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Bean Update Archive

Final Edition
Week 38
Week 37
Week 36
Weeks 33-35
Week 32
Week 31
Week 30
Week 29
Week 28
Week 27
Week 26
Weeks 24-25
Week 23
Week 22
Weeks 20-21
Week 19
Week 18
Week 17
Week 16
Week 15
Week 15 Back to Index
Hi Family and Friends,

A friend of mine had a great idea to keep family and friends in the loop on the baby front by sending a weekly email with the status on our pregnancy count-down. I've presumptuously assumed that you would be interested, but if these emails get tiresome, please let me know and I'll remove you from the list and won't think twice about it. Also, if you think of someone who would be enthralled by this email, please let me know and I'll add them in.

The Bean, as we are fond of calling our baby, is in his/her 15th week and has decidedly made an impact on my waistline. I no longer fit into any of my old shorts or pants, and my skirts are even questionable at this point. I found a great pair of jeans at "Due" (I'm so happy to have jeans again), but also realize that they will never quite fit the same way as my old jeans. That's okay, more room for The Bean!

At this point, I've gained about three pounds which from all I've read, is on target. I'm generally craving food like French-fries and grilled cheese sandwiches, and so far am happy that spinach is the only food I need to avoid. Speaking of food, my nausea is much more under control and for some reason I'm only getting it in the middle of the night (generally around 3am). Sometimes I have to get up and eat, sometimes I'm too tired and can put myself back to sleep. I'm looking forward to my first nausea-free evening!

This week we started pre-Natal yoga which I can tell is going to be good for me. It's stretching me in places I have been nervous about stretching, but feels sooo good when I try it. I'm going to try out a couple of different instructors and see if there's a good fit. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted!

Today's exciting news is that I'm pretty sure I felt the first little flutter this morning. It's happened a few other times, but is very sporadic. I've read that it's fairly uncommon to feel the baby move this early, but I'm pretty skinny and The Bean is advanced for his/her age. ;-) Regardless, I probably won't feel regular movements for another couple of weeks. It's so much fun!

Just so you know what we're looking at this week:
http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week15

Much love to you all,
Alexis and Mike and The Bean
Week 16 Back to Index
Today is the 16 week mark, meaning I've completed 15 weeks and have 25 more to go! This week has been wonderful in that my midnight nausea seems to have disappeared. Hooray! So, my energy is back, the nausea is gone, and it feels too good to be true. There are actually times when I forget that I'm pregnant. It almost seems sacrilegious to write that, but it's true! I've gained another pound or so over the past week, so am now up to an additional four or five pounds.

Last week I mentioned feeling some movement. I've been carefully tuning into the Bean, and am still not absolutely sure it's movement I'm feeling. It could be muscles stretching or gas (a pregnancy constant), but every once in awhile I think it might be something else. If it is movement, I only feel it sporadically when I'm siting quietly, usually in the evening.

Our next doctor's appointment is Monday morning, and I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again! I now understand these monthly visits—they're to quell the paranoia of the new parent. It's definitely true: my worry-meter has increased ten-fold. I'm assuming that it's in preparation of becoming a parent, but boy is it annoying! I double-think what I eat (Haagen Dazs doesn't say it's pasteurized on the container—does that mean I'm eating raw eggs?), worry about what I've done (painted the closets and sprayed for ants), and what I'm doing (exercising at the gym... lower weights and not nearly as strenuous, but still...). As you can see, I'm a bit ridiculous and Mike is being wonderful by reassuring me that I haven't done anything to harm the baby, and backing it up with research on the web. Who knew that the Internet would be my lifeline to sanity? LOL! Both my Mom and Linda have also been great in their reassurances. When I expressed my fear of ice-cream to my Mom, she said, "Pregnant women all over the world would keel over if they couldn't eat Haagen Dazs! Don't worry about it!" Love it.

So, beyond all of that I'm feeling great, and the Bean is growing! I read today that this week she/he will begin to develop the bones in their ears and hear me speaking. Amazing!

For this week's slightly more scientific update, go to: http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week16

Much love and hugs to you all,
Alexis
Week 17 Back to Index
Sorry this one is a few days late (you'll get the Week 18 Update shortly!), but with traveling to San Francisco to visit a soon-to-be great-grandparent and having our house invaded by plumbers for several days, access to the computer has been fairly minimal.

The Bean, however, is doing great and growing as ever. On Monday after our fun trip North we went to our four-month doctor visit and got to hear the heart-beat again. I was nervous at first because it took awhile for the doctor to find the Bean, but once she did we heard a steady heart-beat that's about twice as fast as my own. It was heaven! There's nothing like the reassurance of a heart-beat to know that everything's on track. The doctor seemed pleased with my weight gain ("It finally increased!") and answered my plethora o' questions about everything from pain relief during labor to pediatricians to vitamin intake. Mike comes with me to every doctor visit so he's just as "in the know".

I had my blood drawn on Wednesday for the tri-screen genetic test which basically screens for serious genetic disorders that lead to birth-defects. We'll get a call from the doctor in the next few weeks to tell us how it came back. Otherwise we're looking forward to our next visit which is for the big ultrasound in which they can determine if it's a boy or a girl (we're not going to find out), and where they measure to make sure the Bean is growing at the right pace and solidify the due-date. We get to bring a VHS tape which I'm sure we'll be happy to play for any friends and loved ones who we see over the next six months!

