Quick Update: 6 Month Check Up

Just got back from the OB's office for my 6 month (24 week) check up. My belly was measured at 25 cm, and I gained 7 pounds since last month (dang holiday food). We went over the ultrasound results (head circumference, femur length, etc), and everything is right where it should be. We listened to the heart beat again, and it sounded nice and strong ranging between 155 & 158 beats. It took her awhile to get a good reading as Little Lane was very active. The physician's assistant repeated several times that we have an active baby...maybe it was due to just finishing a bowl of frosted mini wheat's before I went in :) So, all in all - I seem to be right on par with my progress.

Baby gifts

I had to share the adorable stuff we have received for Baby Lane. One thing is for certain...we will share our love of sports with him/her. The Sharks & Baby Sport (Gaucho) outfits were received from Auntie Kacie. The Broncos outfit from Cousin Tony, and the Buckeye (Ohio State) bib & pacifier ("plug") was received from Ole Grand Dad & Grandmo. The silver rattle was Baby Lane's first gift received from Uncle Tommy.

Mommy Says...Go Sharks!! Go Gauchos!!

Daddy Says...Go Broncos!! Go Buckeyes!!

Like a Bowl Full of Jelly - 5 1/2 Month Pics

I can't believe Christmas is already next week! Trying to eat "healthy calories" over Thanksgiving & Christmas is quite a challenge! I made a ton of peanut brittle last night to share with co-workers, and A LOT of it didn't make it into the holiday containers I was using to give it away in. Needless to say, my stomach is still hurting...ugh...I thought Little Lane was going to bust out of my belly last night from all of the sugar. Other than that, I'd say The Lane household is pretty ready to take on Christmas. We've decorated, shopped, made candy, and wrapped.

My pregnancy is moving right along. I can't believe Little Lane will be here in four months already. That seems so soon!!! Where did the time go? After the holidays, Jeremy and I have decided that's when we'll start working on the nursery. We've chosen to decorate with a Baby Arctic Animal theme (I know, I changed my mind from Baby Jungle Animals). Can't wait. It's going to be so cute!My only complaint right now as far as the pregnancy goes is the bloating & constant full feeling. I guess all of my intestines are smooshed up, so it takes longer for me to digest my food. That leads to feeling SUPER full for a really long time! So, smaller meals it is from now on. This is a whole new way of thinking for me, because as many of you know...I scarf down my food quickly without a thought. Well, I guess it's a good thing in the long run, huh?

I've been sleeping well, but I'm still adjusting to sleeping on my side. Jeremy says he often catches me in the middle of the night on my back. So, I think we're going to get a nifty pregnancy pillow this weekend to help keep me propped to one side.

And, here's the Bowl Full of Jelly below:

(prior months added for comparison)

4.5 months

3.5 months

2.5 months

1.5 months

I'm hopeful to speak with most of you before Christmas arrives, but if I don't, I hope you all have a safe, merry, and wonderful Christmas!!! Happy New Year too!! Lots of love from my family to yours!

The 20 Week Ultrasound

Today was our big ultrasound. This is the one where if we wanted to know the sex of the baby, we'd find out now. Well, we've decided to keep the sex a surprise. But, we have a handful of new pictures to share. The experience was a little rushed, as I got in trouble because I forgot to drink my 16 ounces of water before hand...oops! We felt we got pretty much the same pics from our 13 week ultrsound. These pics the baby is just larger & the images more clear. Enjoy!

Latest OB update

Today I had my 5 month check up. Baby's heart hate was strong (about 150 range), and everything looks good. I gained six pounds since last time, and I'm still within the normal range. Baby is extremely active, and kept Mommy up for quite awhile last night kicking away. Our AFP screen (http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/edu/alpha-fetoprotein_screening/index.html) results all came back negative, and my blood pressue was back to normal range (after the surgery it was pretty low). So, everything is looking pretty good. I think that's all for now. I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. I know Jeremy & I have much more to be thankful for this year.

Belly is Gettin' Good

Here are the latest belly pics.  I took them this morning before hopping in the shower.  These jammys were a gift from Grandma to Jeremy...maybe it's time I look for a bigger size.  Those are some good elastic band marks!  I'm currently 18 weeks (4.5 months), and I've gained a total of 6 pounds.  Prior months have been attached for comparison.

