Week 38

Wow, didn't know it'd been a month since we posted last.  We are now almost in week 38.  The baby seems to respond to my voice, at least according to Rebecca.  She thinks the baby likes my voice better :-) I say it is just because I have a deeper and louder voice.  At the time of the last checkup, the baby was head down and facing the right way.  We have continued to feel movements, but nothing that would cause us to believe the baby has flipped or anything.  We have also come a long way on the bedroom.  The trim is up, the walls are painted and the trim has 1 coat of paint.  I still need to paint more layers on the trim and then do some touching up on other spots.  The carpet probably won't be installed for another week or so as our friend who is doing the installation is in Colorado with the youth at Rocky Mountain High.  Oh, and we have names picked out, mostly, for the baby for whichever sex it turns out to be.  We're still 'tuning' the names a bit, but at least we've mostly agreed on his/her name.  OK, gotta go.  We're hanging out with friends again tonight.

Week 33

To start off a little differently, I thought I'd let you know that Rebecca is really tired, quite often.  Perhaps it is due to us not getting to bed on time, perhaps it is the baby, perhaps a combination :-)  The 'best' part of the last week is watching the activeness of the baby.  We can frequently see the baby move, either rolling or kicking or something.  Haven't been able to identify actual body parts like a hand or elbow or foot or anything, but definitely can see movements.
At times, Rebecca is definitely ready for the baby to come.  Most of the time though, we're not ready at all.  We still don't have the room ready, don't have a name, haven't gone to any birthing classes, so many things need to be purchased yet, how does anyone really do this?

Dad Tip:
-making the home safe for the baby?  Things to check on before it is too late.

Weekly Tip:
-Don't stop eating due to weight gain, both momma and baby need all the calories and nutrition they can get for growth.

Exercise:
-lift arms in front and behind you, strengthening the upper body

We're now in Week 32

Time really flies!  We just passed into week 32, less than 2 months to go.

At this point, our baby is nearly 4 lbs with a total length of 19 inches.  Of course these are averages and/or norms, so who knows actually what Baby Bogi is actually.  Daily now we feel the baby moving.  Last night we just sat on the couch and felt the baby and prayed for it.  Rebecca actually had a piece of paper on her bump and she said the baby "punched" it.  Rebecca is hungry a lot more often now, but still no 'odd' urges and, thankfully, no pregnancy sickness.
We are working on baby names, both boy and girl, and have a few ideas, but nothing has truly jumped out at us.  We also have made decent progress in the baby's room.  I'm taking a couple of days off to make more progress, probably shouldn't be here on the blog, but thought I'd take the chance to update others.  Sorry that we haven't been posting any pictures of the bump, but that's cause we haven't taken any.  We aren't really picture people and I know this needs to change once the baby is born.
We have already gotten some things for the baby, but still need to shop for a crib and changing table.  We've also had 1 baby shower from the library staff and got a lot of good gifts.

So here are some of the 'normal' updates.

Dad Tips:
Time to discuss cribs, car seats, etc and purchase items.
Make a list of people to call prior to heading to the hospital and once the baby has been born.

General Tips:
Rings will feel tighter as fingers swell.  Don't let rings get stuck on and cause circulation problems as they then may have to be cut off.  Instead think about wearing them on a chain around your neck and/or wearing larger 'substitute' rings.

Quick Update

In church today, while the pastor was praying, Rebecca opened her eyes and saw her baby bump "roll".  She said it wasn't a sharp point like a hand or elbow, but more like an arm or a leg.  She was excited, and completely distracted.

Week 30 updates

Our baby is now in the 11 inch range (27 cm) crown-to-rump with an overall length of about 17 inches (38 cm). Our baby weighs about 3 pounds (1350 gms).

I've included the metric system for those interested.  I'm currently doing inventory at work, which is all in the grams measurements, so it is just a way for me to think of the size of our baby, in comparison to what I'm working with currently.

