All Clear and the Belly is Here!!

Okay, well, it's been a hectic few weeks for us - we've had a bit of trauma, but let me start by saying everything is fine.
We had our first ultrasound at 17 weeks, which was a bit early for their liking, so they asked us to come back at or near 20 weeks. We went back to the same radiology dept, part of U of M. In this ultrasound, it was fairly clear to both of us that the lab tech was spending a LOT of time on his heart, and at one point, I could clearly see a white dot in the ultrasound. I asked what it was and the tech just said "I'll let the doctor answer that" which I totally understand. I wouldn't want to say something and then be wrong or out of line.
So the next day, my doctor called at 6:30 pm and left a voice mail that they found an echogenic cardiac foci on his heart. This is not a big deal, but it is a marker for Downs syndrome. So we had a third ultrasound scheduled for the next day at U of M, at Mott Childrens' Hospital in the prenatal unit - talk about a slightly upsetting event!!
Luckily, my friend Jen Truman had all this happen to her not long ago, and was able to talk me down. We went for the ultrasound and, without our knowing, we also met with a genetic counselor.... seriously?? Who took our genetic profile (nuttiness and craziness apparently don't count for much in these profiles=), and said that we were a very low risk.
THEN we went in for the ultrasound, which was a much nicer place than the other two. The tech was very chatty, which we appreciated, and since we already knew what we were looking for, she was able to point it out to us. We sat for a few minutes after the ultrasound was over, and then the Doctor came in. He explained that this was probably nothing, it was either 1. a calcium deposit (normal) or 2. that piece of the heart was just more reflective of the ultrasound than other parts (also common). He said that since my triple test (a blood test that tests for Downs, Spina Bifada and something else) all came back negative, and they had measured Sherm's leg and arm bones, along with his neck fold (back of his head, another marker for Downs) and those measurements all looked fine, he was going to put this into the "not a problem" category.
What a MESS!! I'm glad we know, though, and I'm glad it's over.
One thing the lab tech asked me in the 3rd ultrasound was if I could feel the baby yet (not really). She said "You are in big trouble" because he was rolling, doing somersaults, and sucking his thumb the whole time. He apparently also was doing a little "boy part jig" - wiggling it around for her to see.... I laughed and said that is definitely GENETIC!! =)

SO, we are doing well, trying to relax and, now that the belly has arrived, trying to find pants that fit. I've been having pretty good luck with JCPenney online, but otherwise not so much. I have about 2 pair of pants that fit at this point, and am trying to find shirts that cover the pant lines.... looking pretty!!

Other than that, things are normal - work is hectic, and Andy has been up to his neck with work as well. As always, it's nice to talk to you - I will try to be better about posting... I'll do my best!!

Love you to all- Saud

Halfway There!

20 weeks is apparently a BIG milestone (or so says the baby website I visit). According to said website, the baby is as long as a banana now... ha!

So, to celebrate, we went and had our second ultrasound yesterday. Everything looks "fine" according to the lab tech, who is basically not allowed to say anything other than what the body parts are... and yes, we did see his giant penis once again =) Andy says we can take pictures of the ultrasound pictures and post, so look for that next week. I think basically, he looks like any other ultrasound pictures you may have ever seen, except that he's MINE and he's amazing!

We're working on registering... what a mess that is! How are you supposed to know what of the million baby things out there are actually worth registering for, and which are total crap?? I mean, we're not total baby idiots - we do have 3 nephews and 3 nieces, so we have some experience. Any thoughts on this topic much appreciated!!

Hope you are all well - looking forward to fall (summer is too dang HOT for me!!).
Love, Saud

It's He-ere!

My belly, that is!

So, I've got a bit of a chubby bump now. AND we go today for our second ultrasound. We went for a first one about 2-3 weeks ago, everything is fine, except that we went about 2 weeks too early. So we "HAVE" to go back for another one, so they can better measure the face and check out the heart.

I also got some maternity clothes delivered from JCPenny - will have to send back for a larger size (dammit!), but at least I know what size now, since these are only available online. yay, pants!

Baby room is coming along. It's getting crowded with clothes from Grammie and gifts and diapers, but I'm working to get my clothes and stuff out of there, so there will be room to add a baby... can't wait!!

Have a nice weekend, everyone!

Love, Saud

PS Special thanks to my bud Jen, who showed me how to upload pics... I'll get better, I promise!!

Why don't I have a Belly?

I'm sure in a few weeks, this post will be "what happened to my belly?" but for now... I keep waiting for the beautiful, cute little pregnancy "bump" that all the celebs have when they get knocked up. Why, why can't this miracle happen to me?

Probably for the same reason I don't weigh 101 lbs and do yoga for an hour every day to 'stay fit'... but that's ok. I'm looking basically a bit chubby, but I did have someone come up to me last week and say "you are expecting!" It was kinda cool... so cool I forgot to say "what do you mean, no I'm not" with a shocked expression on my face. hehe that one never gets old, truly!

So I have a chubby belly, which means my loosest pants are starting to pinch and chafe. Which means the dreaded Pants Shopping. For those of you with junk in the trunk, you know what I'm talking about. You have maybe 2 stores that fit You, and then the other stores you can buy tops or shoes in. Note to self: those 2 stores that fit You actually fit pre-pregnancy you, not Knocked Up You.

So I've resorted to online shopping without the pre-fitting test run that might normally accompany said shopping spree. Which is you would go into a store, try a bunch of crap on, find the one pair of pants in the entire store that fits You (see note to self, above) and then proceed to purchase 4 more pairs in different colors from their online stock. This new shopping for Knocked Up You simply skips the first step. As an added bonus, all the pants are now simply S-XL, 1X and 2X (when available). Who knows what size you are - it's like being 14 all over again!! Hell, Hell I tell you!!

We'll see how JCPenney's does - they have a pretty good online selection, so it could happen. It's getting close to fall (i.e. Pants season) and the ones I have are not fitting, so it's gotta happen. If you happen to have any Chubby Girl/ Knocked Up Me pants that might fit, please feel free to send along. I promise to return if/ when they do not fit.

PS if you haven't seen Facebook, I've posted pics of the crib I put together, and of the UP trip last week.

Talk to you all soon-
Love, Saud