Waiting on Little Coburn

New Blog

2009-11-15T20:05:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends! I've started a new blog for both Bailey and Wesley instead of trying to maintain two separate ones. I hope you'll follow me on the new blog www.wesandbailey.blogspot.com

A Poem For Bailey Boo...

2009-11-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

I found out about you today-
a Valentine from our Lord:
the beginning of something bigger
than I ever could have imagined.
Another beating heart in my tummy--
Love I could never explain.

I found out about you today--
a little girl for our family:
a blessing and a joy and dreams
of days and years to come.
A daughter for Daddy and me--
Love we could never explain.

I found out about you today--
a perfect gift from our Lord:
Dark hair and tiny hands,
chubby legs and the sweetest scent.
You have made our family complete
with love we could never explain.

Bailey is Here!!

2009-11-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

My little sweet girl arrived on Wednesday, October 28 at 2:49 AM, weighing in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 21.5 inches long. I had my first contraction at 5:52 pm on the way to Outback and my water started leaking on the way out of Outback at around 7pm. We checked into the hospital around 8:30 pm, and my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart. I made it until about midnight and finally got the epidural. I took a 2 hour nap, and the nurse came in at around 2:15 to check me. I was completely dilated and the head was right there. They called my doctor and she got there about 20 minutes later. Three pushes later, Miss B arrived. I was immediately completely in love with her. She is an absolute dream! I am so blessed! Words cannot describe how your heart expands when God blesses you with a baby to love and take care of.

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are...

2009-10-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

Well, we know exactly where she is, head-down, in position, ready to greet the world, but not here...yet. I went to the hospital on Monday quite positive that I was in labor (I had regular contractions for 4 hours!!). False Labor. Sent home. And thus began one of the most uncomfortable weeks I can remember. Sleep is elusive. Constant cramping. Random contractions. BUT! My mom came for a few days, and we had a great visit. We even got to go to lunch and shopping just the two of us on Wednesday. That hasn't happened in a while and probably won't happen again for a while, so I savored the treat.

I went back to the doctor today, and I was still dilated 2 cm, but the doctor said my cervix was practically gone so if I could have some contractions like I had on Monday morning then this show would be on the road. They went ahead and scheduled me to be induced Wednesday evening, but she didn't think I'd make it until then. We shall see.

I am very anxious for Bailey to arrive, but I know God is in control and she will come on the perfect day.

Bailey Belly Picture

2009-10-10T18:28:00.001-07:00

37 weeks, 4 days

I am in complete awe of my belly. I can't believe it is this big! I am so pregnant...

37 Week Check Up

2009-10-07T04:47:00.001-07:00

I had my 37 week check up yesterday and was quite positive they were going to tell me I had dilated to 3 cm. Maybe they would have, except that my sweet girl has pushed my uterus to my posterear. But that's normal, I hear and will work itself out in time for delivery. Anyway, I've got a few before she comes. Which is good...because!...we sold our house and we're going to look for a new house tomorrow and through the weekend, and I really wanted to be a part of that decision process!! Plus, I think it's fun to look at houses.

My BP was awesome and I lost a pound this week, too. Bailey's heart rate was in the 140's. So all was great!

Jedd is getting the bassinet down tonight, and I have a load of car seat, stroller and bassinet bedding of laundry to do. I plan on packing my bag today and sterilizing my pump accessories today and then I will be officially ready for her arrival. Aside from the whole finding a house thing. ha!

What's In A Name?

2009-09-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

So Bailey's name means "bailiff." Nicole means "Victory of the People." Neither of these meanings got me all gewey inside, but it didn't matter. I mean, who really talks about what their name means anyway?

Until, I had a lovely conversation with my MIL who did her own thinking on Bailey's meaning. She said, "If you think about it, we were all imprisoned by sin and Jesus paid the ultimate bail for us so we could live freely." I teared up...that made the name way better. It also made "victory of the people" take on a new meaning, too.

What a name.

My MIL can't wait to tell Bailey about it, so I decided I would keep it to myself and allow her the opportunity for such a special conversation.

The Shower

2009-09-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

I had my shower for Bailey Boo on Saturday. It was absolutely perfect. I cried a lot, in a good way...I think it was the first time I had an uninterrupted opportunity to just focus on this little sweet baby that is about to arrive! And I was overwhelmed by everyone's kindness.

The theme was zebra print with hot pink accents...here is the cute cake!

I made cupcakes, and my mom ordered these zebra print flags to stick in them...

As I said, I was overwhelmed by everyone's kindness! I got lots of adorable clothes, tons of diapers and necessary tid-bits for Bailey!