14 weeks

10 weeks

6 weeks

16 Week Update from Doctor Visit

Yesterday my appointment was rescheduled from November 12th to this morning @ 9:30. Dr. Hua (OB) used the same exact (but older version) heart rate Doppler machine to hear the baby's heart beat that we bought. She was probably wondering why we didn't seem very excited when she located it, but what she doesn't know is that we listen to it about every other day already. The heart rate was beating at a healthy 150-160 rate, and you could hear the little munchkin swishing around in there. I've gained two pounds since my last appointment, all of my blood work came back normal including passing the gestational diabetes test, and everything looks great. I'm officially in my second trimester, and we are in the clear to announce it to the world!! Next OB appointment has been set for December 2nd. December 4th is the scheduled ultrasound, and we've requested to receive a DVD of this as well.

I Feel You!!!

Late last week, I was laying down watching TV.  I then felt a distinct tap beneath my belly button.  A sudden rush of emotion hit me...could it be?  Then, I felt the poke again.  Oh my gosh...I think it is.  Then, about a minute later, there it was again.  I said to Jeremy, "I think I feel our baby."  I thought it's either that, or I have a sudden muscle twitch in that general area.  Since then, I have paid close attention to the tapping, and sure enough I can feel it just about every night now.  I can't wait until they get stronger so Jeremy can feel it too.  I have noticed the movement after I eat sugar, and also when talking on the phone.

3 1/2 Month Belly update

I'm now 3 1/2 months along.  As promised here is my belly progress.  The prior months are shown as well for comparison.  Do you see anything now?  My weight gain is about 3 pounds.

3.5 months (14 weeks)

2.5 months (10 weeks)

1.5 months (6 weeks)

13 Week Ultrasound Pics

I met my OB yesterday, and I adore her.  She stated everything looks great!  The doctor's office is about a mile from my house.  It is a perfect location for us.  The building is new, very clean, and gorgeous inside.  The best part was no waiting.  No waiting to find parking (which is free), no waiting to get my blood drawn, no waiting to make my ultrasound appointment (Dec. 4th), we were in & out of there so quickly!

Now, here's the fun part...PICTURES!  In the bottom margin of each picture, you can see my OB's new estimated due date.  It is now April 18th (I'll update belly pics on the 18th of each month going forward).  It was amazing the see the little swimmer moving and squirming around.  It looks nice & cozy in there for the little peanut.

Here's a good shot of the baby's face to the right with the abdomen to the left.  The prominent black circle in the abdomen is the stomach.  You can also see its right fist up above its ear.

Here's the baby with both hands in front of its face.  We call this the UFC pic, because it looks like it's ready for a fight!

Here's a great shot of both knees and shins to the left.  You can also see the umbilical cord wrapping around from he or she's abdomen, under & around its shoulder, back under its chin, and into the placenta.

Here is a shot of the baby's open right hand.  You can see each of the little fingers!

Quick update

Thought I would add a post since it's been awhile.  Everything is going great, and we're two days away from being 12 weeks!  I bought a heart rate doppler machine since I couldn't stand to wait until the 15th to check in on baby.  We were able to hear the heart beat loud and clear with the heart rate pushing 170 beats per minute.  I recorded the sound, and I plan to put it up on the blog as soon as I can figure out how.  It was amazing to hear.  Jeremy and I just looked at each other and smiled.  It kind of sealed the deal on this whole thing for us...it's really happening...and I have a living baby in there...which is all too weird to begin with.
I figured out my prenatal vitamin was triggering my nausea.  So, now I don't take it first thing in the morning, and I wait until I eat a FULL meal.  Since last week, my nausea has GREATLY subsided.  I'm sure it also has something to do with the fact that my first trimester is almost over...which generally means that my morning sickness (which really should be named All Day Sickness) should be diminishing.  My energy is coming back too, so all in all, I feel pretty darn good!!!

More later when I learn to post the audio of the heart beat.

Belly pics

As promised, here are pics of my belly. Since the baby is due April 22, I'll update the blog with a new picture each month on the 22nd. I don't see much of a physical change, do you? I've gained about 2 lbs.

Here's my belly today @ 10 weeks (tomorrow)

Here's my belly at 6 weeks

Things are moving right along

Today I'm officially 9 weeks. Check out the pregnancy widget to the right. The little munchkin is looking more and more like an actual human now. So amazing! I thought I should update with what's coming up and how I'm feeling.

