Ultrasound!

So, we had an appointment this morning to get ultrasound pictures. First, the technician said that everything looked good to her, nothing out of the ordinary. The heartbeat was 148. She was able to tell the gender of the baby, but we made sure she didn't tell us, and that she didn't put it in the report. So, the secret is safe with her. If you wanted to know, tough cookies.

Anyway, on to the main event. In the first picture, you can see the face fairly well:


On the second one, the face isn't as clear, but you can sort of see the rib cage on the left:

The third image gives you a good look at the head and spine:

Laura took this fourth picture as a sign that the baby doesn't want us to know what its gender is, because it crossed its legs:


And the last one is the feet. We think we can count all ten toes. Yippee!


We hope you enjoyed the show!

Profile: She's got a preggy belly!

So, it's official: Laura is showing. See for yourself:

Traveling with Baby Yaklin

I am in my 18th week and can now feel movement in my belly from the baby. So far, I have noticed it specifically while traveling. Friday night on my way home from work I felt the baby move for the first time while I was waiting to turn onto the interstate to head home. Saturday I felt the baby move on my decent into Dulles airport and on their people mover. Then today, I noticed the baby moving when I was driving to MD for the conference I am attending this week. Not sure if the baby likes the motion or is getting motion sick, but this is a fun feeling! I will be able to confirm these new sensations during our ultrasound next week, but until then, I'd like to say that I'm finally feeling the baby move! Yippee!

December Doctor's Appointment

So, we went to see the doctor today. There wasn't much in the way of news, but everything sounded good. The baby's heartbeat was in the 140's this time, and the results of Laura's blood test showed nothing unusual. He did scold me, though, for not getting a flu shot yet. He doesn't even like the thought of me getting sick while the baby is developing.

Back to the positive, we set up our next ultrasound appointment for December 18th, so we should have up-to-date pictures to show everybody over the holidays!

Poke-Her

So, I went for blood test number 2 today...a genetic screening test (it will let us know if there are any health issues with the baby). I was told by a co-worker how scary this needle would be...so large you can see the open hole in the tip. Well, I am a wuss and do not like shots, so I brought Owen along with me to hold my hand. A minute later without a tear in my eye, we were headed out the door and on our way to work. The needle did not feel big to me and Owen said that he has seen larger when he donates plasma. So, I guess I was worried for no reason. But, wasn't it sweet that Owen came along to hold my hand just in case?!!

I had a meeting when I got into the office and a co-worker told me that the color in my face was gone. I have heard this from various co-workers throughout the pregnancy (usually when it is time for me to eat). The co-worker then informed me that an old wives' tale suggests the lack of color in the mommy-to-be's face indicates she is carrying a girl. So this is old wives' tale #2 that has suggested we are having a girl. Anybody want to make a bet?! :)

Went to see the doctor today

The baby's heartbeat is in the 150s. Anybody know if that means anything in regards to gender predictions?

Mommy Status Update

As the picture Owen posted indicates, most people would not look at me and think I'm showing. I can tell that I'm not the size I use to be. Most of my pants no longer fit and when I breath in to get a flat tummy, I can see a small bump in my belly. The books tell me that by 12 weeks, my uterus is the size of a grapefruit...that sounds about right for what I'm noticing.

In the past few weeks, I've also noticed that I can no longer sleep through the night. I now wake-up for a late night trip to the bathroom. I have to make sure I have a clear path to the bathroom before I hit the hay, otherwise Owen gets a wake-up call in the middle of the night. :)

I have also noticed when I cough or sneeze that my tummy muscles are sore. They must be stretching to make room for the baby, so the additional pressure does not go unnoticed.

Other than that, I'm feeling great and about to enter my 2nd trimester in another week or so.

Profile: Maybe sorta starting to show

So, we've determined it's time to take another picture of Laura to see how things are progressing. Nothing much to see yet, although Laura is having difficulty fitting into her jeans now.

Ultrasound Pictures

Today we went to the doctor, and had our first ultrasound. Presenting Baby Yaklin:

By the way, they gave us a new due date of May 6th. Note the change in the countdown.

Greetings

Well, it sounds like enough people have found out the news, so I thought I would take the time to officially welcome everybody to this site. Make sure to check in occasionally, as we'll post updates whenever something interesting happens (or when we get sick of the post at the top of the page).

Hurray!

Inadvertent perks

So, today we went to a sports bar to watch the Michigan - Notre Dame game with the UM alumni association. Normally, when we waitress stops by to ask if we want drinks, we have to make the decision of who is going to be the designated driver. Not so anymore. I mean, it's not like I wouldn't take turns with her if she had the option, but since she doesn't....

As you can probably imagine, Laura is ecstatic about all of this.

Our First Appointment

We had our first appointment with the OBGYN today. I had a physical examination, blood tests, and a lesson in prenatal health 101...he was a wealth of information for the two of us. He also said that during our next appointment, I would have my first ultrasound...Owen and I are pretty excited to be able to see our baby! Yippee!

Oh yeah, I did come away from the appointment with a few instructions for vitamins and other supplements I should add to my daily routine. Lets just say that my medicine cabinet now rivals that of any senior citizen!

No Differences Yet

So, it's been about a week since the positive test, and it still hasn't completely sunk in. I think we keep having to mention it to each other just so that we can get used to it. We've both talked about it and, despite the test, nothing seems to have physically changed yet for Laura. If she hadn't told me that she was late, I would have no idea that anything was happening. I think they need to have something happen to signify that a woman is pregnant, like having her belly button turn blue or something. It would make it seem like something actually occurred.

Initial Profile

So, Laura thought that it would be a good idea took take pictures of her every so often. This way, we can get an idea of how things progress. Without further ado, here is the first attempt:

It's positive

Well, we're off. Should be quite an adventure.