Mike and I are still amazed and somewhat in awe at the prospects of parenthood. Mike expressed some of his thoughts in Haiku:

Baby approaches.
Alexis fears birth, and I,
I fear parenting.

Projectile vomit,
blow outs, peeing, finger checks.
Can I handle it?

You can see we're still getting used to the idea!

Anyway, for the scientific minded, here's the update for the week:
http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week17

Love to you all!
Alexis, Mike and The Bean
Week 18 Back to Index
Other than plumbers invading our house for the last several days for pipe replacement, it's been a good week! Don't worry, the pipe replacement is not because something is broken, Mike and I are merely nesting; getting all the big stuff out of the way before the Bean arrives.

I went maternity shopping as I'm starting to wear Mike's t-shirts and had no skirts. Now I have two skirts, three shirts of my own, and a "going out" outfit. Yes! I also had a pedicure and my first pre-natal massage and can't wait for the next one. There's nothing like getting pampered! We've also been doing pre-natal yoga which I'm really enjoying. Between classes I forget that I can move and stretch a lot more than I think I can. I think I get into protective mode and hunch over a bit, protecting the Bean. Then I go to yoga and stretch it all out. Ahhhh. There's also a yoga birthing class that Mike can attend with me eventually. I'm sure he's excited for that, LOL!

Mike has been a saint in so many ways. He puts up with my many mood swings, cleans up when I'm too tired, and humors me constantly from food requests to couch relinquishment when I want to lie down. I can't believe how lucky the Bean and I are to have him.

My weight gain has flattened out, so I'm trying to pack on more pounds. I've always had a tough time with weight gain, so it feels strange to "work" at eating more. I'm definitely hungry, but it's hard to eat the targeted five meals a day. That's right, five!

Since we now think that the Bean might be able to hear us, we're talking to it more and I've taken to reading Dr. Spock out-loud at night before we go to bed. Maybe by the time the Bean is born we'll have gotten through half of it!

Otherwise, I'm feeling really good, and love to get out and walk and meet up with friends and, of course, eat.

Love to you all,
Alexis, Mike, and The Bean

p.s. For those scientific minds: http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week18
Week 19 Back to Index
I feel like I'm sending these Bean Updates so frequently! Hard to believe the pregnancy is almost half over!

My belly has definitely started protruding a bit more as The Bean and I gain weight. This weekend the Weaver grandparents visited and we wandered all over the Santa Ynez Valley wine-tasting. Don't worry, as I already have one passenger onboard, I was the designated driver for the whole group! It was beautiful weather, and I had a great time smelling all the wines. With my heightened sense of smell I was able to predict how the wine would taste with significant accuracy. Pretty cool! Now if only I could turn that into some sort of talent for smelling gold or water or something...

Good news: we got the results from the genetic blood test which came back as negative, indicating a very low chance of genetic diseases such as Downs Syndrome and Spina Bifida among others. This means that Mike's and my genes truly groove well together. But of course, y'all probably knew that already.

There will not be a Bean Update next week as we are off on our "Babymoon" to Maui to relax and enjoy the sun. Yay! The day after we come home we'll go in for our ultrasound and see The Bean in action. I can't wait! Hopefully by then we'll have it together enough to put up the pictures we've been taking of my growing belly and The Bean, him/herself.

Until then,
Love and hugs,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. New site: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/64/72366.htm#Week19
Week 20-21 Back to Index
We're back from an amazing time in Hawaii. You can check out all our pictures at: http://weaverfamily.net/gallery/Babymoon.

We stayed in Wailea on Maui and spoiled ourselves rotten one final time by staying at the Four Seasons. And wow, I would definitely stay there again! We did a lot of swimming (in the water my body feels like it used to—not quite as heavy!) and the ocean had to be in the upper 70's, it was so warm! Mike was the active one of the family with an outrigger canoe trip, snorkeling and wave-jumping. The only time I felt jealous was the time he spent in the Jacuzzi in the late afternoons. Ahhh.

The Bean was actually quite active on our trip as well—I began feeling kicks and flutters fairly frequently. I've read that the typical snooze time for the fetus is around 16 hours per day, so there are definitely awake times! I think s/he knows I'm writing this because I'm feeling little pokes even now.

I had an amazing pre-natal massage while in Maui, which was wonderful, and Mike had a poolside neck rub after his back protested his previous day's canoeing. Do we want to go back? Absolutely! We kept imagining a trip with the Bean. Hmmm... not quite the same, but still a possibility to consider for the future.

In other tremendously exciting news, we had our ultrasound on Monday! Mike and I were in awe as we saw Baby Bean for the first time. The ultrasound can take pictures in 3D so you can actually see photos of the baby! Mike will scan some of the pics and we'll put them up on the site. I'll send a special Bean Update as soon as they're there.

The doctor measured the Bean's head and stomach, looked at the blood flowing through the heart, and checked the spine and bones. We saw ten fingers and ten toes and the pictures of the Bean's face were priceless! We did not, however, see the sex. We're still in for a surprise! Mike and I both have our theories, but you'll have to ask us about them.

