It is good to make friends!

   I can't believe I turned 18 weeks on Thursday! I have noticed minimal change in my belly so far, but I am getting really excited for my ultrasound, which is just around the corner! I am slightly nervous, just hoping they find a healthy baby in there, but know I we will love this baby no matter what! Brian still goes back and forth between thinking it is a boy or girl almost daily, but it will be so nice to know so when I talk to the baby I can start calling it "little girl" or "little boy" instead of "little one."

  Speaking of children, we unfortunately have a 5 month old in our ICU that was involved in a car accident. Right now he is a pretty sick little guy, but I think he will pull through and do well. He is, however, the cutest little thing you ever saw. I don't often think about work when I go home, but it is hard not to think about this little guy. Although it is awful to have to have kids involved in accidents, it has been so enjoyable working with him. Plus I get to give him lots of love!!!

  A cool thing happened today, I have been going back and forth between thinking I feel movement. A few times I am pretty sure I have felt a kick or two, but just general movement it has been hard to tell. A lot of people describe it as butterflies in your stomach, but I have not felt anything similar to that. I do feel more of a gas sensation and it is hard to know if it is really gas or if it is the baby. Well, today, Brian and I were listening to the heartbeat with my doppler and we heard a "thunk." At the same time I heard the "thunk," I felt that gas feeling. It was so neat to hear and feel it at the same time. I do notice that when I think I feel the baby move it is more at night or early in the morning. I can't wait to start feeling more distinct movements, it is so cool!

  So this is why it is good to make friends! I stayed and worked for the big bucks last night. I was able to pick my assignment and I thought I was setting myself up for cush night.....WRONG! By midnight my patient had to be re-intubated (a breathing tube put down the throat). Usually just the CRNA ( nurse anesthetist) comes up, but in addition, the anesthesiologist came up too. Now, keep that thought and let me explain. When I had my first appointment I had a few question because I have scoliosis (curving of the spine) I was wondering if that was going to cause any problems with delivery. The nurse practitioner did not think it would with the actual delivery, but would possibly be a problem receiving an epidural. My jaw about hit the floor. I applaud all the women who take on a natural child birth, but my birth plan is to come in and immediately ask for an epidural!!! Enough with all the pain bull crap!!!

The reason why an epidural may be difficult for me is due to the fact that the catheter has to go in between the vertebrae of  your back. If you look at the picture of  a normal spine vs. a scoliosis spine, it make finding the land mark a little bit more difficult. My scoliosis is not terrible, but enough where I had to wear a back brace as a child. This anesthesiologist was talking about putting a epidural in a pregnant lady that took 5 minutes, so I decided since we were on the topic that I would ask about myself. He was so nice! He had me bend over, felt my back and asked about my curve, etc. I told him I wasn't due until August 2nd and would most likely be delivering at Maple Grove, but he said that and epidural was "do-able." He took my name and told me to call him a few weeks before I deliver and he would make sure himself or the other docs who would be on would know about me and he would make sure that someone would be on "who could do it for me." Now, I know you can't plan when you go into labor, but as long as he knows the general time, he said that he would make sure I was taken care of. How nice is that?! Thank you doctor Montgomery!!!!

 The only thing that makes me worried is that I am a nervous nelly. I tend to, at times, think that I can jinx a situation. I wouldn't read ahead if weeks in my baby books because I am afraid that something will happen if I do. After I talked to the doctor about this, I got worried that I would somehow jinx the situation and something would go wrong, i.e. deliver premature, etc. I know most of you are rolling your eye and the biggest eye roller is my husband, but I just can't help myself. I am just getting so excited for this baby I don't want anything bad to happen. I already love this baby so much!

16 Weeks

   I wish I could come up with more cleaver titles, but for now this is what I can come up with :) On Thursday we had our 16 week appointment with another nurse practitioner. I have seen 3 different nurse practitioners now (one being my primary) and they have all been so wonderful. The first thing she said was I bet you are excited for your next appointment! We got our referral for the ultrasound and will get one in 4 weeks! She was happy with how things were going and wasn't concerned about my headaches. She did reassure me if I needed more of the prescription medication that they would give me some, but so far I have only used one pill. My headaches seem to be getting better. They are less frequent. Often they are every other day or every two days now and MUCH less intense which has been a relief! We got to hear the heartbeat again which was nice and quick. She said based on wives tails (which we were talking about) she would guess girl. Brian and I actually purchased a doppler to have at home, but have used it minimally because we wanted to make sure we weren't going to harm the baby. The NP said it is such low risk that we can feel free to use it when we want.

