24 Weeks (In the 6th month!!)

Hi all! I can't believe I am 24 weeks already! Only roughly 16 weeks remaining! Only a couple more weeks and I am in the 3rd trimester...time really does fly!

This month's appointments went well! Baby boy is measuring long and big for his age (they are not surprised, again, as large babies run in the family genes). The sonographer actually showed off the image of the baby's femur (the leg bone they measure to determine height and weight in ultrasounds) and they all said "wow, we've never seen one this long before!" - but then they all looked over at Matt and said "ohhh that explains it" :) Here is our 24 week update!

How far along: 24 weeks (almost 6 full months)

Symptoms: Heartburn!

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes. In them all the time. They are so comfortable!

Stretch Marks: some above the belly button. Cream can only do so much.

Sleep: Sleeping well, tingly hands all night, but that's part of carpal tunnel!

Best Moment Last Week: Watching Matt's face when he saw the kick for the first time in my belly, and also when he felt it!

Movement: Seems like all the time now. I can feel him flipping around and punching/kicking when he moves! :)

Food Cravings: Milk, still. And broccoli.

What I miss: Being able to walk normally. I definitely started to have to adjust my posture and start the "pregnancy waddle". :)

What am I looking forward to: Heading to NY for our first baby shower (Matt's side of the family) in less than 2 weeks! Looking forward to slowing down a little bit up there, I've been insanely busy! Also, camping this weekend with some good friends and our dogs - it's about 2 miles from our place, I might not handle sleeping on the ground so well at this point, but I can drive home no problem if that becomes a problem :)

Milestones: Feeling movement different than tiny kicks, now full-blown body turning around! Also being able to share that with "daddy".

How is Daddy? :Excited! He has never been so smily after feeling the baby kick for the first time. Excited to go see family soon!

Until next post ---

-Bre

Belly Pic

Because I've gotten about 20 requests via this blog, email, texts and facebook...I figured we would finally give in and post one.

Here is my belly at 22/23 weeks (5/ 5.5 months) (about 17 weeks left to go)

Apple Butter time!

Two years ago, we made a bunch of jars of our own apple butter from store-bought apples, but this year we went one step further and went and picked them first.

On our anniversary weekend, the weather was just so nice and in the pre-fall 70's...we had to be outside! We went to a local orchard for their opening weekend and picked 1/2 bushel (2 pecks) of Jonathan and Honey-Crisp apples...yum!

Here is our apple butter recipe

Step 1 - Pick the apples (either in an orchard, or from a store). Keep in mind you want apples that are good for baking and not apples that are good for only eating. Granny Smiths are good for baking but are not good for making butters. You want sweet and semi-tart, but not overly tart. There are plenty of websites you can see for recommendations. We chose to pick Jonathans (an old apple variety, sweet and semi-tart) and Honeycrisp - sweet and semi-tart, very juicy. When making apple butter, it's generally best to pick several different types of apples and combine them for best flavor.

Step 2 - Wash the apples. We filled our sink with a tiny amount of soap and warm water, and scrubbed and rinsed them. (We used about 2.5 dozen good-sized apples for our recipe)

Step 3- Peel and chop apples into about 1-inch segments.

Step 4-Put the apples in a large pot with about 3 cups or so of apple juice or water (we use apple juice - tastes much better). Set your stovetop to low-med heat (don't boil) to soften the apples. Stir them occationally in the juice. When they are able to be mashed with a potato masher, do just that. Mash them in the liquid and turn the heat off.

Step 5 - Use a stick blender (or a food processor or potato masher or handheld beaters) to make it into the consistency of applesauce. If you want applesauce, stop at this step. Depending on the apples you use, you don't need to add sugar, it should be sweet enough. If you want apple butter, continue...

Step 6-Transfer the applesauce to a crock pot set to low heat. We use the large crock pot (7 qt.).

Step 7-Add the spices. Add: 2 tbs. Cinnamon; 1 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp allspice; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; and 3 cups of white sugar. Mix well and leave it be! (we stir occasionally)

Step 8-Cook apple butter on low for about 8-9 hours, until it darkens and is the consistency you want. If it is too thick, add apple juice, if it is too thin, take the lid off the crock pot and let more water evaporate. We leave the lid on crooked anyway so that it does not get too thin.

