1 Month Check-Up

Isabella is in her 6th week of life.  We just had her 1 month check-up today, May 9th.  The doctor was very pleased with how she is doing.  Below are her stats:

Height: 22 inches (90th percentile)
Weight: 8.13 lbs (40th percentile)

Below are the newest photos of Isabella.  We had these taken on May 7th, as she was completing her 5th week of life.

3 Weeks Old

I can't believe Isabella is already 3 weeks old.  Time sure does fly by.  Isabella keeps me so occupied that it is hard to find time to update the blog.  Below is a summary of the past three weeks.

Many people probably don't know that Isabella had jaundice and spent the first week of her life on a bilibed (i.e. phototherapy).  Jaundice occurs because the liver and the other organs are not yet fully mature.  One function of the liver is to rid the blood of a yellowish substance called bilirubin.  Until a baby's liver begins to fully function, bilirubin can build up in the bloodstream, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to become yellow.  Not all babies with jaundice require treatment.  However, those that do, a technique called phototherapy is usually used.  Phototherapy is a treatment using light.  The artifical light speeds up the removal of bilirubin from the blood by the liver.  Phototherapy continues until the amount of bilirubin in the blood reaches and remains at a safe level.  The bilirubin level is checked daily by testing a small smaple of blood, taken from the baby's heel.  We were lucky and got to have the bilibed at our house.  Isabella had to remain on the bed at all times except for feedings and changing of diapers.  Daily a nurse would stop by to test Isabella's levels.  Below is a picture of Isabella in her bilibed.

Week two, Isabella no longer had to be on the bilibed.  We could now hold and cuddle her as much as we wanted, and we were finally able to put her in outfits.  Other events that occurred during this week were Isabella's first visit to the pediatrician.  The checkup went well.  The pediatrician did refer us to a ear, throat, and nose specialist to check out Isabella's tongue.  We made an appointment to see the specialist the next day.  Isabella was what they call "tongue tied."  Her lingual frenulum extended to the tip of her tongue, which can result in speech problems later in life.  The specialist suggested having her lingual frenulum clipped which would release her tongue.  So we had this procedure done.  Here are some photos from the week.

 

Week 3, Isabella and I enjoyed the weather.  We took multiple walks around the neighborhood.  It was also Easter.  The only photo we took of Isabella in her Easter outfit was on Garrett's cell phone in her bouncy chair.  It isn't the best, but is all we have.  I wish I would have remembered to take one with a camera.

 

It's a Girl! - Isabella Marie Curtis

That's right...we had a girl!!  Isabella Marie Curtis entered the world on April 3rd at 7:15 in the morning. She weighed 7 lbs, 7 oz and was 18.7 inches in length. We were overjoyed to finally be able to meet our little one. What an amazing gift she is.

Attached is an array of photos of our precious one. Hope you enjoy.

Week 39

We have made it to week 39. So close to the finish line, but it seems so far away. The books states that during this week the baby is making preparations for their arrival. After our doctor's appointment today, it would appear our baby is quite content with staying where it is at and not ready to make preparations for its arrival.

Also, today we had an ultrasound. As stated in the last blog, this was due to measuring to small. The ultrasound went well and everything looks good. The shocker was that our baby is no longer on the small end (25th percentile), but instead moved to the above average larger end (76th percentile). Yes that is right...we are now expecting an above average size baby. Yikes!! That was not what I was expecting. According to the mathematical calculations performed during the ultrasound, the baby weighs approximately 7 lbs 9 oz right now. Lets hope the baby changes its mind and decides it wants to come real soon. The doctor also informed us that during the ultrasound they could tell that our baby is practicing breathing. I am not sure if that is normal or not. He seemed to think it was pretty cool.

Below is a photo from our ultrasound today. It shows the baby's face. Garrett and I were both shocked to see how chubby the cheeks were. Which we also found to be quite cute.

And below is my latest baby bump photo.

Week 38

I am now in the middle of week 38. During this week the baby's nervous system functions increase and their brain helps them refine breathing, digestion, regulate heartbeat and more. The baby most likely has reached the birth weight.

I am now to the point where I visit the doctor weekly. I had a doctor's appointment on Monday. According to the doctor the baby is now considered full term. My measurements are once again too small. As a precautionary measure the doctor has scheduled another ultrasound for next week to check the baby's growth. Maybe, the baby will decide to come before then. Wishful thinking. We have approximately two and half weeks until the due date. And I am definately ready!!!!

We finished the baby room this past weekend. It feels so great to have that done. Below are a few pictures.

Here is the latest pregnancy bump photo.

Week 35

We are in the final weeks. I have approximately 5 more weeks to go, and according to the doctor it appears the baby may be in for the long haul. With that said, if I were to go into labor anytime soon they would not try and stop it.

Fun and exciting times have been happening lately. Last weekend I had a shower with friends and family here in Federal Way. It was a great time, and felt very blessed. This coming weekend I will be heading down to Oregon for a shower with my mother's side of the family and a few friends. I am looking forward to it.


Below is the latest baby bump photo.

Today Garrett and I had another ultrasound. The ultrasound stemmed from our last doctor's visit and the baby measuring too small. We are happy to report everything looked great. Yes, the baby is small but within an acceptable range. The baby is in the 25th-27th percentile for size. It currently weighs 4 lbs.

Some highlights from today’s ultrasound were:
• We were able to see that the baby has hair.
• The baby was breathing, yawning, and drinking amniotic fluid.
• The baby’s head is down. Yeah!!!

Here is a photo from our ultrasound today.