The doctor said the Bean looked very healthy, no problems (hooray!), and that our due date of February 26th is right on target. The Bean weighed 13 ounces and frankly, we can't remember the length! We were too distracted. As I said, Mike and I were completely speechless and are now even more excited to meet our baby!

As for me I'm feeling really good, though the plane ride was a bit tough. Sitting in a plane seat for five hours is pretty uncomfortable, and we had to bring an extra carry-on of food to keep me sated. Yes, my appetite has increased dramatically. I don't eat a lot at once, just all the time. I've gained about 12-13 pounds, and have many to go before I'm done! You can see my pregnancy updates also at http://www.weaverfamily.net/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=PregnancyPics where we're documenting the growth of my belly. We'll take another picture this weekend as Mike is sure I'm even bigger now than I was two weeks ago.

Much love to you all,
Alexis (and Mike and The Bean)

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week21
Week 22 Back to Index
No major news as we move into our 22nd week. I feel like I'm getting wider across my body rather than outward, but The Bean is getting longer so most likely needs more room!

Thanks for all the great comments about your first thoughts on seeing pictures of The Bean. It appears that the majority of family and friends think s/he looks like me, but everyone agrees they haven't seen pictures of Mike as a toddler so aren't sure. Mike, however, insists that The Bean looks like him/herself. Personally, I think s/he looks like Mike. So there you go!

We started looking at nursery furniture this past weekend and there are many choices. I think we'll stick to the crib, changing table/dresser and probably a la-z-boy glider which I hear is the way to go so I can sleep in it while nursing (and Mike can get some sleep!). It's fun looking at The Bean's room and trying to decide what to put in there.

As for overall stats, I've gained 15 pounds total and The Bean should weigh about 1 pound of that. Kind of funny, isn't it? My lower back has been feeling it a bit, and I actually managed to pull a muscle on the side of my abdomen after yoga last week. Luckily, I seem to get over aches and pains fairly quickly without my old friend, Advil, and that's what really counts.

Otherwise, The Bean is really resonating with Mike's voice lately. Last night Mike was talking and The Bean started knocking to say hello. How's that for Father/Child bonding?

Much love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week22
Week 23 Back to Index
I'm amazed at how quickly these weeks are flying by!

I can feel The Bean moving every day now whenever I'm sitting still for a given period of time. Typically the morning, between 9-11am, and evening, between 9-11pm, is when s/he is most active. I'm pulling the pounds on every week which is still startling to me, but I guess it's very healthy for The Bean which is the most important thing! I've read that The Bean will gain the most weight over the next month due to body fat and muscle mass. Holy moly!

Sometimes I can hardly contain my excitement thinking about who this new little one is going to be. Other times, when Mike and I are having a quiet evening reading, I think, "Things are really going to change!" Mike has been able to feel The Bean's boxing rounds in the evening which is really fun, and he's starting to look into his paternity leave so we can determine how long he can stay home after The Bean makes his/her appearance.

The hunt for nursery furniture continues. We took a trip to Babies R Us this weekend and were both in awe regarding how much stuff a baby comes with. For some reason we just hadn't really thought about the car seat, stroller, diaper genie, toys, high-chair, breast pump and all the other wonderful things that come with our first born. Wow! I think it was good to kind of get used to the idea that all this stuff will somehow fit into our house. LOL!

The other exciting thing that happened this week is that we signed up for our birthing classes. That's really lit a fire under our butts about how soon Baby Bean will be joining us! Given that I'm due in February, I thought taking a 6 week class in December (ending in January) would be perfect. Plenty of time! Unfortunately, the hospital doesn't offer classes in December due to the holidays, and if we were to start up in January, we would finish only a week or two before The Bean is due. That's cutting it a bit close! So, I looked to sign up for November classes, but November classes are full! Wow. I guess there will be a lot of January/February babies! So, our class starts this week and goes until the beginning of December. I'm really looking forward to them!

Love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week23
p.p.s. BTW, we apologize that the gallery on our website is currently unavailable. There was an error during the software manufacturer's upgrade that we've contacted them about. I'll let you know when it's back up and running!
Week 24-25 Back to Index
I’ve been remiss in not sending this email last week, but it turns out my consulting work got fairly busy and I’m studying for a mid-term. Unfortunately these factors distracted me from non-work related email, so that’s why you haven’t heard from me in awhile. However, so much has happened that an update is necessary!

We have attended two birth classes at Cottage Hospital where the Bean will be born (assuming everything goes to plan!). They’ve been really interesting and educational—both in terms of what to expect when we check in, and really understanding how Mike is going to be the man/my super coach when it happens.

The first week was entitled "Planning for Labor" which really taught us that we can’t truly plan for labor (it’s just going to happen) and showed us how large my cervix will dilate. Wow! That’s pretty impressive. The second week was entitled, "Stages of Labor" which took us through an actual delivery. Love those videos! This Thursday we’ll be going through "Understanding Medical Options for Birth" which walks you through things like epidurals, narcotics, and other tools that can be used in delivery (the nurse has referred to the Mighty Vac several times...). It’s nice to get into the swing of things—simply getting to know our way around the hospital and feeling comfortable there, meeting some of the nurses, and meeting other soon-to-be parents—all of which is very comforting.