There are LOTS of data points that I haven't even read yet as we've been so busy with other life activities.  We've headed to Chicago to visit the Van Der Bill's and to run in the Elim Christian Services 5K.  It was a great time with friends.  We've also spent the past Memorial Day weekend working on our house.  Kurt (bro) helped us out a great deal.  We have new windows installed and the sheetrock is also up, taped and mudded.  I need to sand, re-mud, sand and texture before we can paint.  I believe the room is going to get shades of green as Rebecca doesn't care for yellow and those are about the only truly neutral colors available.  We still need to figure out carpeting and then furniture, but have wonderful parents who are pitching in to help purchase the crib and dresser/changing table.  Rebecca and I have also done simple "us" things like going on walks.  My schedule has slowed down a bit and with Rebecca being DONE WITH GRAD SCHOOL, we have more free time together.
That's right, Rebecca graduated from UW-Milwaukee with her Master's in Library Information Services.  She got great grades!!!  I'm so super proud of her.  We still need to celebrate this milestone, but with the baby coming and all the home remodeling, etc, I've kind of put off any big celebrations.....for now anyway.

OK, I need to get more housework done as Rebecca is working 1200-2100 today, so I'm doing chores and want to have the house looking good for her when she comes home.  I'm trying to be a good husband afterall :-)

the Bogaards

Week 24 - 30

WOW am I behind.  I'll do a quick catch-up and then post more.

Dad Tips

Wk 24 - Find prenatal classes and register
Wk 25 - Do the shopping, or at least help with the shopping
Wk 26 - Take your wife on a date, remind her how beautiful she is, take a photo to remember her loveliness
Wk 27 - Do the difficult chores, like cleaning the tub or toilet, put high things away for her
Wk 28 - Feel for movement of the baby, as dad should be able to feel it now too
Wk 29 - Start making plans for Paternity Leave!
Wk 30 - Start planning your work so that you can take part in the final months of the pregnancy

Tips


Wk 24 - Heartburn is caused by overeating and eating too late at night, skip the bedtime snack
Wk 25 - Let the man know he is an important source of emotional support during the pregnancy
Wk 26 - Rest on your LEFT side as it provides the best circulation to the baby
Wk 27 - Take a childbirth education class
Wk 28 - Start planning the trip to the hospital, what if the man isn't around, who are you gonna call?
Wk 29 - Listen to the advice of your doctor, it is for the good of the baby
Wk 30 - Maintain good posture as it will relieve your lower-back pain and discomfort

Exercise


Wk 24 - Stand against something solid, lift your leg, hold your ankle and stretch your quadriceps
Wk 25 - Sit upright in a chair, arms crossed and raised in front of you, lift a leg at a time to strengthen your abdominals
Wk 26 - Get in the ab crunch position and do crunches holding behind your knees to limit the range of motion
Wk 27 - Do creative exercises, i.e.; calf raises, side lunges, clench your buttock muscles, Kegel exercises, tighten your abs
Wk 28 - Sit upright in a chair, hold the seat, extend your leg in front of you to parallel the floor, strengthens your thighs and stretches your hamstrings
Wk 29 - Kneel on the ground with your feet under you and toes on the ground, press your toes into the ground stretching your feet and calves, helping to eliminate leg cramps
Wk 30 - Sit upright in a chair, hold a towel above your head, shoulder width apart, twist to the side as far as is comfortable, stretches the spine and strengthens your shoulders and upper back muscles

22nd or 23rd Week

I know, this would be a more effective blog if we really knew which week we were in :-)

Our baby is now in the 12 oz to 1 lb range and is nearing 8 inches in length.

One of the notes says "Morning sickness has probably passed and you're feeling pretty good", for this we are truly thankful.  Rebecca hasn't experienced ANY morning sickness!  She is still hungry at more times of the day than just "normal" meal times, but hasn't had any odd cravings either.  Maybe this is an odd pregnancy, maybe Rebecca just excels as a pregnant mom :-)

Our baby has well developed eyelids and eyebrows as well as having nails that cover the fingertips.  Jaundice is caused by the baby's liver not being able to process the amount of bilirubin in its system.  Bilirubin consists of broken down red blood cells.  The pancreas is also producing insulin.  The rest of the chapter spoke of TTTS (Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome), so I skimmed it at best.

Dad Tip: Be helpful while driving.  Help your wife in and out of the car, adjust the seatbelt, seat positioning, and if you have more than 1 vehicle, let your wife use the one that is more comfortable for her to get in and out.  Symptoms for an expecting father include nausea, weight gain & food cravings.