Step 9 - Get ready to can (if you are canning). Sanitize jars in your dishwasher under heated rinse and heated dry, make sure they are still hot when you fill them. Heat the crock pot to high so that the butter boils. Heat a large pot of boiling water (so that one inch of water will cover the jars when placed inside). Boil the lids and sealing rings from the Ball jars in a small pot of boiling water and use tongs or a magnetic lid-lifter to remove them.

Step 10. Fill the dry hot jars. Use a canning funnel to fill them to 1/4 from the top of the jar (this is important "headspace" for apple butter. Make sure it is 1/4 inch, no more no less. When the jar is filled, clean the top of the jar if any butter got on it, place a cleaned lid onto it and tighten the ring. Continue for remaining jars.

Step 11 - Put several jars into the boiling water using a jar tong and let then sit in there for 5 minutes (if below 1,000 ft. altitude). Remove them after 5 minutes with tongs, blot dry the lids and let them sit, not touching anything. Repeat with other jars. Let the jars sit overnight and then store them! You will hear a small "pop" noise as they cool, meaning that little thing on the lid that makes the clicking noise has sealed. If one of them does not seal, put it in the fridge and use it as you would if it were opened.

Finished and cooled 16 oz (Pint) Ball canning Mason Jars.

Our recipe made 8 of them, plus one half-full to put in the fridge

(jar funnel, lid-lifter magnet, spatula for bubbles, and silicone jar-lifter)

(we got our kit at Ace Hardware for 9.99)

Step 12-Enjoy. We dip our apple slices INTO apple butter, some people like to put it on biscuits or English muffins!

Step 13 - Oh yeah. Give an apple slice to your doggies if you have them. Ours were so patient smelling the apple butter all day and staying out of the kitchen!

-The Bogerts

Happy 1st Anniversary to us!

Today we celebrate our 1st Wedding Anniversary!

We have been having a great weekend, went apple picking yesterday and making apple butter today...it smells amazing inside our place!

We exchanged our gifts, and Matt made the sweetest things. He made us two frames - one with dog pictures I love of Humphrey and Mocha - and one with some wedding shots - SO SWEET! He also bought me gorgeous flowers and made me three "messages in bottles" with handwritten notes. I am so blessed with such a sweet husband.

I gave him two photos blown up from our honeymoon in Montana and Colorado, a Willow Tree anniversary figurine, and a recordable book for babies that we can take turns recording for our little baby boy coming in just 4 months!

I also made him a dvd short video for an anniversary gift (below)

What a great great great day!!! Many more anniversaries to come...

-Bre

Baby Registry!

We now have finished our baby registry at Babies R Us! We registered for a lot of neutral stuff (for future Bogert babies) but some stuff we went "boy" on. :)

http://www.babiesrus.com

Registry: Under Bre Bogert or Matt Bogert as registrant/co-registrant

or a direct link to our registry

Bogert Baby Registry

21 weeks and Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel

Well, I'm now 21 weeks pregnant! That means only around 19 more to go!! This is flying by! I've had two women ask me if I am carrying twins because my belly is apparently very round, I have assured them there is one (possibly giant) baby in my belly, that is ALL!

Baby is now 1 foot long and weighs around 1-1.5lbs. :)


Matt has painted the baby nursery and put together the new white Ikea dresser that will double as the changing table. It's so nice! I am in the process of painting the drawer pulls :) The walls are a nice navy/cobalt color, the curtains are white (the window is huge), white carpet (not our choice!) and all white furniture. It looks so great! Good Job, Hubby!!


Matt has also been reading to the baby at night - Dr. Seuss books (we only have two so far, Green Eggs and Ham and One fish, two fish...) but he is trying to memorize them before the baby comes. It's such a special and sweet time at night when Matt reads to the little boy in my belly. I can't wait until the actual baby boy is laying with us listening to his daddy read!


As the subject of the post says, Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel - yep looks like I have that. It's been ok so far, I was just waking up at night with sleeping hands, tingling, and having trouble holding things for the first hours of the morning.


