And here we are!!

I know many of you know already about our wonderful little blessing! We are so excited to be this far along! I am now 18 weeks. So, I wanted to try to get this blog up and running again. I wanted to back track for you all, and I wanted to be able to write about this pregnancy, since we haven't really been keeping track or taking pictures since the beginning. We were just too afraid and nervous. And, I'll admit, I am at times still afraid of something going wrong. But, so far, there hasn't been much to worry about.

So, How we got here:

Back in December we had our remaining embryos sent out to be tested. We found out of the 7 we had remaining, only 4 were chromosomally normal. We made the decision after finding out about the test results to just move forward with another transfer. This happened sooner than we expected, but, we just felt we needed to move forward after we had gotten the test results back.

So, January I began injections to prevent ovulation and medication to build my lining. At my first baseline appointment to check my lining things looked good, however, I had a cyst on my right ovary. This delayed by a week. February 13th, we transferred 2 healthy embryos. 5 days later, I took a home pregnancy test, that test came back positive. 2 weeks after the transfer, I had my first blood test that came back with excellent numbers that kept doubling and increase appropriately, unlike the past. We had our first ultrasound and things looked great! We found out there was one little baby with a great heart rate!

Then the scares began to happen. at 6 weeks, I started bleeding, I feared the worst. We went in for an appointment, and there was our little miracle, healthy and a great heart rate. I spotted for 2 weeks, and it finally stopped. Then, a few days after that incident, I started bleeding again. This time much worse. My first thought was that it was over this time. We ended up going to Maternity Triage. After a few hours, an ultrasound was done to show that baby was doing fine in there, again, with a healthy heart rate. I was so thankful that God was answering our prayers. There was never any real answers for the bleeding, but, it didn't matter much to me, as long as baby was healthy and things were looking well. Which they were.

At 11 weeks, I was released from my RE and sent off the the OB. This was pretty scary for me as I was no longer going to have weekly ultrasound pictures, and I was very worried they would think I was crazy for worrying about every little thing. But, I have to say, this office has been so wonderful so far. My doctor and Midwife, absolutely wonderful and reassuring. I don't think I could have asked for a better fit for us.

We had our NT scan for baby at 13 weeks and everything looked great!

Then at 16 weeks, T and I decided to have an elective ultrasound done to see if we could determine the gender. We were able to find out, and had such a wonderful experience at Precious Previews in Maryland. I just had to give them a shout out. The staff was comforting and so friendly and the atmosphere amazing and comfortable. As most of you know, we found out we are having a girl!!

This pretty much brings us to today. Today I am 18 weeks. 6 days from today we will have our level 2/AS ultrasound done. I'm 2 weeks away from half baked! Wow, I cannot believe this. And, as slow as this pregnancy is going, the rest of the time is going by so fast. I'd like to do weekly updates, mostly for me to remember what I can from this journey, from this pregnancy. Since, for the first several weeks, I've been afraid to write down memories and take photos. But, I think it's time, I'd like to do my first one!

How far along: 18 weeks!

Total weight gain: gained 10 lbs total so far, and as far as I know at this point.

Maternity clothes: I can still get away with some of my normal jeans, but I usually need the belly band. Most of my shirts are a bit tight and short now. I will say, I've mostly been living in the maternity clothes since they are more comfortable. 

Stretch marks: nothing yet!

Sleep: Besides getting up 2 times a night to go to the bathroom, it's been pretty good. Although the hot weather is beginning to make it a little difficult. 

Best moment of this week: Right now, just making it another week!

Miss anything: I will say, I do miss a nice cold beer and my sushi. 

Movement: I think I've begun to feel some movement, but I'm not 100% sure it's her. Really, I can't wait to feel her moving all the time!

Food cravings: This week I haven't really had any. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!

Have you started to show yet: I think so. 

Gender: It's a girl!!

Labor signs: Nothing, and I hope it stays that way until she's done in there!

Belly button in or out: Still in!

Wedding rings on or off: On.

Happy or moody most of the time: I have to say happy!

Looking forward to: Getting the chance to see her again next week! And getting ready to order the nursery furniture soon!