I began crying upon reading the first card. It wasn't especially sentimental or anything...it just mentioned little toes and I lost it. Who knows? But once I opened my sister's card, I really graduated from cute, misty-eyed mom-to-be to blubbering, bawling pregnant lady...

At one point, I even asked my mom, "What's wrong with me?"!!

The big surprise was that my mother ordered me an entire crib set in zebra print!! I didn't register for it and had only flirted with the idea of doing it. I just wasn't sure what we were going to do. We're trying to sell our house so we don't have a room set up for Bailey since she will be in our room for the first few months. We are being optimistic that our house will sell and we'll be in a new house by the time we move her into her own room, so I just figured I'd cross that bridge when I got there and probably use Mackenzie's old nursery stuff.

But I opened this box, and it had a zebra print heart-shaped wall hanging in it. I was confused and asked what it was. My mom said, "a wall hanging" very non-chalantly. Then I figured out that meant it probably went with a zebra print nursery!! Here is my excitement:

My grandma gave me the matching quilt, which is perfect and sweet. She had a jungle quilt made for Wesley, but told me on the phone that she couldn't afford to send Bailey one. I believed her. But she was just joining in on the secrecy :)

There was more crying when I opened the monogrammed zebra blanket...

Fortunately, I didn't cry when my guests wrapped ridiculously long pieces of pink ribbon around my big belly...some folks weren't so mean...

But I mean, really?...

Shower Favors

2009-09-09T17:04:00.001-07:00

My stepsister and her mom are throwing me a baby shower for Bailey at my house this weekend. I am currently obsessed with zebra print and hot pink :) So I wanted to incorporate that into the shower favors.

I took Grasshopper cookies and monogrammed them with Bailey's initials in pink icing.

Then I placed them in zebra print cupcake wrappers. Next, I wrapped them in white toul wrappers and secured them with a pink ribbon. The ribbons had a little circle on it that you could write a message. I wrote "Matthew 18:5." I thought the verse was perfect! "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name also welcomes Me."

And of course, someone had to make sure the cookies tasted good...

And since it was his Dad's idea to let him try one, his Daddy cleaned him up afterwards...

Bailey Belly

2009-09-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

32 weeks, 6 days...

And upon seeing this picture, that 6 pound gain last week is a little more believable!!

Her middle name...

2009-08-28T10:14:00.001-07:00

is definitely Nicole. It means "Victory for the People." That's not why we chose it, but it's still cool.

I ordered that cupcake onesie, and while I was on there, I found a zebra print headband. I just can't wait to dress her up!

People have been so generous with clothes. I went through them all again Wednesday night. She has a ton of Newborn, 0-3 month, and 3-6 months! My sister Pam has another bag ready for me. This is too much fun! I love all the pretty colors, too.

She has been moving like crazy lately! I LOVE IT!! The other night, I literally watched my stomach jiggle like Santa Claus's while simultaneously vibrating sideways. Who knew that was possible??

I am getting really excited to meet her. I have had a couple of dreams about her. The first one was kind of weird...she was here, but 4 months old and totally another blonde haired, blue-eyed baby! Last night, I dreamed that I was at the doctor's office, and they said she was sideways. (She's been "in position" since I was 20 weeks so I was mad in my dream!!)

I have my next appointment next week. Then only one more 2 week appointment, and then I go every week until she arrives! CRAZY. This pregnancy has flown by. I've just recently started feeling "pregnant." It seems like it happened overnight. Literally. Saturday night, I was telling Jedd that I don't think I'm resolved to not have anymore children after Bailey. The next day, I complained all day about soreness, exhaustion and an enormous stomach, even saying, "I cannot wait until this pregnancy is over...I am so over being pregnant." He laughed of course. I've been finding it increasingly more difficult to do normal things...not that I can't or anything, but just it's harder and I get "winded" and tired easier. Oh well. It's part of the deal, and all so worth it in the end!!

Hello Third Trimester!

2009-08-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

So I am 28 weeks today, and I can hardly believe it! This pregnancy is flying by!! I am so excited to meet Miss Bailey!

We have decided against "Jane" as her middle name. We're no longer certain of her middle name, but it will probably be Nicole or Lynn. Probably Nicole. Who knew this would be so hard.

I bought her some zebra print lounge pants this weekend. I was on etsy this weekend and found a onesie with a zebra print cupcake on it. Now I can totally justify the purchase :) I just love zebra print for her and cupcakes and bumble bees!

26 Week Appointment

2009-07-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

I had my 26 week appointment yesterday. I only gained 4 pounds this month...still a little more than I was hoping for, but better than 6!! My blood pressure was 100/58 :) Bailey was moving like crazy. It took the poor doctor forever to get her heartbeat, but I could hear (and feel) her kicking like crazy. I am so excited to meet her.