Tip for the Week: Drink extra fluids throughout pregnancy to help your body keep up with the increase in your blood volume.  As the old saying goes "Drink until your pee is clear".  Consume less sodium, which will help with fluid retention.

Exercise for the week:  Lie on your left side on the sofa (if you have one), with your left knee bent.  Bend your left arm, and place your head on it.  Lower your right foot to the floor while keeping your leg straight.  Hold for 10 seconds, then lift to a 45 degree angle; hold for 5 seconds.  Do 5 reps and then repeat with the opposite side.  Helps ease sciatica; strengthens hips and upper buttock muscles.  Sit on the edge of a chair, raise your arms above your head and using only the thigh muscles, raise your foot off the floor about 10 inches, repeat with the opposite foot, holding for 5 second times.  Tightens thigh, hip and buttock muscles.

My wife, Rebecca, also has a glow to her!  Seriously!  I think she is more beautiful than she has ever been.

Love you honey, -me.

21st Week

Pretty certain we're in the 21st week.  So, here goes.

Our baby should be in the 10 1/2 oz range, 7 1/4 inches in length.  While the overall growth rate is slowing, most of the organs are maturing now.

Dad Tip: start thinking of baby names

Tip of the Week: A good way to add calcium to our the diet is to cook rice and oatmeal in milk instead of water

I tried this tip and the oatmeal was pretty good.

Exercise of the week: contract the abs

Sorry this is so short, but I gotta go!

Week ? Oh who knows, 18, 19, 20???

Yeah, so, we're really not certain.  We think we are in week 19-20 range, but the ultrasound gave us a slightly different due date, still early/mid August.

We had our 2nd ultrasound on Thursday, a week ago now.  Everything checked out well.  No cleft lip, no club feet, no down syndrome, heart beating at 145 bpm, basically everything looks normal.  We're having a normal baby!  We did NOT find out the sex, as we want to be surprised.  We have also started talking names, both male and female, but don't have anything narrowed down and we do have a while to figure that out anyway.  This book keep talking about where we can feel the uterus.  I have no idea what I'm trying to feel around for and I don't want to be pushing too hard on the baby.  Is this something we need to know and need to search to find?

I believe we are in week 20 now (at the time of this post anyway) but that could be debated.  Besides, the baby will come whenever it chooses, or whenever God chooses I should say.

Our baby is growing skin!  Both the epidermis and the dermis are forming layers.  Around 20 weeks, the epidermis starts secreting a substance called vernix, which protects the skin from the amniotic fluid.

I'll try to post some ultrasound pics later.

Here's the general updates for both weeks 19 & 20:

Our baby is, or should be, in the 6" - 6.5" range now, should weigh 7 - 9 ounces.  I believe they calculated it to be at 7 ounces last week, so again, we're having a pretty normal baby!

Calcium intake should be increased during pregnancy, so I'm thinking we need to buy a cow.  Think OC will let me keep a milker in my back yard?  We've talked about, someday, having a few cattle, pigs, chickens, a milker probably wouldn't be all that much different, but may be too much work.

Making a will is something we need to do also.  I've never done that.  I wonder how to even do it?  We're supposed to find a "legal guardian" for our child, so that if something happens to us, the courts will know whom to put in charge of our child.   Likewise, we need to check our insurance coverages and our investments.  I think we're gonna have to consult a lawyer.

Dad Tips:
Take time off from work to spend time with your spouse.  Use that time to focus on planning the pregnancy and preparing for the birth of the baby.
Be present for the 20 week ultrasound - done, score one for me!!!

General Tips:
Fish can be healthy food choices, but don't eat certain versions more than once a week.

Stretches:
Ha, I just noticed the pictures of the stretching mommy are drawn with ever growing belly's.  Stretching involves stretching one arm over your head to loosen up your lower-back and side muscles.  Other stretching involves being on your hands and knees, tightening your core and extending your opposite arm/leg.  This strengthens the buttocks, back and leg muscles.

That's it for the baby updates!

The 18th Week

I am late!  I completely missed the fact that week 17 ended and week 18 began. 

