During those moments of trying to get pregnant I was doing ultrasounds multiple times in one week. I understood that appointments/ultrasounds were going to decrease once pregnant but that was okay. That just made the anticipation for upcoming appointments that much more exciting. Imagine my surprise when I went in for my first "regular check up" and Dr. Adams didn't even use an ultrasound machine! Instead, a wimpy looking hand-held device which checked the baby's heartbeat. It is pretty miraculous realizing what the little device can do but disappointing with its limitations. So, feeling a bit gypped, I questioned Dr. Adams on how often I would be able to SEE the baby. Again, surprise! On average they use the ultrasound machine only a few times during pregnancy. What? I had already unknowingly used one of my chances!! So, apparently the last few are near delivery time so the doctor can check the placement of the baby. I will say though, Dr. Adams said I could have an ultrasound "anytime I missed the baby" so that's nice.
Also during the 1st check up I learned you would need to give a urine sample each visit. Again, different than what I had been used to. Every time I went to the doctor for infertility I was directed to empty my bladder. So, like a good patient I did just that. Well, backfire! No ability to pee in the cup. It doesn't help that I normally go to the bathroom maybe 3 times a day TOTAL on average, once in the morning, once at night and one time in-between. So, I was nicely reminded (for the first time might I add) that I would have to produce a urine sample each visit. Guess the nurses didn't want to forget since I had to get the sample AFTER seeing the doctor that visit!
So with that said, a few visits have passed and new pictures of the little one gained. The first set is of my visit with Dr. Adams on 4-13-12. if you are confused at what you are looking at it's cool because I am right there with you.
On 5-4-12 I completed my screening for some genetic disorders. This included some lab work and the COOLEST ultrasound ever! First surprise? NO vaginal ultrasound...this one was on the belly!!! As if that wasn't cool enough the ultrasound itself was really big and clear so I didn't have to guess what I was looking at. It probably helped that the baby had grown a bit larger since the last time I had an ultrasound. All I have to say is check out the lips on my child! I loved it!
My next big appointment was the 18 weeker...the moment of truth. This is when we found out the sex of the baby. I could finally start planning the nursery and all the other fun things that went along with knowing whether "Nugget" (as Hillary calls the baby) was a boy or girl. I realized that although I could have scheduled at 18 weeks, my appointment was actually at the 19-week mark!! I of course tried to change the date but that was a no go. So I internally pouted and talked myself into believing I had waited a long time to actually get pregnant I could wait just a moment longer to find out the sex. Ha Ha, that worked until week 18. A few friends thought I was crazy for not going to a clinic early to find out the sex. So, I scheduled a same day appointment at the Ultrasound Institute in Ontario (6-6-12). So, although I was a little nervous that students would be doing the exam and according to the scheduler "would not be able to "confirm the sex" we decided to take the plunge. At least it was another ultrasound, and a free ultrasound might I add! The free part sealed the deal. :)
So we headed over and the students had all gone home for the day. Great news for us! We got the instructor who was super nice and spend a super long time with us! According to the instructor our baby liked to hang out showing the backside but with a little nudge was quite the exhibitionist. I swear that is from Jon's side! So with a drum roll...
We are having a boy and couldn't be more excited!!!
A week later, 6-14-12, we had our "scheduled"
So, my last appointment went smoothly. I drank lots of water and held off of going to the bathroom until I had a cup in hand. I was slightly concerned that I was a bit chunkier than I should be but Dr. Adams assured me my weight gain was average and my hips were hiding the pregnancy well. I'm pretty sure the wide hip thing was a compliment...or at least that is what I keep telling myself. And...surprise...another ultrasound!!! No pictures this time but I got to see the little champ. He was a moving and grooving this time. Dr. Adams was having a hard time catching the heartbeat because he was flipping all over the place. So fun. With that said, I have been feeling him so much more lately. I started to feel some flutters at 18, 19, 20 weeks but once 21 weeks hit this little man started moving like crazy. Just the other night you could see my belly jerk. CRAZY!
So, here I am at 17 weeks and then at 21 1/2 weeks. I have been horrible with pictures and I am totally kicking myself for it. I swear I've been showing since Day 1 but within the past 1-2 weeks I have jumped from the "fat stage" to the "Oh, you're pregnant stage." I have held off on maternity clothes but I think they are coming, very very soon.
Overall, I must say, I have been super lucky with this pregnancy. Symptoms have included: nausea only if I didn't eat, low energy, occasional pains, and weight gain in places other than my belly. Is it scary that a co-worker informed me that she was suspicious I was pregnant long before I announced due to my increase in chest size? Seriously? The indigestion has also been increasing with time. I try my best to control the burping in public but home is fair game...good thing my husband is willing to not only love me but he will also TRY to compete! I should be embarrassed but I like the challenge and take great pride in my winnings.
I do believe the last surprise is the hidden costs of babies. Goodness, this little guy is not even here and I can count the dollars leaving my bank account. Super fun planning what can I say? Maybe I will get all domestic and make my own baby food and use cloth diapers. HaHa, well, it's the thought that counts! For now I plan on sticking to the greatness of our modern day conveniences. :)
To sum up 21 weeks of pregnancy in 1 sentence, life is good and we can't wait to meet our little man. Nov 7th can't come fast enough!!
