Today marks 35 weeks in my pregnancy, which means baby Kaden should arrive in about 5 weeks.

Today he is about the size of a honeydew melon, tipping the scale at 5.25 pounds. He could be as long as 18 inches, leaving very little room for him to move around and for me to breathe!

At 35 weeks Kaden is about the size of a honeydew melon

At this stage, most of the baby’s physical development is complete and he’ll spend the next few weeks packing on more weight, hopefully not too much more for my sake!

I saw the doctor this past week and got the H1N1 shot at his recommendation. I hope I have made the right decision by getting the vaccine. I also was checked for Group B streptococci, which is a bacteria some women develop in pregnancy. If you have it and pass it on to your baby, it can cause serious complications. But, if you have it and catch it early, you can be treated with antibiotics during labor to reduce the baby’s risk of infection.

The doctor said my stomach has already dropped some and a little earlier than expected. That appears to be a good thing, especially since Kaden is in the right position for birth. Who knows… maybe he will come a little early!

Kyle and I also attended the first of three birth education classes at the hospital where I will deliver. It was interesting and full of young couples also expecting their first newborn. We’ll get a tour of the maternity ward at our next class.

To cap off the week I had my baby shower. My mother, sister and sister-in-law did all the planning and, of course, did a great job. We had lots of fun and now I have a lot of gifts to sort through!

The weekend is winding down and I am preparing for the next few adventures, which include a work baby shower, a lesson on how to install an infant car seat and quick weekend getaway with my husband. I’m stealing him for a night and hibernating in a cabin at Mt. Charleston. We have so many things happening over the next month that this could literally be our last weekend together as a couple. Soon, we’ll be a family!

I’m going to go there; you can flog me later.

iPhones are awesome. I don’t have one, and I won’t pretend I don’t want one. it’s just not my time. I do have the iTouch iPod, which is much like the iPhone, only without the phone, so I know how cool it is.

But, as you all know how I feel about social media and other technologies, I think iPhones are yet another device changing the way we communicate, and in a bad way.

A lot of people who have them, have their nose in them. They forget where they are, who they’re with and how to talk. It’s rude, like someone whispering secrets in front of you. Put down your phone! Have a conversation with your friends, family and wife or husband and save your minute-by-minute life updates for another time, like when you’re home alone and have nothing else to do but stare at the dog. 

iPhones provide it all at your fingertips, as we’ve been reminded over and over again by Apple’s commercials. There’s an app for everything! People are micro-sizing their lives into this teeny-tiny device, and they’re stuck. They are isolating themselves from the world.

And while the idea of this blog came to me last night, I found a study released today about Social Isolation and New Technology.

This is just my two cents, of course, but there is actual data showing the damage caused by people who are consumed by social media, including how it can destroy marriages and relationships. Here is where I’ll thank my husband, who has an iPhone, for not becoming too obsessed. At least we can still carry on a real conversation when we’re in the same room.

I just want to point out that I am not against social media. I think it’s fascinating and entertaining at the very least. I don’t blame social networking for people’s behavior. After all, we’re responsible for what we do with our time. I just can’t help but wonder what life will be like in a year from now… or five years from now. How will it change us, our social skills and personal and professional relationships?

You know this won’t be my last blog on this topic.

This is alarming to me and should be to the general public as well.

Why should I be told to get the flu vaccine if more than half of health care professionals don’t get it themselves? So, is it okay for me to put their life at risk if I show up to a hospital contagious with severe flu symptoms? 

And, why shouldn’t vaccination be mandatory for health care workers when food handlers, massage therapists and tattoo artists are required to obtain health cards?

With only six weeks to go, I am feeling the pressure of getting everything I want to get accomplished before baby Kaden arrives. That includes shopping, cleaning, decorating, and organizing with a dash of baby showers, holidays, birth education classes, etc. So much to do, so little time!

I’m now 34 weeks pregnant. Kaden weighs about 4.75 pounds, like an average cantaloupe, and is almost 18 inches long. That’s insane. I can’t believe a person of that size is floating inside of me. LOL! But, I can sure tell he is big because sometimes I can feel a foot in my rib and movement in my lower abdomen… all at the same time. 

Kaden weighs about 4.75 lbs., the size of a cantaloupe

Everyone keeps telling me to get all the rest I can now, as I will not be able to enjoy sleep and quiet time for a long, long time. But, it’s hard to sleep now. For one, getting comfortable in bed is no easy feat. Also, I have so much on my mind. My weekend was so busy, and I have no idea how I managed to accomplish everything I wanted to without collapsing. There’s just no time to rest now.

Kyle and I are supposed to begin birth education classes this Thursday, but I am not sure if that’s going to happen. Kyle had a death in his family this weekend that may require a trip to Sioux Falls. We’re still working out the details. If he does go, I have to figure out whether I should attend the class alone or skip it. We are signed up for two additional classes over the next couple of weeks, so I imagine going alone this first class would be the right thing to do. I just won’t have a partner.

