First Ultrasound

At my first OB appointment last week, I was warned that they will probably do a trans vaginal ultrasound to see the baby. I was kind of disappointed that the ultrasound didn't happen during that first visit; however, I felt relieved because I knew Ben really wanted to share that moment together. Plus of course, I wanted him there. They rescheduled the ultrasound for its own office visit today (luckily with no additional charge!).

We were once again greeted by the friendliest staff. I cannot stress how appreciative I am of nice people! The ultrasound tech was courteous enough to come out of her office in the back corner, all the way to the front waiting room, just to inform us that she was running a tad behind due to an unscheduled client. Love being informed!
I have to take a moment here to brag about my husband. He's been on his ACS rotation working the night shift (5pm - 6:30am) for two weeks. My ultrasound was scheduled for 3pm. Instead of having me go alone while he slept, he made the effort to wake up early and sacrifice a couple hours of sleep to attend this appointment with me. His work hours are ridiculous so getting enough sleep is extremely precious to him.
When we are pulled back to the exam room, the ultrasound tech, April, thought that with my height and body type, it should be easy to do the ultrasound on the belly. I was so relieved when she said that! If I had my druthers, I'd prefer belly to vagina...But of course that didn't work. So I had to strip from the waist down and "assume the position." From that point April explained to us what she was going to do. She had the ultrasound wand in her hand and informed us that it was lubed up with a condom and ready to go...too little, too late April! Ben just about peed his pants and I'm finding it extremely uncomfortable to laugh as hard as I did whilst half naked with my feet in the air. Then the most beautiful image popped up on the screen--our little kiddo. It was the cutest little peanut with its big head and T-Rex arms. Seeing the heart beating was fascinating! It was so rapid, fluttering at 176bpm. Based on the measurements, April thought I was a little further along than originally estimated, but not too far ahead to adjust the due date. Still sticking with December 3. So Ben and I got to sit there together, holding hands, gazing up at our teeny tiny human. No tears, just awe. It's the little moments like that where you realize how great and amazing our God really is.

"For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:13-14

First OB appointment

April 18th is one of my favorite days. Four years ago today, two amazing things happened to me--I was baptized in my home church in front of my family, and I met the man I ultimately would marry. To add to that list, I have scheduled my first OB appointment.  I chose my doctor(s) based on the hospital I wanted to deliver at. Since my husband has rotations at all the local hospitals, his input was definitely appreciated. He works closely with and likes the docs at Leigh hospital and since we are moving closer to that area anyway, it seemed apropos. I chose the Group For Women to handle my prenatal care. They received great reviews online and they are located right next to the hospital. Lots and lots of nerves going into this appointment. Ben couldn't accompany me because he had worked all night, didn't get home until 11:30am, and had to return to work at 5pm. Ironically, doctors kind of freak of me out. You'd think after being raised by one, marrying one, and working with them I would get used to them. Must have white coat syndrome... You never know what to expect from these people and seeing as how it's a Friday, I had a feeling all they wanted to do was just go home. For a 2:00 appointment I had to arrive at 1:30 for the endless amount of paperwork. According to the receptionist, we have the best insurance she's ever seen! Thank you Jesus because we are already hemorrhaging money with our upcoming move and owing stupid taxes! Upon arriving I was greeted with nothing but kindness and excitement for us by all the staff I met. You would think that in their line of work you would become desensitized to silly new moms-to-be and all their hype but the staff was so wonderful! They checked my weight, BP, medical history, urine, blood, breasts, my hoo ha, the works! The doctor I had was fabulous. She was so sweet and seemed genuinely happy for us and our first baby. She didn't seem rushed and she even had me sit with her in her office to address any questions or concerns I might have. It felt a little awkward when she kept addressing Ben as the baby's father. Ben is my husband and the father of my kiddo. Just call him husband. I guess in these here parts you can't be too sure so it's best to not make assumptions. Below is a fun little survey I found.


How far along?: 7 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain: Approximately 3lbs (but feels like more thank you bloating!)

Maternity clothes?: No...I live in scrubs and sweats. It could be awhile.

Stretch marks?: Let's just say no new ones.

Pregnancy symptoms?: No nausea/vomiting. Just some abdominal cramping here and there and BLOATING. I feel much bigger than I think I should. Strong food aversions. Fatigue. Fatigue. Fatigue.

Sleep: Sleep is my middle name. Between my husband and I, we typically go to bed around 9pm. On days I don't work, I'll get up between 7-8am. I feel NO GUILT about taking naps. I'm averaging 3-4 trips to the bathroom every night so my napping is totally justified. 

Best moment this week: Going to my first OB appointment, meeting the staff, and just feeling extremely comfortable with the whole process thus far :)

Movement: Nope

Food cravings: More food aversions than cravings. The only foods that don't make me scowl are things that are spicy as oppose to things that are sweet. I'm generally a very healthy person and would never dream of attending a drive-thru but all I want is junk food! I saw that they put in a new Chic-fil-a in our area and I nearly cried when I saw how long the line was...Also, I could devour chocolate milk! I've only given in to that craving twice. Luckily, Ben bought me Ovaltine so it's "healthier."

Gender: Based on the Chinese gender chart, my food cravings/aversions, and the fact that I haven't experienced any crazy pregnancy symptoms, all signs point to a boy. However, the baby is still being referred to as "the baby."

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out?: Innie

What I miss: Would you judge me if I said alcohol??? My husband and I are beer snobs and I think he secretly enjoys coming home with a box of Total Wine's finest knowing I can't have any.

What I am looking forward to: First sonogram this Tuesday and Ben is able to go with me!

Weekly Wisdom: Journal everything. This is going to be such a roller coaster of a ride!

Milestones: According to http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/7-weeks-pregnant.aspx, baby is generating about one hundred new brain cells each minute. Both brain and heart are becoming more complex. Baby is also developing a permanent set of kidneys as well as limbs!

How big is baby?: Baby is about the size of a blueberry!