I am now to wear the wrist braces at night while sleeping and it should all disappear when the baby is delivered. Since not many people know about this subject (even though these days about 25% of pregnant women get this, and those who work on computers are way more likely to experience it), I decided to post what I read in the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book and babycenter.com...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome during pregnancy 

"That telltale tingle… Here's why aching hands are common during pregnancy, and what you can do about them."

What it is: Numbness, a "pins-and-needles" sensation, or aching in the hands and wrists, especially noticeable at night. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, burning, pain, or a dull ache in the fingers, hand, wrist, and even up the arm to the shoulder. In severe chronic cases, your hand may feel clumsy or weak.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy: Pregnancy swelling puts pressure on a key nerve in the wrists and causes the same aching and tingling symptoms most often associated with ergonomic strain and repetitive motion. (Of course, if you're pregnant and having ergonomic strain or doing repetitive motion, you're twice as likely to experience it.)

Symptoms usually affect both hands and can appear at any time, but they're more likely to begin or worsen in the second half of pregnancy when women tend to retain more fluid. The symptoms usually go away gradually after you give birth, as the swelling from pregnancy subsides.

The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that runs across the wrist on the other. The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this relatively narrow and inflexible space, compressing the median nerve that runs through it.

The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of a muscle at the base of the thumb. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms.

What you need to know about tingling hands during pregnancy: If you're feeling these symptoms more at night, it's because the fluids that accumulate in the lower part of your body during the day are redistributed elsewhere, including your hands, when you lie down. (Kind of reverse gravity.) And of course, if you've been at a computer all day long, nighttime leaves your carpal nerve with a double whammy. Luckily, though, this symptom should disappear after delivery as your swelling diminishes.

What to do about tingling hands during pregnancy:

•If you work at a computer, or do any other activity that requires repetitive motion, like playing the piano or filing, take frequent hand-stretching breaks. If typing, type gently, making sure your wrists are straight and your elbows are higher than your hands.

•Try not to sleep on your hands.

•Use a pillow to prop up your arms at night.

•Shake your hands and wrists out frequently. At night, you can hang your hand over the side of the bed and shake it.

•If you're in a lot of pain, try a wrist brace. Ask your practitioner which kind to buy.

So...that is the story with CTS and pregnancy. The wrist braces are a God-send. They have helped me so much by keeping my hands from clenching at night and also from falling asleep. So far, so good!

Oh - this weekend we celebrate our 1st Wedding anniversary! (Our only wedding anniversary we will celebrate without a child! We can't wait to celebrate this weekend.

-Bre and Matt

20 weeks!!!! The baby's "halfway baked!" :)

20 Weeks update


How far along: 20 weeks! 140 days down, 140 to go!

Symptoms: Heartburn!!!!!! and tingly hands that fall asleep when I'm in bed! I've heard that can happen...just not used to it! Also having hip pains, again, extremely common. The hormone relaxin (in every pregnancy, but higher in some women) softens your bones making room for baby and preparing for labor...well mine is high and my hips etc. hurt a lot. Tylenol does the trick. Also, Matt reminding me I am pregnant and shouldn't be doing all that I try to do helps as well!

Maternity Clothes: Matt and I went to the outlets last weekend and picked up a bunch of cute fall and winter-y ones! :) So fun!

Stretch Marks: Despite the cocoa butter and other "miracle creams"...already getting some above the belly button...I'm not too worried though :)

Sleep: Sleeping great!

Best Moment Last Week: Finding out we are having a BOY! Also watching Matt paint the room and put together the dresser/changing table so I could put the clothes in it (they were taking over my closet!) I love that it's starting to be a nursery and no longer and office/spare bedroom!

Movement: Oh yes! Again when I eat or after my tummy growls real loud. Baby boy is saying "FEEEEEED ME!"

Food Cravings: Milk. More milk. Tons of milk. I am going through a gallon in 2 days.

What I miss: Still sleeping on my back. Also being able to stand up out of bed and not ROLL over the edge.

