Jumping Jellybean

We had a perinatal appointment today for my blood issue that apparently is pretty common. Good news - I only have to take baby aspirin instead of giving myself shots.

Brian and I got to see the kid again. It had a strong heartbeat at 158 beats per minute. It has discernible eyes, a nose, a mouth, and little limbs now. Looking at the mouth on some of these pictures, I think I may be giving birth to the Grinch. The baby is 3.8 cm long and measuring almost exactly at where our due date would place it. It is truly amazing how much it has changed in just 17 days.

Today is also the first time we got to see the baby move. Sometimes when the nurse would press down the baby would flip over. Then when she did the side shot, she held the ultrasound still and we watched the baby bounce around on its own. Here are the new pictures:

And so it begins...

Today was the first appointment with the fetus (it graduated from an embryo today). All is well. Brian came to appointment and his face was precious when he saw the sonogram screen. He got to see it before I did because he was standing up next to me. Awesome moment. Here are the pictures from this visit:

The Parents Have Been Officially Notified

Tonight we miraculously got all of our parents and our brothers together in the same place to tell them all the news. I'm so thankful that everyone could be together. A few people had figured it out but a couple were truly surprised. My dad and Brian's mom were pretty shocked. It was very sweet to see everyone so happy. My mom was the first one to touch my belly but I guess I better get familiar with that happening and she even forgave me to lying to her.

There are of course logistical concerns like the fact that I'll be 8 months pregnant for Brian's brother's wedding. I'm a bridesmaid in it but at least the dresses are empire waist so I can make it work.

Overall, the telling of the family went very well despite our nervousness about it.

Telling People

Well the baby is the size of a blueberry now and I'm apparently making 100 brain cells a minute. Wow, I work quickly. I officially have afternoon sickness which often leaves me feeling like I've been on a catamaran all day- no puking yet though, thank goodness.

We've known now for almost three weeks and it's been torture not telling our parents. My mom came out and asked if I was pregnant last week which I denied (sorry Mom!). Her mother's instinct is good. I think we've got all our parents and siblings on board to meet us at Springers when we are home so we can tell everyone together. Brian's dad is on his way to our house right now for a visit and I don't think we'll be able to get through the weekend without him figuring it out.

I'm feeling better about telling everyone but it still doesn't seem real. Maybe once we go to the doctor on the 12th it'll sink in.