We’ve also signed up for an infant first aid/cpr class in February and an overall parenting class (how to change diapers, etc.) through PEP in January. Then, I think we’ll be done with classes for awhile!

We had our 6 month doctor’s check-up last Monday and the doctor said we’re looking great! My uterus was 23" long and The Bean’s heartbeat is really strong. The only down-side of the visit is that we found out that our favorite doctor is pregnant. She’s due the beginning of February (her 4th child), so won’t be able to deliver us. We’re a bit bummed (though excited for her), but her group is great and we already have appointments set up to meet with other doctors. We also understood from the beginning that it was possible she wouldn’t be able to deliver us anyway due to timing, so we would get to know the other doctors in the group before our due date, regardless. It’s hard to believe that after our next visit, we’ll be in the 3rd trimester! Doctor visits will increase to every two weeks instead of once a month. I’m still in awe that we’re going to have a new, amazing little person in our midst in only 15 weeks!

We also finally purchased The Bean’s crib, dresser and changing tray. Phew! That was a really, really difficult choice due to all the varieties and cost differences out there. We really don’t want to presume to know the Bean’s taste, but at the same time The Bean probably won’t care for several years. We’re going to get a glider/rocker as well and then the furniture shopping will be just about done. Many inquiring minds have wanted to know about a registry (we thank you in advance, by the way), and the answer is yes, we’re going to register within the next few weeks. We’re still doing some research and compiling a general list of everything we need. I promise to let you know as soon as it’s available!

Our website www.weaverfamily.net is back up and running and better than ever with a Bean Update Archive thanks to my brilliant husband who spent hours cleaning it up and making it beautiful.

I promise to send more timely updates in the future so you won’t have to read an incredibly lengthy email such as this. The Bean is constantly moving and stretching, and as our friend Steve says, I have the appetite of a hobbit. Elevenses, anyone?

Love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. By the end of this week, all of these things should have occurred: http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week25.
Week 26 Back to Index
We’re on it this week, though that could be because I finally withdrew from my International Business class. With two consulting gigs ongoing and a 3rd in the works, I thought it would be best to tone everything down and take some time for me and The Bean.

The Bean is in fine form. Though I had lots of kicks and rolls last week, this week the little one seems to have turned inward. Mike and I can feel his/her back and/or head oftentimes, so we figure all those kicks must be directed towards the placenta and other bothersome organs that are "in the way." If Mike puts his ear against my belly, he can hear movement that he says is definitely "not your normal digestive noises." Pretty neat!

Our birth class last week was interesting in that it focused on "Medical Options" which included: epidurals, intravenous narcotics, vacuum extraction, forceps (not commonly used anymore), fetal monitoring (internal and external) and episiotomies amongst other fun topics. The option part is really just the drugs you can take given your pain threshold; everything else occurs depending on how the labor is progressing (so I’m not sure if they should really be called "options"). This week we get to walk through the maternity ward and nursery which I’m really looking forward to.

Otherwise it was a fairly quiet week. I try to walk at least 40 minutes every day or go to prenatal yoga, and am still eating frequently. Sleeping is interesting because I crave the 8-9 hour chunk, though I find that around 5am (amongst trips to the bathroom all night) I wake up starving and the Bean is often kicking. Luckily I’m so tired at this point that I just count kicks and convince myself and The Bean that we can eat in two hours if s/he goes back to sleep. So far it works!

We’re excited to be going to San Diego for Thanksgiving next week—it’s hard to believe that the time has gone by so quickly!

Love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week26
Week 27 Back to Index
What a Thanksgiving and recovery! The Santa Barbara Weavers went south to San Diego to visit Mike’s family and celebrate with lots of turkey, stuffing and other goodies. We had a great time and discovered that the Bean really likes turkey—lots of after dinner movement! Great-grandparents were there, as were aunts, uncles (both great, and... regular?) and cousins.

The last couple of weeks has seen my weight increase and, I would assume, the Bean’s as well. I blame it on all that good food! But truthfully, the doctor has requested that I cut down on sugar. Bummer! But I know that the Bean is getting bigger because I can feel him/her move frequently now, typically stretching and kicking on the right side. Mike and I have decided that the lower right side is a favorite spot for hanging out as I often will look down and notice my belly is incredibly lopsided in that direction. It’s very cute!

Birth class was cancelled due to Thanksgiving, instead they offered a "New Parent" class that was held by a therapist to discuss what we could expect with our first born. It was a bit different than we expected, especially when one of her first questions was, "Have you thought about discipline, discussed it with each other?" Mike and I knew at that point that perhaps this was not a class we would particularly enjoy. We thought it would be about dealing with staying up all night and better understanding the first few months of living with our new family member. Not quite. But, it did open some conversation for us about how we were raised and the challenges we might come up against with the Bean. But not yet! We just want to meet the Bean and tell him/her how much we love her/him.

I’m going to send out Week 28 tomorrow, as I have clarified that whichever week you’re physically in is not the actual week. For example, as I write this, I am 27 weeks and 6 days. So, I’m in my 28th week, but not 28 weeks... right. So to make it easier, I thought I would hold off for a week to make things more consistent with doctor visits, etc.

