Baby Boy

This pregnancy is going so fast... too fast! 

We had our anatamy scan sonogram last week (on Day 2 of the cold streak... but nothing was keeping me from seeing our baby on the big screen...)

John and I have joked about how telling this particular sonogram (and others) have been of our kid's personalities.  The anatomy scan is pretty intense when it comes to what the tech is checking for.  She has to get measurements of so much stuff, and pictures of everything (heart, all four heart chambers, kidneys, spine, brain, arms, hands, legs, feet, mouth, nose, umbilical chord, placenta... I could go on and on). 

Rudy was a stinker.  She ended up getting all but one thing she needed, but she had to work for it.  Even that Rudy was a boy wasn't too easy.  His legs were crossed, but just enough to still give us the view we were looking for.  And we had to go back for another sonogram 4 weeks later to finish up.  Then when I was past my due date and getting sonograms regularly to monitor things, Rudy was flashing a peace sign at us -- I was so miserable and we were SO anxious for him to come, we couldn't help but laugh that he was just hangin' out -- "Peace, guys!"   

Then Avery.  Sweet Avery.  The scan was a breeze and she almost immediately showed us she was a girl, "no doubt about it."  When her arm would be in the way of something, the tech would say, "If she would just move that arm..." and almost as if she could hear us, she would move her arm.  That happened a couple times.  In general it just went so smoothly.  The tech joked, "You're going to have a good baby!"  I remember asking her to put that in writing. 

And Baby Boy?  Well he is for sure Baby BOY and the tech was again in disbelief at how easy it was!  She was able to find all she needed so easily.  She commented, "I feel bad this is my 'scan' for the day - I feel like I should take another!"  He was so wiggly - showing off his kicks, punches, rolling abilities.  He had his hand by his face at one point and we could see him opening his mouth, like he was trying to chew on his hand... we may have a thumb sucker with this one!  John and I were both glued to the screen.  It was incredible seeing him so active. 

Here are his "first" pictures:

Profile

 Profile with his hand in his mouth

 Another profile

 Baby's body all cozied up… legs tucked in, hands by his face

 Front view of his face, belly, and little legs curled up

 His arm… and is that a 'thumbs up'?? :)

 And our confirmation "It's a Boy!" shot

Unfortunately, I do have to go back for another sonogram around 30 weeks (but sort of fortunately, because we will get a peak at Baby Boy again).  My placenta was closer to my cervix than they like to see at this point.  The tech and the doctor acted like it was no big deal.  There is still time for it to move, and as I get larger it should move on it's own no problem.  I looked it up online when we got home (couldn't resist).  If my placenta is too close and stays where it is, I won't be able to deliver naturally, I'd have to have a c-section (they never tell you this stuff in the doctor's office… understandably so, in order to not cause unnecessary worry, but I like to know what's going and and why!).  If that's the worst thing that happens, I'd take it, but I'd really like to do this like I've done before (as hard as it's been, I think it'd still be better than the alternative -- well, the recovery part at least).  But the tech really did not seem concerned considering where my placenta is located in general.  It's low and under the baby (which also means there isn't much cushion blocking any of baby's movements ... explains a lot!).  So they are going to re-check at 30 weeks and see if it's moved... finger-crossed!     

If it's not one thing it's another...

A few weeks ago my sister-in-law called to tell me that she had Fifths Disease and I needed to be tested.  Long story, short, if I had contracted the disease and passed it to the baby, I could face some serious complications (all of which were minimal chances, but chances nonetheless).  The good news was that if I've had Fifths Disease in the past, then I was immune.  I had to have a blood test that would be able to tell whether I've ever had it, and if it was recent or not.  The lab nurse said, "Oh you are getting the popular test.  I've taken blood about 5 times just this week for this.  Must be going around."  The test took a WEEK to get results... good thing I have 2 kids keeping me so occupied... and thankfully, it came back that I was immune and must have had it long before... phew!  But who knew?  Fifths Disease, really?  And how scary is that?  The symptoms are generally the same as a common cold, with possibly a rash and body aches (sometimes severe which is when a trip to the doctor usually comes and the diagnosis is made)… most people don't even know they have it, which is fine because it's a virus and there is nothing to treat it anyway.  It just has to pass through your system.  The way colds travel around this time of year, and having been pregnant for three winters now, I'm surprised I had never heard any warning signs of Fifths Disease until now..  But very thankful I don't need to worry about it!

Also, when I was around 17 weeks, (this may be too much TMI so pass over this paragraph if you prefer!!) I was 95% sure I lost my mucus plug, or at least a good-sized piece of it.  I called the doctor's office and the nurse just said, "It was likely just mucusy discharge" and basically hung up.  Luckily I had an appointment a couple days later or I would have been calling right back!  I looked it up online (just couldn't resist) and found that it can re-grow itself within a few days and it was no big deal... OR... labor started within days.  The doc checked me out and my cervix was still intact and I didn't have an infection.  Again, long story, short, he wasn't concerned.  He did mention something could happen up until 20 weeks where it would become detached (I was sort of confused and was getting a lot of information at once to really even ask questions at this point), but as long as I made it until then and didn't have cramping or bleeding, then nothing to worry about.  Again, good thing I have 2 kids and it was Christmas season, which is such a busy time, to keep me occupied from worrying those few weeks.  And fortunately, I didn't notice any problems and I'm 22 weeks and going strong! 

If this had been my first pregnancy, I would probably have freaked out about each of these things.  I guess I just hope for the best and try not to worry too much in between.  And if something comes up, we will figure it all out then.  But, ya know, a few extra prayers for another healthy, happy baby wouldn't hurt :)  

After having two pretty standard, pretty much by the book pregnancies and healthy babies, it's scary to know that the alternative is not too uncommon and could happen to anyone, anytime.  Having been a mom (or a pregnant lady) for over 3 years now, I tend to read more blogs/articles/books/etc about children and it seems like every time I turn around, someone or some baby is going through something difficult.  I know if we were in those shoes we would handle it the best we could and we would have an amazing support team as well, but I guess my point is, I am very appreciative of the cards we have been dealt thus far.  We are certainly blessed beyond words and I pray that continues.  And I am trying to not let my head wonder and worry about all the "what-ifs" because that can't help or change anything should those what-ifs turn into what-is.  And truth is… they aren't in the clear once they are born.  There will always be things to worry about!  But I guess that's just part of being a mom, right?  :)