More....

It's my first! Can't believe I'm actually going to be a mom. It wasn't planned, but I'm so glad that "this" didn't pass me by in this lifetime.

7/2/08 - NST and Postpartum Doula. We're on baby watch. I have been getting quite a few braxton hicks contractions. My NST tests all show that blood flow to the placenta is strong and the baby is well oxygenated. Last night, I decided we needed to pack our bag. I got a special delivery gown, so that I would not have to wear the hospital gown. Also, we have hired a postpartum doula. I'm so excited about having her. She will prepare meals, run errands, grocery shop, do laundry, and teach me what I need to do to take care of Elizabeth. I'm having her come MWF for 4 hours a day. It's such a relief!

1/28/08 - It's a girl! At first, I did feel a moment of indifference. Inside I was hoping for a boy. My boyfriend, soon to be husband, already has a daughter (20 years old) from a previous marriage. It would have been nice to see him have a little boy. BUT...I'm thrilled to have a princess. I did the amnio today, which is always great reminder that HEALTHY is all that matters. I can't wait to hold our little Elizabeth! I'll keep you posted on the results, but I'm optomistic!

1/12/08 - FIRST TRIMESTER WEIGHT GAIN! Yep, 9 pounds is the final count. I am working out at least 3 days a week: light cardio for 30 minutes, keeping my heartrate under 126. And then for 30 minutes, weights and stability ball excercises. I hired a trainer to help me establish my workouts...I didn't want to do anything that would hurt the baby. She's helped me to understand I'm not going to get in any better shape while pregnant, but I'm going to remain healthy and constipation free! Okay, I still experience constipation, but excercise certainly helps.

1/10/07 - I've decided that I'm going to ask for all my test results with numbers. I want to know my sugar levels, and track my blood pressure, and my ultra scan and blood work results. I don't want to show up to the doctor and have them handling 90% of the decisions....personal choice. I want to play an active role, because I'm willing to do the research. From here on out, I'm asking for all my vital data. This way, I don't have wonder as much.

1/9/07 - NUCHAL THICKNESS SCREEN. We got the initial results back from the nuchal screen. 1:1500 for Down, and 1:7800 for Trisomy 18. The Nuchal Thickness was 1.3mm; CRL(Crown Rump Length) 69mm. Gestational Age 12 wks, 4 days. Naturally, I'm relieved. However, I decided to schedule the amnio anyhow. He actually wants it more than I do...the certainty. I feel pretty confident. In regard to the amnio being risky...I'm not too worried. The 1 in 300 chance of miscarrying from an amnio was based on research done in the 1970s. Now they are guided by ultrasound and research done in 2006 shows there is negligible chance of miscarrying. Besides...we'll know for sure, and we'll know the sex! We've scheduled it for January 28, that means we would have the results before Valentine's!

1/7/08 - I am feeling pretty good...just waiting to find out my screening tests. Hope I hear something today or tomorrow. We opted out of the CVS, and I've been on the fence about the amnio. I think I've been in some form of denial. Over the weekend, we decided to get the amnio done. I'm going to call today to schedule it.

1/2/08 - We go in tomorrow for the first round of the sequential screen (nuchal thickness). I'm thrilled to see the baby, but it is a bit nerve racking. I just want everything to be okay.