we have a healthy heart!

Yesterday was my fetal echo-cardiogram. I went alone this time, because Ryan had class and we weren't sure I'd be done in time before he had to leave. Since he took off most of his classes for the day for our 18 week ultrasound, I told him not to worry about it.

When I arrived, I was nervous. I told myself I wouldn't worry -- and for the most part, I didn't. But the DAY OF..nerves were a little high. I was a little relieved when the tech told me that she would take some pictures first, then the fetal cardiologist would come in and take a few more, and then give me the results. Here, I thought I'd have to wait three more weeks until my next check-up to find out any news!

The test itself was kinda boring. I didn't even get a screen to look at. Plus, the tech was SO QUIET. She literally said two words once she started scanning my belly with the doppler. I know she was concentrating on getting all of the right shots of baby's heart, but the silence was a little awkward. And, I've never had a silent ultrasound tech before. They've always assured me as they go along, that things were looking good. So, I was starting to assume that maybe she saw something, and didn't want to say anything -- and of course, I was afraid to ask! Luckily, the doctor came in shortly after that. He looked through all of the shots the tech had taken, and seemed satisfied enough not to take any himself. The good news is, he said everything looked BEAUTIFUL and there was absolutely no need to worry!! This was such a HUGE relief. Now, we can concentrate on getting everything ready for the arrival of our little girl. I just realized that on monday, I'll be 20 weeks. This means I am halfway done with this pregnancy. What?? Where has the time gone?!

it's a...

Last week, we had our 18 week anatomy scan ultrasound, and discovered we'd be welcoming a sweet little girl in about five months :) I can honestly say, neither of us were surprised. In fact, Ryan almost convinced himself that it was a girl for weeks before hand. Even though I thought all along that it was a boy (not sure why, but my "intuition" was clearly way off!!) but when the tech said there were no boy parts to be seen, I wasn't shocked. Probably because EVERYONE except me, thought it was a girl :) But I have to say, shopping for a girl is going to be SO MUCH FUN. Yes, much to Ryan's dismay, our daughter will be wearing pink and big hair bows and everything else girly..at least while I have the power to dress her and choose her outfits!

Finding out she was a girl actually proved to be a little difficult! For awhile, we thought we'd walk out of there still not knowing. She's a stubborn little lady!! For the longest time, she refused to open her legs enough to get a peek (good girl! lol) eventually, she moved her legs just enough to show us that she is indeed, a female. Then, the tech was trying to get a good shot of her face to check for cleft lip, and she refused to move her arms away from her face! So stubborn -- she's taking after her mom already ;)

Everything else was measuring on track. I have to go in on Thursday to get a fetal echo-cardiogram done, to check just her heart. Apparently, they could not get a good enough picture of all four chambers, so as a precaution, they are bringing me back in to get another picture. I have chosen not to worry yet, because that will get me no where. I did a little reading, and it seems that its not uncommon for this to happen, especially since at 18 weeks, the heart can still be hard to see. My doctor did not seem concerned, and assured me that this happens in 20-30% of pregnancies. So, in the meantime, positive thoughts and any prayers you might want to throw our way are certainly welcome!

For those who have asked, yes, we DO have a name picked out. However, we've decided to keep that to ourselves until she's born. A few family members know, but, we thought it would be neat to keep SOMETHING a secret. Sorry for those who have to wait!!

Until next time..