What am I looking forward to: Well, non baby-related, we are going to Jimmy Buffett this weekend here in VA right near our place! Our good friends are coming down from MD and PA to go with us and stay over! YAY! Also, our 4 year dating anniversary is tomorrow! And in a week, our 1-year anniversary is coming!!

Milestones: Passed the halfway mark! Oh yeah, we picked a name...will be revealed soon!

How is Daddy? : Hmm...tired! He's been working a lot and sleeping little! (Just getting used to when the baby comes!) He has started to read our collection of books to the baby at night, it's so cute. Last night was "Green eggs and Ham". :)

have a good one!

-Bre and Matt and Baby Boy Bogert

Baby Boy Bogert measuring big, due date moved up...halfway done!

So, Baby Bogert is measuring in the 77th percentile (no surprise given who dad is) and is also measuring about 4 days ahead of schedule. So the official due date is still 1/20/11, but the last ultrasound showed that January 16th is more practical.

They don't change the official due date unless it varies by 9 days or more, and since this is only 4 days, it will not change on my charts. However, doc said that that just means we prepare mentally for 1/16/11 and be aware that it might be around then give or take some days.

Also, we discussed baby's birth size and what she said was pretty interesting. Babies generally follow Mom's birth size, but take into account dad's birth size, just in a smaller percentage. She plugged my birth weight (7lbs 8 ounces) and Matt's birth size (11lbs 1 oz. - but she had to scale his down to what he would have been had be not been a month late - so, 9.5 lb.), and did all these crazy calculations, added 1/2 lb. for it being a boy...and said that I am looking around a 9 pounder. We will see in a couple of months, won't we?!

She also said that our one ultrasound picture (below) from the anatomy/gender scan  the other day was one of the best shots she has seen.

So, according to the new tentative due date, I am 20 weeks today - HALFWAY DONE! 140 days done, and 140 to go!

We have been busy with washing baby clothes so I can put them into the dresser/changing table (big shout out to my great friend Meg for helping remove tags and put clothes into piles! It was fun saying "awwww" over and over again with her!) Matt's been busy painting the baby's room so that we can finally start it as a nursery and not a room filled with baby stuff all over! (Pictures to come soon enough!) I'm up to my ears in craft ideas now that I know it's a boy!

19 Weeks update!

How far along: 19 weeks! Almost halfway!
Symptoms: Extreme Hunger! Wakes me up sometimes at 4:00 am. Crazy feeling...Weird tingly legs and also very vivid dreams and nightmares!

Maternity Clothes: Need more of them!

Stretch Marks: None too bad yet.

Sleep: I am sleeping well, just interrupted a lot to get up to go to the bathroom and also to wake up from my intense dreams and nightmares. Talk about vivid! My heart is beating so fast sometimes when I wake up I have to meditate a little to fall back asleep!

Best Moment Last Week: Finding out we are having a BOY!

Movement: Here and there! :)

Food Cravings: Everything besides meat...nothing too specific this week! Actually, I take that back, now I want a BLT on a plain toasted bagel with a tiny bit of mayo - anyone want to bring one to me? :)

What I miss: Sleeping on my back! Oh how I miss it! I know it's not good for me or baby to do so, so I don't, but I miss it!!!

What am I looking forward to: Getting some baby boy gear! We got the bedding and Matt got some boy clothes last night...now we are off to get some paint and some crafts for me to work on!!

Milestones: Knowing what we are having is wonderful. I love calling him my the name we chose and I love calling him "little boy" or baby boy :)

How is Daddy? : You should have seen his face when he found out it was a boy! He could not stop grinning. (one-because he could rub it in that I was so certain it was a girl and was wrong...and two-it's a boy! What Dad doesn't want a boy!?). He is just on cloud 9 right now. We can't wait until the winter!
 
 
have a good one!
-Bre and Matt and Baby Boy Bogert

In January...we're going to be having a ..........?

Well, we found out! We are having a...

 BOY!

 He was not shy at all either, showed us several times what he was! We will have some neat ultrasound pictures to follow!

YAY!!!

Weekly-ish updates

I found this from a fellow blogger (several, actually) and think it's a great idea to keep people in the loop as to how "Mom and Dad" are feeling, what's happening with the baby, etc...Here goes!

