Growing big and strong

I had another follow up appointment with my ob this morning, including an ultrasound. Everything looks great! My blood pressure is good and the doctor was impressed that I'm not retaining any water.

Baby and I are measuring at 24 weeks (due date Jan 13). My original due date was Jan 21, based on time lines. Since it's less than 10 days difference, they aren't officially changing my date. Since all signs point to Jan 13, that's what I'm sticking to. Based on the ultrasound, his estimated weight is 1 lb 7 oz.

Before my next appointment (10/21), I need to complete a blood glucose test and receive a rhogam shot, since my blood type is A negative.

Baby has been very active recently. I love it! He even surprised the ultrasound technician a few times this morning with his kicks and punches. She explained that he's building his muscle tone by moving around...if he keeps this up, he's going to look like a body builder by the time he's born! Adam has been able to feel and see him move, too...it's great to share this experience with him!

Baby's face! What a handsome little man!

Baby feet!

"Bleacher shot" (Dear son, please forgive me for posting such exposing pictures!)

Hand (thumb is hidden). Hello, world!

Side shot of a lounging boy. Arm is on top, bent. Leg on bottom, bent.

Right to left - Head, arm/hand, leg.

Future Occupation: Heart Model

Adam and I met with the pediatric cardiologist this morning for baby's fetal echo. The doctor explained that, while they wouldn't be able to determine an aortic coarctation because of the current development stage of his heart, they would be able to locate abnormalities. I'm happy to report that baby's heart is developing perfectly and is currently the size of a small strawberry. The doctor and his assistants gave many compliments: "That's a beautiful (insert medical terminology)!", "What a perfect (insert medical terminology)!" and even joked that he should be a heart model. He didn't recommend returning for another exam, but said that we could come back again in the third trimester if we would like. We'll also need to mention the family history to his pediatrician.

Movin' on up

After nearly a week of counter offers, we're one step closer to being home owners! Our offer was accepted on Monday! Now we're on to finalizing our loan, getting the home inspection, and starting to pack up our apartment. It's a very exciting, and busy, time!

Expansion

Baby and Mommy are growing bigger by the day! I continue to get comments about how small I look, but I think I'm out of the "is she pregnant or just gaining weight?" stage. Recently, I've been able to feel him moving around in addition to kicks. I can also feel him while standing and sitting instead of only when I'm laying down. The most active times are after I eat and in the evenings. I love feeling him move around..inside and out!

I received a call today to schedule my fetal echo. We're heading back to Toledo next Tuesday to meet with the pediatric cardiologist. Then, it's back to the ob on Wednesday for a check up and an ultrasound with their technician. It will be a busy two days of appointments, but I'm excited to see him again and make sure that he's growing big and strong!

In other news, we put an offer on a house tonight! We've been looking at several houses in the immediate area and found one that is perfect for our growing family. We'll keep you updated on the progress!

It's a BOY!!

Adam and I traveled to Toledo for my peri appointment. We came home with several pictures of our son! He was definitely not shy in proving his gender (see pictures below).

The doctor would like me to return in four weeks for another check-up and a fetal echo with a pediatric cardiologist due to a history of a heart condition in my family. They also want me to undergo additional bloodword to verify that I'm not a carrier for any chromosomal heart defects.

Everything looks great and he is measuring "perfectly!"

Clear proof that baby is a boy!

Leg (on top), arm/hand (on left)-pointing to the proof. No, he's not shy.

"Hi!" Face, looking towards you

Top of head. Check out that brain!

Profile

Close up...check out my good looks!

Foot

Outfits, Crib, and Kicks, Oh My!

My sister, Adrianna, had a garage sale this past weekend. We went to help out and came home with quite the loot! We have two boxes of clothes (girl, boy, and neutral), car seat cover, bath tub, activity mat, and diaper bag!

We may have found a deal on a crib! One of Adam's coworkers was planning to put their crib on Ebay. Prior to posting it, the offered it to us. Adam took a look at it today and everything seems good and safe. He'll likely bring it home with him tomorrow. Now we just have to find a place to put it...

Adam felt the baby kick! He wasn't able to feel each of them, but he felt one kick last night and smiled from ear to ear! I'm typically able to feel movement after lunch and in the evenings. Baby also likes to kick when I wear non-maternity/elastic waist pants. It's as if s/he is saying "Hey Mom! There's no room in here!"

Ultrasound on Thursday afternoon!!

Almost halfway there!

I had another check up with the OB today. Everything looks great! My blood pressure is "very good" and baby's heartbeat ranged from 148-152.

I asked about the ever popular H1N1 vaccine. The doctor was undecided about it, expressing concerns about unknown side effects and the rush to increase production. He said the American Board of Obstetricians has not decided if they support it yet. He seems to have the same viewpoint I have: if I need it, I'll get it, but I don't want to be a guinea pig, not knowing possible side effects, etc. His official answer right now: "I don't know."

I go back for another appointment in 5 weeks (September 23rd) for another check up and an ultrasound!

Next week: Follow up appointment with the Peri, complete with an ultrasound! Let's hope baby cooperates and doesn't cross it's legs!

I've felt the baby move more often! It's wonderful! I'm anxious for the day that Adam can feel it moving, too!