3 months old

Appetite: Hungry! We've gone to a combination of nursing and formula... I wasn't making enough milk at a time to fill her tummy for bedtime and now we're mostly using formula. 4oz every 3-4 hours isn't bad - tonight I gave her an extra 1.5oz before bed hoping maybe she'll sleep longer? I'm really looking forward to when we can give her food! She's been watching us eat very intently, I'm excited to see if she likes it right away.

Sleep: She is fabulous though - 8 hours and then back to sleep for 4-6 more? I read today that babies 3-6 months old sleep 12-15 hours including naps and nighttime sleep and that "through the night" is 5-6 hours!! They said not to expect 8 hours at a time! ... She's been doing that since she was about a month old or younger! It is no wonder her 3 naps are only 30mn! ... They say we should wake her up in the morning to get a good sleep pattern? I think we have a good sleep pattern!

Learning: Where her toes are! :) She can almost get them in her mouth. She has also been studying her hands and we play games to get her to track moving objects and find where a sound is coming from. Also? Learning to sit up and trying to teach her rolling over :) I'm going to start giving her a spoon to play with some and to chew on so she's used to it in her mouth when we try her first foods... I hope it works!

Noticing: People and everything around her! It is no longer an easy thing to get her to nap while I grocery shop! Too much to see. She loves looking out the window in the car but thankfully can still fall right to sleep!

Talking: She jabbers! :) It is so precious! If I ask her questions she pauses and then 'answers' me :)

Favorites: She has a rattle that she can pick up and shake on her own! And she has a few toys that play music but she especially like Magic Seahorse (as we call it) and this little jukebox thing from Baby Einstein with flashy lights.

New likes: Sitting in the highchair watching us in the kitchen :) It is so cute. Also: Patty-cake and Peek-a-boo/Where's-the-baby?

She's mostly SUCH a happy baby! :) I wonder what adventures the future will hold? She's grown so much in these 3 months!

Birth story

I'd been having contractions for weeks... but not enough to get me in the hospital.

I had an appointment scheduled to see the doctor and talk about inducing on August 17^th… but I didn’t have to go. Finally! Four days after my due date at 7:50am... my water broke! I was so excited I was laughing... and every time I laughed my water would gush... and I'd laugh harder :) I had to sit on a towel to get to the hospital but we made it!

There were a lot of babies being born that day so we had to stay in triage for a little while. (That is the top picture.) They checked me and I wasn’t very far along but they weren’t going to send me home since my water had broken! YAY! To me, that was a victory! I didn't mind sitting there on the monitors - my baby was on her way!

When it was time to get me into a room it was 10:30 a.m. and the only one available was a Jacuzzi room! Exactly what I was hoping for! My nurse was Terry – she was at the beginning of her shift and she was wonderful. (My favorite thing was that she didn’t make me get my blood pressure taken EVERY hour! That cuff hurt – too tight!)

Through the day my contractions were progressing slowly - not getting much closer together but definitely more intense! Bobby made me laugh through some contractions and those ones hurt the worst!

Around 5:30 p.m. they started me on pitocin. Even though I’d been walking the halls my labor wasn’t progressing much and the contractions were slowing a little. As soon as they started it my contractions definitely started back up again! Into the evening they would increase the amount I was getting and the contractions would get harder and closer! I tried sitting on the birthing ball – it really did help.

After a little while on the ball and a few times losing Eliana’s heartbeat because the monitor would move on my belly or she would move away… her heart rate dropped into the low 60s. Four nurses came running into my room to find out why. When they stood me up and moved the monitor and then settled me back into bed her heart rate came back up. (Thank you nurses!)

After that episode I had to stay in bed for a little while. At 9:30 p.m. the doctor came in to check me… I had progressed a little but not as far as they had hoped. I had to have an internal monitor placed to watch my contractions. It took two people multiple tries to get it placed – they had to get it between her head and my cervix. That was more painful than all the contractions up to that point!

