It's a boy :)

This is me with my baby boy at 19 weeks, 1 day (the day before our ultrasound).

Well, we had our big ultrasound on Thursday, July 12th, and it went almost perfectly. Just like with my earlier ultrasounds, I spent a lot of time worrying and panicking during the days leading up to the appointment, but then found myself strangely serene and peaceful the actual day of the ultrasound. I do have to admit that I was just the slightest bit surprised when we saw (very clearly and right away) that our little one was a boy, though I felt nothing but joy and thankfulness with that news: It was a healthy baby, and that was all I really cared about. I had just spent so many weeks really thinking it was a girl, and that was what everyone else seemed to be guessing too, so it was a bit of a shock. :)

Phil was with me, and my mom was a bit late, though she did make it in time to see the whole 2nd half of the ultrasound. I'm glad they both could be there. Our tech who did it was the same woman who did our 8 week ultrasound, and she was wonderful. She explained as much as she could, and was very reassuring that all looked good. Our little guy was adorable, and I still can't believe the baby I saw on that screen is actually mine. I mean really, I never believed I'd get to have THIS ultrasound, because it was always so out of my reach. I still can't believe he was there, moving around and sucking his thumb (cutest thing ever, though someday our orthodontist bills might make me think otherwise :), measuring right where he should be. Actually, I think she said he was measuring a couple days ahead, and that is music to this mama's anxious ears. I was supposed to be 19 weeks, 2 days and little man was measuring 19 weeks, 4 days. I am hopeful he'll be a gigantic baby just like my brother and I were (nearly 10 lbs each)... Be careful what you wish for, right? But in my mind, big equals healthy, and that's what I want.

We met with Dr. W after the ultrasound, and he's not my regular OB. I was a little sad it couldn't be Dr. M, as he has been so amazing to me during this entire procedure, but as it turned out it was fine. The Dr. did say baby boy's ureters (connect to the kidneys) were measuring just a LITTLE bit
small, but that usually this is just a matter of how the image was taken. He said NOT to worry at all about it, but to be happy because it does mean I get to get another ultrasound in 8 weeks just to double
check. Of course this DID make me worry, but he was adamant that I not give it another thought, and that even if it was still there at the 28 week ultrasound, it's not a big deal. He even said he's never seen it actually be an issue past that point, but that even if it was, they'd just do an ultrasound of his kidneys after birth to make sure it was all ok.... But again, that he'd never once seen this happen. Of course, not being my regular OB, this man clearly does not know me well enough to know I WILL indeed worry about this, because that's just what I do. I'm a pro worrier. It's my job.

However, after talking with a few people in the know, I am feeling a bit more reassured about this issue. Thankfully, I even ran into Dr. M (my OB) the very next day out in public, and he was able to make me feel far better about it. He said that at any given time he has about 10 patients with this same issue, and that it never turns into anything (why do they even tell us, then?!). He also said his son (who he was carrying on his shoulders) had the same thing when he was in utero, and it was all fine.  So, I'm working on setting it aside and praying lots for his little ureters to grow and catch up. And of course I am excited to see my baby boy again in 2 months! All in all, it was a great appointment... far better than I would have ever anticipated, and for that I am beyond thankful.

Now, I just need this little guy to start making himself known so I can relax about not feeling him move. Once in a while I think I do feel it, but it's only at night (night owl?) and it's not consistent. I find I'm still needing to use the doppler more than I'd really like, but my fear that his heart will stop beating has not gone away. Once I start feeling more movement, though, I'm really hoping my anxiety about this issue will chill out a bit. We shall see.

For now, here are some pictures of our sweet little boy. I think he's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my entire life.

Sucking his thumb!

Both hands up by his face.

 

 

He is the cutest thing ever! I still can hardly believe he's right here in my belly.

And finally, here's a short video from the ultrasound, though it's not the greatest. You do see him swallow or yawn, and then suck his thumb.