The Appointment
Well, I went for my second OB appointment, and I expected it to be pretty routine. I got to actually meet my doctor, Dr. Helmken, and she seems super nice. Anyway, she and I are having a chat about symptoms and my uterus and all that exciting jazz, and then she says, "Well, let's listen to the heartbeat." I'm like, "Wait! What?" I didn't know they had a handy device that you could just pop up next to your stomach and listen in. I was too excited!
Well, she sticks said device to my stomach, and, lo and behold, there's the heartbeat! Baby Ratcliff's heartbeat was going at a rate of about 171 beats per second, and I, of course, say, "That's normal, right?" This entire pregnancy has been one series of amazements. At first, I didn't even think I was actually pregnant, "That's too easy - right?" Then, I thought, "This can't be true," and it was. Now, it's like I get to hear the baby's heartbeat! This is too freaking exciting! :D :D
In the middle of my excitement, there was this weird wooshy noise, and she said, "That's movement." And then it happened again! I was so geeked out. Can I get one of these so I can just sit on my couch and listen in to the little guy? I mean, I didn't want to stop! It was just amazing!
No - seriously - can I buy one of those?
Oh, and here's the icing on the cake (literally) - I have only gained 1 lb. ONE POUND! Woohoo! I'm celebrating with leftover cake tonight... You have no idea how happy that made me!
The Saga Continues...
I scheduled my next appointment for October 18th. I'll be 15 weeks, so no ultrasound. She told me to schedule the gender scan for 16 weeks, so I had to schedule another, shorter appointment on October 25th. A couple people in my office did the gender scan, but I keep worrying that it's silly and I should just wait for 19 weeks. I really want to know, though. I guess I'm a sucker.
In short, the next big countdown is Oct 25th. I can't wait. I'm convinced it's a boy, but I don't care one way or the other. I do think it would be so exciting to have a girl. Girl names are so easy for me. Boy names are not. We've really struggled to find one we like. Either way, Little Kid Ratcliff will be out in the yard with Derek and me playing soccer and watching football, so I guess a boy suits us... we'll just see. And, a big shout out to Lindsay and Neil who just found out they're having a girl! Even if I do have a boy, I can still buy cute, pink, girly things for Baby Miller! :)
Like I said, I just want Baby Ratcliff to be healthy, and October 25th can't get here soon enough so I can start nursery shopping :D
Hey thanks! I was sort of waiting for your post about your appointment - haha! How exciting! Hearing the heartbeat is amazing. And the good news is, you can buy a doppler all of your very own to use at home! It's like $25 on Amazon and so worth it!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Angelsound-41426-fetal-doppler/dp/B001NWDUE2
I couldn't pick up the heartbeat on it until 13 or 14 weeks, but now I can listen to it everyday anytime I want. It's amazing and makes me feel less paranoid about how the baby is doing. But now her kicks are so loud I can hardly hear the heartbeat over them! But it's been awesome to have - I check on the baby every night!
And don't be too sure about your "boy" he might surprise you and be a girl!! And I wish girl names were easy for us. We had a boy name picked and now we are stuck. Maybe you can send me ideas!
Super excited for you both!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs, Love from your AA.
Still cannot figure out how to sign in so I will remain Anonymous until I do.
OH MINDY AND DEREK
ReplyDeleteI AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. I KNOW YOU WILL BE GREAT PARENT'S AND LITTLE BABY RATCLIFF IS GOING TO BE SO LOVED AND BLESSED.
LOVE TO YOU BOTH
MOMMA BEAR
So excited to hear good news!! I so needed good news today after all the stress and sadness of the past week :) Oh, by the way, can Baby Ratcliff call me 'Gram'?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Gram
Congrats Mindy:) It is super-super exciting!!! The whole pregnancy into baby/childhood...I enjoy every moment and stage w/ my kiddos. You're gonna be a great mommy:) BTW u can buy the doppler thingy she put on your tummy. I think u can even rent them...GOOGLE IT! Also, I suggest you go get a 4d ultrasound, when your further along. They're amazing!!! We paid to have one done and my whole family went to watch, there was not one dry eye in the place:*) Well congrats again, I wish u a happy, healthy pregnancy and baby!!!
ReplyDelete-Leslie (Mann) Ruth
I think it's going to be a girl, no idea why... just a sneaking suspicion.
ReplyDelete