Terry reminded me that I hadn’t tried the Jacuzzi yet so that was next. It was nice but I was very thankful that Geoff and Terry were there to help me in – I remember that I had a contraction with one foot in and one foot out of the tub! It was nice to be in there relaxing… my shoulders hurt later because I had my elbows up out of the water and every contraction I’d tense my arm muscles and pick myself up a little. While in the tub we were talking about other options and I decided to try Stadol.

It was close to or past midnight by now and Terry had finished her shift… Heather came next, I didn’t care for her. She sure wasn’t helpful with getting out of the tub and back into bed!

Once Geoff got me back into bed, I stayed put until I was headed to recovery!

Stadol was very helpful for me – I got to SLEEP! I remember that they checked me after my first dose and I was still only 5-6 cm dilated… I decided to get another dose and I got to sleep again!

After that – my memory is a bit blurry. I remember that the need to push started coming but I wasn’t progressed enough to push. OW! They had me get up on my hands and knees and lay on a bean bag chair – that was the most comfort that I had until they told me I could push! (Which didn’t happen for a while.) At some point they put the internal monitor in for her heartbeat, I think it was before I got the Stadol, but that didn’t hurt so I don’t really remember.

I pushed for four hours!

Two and a half hours in Dr. Walsh had to leave and Dr. Deenadayalu came in. I was so excited and was finding very odd things highly amusing! When he walked through the door he said “So, this is why you missed your appointment Tuesday!” … My reply? A very happy “My water broke!” I must have had a contraction because I don’t remember what happened between him walking in the door and when he sat down to check my progress.

As he checked me, Tina (the new nurse – loved her!) gave him the run down of my labor. As soon as he heard “no epidural” I felt like I was on a movie set! “She didn’t have an epidural? I need a local!” He then snapped his hand up waiting… I got a little relief from the stretching pain at that point!

Compared to the last 24 hours the last hour went really fast for me! I completely missed that Dr. D left the room to go deliver another baby!

My mom held my head while Geoff and Tina held my feet and knees. Every contraction I pushed at least two times… I had to keep my face and neck relaxed and concentrate my pushing to the area Dr D was pushing on. If she was going to come out I needed to focus! Tina had me lean to my left and to my right to find the position that would get her out the best… finally tipped to my right side we were making progress!

I dosed between some of my contractions, I’d been laboring all night! Finally after hours of pushing she turned and started coming out. Pushing with all my might was hard… but in the end they handed me my baby!!! J

Wow - 1 week 2 days old!

Okay - so, I'm working on my "Birth Story" post... but that seems to be slow-going! :) My mom has most of the details of the day..... and it really was ALL day. :P 25 hours from water breaking to baby out with the last 4 hours of that spent pushing!

I thought I'd let you know other things while we wait :)

- You know how I only gained 16lbs? Well... apparently even though I was gaining pregnancy weight, I was losing in the rest of my body. :) My total weight gain/loss right now is 12lbs!!! So, there's the 28lbs I was 'supposed' to have gained during pregnancy :) I feel so healthy! If it wasn't for my hips still being spread out I would be able to get back into my old jeans and I'm thinking they wouldn't be so tight anymore.

- Her kidney? The 'possible second collection system' is gone. Just gone. No more appointments, no follow-ups, no surgery... gone. YAY! It is a miracle, that's all there is to it.

- Her poor little belly button... I thought the umbilical cord had fallen off... part of it did. There is a little more and it is in her belly button and it bleeds old blood :( (I have another appt next Thursday for her two-week and I'll mention it then) We have to wipe it clean just so the scabby is out of the way so the cord can dry out.

- She's perfect. :) Yes, that is important to know. :) Okay - some of this will be in my Birth Story post but I think it is fun to mention it all at once: Her barely-a-cone head was already gone a few hours after birth, her Apgar scores were 8&9 (no babies get a 10 - they'd have to be perfectly pink), she passed her hearing test, the pediatrician at the hospital was impressed with her neck strength and gave her an A+ on her exam (yes, she said A+), part on her umbilical cord fell off already, her kidney thing disappeared, she seems to be slightly more awake during the day with big chunks of sleep at night... hm, what else... oh, she's beautiful with lots of hair, she spends some time awake and alert everyday and she's just perfect :) Need I say more?

