What does that say?!

Lesson learned: Don't purchase a book listing 100,001 baby names. It's a waste of money unless you want to name your child something that most people will not be able to pronounce. Adam and I were able to go through pages at a time without seeing a name that caught our interest. Our copy has since been returned and we're using shorter, yet more helpful, lists. No decisions yet.

I received the results of my First Trimester Screening tests. Everything was normal!

Tribute to a Hero

We traveled to Cincinnati over the weekend for the memorial service of Timothy Becker. Tim is the father of my best friend, Jenn, and for the last decade, he has been affectionately referred to as my "Dad #2." Nearly seven years ago, Tim was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. He fought the horrible disease courageously, despite frequent difficulties and set backs. Following the service, Tim and Sue's house was packed with loved ones, celebrating his wonderful life. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Timothy Becker
June 25, 1941 - July 21, 2009

Back to the OB

I had another monthly appointment with the OB today. I hoped they would have received the results from the peri, but due to a very recent office location move, they didn't have them yet. I relayed as much as I could about the peri appointment and was able to get some answers. The extra fluid the peri mentioned is between the membranes and uterus. As baby, mom, etc. grows, the fluid will be less significant. The OB predicted that, by the time of my next ultrasound, we likely won't even notice it.

I'm continuing to measure on target and the baby's heartbeat was in the 140's, nice and strong!

Next appointments:
OB: August 19
Peri: August 27 (The *big* ultrasound!)

Appointment with the Peri

I had an appointment with a peri in Toledo on July 16th. Along with the peri in Cleveland, he also does not recommend additional anti-coagulant medication. He thought that additional folic acid, which I'm currently taking, will be sufficient. He also did not feel it is necessary that I take baby aspirin anymore. My progress will continue to be monitored closely, either through my regular OB or through the peri. I was relieved to hear that injections weren't necessary!

After looking at ultrasound pictures, the peri was concerned about an area of additional fluid. Unfortunately, we're unable to determine what the fluid is. He recommended immediately discontinuing daily baby aspirin, in case the fluid is blood, and prescribed rest and relaxation. For the next 4-6 weeks, no exercise other than walking, lots of rest, etc. I'm horrible with coming up with questions on the spot for doctors, but of course, had many immediately following the appointment. Luckily, I have an appointment with my OB this week and hope to get more information.

The absolute best part of the appointment was the ultrasound! I was bummed that Adam wasn't there to share in the first experience, but the technician promised that I could take pictures with me. It was amazing to see the baby, watch it kick and hiccup, see the heart beating, and know that it is growing inside of me! It's heartbeat was 154, which I was told was nice and strong. Based on it's size and development, Baby's due date was moved up! He or she is now due January 13, 2010! That's right, it's a week ahead of the original schedule...we have an advanced baby on our hands!

Enough talk...let's see pictures!!

Michigan vacation

My parents, niece, and I traveled to the UP of Michigan for a week to visit my sister and her family. It was a wonderful vacation and I always enjoy being surrounded by family! The weather didn’t fully cooperate, as it was chilly and rainy almost every day. But our days were full of fun activities nonetheless. Watching and playing with my nephews and nieces (Tobin, 5; Zac 5; Ava 4; Eliana 19 months) was great! Sure, there were tears and tattling…but the love and laughter outweighed it all and made me all the more excited for our little one on the way!

Meeting the doctor

I met the OB for the first time on June 26, 2009. While reviewing my information, he noted that I was going to be “a challenge right from the start”, referring to being diagnosed with MTHFR, my sister’s pregnancy and health history, and two sets of twins already in my immediate family. Upon being diagnosed the MTHFR in September 2008, the perinatalogist I saw did not recommend using additional anti-coagulants such as the daily injections my sister received. Just to be sure, the OB referred me to another peri for a second opinion. He did recommend continuing my daily concoction of medicine: prenatal vitamin, 2 folic acid pills, baby aspirin, and Expecta.

The most exciting part of the appointment was hearing the baby’s heartbeat! The doctor chuckled when I asked if there was only one heartbeat. He replied that there is one and that I’m measuring on target for having a singleton.

First appointment

I had my first doctor’s appointment on June 3, 2009. I met with a nurse to review medical history, took a blood test, and received a bag full of reading material. I thought they might check for a heartbeat or do an ultrasound, but I would have to wait for a later appointment. They confirmed our due date as January 21, 2010.

So far, I can’t complain about pregnancy symptoms. My main symptom is fatigue and naps are a regular occurrence. Luckily, the school year at work is winding down and summer break is just around the corner.