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