I was listening to Taylor Swift's "Fearless" CD, and one of the songs is called "The Best Day." It's about her mom. I just cried when I heard it. I felt so overwhelmed that I get to be a Mom! It was neat because I usually associate all my "Mom" stuff with Wesley, but I guess since the song was from a daughter's perspective, I was just lost in thought about Bailey. It was a nice bonding moment. I don't want to mess up with her. It feels like it's so easy to mess up with daughters...I'm not sure why I feel that way, but I just want to make sure I do my part to make sure we have a healthy relationship. I am already so in love with this little Angel.

Belly Picture

2009-07-13T12:37:00.001-07:00

24 Weeks, 5 Days.

This one made me excited!!

2009-07-07T10:04:00.001-07:00

Your baby weighs more than a pound and a half right now and sports a crown-to-rump length of about eight and a half inches (standard letter size!). At this point in fetal development, that beautiful face (though still tiny) is almost fully formed.

Your baby weighs more than a pound and a half right now and sports a crown-to-rump length of about eight and a half inches (standard letter size!).

Wondering what (and who) your baby will look like? If you had a baby cam at 24 weeks pregnant, you'd almost be able to tell by now. That beautiful face (though still tiny) is almost fully formed. What's still missing from the picture is the fat that will be piled on under baby's skin. Until those fat deposits are made, that very tender skin is still very transparent, which means a close look would let you see clear through to all the organs, bones, and blood vessels. Fortunately, that see-through look won't last much longer. Babies at this stage of fetal development are gaining about six ounces each week — with much of that gain coming from fat, in addition to growing organs, bones, and muscle.

What's been playing on your little rocker's stereo system these days? All kinds of sounds can be heard by your baby in your womb: from air exhaling from your lungs (deep breath now), those gastric gurgles produced by your stomach and intestines, your voice and your partner's (which your baby will be able to recognize at birth), and even very loud sounds such as honking horns, barking dogs, or a wailing fire truck.

Fetal Echo and Lots of Clothes

2009-07-06T14:27:00.001-07:00

Last week, my mom gave me multiple bags of clothes for Miss B. My stepsister Pam has a daugther who was born in November so the sizes and seasons are perfect for Bailey. My sister Stacy had a friend give her bags of clothes (size NEWBORN YAY!!) also. It was so much fun to go through them all. It made me very excited to meet her! Wesley was nice enough to help me go through all the sweet clothes!

This morning, I had an appointment for a fetal echo for Bailey. There was really no risk for her to have a heart defect, but my doctor was being extra cautious. I didn't mind because it meant I got another little glimpse of my sweet B. And sweet she was! As soon as we saw her face she yawned! Oh my heart! She was pretty active...sucking her toes and moving her arms up and down. I actually saw my stomach move in the waiting room! It was pretty exciting. The Ultrasound Technician said that she weighed 1 pound, 7 ounces, which is right on target. Everything looked perfect, and I thanked Jesus!

This appointment couldn't have come at a better time because Miss Mackenzie came to visit this weekend. She will be 14 months old a week from Wednesday so it gave me a little peek at what 14 month old babies do and don't do...and ever since she left, I have been a little anxious about taking care of Wesley and a newborn. Jedd has been telling me to relax for the past 2 days, but if there was a doubt or a question or a fear about how this is going to be possible, I thought it, asked it and expressed it!

But then today, I saw her little yawn and her cute little profile (that looked just like Wesley's), and I didn't care. I just wanted her here so bad! I can't wait to meet her!!

I am going to start sleep training Mr. Man tomorrow...I've got to get him out of our bed and in his own well before Miss B arrives, but that's a whole other blog...

Bailey - 23 Weeks

2009-07-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Week 23 of Pregnancy: Fetal Weight Gain

At eight inches and slightly over a pound, your baby is the size and shape of a small doll. You've probably heard your developing baby's heartbeat through a Doppler a number of times, but by now you can also hear it through a standard stethoscope. What a heart throb!

At eight inches and slightly over a pound, your baby is the size and shape of a small doll when you are 23 weeks pregnant. (But then, you already knew that you were carrying a living doll, didn't you?) This week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain. Your baby's weight in the next four weeks alone should double (and you may feel as though yours is too).

You have probably heard your developing baby's heartbeat through a Doppler a number of times already (though you never get tired of hearing it), but by now you can also hear it through a standard stethoscope. What a heart throb!

Your baby's skin is reddish in color now because of the developing blood vessels underneath (remember, the skin is very thin still). It also hangs loosely from his or her little body at this point. That's because the skin grows faster than the fat develops during fetal growth. But don't worry. By the time your baby is born, he or she will be pleasantly plump and filled out — from chubby cheeks to chubby toes.

