Some Highlights (and Lowlights) From This Past Week

On Thursday we had our twelve week appointment.  We had already been told that BCBS only pays for two sonograms.  One at 8-12 weeks (we had ours at eight weeks) and the next would be the "gender reveal" at 20 weeks.  We had already scheduled a 4D ultrasound (that will have to be paid for out of pocket) at 28 weeks so we figured we would only "see" the baby those three times.  But, we were really excited because at this appointment they said we should be able to hear the heartbeat!  So, that is the mindset we had going into to our appointment.

(This is going to get a little graphic so I am only going to warn anyone with no girl parts or a queasy stomach to skip this paragraph....read ahead at your own risk.)  I woke up that morning with a good set of cramps.  It was VERY similar to menstrual cramps and  Dr. L had warned me about them and said as long as they were no heavier than menstrual cramps then they were nothing to worry about.  I figured I would mention it though since we were going anyway.  Our appt was scheduled for 11:00 and, of course, the first thing they always have you do is pee in a cup.  Knowing that, I went to the restroom when I first woke up and purposefully didn't go again until we got to the Dr office.  As soon as I went in the restroom I was alarmed because I found a good bit of blood in my panties.  How my Dr office is laid out is Dr L (one of five Dr's in the practice) has her own hall.  Off that hall is a little lab (first doorway on your left), right across from that is the little waiting room, the next door on your left after the lab is the restroom and across from that, next to the waiting room is the room where they weigh you, take your bp, etc.  The rest of the hall is made up of exam rooms.  So, as I walked out of the restroom Dr L was walking out of the lab area to one of the exam rooms.  She said "Hey Love!" (Side note:  Dr. L I know is a big fan of Spark and AdvoCare products in general but I question how many sparks she must have a day to constantly be at the perky level she is!) and immediately (I'm guessing responding to the look on my face) stopped and said, "What's wrong?"  I told her and she immediately went into calming mode and said that she was sure it was just implementation bleeding but we were here and she would get us immediately into get a sonogram.  I can't even describe the panic that struck me.  She immediately turned around and I heard her tell them to get me back to the ultrasound room immediately and I know that in reality I couldn't have waited more than three minutes but I almost threw up or passed out one.  Matt was wonderful and calming and said all the right things which was just what I needed.  And real soon I was laying on the exam table having the ultrasound jelly squirted on my belly.  The tech had turned the screen where I couldn't see which made it even worse but before any time elapsed she turned the screen towards me and showed me the little heart beat.  What a perfectly wonderful site!  Then, as if to do all it could to assure us, our little shamrock literally turned a flip, kicked and momentarily took it's hand out of it's mouth to raise it's little arms like, "I'm good Mom and Dad!  Hi!!"  It was amazing how fast I went from the worst feeling to the best SO quickly!  The tears flowed pretty steadily for the next few minutes and she printed out our sweet little, unexpected pictures for us!  The baby is still measuring perfect to the day and Dr. L isn't worried at all!  For the next 2-3 weeks she doesn't want me to life ANYthing and no hanky panky just to be safe but we are considering it a great appt!  All's well that ends well :)

Now for the awkward segments from the week!  Earlier in the week I had gone by to see a customer who, when I told her, looked down at my stomach and said, "Oh yeah!  I can see your pooch!"  I did not like it at all.  Jerk.  ;)  Then Louise and Leigh took me excitedly to a consignment sale where my sweet baby sister also mentioned my pooch.  Double jerk ;)  Then, at church on Sunday morning one of the sweet ladies asked me how I was feeling.  When I mentioned that I thought I was entering the second trimester bliss another lady standing beside her said, "YOU?" and preceded to put her hand on. my. stomach.  She said something to the tune of, "It's about time!" and some other stuff but I couldn't concentrate on anything but her hand STILL on the area between my hoo ha and my woo wah's!  Who does that?!?  She just kept it there!  It. Was. So. Awkward.  Louise gave me the great tip to walk around with my arms crossed, kind of blocking them!  She just caught me SO off guard!  I am NOT at all looking forward to the aspect of pregnancy where strangers and mere acquaintances randomly touch, rub and, most awkwardly of all, just lay their hands on this part of my body not often touched by anyone but my husband!  Maybe it will get less weird when it sticks out more??