Sneak Peek

My last appointment was a week ago, I was about 12.5 weeks along. They sent me for an ultrasound that day because of persistent bleeding issues, which was obviously not the best circumstance. Normally I wouldn't have had another ultrasound until the "big" one at around 20 weeks. Fortunately/unfortunately we got a little sneak peek at out little Peanut. Check it out!

Sucking that little thumb!
What a profile!

Chris wasn't able to be at the ultrasound because of work, but they set me home with a CD with six still shots from the test. It was so cool to watch as she did the US. I had to drink some juice before the test to help the baby be more active (AKA sugar rush). Boy, do we have a wiggler! He/She was waving and flipping and rolling all over the place in there. I had an ultrasound at about 8 weeks, but it was just a grey smudge in a black smudge then. This time it really looks like a baby! I really can't even describe the feeling of seeing my child basically for the first time. To know that everything is okay, to see this little life that is inside me wave at me...tears. There were tears. It makes me want to do everything just right during this pregnancy. It makes me want to be a better mom already.

What do you think? Any gender guesses? Who does the baby look more like? :)

Official introductions

I suppose I should start from the beginning. I found out on Friday morning, Nov. 4, that I was pregnant. Of course, I was thrilled, but cautious. I didn't know if I believed the test for sure, so early that morning before work (but after Christopher was gone) I ran to the grocery store around the corner and bought a different kind of test. That one was even more positive! Needless to say, I was an excited mess by that point. Somehow I made it through the work day, and then rushed home to tell Christopher in person.

This part of the story needs some clarification. I've been keeping a journal for quite some time, written to by future child. I didn't know when this child would come along, but it's just a record of thoughts, prayers, and hopes for the kid's future, etc. I addressed all of the letters to "Peanut." When I came home that evening, Chris met me at the door looking excited. I thought he must have found the test or something, and I was a little disappointed. He pointed to a single Reese's peanut butter cup on the kitchen counter and asked, "Does this mean something? It's a PEANUT butter cup!" Relieved, I assured him that it was just a coincidence, and didn't mean anything. He was obviously disappointed, but accepting.

We decided to order Chinese for dinner that night, and as he was looking over the menu, I sneakily put this sign on the kitchen table for him to find:



He looked at it for a long time, then looked at me with a terribly confused expression. "Really? Really? REALLY?" I think he asked me about eighty two times. I nodded and then got the biggest hug I think I've every gotten in my life. We're both so excited about this little one!

Fast forward, I am now beginning my 13th week. We're due July 16, 2012, on my grandpa's birthday! We have several other July birthdays in the family, so if I'm early or late, I may very well hit one of them. We're looking forward to all the adventures that are ahead of us, but unfortunately we are currently living quite far from both of our families and close friends. Hopefully this blog will help keep everyone in the know, and help all of our loved ones feel like the special part of this journey that they are. Love you all!