40 weeks

How far along? 40 weeks
Due Date: August 13, 2010
Total weight gain/loss: +16. Down 1 from last week. :) I like the way this is going so far!

Maternity clothes? Yea.
Sleep: Actually sleeping is fine... getting in a comfortable position and making sure my belly is comfortable too is an entirely different matter!

Best moment this week: Saw a friend I only see a couple times a year AND found out about when we try inducing.

Movement: Yes. Tons. Almost no relief. Sometimes it is fun, sometimes it hurts! She tends to push so hard I feel like I'm contracting!

Food cravings: Right now nothing sounds good.
Food aversions: Nothing specific.
Gender: It's a girl!
Labor Signs: Yes - contractions are hard when they come... which at their closest seems to be every 10mn or so... and maybe the beginning on bloody show? Maybe? ... I never would have thought these were things to be excited about!
Belly Button in or out? Out... well, the middle is still in. I can feel it through my shirt... and now it shows through my shirt!
What I miss: Subway!!! (Cold Subway!) But I've been good this long, I'm going to wait out this last bit and then eat a celebration sub!
What I am looking forward to: Having a baby to cuddle with.
Milestones: DUE TODAY!!! ... Wonder if  she'll make it?

Other: Dr appointment this week - dilated to 1cm (not much of a change from "about 1cm" but I'll take it!), still 50% effaced. I saw Dr. D (he delivered my niece) and I really liked him... he started the appt by talking about when we induce :P He said that he tried to stretch my cervix ... so maybe that will help things move along? My next appt is Tuesday 8/17 and if I make it that far we will be scheduling an induction for the next week. Pray that if she doesn't come on her own I at least dilate some more - the risk of needing a c-section is high if I'm not dilated more when I go for induction.

39 weeks

Fetal development in pregnancy week 39: Whether you give birth tomorrow or next week, it's pretty much all the same for your baby, who is now truly R-E-A-D-Y to face the big bright world outside of your womb. Speaking of wombs, your body is priming up for the big moment and hopefully, you're as prepared mentally as you can be. Your baby is well stocked up on fat, all their organs have put on the finishing touches. Here's hoping your child is already in the birthing position and basically just "hanging out" waiting for that elusive moment when all sysytems synchronize in your body to trigger the labor process.


How far along? 39 weeks
Due Date: August 13, 2010
Total weight gain/loss: +17. Ugh. Oh well. I've been forgetting to drink much water since I've been home and Klondike bars are not good substituted for yogurt :) I ate healthier while I was working. :P I've been off all this week and am now retaining water so my normal rings don't fit - poof! I've been walking a lot though so no fair!

Maternity clothes? Yea.
Sleep: Less comfortable than it has been. I almost sleep through the night but shifting positions is the worst! and sometimes my hips hurt so bad... especially when I try to get out of bed.

Best moment this week: I've been relaxing a lot! Last Friday was my last day at work until late October so I've been chillin' ... baking ... and trying to be productive!

Movement: Yes. Way more than I expected. I feel like she's still trying to stretch out my belly!

Food cravings: Heath Klondike bars :)
Food aversions: I haven't noticed anything lately... but I have to avoid peanuts and peanut butter because they comes back later :P indigestion, heartburn... whatever you call it, it is uncomfortable!
Gender: It's a girl!
Labor Signs: Ow, yes. Back labor I think. I've had a few days where contractions would start getting regular and closer together... and then nothing. She is NOT in a hurry to come out.
Belly Button in or out? Out... well, the middle is still in. I can feel it through my shirt.
What I miss: Subway!!! (Cold Subway!) But I've been good this long, I'm going to wait out these last few weeks and then eat a celebration sub!
What I am looking forward to: Having a baby to cuddle with.
Milestones: 7 days left!! I just really hope she's not late!

9 days

38 weeks and 5 days pregnant... 9 days left to my due date!

Just got home from my Dr appointment. About 50% effaced but 'not really' dilated... I'm going to assume that means I'm 1 cm, same as two weeks ago. *sigh* It is good though that I'm effaced - I'm getting the feeling that is more important than being dilated. She suggested walking as a good way to get contractions started... Guess who is going to be using her walking shoes more often? Me!

