Best Morning Ever

We just had one of the best morning's ever.

We just returned from the doctor's office. Scott and I elected to undergo a first trimester genetic screening test - the nuchal fold scan (or nuchal translucency screening). This is an ultrasound performed with a simple blood test. We picked this screening because it's the earliest first trimester screen available, with a lower risk of false positives than the second trimester multiple marker test (or AFP4), and it's non-invasive - the ultrasound measures the fold at the base of the baby's neck and the blood test is looking for proteins common in certain developmental abnormalities - specifically Downs and Trisomy 18.

So, we started the appointment with a 30 minute genetic counseling session with an incredibly friendly and kind genetics specialist with a keen sense of humor. I really liked her. She drew this crazy genetic map with all of these symbols that I think could be related to the final episode of LOST. But seriously, we learned a lot - mostly, that both Scott and I are very low risk of passing anything down to our kid. Whew.

We then moved on to the ultrasound. It was a big kooshy room, with two ultrasound techs, our genetics expert AND a perientologist. Full house indeed. And our little baby is quite the performer (takes after Mom!). We saw a full set of acrobatics, lots of rolling and flipping and swimming about. A dramatic hand raised to its forehead. A foot in the camera (damn paprazzi). The little one was so active for a good 20 minutes that we were having trouble getting a good picture for measurement. Then, almost on cue, the babe chilled out for a few snap-shots. Scott and I were laughing and grinning and it was just such an incredible, wonderful moment. I could have stared at that screen for hours. Amazing.

Everything is looking just great. We should have our screening results within a week.

Afterward we went out for breakfast and talked excitedly about what's to come. Suddenly, this all feels very, very real. And I'm just smitten.

28 weeks, 1 day and counting...

Eat Your Veggies

I know, so many of my posts are about food...can I just say, quickly, how happy I am to be able to eat vegetables again. Specifically: salad. There's nothing more refreshing and satisfying on a spring or summer day than a bountiful bowl of greens. I am now craving fresh veggies and fruit - I must have eaten nearly a whole bunch of radishes today alone. It's a relief.

Very early in my pregnancy when morning sickness was just rearing its ugly head, I had to attend a conference in New York City. Feeling a bit queasy one morning, I set out into mid-town searching for something healthy to eat and came upon a deli that had the most beautiful bowls of fresh berries. Perfect. Or so I thought. A few bites in, I started feeling a bit green. I decided to eat it slowly and took the bowl of fruit with me into my first session. A few more bites and that was it, I had to leave. Quickly, I grabbed my fruit, my bag, and made a bee-line to the ladies room. After I tossed the fruit - in more ways than one - I sent a text message to Scott.

"Baby does not like fruit."

He writes back, "Baby's a boy!"

And so, I've been without copious amounts of fruit and veg for the better part of two months now. I used to be a vegetarian, so this was kind of a big thing. Plus there was the whole meat aversion issue I was struggling with. So, my diet really consisted of carbs in various forms and lots of 'em. No wonder the poundage came on pretty easy.

So it's a nice change to crave a radish or two. And pineapple. And grapes. And salad. And yes, even a big bowl of fresh berries.

28 weeks, 3 days and counting...

Maternity Clothes Deux

Last night, I ventured out to a mall that is evidently the local mecca for all things maternity wear. I discovered the maternity section of Old Navy and Gap and scored a few things from A Pea in the Pod.

All I can say is this: this crap is hellishly expensive! Seriously! I haven't dropped that much cash on clothes in one single swoop since I was a single gal in DC. I shudder at my husband's expression when he views the debits from our checking account.

I will say, however, that it was a super fun treat to strap on the little fake pregnancy bellies and catch a glimpse of how I might look in the next few months. That part was very fun.

There is also a happy ending to this mini-dilemma. Let's call her Saint Teresa. My wonderful, kind, beautiful co-worker brought a huge bag and a giant box stuffed to the gills with maternity duds to work for me today. I heart her. With a few more pieces here and there, I should be able to proceed through my pregnancy fully clothed.

Thank God for that!

28 weeks, 4 days and counting...

Maternity Clothes

Please, someone tell me where the cute maternity clothes are?

My jeans are getting a little tight, and while searching for something to wear to the opera over the weekend, I could find just one skirt that would fit. My books are all telling me this is normal, so yay, but they are also telling me that starting next week, I can expect to start gaining a pound a week. Holy crap!

The anal retentive planner in me has kicked in and today I went to two stores searching for cute duds so I'm "prepared" only to leave disappointed. Old Navy has an online selection, but I couldn't find anything labeled "maternity" actually in the store. Then, Target had a few things, but they either made me look like a house, or had weird fitting issues in spots.

And what exactly can I expect to happen? I mean, I gather that my ass is going to be huge before this ordeal is over, so do maternity clothes take that into account, or should I be looking for a size bigger to accommodate bigger booty?

Thoughts or suggestions for shopping dilemmas are welcome.

28 weeks, 5 days and counting...

Turning the Corner

[whispers]: I don't want to say this out loud and ruin it...but...it seems I am feeling better. The past two mornings, I have risen from my slumber without the urge to puke. TWO DAYS! I have also been eating meals at normal times - and normal meals! We actually ate dinner together last night. And I COOKED! I haven't been able to do any of these things in nearly eight weeks.

It seems I'm turning the corner.

On the other hand, while at the movies last night (Date Night - very cute), I began to weep a little bit during the previews. Of course the preview was for the next Sex in the City. I was just so happy to see the girls together again! So, maybe this is the trade off? I'll take crying over puking any day, though.

29 weeks and counting.

Wish List

I have started to make a little wish list of things I want to do (mostly consume) after the baby arrives. I know, I've got a long road ahead of me, but still, how I long for soft cheeses these days...

1. A deliciously fruity rum drink - like the Jamaican Sunset we drank on our honeymoon.
2. A fresh salad with loads of bleu cheese. And bacon. Because that pairs well with the cheese.
3. A huge hunk of brie.
4. A large, exquisitely made, fully caffeinated cappuccino.
5. A messy plate of eggs benedict with barely poached eggs DRENCHED in hollandaise sauce.
6. A long soak in a hot-tub. Preferably one up in the mountains somewhere above 9,000 feet.

And the big one...I know a lot of women expect jewelry or some other gift from their husband after carrying a baby for nine months. I'd really love a house-keeper and a yoga pass. Please and thanks.

That is all.

29 weeks, 3 days and counting...

Making Room

I am officially now into the double digits - both in pregnancy and in waist size. Officially at ten weeks now, the baby is about the size of a kumquat. The baby has also made the transition to "fetus" which means that all the important good stuff in terms of parts are there and accounted for.

While the baby is the size of an uber small citrus fruit, my waist-line has definitely expanded. Typically, my pant size pre-pregnancy hovered around an 8/10. 8 for work clothes during the week - 10 for the comfy stuff when you want more room. I have two pairs of size 12 "fat pants" for those moments of desperation. Let's just say, goodbye size 8. And the fat pants are seeing more action these days. Granted, my growing belly is more of a food-baby than real baby at this point, but in my defense I must point out that the baby comes with accessories. There's bloat, my ever expanding uterus, placenta (that word grosses me out), amniotic fluid, and of course, that nice reserve of fat - you know, just in case. What I'm saying is there's a lot going on in there. So, it's not JUST the chili dog and tater tot craving, okay? My body is making room for baby - a proper hostess, indeed.

I must say that I am looking forward to the big, round, beautiful pregnant belly full of baby, accessories and all. It's strange to feel so pregnant and not look it...

29 weeks, 6 days and counting...