she has her plate pretty full. The boys' are officially 100% potty trained (we do wear nightime nappies) They are awesome lil' guys and Mom & Dad are so very proud of them both!
9 Apr - Easter weekend was a bit breezy but the sun was out and everyone had a great time. We took the boys' to the church's Easter egg hunt, the boys' had a blast and found some eggs even though they were the youngest in their group this year. The ages were 3-4 and they completely held their own. Mom and Dad had to ration the candy because otherwise there would have been two crazy kiddos. After the hunt we did breakfast and a quick trip to the park (toooo cold!). At home the Easter Bunny had paid the boys' a visit and left the boys' a box on the front porch full of goodies. We had to ration that candy for sure otherwise they might not have slept for days!
5 April - Trying to catch back up on all of the news...let's see we're going to have a baby sister and then a new cousin. Seems Mom's sister (Aunt Cristy is preggers and due in Sept).
2) Brett, is very complimentary these days. He loves to tell Mom "That's so cute"; "I love it!", and "You look so nice."
WEEK 28 -- How your baby's growing: By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can open her eyes ? which now sport lashes ? and she'll turn her head toward a continuous, bright light from the outside. Her fat layers are beginning to form, too, as she gets ready for life outside the womb. WEEK 27 -- How your baby's growing: Your baby is really starting to fill up your uterus. This week he weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning ? with assistance ? if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
How your life's changing:
Your body is gearing up for the final lap, so you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your
leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your uterus is putting extra demands on your circulation. (As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.) Unfortunately, the cramps are likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. Flexing your foot (by pointing your toes forward and then flexing them back toward your shins) stretches the calf and should give you some relief. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too. 28 Mar - Wow...Mom sure has been remiss in the update department. Let's see if she can catch back up in a few paragraphs! The Beasley's were here for a week of Spring Breakin'. We had a great time. The boys' loved having all of that attention, and especially they loved playing with CJ from sun up til sun down! It was great for everyone. Lots of beachtime and relaxing. We sure did hate to see them go but they promised to be back soon! Auntie Deb stopped in for a few days with our new Uncle Wayne...though it was a short visit we all had a great time and they promised to come back soon to see us and our baby sister when she comes. Speaking of our baby sister, Mom's due date has changed to 30 June, that means we'll get to meet our new sister a few days sooner! Brett and Gabriel are so very entertaining these days. Brett loves all things "robot" and Gabe is a true "monster truck" fan! Those are their themes for their birthday this year. It is amazing to realize my little twin boys' are going to be THREE years old on Friday!! We've all been so very blessed!!!
WEEK 26 - At long last, your little swimmer can see the womb! Your miracle?s little eyelids have finally separated (they were fused closed previously) and they?re probably having their first moments of sight as you read this (or maybe it already happened while you were brushing your teeth or watching Oprah or something). In addition to seeing their little studio in your belly, they?ve recently acquired the ability to say ?yes? and ?no? in rudimentary sign language as they can now move their head back and forth. This is also the time where your little super star?s head hair is starting to grow! A cute little cowlick or two may be springing into position right now, getting ready for years of cute-but-stubborn bed-head. Also, their toenails have grown in and you little raisin continues to slowly pile up fat beneath their still-loose skin. Most importantly, brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace, increasing their (genius-level?) brain activity and will continue to function at accelerated levels for the first seven to eight years of childhood! 21 Mar - So much to update...headed to the beach!! We'll get Mom to work updating when we get home!! Fun in the sun calls!! Change of plans, Mom wrote that before we laid down for naps...she planned on us getting up after an hour to go to the beach. But, lo and behold, Brett slept for nearly 3 and 1/2 hours and Gabriel for 2 hours!! Needless to say it was getting a bit late for playtime at the beach so we just headed off to McDonald's for some grub!! Plans are on for beachtime tomorrow!!
WEEK 25 - Your tiny grower's physical proportions are evening out at this point and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and lots and lots of nervous system development. The good news is: if your child is born premature now they will be more likely to survive without too much trauma as their lungs began to produce "surfactant" last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day. Yes, now is a good time for a minor sigh of relief and a quick pat on the back -all that hard work and conscientious living is really getting your child prepared for a healthy delivery. Keep up the fabulous work mama! This week they'll be scootching slowly out of the old breech position and start rotating (already!) into a better position for exit during their birth. Their head and feet are slowly rotating so that the head is pointed down towards the birth canal. Time is short (or really long, depending on who you ask) just (still!) 14 weeks left before you can go back to being a single-resident human. WEEK 24 - This is another big week for your smaller-than-life magic growing baby! Just take a look at the checklist for this week: 1) ears?done; 2) fingernails?done; 3) (if you have a boy) testicles?taking their 3-4 day trip from the abdominal wall to the scrotum; and 4) lungs walls?secreting ?surfactant?. What?s that? Well, surfactant is sort of what it sounds like: a surface-activated fat whose main purpose is to assist the air sacs (their little lungs) during inflation (as in: filling with air, not getting more expensive). Just in case you?re curious, your submerged baby is still breathing in amniotic fluid, preparing and rehearsing the lungs an oxygen-filled life outside the womb. By the end of this week, your child is around 2 lbs and 14 inches long?perhaps a little more plump, but isn't anywhere near their full baby-fatted cute-self. Most of the cutesy ?filling out? is coming up in that long awaited (and slightly dreaded?) third trimester. Woo-hoo! Get ready!
How Big is the Baby at 23 Weeks Pregnant?
The bones located in your baby's middle ear are starting to form by pregnancy week 23 and your baby is continuing to fill out and look more and more proportional. If your baby were born this week there is a small chance your baby would survive, however it is best that your baby stay put for a number of weeks! Many women start to wonder what might happen if their baby is born prematurely. A baby born between 23 and 24 weeks would have a 10 to 70 percent chance of survival. It truly depends on a number of factors that have to be taken into consideration. There are babies that are born at one pound that beat the odds and go on to live a fairly normal life, while others unfortunately die due to unexpected complications. The smallest babies may survive but grow up with some mental or motor disabilities as a result of their extreme prematurity.
Generally after 26 weeks the survival rate jumps to 80-90%. Many things can affect your baby's chances of survival if she is born prematurely. If your membranes rupture prior to 24 weeks your baby has less of a chance than if they stay intact. Male infants are considered more at risk because they are less mature than female babies when born prematurely. Other factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure can place added stress on the baby during delivery, increasing the chances of complication.
Your baby has lots of room to move in your uterus now, so her movements are probably quite strong at this point. You probably feel lots of flipping and flopping, and may even notice your stomach moving about!
Changes in You 6 Mar - Tomorrow is Mommy & Daddy's wedding anniversary!! Whoohoo. Mommy made it back from her trip and the guys had a great weekend on their own! Life is good. The boys' are so helpful these days, they love to help with the laundry and they LOVE to wash dishes!! Mom thinks it may be time for a chore chart and some rewards! Potty training is still going very well. The boys' wear diapers at nightime and that's it. We did have an accident yesterday, artistic of sorts, but Mom will spare you the details. Suffice to say we learned a lesson. The whole family is looking forward to Uncle Thad, Auntie Rocky and CJ coming to visit this weekend. Should be alot of fun.
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