BabyT: 12 weeks

There hasn't been much going on so I didn't update last week. I added a couple more categories, and I'm going to start taking weekly (I hope) pictures of m'bump to see how huge I, I mean, it gets. My wonderful husband doesn't know it yet but he's going to serve as my photographer; howeva, he's currently asleep on the couch so I'll update this to add the pic later tonight.


How far along: 12 weeks (eek!!)

Fruit: Plum

Symptoms: Still no sickness. I’ve really lucked out with this so far. I’ve even been less tired lately. Although, Monday I did come home, go straight to bed, woke up at 9, ate cereal, and went back to bed until I had to get up for work the next morning. It wasn’t exhaustion though, just a really bad headache.

Weight gain: I fluctuate between about 3-5lbs gained. I've always been about a 5lb fluctuator.

Food aversions: Still nothing. Again, really lucky.

Food indulgences: Fruit is still my main daily indulgence. I pretty much give in to anything I want, which is horrible I know, but the main stay has been fruit. 

Maternity Clothes: Not yet. I did buy a maternity shirt at Target for the weekly bump pics.

Doctor appointments: Haven’t had anything for 2 and a half weeks. I knew there would be long spans of no appointments or check-ups, but I thought they'd go by pretty quick. Not the case. I do know the doppler is the best invention ever. 

Most memorable moment: Every time I get to hear your heartbeat on the doppler, it’s the best moment of my day. I’m actually kind of proud of myself because I only use it every couple of nights. The other night you gave me a good show. You were loud and proud for several minutes before you swam away. I even called your Nanna and she got to hear. She and your grandpa are convinced you’re a boy and every morning, your grandpa pats the camo onesie I used to tell him about you. Although, your cousin Reagan is telling everyone “Aunt Sandi has a baby in her belly” (thanks, Moo!) and is convinced you’re a girl and your name is Holly. No idea where she comes up with this stuff.

Most anxious moment: I’ve been okay lately. I can find you in a matter of seconds on the doppler now so no scares there. I’m ready to see you next week though.

Things purchased for baby: I bought a maternity shirt at Target today. It's so I can take weekly-ish pictures to keep track of the growing bump. And the same friends who are giving us the furniture are also giving us a Pack-n-Play and high chair thingy. I’m not real sure what the high chair thing is but he said it was really useful so we’ll figure it out together. We’ve got this. Oh, and your dad can’t keep his trap shut so he’s been telling everyone he works with about you and one of the guys has a lot of baby stuff he wants to give you.

Milestones: We're 12 weeks today!! Some consider that the start of the 2nd trimester. My math brain is going by the whole 40 ÷ 3 = 13.333 so 13w3d is the first day of 2nd Tri, but this is still a major milestone. Not only does it mean your chances of sticking around for the long haul are significantly increased, but I also get to stop the nasty progesterone suppositories!! Ok, obviously the whole supp thing takes a back seat to your chances of being here for the next 28 weeks, but those things are seriously gross.

Next appointment: I finally have an answer for this! My first MFM appointment is Wednesday, 2/13. We’ll be getting the NT scan and 1st Tri screening blood work, and I’ll ask about getting the MaterniT21 test. They weren’t going to schedule this until I was 13w3d but that was just way too close for comfort for me since if you’re too big, they can’t get the right readings, so they moved it to 12w5d after some gentle negotiating from your mommy.

BabyT: 10 weeks

How far along: 10 weeks (1/25/13 – going back to Fridays starting my weeks)

Symptoms: Still tired all the time, but that’s about it.

Food aversions: None.

Food indulgences: I ate some fruit the other day and it was the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life so I may have a fridge full of cantaloupe, peaches, pineapples, oranges, and grapes.

Doctor appointments: First OB appointment was last Monday and she said she had a feeling you were a boy. Eek! Everything looks great, but because my thyroid is wonky, I’ll have to see a high-risk doctor called a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor, or perinatologist.

Most memorable moment: Seeing finger definition at the OB and telling your great grandparents about you. They were so excited. Mamo’s jaw dropped on the ground and stayed that way for a solid minute. I can’t wait to show you the videos of everyone reacting to the news. You are already so loved and wanted and you’re only the size of a prune.

Most anxious moment: Oddly enough, I’ve been doing okay this week. I got my Doppler and found your heartbeat pretty quickly. The next day, it took me a while, but I didn’t panic and eventually found you hiding out by one of my arteries. You were still there yesterday so I couldn’t get a great reading, but from my rudimentary methods (counting the beats in 60 seconds) you were in the 170 range, which is great!

