15 weeks and counting.....

We had our 15 week appointment with the doctor today. We got to hear Bean's heartbeat and ask some questions. The most exciting piece is that we go back on February 15th for our anatomy screening which is where the ultrasound technologist and doctor view all the organs and body parts and measure to ensure they are the size and location they should be. This is also when we find out boy or girl. The wait is much harder than I imaged it would be.

We have entered the 2nd trimester....

We are officially in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy as of Monday of this week. This is a big milestone in pregnancy as it means that the likelihood of miscarriage dramatically goes down, always a relief. It also means a boost in energy and ridding the not so enjoyable morning sickness.

This past weekend I went to Virginia with some friends from high school to visit Tasha and baby Tenley, whom we had never met. We had a great time and I was able to get some "new mommy" advice which was great .... I will take and I need all I can get. 

Below is a picture from our trip....

One other fun thing that I got to do while in Virginia is listen to Bean's heart beat three times. Tasha has a Doppler Ultrasound machine from when she was pregnant with Tenley and I got to use it. It was awesome to hear Bean each day, something I could for sure get used to. His/her heart beat was always between 160 - 170. So, BOY or GIRL?

We have our next doctor's appointment next Wednesday. I am hoping the doctor might be able to tell us the sex then... waiting is much harder than I imaged it would be.

13 weeks and counting...

Only one week left until baby Bean officially enters the 2nd trimester and we cannot wait! I, for one, am ready for the nausea and extreme exhaustion to come to an end.

Recent updates I have learned about Week 13 are below, and we think they are fascinating...

• Fingerprints have formed on the tiny fingertips.
• Veins and organs are clearly visible through his/her skin.
• If Bean is a girl, there are about 2 million eggs in the ovaries already

We also got all of our 12 week screening results back which are a huge relief. All came back "normal" which means there is very slim to no change of chromosomal abnormalities.

This weekend will be a fun one for me as I travel to Virginia to spend time with some high school / college friends and their babies (and babies to be).... hopefully it will give me some GREAT practice!

Everyday now I sit back and wonder.... Boy or Girl? I would love to know everyone's predictions!

Bean's 12 week update...

We went back to the doctor today for the chromosomal 12 week screening. They look for fluid on the baby's neck. More than 3mm of fluid signals a higher risk for down syndrome and a few others abnormalities. They take three measurements and send off for analysis along with my blood work. As soon as the tech started scanning Bean started moving.... all over! It was a little hard for her to take the measurements at first because we have an active fetus on our hands. Eventually she was able to get two measurements and show us some amazing pictures of Bean.... even a few in 3D and 4D. The doctor came in at the end and did the final measurement. The measurements were all well under 3mm which was a huge relief. We should have all the official results in a week.

Bean's heart rate was 163. They said that is healthy and a normal heart rate at 12 weeks is anywhere from 120 - 170.

Below are some pictures we got at our appointment today....


Bean's Profile picture...

Bean's first 3D photo shoot.....

Welcome to our blog

This blog is new to us but something we are excited about. We look forward to sharing all the exciting things going on in our lives with you, our followers.

We are most excited to share details and updates about our newest addition, Baby Bean, who is due to arrive in July 2012. This blog will be a great way for us to keep all of our friends and family in the loop.

Below is Bean's first photo shoot ultrasound picture taken at 6 weeks. At this time his/her heart rate was 124 beats/minute.

At our 10 week appointment we were able to get another ultrasound. This time the heartrate was 158 beats/minute.

We go back again this week and are looking forward to posting our 12 week picture for you all to see. More to come....