My next doctor appointment isn't until four more weeks. That seems so far in the future, but when I look back, time really is going by fast. I can't believe I'll by 12 weeks along in three weeks. Speaking of 12 weeks, that's the magic number of when I'll start telling everyone of our pending bun in the oven. Other than our immediate family as described below, we've only told a few close friends. No extended family or co-workers yet. I am looking forward to being out in the open because it's getting quite difficult at work to talk to my mom (for example) and only be able to answer her with a yes or no to keep others from hearing me.

We just got back from Reno on Sunday. We were there for Russ & Michelle's wedding. It was beautiful, and we had a great time. To top it off - I really didn't miss drinking. I think a major reason for this is that my nose is now super sensitive to smells, and the smell of certain drinks made my stomach turn inside out. I did have the occasional non alcoholic beer, virgin bloody mary, and virgin daiquiri, so I still got to feel like a big kid.

Lastly, how I'm feeling... I have a new symptom. I believe it's called pregnancy rhinitis. It's very common, and it's basically pregnancy induced allergies! I sneeze all the time, and am blowing my nose. What fun, huh? It's actually not so bad (yet anyway). As far as the nausea, that is still a battle. I got sick in Reno once, and twice Monday morning. I believe that's a total of 5 times that I've had to face plant in the toilet. The nausea is a little different now. Before as described below, I would feel yucky constantly (like a 24-7 hangover). Even when I would wake up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I would feel sick. That has all passed. Instead I just get a sudden wave of OH NO, and I have to run for the closest toilet. Oh well. I was talking with my dad, and we both agreed that it can be seen as a good thing. Since I don't have a doctor's appointment for so long, at least my body is still reminding me that I'm pregnant and everything seems normal.

I'll post again soon with pics of my belly. I've had some requests to post this so those out of town can watch my belly grow.

Baby Anybody? One coming right up!

Here's the little munchkin (yes, just one baby). The Xs mark the crown to rump (crown is to the left, and rump is to the right). The little ball to the left is the yolk sac. It's still to early to see the placenta. But, not to early to see the heartbeat!!! We saw it, and it looked strong and healthy (from my expert opinion anyway). The doctor said everything looks great. She referred me to a couple OBs at El Camino, and I've already called to make an appointment. We're on our way to bringing a healthy baby into the world! You can see in the bottom margin of the pic that I'm roughly 7 weeks 1 day +/- 2 days, and my approximate due date is April 22, 2010.

Other news...
My next appointment has been made for October 15th @ 2:30. Man, that seems so far away! I'll be 13 weeks. First week of my 2nd trimester...wow!
All of you have been asking how I'm feeling. I'm still pretty much the same. The constant hung over feeling (tired & nauseous). I even got sick at work yesterday. Oh well. I'm dealing with it, and not complaining too much (well, Jeremy may hear the brunt of it).

Worked Like a Charm

Friday night and Saturday night Jeremy and I filled in our immediate family with our news. We then called the out-of-towners Sunday morning. I still need to get a hold of Jimmy. Why does he have to be in Peru at a time like this??!!!

Our plans worked perfectly! Friday night was the night were were to tell my parents. I had some help from Kacie on making champagne bottle labels. My parents came over and I asked if they wanted something to drink letting them know we have champagne (a favorite of my mom's). My mom was quick to say YES, and followed that up with "What kind is it?" I thought this is going perfect, so I pulled out the bottled and said, "Here, look at the label." She went on to read..."Grandparent Brut, Aged six weeks, By Lane Winery, etc etc." She then asked, "Well, what kind is it?" She wanted to see the real label!!! My dad read it too then went to sit down waiting for his glass. I looked at Jeremy and he looked back at me. We were both like, wait - this isn't the reaction I was expecting. I finally said, "Wait a sec! I don't think you guys get it...I'M PREGNANT!!" Finally, it sunk in. My mom's eyes were as big as saucers, and my dad jumped up from his chair to congratulate us. My mom started rubbing my belly and then said she needed to go sit down. It was very funny. They both said the label threw them off, because people get labels done all the time, and they thought it was a label from someone else. TOO FUNNY!!! We then went to dinner and had a great night.

Saturday night was when we planned to tell Jeremy's parents. I had the idea of Pictionary almost the day after I found out. I planted the seed with Jeremy's mom about a week before stating that I missed Pictionary, and maybe we could play when we all get together for Amy's birthday. It couldn't have been more perfect. Maureen agreed that games are fun, and the plan was under way. We still came up with a plan B in case Pictionary didn't work out, so we made them a bottle too just like my parents. By the way, Saturday was also Jeremy's parents 39th wedding anniversary. How perfect, huh??!!!

