"In the Womb"

Some friends of ours loaned us a dvd, "In the Womb" by The National Geographic. It was a fascinating lesson in the journey from conception to birth.

From the moment of conception, every human embryo embarks on an incredible nine month journey of development. Now, cutting-edge technology makes it possible for us to open a window into the hidden world of the fetus and explore each trimester in amazing new detail. Revolutionary 3-D and 4-D ultrasound imagery sheds light on the delicate, dark world of a fetus as never before and follows a rare fetoscope operation, performed in utero with the hope of correcting life threatening complications before birth.

I remember learning much of what the video discussed from either college courses, parental education, or just general "talk" with friends from over the years, but until your watching it while pregnant, the information doesn't really mean all that much. We both found ourselves repeatedly saying how much of a miracle this pregnancy truly is.

For any of your pregnant women out there, or soon-to-be pregnant women, I would highly recommend this video. In my opinion, it's a "must-see" for anyone who is curious about the development about their unborn child!

Test Decisions

We made a big decision a couple weeks ago, and decided not to go through any major testing. We had several conversations, weighed the pros and cons of the various tests, but in the end decided it isn't worth it.

I did, however, have the Cystic Fibrosis test whenever I went in for my "pre-natal workup" a couple weeks ago. Not surprising - the test results were negative. Thankfully, both of us come from very healthy families, and are both very healthy ourselves so we don't think we have too much to worry about.

It's amazing these decisions you are faced with while pregnant, and you then realize that one test result could really change a) your entire pregnancy and b) your entire life. In the end, we both feel that it isn't worth the stress, nor is it worth putting negative energy out there. As far as we are concerned, we will have a VERY healthy baby!

We're now at the Apple stage!

Wow - 15 weeks and counting! Just think - in 5 more weeks we will be halfway through this pregnancy. I swear, it is absolutely flying by! Sort of scary to be honest.

Here is what Smyrna Baby is up to this week - quite a bit!

How your baby's growing:
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds.

0- Blood

I received my blood test results earlier last week and learned that I have O- blood. I've always wondered what my blood type is, and before now didn't realize the importance of finding it out while being pregnant.

Because I am RH-, I must have a Rhogam (RH) shot at 28 weeks, and possibly again within 72 hours of birth, in the event our baby is born with RH+ blood (which is very likely).

According to babycenter.com, "if your baby's blood leaks into yours (as it can at certain times during pregnancy and at birth), your immune system will start to produce antibodies against this Rh-positive blood. If that happens, you'll become "Rh-sensitized" — and the next time you're pregnant with an Rh-positive baby, those antibodies may attack your baby's blood. Fortunately, you can avoid becoming Rh-sensitized by getting an injection of a drug called Rh immune globulin whenever there's a chance that your blood has been exposed to your baby's blood"

We're not worried - from what the nurse told me, this is extremely common. I'm actually fascinated by the entire thing, and the fact that I am a universal blood donor (but can only receive O- blood in the event of a transfusion).

One piece of furniture down...

One major accomplishment today - the crib has been ordered! They said we should expect for it to arrive within 2-4 weeks, but err on the side of 2 weeks instead of 4. WOW! We're going to break down the bed that is currently in that room, and try to get it sold ASAP.

I stopped at TJ Maxx Home Goods today to just browse the aisles, and came across a picture that very closely resembled one we saw at Precious Cargo. It included all of the colors we want for the nursery - browns and greens. Why I didn't just buy it, I don't know - it was only a measly $8, while the one at the baby store was close to $100! When we went there this afternoon, I realize it was literally the same picture, just framed differently. I guess I know where I will be going tomorrow...

It's starting to become a *little* bit more real.

Facial Expressions, Sucking Thumb, Fine Hair

Hit a huge milestone this week - I hit 14 weeks yesterday, which means I am now in my 2nd trimester! It's amazing how fast the first one flew by.

Here's what Smyrna Baby is up to:

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

Looks like I have grown since my 12 week picture! As someone said today, "Wow! You're pregnant!"