My baby shower is Saturday, and I am really looking forward to it, even though I don’t normally get excited about bridal and baby showers. I have family coming to town so it makes it extra special. Kyle and I are also scheduled to take some pregnancy photos on Sunday. That should be interesting. And, next Friday, my boss is throwing an office baby shower for me at her house. So, lots happening in the next week.

In the middle of all this, I am reading about labor and breast feeding. All of it freaks me out. Nevertheless, I am preparing myself for it all. I’ve made my list of things to take to the hospital and working on a small birth plan. I am not someone who will have rigid guidelines for the doctor and nurses, but I do want a couple of things to happen a certain way. I’ll pack my hospital bag in the next couple of weeks just to get it out of the way.

Last but not least, I am preparing for the holidays. I started my Christmas shopping and will work on Christmas cards in the next few weeks. If I can get those done before Thanksgiving I will feel relief. I want them ready to send since Kaden is due right around the time I would be spending nights filling out cards and mailing them out. And, while I haven’t told Kyle this yet, I want the Christmas tree out and decorated the weekend before Thanksgiving. If I don’t decorate early this year, it won’t get done. There is no way I’ll have the energy to put holiday decorations out a week or two out. Not to mention the fact I could deliver early. 

So, wish me luck. I’ve got lots to do in six short weeks!

Is social media and the desire to cover breaking news NOW hurting the media and its viewers?

As some of you may know, I find this topic fascinating. As someone who has watched the media format change in such a relatively short time, I can’t help but wonder if we’re (the media) going to be the destruction of our own demise.

Read this commentary by Associated Press writer, David Bauder. It highlights three recent hoaxes the media ran with, but also delves into social media’s impact on news and the lack of time to research and fact-check information. I can especially relate to the latter. After working in TV news for several years, I can attest to the fact that we pushed reporters to get the story and get it fast. We didn’t give them valuable time to research information. We were all about quantity and not enough quality. Not to mention, good reporters are hard to come by these days. Many of them are green and lack journalistic integrity. But, we put them on air because, well, someone needs to give you the news.

I left TV news 2.5 years ago, but I am still a journalist. I am still a writer. My husband still works in the field. I care about what’s happening, and I am engrossed in how it’s changing so fast. Just two years ago, when I produced a newscast here in Las Vegas, social media barely existed. MySpace was just becoming a tool for reporters looking for extra tid bits about someone. Twitter was relatively unknown. Now, videographers, also called photojournalists, are responsible for “tweeting” everything they see in the field. They have iPhone’s to record news as it happens and send it out to the masses. Who is fact-checking them? I’m willing to bet there is not a lot of oversight. A news organization cannot possibly monitor all the information its staff is streaming once they’ve given employees the green light and the tools to dispense “news.”

So what does this mean to news viewers and readers? Research already shows 63% of Americans believe news stories are inaccurate. In fact, many people are turning away from news altogether. They are skeptical. They think we are biased. Are they right?

How do you know who to trust and what to believe? When you read a blog, such as this one, do you know when I say 63% of Americans don’t believe the media is reporting the truth that my information is correct? Do you, a viewer, do your own research or just take my word?

There’s a lot of information (and misinformation) flying around the internet, between bloggers, facebookers, journalists and your average, everyday citizen who just wants to be heard. When does information overload become too much? When is our desire to consume news right NOW a fault of our own?

We’re 33 weeks into this pregnancy today, which means I have 7 weeks or less to go.

Baby Kaden is growing by leaps and bounds. He now weighs about 4 pounds! That’s about the weight of a pineapple. He’s also about 17 inches long!

A pineapple weighs about 4 lbs. So does Kaden!

I had a good doctor visit this past Friday. My weight gain is right on track at 22 pounds. My stomach measures perfectly, according to Dr. Spoon. Yes, his name is Dr. Spoon! We talked about everything else from the H1N1 flu vaccine to the baby’s circumcision.

I explained to Dr. Spoon that I was still on the fence about getting the swine flu shot. He put it into perspective for me and made me realize something I hadn’t thought about before. I had been thinking only about protecting Kaden now, inside the womb. But, Dr. Spoon reminded me about all the healthcare workers that will handle the baby when he is born at the hospital. Healthcare workers are urged to get the vaccine, but many have opted not to, even though they are at a high risk simply because of the amount of contact they have with people on a daily basis. Anyway, that gave me more to think about it, and I am sure I will get the vaccine at my next visit.

Did  you know in Nevada pediatricians circumcise boys? In many parts of the country, and in previous years, it was done at the hospital right after the baby was born. Kyle and I assumed we would have it done for Kaden soon after birth but we heard otherwise from friends. So we asked the doc. He said everything is so specialized now that OB’s don’t do the circumcisions anymore, at least here in Nevada. Interesting to know!

