12 Week, 2 Day Appt.

We had two appointments yesterday, the first with the perinatalogist and the second with our doctor.  The perinatalogist did an ultrasound to measure the thickness of Baby F's neck (and to let us have a little fun).  Here are some photos:

 

Assuming Baby F was trying to find his/her thumb to suck

Looks like he/she almost found it, a little lower sweetie

The ultrasound tech said I am right on track, measuring 12 weeks and 2 days, so my due date was confirmed as June 29th.  Daddy-to-Be was excited about that, as he's hoping for a June birthday since I was born in April, him in May and now Baby F may follow right after!

The perinatalogist said all measurements came out with normal results (no increased thickness in the neck, meaning there is no indication of Down's Syndrome or other birth defects/abnormalities at this point).  Although, she explained the blood tests, which screen for Down's & mental retardation would confirm this with more accuracy (approximately 82%-87%).  So I completed my blood work after my appointment and should receive the results in the next couple of weeks.  We're hopeful all will be fine.

The tech also let us hear the heartbeat, which was the most amazing experience of my life (I cried).  It was a beautiful moment.  The heart rate was 163, which the tech said was excellent!  She centered onto the face, but it was still a bit skeleton-looking, so not all that attractive just yet!  Kevin noticed the spine, ribs and brain right away.  We've decided to use the photos as proof for teenage Baby F that he/she DOES INDEED have a BRAIN and better start using it (in case we ever have that argument).

At some point during the appointment, I made a reference to he/she being beautiful and mommy being proud that he/she was passing all of his/her tests.  The tech immediately asked if we wanted her opinion on the sex of the baby... I did not even let Kevin answer... I excitedly blurted out a "YES!"  She made us promise not to paint any rooms or buy any bedding/clothing if she told us and we both agreed.  She believes it's a little boy (oh my goodness--am I having Kevin Jr.?... that could be a mixed blessing, ha!).  We did see something between Baby F's crossed legs, although the tech explained it could be enlarged girl parts, but she felt they were very enlarged girl parts so she is more convinced it's a boy! 

Baby F was VERY active in there, one arm was moving all around, the other appeared as if he/she were trying to find its thumb to suck and his/her legs were tightly crossed (just like how Mommy always sits and how Daddy relaxes on his recliner!).  Too cute!

After our appointment with the perinatalogist, we went to our doctor's appointment (30 minutes early) and to my surprise, they went ahead and took us straight in.  The doctor discussed some further testing options with us (which I think we've decided against, since it won't make a difference in the scheme of things) and we had our normal Q&A session.  He looked at our ultrasound photos from the previous appointment and agreed everything looked right on track, he wrote my "official" due date in his chart and commented that Baby F's profile was VERY beautiful (which made me beam, but Kevin swears he tells everyone this).  After a quick pelvic exam we were on our way to complete blood work!

Very good news so far!  We were VERY relieved, neither of us slept very well the night before!  We both were anticipating the appointment and worried about the results.  Although the blood work is not yet back, I think we're both a bit more at ease after seeing the baby and getting the measurement results.  We know Baby F can feel the prayers and well wishes you all are sending our way.  But, we're not out of the "woods" yet, so we'd appreciate your continued support.  Thank you all so much!  We will keep you posted!