Countdown Day 14

I love watching Kaylee's relationship with Mike. She seems so free, outgoing and open to being silly with him. I wouldn't say that she's never that way with me, but her bond with her daddy is just something special.

I know that she looks forward to nights when Mike puts her to bed because of the unique routines that he's established, and she loves waking him up in the mornings with a tickle or a kiss.

Kaylee is lucky to have such an amazing daddy in Mike.

Baby's First Surgery

Kaylee's surgery (her left tear duct was opened with a metal probe and a small silicone tube was placed in the duct) was on Friday morning. We got there at 7:45 as directed (her surgery was supposed to be at 8:15). After about 5 minutes in the waiting room, which had a kids area with toys and books, they took us back to a pre-op room. This room was white walls with a hospital bed and two chairs and nothing at all that Kaylee could play with. How age-inappropriate! We had to wait there for nearly an hour. Mike ended up letting Kaylee play with his phone (she called my phone about 800 times) and then we found a surgical hair net/cap thingy and a surgical mask to play with. During this time, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon came back and talked to us and a nurse took Kaylee's stats. Kaylee was cool with all that, but then the nurse came to take her back to surgery.

I swear, they must have searched for the biggest, burliest male nurse with the most facial hair they could find. Good lord, this dude made me nervous! This was pretty much the worst-case scenario I could have picked for Kaylee. She was terrified and screaming and crying as he took her away from us and down the hall to surgery. My poor baby! After that, it was only about 15 minutes until we were called into the conference room to talk to the surgeon. Everything went well!!! About 10 minutes later, we were taken back to recovery.

Kaylee was already awake and screaming and crying and clawing to get away from the random nurse that was holding her (at least it was a woman this time). She calmed down a little bit when I got to her, but she was still pretty inconsolable. I guess this is pretty common for babies/toddlers coming out of anesthesia...they're just really disoriented and frightened, the nursed likened it to having a night terror. We got her in the car and headed home (about a 40 minute drive). Kaylee finally fell asleep when we were about 10 minutes from home, so we just took her up and put her straight in her bed. When she woke up an hour later, it was as if nothing ever happened. She was happy and ready to go with the rest of her day.

Kaylee's been great ever since then...a little more nervous about strangers than she was before the experience (is there any wonder?), but I assume that will pass. We can already tell a huge difference in her eye, too!

We All Fall Down

Oh, but we have had a rough couple days!

It all started on Thursday morning when I got Kaylee up for the day. She had vomited in her crib sometime in the night. I felt horrible, because I know I had heard her coughing a bit, but since she didn't cry for long, I let her go back to sleep on her own. Oops. Anyway...I thought it was an isolated thing...she had had 5 shots and a big dinner the night before, so I gave her the typical morning bottle and got her ready to go to childcare. I was wrong. We had no sooner got downstairs and I grabbed my purse than Kaylee started vomiting. All. Over. The. Place.

Needless to say, I stayed home with Kaylee on Thursday. She got sick several more times, but seemed like she was mostly on the mend by late afternoon. Since the last vomiting episode was later in the day, we knew that she couldn't go to childcare on Friday either, so we agreed that Mike would stay home in the morning while I went in to do a few things at work. No problem, right.

Well, first I woke up on Friday feeling a bit off. I feared that I had caught Kaylee's junk, but I seriously had to get into the office. Bad idea. I vomited 5 times that morning, including twice in the alley behind our office and once into a trash bag while pulled over on the side of the highway. Ugh. Add to that, shortly after I arrived at the office, Mike called to tell me that he thought he had another kidney stone and needed to get to the hospital and couldn't even lift Kaylee.

Friday was a disaster, but we are so lucky to have amazing family. My dad took Kaylee to his house and Mike's grandma took him to the ER. I finished my work quickly (between trips to the restroom) and got back home. My mom took over for my dad at noon with Kaylee and I stayed in bed miserable. Mike finished up at the hospital, went in to his office for a few hours (hopped up on pain pills), and brought Kaylee home from my parents'. He took very good care of me for a few hours until he started feeling sick himself. He was sick for most of the night, waking up several times to vomit.

So each of us went through approximately 12 hours of hell and came out on the other side in one piece. A brief recap...Kaylee: 3 am - 3 pm on Thursday, me: 7 am - 6 pm on Friday, Mike: 7 pm on Friday - 7 am today.

So now we move on with the rest of our weekend. Today we have an anniversary party for Mike's grandparents (which we are co-hosting with his sister), and tomorrow is Halloween. No rest for the wicked, right?

