Week 21 - Day 2 ~ counting kicks keeps the doctor away

belly happenings:


it has been way too long....i need to keep on top of this.  it just seems like time is passing by so fast.  so little mr gavin has decided to take a walk on the wild side...he has moved over to the left side after residing on the right for almost my whole pregnancy.  i can feel him move more and more but only on the inside....still waiting to feel those kicks on the outside.   the other day we received his very cool swing in the mail via registry...thank you to those who contributed.  it is really the cutest thing!!!  i wish i could cuddle up in it and sleep in it...take a look!

in addition, i had a dr appointment the other day and all is doing well.  so awesome to hear that little heartbeat going a mile a minute.....smiles i think im in love!


eating:


gosh what haven't i been eating.  my eating is all over the place.  i have been craving sliced turkey on sandwiches.  gosh i just am loving it!!!  also continuing with the milk trend....actually going to grab some now.  unfortunately, my sweet tooth has been active.  not really baked treats more like candy.....gummies....etc.  loving lollipops...yum tootsie pops.  probably should stop the madness before it all sticks to me and i end up with numerous cavities.  i do have an appointment scheduled for next week....we will see.   


other:


so i have been reading lots about counting kicks of your baby lately.  this seems to be a popular way to keep track of the baby as it grows.  the american pregnancy association  states that scientific studies  indicate that kick counting, a daily record of moms' perception of their baby's movement during the third trimester, is a reliable, harmless, simple and effective screening for the baby's well being.  


the question is how do you count the kicks.....well they say to note the time it takes for the baby to make 10 movements at its most active time a day.  movements include kicks, jabs, rolls, twists, and turns.  typically healthy babies should complete ten movements within two hours and most babies achieve this in less then 15 minutes.  if something changes in the patterns you should notify your healthcare provider.  


For more information you can check out the baby kick site or for a great resource from the doulas care site you can save this pdf called baby kick alliance and download your very own chart to keep track of kicks during your third trimester....this is an awesome think to print off and keep on your fridge!

baby kick alliance pdf