  WARNING TMI SECTION: I know most people's breast enlarge during pregnancy, but it is usually in the first trimester. My breast decided to explode between week 15 and 16. At first I didn't think they were getting larger, but finally one day they barely fit in my bra. Even girls at work have notice through my scrubs without me saying anything, and in scrubs! I have been searching for some new bras and have had a hard time. You would think it wouldn't be that hard, but finding a 34DD is rather difficult. Most places you have to have them shipped because they don't carry them in the store and then there is the whole underwire or no-underwire debate. Apparently underwire can plug milk ducts, but since I am so far from having my milk come in I think I am okay to go with the support for the time being. Luckily I have some cousins who were able to give me some advise! Thanks Ladies!

  Since I have started to notice a bump and upon recommendations that you do not sleep on your back anymore at 16 weeks I decided to make a pregnancy purchase. I am a stomach and back sleeper and I have a hard time staying on my side. I would toss and turn and then wake up Brian. I did some research and found an awesome pregnancy pillow! 

 I LOVE this pillow! I can hug onto the front side, support my tummy, and knees and still have something supporting my back. When I turn, I don't have to rearrange pillows so I am not tossing and waking Brian up. He thought it would be too big and he would have to sleep downstairs, but the "cocoon" as he calls it keeps me contained to my side of the bed. Totally worth the money!

  I have taken a 16 week picture, but need to get an SD card for my new camera, so I can't post it today, but will get it up soon!

16 WEEKS
Category baby business


Total weight gain/loss: Up 3 pounds from the last visit. Total weight gained so far this pregnancy is 2 pounds (I lost a pound in the first trimester)

Maternity clothes? Almost there. I do have a slight baby bump, but at this point still fitting into the jeans. Still using the hairbinder trick and one of my friends bought me a BE Band (a band that covers the top of your jeans so you can unbutton them - it is like a modified long tank top) that I am going to start using. I am guess I can get by a few more weeks then off to get some new pants

Stretch marks? nope.


Sleep: Have I told you about my pillow? :)
Best moment this week: I just love hearing the heartbeat! I also love days without headaches!


Movement: I thought I may have, but pretty sure it was just gas. I am thinking it will be closer to 20 weeks before I feel and distinctive movement.



Food cravings: I don't crave it, but loving my country time pink lemonade!
Belly Button in or out? Innie


What I miss:  Still, taking advil for a headache.



What I am looking forward to: Starting to see my belly grow more and our u/s in 4 weeks!

15 Weeks

  I am 15 weeks pregnant today and from what I could find, the baby is about the size of a Florida naval orange. I decided it was finally time to make the "big" facebook announcement and what a better time than on my birthday. It was so heartwarming to see all the kind responses!

  I think I am starting to see a possible baby bump. The problem is, it is hard to tell if it actually changing into a baby bump or I just ate a lot. Obviously if it is hard for me to tell, then the average person would just think I packed on a few pounds :) I will have an official weight next week at my appointment, but from my scale I think I have only gained a pound or so. I have decided that although it may not be an obvious baby bump, I will start taking pictures next week. They are fun to look back on and compare!

  Like I said in my last post, my appetite has returned. I still don't eat quite as much as I used to, but much, much better than in the first trimester. I feel lucky to have dodge the morning sickness bullet, but I have been hit with the headache plague. I had very few headaches in the first trimester which was very fortunate. I have always been a person who gets weekly (if not more than once a week) headaches and Advil has always been my best friend. Starting around 12.5 weeks, I started to get headaches, and bad ones at that. Unfortunately, when you are pregnant Advil is a "no-no" and I have to stick with my friend Tylenol. Let me tell you, Tylenol is no friend of mine, it doesn't work! Apparently headache are quite common in pregnancy and are often related to hormones. I chatted with a few girls at work who experienced headaches during their pregnancies and they gave me some good tips. I did get a prescription from the OB that I can uses when my headaches are intolerable. Fortunately, I have only had to take one pill and it did appear to work. Otherwise, I take my Tylenol and put a ice pack on my head. I do have to admit, I am a little of a worrier. Recently at work we had a 25 year old who had headaches and ended up having blood in her brain. Now, I know that headaches are very common in pregnancy especially right around this time, but I can't help but go...what if? I know, I know....you are all thinking what a freak, but I can't help it :) Brian just shakes his head and laughs.

