Let the Fun Begin!

Well, as you could see, I got to see my little one yesterday. Unfortunately, Patrick was not able to come because of the time. It was amazing. The nurse tried to get him to turn over for what seemed like 10 minutes. She kept jiggling my belly and having me turn over to see if he would move. He seems to enjoy sitting straight up (she said he would make a great couch-potato.) He squirmed for a little bit and then slunk back to sleep. Once, she jiggled him so much he threw a fit. He kicked and punched with all his little effort for about 15 seconds and then tuckered out and gave up. She said that they are normally only awake for up to 20 minutes at a time now.

The room had a huge flat screen on the far wall so I could see every little detail of her body. (Yes, I know I changed pronouns.) My favorite is the close up of her little hand and face. It is as if she is reaching out for me. Isn't it amazing just how much she has grown in the past 6 weeks! From a blob to a baby.

The doctor is going to have me come back in on Monday the 1st to do the pre-op stuff. Then we will decide which date to do the cerclage. It will be some time the following week. After that, he said bed rest for the next two weeks to make sure I heal properly. That should take me up to almost Christmas depending on the exact date of the procedure. Ugh. I guess I can start crocheting or cross-stitching again. Maybe I will be able to make something for the little one. I am getting excited. I forgot how marvelous it is to see the baby moving. I can't wait until I can actually feel the punches and kicks. (I am awaiting the day when Candy is laying on my belly when the baby decides to move. She will freak out!)

For now, life is back to normal. I am extra cautious of what I eat and drink-almost like being on a diet. I guess that is why I haven't gained weight. Only one pound so far. I had voracious ravenousitis (wanting to eat everything in sight) with Emily. What a blessing. I am hoping to stay within the 15-25 pound pregnancy weight allotment through June. The doctor said that a healthy baby with few complications needs to be born after 32 weeks. That is my prayer. Once I get there, I will thank God for every day thereafter.

12 Weeks!

The first picture at 6 weeks. He is the little blob between the two X's. (Top half of the C.)

Lying on his/her side. Head is to the left.

He is doing a headstand!

See those precious little legs and feet?

A close-up of the hand and face.

She's doing the Chicken Dance!

Pregnancy is bliss?

Last night was a turning point in my understanding of my own emotions about this pregnancy. I pretty much threw a temper tantrum. I pitied myself for having to endure the symptoms of pregnancy and to make things worse. . . I bought some fiber stuff at the grocery store that is supposed to be mixed in water and drunk quickly. If you ever think of getting this stuff as a fiber supplement, don't! It is so disgusting. It congeals quickly into a slimy, disgusting mess. I got two sips down before I vomited it and my dinner up. Then later when I talked to Patrick about it I began dry heaving just remembering the feeling and taste in my mouth. Later that night, when I tried to drink some water to swallow a pill--you guessed it--I puked. I didn't even throw up during my morning sickness period. The only good thing that I can say about this experience is that apparently I am much like when I was as a child, after I throw up, the world is all better. My headache went away, I felt nauseous no longer, and I was more awake--but I still pouted. I got into the Yoga child's pose on the living room floor, listed out all of the horrible symptoms of pregnancy and told my husband that I didn't think I wanted to have another child unless she was adopted. I know now that after getting my fiber intake under control and finally feeling my child within me, I will say otherwise. (hopefully) These are the times when I realize I chose the perfect spouse, he walked me up to bed and tucked me in. Then he stayed and held me until I was almost asleep. He knew exactly what I needed to calm me down. I love him so much for putting up with my moods and taking care of me the way he does.

Another Doctor

I have an appointment set for Monday the 24th at 3:30 with the specialist guy. They said I will get an ultrasound and diagnostic so we can set up for the cerclage. I am glad that I don't have to wait four weeks to see my baby again! I hope this doctor is as nice as my other one.

The only thing that constantly reminds me of my pregnancy (other than excitement) is the terrible plague of constipation. I am taking a stool softener every day and hope that it will help. Why does God make this wonderful experience so annoying for some of us? I am almost to the point of saying that I would rather be nauseous, but that is a complete lie. At least this doesn't ruin my entire personality.

One thing God did bless me with--I got all my throwing up done and over with when I was a child, so He spared me that with my pregnancy. I was only sick for two weeks and that was just nausea, not vomiting. Blessings are hidden in the strangest places!

The Sweetest Sound

We went to the doctor today and was able to hear the heartbeat! My doctor only does ultrsound on the 20th week and right before birth, so we had a sonogram instead. Not as much fun, and it was hard to find the little guy. After a couple minutes and quite a serious prayer, we finally heard the beats. I could have listened to that forever!

I made an appt. to meet with the specialist for the cerclage consultation. It will be the Monday before Thanksgiving at 8 in the morning. They will do an ultrasound (yea!) and I can bring a tape to record it. I am sure it will cost extra, but I am going to try. Maybe I could find a way to get it on the blog for everyone. I also set an appt. for the actual cerclage. Apparently that happens at around 14-15 weeks. I am trying to be positive and believe that it will work but my nerves are recalling past memories and it is hard to overcome.

Patrick has been meeting daily with a friend as accountability partners. They read and study the Word, and then pray. It is making a wonderful change in our lives. I have also noticed more of a calling from God to me. He is asking for me to seek Him more often and read His Word. That is something I have not done in quite a long time. My emotions have been a bit raw with the anxiety of he pregnancy and just hormones in general. That is making it very hard to come to God. Please pray for me that I get the umph to obey Him.

Emotional Rollercoaster

Friday, I get to see my baby again. This time I should be able to hear him/her as well. My appointment is for 8:30 and they will be drawing blood. So, please be praying for me. I don't do well with needles.

Yes, it is still early; but, I have already started painting the nursery! It gives me hope that this one will stay. Patrick and I went to Lowe's to pick out the paint colors. Light blue for a sky and a brownish-green for the grass. I painted one wall so far and it looks nice. Hopefully by starting so soon, I will get it done by the time the baby arrives! I am a bit of a procrastinator sometimes. Patrick is going to add in the tree, and help with the grasses, and bugs. Every inch will be painted so (I hope) that it feels as if the room is actually an outdoor garden.

Patrick is very excited about the child and that helps me deal with the stress more easily. I have noticed that my patience at school is a little less and little things make me want to cry. (Yes, I am taking my meds still.) I am realizing just what a difference this is causing in my life. Money, family, time, sleep, work and sanity are all affected. I read on BabyCenter.com that right now is the time when most women get emotional with their pregnancy. I guess that means I'm normal. I just have 5 more weeks to wait for the cerclage to be done, then wait until week 28 when the baby will be considered viable outside the womb. Then from there, I wait for the birth and the future of unknowing anything.

Ten weeks down, 30 more to go!!!