Thursday, October 28, 2010

Starting to Show...Already?!?!

I've noticed this week that I'm really starting to show.  Now, there's the "I'm pregnant and feel fat" bloated feeling that I've had for the last 6-7 weeks, but over the past couple of weeks my pants have gotten tighter.  I was looking at my belly button the other day and can already see the inside of it - what the heck, I'm only 11 weeks!  I knew it was official when after hugging Dan tonight, he told me, in a very excited tone, "Hon!  You're getting a pooch!"  Uhhh...thanks sweetie.  I guess this is the only time in his life that he'll get away with saying that without getting decked or spending the night on the couch!  But it is kind of exciting - it starts to make it a little more real!  


I actually haven't even gained a pound yet.  I've had pretty rough morning sickness, and a drastic reduction in my appetite because of it. My doctor said it's right around 9-10 weeks that most women start to see those symptoms subside.  It has started to get better lately.  I'm still dry heaving in the mornings, and when I smell something that's repulsive (chili and leftover hamburgers have been the major culprits so far), but the all day feeling nauseous is starting to get better.  Now it's more bouts of it when I need to eat.  I'm still pretty exhausted, but at least I'm not having to take a nap while Dan drives us home after work now!  Sleep was one of my favorite things in life even before pregnancy!!  I'm gearing up for a pretty intense month or so at work, so I'm looking forward to Christmas break where I can rest...and sleep. :-)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

First Prenatal Appointment

Today was my first prenatal appointment with Dr. Nowitzky.  Dan thinks she's the best doctor ever because her last name is Nowitzky...even if it IS spelled differently than Dirk Nowitzki, he's convinced they are long lost siblings.  I won't mention that she is short and dark haired, as opposed to Dirk's height and blonde hair.  


Anyway - I assumed that this appointment would just be a bunch of labs, blood work, and the fun "female" exams.  So Dan decided that he wouldn't take off work for this one, and save up his time off for important trips like the holidays and babies being born!  I was so relieved when I met her, because she is awesome.  She walked in and the first thing she asked was, "What questions do you have?"  It was so comforting to know that she was more concerned that I was comfortable than doing what she needed to do.  Doctor #1 apparently did not send over my ultrasound from 6 weeks, so because of my previous ectopic history, she ordered another ultrasound so that she would have the evidence that all was well in my file.  I was so excited to see the baby again, but so bummed because Dan wasn't there :-(.


This is Baby Gaines at 9 weeks.

The picture didn't turn out as clear on this scan, but the baby is alive and well!  It was so surreal to see him/her moving his/her little arms and legs around and flexing his/her back, almost rocking back and forth.  I still wonder if I dreamed it sometimes!  The ultrasound tech said it was a very active baby! :-)


I'm still measuring spot on for a May 26th due date.  Everything from the appointment was very positive.  I LOVE Dr. Nowitzky and everything looks good!

Monday, October 18, 2010

A Tale of Two Doctors

It has been a little bit of a crazy couple of weeks!  Back in July, I met with a doctor for "pre-conception counseling", basically just to be sure that everything was OK for us to start trying after the ectopic last year.  She seemed nice, and very knowledgeable, and instructed me to contact her office as soon as I had a positive home pregnancy test.  I did, and they scheduled the ultrasound for October 1st.  I was under the impression that we would be meeting with the doctor after the ultrasound appointment.  However, she never called to verify that everything was fine with the ultrasound, and when I called to find out when I was supposed to come in I started to get very unsettled about my choice for a doctor. I called on Monday, and was told that they would call me back to schedule an appointment.  They didn't call.  So I called again on Tuesday and was told the same thing...again on Wednesday...again on Thursday.  They finally called back on Friday and scheduled me for my first prenatal appointment on November 1st - when I will be 11 weeks!  Not the most comforting information for this first time Mommy!  I have a number of girlfriends from church who all have the same doctor and highly recommended her.  So I finally decided to call and make an appointment with her only to find out that in Texas, you can not begin medical care with a second physician once you have started care with another until your records are transferred.  The poor receptionist got me blubbering into the phone asking what I should do.  Thank goodness she understands hormonal pregnant talk, because she was able to kindly walk me through what needed to happen.  The first doctor got my records sent over the next day (a Friday), and today (Monday) the second doctor's staff was calling to schedule me an appointment as soon as possible!  So I go in on Wednesday for my first prenatal!!  Dan isn't planning to come to this one with me since it will likely be a bunch of lab work and exams that he would rather not experience! :-)  I have such a peace about this move!  

Friday, October 1, 2010

Big News for Us!!

We're expecting!! 
Baby Gaines ~ May 26, 2011 

This ultrasound was done on October 1st at 6 weeks.
Because of my previous history with an ectopic, my doctor wanted an early ultrasound done to check that everything was ok.  When the ultrasound tech said she could see the baby, I asked, "Is it in my uterus?" I guess that's a normal question for someone who has had an ectopic before!  Seeing the baby, the little rice krispie, was the most amazing feeling!  We also got to hear his/her little heartbeat for the first time.  Such an awesome reminder of how amazing God is.


FOR YOU CREATED MY INMOST BEING;
YOU KNIT ME TOGETHER IN MY MOTHER'S WOMB.
(Psalm 139:13)

We praise you, Father, for we are wonderfully made!!