Stats, December 18, 2009

I'm almost at the halfway point!!!

We had what was supposed to be a routine appointment with Dr. KH and a blood test called the "Triple Screen". Dr. KH listened to Bubs' heartbeat again. It was very easy this time and Bubs was located exactly where I guessed - right in front, slightly to the left and moving like a fish. After the blood test we were asked if we wanted to go in for the ultrasound. We debated about whether we wanted to come back later with a VHS tape so we could record the ultrasound or go ahead and have one then but not be able to record it. After making sure this wasn't the only ultrasound we were getting, we decided to go ahead.

The experience was amazing. I noticed Bubs' jaw was rounder, like Will's and the feet were more arched, like mine. It's amazing how God, and only God can combine two peoples' features in a baby and make a new person, so perfect and unique. We got to see Bubs' four-chambered heart, the kidneys and fingers and toes among other things. We'd already told the ultrasound technician that we did not want to know if we were having a boy or a girl, so he was careful. In the end he admitted that he didn't know either because Bubs did a great job keeping those legs crossed. Good baby!!! I was a little concerned Bubs might be lagging behind a little because of all my morning sickness. But no, Bubs was measuring little more than a week ahead. I was supposed to be 17w2d according to my LMP and the first ultrasound but Bubs was measuring at 18w3d and weighed 9 oz. Go Bubs!!! Bubs has caught up with the "due date twin". My best friend from college is due a few days before me but our babies are measuring about the same now. She's having a little boy! Precious :-)

How far along am I? 18 weeks

Weight gain: The nurse said 3.5 lbs, my scale at home says more. I guess I'll go with the nurse's version since she makes notes and the scale she uses looks like it could crush mine.

Pregnancy perks: My hair grows so much faster now! I've got it chopped to mid-back length to help. And that appetite everybody talked about? It's here. Fortunately Bubs still seems to prefer healthy food and I'm still not craving ice cream or desserts. Also, I feel like I'm a fountain of tears. For instance, the other day Will got himself a coconut DrPepper after we got done grocery shopping. His drink fell as he came to a quick stop at the lights before he had even taken his first sip. I was so sad for him I cried all the way home with Will consoling me that it was just a drink and he was going to be ok. The biggest perk however, is feeling Bubs move.

Cravings: I just want some good, old-fashioned South Indian food now. Rice, lentils, vegetables, fish curry (low mercury fish, yes please!), chapatis (whole wheat flat bread) and idlis (steamed rice mini-cakes). It's odd considering I didn't want Indian food at all during the first trimester and Will thought that one of the reasons he had married a South Indian girl was proving to be quite hopeless but now he's a happy boy. I worry about whether he's going to get sick of it and want me to cook anything but Indian soon but he's said he'll tell me when he needs a change and he hasn't in the past month. I still don't want any cakes or pies. I didn't touch any of the dessert options during Thanksgiving week and I don't feel inclined to eat them at Christmas. But my sis-in-law Rachel is making some chai spice cookies and they sound oh-so-good!