Time is flying...

Well, since my last post I have had one standard appointment and the big anatomy scan. The appointment went fine other than having an abnormally long wait time to see the doctor and the doctor made me cry before leaving the office. I am quite sure I've mentioned this before, but I'm totally hormonal and the doc hit a touchy subject for me. Upon leaving the room, the doctor turned to ask me if I intended to do any of the genetic testing - quad screen or an amnio. Honestly, I only know of one person who has done an amnio and it was because other testing had pointed to a concern. I had this conversation at the appointment previously and I wasn't sure why the doctor was bringing it up again. I pointed out that I am aware that I am an anxious person and testing can indicate false positives (obviously not the amnio, although an amnio can be harmful to the baby). I didn't want to spend the next 20 weeks worrying if something might be wrong and then things be fine. She told me she needed to tell me because I was "running out of time." Apparently you need to have an amnio by 21 weeks. Long story short, I left the office in tears because the doctor was making me question my decision and BJ was away at basic training in Springfield. I had a talk with Amanda on my drive home and she reassured me that I had made the right decision. I just hate questioning myself!

The anatomy scan was on 1/27. I had asked my mom to go with me for fear BJ would not make the appointment and I'd be alone if they told me any concerns. The appointment was at 2:15 and this was typically about the time BJ should be returning to Grafton from Springfield. So, my dad played with Si while we went to the appointment. My nerves were high: 1) because of the previous conversation with the doctor at my appointment, 2) BJ wasn't there, and 3) the receptionist was AWFUL! We arrived 35 minutes early and she spent the entire time entering my new insurance information (yet another stressor as a result of our switch due to BJ's job). Fortunately I was able to relax once I saw our sweet little babe. It was such a different experience from seeing Silas at the same point in development. I was amazed at how active the baby was (arms at the side and then above the head, opening and closing hands, and rubbing its feet together). So cool to have a visual of what is going on in there!

BJ arrived at about 2:50 and the tech was just getting ready to take a look at gender. We have opted for a surprise but apparently there are still tests they need to complete in that "area." They told us to turn our heads, but we didn't really feel that was necessary. Upon asking the tech if she would have been able to tell us the gender, she said, "I know what you are having." BJ's cheeks were flushed red. It was killing him that we could know and he almost caved - just like with Silas! I was cracking up. He asked me if I was sure I didn't want to know and I told him if he wanted to know then he could ask. Proud to report that it is still a surprise! :) I must say that I think determining a name would be FAR easier if we could just focus on one, but it is kind of cool to imagine waiting to hear the doctor announce the sex.

There is a doctor who is watching the entire process and did not see any soft markers of concern. I was so pleased to hear this! However, an internal ultrasound did reveal that I have placenta previa. The doctor seemed optimisic that the placenta could move as the uterus grows over the next 20 weeks. Worst case scenario I would need to have a c-section. Can't say I'd want this, but I'd much rather it be my issue than something wrong with the baby. They will most likely do another ultrasound down the road to verify if the placenta has moved or not. It was slightly humorous that when they stated they would do an internal, my mother fled the room for the waiting room. She cracks me up.

This is the beginning of week 4 of 5 for BJ's training so hopefully we'll have a routine in the next couple of weeks beginning to be established. Work has been nuts and I've been completely overwhelmed, but I know this will pass. It always does, but there have definitely been some hormonal tears shed. In addition to typical work responsibilities, I'm participating in a secret flash mob during the school assembly this week. So, baby will have their first performance at 20 weeks gestation. :)

Next appointment is on Valentine's Day.

Updates, Updates, Updates

Ugh. I have been absolutely horrible with this blog! I'm annoyed with myself, but it's important to me to do this so Baby T2 has a record of the pregnancy leading up to delivery. Since my last post, I had my first appointment with OBGYN Consultants at the Center for Advanced Medicine in STL. Can I just say that this is NOT going to be the same experience as my previous pregnancy and I am so excited! I had to answer several basic intake questions and have my yearly girly appointment. However, the most exciting part was having another internal ultrasound! I was sad I hadn't asked BJ to come along thinking this would be the basic heart monitor on the belly appointment. We had never seen Silas at 12 weeks and I thought the experience was pretty cool. Baby flipped and flopped around on the screen. I blame this on mommy's morning hot tea. :) The doctor said everything looked great!

Before leaving I scheduled the anatomy scan and signed up for another research study. This one requires me to wear a "watch" on my wrist for a week and keep a log of my sleep habits, caffeine in-take, and exercise. I'll have to do this 4 times total during the pregnancy and get a $25 Target gift card each time. Fun! Before leaving I had to give NINE vials of blood! Eeeks! It wasn't too bad though.

Part of me thinks I'm nuts, but I swear I started feeling movement around 11-12 weeks. On the drive to Danville for Christmas I swear I felt baby almost the entire trip. Now that I'm 17 weeks I really should be feeling more, but it seems like there has been a slight decrease. I'm sure I'm just being paranoid.

As far as the anatomy scan, we've elected to let this pregnancy be a surprise! I had always thought there was no way based on my personality that I could hold out for this information when it was readily available, but I guess with age and life experiences I've come to realize that this information just doesn't matter. More than anything I just want a positive anatomy scan that reveals a healthy baby!

BJ started a new job on 1/9 and will be gone for 5 weeks except for the weekends. I have been totally emotional about this for unknown reasons. I am beginning to question if there are extra female hormones raging through my body. I've found I can cry at the drop of a hat. The first week was tough since Silas got sick and I don't do well with vomit. I was totally wiped out, but thankful that nana came to give a hand. I've been feeling icky the last couple of days. My next doctor's appointment is tomorrow (1/17) and I'm anxious to hear that heartbeat. The anatomy scan will be 1/27. BJ can't go since he'll be working so I asked nana if she wanted to accompany me. It doesn't feel right to go alone. If BJ would like, we'll pay for a separate 3D ultrasound so he can take a peek at Baby T2. :) There has been some name discussion, but nothing has definitively been determined yet. We won't reveal this information until arrival!