Much love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week27
Week 28 Back to Index
This was quite an exciting week for us.

First, our nursery furniture showed up (crib and dresser) which Mike put together over the weekend. It looks amazing! It makes the baby’s arrival really real to see our guest room turn into the baby’s room. The furniture that once comprised the guest room was donated to the Salvation Army, and Mike had the room to himself to build everything. We bought our crib bedding which showed up today, and it all looks great! As soon as the nursery is a bit more complete we’ll take pictures and put them up for you to see.

We also had an interesting night Friday night. First of all, let me reassure you that The Bean is in great shape, and I’m just a little tired, but everything is okay! Around 8pm I was struck with a persistent sideache that wouldn’t go away. Figuring it was indigestion, I thought I would wait it out. Unfortunately, it got worse and started radiating forward and towards my back. So, without further ado, Mike bundled me into the car and away we went to the ER. After being admitted to the high risk obstetrics unit, they strapped on a fetal monitor and a contraction monitor. It turns out that my indigestion caused my uterus to begin mildly contracting. The Bean did great, however—extremely strong heartbeat and lots of movement—so my initial concern relaxed me quite a bit. A couple of uterus-relaxing-shots later, we were released around 2:00am. I’m not to do anything strenuous this week, but then chances are good everything will be back to normal next week. The silver lining to the false labor experience was that we got a quick glimpse of what it might be like on the big day (hopefully at 40 weeks!). The nurses were great, the hospital nice, and Mike a hero. I think all our ducks are in a row!

I also have had a long talk with The Bean about not coming out until at least the 38th week. I’m hoping s/he will listen to Mommy.

Love,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment2.php#week28 which says The Bean weighs about 2 pounds and is almost 15 inches long!
Week 29 Back to Index
The Bean continues to grow! I had a doctor’s appointment last Monday to confirm that everything was fine after the false labor on the evening of the 4th. She said I needed to lay low over the week and stick to one outing per day until she could see me again this week. Of course, I’m thinking, does one outing per day mean I can leave the house once but go to eight different stores to take care of some holiday shopping? Probably not, but you can see I had a difficult time with my assignment! I really didn’t realize how much I had been running around and doing things. Even though the Bean is always forefront in my head, I really took the pregnancy for granted. I guess things happen for a reason! So, I’m now slowing down and trying not to feel guilty when Mike has to come home from work and make dinner (even though that’s my job!).

The Bean, however, is in great shape—really strong heart-beat, right on target for growth and moving around a bunch. I have to admit, I love it when s/he moves around and I can cup a little back or head through my belly. It sounds strange, but it makes me feel like I’m that much closer to holding our baby in my arms! Mike finds my belly highly entertaining now as, especially first thing in the morning, it’s a bit lumpy as the Bean moves arms or legs around and stretches his or her back, which causes a large bump!

We did finally register at Babies R Us, so you can login and check things out if you like! We felt a bit overwhelmed wandering through the store. There was so much to look at and we had no idea if we got enough of or too much of anything. Any parents out there, if you noticed we missed anything, please let me know! We did not register for a car seat or stroller as the new models that meet the most recent safety standards come out in January. So that, at least, we know we’re missing!

Otherwise, we’re getting ready for the holidays. We need to wait for the results of a last test the doctor performed this week to receive absolute clearance to go to Vancouver over Christmas, but then we also need to make the decision about whether that might be pushing it for me, too. So difficult! I’ve also started getting up every 2-3 hours in the night due to heartburn and needing to use the bathroom. Ahh, welcome to the third trimester! Despite all this, though, I’m still incredibly excited about The Bean’s pending arrival and know that this is all part of the drill.

Much love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week29
Week 30 Back to Index
Only 10 weeks to go!

It’s pretty amazing that we’re down to the last couple of months. It’s gone by really quickly, and I can’t believe we’re about to physically welcome The Bean into our house! I’m suddenly realizing I’ve been reading all about what it’s like to be pregnant, and haven’t read a thing on what to expect the first few months! Any book suggestions? Let me know!

We’ve decided not to do any traveling this holiday season. Not only so I can take it easy (I think I would have a very difficult time limiting my need to explore Vancouver or playing with our nieces), but also so Mike can wrap up his job at CrystalVoice and get ready to start his new job at Celerus Diagnostics. That’s right! Mike’s new title is Lead Software Architect and he’ll be working at a start-up that’s developing diagnostic systems (tools and equipment) for pathology labs. It’s a great group of people (I’ve been acting as a marketing consultant for them for the last couple of months), and Mike’s really happy to be moving on. He starts January 9th and I’m only hoping start-up mode will allow him a bit of free time over the next couple of months!

Otherwise, we’re just getting ready for a quiet holiday—the first one we’ve ever spent just the two (er, three) of us. I’m on my baking kick to hand out the usual goodies to the neighbors and local friends, and we got a tree this weekend, too; something we weren’t planning on before our holiday plans changed! The Bean moves quite a bit with big stretches and kung-fu punches and kicks. They’re not painful; I think they tickle more than anything! But they always make me smile with anticipation. I’ve also been being good about resting more and I’ve started taking naps in the afternoons again. I guess what they say about the 3rd trimester is true: you get sleepy again! Mike and I are talking to The Bean, as well, and so far I think s/he likes it when I sing Beatles songs. Now we just have to finish pulling the nursery together and then I think I have a lot of baby clothes and blankets to wash!