So, Pictionary we played. I decided I would wait until the game was almost over so the news wouldn't distract from the actual fun of playing. Well, the other team smoked the team I was on, and when they were one dice roll away from winning, I decided this was my chance. I practiced what I would draw a few days before. So, I went up (it was All Play, of course), drew an eye and then drew the silhouette of a pregnant torso. As soon as I drew a circle in the belly, Andy yelled "I'm pregnant!" I pointed at him, and others were still yelling their guesses. I backed up to Andy and asked "What did you say?" He repeated, "I'm pregnant!" It still didn't sink in, so I stood there with a giant smile on my face and pointed at myself. Maureen yelled, "YOU'RE PREGNANT!?!? Then, it was chaos. Laughing, jumping, glasses flying, hugging, it was so great! We then gave them their bottle of champagne. Al said they'll wait to open it until the baby comes. Yay, then I can have some too! Here are the Grandparents-to-be. Al is looking forward to rubbing my belly...as shown below.

Here's a pic of the drawing...too funny. I didn't mean to draw saggy boobs and a big butt!

Hear ye, Hear ye!!!

Well, we don't quite plan on telling the world this weekend, but we have decided to tell our immediate family and a couple close friends! I'm so excited to see their reaction, and finally get this off my chest!!! I'm so bad a keeping things from family & friends, I can't wait to be out in the open (well to them anyway)! Woohoo!!! Jeremy and I have thought of creative ways to tell our parents. I hope to get some pictures and share how it all plays out next week. We are still going to wait to tell Aunts, Uncles, and cousins...but I have a feeling there might be some leaking of the word before I get to tell them. Oh well, it is what it is...

How I'm feeling...not too great actually. I tossed my cookies yesterday morning before work, and I'm working on quite a few remedies to keep me focused and not loose my breakfast (especially at work). I explained to Jeremy that I feel like I have a permanent hangover 24-7! Not fun, but I know it will pass.

Oh The Symptoms

Today is the first day that I'm feeling strong nausea. Yuck...trying to keep it all together and have a productive day at work.

Among my new symptom of nausea, here is a list of other symptoms I'm experiencing so far:

*Abdominal Cramping - this has pretty much subsided
*Tender/Swollen Breasts - I even have to be careful hugging people (very painful)
*Nose Bleeds - two so far
*Fatigue - Is going to bed before 9:00 normal?
*Increased Appetite - My hunger pangs come on so strong, but I get full quicker.
*Headaches - I've had two big ones so far, probably my first true sign of pregnancy since I NEVER get headaches.
*Backaches - Not sure if it's just poor posture, but I'll chalk it up as a symptom for now.
*Frequent Urination - Usually could sleep through the night, now I get up at least twice.
*Irritability - I hate to even admit to this, but I've noticed my patience has dwindled greatly.

I think that's it for now. As I experience more, I'll be sure to blog about them.

We've Got Confirmation!

So, it's confirmed. Here is a lovely picture of my gestational sac. I go back on Sept 4th (I'll be 7 weeks) in hopes to see more of a fetus and see or hear the heartbeat. Jeremy will probably come with me too. At this time the doctor could not state if it's a viable pregnancy since it is still early. There is a blood test we could take, but I figure, we've waited this long to get preggers, I could wait a couple more weeks. Besides, by doing the blood test, you'll then bypass all of the cool sonogram stuff. I want to see pictures!

I was also happy to hear that I can continue to play ball. Even tournaments. She said it's so small at this point, there's really nothing I could do to harm it. Just stay hydrated. She only said to stay away from hot tubs and saunas to make sure I don't elevate my core temperature. That's it. I can do that!!!

Could it be? Is it true? YES!!!

After my fourth positive pregnancy test, I guess it's time to believe what I'm seeing! After over a year of trying, including fertility doctor visits, we are finally successful (without the need for fertility treatment). Jeremy is beyond elated. He keeps repeating "I don't know what to do!" He really means, I don't know how to feel. He says he's excited, happy, anxious, and scared all at once. He has been curious about the whole process and has spent the past few days looking up information online. It's been very cute to watch. I am feeling the exact same way as Jeremy. I kept looking at the pregnancy test over and over just to remind myself what's going on. It's completely surreal at the moment. I have a pregnancy confirmation appointment on the 18th. Then, it's time to find an OB.