More fun... ready?
"How tall are you, Amy?" ... I'm 5'3" and a little ... "I don't think this is a little baby. How big were you two, do you know?" ... I was 8lb9oz and Geoff was 7lb3oz ... "I think she'll be at least 8 lbs."

Oh, great. Now I really want her to come so she doesn't have time to get any bigger.

*sigh* Baby girl, please come! Mommy and Daddy want to meet you and would rather you do the rest of your growing outside of mommy's tummy. Thank you!

38 weeks

9 Months 


As you know, you've arrived at the final leg of your pregnancy journey, and if you're still carrying your little love around, they've just about reached their birth weight (somewhere between 6 to 8 pounds is average depending on whether they're a boy or girl). There really isn't a lot to report on baby this week, so lets do a quick recount of where we're at: all internal organ systems are pretty much ready for the outside world, they've got their meconium stockpile building up (their first black baby poo), lots of healthy baby fat, a rapidly developing brain (that'll keep growing with them for years to come), and they've more or less reached official baby status-- all they need to do is "head out" and say hello to the rest of the world and especially their ready-to-pop momma.


How far along? 38 weeks
Due Date: August 13, 2010

Total weight gain/loss: +12.5 ish. Not bad... haven't gained anything in 2 weeks and now almost 2. Hm.
Maternity clothes? Yea.
Sleep: Once I find my comfy spot... I'm a-ok. Before I'm comfortable I'm very uncomfortable. Oh yea - I woke up to some contractions last night. :P

Best moment this week: All the work in the basement and contractions starting!

Movement: Yes. But less... she's really running out of space!

Food cravings: Not really.
Food aversions: I haven't noticed anything lately... but I have to avoid peanuts and peanut butter because they comes back later :P indigestion, heartburn... whatever you call it, it is uncomfortable!
Gender: It's a girl!
Labor Signs: Yes! Contractions started being 'consistent' at 10-20 mn Thursday morning... by last night we were at 8-15... They slowed down a lot today... we'll see what happens. The waiting game has started!
Belly Button in or out? Half out... I can feel it through my shirt
What I miss: Subway!!! (Cold Subway!) But I've been good this long, I'm going to wait out these last few weeks and then eat a celebration sub!
What I am looking forward to: Labor! :) I know, silly - right? Well, that's what it is going to take to get this baby here!
Milestones: My last day at work is today!

37 weeks

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.
You're now officially considered full term! That's something to proud of (if not just a tad impatient). At this point, your little 'un is pretty much leveled off in weight gain, at slightly more than six pounds and around 20 inches in length. As you already know, the waiting game is now in full swing, although you're bowels might be getting the jump start on you.


How far along? 37 weeks
Due Date: August 13, 2010

Total weight gain/loss: +11. Same as the last 2 weeks!
Maternity clothes? Yea.
Sleep: Once I find my comfy spot... I'm a-ok. Before I'm comfortable I'm very uncomfortable.

Best moment this week: I'm pretty sure she's dropped even farther now... my belly is really sitting on my lap at work... and I waddle, a lot!

Movement: Yes. But less... she's really running out of space!

Food cravings: Fresh food and sweets. ... Especially Oreos!
Food aversions: I haven't noticed anything lately... but I have to avoid peanuts and peanut butter because they comes back later :P indigestion, heartburn... whatever you call it, it is uncomfortable!
Gender: It's a girl!
Labor Signs: Yes, I'm calling this labor. False labor or very early labor I'm not sure but the contractions are getting stronger and I'm 1cm dilated!
Belly Button in or out? Half out... I can feel it through my shirt
What I miss: Subway!!! (Cold Subway!) But I've been good this long, I'm going to wait out these last few weeks and then eat a celebration sub!
What I am looking forward to: This weekend we have friends coming over to drywall the basement and hang out... I can't wait to see how it looks!
Milestones: Eliana is full term! Means she's done cooking and can come out anytime... she's just warming now!

37 weeks.... will post soon!