Bailey - 22 Weeks

2009-06-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Week 22 of Pregnancy: Baby's Hair Growth

Your baby has finally broken the one-pound mark. The eyelashes and eyebrows are well formed now — and even more hair is sprouting atop that cute little head. But hair at this stage of fetal development has no pigment, so it's bright white.

Guess what? At 22 weeks pregnant, your baby has finally broken the one-pound mark. How heavy is that? Hold a one-pound box of sugar in your hand the next time you're in the grocery story (and expect people to ask you why you're grinning from ear to ear). Is the box eight inches long? That's about the length your baby is too!

This week, your sweetie is making more sense of the world as he or she develops the sense of touch. In fact, your little one's grip is quite developed by now — and since there's nothing else to grab in utero, he or she may sometimes hold on tight to that umbilical cord (don't worry — it's tough enough to handle it). The sense of sight is also getting more developed. Your fetus can now perceive light and dark much better than before (even with those fused eyelids). But remember — unless you're shining a flashlight over your belly (which you can do, by the way), it'll be mostly dark for your baby inside that cozy womb of yours.

Moving up from the eyes, the eyelashes and eyebrows are well formed now — and even more hair is sprouting atop that cute little head. You'd be quite surprised, though, if you could see your little one up close and in color. Hair at this stage of fetal development has no pigment, so it's bright white.

22 Week Appointment

2009-06-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

I had my 22 week appointment yesterday, and it was pretty uneventful. I was in and out in 20 minutes, but I got to hear Sweet Bailey's heartbeat, which always makes me grateful! I also got to stand on a scale and learn that I gained 6 pounds this month (half of my total weight gain). I am hoping it was water weight from vacation and that it will go away once I get back to the normal day to day at home. Oh well. I enjoyed myself on vacation, and I had a lot of fudge rounds and came home with a raging desire for Reese's Cups. sigh...

Bailey is moving around a lot! And I am positive she will recognize her big brother's voice the second she arrives since he likes to burrow his head in my stomach, blow raspberries and slap it.

Her name is decided

2009-06-09T06:59:00.001-07:00

Bailey Jane Coburn

It's a Girl!

2009-06-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

We found out today that Little Coburn is a girl!! I couldn't believe it! I thought it was a girl, and then I was convinced it was a boy. During the ultrasound, the technician waited until the end to tell me the sex. I referred to her as "he" and "his" the entire time. She said her heart rate was 137, and I said to Jedd, "It's a boy." She quickly corrected me, and said "nope, it's a girl." I clapped and cried. I can't believe it!!

More importantly, she has all the organs and limbs and body parts that she needs! Everything looked great.

I am at the very least humbled that God has blessed me with two healthy babies! And one of each!! I couldn't write a better story!!

I know I've decided on a lot of names, and really thought that I had committed to many of them. But the real name of my little girl is Bailey. We are still deciding on a middle name, but Bailey is definitely her first name.

Today, I went and purchased some pink stuff! Oh what a thrill! I got her a pink sleeper that has a bee on it...since she is my beautiful B. And some bows! YAY for bows! And little mits for her baby hands.

I am so blessed!!!

Pregnant Thoughts

2009-05-22T20:11:00.001-07:00

I plan to start posting some belly pictures next week...I'll be 18 weeks along on Tuesday. This pregnancy seems to be flying by, one of the many characteristics that make this pregnancy so different from my Wesley-pregnancy. When I was pregnant with Wesley, I was obsessed with being pregnant with Wesley. I read every little tid-bit of information I could get my hands on, I wrote him letters, I had every detail of his nursery planned out by now! With this pregnancy, I sometimes forget I'm pregnant! I think having Wesley on the outside to take care of and chase around the house doesn't really allow me time to obsess over anything! Every now and then, I find myself in a quiet moment thinking about the new baby and wondering if he is a he or she is a she. And now that my bump has made its debut, I often find myself rubbing it (when I have a free hand!)

Another difference is my compulsive craving for Tabasco Sauce and Root Beer. That is a constant craving...I want it every day. Other days, I wake up with very specific cravings, like the green beans with the little brown beans inside them, Thin Mints, Chef Boyardee Ravoli, Red Velvet Cupcakes...(I had never even tasted red velvet cake and was on a mission to get a red velvet cupcake!) My mom ended up just making me a boxed red velvet cake. The next day my sister told me they have the best ones at Starbucks, so I will still need to check those out!

We have picked out names for the new baby...if it is a boy, his name will be William Fisher Coburn (except that Jedd seems to be waivering back to Grady Fisher so we'll see) and if it is a girl, I have decided to name her Bethany James.

