Week 12

I've been thinking about the test that my doctor mentioned at our last visit that is available to all pregnant women during the 1st trimester. It is called First and is supposed to test for Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders. Apparently, if you take this test, you have to also be willing to have an amniocentesis, which is a more invasive test that carries a risk for miscarriage-- because if the results of the first test are unclear or positive, then they will use the second test to find out more.

Although I was uncertain (because if the doctor is recommending it and modern science has made it available, why not, right?), I think I have decided not to do it.Because even if I find out something is wrong with the baby, what would I do? Knowing would only make me more anxious about the birth. At this point, I'm not really anxious about that-- I've made it almost to the end of the first trimester, and as far as I know, everything is going right on schedule. There has been nothing abnormal to make me feel that my baby is at risk. And frankly, I'm not willing to PUT the baby at risk to find out if something is wrong with him/her. Because termination has NEVER been an option.

On a lighter note, I have to give props to the Life Care Pregnancy Center, where I have been volunteering over a year now on Thursday nights. I have learned so much from the girls who come in there and I know God has truly been using it to prepare me for my own pregnancy and parenting. I'm leading a Pregnancy Information Class right now, which has been fairly informative-- we've been watching a video from National Geographic called "In the Womb" which gives an amazing view of the baby inside the womb at all different stages. We also had a maternity clothes closet available and just recently had to stop that ministry for storage reasons, and I cam eout with about 5 shirts and 2 pairs of pants. Most are too big for now, but will soon fit. Mostly I enjoy the great support I get from my friends at the Center.

We had to sign up and pay for our childbirth class through the hospital this week, although the class won't happen until July. I did my research, though, and discovered my insurance will reimburse up to $90 of the cost. So I splurged and also signed up for a post-natal exercise class to which you're allowed to bring your newborn. Hopefully these classes will also be a great opportunity to meet other new moms.We also got our 1st bill. I'm pretty sure my insurance deductible is only $500 so I know it won't go much higher than that, but I guess I just didn't expect to have to pay this soon. And all for photos of hte preborn child in my womb. Worth it? I think so.

My Baby's Development: Week 11

Nearly all structures and organs are formed and beginning to function.
Fingers and toes have separated - Take a glimpse at how incredibly precious your child's tiny feet are at this point. Hair and nails begin to grow. The genitals begin to take on the proper gender characteristics - It will be just a few more weeks before your ultrasound can show if you are having a boy or a girl! Have you been dreaming of pink or blue?
Amniotic fluid begins to accumulate as the kidneys begin to function - This fluid, consisting primarily of water, helps provide a cushion for your baby while she's nestled within your womb. The muscles in the intestinal walls begin to practice contractions that digest food. Your baby is about 1.61 inches (4.1 cm) long and weighs 0.25 ounce (7gm).

Week 11

I think I'm finally getting over the "all-day" sickness. I feel generally good during the day, just a little more tired by the end of the day. Now I'm getting these strange tastes in my mouth after everything I eat, like my taste buds are magnifying every flavor. Even gum or mints are really really sweet. I feel like we should be doing more to prepare for this baby, seeing as how I'm almost 1/3 of the way done. But I know that there is plenty of time and everything will eventually fall into place and right now I should be focusing on staying healthy. I have bought a few packs of diapers but I'm hoping the baby isn't picky about what diapers he/she likes.I had two different people comment yesterday on how much I am showing already. It was understandable when I was wearing a more form-fitting sweater, but yesterday I was wearing a more loose shirt. Right now I just look fat if you don't know I'm pregnant, but I think I'm growing at exactly the right rate.

Week 9

We had our 2nd dr. appointment on the 31st and the baby (finally resembling something a little more human-like, as opposed to just a dot), and the baby measured at about 8 weeks along. This puts my due date around 9/10/08. We're hoping its before Sept. 11th!

This week it seems the morning sickness is starting to subside slightly. I still feel sick sometimes after I eat, but when I wake up I usually feel pretty decent. No foods really sound good at all, and yet every 2 hrs. I feel so hungry! I have experienced some other symptoms, like heartburn, and weird tastes in my mouth. I did make Brett go & get me some cookies & cream ice cream last night-- he seemed to enjoy being my knight. I am now at the stage where I can't quite bring myself to go buy maternity clothes, but I'm definately feeling the stretch in my pants.

Our next appt. will be with an OB nurse on Feb. 27th. I am anxious to hear the baby's heartbeat, but I'm not sure if we will get to.






My growing belly @ 2 months





8 week ultrasound-- much more baby-like!