Okay... forgot to do this week's post... busy weekend ahead. It will be posted, just not right now :)

36 weeks

The countdown continues… and in fetal developments: most of the bones (soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand debut into the world. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are structurally ready for a secure launch. In physical fitness news: their muscle tone has also improved over these past few weeks, and you’ll definitely be impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm). Finally, in the fluids/excretion department: the amniotic fluid-to-baby ratio has fallen over these past weeks, although they’re still swallowing fluid (building up even more meconium for that historic first poop), and some vernix caseosa. They will be more than ready to swallow and digest milk after birth. Just in case you didn’t get it quite yet: you’ve got yourself an adorable and hungry 6.5 lbs 20 inch baby—are you ready?

How far along? 36 weeks
Due Date: August 13, 2010

Total weight gain/loss: +11. Same as last week.
Maternity clothes? Yea.
Sleep: Once I find my comfy spot... I'm a-ok. Before I'm comfortable I'm very uncomfortable.

Best moment this week: I'm pretty sure she's dropped even farther now... my belly is really sitting on my lap at work... and I waddle, a lot!

Movement: Yes. Lots of it. I LOVE when other people get to see my belly move.

Food cravings: Fresh food and sweets. ... Especially Oreos!
Food aversions: I haven't noticed anything lately... but I have to avoid peanuts and peanut butter because they comes back later :P indigestion, heartburn... whatever you call it, it is uncomfortable!
Gender: A little wiggly girl!
Labor Signs: A couple contractions an hour at the most... I think still Braxton Hicks but definitely uncomfortable especially if I'm not sitting.
Belly Button in or out? I can feel it through my shirt sometimes... starting to poke out.
What I miss: Subway!!! But I've been good this long, I'm going to wait out these last few weeks and then eat a celebration sub!
What I am looking forward to: Strep-B test this week... not really a 'looking forward to' but we need to find out if I'm positive or not... we want 'not'.
Milestones: At the end of this week she will be considered full term... yes, this may be next week's milestone as well :) I think it is pretty important!

35 weeks?!?!

I can hardly believe I'm at 35 weeks!
... 35 weeks down, 35 days to go!!

Congratulations! You’re now carrying nearly 6 lbs of baby not counting their amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or the placenta itself. We’re impressed because that’s a LOT of work non-stop. Are you feeling proud of yourself yet? Well, get to it—you’ve done an amazing job! At this point, your little grower is almost busting out of the womb size-wise, which make their restricted attempts to move much challenging. Of course, your stubborn little sucker is still trying to move around as if they weren’t in a cramped space. And the accumulationg baby fat deposits are starting to level off so your little butter ball will be padded and warm when they head out of their super snug little home. http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/calendar/week35
How far along? 35 weeks.
Due Date: August 13, 2010

Total weight gain/loss: +11. :) I'm good with that.
Maternity clothes? Yea.
Sleep: A little hard to get to sleep... once I'm asleep I'm very asleep... when I start waking up in the morning I do a lot of shifting around to be comfortable.

Best moment this week: Visiting the hospital for a tour Thursday night. The lady who led really needs to learn to walk slower... but she was very full of information. Easy to get to Labor&Delivery and lots of necessities are provided - snacks and food etc. :)

Movement: All. The. Time. No need for me to track her movement. Her most active times are morning, afternoon and 9-10pm.

Food cravings: Fresh food and sweets.
Food aversions: I haven't noticed anything lately... but I have to avoid peanut butter because it comes back later :P indigestion, heartburn... whatever you call it, it is uncomfortable!
Gender: A little wiggly girl!
Labor Signs: Not true labor... but is is possible that she pushes and it causes a contraction? Because that is how it feels.
Belly Button in or out? I can feel it through my shirt sometimes... starting to poke out.
What I miss: Subway!!! Seriously... especially now that it is hot - I want to eat not-hot food.
What I am looking forward to: This is an uneventful week coming up ... I'm looking forward to that! :)
Milestones: We had the last ultrasound this week - her kidney is the same, which is what we were looking for this time. We got to see her face again and she looks like a little baby doll! She DEFINITELY has my nose :) ... and hair... "LOTS of hair!" The tech could see it on the ultrasound! WE even saw it once she showed us what we were looking for.