We find out June 2, which is only a little over a week away! I can hardly wait!!

The little one can probably hear Wesley-Giggles

2009-05-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Week 16 of Pregnancy: Baby's Hearing Develops

This little one's a looker — with a face that has both eyebrows and eyelashes — but a skinny looker since there's no baby fat yet. Baby's crown-to-rump measurement is between four and five inches, and weight is around three ounces.

Listen up: Tiny bones in your fetus's ears are in place this week, making it likely that the baby can hear your voice when you're speaking (or singing in the shower)at 16 weeks pregnant. In fact, studies have found that babies who are sung to while they're in the womb recognize the same tune when it's sung to them after they are born (so choose your baby Muzak with that in mind…).

And baby's busily boning up in other ways. For one, the backbone (along with the back muscles) is stronger now — strong enough, in fact, to enable your baby to work on straightening his or her head and neck even more. Baby's crown-to-rump measurement is between four and five inches in length, and weight is hovering around three ounces.

This little one's a looker — with a face that has both eyebrows and eyelashes — but a skinny looker since there's no baby fat yet. And here's the skinny on baby skin: It's practically translucent now, so if you took a peek inside your uterus, you'd be able to see your baby's blood vessels under that thin skin.

Little Coburn - 13 Weeks

2009-04-21T05:28:00.001-07:00

Fetal Development This Week
Week 13 of Pregnancy: Fetal Growth Rates
Your fetus is now about three inches long, the size of a peach — and half of that length is head. By the time your baby is ready to make his or her entrance into the world, the head will be only one-fourth as large as the body.

Your fetus is about three inches long and the size of a peach at 13 weeks pregnant. But don't compare your fetus with the fetus next door. Starting about now, babies begin growing at different paces, some faster than others, some more slowly, though they all follow the same developmental path. Growing at a universally breakneck speed now is your baby's body as it tries to catch up to the head in terms of size. Though your baby's head is about half the size of its body now, by the time your baby is ready to make his or her entrance into the world, the head will be only one-fourth as large as the body.

Your baby's intestines are also in for some big changes right now. Up till this point, they've been growing in a cavity inside the umbilical cord; but now they're moving to their permanent (and more conveniently located) address, in your baby's abdomen. And to serve your growing baby's needs, the placenta is also growing. It weighs about an ounce now and will weigh one to two pounds at birth (something else you'll soon be able to blame your weight gain on!).

Also developing this week: your baby's vocal chords. Because sound can't travel through your uterus (your baby's current habitat), you won't be able to hear any sounds or cries just yet, but oh boy (or girl) — those vocal chords will get a good workout once that baby is born.

That's Much Better

2009-04-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

So I'm near the end of my first trimester, and I am so happy! That whole being pregnant while being a mommy business is hard work! Who knew?? Thankfully, I get to stay home with Wesley and take naps when he does. My house has suffered from neglect, but what's really the priority here?! The last couple of weeks have been awesome! I don't need to nap every day, and my stomach is back to its rock solid nature (not physically...it is more mush than solid, but I can "stomach" (the verb) more stuff now) :)

I still keep trying to imagine how it is going to be when I have both babies to take care of, and then I just stop because I feel a surge of panic. I think about friends' babies who are a little over a year older than Wesley and realize that it will be like taking care of that child and my Wesley. At. The. Same. Time. My imagination is not kind and does not seem to have confidence in my parenting skills...images of complete chaos take over. It has been my experience that my imagination never gets the future right and forces me to worry about useless things, so I just stop. God will get me through whatever is required of me. Billions of dumber people have taken care of two children before me...I can do this.

Little Coburn - 12 Weeks

2009-04-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Week 12 of Pregnancy: Fetal Organs and Systems

Most of your baby's systems are fully formed, and if you haven't already, it's likely that you'll finally hear your baby's heartbeat at this month's checkup! Your developing fetus now has a crown-to-rump length of about two and a half inches (the size of a large plum).

This week marks a turning point for your baby. At 12 weeks pregnant, the herculean task of developing new bodily structures is nearing an end as most of your baby's systems are fully formed. Now comes the maintenance phase, during which your fetus' systems continue to mature for the next 28 weeks and the organs get to work.

Your little fetus weighs as much as half an ounce now, and the crown-to-rump length is about two and a half inches (the size of a large plum — busily working his or her way through the whole produce department). It's hard to believe (especially from the outside, since you're probably barely showing at this point), but your baby has more than doubled in size during the past three weeks. And that's just on the outside — there's plenty going on inside too. The fetal digestive system is beginning to flex its digestive muscle — literally — as it starts practicing contraction movements, a skill your baby will need after birth to push food through the digestive tract. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain has started producing hormones. And the bone marrow is making white blood cells, which will one day help your baby fight infection (including all those germs passed around the snot-nosed playgroup).

