Fifth Month Update

Button is 21 weeks old.

My energy has returned! While in Sri Lanka I played a bit of badminton but only a few games as it was quite hot. After returning, I continue to play on Thursdays and Sundays. I am moving a bit slower, but I think that since everyone knows of the pregnancy, my partners are bit more understanding (thank you). I know that I won't be playing in any of the tournaments this season, but I am not sure how much longer I will play casually with the club.

As Damith put it, I am 'anti-craving'. Not only am I not craving anything, but now my indecision of what to eat is worse because I am just not appetizing anything. This of course is making meal planning difficult because nothing sounds appealing. Thankfully, I am keeping up with the 2 liters of liquids per day, mostly water.

Although we know that Button's ears aren't fully developed yet, we've been reading out loud to her at least once a week since we found out we were pregnant. Brandie and Lloyd gave a great week-by-week pregnancy book which we try to read to her each week. Recently we started reading practically anything to her and more frequently just so she can hear our voices.

We've also been reading other baby books we've received and I have to say I was greatly disturbed to read that during the fifth month some of the amniotic fluid is made of fetal urine. Granted the books state that most of the waste is removed via the placenta to my bloodstream and then filtered by my kidneys. But I keep picturing Button 'floating and tumbling' in her own pee!!!

Moonlight Snowshoeing

While we were in Sri Lanka, a few from the BBC group went moonlight snowshoeing. It sounded like fun and thus we were excited when Dave organized another outing.

As we haven't really done any snow sports while in Colorado, we didn't have all the gear and thus we had a reason to go shopping. As it was close to the end of the winter season, we were able to get some great deals on the gear! Shashank got us reasonable snow shoe rentals and even found foot and hand warmers, which were awesome!

It was only on the drive up that I remembered the doctors warned me to avoid walks and hikes above 11,000 feet. Thankfully, Echo Lake is located just north of the Mt. Evan's scenic drive at an elevation of 10,635 feet!

We arrived at Echo Lake past the 7pm meeting time only to find Dave had gone ahead with the prior group. Thankfully Shashank and Snehal had come on the last outing and knew the way. Shortly after starting the hike, we met up with Dave and he happily trekked up the trail for the third time in one evening. As I wanted to finish the trail, Damith and I walked slower than we ever have on a trail. I think the rest of the group welcomed our slowness as they were able to take more breaks. We were amazed at how clearly we could see the trail and how beautiful the trail and trees looked in the moonlight.

Our trail ended at the first mile marker of the Mt. Evan's road. However, I decided to not complete the trail as it a steep slope. Everyone else enjoyed climbing up and then sliding down, even Akki although she had to psych herself up to slide down.

Button's Doctor Visit - 20 Weeks

The first half of this visit was spent with the ultrasound technician, who was very friendly and made us feel relaxed. She measured every aspect of the baby - head, heart, lungs, kidneys, arms, and legs. Button kept us laughing because every time the technician found what she was looking for and was ready to 'snap the picture', the baby would move and the whole process started over.

After the ultrasound, we met with the doctor. She reviewed the technician's report and confirmed that the baby was healthy and the measurements were within the normal range. We also found out the results from the quad screening (all negative) and that I am immune to the chicken pox.

We also received confirmation

that we are having a baby girl

in mid-July!

Back to Blogging in 2010

We really don't have any excuse for not keeping up the blog the majority of 2009. Except, of course the last few months of the year when all I did aside from work was sleep. This is a new year with new resolutions, one of them is to keep the blog up to date. Let's see how that goes.

For now, we have updated the blog with noteworthy entries starting in early November. Enjoy!

Button's Doctor Visit - 18 weeks

As I was missing my monthly appointment by being in Sri Lanka, we scheduled a visit for as soon as I got back. There isn't much to state about this visit as it was a routine check up - how was I feeling, any concerns/symptoms I was feeling, etc. The doctor also checked the baby's heart beat (now in the 150s which is still in the normal range).

We also decided to have the quad blood screens done, so after the appointment we visited the lab. As the doctor and lab technician kept reminding us, the screen tests were not diagnostic tests but instead will indicate my chances of carrying a child with a genetic disorder. As I didn't fall into the 'high risk/recommended' category (over 35, family history of birth defects, etc) we are taking the tests more as a precaution and peace of mind. We aren't too worried or concerned about the tests. We'll know the results within a week.

Siew Gin

Can you believe we've known

each other for over four years?!

During that time you have become

one of our most trusted friends

Happy Birthday Siew Gin!

We miss you!

Returning Home

After three weeks of enjoying great food and and an overall relaxing vacation, it is time for us to return to our regular routines in the US.

We split into two vehicles for the drive to the airport as all five of us plus our luggage wouldn't fit into one car. Ammi rode with Akki, while Thaththi came with us. It took us a bit longer as there was additional security at the airport because the president was schedule to fly out that same night. Our departure flight was on a different airline than Akkis and had a much longer waiting line so she was able to proceed through emigration and security quicker and we thought we wouldn't get a change to wish her a safe flight.

Thanks to the president, all flights out of our terminal were diverted to a ground terminal. Not only were we assigned to the gate next to Akkis and we were able to see her off, but we also were bussed to our awaiting plane. I had never boarded a plane on the tarmac and a unique experience. It was crazy being so close to the engines!

Our return flights were uneventful and we were happy to finally land in Denver and be home. Tony joined us in baggage claim and informed us that there was a winter storm coming in later that night. We leave sunny Sri Lanka and tomorrow morning we will wake up to snow. It is great being home!