Week 20 Update

(updated video with stabilization)

Well, there you have it! :-)

Week 19 

This past couple days have brought with them a host of new symptoms/experiences.  I started getting sharp, lower left abdominal pains, here and there.  Before that, I started experiencing what I can only describe as contractions.  It's all very common, but it certainly scared the heck out of this first-time pregnant lady!  I have a tendency to freak out until I'm sure what I'm feeling is natural.  Then, I can handle it, haha.  At least I now know how contractions are likely to feel.  I'm just hoping they don't come around again for another 5 months!

Another thing that happened this week is that Josh and I got a relatively cheap stethoscope to listen to the baby.

(I couldn't capture a selfie with me actively listening.  I'm sure Josh will take one at some point for me :-))

I was tempted to buy a used Doppler machine, but it's not good for the baby to bombard it with that machine more often than necessary.  So, we decided to go the cheaper, less invasive route.  Downside: We likely won't be able to pick up a heartbeat on this thing for a very long time. Upside:  I can now here the water and kicking sounds Josh can here when he puts his ear to my belly :-).  So, I've been having a lot of fun with it.  

One more week until we find out the gender! Can't wait!! :-)

Week 18 Update

Today we went for our monthly checkup.  Within seconds of putting the Doppler machine to my belly, she had the baby's heartbeat - 145 bpm.  She was quite surprised at our surprise, but it was actually the first time anyone has been able to get the heartbeat on that machine!  So, no unscheduled ultrasound for us today.  Now, we wait until the 28th when we go for the full ultrasound.  That day can't come fast enough!

Week 17: Addendum

So, it's been half a week since the fireworks and it randomly occurred to me today that the baby can now *hear* (hearing starts around week 16, even though the ears are not fully developed until about week 22-24).  So, I decided to put some headphones to my belly and begin to share some of my favorite classical music with the little alien.  Fittingly, I decided to start with the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2.  Yet again, there began quite an active bubbling in my belly.  So this kid either loves or hates Bach (I'm hoping very much it's the former).  Either that or the poor thing was just freaking out over being bombarded with sound never before heard so clearly :-).

Week 17

Well, it's been an interesting few weeks since last I posted.  I am just getting over sinusitis and bronchitis, so I'm finally hoping to start enjoying this second trimester.  This past Saturday (7/5) we went to see the fireworks with Kris, Jon and the boys.  We had a great time. The best part was the party in my belly once the reports began.  I'm not sure whether this baby loved or hated those fireworks.  Either way, he/she was very active every time the reports sounded.  Even Josh was able to feel the activity for the very first time. :-) 3 more weeks until we can find out the gender.  Can't wait!