I can't even blame it on the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as I'm not in Japan.  I've been praying for those in Japan right now and just feel so bad for all those affected by the mass destruction that happened in such a short time.  As much as having a baby can change your life and give you a new perspective, so to a major world event can make you pause and reflect on your life. 

If you happen to have been in OC this Sunday and listened to the message at TRC on "The Prodigal God" from Luke 15, a sermon message with new perspectives and insight can also change how you think about life, your own life.  It will be a great 5 week series that the pastor's are engaging upon and I am very excited to see how my understanding of the story changes.  If you weren't here, either check out the Tim Keller version, or find the TRC version on our church website.

As for my wife and our baby, she's been feeling well.  She can feel little "flutters" upon occassion, which is the baby and movement, or gas :-)  Last week Wed-Thurs Rebecca stayed home to work on her proficiency exam and felt a lot of fluttering.  Since then, she's not felt much at all, but she has been more active and not sitting quietly, so that can affect her noticing the flutter a great deal.

Our baby "looks much more human now" according to the book.  I had to smile at that line.  We're having a human!

Dad Tip of the Week - run errands for your wife

Tip for Week 18 - adjust your fitness program as the physical changes in your body demand changes in your routine

Exercise - lunges with arm swings to an overhead position - Tones and strengthens arms, upper back, back of legs and buttocks

The big baby discussion is on the heart and circulatory development.  The heart begins to form already at week 3, contractions begin at day 22, with a beating heart visible already (via ultrasound) as early as 5-6 weeks.  Ventricles and Atria begin to divide around weeks 6-7.  At birth, the baby has to go from depending entirely on momma for oxygen to depending on its own heart and lungs.  Blood goes to the right ventricle, the right atrium and the lungs for oxygenation for the first time.  It is truly a miraculous converion.  At 18 weeks (where we are) ultrsound can detect some abnormalities of the heart.

Some good alternative forms of exercise are swimming and walking.  Biking, Joggin and a variety of other sports aren't the best for pregnancy.  Horseback riding and water skiing are not to be done while pregnant.  I'm glad the weather is getting better, with chances of 50/60 degrees next week, we need to go for some walks.

Iron rich foods are increasingly important during pregnancy.  Good foods to include in your diet, if you haven't already, are: chicken, red meat, egg yolks and spinach. 

The last great tip for the week was about keeping your urinary tract healthy.  I'll just leave it at that :-)

DC is on spring break right now, so I'll be busy with a variety of 'other' tasks.  We also have a trip to your family planned including your cousins' wedding next weekend. 

Loving You
-Me

Other updates

In non-pregnancy related  news:

-the plants I planted in the DC greenhouse aren't growing all that quickly.  One has definitely taken off, another has died, the majority however are just kind of there.  Good thing I didn't have specific plans for them.
-the site to register for the Elim Christian Services 5K run is now up.  I still have to go and register.  If you want to join us, it is the 2nd weekend in May.  I've also registered for a Warrior Race in Minnesota that is a 5K obstacle run.
-we're headed to the Franje farmstead over Spring Break for the wedding of Nate and Mandy
-I've picked up teaching of Sunday School to the Jr/Sr class and we're doing a Ray Vander Laan series
-I'm still no speedster in the mile, but I have now been able to run it in under 10 minutes on multiple tries.  My second mile time is also diminishing, and this is all while being stuck inside.  I can't wait for it to get warmer.
-we had a meal prepared for us by the Deek's and it is really tasty

That's about all I can think of for now.

Later

Week 17

Welcome to Karissa who has actually subscribed to our blog, although since we really haven't told anyone about it, I'm not sure how anyone could subscribe to it :-)

Things are progressing along quite well, I think.  We don't have another appointment until the 17th, so we have only the book to go by with the progress of our baby.  It says we are now at 4.5 - 4.75 inches, and if you lay your hand flat, that's about the size of the baby.  We haven't felt any movements yet, but this is the earliest stage at which we should feel movements.  So, hopefully soon we will.  I can't wait to go to the Doc's on the 17th to hear the heartbeat and get a new picture of the little one.