Belly Band Would've Been Appropriate!

I had intentions to wear the belly band to work yesterday, but must've gotten distracted while getting ready. Needless to say, this is how my pants looked all day yesterday (thankfully hidden by a tank top and a top)!

I think it's time to start shopping for maternity pants...

Best Pregnancy Annoucement - EVER

I still think this is a contender for America's Funniest Home Videos - the initial reactions are one thing, but Aunt Val's continuous reaction is priceless!

No more sneaking around!

We traveled North this weekend to visit family, and attend a family wedding. While the initial reason behind making the trip was for the wedding, telling my husband's family the BIG news became a bigger priority as the trip got closer. Describing the scene will not do it justice. You'll just have to watch the video for yourself!



*It takes a second to load, so be patient...and enjoy!

The sound of a miracle

I knew what sound to expect. I've heard it in the movies before, listened to friends give the description: fast beat with a swishing sound.

When the doctor ran the dopplar machine over my belly and the sound radiated through the room, I realized it was nothing like what I expected...because the heartbeat belonged to OUR baby!

The doctor probably noticed the tears welling up in my eyes, so he let me listen for a little longer, before congratulating me and telling me the babies' heartbeat sounded great.

I am on cloud 9...but just wish my husband could've been there to be a part of the experience. Next time...

Oh, and about tomorrow...

Tomorrow is a HUGE day!

1. I have my first real O/B appointment - exam, blood work, and if everything goes as planned, I'll get to hear the heartbeat for the very first time. Please pray, keep your fingers/toes crossed - whatever you prefer - that everything goes smooth!

2. As of tomorrow night, the secret will officially be out. After that, I can scream from the Facebook/Twitter rooftops - I AM PREGNANT!!!

Updates to come...wish me (us) luck!

3 days in a row...

I've been able to wear maternity shirts!! A dear friend has loaned me ALL of her maternity clothes - I am talking 2 bins full - for me to pick through. I felt like it was Christmas morning the other evening when I was going through everything, trying clothes on, modeling my new/developing figure.

I'll definitely need to go and pick up some pants/skirts (she and I are not the same height), but at least I have some awesome new shirts to wear. Not to mention, it's such a relief to be able to wear a maternity shirt and not feel uncomfortable with one of my other summery, tighter blouses!

If any of you out there have any small maternity clothes you want to loan me, I'll be happy to take them! :)

13 Weeks!

Wednesday's have become my new favorite day - all because of this email that I receive! Only 1 more week and I am officially in my 2nd trimester!

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, his veins and organs are clearly visible through his still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with his head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.

Cribs, Dressers, Accessories...Oh My!

We made it over to a local baby store this afternoon to check out their selection. A few friends have told me how much they absolutely love this store: Precious Cargo, so we had to drop in, even if it was just going to be to run in and run out.

Well, let me tell you, it was like the baby heaven gates opened up and the baby angels were shining down upon us when we walked through that door. Neither one of us has seen so many adorable baby accessories in one place - blankets, paintings, picture frames, stuffed animals - you name it, they had it.

Needless to say, we walked out with a couple brochures of cribs that we are interested in - partially thinking that we could find a cheaper price online and wanted to do our research. Turns out, they have the best price we can find. Now, someone just needs to buy the Queen bed that is occupying Smyrna Baby's room, and we will be all set! Hopefully Craigslist will come through for me once again...

Smyrna Baby's first trip to the Beach

Baby Smyrna has been enjoying a very relaxing time at the beach...hard to believe that this time next year, if we were to come back, we will have a 6 month old running around on the beach and enjoying wading in a swimming pool.

Each week, we've been trying to take a picture to see the belly progression. Figured it would be suitable to take a picture of me in a bathing suit, given that's what I have lived in for the past few days.

Reflexes, Squirming and Growth!

Smyrna Pregnant Lady hit 12 weeks yesterday - big milestone! In my regular Wednesday email, here is what I learned about Smyrna Baby:

The most dramatic development this week: Reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over two inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

Since I read the line about "prodding" the abdomen, I find myself doing that more often, wondering what our little Smyrna Baby is doing in there.