Things purchased for baby: I went a little crazy and bought a big ticket item this week. Target was having a really good sale and I got caught up and…well. You now have a monkey swing and a free monkey bouncer. I probably should have held off on this but they are so freaking adorable and I think they’re replacing the monkey line with a bunny line and your mom’s a sucker for primates. I’ve decided no more big purchases until later on. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Milestones: The first OB appointment, or as a girl on TB says, the first “normal pregnant woman” appointment. And hitting double digits was pretty cool! We’re 25% there, kiddo!

Next appointment: I have no clue. That’s not normal, right? Well, I know I have another OB appoint on the 18^th, but I’m 99% sure I’ll be having a MFM appointment before then to do the NT scan (@11-13 weeks). I’m going to ask about the MaterniT21 test too. It never hurts to ask. :)

First OB Appointment

We got to see our little Nemo swimming away again at Monday’s OB appointment. I don’t really like the way they do the u/s there. The tech had the screen facing her the whole time while she was doing her thing then at the very end, turned it around so we could see. At least she turned on the sound quickly so we could hear the heartbeat. That never gets old.

When she did finally show us the screen, there was an ultra-wiggly baby with fingers! I don’t know if their machine picks up more definition, but we definitely didn’t see fingers 3 days before. It was the neatest thing.

After the scan, we met with the OB and loved her! She’s younger and was really nice, not uptight, doctor-y like I’m used to. It’s refreshing! She’s referring me to an MFM because of my thyroid so I’ll be getting monitored a little more closely throughout the pregnancy. I’m very cool with that. My first appt with them will be in a few weeks. I asked her about the NT scan (she was impressed I knew my stuff) and the MFM will be handling that as well, which takes place around 12 weeks.

There’s a simple blood test called MaterniT21 you can have around 10 weeks that tells you if the baby has any genetic abnormalities, for example, Down’s Syndrome, but it also tells you the baby’s sex. I doubt I’ll be offered it since I’m younger than 35 and don’t have a history of genetic disorders in my family, but it would be so nice to have peace of mind AND to know the baby’s sex that early. It’s a very new test, started within the past year or so, and I think it will eventually take the place of the CVS or amnio, but it’s also controversial because some believe it’ll lead to a higher percentage of abortions.

I went ahead and told my boss. His initial response was “ok, let me just sit back and take this in for a second.” Not really what I was expecting, but he went on to quickly say he was of course very excited for us. He knew about the fertility treatments – 16 months’ worth of doctor appointments would have been cause for concern without an explanation – so he was obviously aware of the end goal. I think he’s just a little nervous to have to figure out what he’s going to do without me while I’m out on maternity leave. I don’t really play a vital role, but I provide a lot of data and am the administrator for several programs that he has no clue how to handle so it’s going to be an interesting adjustment.

I got my Doppler in today and was able to find the heartbeat after about 20 minutes of searching! It's going to be so reassuring to hear the baby's beating heart any time I feel like it. 

I’m finally starting to relax and be hopeful that this is going to work out. I can’t wait to tell the rest of our family. I’m holding off because I have a feeling some of my family won’t be able to keep from spreading the news before I’m ready for the world to know so I’ll probably wait to tell them until after the NT scan. My grandparents are going to be over the moon. I can’t wait to see their reactions!

Wordless Wednesday

BabyT: 9 weeks

How far along:  9 weeks 

Symptoms:  More of the same and not a lot of anything. No m/s, just a little queasiness if I get too hungry.

Food aversions:  None. 

Food indulgences:  None. I do get random cravings but I think it's more my love of junk food than pregnancy. 

Doctors appointments:  We had our last appointment with Dr. V yesterday! It was such a relief to see you up on the screen "doing a chicken dance" in the words of your pops. You measured perfectly - 8w6d - and had a great heart rate of 174bpm. We even got a little recording of your heartbeat to show all the grandparents. Your dad said seeing you moving around somehow made it all real for him. He's such a sap. ;) 

Most memorable moment:  Obviously, seeing you again, moving and wiggling and having a grand ol' time in momma's belly. I'll never get tired of that. 

Most anxious moment:  Waiting for the doc to come in yesterday. Your dad was late and they called me back really quick so I thought he was going to miss it. Luckily, he made it but then the doc kept us waiting for 30 minutes. I was a nervous wreck that entire time. Sweating, upset tummy, it was not pretty. 

Things purchased for baby:  A JJ Cole diaper bag I got for 50% off, thanks to my friend KristyKay. It's purty. I have no idea what I'll need in a diaper bag, and I have a feeling it's one of those "learn as you go" type things so it may end up being great or I may hate it, but for $50, I couldn't pass it up. Your dad likes to call your mom frugal. I like the term financially conscientious. I also bought a doppler so I can hear your heartbeat anytime I want. This is what's going to help keep your mommy sane for the next 31 or so weeks!

