Anatomy Scan

Wow....we had the "anatomy scan" last week. This is an intensified sonogram that lasts about 30-45 min and it's purpose is to see that all of the organs are developing properly. We could actually SEE the chambers of the heart, the complete spine, the umbilical cord, we even got a glimpse of the little toushie! It was pretty intense. And all of the organs are there and the baby seems to be developing just fine! We still need to pinch ourselves to remind us that I have a tiny human in my belly that is part of us and that it's going to come out soon and be part of our lives until the day we die. I often forget I'm pregnant....then I look in the mirror. ;)

My health is great. The only thing that's getting bad is my back pain. The bump is getting bigger but it has A LOT more of growing to do and I can't even imagine what kind of number it's gonna have on my back. I'm going to try to see a chiropractor....I'll let ya know how that works out for me.

Gabe's health is great but his body continues to fall apart. He's back at the hip surgeon's office today to see if it's time for a partial replacement (he just had his surgery last summer). He also has to go in for some Xrays to see why his joints hurt so badly...there may be some strange tumor (benign) on his spine that is affecting his mobility. So keep your fingers crossed and let's hope he can get straightened out! It's not fair to be so young and hurt so much.

Summer is officially over today! Had an amazing trip to CA for Son and Dom's wedding and are planning to do a few weekend excursions in addition to a trip to FL to see the Dorans this month. Gotta get all of this in before I pop!

*I can't get this picture to go the right way (and the original is saved right side up). Annoying.

Week 19

Well, we've officially known since May 30th. We went through a major panic phase (i believe we took 4 tests over a week's time "just in case"), then fear phase, and then taking it all in and rolling with it phase. Don't get me wrong, this is wonderful news and we're excited about our growing little family, it's just that it happened very quickly (which I do recognize is a blessing) so we really hadn't mentally taken in all that comes with having a baby.

We decided to wait to tell people until the first trimester was complete (aside from a few close friends) just to be sure. Especially regarding our parents. We certainly didn't want to get their hopes up cuz they've been praying for grandkids for a loooonnnnngggg time. ;) Some friends figured it out (seeing me not drink was a dead give-away) and others I had to tell (I couldn't keep it from my closest girlfriends) but we saved telling the folks until we had the chance to do it face to face. Mom and Dad had already planned a trip to NY on July 31st so we had to keep a lid on it until then.....and BOY was it worth it!

The day they arrived, they hit BAM, I met them after work, we went home and looked through some pics they had online, then Gabe and I presented them with a "gift". They opened the package (we of course videoed it) to find a frame that said "Grandma and Grandpa's Little One" with the sonogram inside. Dad figured it out immediately and it took Mom a few seconds but they were simply in shock. They just looked at us in awe and tried to take in the news. It was pretty cute.

Next comes Janice and Bob. We all head down there on Saturday for a cook-out. When they got there Janice wanted to show my parents her home so when we went upstairs, I had them come into the computer room to "see something really cool online". We proceeded to show them the sonogram that we videoed and she was floored! This lead to a wonderful celebration, delicious food, and all of us sitting in a circle outside calling friends and family members.

After that we were free to tell all of our local and far-away friends. It's been a fun roller-coaster filled w/information and dr. visits. My doc (Dr. Hedley) is wonderful and she lets us video sonograms all the time. Mom and Dad actually got to attend one of our visits as well as join us in a tour of our birthing hospital (St. Luke's-Roosevelt). It's always amazing to see this little creature moving around inside of me. They weren't joking when they referred to it as the "Miracle of Life"! It truly is a miracle.

So now I'm on week 19. My belly is popped, I'm getting the "growing pains", we're looking at furniture, we got some headphones so we can introduce him/her to music, etc. It's official and it's coming quickly! We've both gone through some panic phases (especially Gabe) but we're working hard to turn it around and trust that we'll figure it out. The stress is pointless and definitely bad for the little Doranjamin.

So here's to good times, positive energy, lots of love and a healthy little muffin!!!!