13 weeks

It's been a busy couple of days for us Jaureguis! Yesterday we had our first visit to the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital which is where we will be delivering.  Due to the nature of the patients served there (children with serious illnesses) the place is crawling with security guards and very cautious information attendants.  You are not allowed in if you are sick (for good reason) and at each threshold there is a security guard who will not let you pass unless you have an ID badge.  It was a bit overwhelming and sterile feeling, but it's a hospital after all, and a very good one at that.  I'm sure as a parent I will appreciate the extra security.  The hospital itself is very beautiful and there are lots of fun things for kids (and dads) to play with, like a ginormous train set in the middle of the hospital.

My appointment was for a Nuchal Transluency Scan which is a ultrasound screening where the doctor can determine if the baby will be predisposed to genetic diseases such as Down Syndrome.  I am happy to report that we had a negative screening for both Down Syndrome and Trisomy (yay!) which means there is a very low probability of occurance.  The ultrasound was much longer than typical since the technician is looking for particular markers, so I got to spend a good 30 minutes gazing at my cute kid.  Baby J is now about 4 inches long from "crown to rump" and weights nearly an ounce. By now all the baby's organs and veins are in place and visible.  During the ultrasound I could very clearly see the baby's brain (both hemispheres) and the heart beating. My doctor said we might be able to determine the sex at this ultrasound, but the baby's legs were crossed almost the entire time, and when they weren't, he/she was squirming around too much to tell. The technician was very nice and printed me 10 new photos of the baby.  We even got a few in the 3-D imaging which makes the baby look like an alien. 

13 weeks and growing!

On my way out I happened to pass the maternity wing and from a far I got a glimpse of my future - a mother in labor trying to "walk it out". It made me both happy and anxious at the same time. So far I've been feeling pretty good, physically and emotionally.  Luckily I haven't had any morning sickness but I do experience food aversions/cravings. I'm really loving meat right now, which is funny because I didn't eat very much of it before.  And I have a hard time with carrots and broccoli, two of my favorite veggies! Every now and again I have a hard time catching my breath and I feel light-headed.  Sometimes my heart feels like it's pounding out of my chest which is likely due to the increased blood volume. I'm starting to get a little baby bump and finding clothes that work with my new bump has been interesting.  I finally broke the news to my coworkers today so I don't have to hide it anymore, which makes things much easier!  

Yesterday I came home to the most awesome care-package from my friend Sarah who is a new mother herself and best friend extraordinaire.  It contained pregnancy "survival" items such as maternity clothes, books on birthing and breast feeding, feminine supplies, chafing cream, a belly band and all sorts of other things that I didn't even know I'd need and make me scared to think I'll have to use! It was such a sweet and wonderful surprise, and it brings me to tears just thinking about it (something that is happening much more frequently these days). It's been really wonderful to share this news with our family and friends.  The support and love has been overwhelming!  I am continuously surprised by the generosity of near strangers. Thank you all for the baby love and your continued excitement and support.