Finally, we talked to the doctor about delivery. I want to make sure he is going to deliver Kaden, because I will not be happy if I go into labor and Dr. Spoon is not available. I know I can’t control this, but hmmmm… maybe I can! He told me he ends up delivering 75-80% of the time. I asked who would deliver that other percent of the time. He said one of his two practice partners would, whom I have never met. I don’t like that at all. Uncomfortable to say the least.

Dr. Spoon said one way to ensure he delivers Kaden is to induce me a little early. My ears perked up at this because, as you all know, I am pretty much ready now! Of course, he said we’ll talk about it more as the time nears, but it is an option. And, of course, Kyle and I have already looked at the calendar and settled on a date! Go ahead, mom, poke fun at us! She says we’re boring because we plan everything. Maybe it’s true… but I like having a plan!

Lots happening… and all so fast. I’ll keep you updated!

It’s getting close… and I am seriously counting down. It feels good to know the end of pregnancy is just around the corner. I am so looking forward to the next adventure, and that is having little Kaden and bringing him home!

Today I am 32 weeks pregnant. The baby weighs about 3.75 pounds now (the size of a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long! It boggles my mind something of that size is growing inside my belly! And, Kaden is a bundle of energy. He moves all the time. It’s so cool.

Kaden weighs about 3.75 lbs. The size of a large jicama.

Overall, I am feeling okay. I’m starting to feel more tired and lack a little energy. When I need to do chores around the house, I work in phases! A little laundry here, a little bit of dishes there…

As for this horrible indigestion, some days are better than others. I’m just dealing with it and dreaming of the day I can eat anything again without feeling awful afterward. The good thing about it is it keeps me from stuffing my face and gaining a hundred lbs!

The nursery is coming along. I bought some shelves this weekend. I also bought frames for pictures. We are decorating one wall with baby portraits of each of our parents and us. They look great! I’m doing my best to get everything organized before the end of the month.

The end of October and the beginning of November are going to get busy. Baby showers, birth classes, doctor visits and holidays! I’m excited and will be sure to share all of it with you.

Today marks 31 of my 40 week pregnancy journey. And, what a journey it has been. Things at this point are relatively smooth, despite horrible indigestion and the discomfort I have when trying to get comfortable in bed.

I decided to get the regular flu shot after all. I explained my hesitance to my OB, and he told me that he normally doesn’t push for his patients to get a seasonal flu vaccine, but this year is different and he strongly recommended it. So, I did, and I am feeling fine. The H1N1 vaccine is not available yet for pregnant women. The flu mist is in stock, but pregnant women cannot take it. We have to get the actual shot. So, I will re-evaluate when the time comes. Thanks for all of your opinions and recommendations!

At 31 weeks, Kaden supposedly measures over 16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 pounds. That’s like carrying four naval oranges (but don’t forget the other weight added – amniotic fluid, etc.) so it’s not as light as you would think.

Baby's size and weight = that of 4 naval oranges

All my research tells me baby Kaden can turn his head from side to side now, and he is headed toward a growth spurt. His legs, arms and body are beginning to plump up as he accumulates fat.

I’m starting to feel light contractions from time to time, but not the kind to indicate labor. I can feel when my uterus tightens or I’ll get some abdominal pain. It doesn’t hurt, but it doesn’t feel good either. I’ll spare you all the details of other changes in my body. Except for Kyle. I like to gross him out! LOL!

Exciting news today, we have the crib and dresser put together in Kaden’s room. It looks better than I imagined. I can’t wait to organize and decorate. Here are some photos to give you an idea.

Kyle putting the crib together

Crib and Grandma Zobrist's vintage mirror

Maya gave it her seal of approval

Matching dresser

That’s all I have for updates for now. I see the doctor again in about 2 weeks and I get to drag Kyle to birthing classes in about 4 weeks. That should make for some interesting blogs!

I’m asking for advice. I can’t decide whether to get the flu shot or not. Not only are pregnant women supposed to get the seasonal flu vaccine, the CDC has placed preggos on the priority list for the HINI vaccine, aka swine flu vaccine. That means I would need to get two shots.

It’s not that I am afraid of getting both shots, it’s that I NEVER get the flu shot. I’m worried that I will suffer some of the side effects, and then get sick. I don’t want to get sick or experience flu-like symptoms. That is the last thing I need right now.

But, there is the other side of me that wonders why I am even questioning this. Of course I should protect myself and Kaden, right? A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu is at greater risk for health problems, and so far, 28 pregnant women have died from swine flu here in the U.S.

So, what do you think?

And, are you getting the flu shot?

Quick update. My glucose test results came back and I do not have gestational diabetes! That is exciting news for someone who usually doesn’t have the best of luck. I’ll find out more info from my doctor on Thursday, but right now I am thankful for the good news.

More to come…….