Welcome to the Third Trimester!! weeks 28 & 29

Since I am a little late getting out this week's blog (seriously time for a new computer...gggrrr) and I know that next week is going to be full of Holiday festivities-I've decided to double up our information. Here we go...
Week 28- Research says that our guy is anywhere between 14 1/2 inches and 16 inches long! He should be weighing in at approximately 2 1/4- 2 1/2 pounds. However, since he was 2 lbs 6 ounces at the last ultrasound--I'm pretty sure he's over the half pound mark (yikes) His blinking little eyelids are now open and covered with eyelashes! As a result of his functional oculars-he is more sensitive to drastic light changes. For instance, he may be able to tell the difference if I am in a bright room-naked bellied- as opposed to with a shirt covering or a dark room. ***Justin and I did test this out the other night with a flash light on the belly--he gave some pretty serious kicks and then we stopped cause we felt guilty blinding our child ;)*** This week, the Buddy Boy also starts getting some quality zzz's, with the REM sleep he's now getting. (dreaming in-utero!) Most importantly, his lungs are near full maturity! (insert deep SIGH of relief here!)
Week 29- This week the boy is about 15-17 inches tall and is tipping the scales at 2 1/2-3 lbs! (note: they've stopped comparing to fruit...we're talking tri-tip now! kidding) He is about 3 or so inches away from his final birth length but still has much more weight to gain (ugh...) In the next 11 weeks he may double or triple his current weight. (seriously?? no room at the inn!) This weight gain will also take an astronomical amount of my calcium to deposit into this little boy's bones--a whopping 250 milligrams a day! As he's marinating and plumping up, Jaxon will continue to practice his life skills-sucking, muscle coordination, breathing etc. And the scariest fact of the week; His head continues to grow this week to accommodate his expanding brain! I can't even comment further on this occurrence.... :0
We are looking forward to our week of family fun and seeing all of you! And if we aren't lucky enough to see you face to face between now and then...
Merry Christmas!
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jaxon

These doors are CLOSED!

We just got back from the perinatologists (one of the most atrocious places ever...) and got the good news that there is no opening here! I've gotten the go ahead from the Dr that I can go back to my life--with a strong caution to be careful and not wear myself out. I will go back to my regularly scheduled appts unless my contractions increase in either severity or frequency.
Thank you all for the prayers, love and positive thoughts you were sending in our direction--I know they made a difference!
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jaxon

baby stuff...

So I figured I'd put this whole "modified bed rest" to good use and am working on finishing up the baby registries (just in case any of you are itching to start making purchases like I am) We registered at both Babys R Us and Target-under both of our names...Generally speaking, we've added things that we've found online--but keep checking in--cause the more I'm allowed out of the house...the more I'd imagine Jaxon's wish list will grow!
The next update will be Tuesday night (aka...the DAY of the Doctors)
much love
Justin, Robin and Jax

Are you ready for this one???

Yesterday was the diagnostic ultrasound in which they take measurements of Jaxon's appendages, head and belly to better gage his growth...and boy has been growing! We walking into the office at 24 weeks 2 days and walked out of there at 27 weeks 2 days!!! That's right--our due date has been moved up to the 10th of March. Yikes!! that's less than 13 weeks away! So here is where he is at 27 weeks...

According to the ultrasound, our guy weighs 2lbs 6 ounces (a little bigger than the books average). He is about 14 1/2 inches long! He has developed a definite sleeping pattern-sleeping and waking at varying intervals. On the ultrasound I was able to see him yawning, searching for his hands, stretching and at one point he stretched his little legs up straight and wiggled his toes against his forehead!!! He is positioned head down, sunnyside up with toes either pointing down or curling up fetal style. His lungs are still immature, but are capable of functioning now with a lot of medical help. Which brings me to the next...

Let me start with--we are ok. Now for the story...on the ultrasound the tech detected some opening of the cervix (probably TMI...sorry). Because of this and other factors...they then did a physical exam and a fetal fibronectin test to determine if I was in preterm labor. I was sent to the hospital (which is quiet nice by the way-my first time there) for further monitoring. After about an 1 1/2 and 2 contractions, they let me go home with orders to return this morning. I returned to the hospital this morning for another NST (non-stress test...yeah right!) and didn't contract while I was there...yay! So I am now on modified bedrest and they have taken me off work until Tuesday when I will go Back to the hospital for yet another but hopefully the last NST and then to a perinatologist. There I will have another ultrasound to see if that expert agrees with my tech on the opening issue. So at this point we are in a waiting game till Tuesday. Best case scenario-the perinatologist doesn't see the same things and clears me back to normal life. Worse case involves bedrest and more medical interventions. I have been assured by all medical staff that Jaxon is just fine and is showing no signs that he has any idea what's going on out here.

So everyone think positive thoughts and I'm sure we'll be just fine!

here are some new Jaxon pics to enjoy---the tech kept commenting on how much he seems to love his picture being taken! Such a ham...wonder where that came from??

Much love to you all

Justin, Robin and Jaxon

22 & 23--spaghetti squash and mangos...

YAY! I am connected again! With the packing, cleaning, moving and unpacking...I haven't been motivated to check my Internet connection--but things are finally settling into Normal again and I'm back!! here's what you've missed in the past two weeks...
22-This week Jax finally resembles a (miniature) newborn baby! All of his exterior parts are intact and the the correct positions. His lips, eyelids and eyebrows are more distinct. His eyes have formed but still lack any color or pigmentation in the iris (the colored part). Tiny tooth buds are forming in his gums. Inside, his pancreas (essential for certain hormone production) is steadily developing. His body is covered with a fine hair (lanugo) and he is sporting some pretty deep wrinkles all over! These will disappear as he starts packing on the ounces. This week he measured 11 inches in length and 1 pound in weight! (about the length of a spaghetti squash)
23- Jaxon is able to feel and responds to my movements this week. Meaning he can feel me dance, walk, sway, etc. His ears and hearing are becoming increasingly keen--he is able to hear loud noises and is becoming accustomed to them (vacuum, dogs barking, my voice,). These are noises that will probably not phase him when he's on the outside because of the early exposure to them now (thank god cause we all know how much my dogs bark!) Blood vessels in the lungs are continuing to develop and mature getting Jax ready for his first breath. By the end of the week the boy will measure over 11 inches and weigh more than a pound (about as much as a large mango).
His growth in the past couple of weeks has made a huge difference in my knowledge of his activity level! I can SEE(if i can contain my giggles) him move through my clothing--which is crazy, weird and absolutely amazing!
We have an ultrasound scheduled for next Thursday. This is the measurement picture, where the doctor is most concerned about checking out his growth and development thus far. So look for new pics of our guy next week!
Much love,
Justin, Robin and Jaxon