Much love and Merry Christmas/Happy Chanukah!
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week30
Week 31 Back to Index
Mike and I spoiled ourselves a bit this year with our stay-at-home holiday extravaganza. Although we missed our family, it was probably the most low-key and relaxing weekend we’ve spent in a long time! Definitely like taking a vacation at home, which... I don’t think we’ve ever done! We had a very, very yummy Christmas Eve dinner with Jim and Colleen who supplied us with enough leftovers that we had an automatic Christmas Dinner. Christmas Day we opened presents, ate muffins, coffee cake and yogurt parfaits and listened to the radio station that played all Beatles all day with no commercials. We had a delicious lunch at our favorite Thai restaurant, walked around the beach for awhile and then went to see King Kong­an excellent movie! The Bean really enjoyed King Kong, wiggling around in what I hope was delight and not fear whenever the big ape roared or the native drum beats echoed through the theater.

It’s getting a bit harder to sleep comfortably as the Bean is active at all hours now, mostly stretching and snuggling up to the side of the uterus, but I’m having more fun every day with all the different types of movements and am hoping that I can find out from the doctor this week what position the Bean is in (head down, feet up? Arms up? Definitely something that moves a lot is up!) . Mike and I also felt The Bean’s first hiccups last night, which was pretty funny (though I also felt bad­hiccups aren’t very comfortable, and really can’t be in such a confined space!).

The nursery is really coming together as well; Mike painted a low bookcase yellow and it looks great, and I ordered a rug for our hardwood floors. Now all we’re waiting for is the glider chair which should be here the end of February/beginning of March.

We’re looking forward to seeing the family that’s coming to visit over the next couple of weeks; it’s hard to believe New Year’s Eve is in only four days! We’ll have to come up with some fun resolutions.

Much love,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week31
Week 32 Back to Index
Happy New Year!

We’re excited to enter 2006, especially since we can now say "The baby is due next month!"

We spent a quiet New Year’s with the Weaver grandparents, and though it poured rain all weekend, we still managed to get out and see a movie, hike in to the Monarch Butterfly Preserve (it felt good to get out!) and have a really nice dinner with the Brown grandparents Friday night, and at Downey’s (one of our favorite restaurants in town) on New Year’s Eve. I didn’t quite make it to midnight, opting to fall asleep at 11:30pm, but Mike still came in and woke me up for a New Year’s kiss. Such a good husband!

At our doctor’s appointment last week we found out that the baby is head down (which is great) and its back curves toward my left, with arms and legs facing the right. That makes a ton of sense considering the majority of movement is on the right side of my belly! The Bean is also growing right on target and my uterus measures 31 centimeters. You probably have noticed I’m no longer including my weight gain—let’s just say it’s really healthy! ;-)

Much love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week32
Week 33-35 Back to Index
Am I remiss in my updates or what?

Could it be my ever-growing size and fatigue?

Could it be the mild case of bronchitis I acquired?

Could it be I'm still basking in the glow of friends and family in town for the baby shower and Mike's poker tournament?

I think all of the above are true! I'm sorry it's been so long since my last update! Home for the holidays, Rachel visited frequently the last couple of weeks, and even managed to sneak in a visit to the doctor with me. She heard The Bean's heartbeat and rubbed my belly frequently with auntie pride. I think they are going to be great pals as The Bean is especially receptive of her pats, kicking out and wriggling around for her!

Mike started his new job and is having a good time with the people and projects he's working on. It's fun to see him come home with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. I'm definitely glad he made the switch now, though it was a bit of a difficult decision with the baby on the way. It also turns out he's in high-demand-a couple of other companies contacted him to get him in for an interview; but too late! It's nice to know you're valued (though insiders will tell you he's always been highly valued!).

As for me, there is no doubt now in anyone's mind that I'm pregnant. Anywhere I go women with children proffer knowing smiles and ask when I'm due. "Next month," I hear myself say. Wow, next month! I fit into even fewer of my maternity clothes as I continue to grow outwards. Mike and I have to hug sideways, as belly-first I'm about a foot away from him!

The Bean is doing great-lots of big stretches, some almost to the point of pain-and small jabs if s/he can get enough room to recoil an arm or leg. Growth is right on target, and weight... well, Mommy is sure continuing to gain, so I'm sure The Bean is also increasing in weight! The heart-beat still sounds great, and everything is right on schedule for February 26th (or somewhere around there!). This past week I contracted a mild case of bronchitis and was quite disappointed when I had to give in and take a mild antibiotic and renew my asthma prescription. I have been so good about giving up all medication for the past eight months! The doctor reassured me, however, that what I was/am taking is okay for the baby. Phew! Otherwise, mother and child are happy and healthy.