Happy Father's Day (Late Again)

Dear Daddy,

I wanted to write this to you yesterday, but the weekend was busy with all the moving and we still don't have internet at the new house. A little baby can only do so much!

Thank you so much for being my daddy. I love how silly you can be and we have so much fun playing together. No one else can make me giggle quite like you do! I know that sometimes Mommy gets nervous when we play rough, but I know that you would never let anything bad happen to me. You make me feel safe and loved, even when I'm hanging upside-down or bouncing on the bed.

I love that even when you're half-asleep and so so tired in the morning, your face lights up when you see me. I know that you and Mommy work extra hard for me, but the look on your face tells me that it's worth it and that you wouldn't trade a minute of our time together. I'm such a lucky girl!

Aside from being an amazing daddy, thank you for being such a great partner to my mommy. Even though she tries to be a super-mommy, I know that she couldn't do any of it without you. Seeing the two of you work together and love each other so much makes me feel secure and gives me an idea of how I want people to treat me some day.

Thank you for everything you do and every minute that we get to be together. I love you so much!

~Kaylee (and Mommy too)

What a Weekend!!!

I'm surprised that we all survived in tact! Miss Kaylee got her first tooth on Friday and, quite frankly, I don't think she's too pleased.

All the drama started on Wednesday...Kaylee had a few loose diapers and vomited once. Poor baby. She seemed to be doing alright on Thursday morning, so I went ahead and sent her to Amanda's. That did not go well. I ended up picking her up around 1 and staying home with her Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. Pedialyte and BRA(T) diet FTW.

I thought I was home nursing a stomach bug, but Friday afternoon, I noticed that Kaylee was, in fact, popping her first tooth. It's on the bottom, right-center. At that point, I couldn't feel anything, but it was just barely visible.

On Saturday, since Kaylee hadn't had any blowouts or vomiting for over 24 hours, we started trying to get her back on formula and phase out the Pedialyte. I think we pushed things a little too quickly, because by Sunday, she was having stomach issues again. Poor baby!!! (By Saturday and Sunday, though, we were able to feel her tooth...baby teeth are sharp!) Back to the Pedialyte we went.

Yesterday was Memorial Day, so Mike and I were both home with Kaylee. We decided to give her 2oz of formula at her normal feeding times with 2oz of Pedialyte between feedings. I swear she thought she was starving all day long!!! She only seemed happy the couple of times that we left the house to run some errands...she even got grumpy sitting in her jumperoo!!! When we tried to give Kaylee her bedtime bottle (we tried 3oz), she was inconsolable and did not want to be put to bed. We ended up giving her two more ounces and I had to rock her a bit. I was proud of myself, though, I did attempt to let her self-soothe a little bit before I went in and rocked her. I couldn't stand to let her go for more than 5 minutes, though. She needed her momma!!!

Kaylee is back at Amanda's today and Mike and I are at work. I'm hoping that getting back into the normal routine will help her fussiness (and that she won't drive Amanda absolutely bonkers). We're trying giving her 4oz of formula at a time. My hope is that she'll be back to normal by the time Mike and I leave for Vegas on Thursday. Wish us luck!!!

The Rest of the Story

"My Labor Story" is my own hazy version of what happened during my almost 30-hour labor. I know that some of the details are a little skewed, but after going through something like that, details don't seem to matter much. As I read what I've written, though, there is a major piece missing...my coach...my biggest supporter...my forever love...my husband.

To say that Mike was my labor coach would be a gross understatement. I don't think that I could have survived anything that I've experienced in the last week without him. Mike was calm when I was frightened, empowering when I was doubtful, and above all, so so loving and supportive. When I think of my labor now, I don't really remember the pain, I don't remember the faces of the nurses that were with us, I barely even remembered that the bruise on my left wrist is from my iv. What I do remember is Mike's voice. I hear him telling me that I'm strong, that I'm amazing, that I can do what I set out to do, that he loves me. I have never in my life felt so connected to one person as I do to my husband.

I want Mike to know that I love him and am so appreciative of every little thing he does for me and for our daughter. Every kiss, kind word, and smile are forever imprinted in my memory. I so look forward to our life together, and I can't wait to see him grow as a father. Kaylee is a lucky girl to have such a dedicated daddy, and I am so pleased with our new little family.

(I also want Mike to know that I sat here in our bedroom and cried as I wrote this. I don't think he'll be surprised.)

36 Weeks, Y'all!!!

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I don't know. I go back to the doctor on Thursday.
Maternity clothes? that's all that fits me
Stretch marks? got 'em
Sleep: not cool at all
Best moment this week: every single moment that I've gotten to spend with my husband
Movement: Yesterday the little girl totally conspired with her daddy to ruin my plans for a semi-busy Sunday. We had a little scare when she didn't want to move around much and seriously teetered on the edge of calling the doctor and going in to l&d. Luckily, she figured out that she had given her mommy enough of a panic attack and firmly secured the prospect of a lazy Sunday and got moving. I can see our future right now.
Food cravings: nothing specific
Gender: We have a sonogram tomorrow morning and will be asking for confirmation that this little one is, in fact, a girl. If not, though, I hope he likes lavender.
Labor Signs: nope
What I miss: Nothing right now...I'm ready to get this show on the road and completely give in to our new life as a family.
What I am looking forward to: our sonogram tomorrow
Weekly Wisdom: Don't freak out until you truly have something to freak out about.
Milestones: I am 9 months pregnant!!!

Updates and Pictures

On Wednesday I got the wonderful news that I am not, in fact, slowly poisoning my unborn daughter with too much sugar. What a relief! As much as I hate needles, I would gladly take a blood test again and even give myself daily injections if that's what it took to keep my little girl safe...but I'm glad I don't have to. :) We will have a sonogram on October 20 and then back for my 36 week appointment on the 22nd. After that, it's weekly appointments until the girly decides to join us. I can't believe how close I am to holding my child in my arms and looking into her face!!!

We officially have a nursery, complete with crib, dresser/changing table, and a glider rocker. I love it!!! Both Mike and I have wandered in there and just looked around with goofy-ass smiles on our faces at different times. Last night I sat in the glider and could just imagine what it will feel like to sit there holding our baby. I'm so ready. Anyway, this weekend will be all about moving all the random baby items from the piles in the living room to where they will be kept in the nursery. I'm so ready to have the rest of my house back...for a little while, at least.

Okay, okay...pictures...

Me with Mike's mom, sister, and grandma at the shower

Mike and I looking spiffy (and loving Little Girl) at the high school reunion

The crib, complete with ultra-girly bedding and not-so-girly Royals baseball mobile (I love it!!!)

The dresser/changing table with all of the necessary items

The fabulously comfortable glider, with a Grandma-made Royals blanket

Bella testing out the crib (We had to make sure it was safe!!!)

33 Weeks and No Pictures...Sorry

I was going to have all kinds of pictures to post with this week's update, but it just isn't happening. My plan was to have Mike take a 33 week picture yesterday, but we both kind of passed out yesterday afternoon and slept until after 7. I wasn't thinking about much more than food and more sleep at that point. I'm thinking that the third trimester has finally caught up with me and Little Girl is totally sapping my energy. As for Mike, having Bronchitis and trying to quit smoking is definitely taking their toll. We are zombies. Please forgive me.

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: As of last week, I'm up 20 from pre-preg. I'll go back to the doctor on Monday for another check-up.
Maternity clothes? I still need to get some fall stuff. It's getting pretty cool here.
Stretch marks? I got 'em.
Sleep: Not so terrible, but I'm really tired of the whole crampy legs and tingly fingers thing.
Best moment this week: Our first ever mommy/daughter spending spree at Babies R Us last weekend. I took my belly and did a big return/exchange/shopping trip and got most of what we still needed after the shower. Once again, I feel so grateful for what everyone has done for us!!!
Movement: She's still in there.
Food cravings: none that come to mind
Gender: das Mädchen
Labor Signs: not for me
What I miss: Once upon a time I felt like I was ready for this baby. The closer we get, the more I realize that we have so so much yet to do. We'll get there...
What I am looking forward to: getting our furniture home and having a dedicated baby's room
Weekly Wisdom: I'm too tired to come up with anything deep this morning. Sorry.
Milestones: We have a car seat and stroller!!! Woohoo!!!

Catching Up...Trying To, At Least

I feel like this week has been a complete whirlwind! I'm not sure where the time went, but I don't remember very much at all.

On Monday night/Tuesday morning, my poor husband came down with Bronchitis. He's completely miserable but is being a real trooper. He's trying so hard to stay away from me, and won't even sleep in the same bed because he doesn't want to get me sick. He's so protective. I've been teasing him about it, but really, he's so sweet and I love this side of him. This little girl we're waiting for is so lucky to have a daddy that loves her and her mommy so much.

