We're having a.......

GIRL!

I am absolutely thrilled, although I think I would have been just as thrilled to learn it was a boy. At first I really wanted a boy, but as time went on, I figured a girl would be really cool too. For the last few weeks though, I've just been thinking about how happy I'll be to have either one.

At the ultrasound was Jeremy (of course. He's already such an attentive Daddy!), and my sister. She just happened to be in town this week.

Everything looked really good on the ultrasound. She has a nice strong heartbeat. There was a lot of measuring of tiny bones. From these measurements they are somehow able to come up with the baby's weight. Our little girl weighs 11 ounces! They said that by the time she weighs about a pound I should be feeling her. I was also told that my placenta implanted on the top of the uterus (just underneath the tummy lining) and because of this placement, it's not unusual for it to take longer to feel the baby. She just needs to gain a bit more weight so she is strong enough for me to feel. I can't wait for that and for when Jeremy can also feel her.

I have some pictures of the ultrasound that I'll have Jeremy scan this weekend so I can post them for you to see.

Congratulations to all you Grandpas, Grandmas, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins! You're having a granddaughter/niece!

Finally - the first belly pics

This is the end of week 18, taken 2/21/09.

Where's the belly pics?

Well, we never got around to it this weekend and now Jeremy is out of town for the week. I might try to take some myself and get those posted, otherwise it will have to wait until the weekend. Sorry!

Thanks for your guesses on the poll. Only about a week now until we find out!

P.S. I haven't felt any movement yet....still waiting.

My little sweet potato

"Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon."

I can't wait to start feeling the baby move! From what I've read, I should be able to start feeling the movement within the next two weeks. Come on, baby, let's get moving!

On another note, Jeremy and I spent some time wandering around Babies R Us yesterday. There is so much to think about and so many choices that it is so overwhelming. Our first big purchase will probably be the crib. I've been doing some online research for prices and just to read other people's reviews about different cribs. This is going to be a hard decision!

Do we have a boy or a girl?

Well, it looks like we'll be finding out in less than 2 weeks. The ultrasound is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th. So, as long as Baby L cooperates (shows the goods), we should know then. Of course, I will let everyone know.

Now for the fun part. I have a hunch (maybe it's mother's intuition) about what is growing inside of me. I would like for you to take a guess on it as well. Please see my poll and cast your vote on what you think we've got.

Oh, and belly pictures soon to follow. I am going to take them either today or tomorrow so they should be up later this weekend.

4 month doc visit update

Well, I've got some good news and some bad news.

The bad news first. When the nurse weighed me this morning, she first thought I had lost weight. I knew that wasn't true, so I told her to check again. Well, let me just say her reaction has made me rethink some of my eating habits. There will be no more baking of cakes, late evening snacking, and very limited afternoon trips to the vending machine at work. Apparently in the last month I have gained 7 pounds. She never really said, but I think I have read that I should be gaining about a pound a week - so it should have been more in the neighborhood of 4 pounds. Needless to say I was almost double that! Looks like I'm going to have to ask Jeremy to help me watch my snacking this month and see if that helps.

Now the good news. We got to hear the heartbeat again and as the doctor said, "it is a very healthy 150+ range." I love hearing the heartbeat and we've talked about buying one of those fetal heart monitors just so we can do it at home.

I also have a referral for the next ultrasound. This will be the ultrasound that can tell us if we're having a boy or girl. All along Jeremy has wanted to find this out early, and I am really leaning towards finding out now (sorry Mom and Nathan.) I really want to start buying some cute clothes and blankies and stuff.

I haven't schedule that appointment yet, but it will probably be during the last week of the month. I'll keep you posted!

16 weeks

In case you're wondering....

Tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming.

The results......

Wow! Looks like most people are on Jeremy's side. Yes, Jeremy would like to find out early. I was pretty much wanting to wait. However, once we started looking at baby stuff (which I really want to start buying), I am not too excited about the neutral baby bedding, clothing, etc. So, I am leaning towards finding out early too.

Next doc appointment is February 10. I'm guessing that she will refer me for the next ultrasound. I better hurry and make my mind up for sure!