What a difference a month makes

We had our 12 week appointment and sonogram this afternoon. Not only was the event itself amazing and awe-inducing, but my mom was able to go with us to take a peek at our Kry-Baby, who is now the size of a large plum. I think we have an actual baby on our hands here! It actually resembles a human now, with arms, legs, and a FACE. An actual face- eyes, nose, mouth, chin, profile. Wow.

We opted to have some genetic testing done at this point, just to rule out (or prepare us for) any potential special needs or other surprises. This testing involved some bloodwork and a sonogram with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Not only did the specialist give us good news about the baby's growth and perfect development, she also gave us a prediction on gender with 85% certainty! Though we feel fairly confident with that percentage, we're not letting (many) people in on the secret quite yet. You'll just have to wait until the confirmation sonogram on March 28!

12 weeks: Check out those little frog legs! Ballerina or soccer star?
Most amazing: We got to see him/her stretch those legs out and
then tuck them quickly back in. Amazing screen grab!

On the maternal health side of things, I think I have reached a turning point! I am feeling so much better that I'm eating again, have had a few cravings (jelly beans!), and have even ventured into a few restaurants for light meals. Praise God, I think I'm going to make it! Thanks to everyone for all your prayers and concern. Also, check out these bump self-portraits! 

But it's my birthmonth!

I have always loved my birthday. It's my favorite holiday because I feel like the day belongs to me and me alone. As such, I like to extend the celebration throughout February, the month of my birth. But this year, birthmonth took a backseat to nausea-and-vomiting month. The only good thing to come out of this month (except the continued health and growth of our little olive, of course) was an overnight trip to our local hospital, Centennial Medical Center. Normally I wouldn't refer to a hospital stay as a "good thing," but in this case, it gave my doctor the time and information she needed to get my meds all sorted out. I'm now on a double dose of Zofran combined with a half dose of Phenergan thrown in for good measure. And I think it's working!!! I still feel nauseated 24/7, but it's reduced to a level that allows me to function (i.e., get out of bed and drag myself to work and sit there for the majority of each day).

IV fluids and meds for lunch

Our little green olive (he or she is about that size now) is continuing to grow and prosper, despite the sickness. My doctor has been assuring me that the sickest women have the healthiest babies (I bet she says that to all the sick moms...), and I'm beginning to believe her. Things seem to be looking up, especially since Jeph has promised to defer my birthmonth and birthday celebration to a future time when I am feeling better!