It's a.....

BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Our appointment went better than I could have ever dreamt! Not only did our little Elfie reveal the goods, but they were THE FIRST THING WE SAW when Dr. D turned on the monitor! M and I both had guessed that it was a boy (I had two very vivid dreams about boys and their "parts!"), so we were excited to both be correct! (heeheehee...I LOVE being right!!!).

I have gained 6 lbs. in the past 5 weeks, which is a little over a pound a week. Doc was pleased about that (as was I, though shocked that it wasn't more!). This puts my weight gain at 9 lbs since my 10 week appointment, which is when I started keeping track. Overall, not too shabby. Baby's weight is estimated to be about 3/4 of a pound. Way to pack it on, little man!

Elfie looked absolutely fantastic on the screen. He was moving around a lot and practicing his dance moves for us. We got a big kick out of seeing his wiggles and watching the doc measure everything. Our quad screen came back normal, so it was explained to us that our chances for genetic abnormality have now decreased to about 1.5%. I was completely emotional seeing my SON wave and move, especially knowing that he is healthy and growing appropriately. Overall, a very moving experience. Quite a momentous event.

After the appointment M and I stopped at Babies R Us and parked in the Expectant Mother's spot. Wow. What a feeling. For the first time in my life, I didn't feel like an impostor walking into that store! We picked out two adorable outfits for our little man..our first gifts to baby boy. I can't wait to see them on him!!! Here are some pics from our day....

Tomorrow!

19w3d

Well, it's finally come! When I look back to my last OB appt, I thought 5 weeks was AN ETERNITY to wait! But then I compare it to the 2 years we've been waiting, longing for, crying about, and praying for this miracle of life, and it seems like such a blip on the radar. And it truly has gone by pretty fast.

I have been feeling my little elfin baby moving around quite a bit in there. It started about a week and a half ago, and since it is so subtle and not consistent, it took me a while to really identify it as the baby. Now I know for sure, and LOVE the feeling. He/she moves most when I am lying down or sitting still, so I try to do that as much as possible.

I have so much excited anticipation regarding tomorrow's appointment. I am just a tad bit nervous about the scan, and am hoping that Elfie is measuring appropriately, is healthy, and doesn't reveal any major problems. In the back of my mind I know it will be fine, but the worry thoughts do creep in from time to time, and I can't help but be anxious. Mostly though, I am excited to fall deeper in love with my baby tomorrow.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY....

I really hope our little Elfie is not stubborn like his/her momma and decides to show us the goods!!! If we are lucky and do get to see those beautiful genitals, M and I are planning to spend the day together telling friends and family. I will post here tomorrow night after we've let our IRL peeps know!!

And then....LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN!! I have not bought a single thing for this baby yet, and I am excited to pick out a really special outfit for him or her. I can't wait to get started on the nursery!!

Today's the last day to vote...let us know what you think!

17 weeks!

Thanks for the advice about the heartburn. I bought some Tums and they've been working wonders. Phew!

I had a scary moment yesterday at work. I was in the middle of teaching a lesson when all of a sudden I felt as though I'd pass out. I walked over to my desk where there was a lovely muffin waiting for me and promptly stuffed it in my mouth. I told the kids I'd have to sit down for the rest of the lesson. They were very sweet and understanding! I was truly scared, as I've never experienced this before. I called my mom at lunch and she said it used to happen to her when she was pregnant, and that it's just my low blood pressure/low blood sugar. So now I know that I should keep food IN MY POCKET for emergencies such as this!

So..the weeks are moving right along, and I'm certainly comforted by my expanding belly. Of course I am counting the days til our BIG ultrasound because once we know the gender, the REAL planning can begin. I haven't even really seriously planned the nursery yet, and of course need to start getting serious about names, etc.

Hope everyone is enjoying Spring so far!

16.5 weeks and HEARTBURN

16w4d

Just as I was settling in nicely to the energy, motivation, and lack of sickness that the second trimester brings, I was stricken with the dreaded heartburn.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to reduce/medicate my crazy pain?? I looked on Dr. D's website for ideas of which medications are approved in pregnancy, but it didn't mention anything for heartburn. A friend said her doc let he take Tums. I want to try something, but feel like I should call the doc first. Suggestions??

I put a poll on the blog so we can all take a stab at guessing Elfie's gender. It will be open for 20 more days...I'll close it on April 12 when we find out. Make sure you vote!!!!

OB appt #2

Yesterday was the second visit with Dr. D. I'm glad to report that it was relatively uneventful AND I got to keep all my clothes on! Boy does that speed things right along!

We heard Elfie on the doppler (which is, of course, old hat to us by now), and his/her heartrate was in the 140s. We also go the okay to travel to Co.sta R.ica in June (I'll be 28 weeks) for M's big family vacation to celebrate his parents' 45th wedding anniversary. Yay! Now I get to go shopping for a cute bathing suit!

I've been getting a few shooting pains in my right leg that originate in my lower back/upper butt. I had suspected it was the sciatic nerve, and Dr. D confirmed that it will most likely only get worse as my uterus gets bigger. I'm also starting to notice a definite change in my belly. It's starting to look like more than just a beer gut. Love it!

The best part of the appointment yesterday was that we got to schedule the BIG ultrasound in which we get to find out Elfie's gender! It is set for April 12...which also happens to be my 1/2 birthday. We grew up celebrating half birthdays, so it's fitting that I get the ULTIMATE present on my 30.5!! So in just a little over a month, I will know if I have a son or daughter growing inside me. I am SO EXCITED!

Today I got an awesome care package of maternity clothes in the mail. One of my friends from church in my old city has a daughter who just gave birth. She sent me some reeeeaaaaallly cute clothes! I feel so blessed!