Ultrasound and Belly Pic #1

We finally had our first ultrasound on Friday, and it was awesome! We got to see our new little gummy bear and a strong, healthy heart beat.

His or her heart rate was 160 beats per minute and s/he was measuring right on track! According to my chart, I was 7 weeks 4 days on the day of the ultrasound. One of the measurements put baby at 7w6d and the other at 8w1d. Since none of the dates are more than a week off from each other, the doctor is setting my due date according to my chart, which puts this baby's eviction date as January 26th, 2015.

After the ultrasound, we met with Dr. Tatum who did my c-section with Nora. He did such an amazing job during labor and then surgery last time, that I'm very thankful to be seeing him again. He was happy for us, and he even gave me a hug when he congratulated me. He gave me the "advanced maternal age" spiel, and he assured me that he was as confident as he could be based on statistics that this would be a healthy pregnancy.

We talked about how my friend the fibroid is back, and I have pretty much decided that I will opt for a repeat c-section, which means that this little one is probably going to enter this world a little earlier than its due date. Maybe around the 20th instead of the 26th of January.

In two weeks, I have another appointment, and at that time, we'll schedule my first trimester screening (NT scan ultrasound and blood tests that each look for genetic abnormalities) which will take place at UT somewhere between 12 and 14 weeks gestation.

I caved and took my first bedroom mirror belly pic selfie today. Of course, I'm not showing yet, but I started taking pictures early with Nora, so I wanted to do the same this time. A flowy shirt and maxi skirt probably wasn't the best choice for this kind of photo, but there will be plenty of time to see that bulging belly grow and grow.... and grow.

We have started sharing our news with family and close friends, privately, and we expect to go "public" mid-July after the first trimester screening is complete and we get, hopefully, a clean bill of health. Everyone is very happy and excited for us, as expected. I know we'll have lots of love and support over the next 7 months and beyond as we bring #2 into the world.

Feeling Pregnant

Those first couple of weeks of bliss have breezed by, and now I'm smack dab in the middle of first trimester symptoms.  I love this baby dearly, but I could really do without the around-the-clock nausea.

I'm going to fill out my first "pregnancy questionnaire". I will do these periodically over the next 7.5 months.

How far along? 6 weeks 3 days

Maternity clothes? Nah, not yet, though it is tempting. I did buy some maxi skirts and flowy tank tops for summer.

Sleep? I had a few nights when I couldn't sleep at all, but the last couple were fine. The biggest hurdle to me getting a good night's sleep is this baby's big sister.

Food cravings? Tomato juice, cheese and crackers, dill pickles.  I am a pregnant cliche.

What I miss? Excessive amounts of diet coke. Not feeling ill all day long.

What I'm looking forward to? My 1st ultrasound next week. Friday the 13th. My lucky day!

I've left out many of the typical questions because it's just too early to talk about weight gain or movement or signs of labor, but I know all of those things will come with time, and I (mostly) look forward to them.