Baby's First Photos

On Monday, August 18, we had our first ultrasound and were able to see the first images of our baby. It was so amazing... what a miracle that there is a little person growing inside of me. Right away, the first image we saw of the baby was with his legs wide open, revealing to us that we are definitely having a boy! I always thought it would be nice to have a boy as the oldest child, so I am happy :) The ultrasonagrapher and doctor both said that he appears to be devoloping normally, his spine, lungs and brain look healthy and his heartbeat is strong. All good news! He weighs about a pound and all his measurements are right where they should be for his age. It was a relief to see him for ourselves and see that he has ten little fingers and ten little toes and a really cute little nose!

In the last couple of weeks, my belly has grown a lot. I am at 22 1/2 weeks now, and although I haven't resorted to wearing maternity pants yet, I only have a few pairs of my old pants that fit me comfortable. I have begun to wear some maternity shirts. I think it's about time for a shopping trip for some clothes that fit! At my appointment last week, I had finally gained some weight and was up 5 pounds total from my starting weight. At this point in a pregnancy, the average is about 10-15 pounds, so I'm still on the low side, which is fine with me as long as the baby is healthy! Next week is my brother-in-law and future sister-in-law's wedding and I have to fit into a bridesmaid dress, so I am hoping that I don't gain too much more over the course of the next week.

Also in the last couple of weeks (not sure of the exact date, but around mid-August) I have started to feel little flutters. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell what I am feeling is the baby or my intestines, but I am definitely feeling something. I was a bit worried since I was 20 weeks along and hadn't felt anything, but with the ultrasound and now feeling flutters, my anxieties have subsided.

I also had my first baby shower yesterday. My office threw me a surprise shower! I was overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and so excited to get my first baby items. I know Jason and I are blessed by so many people around us, and I am so thankful for everyone who is supporting us during this time. Thank you all!

Baby Decker

I have not written anything yet about the biggest news of our marriage thus far - we are having a baby! For the sake of my own records, I am going to chronicle the journey we have been on over the last four and a half months. So, here it is, the story of baby Decker thus far:

End of April: I suspect that I might be pregnant and take a home test - it's positive! Jason and I are scared and excited. I immediately call the doctor to schedule an appointment.

May 17-18: We share the news with both sets of our parents, but swear them to secrecy, even from our brothers. We want to see the doctor and make sure everything is okay before we tell other people.

May 22: First doctor's appointment at 8 weeks along. Everything seems normal.

Memorial day weekend: We start sharing the news with family and friends. It was so strange to say the words out loud, "I'm pregnant." It doesn't seem real.

June 19: Second doctor's appointment at 12 weeks. We hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. It is so fast! It is reassuring to know that there is someone growing in there.

Mid July: My baby bump is staring to show. Until now I had been able to hide the fact that I'm pregnant, but now I'm really starting to display a noticable bump. I'm still wearing my regular clothes though! I'm putting off maternity clothes for as long as possible.

July 18: Third doctor's appointment at almost 17 weeks. My weight is exactly the same as it was at the first and second appointment (I will keep that number to myself). Although I have not yet gained a single pound, my weight is being dispersed differently. I've noticed that my arms and legs have got a bit thinner and my belly is growing. The nurse advises that I gain weight before the next appointment. I also record the baby's heartbeat at this appointment. Once again it is fast, with some variations in tempo, which the nurse says indicated proper neurological development. Everything seems to be on track.

August 1: I'm at the pizza place and a stranger in line next to me asks, "Is this your first?" A very bold, and dangerous, comment to make to a woman. I guess I am noticably pregnant to others now.

Today, August 7: I am two days away from 20 weeks - almost half way there! I'm feeling good. Did I mention that I have not been sick at all in the pregnancy? No morning sickness, no nausea, no other major symptoms. There were a few evenings at the beginning when I felt slightly queasy, and I have been more fatigued than usual, but overall I feel good!

I will try to keep this blog updated with the latest pregnancy news.