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

21 weeks

During this week our Jaxon will weigh in at about three-quarters of a pound (12 ounces) and is measuring at 10 1/2 inches. (or a large carrot) So while there wasn't much of a length gain...he added on about an ounce and a half in weight. His eyelids and eyebrows are now present on the boy's face, though the eyelids will remain shut for some time. He continues to practice swallowing amniotic fluid and studies suggest that he is able to taste the differences in amniotic fluid depending on what I eat (sweeter, spicy, etc.) I guess that means I really should be eating all those veggies they've been suggesting! ;)
The cute little tickles that first introduced Jaxon and I have turned in to all out Tai Bo thanks to the neurons making a complete connection between his brain and his muscles. I am also beginning to see a definite sleep/awake pattern. He is generally active around 6:15 am (right before my alarm goes off) 10:00am, and various time during the afternoon. He is by far the most active between 8-9pm. This is when we can not only feel the acrobatics--but SEE them. Justin has been able to feel Jaxon kicking for about a week now...which means its only a matter of time and the opportunity for all of you to get your first kicks too!
We hope all is well with everyone! We can't wait to see you for the Holidays!!
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jax

The 50 yard line....

This week marks the midway point in this amazing pregnancy. We've made it safely through 20 weeks and have 20 to go! I can't believe how fast time is moving--and how long it seems we have left to go.
Another growth spurt happens this week--Mr. Jax has gained about 2 ounces...bringing him to a total of 10 1/2. He has also gained in length (about as long as a large banana)- 10 inches! Okay--thats a little misleading--at week 20 the fetus begins to be measured from head to toe since he's now big enough and can stretch out enough for full measurement. (he's about 6 1/2 head to bum)
He is still practicing swallowing and various gross motor movements (hitting, kicking, squirming...etc.) Also new and fun this week...his body is producing meconium-a black, stick by-product of his digestive system. This tar like substance will continue to accumulate in his bowels until he's delivered. However, some babies will "release" in the womb--which can lead to respiratory problems after delivery. So we're crossing our fingers (and legs) thats there's no poo-ing in this uterus! =)
Over the next few weeks and months Jaxon's main job will be to grow in both length and weight with the majority of major development under his belt.
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jaxon

Talk to me!

Some research suggests that this week our baby boy (still makes me smile to say it...) has developed enough to hear sounds occurring outside his warm little home! He is now sensitive to light, sound and touch (ok so its closer to poking but whatever). During this time the brain is still busy at work designating specialized areas specifically for touch, taste, smell, sound and vision. Jaxon is know weighing in at a whopping 8 1/2 ounces and about 6 inches long head to bottom. (Next week he'll be measured from head to toe since he's grown big enough to stretch out a little.) That would make him about the size of a large mango or heirloom tomato. Jax's arms and legs are now proportionate to each other and the rest of his body--although they will continue to be on the short side until he's ready to start being mobile. His skin is also coated in a greasy, cheese-like coating (vernix caseosa) to protect him from becoming pruned and pickled by the amniotic fluid. Depending on when he decides to arrive he may still be covered in it (early arrival) or the coating may be completely gone (late sleeper). Underneath that grease...hair is beginning to sprout on his little head.
On the parent front...things are moving--quickly. Justin has just started his training for Arson Investigator. We will be closing escrow on our house in the next week or so. And I am deep into the teacher mode. My belly is growing daily (it seems) and am still feeling well.
till next week...
much love,
Justin, Robin and Jaxon

BABY BOY!!

The most exciting thing that has happened in the past week is knowing that I no longer have to use gender neutral terms and pronouns and can begin using boy words!! The ultrasound was an indescribable experience (one of many thus far and yet to come) but I'll give it a shot. With us for the appointment were my Mom and Sally, my Dad, Beth, Bob and Kelly. Bob-o and Kim were with us via speaker phone! The room was warm and inviting and looked more like a tv room than an office. There were comfy looking over stuffed couches, big tv screens and a projection screen so everyone got a good look at the ultrasound. Seeing the BOY again was nothing less than amazing. With the 3D you could see his facial features, arms, fingers, legs, umbilical cord (ok you get the point...). With the 4D we were able to see him in motion--stretching his neck, throwing an arm over his head, moving his legs, opening his mouth and smiling! It didn't take long for the technician to give us the verdict--BOY...all boy. Against all of my worrying--the little guy was very willing to cooperate and show us his stuff. The rest of the time (25 min or so) was spent watching him. Thankfully we have it all on DVD (which we've made copies to share)! We were also given a dozen pictures and have copies as well.

Time for the serious stuff....

Week 18- This week buddy boy is about 5 1/2 inches long-the length of a bell pepper- and weighs about 7 ounces. So while there wasn't much growth in length, we've definitely packed on the ounces. He continues to flex his arms and legs (which I can feel now!) and his ears are finally done moving. He'll also begin to practice yawning and may even hiccup now and then. A thin layer of myelin (a protective coating) begins to form around his nerves and will continue to do so until a year after he's born. Finger prints have also fully formed by the end of this week.

This pregnancy continues to be a wonderful experience! Thank you for being so involved and ready to share it with us!

much love,

Justin, Robin and Jaxon =)