Here's something that you'll want to read Rebecca, the pain in your side you've been feeling occasionally, it is called Round-Ligament Pain.  Here's the quote: "round ligaments are attached to the sides of the uterus and pelvic wall, during pregnancy and the growth of the uterus, these ligaments are stretched and pulled.  Your movements can stretch and pull these ligaments, causing pain or discomfort.  It doesn't signal a problem, it only indicates your uterus is growing (that's good to know).  Pain may be on one side or both sides, and doesn't harm either you or the baby.  Laying down can relieve the pain."

Tip for week 17 - Leg cramps, which you don't have but you do have restless legs, can be diminished by laying on your side and with careful stretching exercises.  Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which will help reduce cramping, so I'm glad we've started eating them.

Dad Tip - Offer your wife tension-relieving muscle-relaxing head, back and foot massages.

The book talks about a lot of other stuff this week.  It focuses quite a bit on a Vegetarian diet and the do's and don'ts of such a diet while pregnant.  Then it talks of a Doula.  I had never heard of this.  A doula is basically a woman you pay to help you through the pregnancy in place of your husband and/or mother.  I think this is directed more at single mothers or those with incredibly un-supportive husbands.  Then there is a long list of 'alternative' techniques.

Exercise for Week 17 - sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you and 'walk' forward on your buttocks a few paces and then 'walk' back to the starting spot.  This strengthens your abs and lower-back muscles.

Babe, I can't wait until you're done with your proficiency exam so that we can focus on each other and focus on getting our home ready for the coming baby.  Sure, we've got 5 months to go, but that time will fly by in a hurry.

Love to you!

Week 16 Update

Here we are in week 16 of our pregnancy.  Our baby is just under 5" in length now, according to the "Your Pregnancy week by week" book.  So far, you have gained 1.5 lbs in this pregnancy.  Yes, I'm keeping track in the book for a permanent record for all time!!!

Following are "Tips of the Week"
1 & 2 - Over-the-counter (OTC) pregnancy tests are reliable and can be positive as early as 10 days post conception.
3 - Talk w/ your doctor before starting an exercise program.
4 - 2nd hand smoke is bad.  Ask those around you who smoke, to refrain from smoking around you.
5 - Be careful of OTC cough and cold remedies, some contain up to 25% alcohol.
6 - If you have questions, feel free to call the doctor's office.
7 - Don't take OTC's for more than 48 hours.
8 - Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid the spread of bacteria and viruses.
9 - a tip about getting a perm, which neither of us get :-)
10 - It is common to have tingly breasts or sore breasts, it may be one of the 1st signs of pregnancy
11 - Get a picture of your ultrasound test
12 - Drink lots of fluids to stay properly hydrated
13 - Cut down on caffeine, noting that caffeine comes in many common foods
14 - Tell all your various doctor appointments that you are pregnant, it may change how they treat you
15 - Start sleeping on your side, use a pillow between your legs if it helps
16 - You may need to change your diet to be more nutritious and/or because certain foods can make you sick

Following are the "Dad Tips"
1 & 2 - Give your wife a lot of hugs.  Many women enjoy hugging and cuddling during this very special time.
3 - Bring home flowers for no special occasion.
4 - Read with your wife from your favorite pregnancy book, to know what is happening each week in your pregnancy.
5 - Clean or Vacuum the house without being asked.
6 - Bring home your wife's favorite dinner or cook it yourself.
7 - Buy a present for your wife and the baby
8 - Tip about pets, which we don't have, so I'm skipping this week's tip
9 - Attend doctor appointments with your wife, when possible
10 - pregnancy sex? usually it is alright, but talk to your doctor if you're concerned
11 - Enjoy the pregnancy with your wife, it only happens a few times in your life.
12 - You may be able to hear the heartbeat, so tape record it to preserve it
13 - Exercise with your wife
14 - When leaving town, call your wife daily, let her know you love her and you are thinking about her and the baby
15 - When leaving town, ask friends and family members to check on your wife for you
16 - Share your concerns with your wife, you both are probably overwhelmed about things, talk through this monumental life change together

