Pregnancy: Week 18

{baby’s the size of a sweet potato}

This week was full of emotions (yes, again…I promise, it’s not a pattern). Movement completely changed this week. Instead of full on fist pokes and foot jabs to my nether regions, things became much more “thud-like” and less frequent. I thought I was feeling movement up higher too, but wasn’t sure. I tried to hold it together, but there was a day or two where I felt NOTHING. If you’ve been through a loss, any kind of “oddity” is enough to send you over the edge. Plus, my next appointment is the BIG ultrasound with our not-so-cuddly perinatologist who intends to pour over ever little vessel and organ for an hour. Not exactly the guy I want telling me something’s horrifically wrong with our baby (flashbacks to the NT Scan last time?? yeah I thought so).

So… today I left work early and headed to an impromptu appointment with my VERY understanding OB. (Lucky for me, she’s been through a miscarriage between her two kids, so she knows exactly what I’m going through not only physically but psychologically, and is completely understanding.) Since it was such short notice and Ryan couldn’t get off work, my mom came with me. Even after I swore things would be fine and this would be a quick ultrasound, she reminded me what happened last time I said that and told me, “I’m coming with you.”

And the coolest thing? She’s never seen an ultrasound before! (Oh God, am I showing my age with that statement? Eeek!) So she got to see grandbaby #2 before anyone else — his or her cute little profile, brain (two hemispheres–we’ll see details Monday, but that seems like a good sign so far!), arms swinging around, and legs kicking up a storm. Not only did I feel SO much better seeing for myself that the baby was measuring right on schedule with a great heartbeat, but it was really awesome being able to share that with her. (Can I call it a day on Christmas gifts now? I mean, the gift of life… Just kidding.)

Now I can walk into that peri’s office Monday with a lot more confidence that at least we’re measuring on track and the baby has four limbs (sad how low your expectations become, isn’t it??).

Other than that, I feel pretty good. Still tired. Still not sleeping so well (I’m always afraid to get up and pee in the middle of the night because the movement wakes the baby and then I really don’t sleep well). And is it possible my morning evening sickness is coming back? Very strange. But I’m just happy everything seems to be going well. I can’t wait to find out if we’re Team Dude or Team Dudette next week!

P.S. Even though I’m feeling much more confident now, I’ll still take any extra prayers and good vibes anyone has for Monday. I REALLY hope that guy searches and searches and finds nothing wrong with this bebe.