  I have not felt any movement yet and I am guessing I probably won't until closer to 20 weeks, but I am really looking forward to it! Brian is so excited to find out the gender he can barely control himself! He is hoping for a 16 weeks ultrasounds, but I have to remind him that they don't hand them out like candy and a 20 weeks is better to see the anatomy and be more sure on the gender. His latest guess is that it is a girl - since he is not working he researches all this stuff. I love him dearly, but he needs to go back to work :) I am still leaning toward a girl, but I am less confident than I was a few weeks ago. I am also excited to find out and I know we will both be VERY happy with either a boy or a girl. A girls from my work did do a very scientific test.....she held a pair of pink booties and blue booties in each hand behind her back and I picked a hand.....I got the pink booties. The respiratory therapists did it with a few other girls, I asked if they were right, she said "no." Either way, I got to keep both booties :)

12 weeks

 I can't believe I am already 12 weeks. The time has surprisingly gone pretty fast, especially since I have been waiting to get to this week. It still seems very surreal that I am pregnant, especially since I am starting to feel better. I am still eating way less than I used to, but I am starting to get an appetite again and there is WAY less food aversions.

  I was really looking forward to my 12 week appointment this week mostly for reassurance. For one, (warning this may be a little TMI), but one day right before 10 weeks I was trying to put in one of my suppositories that broke and I bleed a little, but it was bright red blood. There was no clots or cramping, and although I knew that it was almost 99.9% related to the broken suppository, it scared the crap out of me. I did not call the clinic as I knew what they would say, but I did remain a little nervous. I did tell the NP at my appointment and she told me I probably just cut myself (just what I thought). The good news is I only have to do all the shots, pills and suppositories until 1/25!!!!!!!

   My appointment went well. The NP said my uterus is just starting to come into the abdominal cavity and she could feel the top of it. The best part was hearing the little heartbeat on the doppler. Such a great sound! I feel like I can take a big deep sigh of relief, I have seen the heartbeat twice and heard the lovely sound. I feel like I can really start to enjoy being pregnant and not constantly worried. It will start to feel more real when I can start to see changes in my belly.

 I stole this from someone's blog page, but I thought it looked fun:

12 weeks

Category baby business

How far along? 12 weeks

 

Total weight gain/loss: Down a pound from the 8 week appt

Maternity clothes? Nope. Some jeans require a hairbinder, but that was due to all the hormones and have been using it for some time now.

 

Stretch marks? nope

 

Sleep: I never sleep well, but I am certainly less tired that I have been.

Best moment this week: Hearing the heartbeat!!!!!!

 

Movement: None

Food cravings: Nothing super strong, but green apples lately.

Gender: I think it is a girl and most people have said they do too, but I will honestly be happy with either gender, they are both fun!

Labor Signs: Thank God no

 

Belly Button in or out? Innie

 

What I miss: Taking advil for a headache.

What I am looking forward to: Starting to see my belly grow

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Weekly Wisdom: Get a variety of foods as you never know what you will feel like.

Milestones: 12 Weeks! Yay! Almost done with my first trimester!

Doctor appt

 Brian and I had a good doctor appointment on Friday. We met with a nurse practitioner that we had not met before and she was really great. The bulk of the appointment is going over family history, talking about genetic testing options, and education about early pregnancy. It was too early to hear the heartbeat so she didn't even try with the doppler.

