Portia Prediction -- Week 18

So we've not been good lately asking Portia for her predictions and everyone keeps asking me if she's still predicting GIRL. So, I asked her last night by throwing two of Aaron's socks and seeing which one she picked up first. Of course she picked up the one designated for the GIRL guess, so she's still sticking to her guns. I had to hurry and get the socks away from her though because she thought they were a fun new toy and Aaron wouldn't have been too happy if he knew I let her play with them. :)

Camera Update and Faith Prediction

We are still on the search for a new camera, so no pics yet. We are going to try to meet at Best Buy after work to check them out, so hopefully we'll either have a new one or have ordered one by the end of the week.

This weekend we went to visit my family in Osage. I asked my cousin Faith (she's 8) what she thinks I'm having. She first was rubbing my belly and said that she could feel the baby's hand. Oddly enough where she was feeling is the side the baby is on and she did find a spot that is harder than most places, so it probably was the baby. After the belly rubs, she said she thinks it is a girl, but then said, "wait!" and she stuck her finger in my belly button and wiggled it around for a bit, then said "boy" very matter of factly. It was so cute. She then kissed my belly and was on her way to her next adventure.

Hair

Even though I didn't have much hair until I was 2, I am pretty damn certain that this baby is going to have a LOT of hair at birth! Yep, I have been having some serious heartburn.

Best Intentions

I had every intention of taking an updated picture today to post. I got my picture clothes on, moved the mirror from the hall, and dragged Aaron upstairs. He turned the camera on and it looked like snow on the TV! We changed the batteries and tried a bunch of different settings, but I think the camera is dead! To be honest, I'm not sad! It is 5 years old and digital cameras have come a long way in that time and I've been wanting a new one before the baby is born and now we have to get one!

The bad thing about no pic today is that Aaron looked at the last pic (2 weeks ago) and then looked at me and for the first time said he thinks I look different. So you'll have to wait a few more days to see (hopefully not longer!).

Wiggle Worm

I felt my first real kicks (as opposed to "flutters") last Friday. I haven't posted because I haven't been feeling it very often and it took a while before I was really sure it was the baby. But, I'm sure that's what it is. Wednesday and yesterday it was really active all day. The previous days I'd maybe feel it 3 times in 5 minutes and that was all for the whole day. Every time I feel it, it surprises me -- almost like having someone come up behind you and tap your shoulder when you're not expecting it! Last night when I was going to bed I was laying on my stomach and for almost an entire minute, I kept feeling movement after movement. It was so neat. Now, I can't wait until you can feel it on the outside so Aaron can feel it moving, too.

Our 16 Week Check-up

Today was our 3rd appointment. Unfortunately the office moved to a new computer system today. So, when we got there instead of the normal check-in period, we had to wait behind about 15 other women to check-in. It was a mess, but the staff was very nice and still seemed to be in good moods. It really didn't take too long and the doctor was still on schedule, so we actually only had to wait in the waiting room about 1 minute. The nurse did the normal routine, weight, blood pressure, and urine test. I think I've gained 4-5 pounds since my first appointment, but probably more like 8 pounds since pre-pregnancy. The doctor said it is right on track. My BP was perfect. I had been worried it was going to be high because I've been getting really out of breath, more than I would expect to be due to pregnancy (I figured it was probably due to rising BP). And whatever they check with the urine -- protein and sugar levels? -- was just right. The doctor felt my belly and said it is right on track and then we listened to the baby's heart beat for a bit. This time it was fluctuating between 145 and 150 bpm.

For my last couple appointments they have been trying to get me in to see the lady that helps with choosing which hospital to go to and working with insurance payments. I'm very lucky and my insurance covers everything except one $20 copay, and I know that I want to go to Overland Park Regional for delivery, so I'm not too concerned about seeing her, but every time I've been in she's gone to lunch before I get out of my appointment. It is annoying. Apparently they don't "schedule" time with her, so you just have to see if she's there. This time they were bringing me back to her and another couple was right behind us. She was farther along than me, so they suggested that I wait until next time. When I was checking out I heard 2 other people say they needed to see her, too. I don't know if they all waited or not, but it certainly seems like that process could be more efficient!

Our next appointment will be on Tuesday, July 1st at 9:00 am. We'll have our ultrasound and then meet with the doctor!

The Big Day Will Be...

JULY 1st!

Yep, that should be the day we find out the baby's gender! We are so excited! Originally the doctor was going to have me schedule for the next week, but I asked if we could do it sooner and he said, "no problem." So, we only have 3 weeks and 1 day to wait!