Am I really pregnant?

I know this is a ridiculous question. I've taken 2 at-home pregnancy tests, I've had blood work done, and I've seen this little Smyrna Baby on screen with it's fast-beating heart. Yet, I still question everything.

Don't get me wrong, I'm as thankful as can be that I feel this good, but I can't help but want to have a few symptoms. You would think that my various body parts taking on new shapes would be good enough, but apparently not.

I count down the days until I can see this little one swimming around on screen again, in hopes that then I will once again realize it's really happening. For now, I'll continue to stare at our little Smyrna Baby, floating upside down (and backwards), on my laptop screen, or in the picture I now carry around with me everywhere I go, while I wait to feel him/her move...

Reactions

I was able to tell a few more friends today the BIG news. All of the in-person reactions we've gotten are priceless - shock, screams, mini-screams, tears, mouths hanging open, confused looks, etc. We've gotten it all. Now, if only we had all of it on camera!

A few more people have yet to find out, and hopefully it stays that way until we see them. We've only been able to get so many face-to-face reactions, so the last one is really something to look forward to...and, hopefully, it will be on video.

I'll be so happy when the secret is entirely out...the funny thing about it is that by the time everyone does, I will be 4 months pregnant. Holy...

11.5 Weeks

I learned today that just because I am 11.5 weeks along, does not mean that our Smyrna Baby (fetus) is also 11.5 weeks old. He/She is actually only 9.5 weeks old. The whole thing is sort of confusing in my opinion - apparently you are considered pregnant for 2 weeks prior actually getting pregnant. Yeah, that makes a whole lot of sense.

Anyway, this is what our little person is doing at 11 weeks. I'd assume that he/she is slightly bigger than what is described, only because he/she is 11.5 weeks (or 9.5 weeks) and not 11 weeks (or 9 weeks)...anyway...are you confused yet?

How your baby's growing:
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.

She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

I read on another website that there is a good chance Smyrna Baby is busy learning how to swallow (amniotic fluid) and sucking his/her thumb. How that's possible at this incredibly young age is beyond me. It's nothing short of a miracle.

OMG - I'm Pregnant!

I never honestly thought I would ever be saying those two big words that many women dream of saying: I'm Pregnant. But, here I am, 11.5 weeks into my first pregnancy and I'm practically screaming it from roof tops.

Now that I've started to slowly let out the BIG news, let me answer just a few of the questions that have been thrown my way.

1. Was it planned? Yes. For a while. Took longer than expected, but as we all know, God works in mysterious ways.

2. How far along am I? As of this very moment, I am 11 weeks and 3 days pregnant.

3. When did I get the BFP (a.k.a. Big Fat Positive)? Not until April 6th, but apparently had been pregnant for a full month prior and didn't know it. I'll spare you further details.

4. When am I due? November 18th! Perfect time of year, in my opinion.

5. Will we find out the sex of the baby? That would be a negative. A couple we are friends with inspired us by not finding out the sex of their first baby, and have told us several times that it was the best surprise of their lives. As we see it, there are not many surprises left in life (well, not good ones anyway), so why not just wait. The thrill of hearing "It's a ______" in that delivery room may be the best thing that will ever happen to us.

6. How have I felt? Honestly, great. If I didn't have this growing belly, I wouldn't even know I was pregnant. Well, that and the fact that I get out of breath just by walking from the couch to the kitchen (10 feet?), but for the most part, I have been symptom-free.

7. Who all have you told? Well, I've told quite a few people, but my husband has yet to tell his family. They will get the news soon, so for now, until further notice - NO MENTIONS OF THIS ON FACEBOOK!!!!

I hope you'll follow the journey over the next 6 months with me. I'll do my best to keep this as updated as possible. For those of you who have read my blogs in the past, you know I am great at updating...and great at just stopping the writing all together. I'm hoping this one lasts a while.

Here's a sneak peak of our little Smyrna Embryo: