11 Weeks and Counting!

Hello! So much has happened this week...where do I start?! Matt and I had our second prenatal appointment with Dr. Spoon Monday, July 23rd. We weren't really sure what to expect since this is our first rodeo :) We were pleased to learn that we would be getting all of the results of the tests they previously did, and everything looked perfect. It is so awesome to get each test back with a good result because there are so many things we worry about constantly with the baby, that it takes just a little weight off our shoulders when we can take some of that worry away. Dr. Spoon then asked us if we wanted to see our baby? Of course we do!! I was so excited that we were going to be able to do another ultrasound! He found the baby immediately and every time I see it, I'm amazed. I don't feel much in my belly right now except some pressure every now and then, so when Dr. Spoon held the ultrasound device still on my stomach and we saw the baby moving around wiggling its arms and stomach on its own, it was a feeling I can't put into words. I'm sure all of you Mothers & Fathers know exactly the feeling I'm talking about. The same type of feeling you can't explain when Dr. Spoon turned on the sound and we heard a strong and fast heartbeat. Up until now, we have only been able to see the heartbeat. The loud whoosh of the heartbeat brought tears to my eyes. Dr. Spoon looked at us both proudly and said "Guys, that's your baby, your child" :) Such an amazing feeling.

The baby is growing rapidly, the ultrasound pictures you see here show the spinal cord (pic 1), the fingers and toes (pic 2) and the teeth buds, face, and baby sucking its thumb (pic 3). The baby is about the size of a golf ball right now (1.5 inches or so). The fingers and toes have separated so that is why you can see them so distinctly. The baby's skin is still transparent but all of the blood vessels are working and pumping blood through its tiny 1 ounce body.

We hope you enjoy these pictures as much as we do (you can click on each picture to enlarge it)...two more weeks and we will be on to the 2nd trimester already! How time flies when you're having the time of your life!! Love you all!