Knees and Elbows

So we met one of our new OB docs yesterday. He was great. He walked us through what to expect over the next months, explained tests, and was very reassuring. I have my next 3 appointments scheduled, each two weeks apart. During that time we will meet a few other doctors as well. By the end of the pregnancy, the hope is to have met each of them so when it comes time to deliver, we are familiar with each doctor. He gave very thorough explanations, and really took his time with us.

Baby has grown in two weeks from 1.4cm to 3.2cm, just under an inch and a half. That's what they call the CRL, crown-rump length. It is the measurement of babies head to butt, so we aren't counting the length of those itty-bitty legs. Actually, baby's length is a few days ahead of what was expected, so when it comes to growth we're doing really well. (Me and baby!!) The heart beat was just as beautiful as the first time we saw it. We're 10 weeks pregnant on Saturday. At ten weeks, baby is about the size of a prune. Bones and cartilage are forming and small indentations on the the legs are developing into knees and ankles. Unbelievably, the elbows on baby's arms are already working! Tiny buds of baby teeth are forming under the gums. The stomach is producing digestive juices, the kidneys are producing larger quantities of urine, and if it's a boy... the testes are producing testosterone.

We are thrilled to see baby is doing well, I'm feeling really good, and I look forward to getting some energy back. I'm still very tired, but the nausea has subsided greatly. Christian is so amazed that there is TWO heartbeats within one foot of each other- all within one body!

Thank you to Eric & Angela, Ron & Susan, Melissa, and Mom for your adorable cards. And thank you to each of you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Everyone at work has been SO supportive- keeping an eye on me, and being so willing to help me with whatever I need. Thank you Julia for the "Got Milk" bib, and thank you mom for the baby sheet set too.

Baked goods and muffin-tops!

We've made it through two whole weeks without a doctor appointment! It's just a taste of what's to come. It was difficult at times since we're already used to checking in on baby at least once a week. Every time I start to feel good I get a little nervous, but then I get nauseated and exhausted, and I'm kindly reminded that baby is doing just fine. Tomorrow's a big day; it's our first appointment with our OB. I called yesterday to verify the time and address of my appointment, and learned that my OB-gyne who did all my preliminary tests, fertility drugs, intra-uterine inseminations, and my surgery back in November is no longer delivering at CDH. Everything happens for a reason though; I was just commenting to my mom that I was considering switching to another doctor within the same practice but felt Dr. Weeks knew me so well I should stick with him... Well, I don't have a choice anymore. The doctor I've chosen was one who during one of my intra-uterine inseminations last year insisted on giving me a shot of lidocaine into the cervix- his theory is "why should my patients be in any unnecessary pain?". Well, isn't that who I want to deliver my baby?! Yes! So I'm excited to see him again tomorrow. I'm more excited/anxious to check in on the baby and see that (he's) doing well.

So, I have a belly on me. I'm sure I can attribute a bit to the routine of eating every 90 minutes. This is the only thing I've found to keep the nausea controlled. The last 4 days or so have been much better for me. I've gained about 4.5 pounds so far with just over 2 weeks to go in the first trimester. We've taken pictures every week since week 5; it's funny to see the change- slight but definite. The old 'hair rubber band through the button hole and around the button' trick is keeping me in my regular clothes. Otherwise, I've got serious muffin-top going on with a hard time breathing in those tight pants, and sooo uncomfortable. Christian took me to Target, (big spenders we are) and we picked up some casual loose fitting tops. I got brave yesterday and threw on a long tank top with one of my not so old tops over it. OOOHHHHH NOOOOO she didn't!! Ripped that puppy right off and put on my new Target top! It was a sight. I know people are noticing my habits... today a patient brought in a huge assortment of fresh baked goods from their family bakery. Why did TWO co-workers march right over to let me know about "all the baked goods in the back room"?! (Love those cherry turn-overs).