  The nurse practitioner listened to our story about our struggle to become pregnant and how it almost didn't happen. I was telling her I am kind of a worrier, especially about miscarrying, but it is just because of all we had to go through to get to this point. Although they don't usually do an ultrasound at this point, especially since I already had an early one, she said we deserve one. I told her we didn't need to do one, especially since it was Friday and we would probably have to come back next week, but while I was getting my blood drawn she asked the ultrasound tech and she was able to do it. I am so glad we did too! We got the most incredible pictures:

  It looks like a little baby now! The ultrasound tech was laughing because the baby was moving its arms and legs all around like it was dancing and waving. She said she loves these ultrasounds because they look like a little gummy bear. We love our little gummy bear!

9 weeks

  I haven't been the greatest about updating my blog. For the last couple weeks I have been super busy with work and the holiday season. We had a wonderful Christmas spent with our families. Of course I got some cute baby gifts like this one modeled by Zoe:

  If you know me you know I LOVE elephants!!!!! I have my first OB appointment tomorrow. It is with a nurse practitioner who I believe will just take a health history and get me established with the clinic. I am not sure, but I think it is to early to hear the heartbeat with the external doppler, but Brian is going to come with me just in case :)

  As far as I can tell things are going well, but then I hear stories of people who miscarry around 8 weeks and they don't find out until 12 weeks. I try not to worry, but it kind of just creeps in. I know once I hit the 12 week mark I will have a big sigh of relief and really start to enjoy it all! I continue to feel pretty good. I have notice I am more tired (if that is even possible :) ) and I have trouble brushing my teeth. I always brush my tongue when I brush my teeth which has never been a problem. These days however, it may or may not elicit a gag reflex and if I gag, I tend to spend quite a few minutes of slow breathing and swallowing :) My stomach still gets upset at times and I have food aversion, but I would not say I have nausea. My co-workers think that I may get lucky and not get morning sickness.

  I plan on putting up belly pictures when I get one, but for now I remain flat. I saw my cousin at Christmas who is 24 weeks pregnant and she had the cutest little belly! I do have to take a minute to say how wonderful Brian has been to me. He is always good to me, but lately have been doing so much to make my life easier and I cannot thank him enough. He does ALL the housework and just little things to make sure I don't have to do much. Words cannot express how blessed I am! 

Ultrasound

Brian and I had our ultrasound yesterday. I was excited and a little apprehensive as I just didn't know what it would show. When the nurse came back to get us, the first thing she said to me was "it is nice to see you smiling." They have been so great there I couldn't have asked for better care.

  Jen (the nurse) warned me ahead of time that it is right on the cusp of seeing the heartbeat as I was 6 weeks, 4 days so if Dr. Corfman didn't see the heartbeat he wouldn't be concerned. Well, if we couldn't see the heartbeat of course I would worry....I can't help it, I am a worrier.

 It was a transvaginal ultrasound like all the ultrasounds I have done for my procedure stuff, but this time it all looked different. There was a baby in there! Dr. Corfman was able to enlarge the screen and you could actually see the baby's heart beating. It was so surreal to see. He was able to measure the heart rate which was 128 beat per minute. The doctor said the baby is measuring right on track (which is actually less than an inch in size) and everything looks really good. Below is one of the ultrasound picture, it is a little blurry but you can see the baby (even though it actually looks like a blob).

  The nurse said you can tell right away when he inserts the probe if things don't look good, but they both said everything looked perfect. Although I am not totally out of the woods until after the first trimester, once they are able to detect the fetal heartbeat, the miscarriage risk goes way down. Jen was so nice and gave me two super big hugs. How do you thank these people for giving you such a special gift? For supporting you and encouraging you the whole time? I told Dr. Corfman that we couldn't thank him enough and he said to talk to him when they are teenagers :) Even the receptionist were waiting to see how the ultrasound went. They asked for me to keep in touch and send pictures and of course I will do that.

 I am still feeling pretty good. Just not really interested in food, but have been trying to eat healthy. My friend Maija just gave me a stack of books about pregnancy so I will be busy reading them (she is a great resource as she has 2 kids under 2.) I am now done with the infertility clinic and my next appt will be with the OB at 9 weeks. Although I am not positive, I am sure they wont' be doing another ultrasound until around 20 weeks, but I will find out more at my appointment. Brian and I are very excited!