And the ever popular Exercises
3 - wall pushups - develops upper-back, chest and arm strength and relieves lower-leg tension
4 - Indian sitting style leg presses - develops pelvic-floor strength and quadricep strength
5 - chair squats - strengthens hip, thigh and buttock muscles
6 - chair lunges - strengthens hip, thigh and buttock muscles
7 - leg stretches - stretches hamstrings and thighs
8 - Indian style breathing exercises - relaxes and relieves upper back and tension in shoulders, neck and back
9 - leg swings - tones leg muscles and buttock muscles
10 - cat stretches - increases flexibility and stretches back and tummy muscles
11 - leg lift arched back stretch - relieves back tension and increases blood flow to the feet
12 - laying side leg lifts - tone and strengthen hip, buttock and thigh muscles
13 - kettle bell type lifts - strengthen back and shoulder muscles
14 - Kegel exercises
15 - stretching
16 - Indian style ab crunches - strengthens stomach muscles and keeps lower back and spine strong

So, how have I been doing on the Dad tips?  I know I've nailed some and completely fallen off the boat on others.

I love you dearly.  I pray for you often.

- Me

Exam Weeks

So Rebecca has entered her two week stretch of intensive exam.  She was given 10 questions and needs to work up a paper on 2 of those questions.  I have every bit of confidence that she'll do wonderfully.  She, on the other hand, has very little confidence.  Babe, since you're the only other person to read this, I love you, I know you will do well, I have complete confidence in you.

Valentines Day

Here we are, Valentine's Day.  For some, a disappointing "singleness awareness" day, for others, a day of romance, for me, another failed attempt at romance.  As Rebecca said, when we plan for romance, it never works out, maybe we should stop planning.  First, the plan was to head south to Sioux City for a nice meal out.  That was nixed cause Rebecca needs to study.  Then, I was going to take Rebecca out to eat, but she wanted to cook me a meal.  So, what happened, I got busy at work with a leaking roof and the removal of melting snow and water, Rebecca started not feeling well, my leaking roof caused me to leave work later than anticipated, so getting of the flower for Rebecca ended up happening AFTER picking her up.  Then we came home so that she could nap.  I'm about to wake her and see how she's feeling.  Then I'm gonna eat, don't know how she'll be feeling.

Expecting

Well World, We're Expecting!  That's right, Rebecca and I are with child.  Rebecca is now post the 1st trimester and things have gone incredibly smoothly.  We have 1 ultrasound pic of the baby and we've told most of our family/relatives.  We're moving on to telling friends and then co-workers.  Seeing as it is still plenty early in the process, not a lot has changed in our lives.  Rebecca does need the restroom more and I think she's more easily tired than before.  However, no other signs and no weird cravings either.  We told her folks on the 5th and other relatives later that day.  Actually, we got up at 0200 on the 5th and Rebecca placed out bibs and the photo for her folks to find in the morning.  Tim got up, normal time to do chores, and was the 1st to see the bibs.  Kathy got up and she actually was a bit bummed.  She wanted to jump up and down and come down to see us, but we were still sleeping, so she had to contain her excitement.  Sarah then got up, and was confused as to the bibs.  Melody and G'ma had priceless reactions.  Rebecca told them and their mouths dropped wide as they were "shocked".  Cousin Eric replied "Heck, that's a good deal" in his normal fashion, which you have to know Eric to understand.  On the 5th, we also told the Van Kley's.  I whispered it to Kallie, she had to confirm with Rebecca and then she whispered it to Rachel, who shouted "YES".  They were very happy for us.  Unfortunately we had to email it to Mike and Trish as we couldn't find them online to skype.  Dave and Carol were told next and the rest of the Bogaard and Hagenas.

End of Break

Here we are, quickly approaching the end of the Christmas break.  While it has been nice with various other jobs getting completed, it's also been long enough and I'm ready for the excitement that comes with having 1200 students around.  Hopefully the changes we've made to the building will be met with positive comments.  Who knows, perhaps they won't even be noticed.  However, it's been fun working on various other jobs, such as the sanding of tables and painting, watering in the greenhouse, etc.  Speaking of which, I started a variety of plants in some planters in hopes of moving them to our house.  Either 9 or 12, I think 9 new plant varieties, so we'll have to make room for them.  Over break we've also cleaned up in our spare room, got rid of a lot of clutter, stored some items we want to keep and have made it into a usable space.  This is good cause of the coming of Sarah to visit.  It'll give her a place to stay, where she can shut the door and have some personal space.  Perhaps we'll get some painting done too.  I wonder what colors we should go with???