Other: Baby pics :)

34 weeks

 Feeling huge.

Obviously the big change for you is the notable weight shift (known as “lightening” or “engagement”). Now that your baby is resting deeper in your pelvis, you may find yourself walking as if you're carrying a watermelon between your legs. Yes dear, you’re officially “waddling” these days. Try to comfort yourself with this thought: it’s nearly over. Soon, you’ll just have to carry your adorable little watermelon in your arms. And in a rare spate of good news: this weight shift means you can breathe easier now that your lungs aren’t compressed.

Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How far along? 34 weeks.

Due Date: August 13, 2010

Total weight gain/loss: +10... I gained 3 this week? I guess I did eat more.
Maternity clothes? ...... Yea.
Sleep: Like a rock.

Best moment this week: making it through the week. I was so tired and sore. :P

Movement: Constantly... especially when I'm trying to concentrate!

Food cravings: Fresh food and sweets.
Food aversions: I haven't noticed anything lately.
Gender: A little wiggly girl!
Labor Signs: No. Thankfully. I think I'm starting to confuse Braxton-hicks and her pushing out on my belly so I'm not sure :P
Belly Button in or out? I can feel it through my shirt sometimes... not an outty really... but not totally in!
What I miss: Subway!!! Seriously... especially now that it is hot - I want to eat not-hot food.
What I am looking forward to: This is an important week! Tuesday is our next ultrasound and Dr appt and Thursday we are going to visit the hospital for a tour. :)
Milestones: I'm pretty sure she's dropped. Between Monday and Tuesday to be exact. I know because I could walk normally on Monday but Tuesday was another story entirely. :)

Other: Watch close around 13-15 seconds!

33 weeks

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

With the exception of crying, your baby is capable of doing everything that a newborn baby will do. Your baby is restricted now inside of the uterus, but still can kick and move. Your baby sleeps a lot of the time, just as newborn babies do. Your baby's eyes move in the manner of REM sleep and researchers believe that babies can dream vividly in uterus. When your baby is awake, she is listening, feeling and learning. If your baby were to be born now, the lungs would probably be strong enough to function properly, but your baby may still need extra care from specially trained doctors and nurses.
During these last few weeks of pregnancy, most women experience an increased urge to urinate. The uterus puts a lot of pressure on the bladder and can send you to the restroom frequently. Your uterus has actually grown 500 times throughout your pregnancy!
Your baby's eyes open during alert times and close during sleep. The eye color is usually blue, regardless of the permanent color as pigmentation is not fully developed. The final formation of eye pigmentation requires exposure to light and usually happens a few weeks after birth. 

How far along? 33 weeks.

Due Date: August 13, 2010

Total weight gain/loss: +7. :) I gained my one pound this week! :)
Maternity clothes? ...... Yea.
Sleep: not enough. ZZzzzzzzz...

Best moment this week: Learning more about her kidney - the reason they are doing another ultrasound is to make sure the black spot doesn't change... the spot is fluid and they want to make sure that nothing is getting backed-up which could lead to infection... the 'second collection system' is basically a second tube from her kidney to her bladder... but it attaches to her bladder so no worries there. :) YAY

Movement: All the time. A bit distracting... especially at work.

Food cravings: Fresh food and sweets.
Food aversions: I haven't noticed anything lately.
Gender: A little wiggly girl!
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks about once an hour I'd say... but it is hard to tell since she pushes so hard and she's so big now that my whole tummy gets tight either way.
Belly Button in or out? Technically still in... but it is starting to poke out a little.
What I miss: Subway!!! Seriously... especially now that it is hot - I want to eat not-hot food.
What I am looking forward to: Friday is my work-baby-shower :) and Saturday is Baby-basics class :)
Milestones: 7 weeks left. I'm in my 8th month. (7 1/2 months or so along now)

Other: I have been growing about an inch every week... this week I grew two! That's 3 inches in 2 weeks... no wonder I've been achy!