17 weeks 0 days

We got our results back for the Down's Syndrome, neural tube defects, cystic fibrosis, etc. and everything looks good! I wasn't really concerned about it, but it is nice to know ~ those tests have a relatively high rate of false-positives.

Everything else is going well. My coworker mentioned this morning that I'm really starting to show, even in my scrubs ~ which usually hide everything. In three more weeks, we're half-way done! And, I'm still waiting for some big moves in my tummy, but am still only feeling flutters. Other than that, nothing else is new...everything is moving right along!

XOXO

16 weeks 3 days

Yaaay! The ol' tummy is growing (never thought that I'd be excited about that). My coworker said, "I don't remember you showing that much yesterday!" Still no stretch marks, thankfully. Other than that, nothing much is new. Still nauseous every other day, but as long as I don't eat meat I won't throw up. I did get my 'tummy pillow', which is a 7-foot floppy pillow that you can move into all kinds of positions and IT IS AWESOME! It supports the tummy, tucks between the knees for good, cozy hip alignment...ahhhhh, I should have gotten this much sooner! For the last 3 months, I have been waking up every two hours to get comfortable plus the 2am potty break. Since I got my pillow, I've slept all night long and I don't have to go to the bathroom until 5:30-ish. Everyone should have one of these things!

XOXO

***three weeks until my big scan!

15 weeks 5 days

Ok, ok - I know it's still early, but hey! A mommy has to plan out all the little details, right? Plus, I'm in charge of all the decorating in the house, so I have to be prepared! My busy little brain is ticking away at such things as paint colors, curtains, carpet vs. wood flooring, etc., etc...

So, as obvious, this is Baby-Girl Rittmann's bedding...

...and this is Little-Man Rittmann's crib outfit. I feel like the worlds most impatient person right now. T-minus-27 days until my next ultrasound. HAA!

On a less sappy note, I've been feeling much more movement for the last few days. I am beginning to be able to tell if Baby is awake or not, which is really weird; kinda like the movie "Aliens". My back has been hurting really bad and it's hard to get to and stay asleep. I try not to whine too much because I know it'll get worse before it gets better. I also had my first SUI issue. I won't elaborate much more ~ just suffice it to say that coughing, sneezing, and gagging are now not permitted if I have anything in my bladder. 'Nuff said.

XOXO

15 weeks 3 days

More photos to share:

The first is from today's ultrasound; Baby Rittmann is laying on his/her side facing away from the camera. Beneath it is an "explanation" drawing I drew so you can get a better idea of what you're looking at.

This ultrasound photo, also from today, is of Baby looking right at us! The dark area above the eyes is that good-lookin' brain. How cool?! You kind of have to tilt your head to the left ...

And...the belly :)

So, the doctor visit went great today. Baby was moving like crazy on the ultrasound (which I've been feeling more of for the last 2-3 days). Dr. B tried to 'see what he could see' as far as Baby's gender, but the umbilical cord was blocking the view of the pee-pee. He said he'd almost say girl, but decided not to call it either way until my next ultrasound. It's funny because I always felt that I'd surely have a boy first but since I became pregnant, I feel that this is sooo a girl! My Grump told me that I'd have a girl first, but I didn't agree. I guess we'll see on August 17th!

XOXO

14 weeks 3 days

Well, here's the ol' tummy! It's going to be interesting to see what my tattoo's going to look like in a few months! Nonny and I have noticed that my belly button is starting to make its transition into an "outtie". I mentioned this to my mom and her exact words were, "YUCK - I hate that!". I love it, however. It's awesome what my body is doing (except for the butt expansion part...not to keen on that one).
I moved my appointment with Dr. B to next Thursday. I wish he'd do an ultrasound again, but I'm sure it'll be a plain old boring visit. I'm going to try to schedule my big scan for August 17th (I can't wait for this one!!!). All this waiting stinks.
I also think that I felt a couple "flutters" yesterday morning and what felt like a fish doing a somersault in my belly, but I don't know if it was Baby or my imagination. It was pretty neat, whatever it was :)
So, that's all for now.
XOXO

***EDIT

After looking at this post and picture, I wanted to clarify that THOSE RED AREAS ARE NOT STRETCH MARKS! My scrubs are getting a little snug around the waist and have been digging in all morning. Glad I could clear that up! :)~

Finally...some pics!

This is Little Turkey at 8 weeks 4 days. This is my favorite of the 4 that were taken at my visit.

This is from my 12 week visit. Dr. B used the mobile ultrasound machine, so the image isn't as clear and is NOT centered. Everything on the left half of the photo is nonsense. To the right, however, you will notice the dark/black oval which is the gestational sac. Within the sac is Baby's picture, a profile view - see the tiny nose?? The arms are crossed over the tummy and you can make out a thigh to the very right of the image. It's the coolest thing ever! The next U/S will be done at my 20 week visit, so I'll soon be able to announce baby's gender...and do some shopping :)

XOXO

13 weeks 2 days

Okay ~ just a quick update. KY jelly was a great conductive substitute for my doppler and I (finally) received my huge bottle of Aquasonic yesterday. The funniest thing happened though, which is why I'm here:

I felt a distinct little "kick" twice while listening to Baby Rittmann's heart beat. I had just finished eating ice cream (yeah, yeah...healthy, I know) and s/he was crazy active in there, scooting all over in my tummy. All of a sudden, I felt the softest whisper of a tap (coinciding with the loud 'POP!' on the doppler) and baby had moved all the way over to the other side of my belly. I was pretty sure that's what I'd felt, but it didn't happen again so I figured that I was just wishful thinking. The next day, the same thing happened! I mean, there was NO mistaking it! That was on Monday and Tuesday. Today, Baby slept as I listened. I got tears in my eyes and started to think how strange all this is; strange and wonderful. How different things are going to be for Nonny and I when Little Turkey comes, how different to have a toddler running around the house (I'm deliberately blocking out the prospect of the dreaded teenage years for now!).

I know I was bummed at first, not being able to hear anything for those first couple of weeks, but now I feel that getting that little doppler was the best thing I could have done. It gives me such peace of mind! Plus, Baby and I have been playing our first games of 'Hide and Seek' and 'Tag' :)

We'll have our big ultrasound in 6 1/2 weeks, so - as long as Baby cooperates - I'll finally be able to write He or She. We've picked out a girls name (Madelyn Grace), but we're having issues with the boys names...we can't really agree on anything. I guess I shouldn't fret, as I have a few months to convince daddy that my name choices are better than his (wink wink). Ah well...

Anyhow, my next appointment is in just under 3 weeks, so I guess I'll update then.

XOXO

P.S.

My belly is starting to show =)