First Pictures!

We finally had an ultrasound on Monday and were able to see our little one for the first time. It was a fascinating experience!!!! I had a Level II scan (because of my age) which detects any possible abnormalities. The session lasted about an hour and the sonologist took measurements and documented just about everything you can think. I won't bore you with all the details, mainly because we didn't understand half of what she was saying. It is truly amazing at how technology is so advanced that they could even see the lenses of the eyes! Of course to us the organs looked like little black spots, but the sonologist obviously is better trained than we are. Although not all defects can be detected, everything looks great.

The estimated weight of the baby was about 13 oz. (to give you a visual, the equivalent is three sticks of butter). The baby was pretty active and we could see the little feet kicking away, almost like he/she was dancing! Phil says the baby takes after me, otherwise it would have been sleeping:) So true! I am 20 weeks along- halfway there! Hopefully the next 4 1/2 months will go by quickly. The wait is really hard!

We will be in Rochester for Christmas and then off to Scotland and London on 12/27 through 1/6. This will probably be our last extended vacation for a while...glad we planned it before we found out we were expecting!

Love It?

I have been asked so many times (I can't even count anymore) if I love being pregnant. The honest answer is: no. Before you think wicked thoughts about me, please let me explain. For the past 30-some years, my body has been my own and I've been able to do with it what I want, good or bad. All of a sudden there are changes, and I no longer have control. Eat this, don't eat that. Do this, don't do that (my doctor told me not to do any skydiving or bungee jumping- no, really?).

First came the morning sickness, which thankfully was short lived but having to go to bed at 7pm for three months was not fun. And the headaches. They are still here. Everyday. There really is nothing I can do to make them go away. I am envious of those that can still take an Excedrin or cold medicine when needed because plain old Tylenold just doesn't do the job.

Let's not forget about the weight gain. Now I KNOW that it's a Good Thing (to borrow Martha's phrase), Baby B needs nourishment and this is only temporary. But it does not make things easier. Women simply don't want to gain weight! One day last week I went to put on my winter coat and it DIDN'T FIT! What? Just a few short weeks ago it was big enough to fit over not one, but two sweaters (it's cold in Minnesota!). Poor Phil had to listen to me complain and cry all day. Finally he just told me to go buy a new one. Gotta love that Gap discount, right honey?

There are also the multiple trips to the restroom, the inability to sleep and a whole myriad of other things. I'll spare you rest of the details as I'm pretty sure you get my point.

In the grand scheme of things, I really can't complain too much. My health is excellent, I still have enough energy to visit the gym 3-4 times a week, and going to bed an hour or two early only means the floors don't get washed as often. I don't mean to sound ungrateful here. Growing a baby is hard work and as overjoyed as we are for the outcome, I just don't love being pregnant. Thanks for letting me vent!!

Quick update on the baby- I am 18 1/2 weeks along now, close to the halfway point and I've started to feel the little "flutters" of the baby. YEAH!!! We are going to have our first ultrasound on Monday. Hearing the heartbeat is fun, but seeing Baby B on the monitor is going to be awesome.