Mother's Day Came Early for Me

Today we had our 20-week ultrasound and appointment.  This was the one I was equally excited and nervous about.  You see, after the bleeding scare, we had a visit with the doctor to talk things over.  She suggested we opt for the round of blood tests that look for abnormalities.  We were originally going to skip this, since no matter what the results were, we would have kept the baby anyway, but she made a great point that it would enable us to secure a 12-week ultrasound scan that insurance otherwise wouldn't cover.  Naturally, we jumped at the chance to see the baby earlier as additional proof that things were OK despite the bleeding.  Today was the day we were to not only get our second - and last, as long as everything continues to progress well - ultrasound, but also the results from the multiple blood tests.

When you are carrying a baby, it's impossible not to worry and wonder if things are going well.  I try not to dwell on the things I can't change or control, but this is our baby! You can imagine my mind occasionally goes to "What If" Land.  But...today, we not only got to see Chickpea again, we also got a perfect report card for all of the tests - the results honestly couldn't have been any better.  WHEW!  I was practically walking on air on the way out, thinking to myself that this was the best possible Mother's Day gift anyone could ever ask for.

That, and these pictures of our wriggling, stubborn Chickpea (it took them a LONG time to get pictures of the face, and when the baby finally moved in place, the little one wouldn't stop moving!):

Profile 1 (head to left, looking up)

Profile 2 (look at the little arm up over the side of the head...at least I think it's the arm!?)

FOOT! Nom nom.

My personal favorite - side profile of a little hiney (to the right) with a curled-up frog leg!

  Thigh/Leg/Foot

This is of the face from straight-on.  Does anyone else think this looks a little like the button-eyed kids in Coraline? Hee!  We saw the baby in this position waving it's arms in the air like s/he just didn't care, too, and it was quite hilarious!  So far we know that Chickpea is very active, stubborn, and a comedian - who said you can't learn about your baby from ultrasounds? ;o)

The baby was measured at just over 14 ounces and 10 inches long.  Now we know why my belly popped so much in the last month.  Grow, baby, GROW!  20 weeks down, 20 (give or take) to go.  Also, they moved our due date up one day from September 23 to September 22!  My dad will be happy to know this, because he called that as our delivery day using the lunar calendar (a trick my grandma used that led to an uncanny record of correct birthday guesses).

And speaking of my dad, it's his birthday tomorrow!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, daddio!  We all love you so much -- Chickpea says s/he can't wait to meet you! (((HUGS)))

P.S.: One last thing...I know I'm rambling but I'm clearly on a high from having seen our sweet baby today.  When we walked into the scan room, they asked if we would be finding out the gender. We said no, and later were told that only about 10% of people these days don't want to find out if their baby is a boy or girl.  I was shocked!  C'mon, people...whatever happened to the element of surprise?!

Relief

Yesterday we had our 12-week ultrasound.  I was naturally pretty nervous going there, since this was to be the first time seeing the baby since the bleeding scare.  I was also super excited!  Originally, we weren't going to do an early ultrasound (which includes a nucal screening to check for Down Syndrome and blood tests to look for other complications) since it wouldn't have mattered if the results showed problems - we are having this baby no matter what!  But when we went in after the E.R. visit, our doctor thought it might give us some added reassurance to see the baby earlier than the typical 19-20 week ultrasound, so we hopped at the chance to see Chickpea again.

I had to drink a TON of water beforehand, so by the time we got to the doctor's office, I was literally hopping from foot to foot, trying not to embarrass myself with a pants-wetting experience.  They brought us into the room and I said to the tech, "So, are you the one I'll be trying not to pee on?" She didn't think I was very funny.  Hrrrmp.  ANYWAY, she pulled my pants lower, squirted my stomach with warm ultrasound gel, and got to work.  Within seconds, we could see our baby moving around with a strong heartbeat.  Sweetest sound EVER!  It was such a relief to see and hear.  And this time, unlike the E.R. visit (protocol and such), we got to take home pictures to adorn our fridge!  Would you look at that sweetheart?

Judging from the size of the head, it's gonna be a smart one...don't you think*?  ;o)

*Juuuust kidding! At this stage, the babies head is supposed to be as big or bigger than the body.  But as the mom, it's in my nature to make these complimentary assumptions, right?

Official

We had our first prenatal doctor yesterday morning, and it was really great to confirm that there is, in fact, a baby cooking in my belleh.  We met with the midwife, Sameerah, who was a totally calming and chill grandma with dreads down to her knees.  She had such a ‘mama bear’ quality to her; I instantly knew that when the time comes, she will totally fight for me and offer unwavering support, which is a great feeling.  She answered a lot of our questions and assured that I’m doing all the right things so far, such as my exercise routine, the supplements I’m taking, the foods I’m staying away from, etc.

Later, we entered the ’spelunking’ part of the visit.  Since I get laser hair removal done, I’m WAY past the point of feeling shy or embarrassed in these compromising situations (ahem).  Therefore, Mark and I decided he would stay in for this part, knowing he would be seeing a lot of me in this way soon enough.  He was so sweet, holding my hand and looking completely comfortable despite the fact that stirrups were being used as I sported THE HOTTEST front-tie sheet with my argyle knee-high socks.

One thing I thought was cool was when Sameerah announced that I have all the proper and healthy ‘blood vessels’ happening down there, which was just one more good sign.  It’s CRAZY how many things are happening to my body now that I don’t even know about – it just does what it needs to do without any help from me.  I love that I’m literally a baby factory while not having to put in much work at all.  The human body is simply amazing!

I’m 7 weeks and 1 day along today.   So far, I don’t have any “morning” sickness, nor do I feel super lethargic or dizzy.  I cannot believe my good fortune along these lines, as I always assumed I’d be praying to the Porcelain God day in and day out.  While it took some time for me to relinquish these preconceived notions, I’m beyond grateful to be spared so far.

Pregnancy Symptoms to Date:

• Boobies! Two words: OUCH and HALLO!
• Cravings! Know what you can’t do?  You can’t tell a pregnant woman she can’t eat what she craves. So far, my cravings include Mediterranean food, hot wings (both of which I’ve eaten a lot more of since I’ve become pregnant and even before I knew I was), and Mexican food.  I consumed the latter not once, but twice yesterday.  Two times: lunch at one place and dinner at another.  Told you it’s impossible to ignore!
• Thirsty! Each New Years Day, I always vow to drink more water and rarely ever stick with it past a month. Pregnancy has changed this, because I can’t get enough of the stuff!  Which leads me to…
• Excuse me, where I can find the bathroom? I have to pee about 20 times a day, including at least once during the night.  DANG.

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.  Which I do, obviously.  I’m happy this experience has been enjoyable so far, but I’m not unrealistic enough to assume it will continue in this vein – just hopeful.  Because, really? ME NO LIKIE THROW UP, thankyouverymuch.