Anyhow, this week has been FULL of fun baby activities! Monday afternoon we had our 16 week check-up, which was quite an adventure in itself! Since Andy couldn't take the day off from work, Mom & Tiff had gladly agreed to accompany me to the appointment. This meant that my 2 little nephews would also be tagging along, which brought our party to a grand total of 5! After finally arriving at the doctor's office, we were faced with a 30-minute wait, which was something just-shy of a nightmare for an energetic 4.5 year old and a fussy newborn! After finally being called back, we faced obstacle #2--finding the baby's heartbeat (a much more frightening problem, to say the least). Despite attempts by two different nurses, using two different Doppler machines, we still weren't able to hear that reassuring lub-dub. My anxiety instantly sky-rocketed as I was shuffled back to the ultrasound waiting room. I was certain that I had felt the baby move just the previous night, so I spent the next 20 minutes frantically praying that he or she was simply hiding from the firm pressure of the nurses' probings. Thankfully, my fears were instantly calmed as the ultrasound tech easily found our healthy little baby! He or she was standing on its head, very low in my pelvis, so it would have been nearly impossible to find his or her heartbeat with the traditional Doppler! Whew. What a relief that was to my worried ears! After briefly showing me his femurs, skull & spine, the tech instructed me to close my eyes while she searched for the baby's sex. In just mere minutes, it was over! She informed me that the baby looked perfectly healthy and energetic, and thanks to his or her acrobatic position, the sex had been easy to determine! The precious ultrasound was carefully sealed into an opaque envelope (yes, someone may have checked for translucency ;-) ) and promptly handed to my Mother, the only soul on Earth who had seen the entire ultrasound and already knew the big secret! After the exciting ultrasound, I met with my wonderful OB, who explained that everything looked perfect and our little bunchkin was growing like a weed! This was simply music to my ears :-) ! Alas, it was time for Mom, Tiff & the boys to head home, but before we parted ways, Tiff was kind enough to lend me her pregnancy pillow! Although I've only used it a couple times so far (Andy's not the biggest fan of having to compete for night-time cuddles ;-) ), it's made the biggest difference in my early-morning back pain! Thanks so much Tiff! You're a life-saver!
After what seemed like the "never-ending 16 week check-up," I was very much looking forward to a relaxing evening at home with Andy! As I recounted, in frightful detail, the terrifying heartbeat-dilemma, followed by the comforting news of a healthy baby, I could see fear, then relief, wash over my sweet husband's face. What a concerned, protective Daddy he was already shaping up to be! Then, we were greeted by 2 other big surprises--a shipment of baby outfits from Andy's Mother and Grandmother & a package filled with several copies of the 2013 Winter Issue of Kentucky Bride Magazine, in which our wedding was featured! Below is our spread in the magazine. We were beyond thrilled and so, so honored to be featured in this special publication!
After an eventful Monday, the rest of the week seemed to fly by! Wednesday I got a much-needed hair cut (prenatal vitamins certainly work wonders for the hair!), bought last-minute supplies for the party, and stocked up on stretch-mark cream (can you believe I've already gone through an entire container?!). After class on Thursday, our new mattress was delivered (a Christmas gift from my parents & Andy's Mom, which is ah-mazing, by the way!). Then I spent the evening interviewing patients in the ED and preparing for the arrival of my friend Katie, from Georgia. She had decided last minute to come spend the weekend with us so that she could attend our Gender Reveal Party! What a special, special surprise that was, considering I hadn't seen her since the wedding! When she finally arrived on Friday evening, we both felt like we had so much to catch up on! Updates on work, school, relationships, and of course the baby :-), were flying left and right. Before we realized it, the night had slipped away and it was time to get some much-needed rest before the big party on Saturday.
We spent the next morning decorating the clubhouse, where later that afternoon we would learn the sex of our little one! I had finally decided to wear blue, mainly because Andy was wearing pink, but also because of a curious dream I had a couple nights earlier where I cut into the cake and saw all blue! Thus, for a few short hours we were a house divided! My favorite memory of the morning was seeing my sweet husband perched atop the bar to hang 6 blue and pink paper pom-poms! His patience with my party-planning never ceases to amaze me! Thanks honey! After the candy bar was assembled, the fluff-balls hung, and the chicken salad sandwiches assembled, our family and friends began arriving. Mom unveiled the half-blue, half-pink frosted cake, which caused the anticipation to build even further! Finally, Mom could no longer stand the suspense and announced that it was time for the big reveal! She explained that Andy & I would pull a charm out of the cake which would reveal the baby's gender. Andy & I took a deep breath and looked first at each other, and then at our loved ones gathered excitedly around us. At that instant we both felt the weight of the day, and I suspect our guests did, too! Alas, it was time! Together we gripped the ribbon and pulled out the tiny pacifier charms. At first glance, one looked pink and one looked blue (the delicious icing had cleverly disguised the color of the charms!), so you can imagine our momentary confusion! Finally though, we saw through the icing and realized...the charms were indeed blue! We were having a boy!!! Then, as we cut into the cake we both chuckled heartily! The inside was blue and pink checkerboard cake! My clever Mama had hidden the secret as long as she could!!! Thanks, Mom for the bey-ond delicious cake, and for keeping the secret sooo well! Below are a few pictures from the party!
The decor during set-up
Our Younger Guests LOVED the Squeeze-its!
Forgive my penmanship, I'm a doctor-in-training after all!
Favor-Bags
The yummy cake!
The infamous blue charm!
We're having a boy! Blue rock candy suckers to celebrate!
Later today I'll post a little video that Katie took during the party!
And speaking of videos, I have one more big surprise for you all! We finally received our wedding highlight video from the wonderful Bryan Manis of Manis Productions! Thanks so much Bryan for the wonderful highlight reel! We can't wait to see the full-length version next! (P.S. For all you future brides, I highly recommend wedding videography! It's an investment, but totally worth it! The memories and emotions are captured in a manner unlike anything else!) Enjoy this sneak-peek into our wedding day!
How Far Along: 16 weeks
Total Weight Gain: -4 lbs
Stretchmarks: None, but using plenty of cream to prevent their arrival!
Sleep: Great, especially now that I have a pregnancy pillow, and of course my husband :-), to cuddle with!
Best Moment this Week: Learning that we're having a baby boy!
Movement: Yes!
Gender: Baby boy!!!
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button: In...hopefully it stays that way for a while ;-)
What I Miss: Nothing
What I am Looking Forward to: Our big 20 week anatomy scan! I want to see more of our little guy!
Milestones: Baby is the size of a turnip and can now hear voices, dogs barking, etc! Mommy & Daddy love talking and singing to you already!
16 Weeks
Hugs & Kisses,
A Southern Sweetheart
A Southern Sweetheart