Milestones: Hearing your hb, seeing your growth, watching you dance, and being released from the RE. It was a big week! Oh and based on Dr. V's calculations, you're due on your great grandmother's birthday - August 23.

Next appointment: I go Monday for my first OB appointment. I doubt it'll be much more than peeing in a cup and having some blood work done. I heard some great things about her from your Auntie Kelli and one of the nurse's at the clinic who used to work for her so I have a good feeling about her.

BabyT: 8 weeks

Has anyone seen my energy? I’ve seemed to have lost it. It’s kind of sad that I’ve been too exhausted to use my big brain long enough to write a new post. In fact, I’m only doing this now so I don’t fall asleep at my desk.

How far along:  8 weeks (1/12/2013)

Symptoms:  Did I mention I was tired? Pretty much in a constant state of exhaustion. It probably wouldn’t be as bad if I actually got some decent sleep, but that seems like an impossible task. I guess you’re preparing me for when you make your debut. My boobs are still sore and the past few days I’ve had an ever-so-slight queasiness throughout most of the day. I *think* I may be getting a cold. Really hope it’s not the flu.

Food aversions:  None.

Food indulgences:  None really. I don’t think I can blame my normal Panda Express addiction on you. Mmm Sweetfire Chicken.

Doctor appointments:  Zero! Zilch! None! How am I expected to go weeks at a time without seeing you or hearing your hb?? This is cruel. I’ve already told your pops that I’ll be investing in a doppler so I can put my mind at ease during those long periods of nothing.

Most memorable moments:  Nothing really.

Most anxious moment:  I’m anxious a lot. Kind of all the time. But I’ve been trying to remember what the Bible says about worry and anxiety. “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7 

Needless to say, God has been hearing from me a lot. It’s honestly all that is keeping me sane, the peace of knowing God’s heard my prayers for you.

Things purchased for baby:  A huge 60-count of progesterone! Usually, the Rx is only for a 20-count. It was so exciting because this means Dr. V is giving me enough to carry me through until 12 weeks, which is when I’ll likely stop them. Also, not really a purchase but our good friends are giving us a crib, dresser, and nightstand! Hooray for free!!! Well, we’re taking them out on a date, but still, you’ve got some swag, kiddo!

Milestones:  Nothing huge.

Next appointment:  Friday – only a couple more days. I can make it! If all goes well, I’ll be released to my OB, who I have an appt with on Monday. I’m anxious to meet the person who’s going to help bring you into this world.

BabyT: 7 weeks

I got this format from another pregnancy blog I happened upon when I went crazy googling low, slow betas. I really liked her weekly tracking so I'm going to do something similar.

How far along: 7 weeks. (I keep going back and forth on if Saturdays start my new week and everything I read says yes so I'm sticking with that.)

Symptoms: Nothing major. I'm loving my swollen pregnancy boobs and being able to more than fill out my bras. Hubba hubba! On the down side, they are quite sensitive and....itchy. I've been a little more exhausted than normal with off-and-on slight cramping, but other than that, nothing. No nausea or sickness (yet).

Food aversions: None.

Food indulgences: None.

Doctor appointments: We had an u/s today at 7 weeks. You had a strong heart rate of 146ish bpm and were measuring 6w6d, which only puts you a day behind. I'm very okay with that. You get a gold star!

Most memorable moment: Seeing and hearing your oh-so-beautiful heartbeat. It was the most precious sound in the world. You had your pops and me in tears. I'm pretty sure you've already got us both wrapped around your finger and you don't even have fingers yet.

Most anxious moment: I pretty much live in a constant state of anxiousness and nervousness. I over-analyze every single mildly uncomfortable twinge and 9 times out of 10, it's just gas. I will say that after seeing you looking so strong today, I was finally able to relax and enjoy the thought that you exist and you're growing in my belly, and that's the way I pray things will stay for the next 33ish weeks.

Things purchased for baby: Nothing this week, unless you include the u/s.

Milestones: Seeing you and hearing your precious heart beating. Kid, you got the goods.

Next appointment: Not for 13 more days!!! I know by then I'll be back to my normal, worry-filled self. At least if things looks good then, chances are very good that you'll be sticking it out for the long haul. And, in the words of Dr. V, I will have graduated from the program. I asked if I get a certificate or anything. Your dad said we'd be getting a birth certificate. I'll take it.

Happy New Year!!