If you haven't already had the pleasure, it's likely that at this month's checkup you'll finally hear your baby's fetal heartbeat — a sound that will make your heart race with joy!

Little Coburn - 11 Weeks

2009-04-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Week 11 of Pregnancy: Baby's Hair and Fingernails Develop

Slightly more than two inches long now and weighing about a third of an ounce, your fetus is growing by leaps and bounds. And so is his or her head, which is equal in length to the rest of the body (don't worry — all fetuses are top-heavy).

Slightly more than two inches long now and weighing about a third of an ounce, your fetus is growing by leaps and bounds when you are 11 weeks pregnant. And so is his or her head, which is equal in length to the rest of the body (don't worry — all fetuses are top-heavy).

On the crown of that large head (and over the rest of the body), hair follicles are forming. Fingernail and toenail beds begin to develop this week and by next week, the nails themselves will start to grow (so don't forget to add a baby nail clipper to your to-buy list).

Your baby's body is straightening and his or her torso is lengthening (sounds like a yoga pose, doesn't it?). Other poses your baby can assume now: stretches, somersaults, and forward rolls. And while you can't tell this baby's gender by its cover yet, testes are developing if it's a boy and ovaries if it's a girl.

Can you feel my heart beat?

2009-04-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

I had a check up on Tuesday and everything was great. Praise God! Jedd had a meeting so I had to bring Wesley with me. He was an angel as usual. It was kind of neat that he got to come because he also got to hear the beating heart of his baby brother or sister...that sound was music to my ears!!

Little Coburn - 10 Weeks

2009-03-31T15:32:00.001-07:00

Week 10 of Pregnancy: Baby's Bones Develop

Your baby's nearly an inch and a half long and the size of a prune, but not nearly as shriveled. In fact, your baby is really taking a human shape now. Though your baby's arms are developing, each one is only about the size of this number 1.

Your baby's growth is fast and furious when you are 10 weeks pregnant. He or she is nearly an inch and a half long and the size of a prune, but not nearly as shriveled (even with all the time it spends in water). In fact, your baby is really taking a human shape now. Bones and cartilage are forming, and small indentations on the legs are developing into knees and ankles. The arms (complete with elbows) can flex already, but don't run to the store for a baseball bat just yet. Though your baby's arms are taking shape and getting stronger, each one is only about the size of this number 1.

The tooth bud fairy is making her appearance this week, heralding the arrival of your baby's little choppers, which are forming under the gums. (Those pearly whites won't break through the gums until your baby is close to six months old). Other systems are go, too. Your baby's stomach is producing digestive juices, the kidneys are producing larger quantities of urine, and, if your baby's a boy, he's already producing testosterone (yikes!).

Little Coburn - 9 Weeks

2009-03-24T14:46:00.001-07:00

Week 9 of Pregnancy: The Fetal Heartbeat Strengthens
Good-bye embryo, hello fetus. Your baby is now about one inch long, the size of a medium green olive (hold the martinis, please), with a heart that's developed enough — and large enough — to be heard with a Doppler.
Sunrise, sunset: Would you believe your baby is having his or her first graduation already? Yes, it's true: At 9 weeks pregnant, your scholar-to-be has ended his or her embryonic stage and is entering the fetal period now (good-bye embryo, hello fetus). Your fetus is now about one inch long, the size of a medium green olive (but no martinis, please). The head has straightened out and is more fully developed, the ears are much more prominent, and some new organs (the liver, spleen, and gallbladder) are forming. Your fetus is also making spontaneous movements of his or her arms and legs now that minuscule muscles are beginning to develop, though you won't feel your tiny dancer for at least another two months.
While it's way too early to feel anything, it's not too early to hear something (possibly). Your baby's heart is developed enough — and grown large enough — so that its beats can be heard with a Doppler, a handheld ultrasound device that amplifies the lub-dub sound the heart makes. But don't worry if your practitioner can't pick up the sound of your baby's heartbeat yet. It just means your shy guy or gal is hiding in the corner of your uterus, or has his or her back facing out, making it hard for the Doppler to find its target. In a few weeks (or at your next visit) the miraculous sound of your baby's heartbeat is certain to be audible for your listening pleasure.

Little Coburn - 8 weeks

2009-03-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Week 8 of Pregnancy: Looking Like a Baby

At a length of about half an inch right now, your baby has graduated from blueberry-sized to raspberry-sized. Baby is growing in your womb about a millimeter each day, and is looking a lot less reptilian and more baby-like, as lips, nose and eyelids take shape.

