I am officially out of the 1st Trimester (that ends around 13 weeks, 3 days), and feeling GREAT! Time is flying by and I can now say that I'm having a baby THIS YEAR. Crazy.
Here is today's picture:
Anyway, a lot has happened since my last post. We had our Nuchal Scan (ultrasound and blood work) done on the 19th of December (talked about here). In order to get the measurements they need, the baby has to be in an exact position. Well, the little critter is much like its father and was taking its time getting there. It took a full hour and fifteen minutes (and a less than friendly tech) to finally get the measurements that were needed.
Here is a picture of what they were looking for:
We got the results back on December 23, and we were negative for Trisomy 18 and Downs Syndrome. Although we knew it probably would be negative, it was good to have the answers. Even if the results would have given us a chance of a special needs baby, it wouldn't have matterd. We already love this baby beyond what we could explain. My OB likes to do screenings and has also recommended screenings for Cystic Fibrosis and another Muscular abnormality as well. We haven't decided if we are going to do that.
On December 29th, I had my monthly checkup with my OB. At these appointments, I just meet with the OB, they check for a heart beat on the doppler, and make me pee in a cup to check for abnormalities (I'm not really sure what they're checking for). They found the heart beat right away and it was a strong 153 :).
Baby size: Baby F is about the size of an apple {I like to think of it as a Honey Crisp apple, because those are my favorite}. S/he is about 4 inches from head to rump and probably weighs about 2.5 ounces. The baby is probably moving around a lot, although I can't feel it yet. Its legs are beginning to grow longer than its arms and though its eyelids are still fused shut, s/he can sense light.
How far along: 15 weeks
Total weight gain: At my appointment last week, I was +10lbs. That seems like a lot, but that's over 14 weeks and my OB said that was fine. She wants me gaining between 35-40lbs., so I better make more of an effort to lay off the chicken fingers ;). Dang Holidays sabotaged me.
Sleep: I have still been waking up often to pee, but can usually go right back to sleep. I pulled out the boppy pillow that my sister got me and used that last night. It's going to take some getting used to, but I am hoping it will help me to have a more restful sleep. Oh! And the dreams are still insane.
Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah! My Aunt got me a ton for Christmas and they are glorious! I think I will switch to elastic waistbands for life!
Food cravings : None
Food aversions: None!
Symptoms: I really have zero symptoms right now! Around last week, I noticed I had a lot more energy! I'm feeling very lucky!
Exercise: Les read in his book (another post for a another day) that I should be exercising and he should be doing it with me. We have decided to go walking, 3 days a week. We went Monday and it was nice! The dog enjoys it too!
Movement: No way - too early!
Gender: TEAM GREEN! (we're not finding out)
Best moment of the week: Celebrating the New Year! 2011 was a rough year but we have so much to be grateful for! 2012 will surely be the best year of our lives, although crazy busy at the same time!
What I’m looking forward to: Feeling the baby move. According to my books, and randomly polling my friends, it should be in the next couple of weeks!
What I miss: Nothing, really. I can truly say that I have enjoyed every minute of this pregnancy! I am very thankful to have never been sick and for the baby being healthy. I thought I would miss Diet Coke, but I haven't at all!
Happy New Year!