The baby-shower was great fun, and we now have more clothes and receiving blankets than one baby could ever use! I spent most of this past weekend doing laundry and putting the nursery together. It finally is looking like a real nursery! One of my favorite moments has been Mike folding the clean baby clothes. The look on his face at the size of little socks and tiny washcloths is truly priceless. "How do you fold a footed onesie?" he asked. Good question. We're practicing a couple of different techniques!

Mike and I also took a Yoga birth class which focused on the role of the coach and different birthing positions and breathing. It was fun, I just hope we can remember it all when the time comes!

Other than that, I now feel like I'm in true waiting mode. I'm waking up every 2-4 hours in the night to run to the bathroom or kitchen, depending on The Bean's needs, and am generally taking a 20-45 minute nap every day. I've started pulling the items together we need for our run to the hospital and Mike and I are negotiating best routes. At the end of the day, however, I think it's going to be completely up to him. My guess is that I will be otherwise engaged...

It's all a little intimidating and very, very exciting. We can't wait to meet our baby!

Much love,
Alexis, Mike and Baby Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week35
Week 36 Back to Index
Sitting down to write these weekly updates surprise me; I can’t believe how quickly the days fly by. With the Bean due this month, it’s hard to believe that almost nine months have gone by since that momentous Father’s Day in June when we discovered we were first pregnant. After reviewing the archives, I realized that since we started sending out the Bean Update at 15 weeks, the initial story of how we discovered we were pregnant was never told. As I’m hoping the Bean will one day read these updates as an adult—hopefully smiling and laughing at his/her silly but loving mother—I thought I should document it here.

My parents came over to celebrate Father’s Day dinner in June of 2005.

But perhaps I should give a little more background.

We had stopped all forms of contraception in April, but figured we would go about "trying" in as a relaxed and un-pressured way as possible. We figured if nothing happened within six to eight months, then we might actually start "really trying" (aka temperature taking, cycle counting, etc.). But for now, this was our method of choice. It had been an interesting couple of months: in April I also quit my job as VP of Marketing for the online advertising company I helped get off the ground in 2000. I’ve always been a bit all or nothing when it comes to life. Sometimes you just need to jump in the deep-end of the pool and hope the temperature doesn’t cause heart failure. Deciding to quit and try for a baby in the same month just seemed like the right thing to do. I was growing more and more unhappy and burned out from years of long hours and at the prospect of my future career working with the new, bureaucratic management and culture of a publicly traded company. I wouldn’t actually leave the company until July, but when I did, Mike and I agreed I would take some time off to recuperate and either become pregnant or find a new job.

So back to our Father’s Day dinner.

I wasn’t sure I was pregnant, and as you can’t take an accurate pregnancy test until within a day or so of your expected period, we were stuck in limbo. I’m not one of those incredibly sensitive women who just "know" the moment of conception and begin to glow; Mike and I were just waiting to see what would happen. And waiting. And waiting. After my parents left around 8:30pm that night, the debate began.

"You should take the test, now." Mike said as the front door clicked shut. My period was due within the next couple of days, and he had actually gone out and bought a pregnancy test the week before. I was incredibly impressed that he went out and purchased such an attention grabbing product at our local drug store.

"But it’s likely it won’t be accurate." I said. "We’re still a day or two early. And it’s supposed to be more accurate if you do it in the morning."

"But there are two tests in the pack!" he said. "You can always take the second one in a few days."

"I don’t know..."

"We have two tests! You should just do it!" Mike was becoming more insistent. And it was logical. There were two tests in the pack.

"Fine. It’s Father’s Day, and I suppose it would be appropriate to find out if you’re potentially a father today." I rationalized. Plus, his energy and excitement was catching. I had wanted a baby for some time, and though he had too, he was always a bit hesitant when it came down to actually having one. But, this was definitely excitement. And he had purchased the test.

"Okay, I’m going to the bathroom. You start the dishes."

I went into the bathroom and stared at the dipstick. A plus was positive, meaning pregnant; a minus was negative, or not pregnant. After reading the instructions twice and taking a big gulp of air, I finished the job, glanced at the stick quickly, and put it on the counter. As I left the bathroom, I closed the door. The stick needed privacy. The chemical interactions needed alone time to ensure success.

I walked into the kitchen. Mike turned. "So?"

"It’s in the bathroom. It takes four to six minutes." I paused. "However, unless I’m mistaken, we must really be pregnant because when I glanced at it after 10 seconds there was already a big plus sign."

Mike broke into a huge grin. "What?! Where is it?" He went running for the bathroom. "Did you close it into the bathroom?"

I started giggling. "Yes."

He went in and yelled out, "Looks like we’re having a baby!" He ran back and we stared at each other, grinning ridiculously, holding onto each other in amazement trying to grasp the fact that not only had we created a brand new person, but that we had become parents.

And so our love affair with Baby Bean began. And now we’re only a few weeks away from seeing this incredible person for the first time. My doctor has confirmed that the head is down and almost at 0 station and I’m 80% effaced. You can look all that up online, but basically it just means my body is getting ready for the big day in all the right ways.