Speaking of Little Girl, we had a doctor's appointment yesterday. In the name of full disclosure, I'll go ahead and say that I gained 4 pounds in 2 weeks. My nurse didn't seem shocked, but I know I was. I'm officially blaming it on the baby shower, the high school reunion, and having a house guest for four days. For those who are counting, that's a total of 20 pounds from pre-pregnancy weight. Gah! The doctor freaked me out a bit when she informed me that they would not attempt to stop labor after I reach 34 weeks. 34? Seriously? That's totally just a week and a half away! I don't have any reason to believe that I'll go that early, but seriously? I'm so not ready for this. Everything else was fine, though. Little Girl is still measuring a bit ahead, so we may get another chance to see her and check on her size at 36 weeks. I'll take it!

I got a call yesterday, and our baby furniture is all in, paid for, and waiting for us in Topeka. I talked with my brother, and we are in the process of figuring out the how and when of getting the new furniture here and the old furniture back to his place. I'm so grateful for our amazing families and how helpful they're being! We are so so lucky!!! I'm ready to have a dedicated baby room and start doing laundry and putting stuff away. I think that will make things feel that much more real and make me feel that much more ready.

This weekend, we are going to do some exchanges and shopping at Babies R Us. I think this will get us pretty close to being done with the baby shopping. I'm sure I'll come up with a few more things to pick up here and there, but the major items will all be purchased.

I haven't had a chance to write much about my amazing baby shower last weekend. It. Was. Fantastic. Again, I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible women that love and support me and can't wait to meet my daughter. I think a rumor went out that we needed blankets for this winter baby, because we got a ton of them, including three breathtaking homemade items. My lovely friend Mary totally shocked me with a video she had been keeping from me working on for some time. She interviewed Mike as well as both of our families, used pictures of Mike and I as babies and through the years, set it all to Beatles music, and even included quotes from the very blog that you are reading right now. It was so beautiful and a gift that we will cherish for years to come. Thank you, again, for everyone who made sure I had such a lovely day!!!

An Update

We went to the doctor yesterday afternoon. My last appointment was at 25 weeks, and in 5 weeks I've gained 3 (actually, 2.8, but who's counting?) more pounds, putting me up 16 total from pre-pregnancy. Not bad, not bad. My doctor told me that my blood work from a few weeks ago (glucose tolerance and hemoglobin) was perfect. We talked a little about what to expect in the next several weeks, the doctor poked around at Little Girl (she's head-down, thank goodness), and we listened to the baby's heartbeat. Everything seems really good, and we're now going in every two weeks. They also made me get a flu shot, but I don't want to talk about it.

After our appointment, we went to childbirth class number two. I think Mike and I both agreed that it was far more informative than last time, and we had a good time. I don't, however, think that our teacher likes us very much. Maybe we laugh and joke too much or something. I answered many of her questions, and while other couple received little prizes, we did not. Grumpy bitch.

Such and Such

Just a few notes before I'm off for the long weekend...

Last night was our first childbirth class. I was pretty excited to go, and was a little disappointed. The first class had little to do with the birth. It was mostly about what to expect in the third trimester, signs of pre-labor, and services that the hospital offers. We did a little bit of relaxation-type stuff in the end, but overall, there wasn't much new information. Oh well. Hopefully it will get much better.

Tomorrow we leave on our annual Labor Day camping trip. It looks like we'll get some rain, but it shouldn't get too horribly hot, so I'm okay with that. I love being able to get away from everything for a few days and just enjoy myself. I think Mike and I are both looking at this as our own little "babymoon"...our last chance to get away before we become parents. I hope that we can look forward to camping trips with our little one in the future.

27 Weeks

How far along? 27 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Don't know, don't really care.
Maternity clothes? I love 'em!!! I need to start looking for a dress for the big high school reunion, though.
Stretch marks? They are there. I've now added two Kitty scratches from trying to give him pills...they kind of blend in with the stretchies!
Sleep: not too bad, except for hand-numbness and leg cramps
Best moment this week: shopping for material for the baby quilt (which, I heard, is completed), and looking at babies in the nursery with Mike
Movement: All the time!!! Luckily, there's been a little more action in the evenings for Daddy. Last night Mike had his head on my belly and was talking to Little Girl...she kicked him in the face. It was fantastic and I was jealous. Sometimes I'd like to kick him in the face...only kidding!
Food cravings: I think Mike really has market cornered on cravings lately.
Gender: little lady
Labor Signs: Nope!!!
What I miss: being able to shave my legs comfortably
What I am looking forward to: water aerobics starting up again tonight
Weekly Wisdom: If at all possible, get pregnant later in the year so that by the time you can't reach your legs any longer, it will be winter and you can just wear pants.
Milestones: Trimester Number Three!!! Dang, this is flying by really quickly!