How's your baby measuring up this week? At a length of about half an inch right now, your baby has graduated from blueberry-sized to raspberry-sized. But weekly growth is getting a bit hard to estimate, and here's why: Growth occurs at about the rate of one millimeter each day, but that growth isn't necessarily just in height. Spurts can occur in the arms, legs, back, and other parts of your baby's body. So, big changes will be occurring every which way in the coming months.

What else is changing at 8 weeks pregnant? A close-up view of your little embryo (say cheese!) would reveal a more baby-like appearance (and thankfully, a less reptilian one). You'd see an upper lip forming, the protruding tip of that cute button nose, and tiny (and very thin) eyelids. And check out those hands and feet! Your baby's webbed fingers and toes are differentiating now, so give your baby a round of applause.

All this growing is exciting for your baby too. How do you know? His or her heart is beating at the incredible rate of 150 times per minute. (That's twice as fast as your heart beats.) Your baby's digs are growing, too. Amniotic fluid increases at a rate of about two tablespoons per week to accommodate your womb's growing tenant.

Life is so precious!

2009-03-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Today, I went to a pre-walk rally for the WALK FOR LIFE for the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater, Inc. I plan to do the walk at Mount Trashmore on April 18. It was an emotionally charged and motivating event! I sang and clapped and prayed and cried...and remembered that God is in control. God makes each and every one of us by design! And we can make a difference; we can help; we can love these scared mothers and show them a better alternative! I have never felt so passionate about an organization and honestly feel honored to do my part to help out the center. I have always been pro-life (well, except when I was 16 and had no idea what I was talking about and was pro-choice because that was the cool thing to be according to the bumper stickers sold at a local hippy shop...but a lot has changed since then...most importantly, I have changed...born a second time as my Savior's child), but this issue is so much more important to me because I have carried and delivered a precious little boy, and at this moment Little Coburn's heart beats inside of me...as he is being knitted together in my womb.

I am sharing this with you because as I share with you about the little life inside of me...millions of little lives are at risk. Please sponsor me in my walk and help me help this organization continue to save these little lives. You can check out my fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/jamiecoburn

Little Coburn - 7 weeks

2009-03-10T07:20:00.001-07:00

Week 7 of Pregnancy: Your Baby's Limbs Develop

As fetal development continues, your baby's length is approximately a quarter of an inch — the size of a blueberry. Consider this for a little perspective: Your baby is 10,000 times bigger now than it was at conception a month ago.

How does your baby grow? Pretty fast, actually. At 7 weeks pregnant, your baby's length is approximately a quarter of an inch — the size of a blueberry. Sounds pretty tiny still? Consider this for a little perspective: Your baby is 10,000 times bigger now than it was at conception a month ago.

The biggest fetal growth this week is your baby's head (the better to store all those smarts in), with new brain cells being generated at the rate of 100 cells per minute. How's that for a budding genius?

And talking about buds, your baby is going out on a limb this week as his or her arm and leg buds begin to sprout and grow longer (and stronger), dividing into hand, arm, and shoulder segments — and leg, knee, and foot segments (though the limb buds look more like paddles than hands or feet at this early stage).

Also forming this week are your baby's mouth and tongue. And although your embryo is just one month old, it's already gone through three sets of kidneys. The ones in place now are the permanent set and are poised to begin their important work of waste management. In about a week, your baby will start producing urine. Lucky for you, there's no need for diapers (yet). As your baby matures inside you, much of that urine will be excreted into the amniotic fluid, swallowed again by your baby, and then excreted again in a continuous cycle.

Thank God for Morning Sickness

2009-03-08T12:51:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true, I am so thankful. Yesterday was a weird day for me. I was having weird cramps, and I got nervous. I don't know why I am so nervous with this pregnancy. Anyway, around midnight last night, I started feeling icky...cold, sweaty nauseousness. This morning, I woke up to more of the same. Even though it was not a fun feeling, I felt like it was a little gift from God to remind me to have faith and stop worrying and getting so nervous.

Little Coburn - 6 weeks

2009-03-03T10:01:00.001-08:00

Week 6 of Pregnancy: Baby's Head Takes Shape

This week your baby's crown-to-rump measurement is anywhere from a fifth to a quarter of an inch, and growing — making it the size of a sweet pea (your little sweet pea!).

During fetal development, practitioners measure embryos as small as yours from precious little crown to cute little rump. That's because as your baby grows, his or her legs will be bent, making it hard to measure the full length of the body. When you are 6 weeks pregnant, your baby's crown-to-rump measurement is anywhere from a fifth to a quarter of an inch, and growing — making it the size of a sweet pea (your little sweet pea!).