Love to all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week36
Week 37 Back to Index
With only a few weeks to go (we hope) I’m finding myself antsy with anticipation with a little case of the nerves on the side. Mike is really excited as the Bean is so close to being fully cooked and ready to meet the world! At my doctor’s visit this week we determined that the baby has fully dropped into my pelvis which makes sitting on hard surfaces rather uncomfortable, and I’m definitely waddling. The doctor thought we still looked on target for the end of February (so don’t worry Mom and Dad, I think you’re safe to head to Vancouver this weekend!) and estimated the baby would be about 8 pounds at delivery as he thinks s/he is currently about 7 pounds. That’s a guess, but it’s fun to think that the baby is about 7 to 7 ½ pounds at this moment; about 2/3rds the size of our cat!

And speaking of cats, our furry baby is doing well with changes that she probably can sense on some level. She’s grown comfortable with the baby’s room (she can’t make the jump to the crib or changing table) so wanders around looking bored then goes to sleep on our bed. She definitely pouts and gives me “the butt” when she discovers my lap is already taken by someone else. Her typical response is to head over to Mike (the “Alpha” of the family) to sit on his lap, then looks over her shoulder at me as if to say, “This is better anyway. At least the Alpha loves me.” Needless to say, Mike enjoys the additional love and affection he’s been receiving.

As for me, I’ve suddenly found myself with a bit more energy during the day then the last month or so, which is really nice. This weekend we took a couple of long walks around the beach (it’s been 80 degrees here!) and downtown Santa Barbara. The walks seem to help my swollen ankles, and I sleep great at night (other than needing to get up every 2 hours). It’s also really nice just to spend some time with Mike as I feel that will become limited in the years to come.

We took a PEP class on Saturday, which is a local group that stands for Post-partum Education for Parents. They taught us about diapering, bathing, car-seat safety, nursing, etc. and also put together a Mom’s group that meets once a week for 8 weeks after we have the baby so I can meet other women who have delivered about the same time. Mike did great, and seemed a natural at holding our little baby mannequin. Diapers were also easier than he expected, though there was nothing in them…

We also took an infant/child CPR class last night just to be on the safe side. We figured with two nieces and a child on the way, it certainly doesn’t hurt to know how to resuscitate and perform the Heimlich on little ones. I had a hard time getting the mannequins around my large belly, but the class was full of pregnant women who felt similarly. I was definitely not on my own!

I’ll be sure to write again next week…

Much love to you all,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week37
Week 38 Back to Index
Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Bean is still enjoying the laid-back life in the womb and Mike and I are scheduled for a romantic dinner tonight—one of the last in which we’re not negotiating for a babysitter! Our visit to the doctor yesterday was uneventful, though her comments were that the baby’s head is “very low” and that I really only need a few good contractions to get into the swing of labor. I’m still not dilated, but very much effaced and ready. She believed we could go any day, now… but who knows? Only The Bean and she or he isn’t telling!

My back has started to ache a bit (I’m pretty much ready to keep my feet up by the end of the day) and am sleeping a little less comfortably, but other than that still feel really good. My Braxton-Hicks have increased daily, but nothing strong enough to really get things moving. Given the incredible 80 degree weather we’ve been experiencing here I actually had to go out and purchase shorts and tank-tops to handle the heat. Who would have guessed? And it makes it all the more odd to talk to Rachel and Maryann who experienced the New York blizzard this past weekend! I have to admit, I love living in Santa Barbara!

My thoughts this past week have turned a bit towards the sentimental: I’m really listening to the stillness of the morning, cherishing the quiet evenings with Mike, and relishing in my quick errands and outings. Knowing our lives will be changing any day makes me appreciate every day just a little bit more. Mike and I can’t wait to cradle our new baby in our arms and show him or her the strange and amazing world we live in, but at the same time it truly makes me value the last 8 years we’ve spent together just the two of us. I think it’s going to be an incredible journey, and am torn between wanting the baby here—right now—and wanting to enjoy the quiet little nudges and bumps of love I get while I’m reading a great book in the shade of the backyard.

A few people have inquired about notification and phone-trees over the next couple of weeks. Our parents (Ross, Wendy, Larry and Linda) and sisters (Rachel and Carinne) are probably the best people to contact. They are on our immediate call list and have been given the “okay” to keep everyone apprised of the situation. Please don’t call Mike’s or my cell phones as we want to be sure we keep all lines of communication open as needed. Of course, after we have the baby, Mike will be sending out an email with all the details!

Enjoy yourselves this Valentine’s Day and be sure to give those you love a hug!

Hugs and kisses,
Alexis, Mike and The Bean

p.s. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish our cat, Sapph, a happy birthday—she turns 9 today.

p.p.s. http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/fetaldevelopment3.php#week38 (And yes, The Bean hiccups at least once a day!)
FinalEdition Back to Index
We did it! (Well, actually, Alexis did it.) At 2:20PM on February 18th 2006, after a 13 hour labor, Alexis gave birth to a healthy baby boy. He weighs 7 pounds 10 ounces, is 19 inches long, and is the cutest thing I have ever seen. We have named him Cole Weaver. Sorry this is so brief, but I have new fatherly duties to attend to. I’m sure that sometime soon Alexis will send out a fantastically authored prolog that gives all the details of the birth. In the mean time, please take a look at pictures of the newest addition to the weaver clan: http://www.weaverfamily.net/gallery/BabyDelivery

Much love to you all,
Mike, Alexis and Cole