Feeling movement!

I was a little paranoid because with my daughter, I first felt 2 distinct taps at 12 weeks and 6 days. I continued to feel movement with her, and it was a bit of a surprise, since I didn't feel my son until 20 weeks (I had an anterior placenta with him, so it tends to serve as a cushion between the baby and well, you).

Anyway, the past few days, I have started feeling Baby Surprise a few times a day. It's such a great feeling! I know that once you hit the 2nd trimester, you are more "in the clear", but I am somewhat of a worrier (cue memories of the younger me, back in my solo and ensemble days, nervous stomache-ache in the bathroom while my mom told me everything would be okay -- yeah, I was one of those kids).

My big ultrasound is a week from today (1:00 CST on Monday, the 28th, for those of you stalking). I am so excited to see my baby again, because at 7 weeks, well, he/she was just a little thing.

As you know, I do not want to know the gender. I can't completely lie, so I will say that if I happen to "get a glimpse", I will take my best guess, but I don't want the ultrasound tech to tell me. I go back-and-forth (it'd be fun to know so then I could zero in on one name of one sex), but then I think of that moment, waterbirthing, when I pull that little baby out of the water and see for myself. How emotional that day will be, for many reasons. I think of my last waterbirth often, and how awesome it was (and not to toot my own horn, but I was so proud of myself for going natural. What an amazing feeling!).

Please keep me in your thoughts . . .

I had my 36 week appointment today and I only gained one cm from last time (I'm at 33 now and I was at 32 at my 34w checkup).

Heartrate was 150. I'm feeling movement and everything.

Because I'm still measuring small and only gained 1 cm, she did order an ultrasound for 2:30 today. She said she's not worried, but wants to make sure it's not low amniotic fluid, or a problem with fetal growth. She said it could just be a small baby. Her official diagnosis was "small for gestational age".

I am nervous, but I think everything is okay. I'll probably have to go by myself because DH is home with Andrew and there's nobody to watch him. I'm going to call my mom now and see if she can get my sister to fill in for her at work and see if she can meet me there (they work at the same place).

I hope this is nothing serious! :(

Back from the ultrasound (Updated: added pics)!

The baby is measuring perfectly healthy and on track.

It's a.........................




GIRL!

More pics!




Now we just need to name her. I have one name I really like (Elise) and I think DH likes it too, but I have to feel him out a little more on it. I just need to come up with a middle name. PS, if you are Facebook friends with me, please don't mention that you know the name. Family (including my own mother!) doesn't know what I've chosen, and we are keeping it a secret until birth. I figure my blog network is "safe" since nobody in real life comes here. Thanks!!!

Excited, nervous, and scared shitless!

I have my 9 week ultrasound today (although I'm not 9 weeks tomorrow). I am begging my body not to fail me! Last time I went in, with the last pregnancy, all I saw on the screen was an eight-week fetus with no heartbeat. It was so hard to see, because I was expecting a lively 12 week baby.

I am praying that when I get there, everything goes well. I can't wait to see that little flicker on the screen, and I think I'm going to have a heart attack while waiting in anticipation. Hopefully not. I don't think I can handle seeing another dead baby.

This swine flu I have is quite annoying. I'm brining water and cough drops so that I'm not hacking away through the whole thing. This poor baby probably already has shaken baby syndrome just from bouncing around all day with my coughs and sneezes.

I will update when I get back to work after my appointment. I have to meet with the nurse for my first OB appointment (the one that lasts over an hour where you answer 9,082 questions about your family's medical history), and then I think I will have bloodwork drawn.

I should be back to work around noon, Central time.

Please think good thoughts for me!