So, if your womb had a view, what would you see? The folds of tissue in the prominent bump on top (the head) are developing into your baby's jaws, cheeks, and chin. And are those little indentations on both sides of the head the adorable dimples you always hoped your baby would inherit from your mom's side of the family? No, they're ear canals in the making. Small bumps on the face will form the eyes and button nose in a few weeks time. Also taking shape this week: your baby's kidneys, liver, and lungs.

First Prenatal Appointment

2009-03-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

I had my first prenatal appointment today. I got to see Little Coburn on an ultrasound. He is still very small...it was just a little dot. Who knew you could love a little dot so much! The most beautiful part of the little dot was the flickering heartbeat beside it!! I got choked up because I had been so worried that there was something wrong, and I just wanted some physical confirmation that there really was something in there!

Based on LC's crown to rump size, I am 6 weeks pregnant...based on the size of my amniotic sac, I am 5 weeks 4 days pregnant. All I'm saying is Jedd and I made this baby on January 30. :) Our due date is October 27, 2009.

They have already scheduled all of my appointments through June 23. We find out on June 2 if Little Coburn is a little boy or a little girl. I guess I imagine that it is a boy because I have a boy, but I would be ecstatic with either! We already have the name picked out if it is a boy...William "Will" Fisher Coburn. If it is a girl, I get to name her. Right now, I'm thinking of Austin Grace, Sophia Grace or Brooke Sophia. We'll see. I'll probably change my mind a gazillion times between now and then!

I feel really excited and blessed!

February 21, 2009

2009-02-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, when I woke up, I went straight to the bathroom...I was determined to get a bold and positive line, even on a cheap-o, Dollar Tree pregnancy test. Yesterday was the exact same time between Wesley's conception and the positive-Wesley test as this Little One's conception. A bold line would make me feel better, more for-real pregnant, less scared, for whatever reason.

I got what I wanted. It was a full-on, yes-mama, you are positively pregnant line. I met Jedd in the hallway before he left for work beaming..."My pee finally made the Dollar Tree test positive! Praise God." He kissed his crazy wife goodbye; nothing had changed for him. And nothing should have changed for me. I wasn't any more pregnant than the day before, I just had better proof. That proof lifted me ten feet off the ground into the "you're glowing" state of pregnancy. I was full of hope and excitement. Less scared.

I checked my Bible Verse calendar that day, as I often do, and the verse was absolutely perfect! When I read it, I felt like God had folded up a little love note and passed it to me in the hallway. It was Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Thank you Lord for the promise of hope! I may have felt for a moment that a bolder line would fill me with hope, make me less scared, and give me the proof I needed to embrace this pregnancy as one that would be healthy and joyful, but that is not where my hope comes from! The hope and joy and beautiful expectation is in our Lord and Savior. This pregnancy is a blessing from God...that line was just confirmation of that blessing.

I serve an amazing Lord.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

I had a feeling I was pregnant on February 5, but the pregnancy test was negative. Fortunately, it was a two-pack because I was overwhelmed with a sense of urgency on Saturday morning to check again. I thought, "I'll just take a test and if it is positive, give it to Jedd as a Valentine's Day gift..." Who did I think I turned into? Nice thought, but I've never been able to keep anything exciting to myself, or at least from Jedd (or my mother) my entire life! I took the test, and the blue line was very faint. I screamed for Jedd to get into the house immediately and look at it. We agreed that there was a line, but it was not as vivid as the Wesley test. I took a picture of it and texted it to my sister. She could see it, too. 4 pregnancy tests and 1 digital test later, it was confirmed: I am pregnant...already :) My little Wesley will be 6 months old next week, so my babies will be 14 months apart. But I am oh so ready for the challenge. I already have visions of the friendship my children will have.

This Valentine's Day, Jedd and I decided to write each other prayers as our gifts. We also wrote one for Wesley. When Jedd handed me my prayer, he also had another prayer...for our Little Coburn. I cried as I read it, and Jedd's eyes watered as he watched me read it.

Here is what it said:

We just found out you're coming today--on Valentine's Day.

We haven't even seen so much as your ultrasound picture, but we want you to know how much you'll be loved.

We pray you'll be healthy and strong.

We pray you'll be nice to your mom while you're in her belly.

We pray you'll get here safely and that you'll get to know your mom and me and Wes over these next nine months...

We can't wait to see you and know you and love you.

And we're thanking God for you.

I have the best husband in the world, and my kids have the best father in the world.

We are so blessed.

My due date, according to the due date calculator on whattoexpect.com is October 23, 2009. I am 5 weeks and 4 days pregnant. My Little Coburn is the size of an appleseed.

I have a doctor's appointment on March 3.