25 Weeks

How far along? 25 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I went to the doctor yesterday, so...I gained 6 more pounds. That makes 13 total from pre-pregnancy weight. Will it ever stop!? :)
Maternity clothes? That's pretty much all I wear. I have a couple non-maternity tops that I'll still wear, but that's about it. I'm beginning to wonder what of my old clothes will fit again after Little Girl is born.
Stretch marks? I guess I'm kind of getting used to them. I think it just goes with the territory. I'm beginning to wonder, though, if I'm going to get a linea negra (weird dark line that goes from your belly button down). There's no sign of one yet.
Sleep: I'm using my body pillow on more of a regular basis. I think I'm sleeping better, but the legs cramps are kind of driving me crazy.
Best moment this week: Mike getting to feel his first kick
Movement: I got to see my first kick yesterday! I was in the waiting room at the doctor's office. The other people waiting must have thought I was a nut job when I randomly started laughing at my belly.
Food cravings: I finally got to have the cheese fries that I've been thinking about for a month. They were fantastic!!!
Gender: We're waiting for a beautiful, darling little girl. I'm so excited to meet her. I read the other day that if you have a daughter, you're carrying the person who will hold your hand when you lay dying. Kind of morbid, but something to think about...
Labor Signs: Not even.
What I miss: being comfortable (and yes, I know it will get worse before it gets better...)
What I am looking forward to: Having all my lovely friends and family together for my baby shower. I know its still a month and a half away, but I'm excited!!!
Weekly Wisdom: F*ck the naysayers cause they don't mean a thing! (311)
Milestones: movement that you can feel/see from the outside

. . . . . .

Two extra stories this week...

First, about my "Weekly Wisdom". Yesterday someone who hasn't seen me since May asked me, "Where are you hiding that baby, in your hips!?" I was honestly kind of hurt, but I'm choosing to get over it. I feel like my body has changed quite a lot, and I love how I look pregnant. I guess it just brought one of my big fears to the surface...just looking bigger not really pregnant. Oh well.

Second, about how I have the sweetest husband ever. Last night (or early this morning, rather) I had trouble getting comfortable after waking up to pee. I eventually decided to give the couch a try. Mike was still awake and came out to sleep with me. Our couch has recliners on either end, so he lays in a recliner and I get to stretch out with my head on his lap. This is my favorite way to nap, and we both fell right asleep. I give him a tough time sometimes, but he's been so so sweet. I feel so lucky and I know that I absolutely could not do this without him.

Ooh...bonus extra comment. Mike and I have decided that rather than buying a baby book, I'm going to make one scrapbook-style. This will be one of my first major scrapbooking projects, so I'd love any suggestions!!!

A Letter

To my beautiful, sweet little girl:

Today you gave us a gift. You finally kicked one of your tiny feet hard enough for your daddy to feel it. I'm so proud of you! You're getting so strong. While I'm sure there will be many more such moments to come, I wanted to thank you for sharing this gift. I'm so so happy for your daddy to be a part of the joy I've been experiencing the last few weeks.

I'm having so much fun getting to know you and am so excited to meet you, hold you in my arms and share you with the world. I hope you know how loved you are.

Your Mommy

23 Weeks

This is my first (very brave) bare-belly picture. I'm only slightly horrified.













How far along? 23 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I haven't the slightest.
Maternity clothes? As previously mentioned, I went shopping and got some new things last weekend. I think I'm done shopping for myself until the weather changes.
Stretch marks? Did you look at the picture? I think it's fairly obvious.
Sleep: much, much better lately
Best moment this week: Having a girls day out...shopping and seeing a chick flick.
Movement: I get to feel little kicks and punches every day. When I'm sitting down, I feel them up under my ribs a lot, most often on my right side for some reason.
Food cravings: I may or may not have gone to the store at 10:00 the other night for brownies and ice cream. It was very important. I'm still marveling that I went myself. Someone needs to tell Mike about how expectant fathers usually do that type of thing.
Gender: IT'S A GIRL!!!
Labor Signs: No way!
What I miss: being able to sit comfortably in my arm chair and read or watch TV for more than 15 minutes at a time
What I am looking forward to: I'm anxious for Mike to get to feel some movement from the outside. He was trying the other night, and while Little Girl was cooperative and kicking back at him, he just didn't feel it. I hope it won't be long.
Weekly Wisdom: It may be time to start doing some hard-core planning.
Milestones: I got nothing right now.