How far along: 18th week!!

Symptoms: Nothing bad. I'm glad all the main morning sickness is gone, now nausea only happens when I smell oriental food of any kind and public restrooms for some reason. They never bothered me before! And hunger, an intense hunger I've never felt before...when waking up...afternoon...night...hunger! My sister warned me but I didn't think it would be like this! Two breakfasts? Ok! :)


Maternity Clothes: Yes! I got some of my sister's stuff from when she had her son, so that will help in the coming month or so. I have a staple number of "maternity" outfits I mix and match since it's summer, I will get more use out of pants and things once fall finally hits! It seems I definitely "popped" between 16 and 18 weeks. I have a very obvious "baby bump" now! Can't wait for it to get bigger!


Stretch Marks: Nope...I've started using lotion on my belly every day so hopefully that will keep them away, but none as of yet!


Sleep: I sleep pretty well. (Umm with the exception of having to pee about 3-4 times a night, I'm getting pretty good at not waking matt or the dogs) My dreams are vivid (as I've been told happens during pregnancy) and I often wake up wondering if they were real. We gave in and bought me a "boppy" pregnancy pillow to help me sleep on my sides (no sleeping on my back anymore because doc and books say it is a pregnancy "NO NO"..and it's uncomfortable to sleep on my stomach at this time). Sleeping well, not as exhausted when I get up, but insatiably hungry as soon as the alarm goes off!


Best Moment Last Week: Feeling more of the baby movements, and also working with Matt on the "baby bogert Ipod playlist" for when the Belly-sonic speaker set comes soon!) Such a cool gift!

Movement: Yes! Ever since the baby flutters I felt a week ago, it has really been obvious when I feel Baby B wiggling around in there! It seems the little one is active after I eat and also when I lie still in bed at the end of the night! Can't wait for Matt to be able to feel them eventually :)


Food Cravings: Citrus (since day one of the pregnancy), artichokes (I've always loved them but I want them several days a week now), hash browns (yes, they are my guilty pleasure), Root beer floats, anything with tomatoes, and Candy. I never have really cared for candy, but lately I've really wanted a mentos or lollipop every once and a while!


What I miss:  Wine and Turkey Subs. Ever since doc told me no coldcuts, I've wanted a turkey sub with vinegar, mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and swiss cheese. Specific enough? Also, living in VA wine country during the summer months seems pretty bad when I can't enjoy a tasting here or there. :) Oh well, in the winter it will be all worth it!

What am I looking forward to: Our next ultrasound...of course!! Our next one is August 25th, I'll be 19 weeks and we are going to see if it's a boy or girl!!! YAY


Milestones: I am worrying less. This trimester really is a fun one. I am growing but not immobile yet. :) Also, we registered at Babies R Us for the baby! We did about 90% of it, mostly neutral so we can use it for future little one (s) and we will finish with gender-specific stuff next week! Also, entering the 5th month of pregnancy! It is flying by!


How is Daddy? Oh my gosh - so excited! He is just as excited as I am and can't wait to know what we are having. He also can't wait to start painting for the baby room and put together some of the furniture we bought! He is having fun talking to the baby every night before we go to bed. He also has daily chats with the dogs about the baby and how they need to behave in January. So cute!

18 weeks! Into "the 5th month" of pregnancy

First of all, Pregnancy is not 9 months, it's closer to ten. I am 18 weeks now (40 weeks is the length of pregnancy) so, almost halfway there!

Second of all, only one week until we have the anatomy ultrasound and HOPEFULLY see if Baby Bogert is a HE or a SHE! This week better fly by, we are on the edge of our seats!

In the 18th week of pregnancy...some things happening with the baby are:

Baby Bogert is 6 inches long already and weigh more than 7 ounces! (the avg. weight of an extra large apple)

Baby B is moving all around and practices reflexes

Baby B can sense bright light - if you hold a flashlight directly to the belly, the baby will instinctively move it's arms to cover his/her eyes

Baby can now hear noises outside the womb. He/She can easily hear mom's voice and loud noises (eh hem...Humphrey's bark?)

