18 Weeks

This week was a pretty good week! We hit our deadline at work, so things have been a bit calmer. I took Friday off because I had my level-two ultrasound scheduled (and I also really needed a break from working every second).

The ultrasound went fine. The doctor didn't see anything out of the ordinary which is great news! We met with a genetic counselor for almost 45 minutes beforehand and then the ultrasound itself lasted about 45 minutes. Of course, baby was moving around the whole time making pictures extremely difficult. He started out head down and then did a complete somersault to breech position.  After that, he decided to put his feet up by his face so we couldn't see his little profile. I can already tell he's going to be a handful!! 

Due to all his movement, we only got five pictures and the 3D one is not the best (apparently no one told him he was supposed to hold still for five full seconds for that one!), but here are they are (minus the one which confirms he is indeed a boy ... ha!):

I asked about his upper lip looking so swollen and the doctor said it was fine. He is still pretty small (9 oz) and has lots of growing to do, so I will try not to worry. The doctor said she was obsessed with a wonky looking pinky on her daughter and when she was born, it was totally fine. I'm glad I'm not the only mom-to-be that has these worries! I am definitely able to feel him kick now which goes a long way toward reassuring me. I still can't believe we will be halfway to meeting him in a little over a week! My bump is still tiny which makes it seem all the more surreal. 

Coming up, I have my normal doctor's appointment next week and then on Jan 5, we will have a fetal echocardiogram which is standard for IVF patients. I always look forward to another chance to see my baby :)

15-17 Weeks

I've become super delinquent with this blog, mostly because I've been working way. too. much. The deadline we are pushing towards is next week and we are almost there, so I think things will calm down after that. Thank goodness!

Our Thanksgiving break was very nice. We spent the day of Thanksgiving with Mike's family and ate lots of yummy food. The rest of the week was spent relaxing, shopping online intermittently, and putting up the Christmas tree. Some of the shopping included me caving and buying a few maternity shirts, although I really don't need them yet ... pants are what I need (mine are starting to feel a bit constrictive even though my bump is teeny tiny!), but buying pants online tends to be a nightmare for me so I thought I would go to the Mall of America at some point (hopefully AFTER the holidays).

First maternity shirt (from Target!) with bonus kitty sighting. Excuse the messy room! 

Last week we had real, custom blinds installed in the front of our house. I must be an adult because I was excessively excited about this. They were an investment, but look great! I also got to see my friend Adrian from Clemson who I hadn't seen since my wedding. He was in town for a work meeting. Christine, he hasn't changed at all! We were waiting for our table at the restaurant and he commented on how cute a girl walking by was! He also suggested Adrian as a name for the baby. Ha! Anyway, it was nice to catch up with him and he may be back in May for more work stuff. Depending on timing, he might get to meet the baby which would be fun.

Fancy pants blinds! 

We walked to US Bank Stadium. Adrian was very cold :)

In baby news, we got the results from a blood test I had at my appointment in early Nov indicating normal (low) risk for neural tube defects. Hurray! I think I'm starting to feel the little guy move a bit. I read online that it would feel like a flutter or popcorn, but for me it feels like an increase in pressure in my uterus. When I feel the pressure and I put my hand on my stomach, I sometimes feel a poke or two ... weird but cool ... and also very reassuring! This week I had an ultrasound to check on the blood clot from 11 weeks and it was totally gone. Great news! Even the doctor was surprised. She also found it amusing that I lost a few ounces over Thanksgiving ... oops ... I'm definitely not starving myself! I've only gained about two pounds so far. When I asked if she was concerned, she said that she wasn't, so that makes me feel better. I actually feel like I've gained two more pounds in the four days since that appointment! Weight gain that I can't control is still very uncomfortable for me, but I'm trying to take it in stride.

You can see some fingers and one of baby's little feet!

Don't worry! I didn't forget the baby in all my shopping :) I bought this coat for baby's first winter.

This coming Friday I have my level-two ultrasound. Expect lots more baby pictures after that one!