. . . . . .

In case you think I've been neglecting Mike a bit, I now submit pictures of how 23 weeks looks on my dear husband. I informed him today that the mountain man wanna be beard had best be gone before I return home from work this afternoon.

19 Weeks

How far along? 19 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: who knows...
Maternity clothes? I wore my new pair of pants yesterday, and I think I will be happy wearing maternity pants for the rest of my life. It was a transforming experience.
Stretch marks? not from the baby
Sleep: I have slept so well the last two nights, it's not even funny. Let's hope it stays that way for a little while at least.
Best moment this week: Mike getting really excited about everything and finally admitting that he's going to be an amazing dad. He makes me so happy!
Movement: I DON'T KNOW!!!
Food cravings: nothing, really...
Gender: I'm so excited to find out. The wait is killing me! We're now kicking around fun ways to tell everyone the big news. I'm also so excited for Mike and I to be able to call my belly by name (only when we're alone, though...our name choices are totally hush hush!!!).
Labor Signs: Not even.
What I miss: I'm feeling pretty okay this week.
What I am looking forward to: feeling more distinct and obvious movement
Weekly Wisdom: Stand up for what you want.
Milestones: Mike

. . . . . .

There's no picture this week, but I don't honestly think things have changed that much! It's amazing to me to think that I'll be 20 weeks on Monday...half-way there, baby!!!

I don't know if this is early signs of nesting, but I'm planning a major cleaning overhaul on our apartment this weekend. I'm just so tired of looking at piles of crap and I know that if we don't get it taken care of before I'm huge, it will just keep getting worse. I would love to be more organized so that we have some type of system in place by the time Little Drews shows up.

Happy Father's Day (A Day Later)

Dear Daddy,

Thank you for loving my mommy so much. I know that you're helping her keep me safe while I'm inside her belly. I love it when you take her on walks and help her make dinner. I know she loves it while you play with her hair and talk her into taking naps. I don't think she could do it without you.

I liked how excited you got when you and mommy got to see me at the doctor's office. You were the first one to see my face and I know it made me so much more real to you. I really love it when you talk to me and give me kisses through Mommy's belly. I can't wait until you can feel me kicking back at you and especially for when you get to hold me the first time.

I know that you are going to be an awesome daddy, and I'm so glad to be part of your family.

Love you,
Little Drews (and Becky)

If Dreams Could Be Trusted

Mike had a dream about the baby, and it was......

A BOY!!!

The Appointment

My doctor's appointment this week was definitely a roller coaster!!! It started normally...the peeing, the weighing (up 4 lbs. from pre-preggo, by the way), and the blood pressure taking. My nurse was happy to see that my blood pressure was a very happy 110/76. I'm attributing that to some hippie breathing exercises I was doing in the waiting room. Then the doctor came in...

That part started okay too. I introduced her to Mike, we talked, and I asked her some questions. The we got to the part that I'd simultaneously been looking forward to and dreading...the doppler. My doctor put the gross gel-stuff on the wand and started trying to find our baby's little heartbeat. I would later realize just how hard she was actually pressing down when I was sore for two days afterwords. The longer she tried, the more I knew that I was going to panic. Mike was so sweet and holding my hand. A few renegade tears began to make their way down my face, but the doctor was still trying. She just kept saying, "I'm not worried," and "It's just really small right now." When she stopped trying...I. Lost. It.

Before I knew it, we were in the sonogram room and my doctor was trying to figure out how to turn on the machine. She admitted that she didn't really know how to use everything, but that the tech was gone for the day and she didn't want to make we wait until the next morning. She finally got it working and put the wand to my stomach. She found our baby almost instantly!!!

My favorite part was when Mike asked what we were seeing and the doctor said, "That's your baby." We were amazed. We could see that it was moving around. We saw the spine, the face (Mike pointed out the eyes himself), and what we had been waiting two long months to see...our baby's little, fluttering heartbeat. To say that I was relieved would be a huge understatement. I was in love...with Mike, with our baby, with my doctor, with life. It was amazing.

We spent the rest of the evening sharing the wonderful news and going to Babies R Us to buy our little one's first onesies. We are so happy to know that things are as they should be as we head into trimester number two.