Baby's "boy/girl parts" are formed now and distinguishable by ultrasound!! Soon!

First Baby Flutters!!!

Baby Bogert's on the move!

So today, after I ate lunch and was sitting quietly at my work desk here in D.C. I suddenly felt like a bug was running across my stomach really fast. Followed by a sensation of popcorn popping and being tickled.

It was Baby Bogert! He/She was moving around! And right after I ate! So, I said to Matt "It's definitely yours, it loves food!"

Just wanted to share - it was really amazing! Wow. What a great day!

Why I think we're having a girl (Bre's side of the story)

Well...my husband beat me to this post! I think he has a strong case! I did dream about baby boys...but let me tell you why I think we're having a girl...

First off, 99.9% of my reasoning is strictly intuition-based. I have had an intuition since about 7 weeks pregnant that I was carrying a girl (Coincidentally, when Morning Sickness kicked in!)

Since then, my feelings have only gotten stronger!

1) Morning sickness, which Matt covered below...

(here is an article we were sent to read, very interesting about morning sickness and baby girls!)

NewYorkTimes-The Claim: Morning Sickness Means a Girl Is More Likely

2) Old wives tales...mostly fantasy but one day Matt convinced me to try a bunch of them...

- A needle on a string held over my belly moves back and forth, not in circles, which indicates a girl

- I have never had any acne, and all of a sudden do, which indicates a girl (stealing mom's looks)

- Dad is not gaining weight, indicating it's a girl (Matt is losing at my gaining rate thanks to his job!)

- Craving sweets and fruit, indicates girl

-Hair is not as shiny as before, indicates girl

-The Chinese Gender Predictor indicates girl

- Babies heart rate has always been over 140 (indicates girl)

- When Matt asks me to show him my hands, I show him palms up, indicates girl

Old Wives Tales are a big ridiculous but it will be funny to see if they were "right" haha.

They were fun for us to try

3) I just "feel" like it's a girl. I can't explain that anymore. Just the intuition again.

We will see in 3 weeks, won't we! I just wanted to write all of them down so I don't ever forget thinking this!

Here are some sites for your enjoyment!

Boy or Girl Quiz - Childbirth.org

Chinese Gender Chart - Prediction

Some Old Wives Tales

 

Why I THINK we're having a boy (Matt's side of the story)

I told Bre it might be fun to explain why we both think we're so sure of what we're having. I can say, that my wife is a lot more certain that it's a girl than I am that it is a boy!

I would say, I'm about 70% leaning toward boy and 30% leaning toward girl!

(I figured if I am right, this would be the best way to say..."Ha! I told you!" and have proof for Bre, haha.

My reasoning:

When we first found out Bre and I were expecting, before anyone else knew, she had about 3 dreams about little baby boys...and I've read in my "expecting dad" book that dreams are very telling in pregnant women...

Then the morning sickness kicked in hardcore and the doc did say to us that a lot of times women who carry little girls have more morning sickness than those carrying boys because of the hormones baby girl makes and the hormones mom is producing. So...then I thought girl. Also, the morning sickness (for Bre, mostly night time) continued and is still continuing way past the end of the first trimester, which also happens for a bunch of women carrying girls. Many say that is a myth, but it was cool, our doctor actually emailed me some studies that prove this.

Also, doc said that what Bre's mother felt during pregnancy was also indicative of what she could possibly be carrying. Bre's mother remembers being much sicker with Bre than with her brother Josh. She shared some funny stories with us that made Bre feel much less ridiculous about having to dine and dash from restaurants because her nausea was acting up.

However, Bre has still dreamt about baby boys and the in one dream, the sonographer vividly tells us there is a baby boy on the screen, so then I'm back to boy. (in a dream, not real life)

Also, the baby totally fist bumped the screen during the last ultrasound, and that has to be a little Bogert boy, or I guess a pretty cool girl.

You can sense my confusion, I guess we will see in about 3 weeks what we are having, I can't wait to know. We have everything all planned out and can't wait to start it. I can't wait to call it "he" or "she" or by his/her name and not "it".

So...that's why I am 70% boy and 30% girl.

Bre said she will post hers later.

-Matt