PHEW!

Normally, one does not want to hear that their doctor made a mistake. However, in this case, we were relieved this morning to learn that my OB had looked at the wrong ultrasound photos, and in effect had sent us back for a "re-do" that wasn't necessary. Several different ultrasound techs looked at the last round of photos, and all agreed that the spine measurements were perfect, and that Dr. Cutler had just misread the file.

GREAT!

While it was not fun to get worried all over again and have to go back in, the tech was nice and did a short ultrasound anyway, just to be sure. She got new measurements (and William weighs a pound and a half!), and said that everything is perfect.
Huge relief, but wish we had never had the question in our minds! Even Drs. can make mistakes, which is not the most comforting thought in the world.

Unfortunately we weren't given any pictures, and I couldn't see the screen today, but Esch said that William was moving a lot, opening and closing his mouth, waving his arm and hand across his face. Just glad that he is A-ok!

Here's my 24 week profile shot... there is a big difference from both 20 and 22 weeks, if you scroll down to see the other recent pictures to compare.

3/5 of the way there!

Had my 24 week appointment today. Only 16 weeks to go!

Got to hear WWM's heartbeat, which was fast (150something beats per minute) and Doc said that that was great.

I won't disclose how much weight I have gained in the past 4 weeks - but let's say I was shocked. :) I shouldn't have been, though, he has obviously been growing really quickly, because I am, too.

We have another ultrasound tomorrow morning; I'm a little perturbed with the Dr., because our last one was a month ago, and though the tech told us she got all the measurements she needed, Doc must not have agreed, because all of a sudden today she announced that she'd like me to have another one. She said that I shouldn't worry, but it's still a matter of WWM being in a good position to get measurements of his spine.

SO, please cross your fingers for us at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning - hopefully everything will be fine, and we will have another picture or two to share of the little one. He should have changed a lot in the past month!

He's been kicking up a storm, and the kicks are getting stronger and stronger. It's still fun and exciting, but some are getting a little bit uncomfortable!

We got back on Sunday from a GREAT time in Hilton Head with the Grims (minus Andrew). Here are a few more pictures:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075663&id=3800165&l=9cb9945c6c

Will post ultrasound pics and MAYBE a new belly shot tomorrow, since it's been 2 weeks, and I can see a difference. Stay tuned.

23 weeks - from the beach!

One day late because, hey, both William and I are on vacation!

We're in Hilton Head with my family, (minus Andrew, who can't take off from work in Minneapolis - we miss you!) and having a great time. The weather is 15-20 degrees cooler than Austin (which makes it a perfect 85!) and we've been at the beach every day. William even got a gift (a future gift, I guess) to wear next Summer - a Salty Dog Cafe onesie.

Today Esch flies in to join us; can't wait to go pick him up.

While we DID take a belly shot yesterday on the beach (thanks Dave), I forgot my camera cord and can't upload it until we get home. Let's just say that one lady asked me when I was due, and when I answered "November," she said, "Oh my! Is it twins?" Thanks; thanks a lot!

I don't mind, though - still feeling great, it's just getting a little bit harder to get around - can't bend over, have crazy heartburn, all that good stuff.

Next week when we get back from the beach we have our 24 week appointment - at which point I will be exactly 3/5 of the way there. Scary but so exciting!

22 week pictures!

I forgot to post these last night - here we are, at 22 weeks... including Georgia's belly shot!

22 weeks

Instead of going week-by-week, William is now being given his "fruit" comparison by month. 21-24 weeks is considered month 5 - and he's a papaya!

Another cool update on how things are changing and growing:

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day.

I think it's amazing that his little face is already 100% formed! Who will he look like?!

We've survived another HOT week in Austin, every single day well over 100, most over 104 - and I think the high has been 107.

This Saturday we drove up to Fort Worth to visit Mary, John, and Gregor Esch - It was nice to see them. We are keeping Mary & her family in our thoughts, and sending our love!

On Sunday, it was so outrageously hot even at 6 p.m. that we went to Barton Springs for the first time. For our non-Austinites, this is a natural spring built into a huge community pool - the water is 68 degrees year-round! It felt great. William could be felt (and even seen!) moving around... he must have appreciated the cool dip, too.

This weekend I am off to Hilton Head to join my parents at the beach for a week! I could not be more excited - and Esch will be coming out Wednesday-Sunday to join us. It will be a great time; can't wait!

I am a lot bigger than 2 weeks ago when the last picture was posted, so I'll take another one tonight for a complete update.

Nursery Progress!

For those of you who are not on Facebook, I thought I would add a few pictures of the progress in William's room! Just today the mobile came in the mail; if you can't tell, we have a slight doggie theme going on here...

Our little banana!

10.5 inches long! We are now measuring head to toe, instead of head to "rump" (that cracks me up, sounds like something you would use to describe a horse, not a baby).

I think that the update this week is so interesting:

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work!

Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

If so, William will LOVE green bean casserole, anything spicy (especially buffalo sauce), pesto, popcorn, and popsicles!

He has been very active the past few days (or more likely, has always been this active, but is now getting bigger every day and thus I can feel him more & more every day)... yesterday at work there was one hour when I counted 20 kicks/punches! It's an amazing feeling, and very entertaining.

We spent the 4th of July at a friend's pool and grilled all 3 nights of the 3-day weekend. It was 104 degrees on the 4th, but we survived, and that night were so tired from the heat that we just watched fireworks from our backyard. Other than that, we relaxed, watched Wimbledon, and finally decided on and bought a chair for the nursery. Too bad it takes 8-10 weeks to be upholstered and come in...

Hope everyone had a great weekend!