My humps, My Lovely Baby Bump

So I never knew how difficult it would be to take a picture of my bump by myself. I finally figured out if I took in front of my mirror, I could see the display on the back of my camera so I could actually see what I was taking a picture of! I have been meaning to take pictures since I found out I was pregnant but always forgot. I can no longer deny my bump so figured now was a perfect time to start taking pictures since I am beginning to grow much quicker now. These pictures were taken at 19 weeks, almost halfway through my pregnancy. Enjoy :)

19 weeks :)

I haven't posted lately as not much has been going on. I went back to the Dr. last week to do the second blood draw for the 2nd part of the screening test for downs/chromosomal defects. I also had a quick checkup that day, and Baby's heartbeat was a strong 150 bpm. I asked the Dr. about sleeping positions, as most pregnancy books tell you not to sleep on your back past 4 months. I am normally a side sleeper but lately sleeping on my sides has been uncomfortable. My hips start to ache which makes my legs hurt and I have been getting cramps in my calves. She told me this was the #1 question she gets from her pregnany patients. She told me for now it was fine to sleep on my back if I was comfortable. She said if I can sleep comfortably without having shortness of breath, then Baby was also getting enough oxygen. She said pretty soon, I wouldn't be comfortable on my back due to the extra weight around my tummy. This has helped since before I would roll over on my back due to my hips hurting, then wake up freaking out about it! I still sleep on my sides some, but I am using about 4 pillows (1 under head, 1 in front of belly, 1 between knees, and 1 behind back) which is definitely helping. Apparently the hormone (I think its Relaxin) that helps your joints loosen up is what's causing my hip pain. Thankfully between the pillows and my favorite chiropractor (love Dr. Kelley!) I am doing just fine...I better be since I know its only going to get worse!

We go back May 4th for our next ultrasound and check up. Corey and I have both taken the day off in hopes that we will be able to find out the sex of Baby Burns, and we can finally have a shopping trip that day! We did buy a small baby blanket and a onesie while visiting his Grandparents in the mountains a couple of weeks ago. The onesie has a weiner dog on it (it honor of our first baby Izzie), but it has little puff sleeves so if its a boy I will have to return. But there was only 1 and it was on sale, so I had to get it just in case! We are ready to buy the baby furniture and bedding, and start registering for everything else. I am trying to get our spare bedroom cleaned out so that once we decide how to decorate we can get started.

I still haven't felt Baby Burns move yet, but the Dr. said it may take me up to 22 weeks with this being my first. Can't wait to start feeling Baby move, as that will also make me feel better between appts. For now the only way of knowing that everything is going OK is when we get to hear the heartbeat.

Well that's really all that has been going on, thankfully I am still being blessed with a pretty uneventful pregnancy. Please continue all of your prayers for us, and thank you again for them!

Love,
Ashley, Corey, Izzie and Baby Burns

16 weeks (4 months)

Time is flying by! I am now a little over 16 weeks. Feeling really good lately. Starting to have more "round ligament pain" with my pelvic ligaments beginning to stretch more. Only tends to hurt if I get up too quickly, sneeze, or sometimes just for no reason. Unfortunately I always sneeze 3-4 four times in a row, so those sharp pains hurt! I am beginning to notice my tummy rounding out a bit below my belly button - feeling a little puffy lately! My family and Corey are noticing the changes more than me most of the time. I need to get better at taking some belly shots as soon I will be showing a lot more all of the sudden. Right now Baby Burns is about the size of an avocado. Baby is weighing about 4-5 ounces and is about 4-5 inches long. Baby is getting ready for a big growth spurt, by the time we go back to the Dr. in just 4 weeks Baby will have doubled its weight and added 3-4 inches!

Had my 4 month checkup yesterday. My blood pressure was a little high when I 1st got there but I think it was from running around before getting there which makes me a little short of breath the bigger baby gets! After laying on my left side for about 5 minutes my blood pressure was back to normal. Once the Dr. came in I got to hear Baby Burns sweet heartbeat again and it was very strong :) Now they have no problem finding the heartbeat - it comes on as soon as the doppler is pressed to my tummy. I will go back in 2 weeks for the 2nd blood test screening for downs/etc. Not worried about this since I passed the 1st screening and nuchal.

Exciting news - Corey and I go May 4th for our anatomy ultrasound. After they check all of Baby's measurements, if Baby Burns cooperates, we should be able to determine if we are having a boy or girl! We had thought about letting it be a surprise but I am too excited to find out! We are ready to buy some baby clothes and start figuring out how we want to decorate the nursery. Can you believe I haven't bought any baby stuff yet?! Besides that 1 pack of diapers I have been holding out until we knew the sex of the baby - this has been very hard for me as I am sure you all understand knowing me!

I am going to try and attach a video (sound only) of Baby Burns heartbeat. I think the Dr. and I were talking in the beginning (sorry forgot I was recording) but towards the end you should be able to hear it :)

Thank you for all the continued thoughts and prayers for our family - love you all!

Love,

Ashley, Corey, Baby Burns and Izzie