Since I am 18 weeks and haven't blogged about this pregnancy yet, I better get started.
I mentioned months ago I had been seeing an infertility doctor in our area. At my first appointment, after discussing everything with the Doctor, he laid out a plan for us and told me our goal was to have me expecting by the new year. It took all my good manners not to scoff out loud. I left that first appointment reminding myself that we still might have a long, long road ahead of us. Little did I know that Doctor liked to hit the ground running! I basically had a standing appointment every week with a few weeks where I went in twice a week. Needless to say, we met our goal. I was expecting by the new year.
But things did not go perfectly. My first pregnancy test showed my hormone level as pretty low, the doctor called to tell me things might "poop out." Yep, my doctor actually said, "poop out." Which scared us because getting pregnant hasn't really been a problem for us, it's staying that way that presents a problem. Happily, a week later, my hormone levels were right where they should be. Then another problem appeared. The doctor could not find the baby. Worried that we had an ectopic pregnancy the doctor gave us one more week, to let the baby grow a little more, before scheduling surgery.
That week was Christmas and we went up to Utah to visit my family. My husband wanted to tell our families, he was so excited and felt everything would be fine. I was much more nervous about telling everyone, but he talked me into it. We told our immediate families on Christmas Day and their excitement and reassurance helped me relax. The day after Christmas I started feeling sick. Morning/all day sickness had begun. A few days after coming home from Utah we went to the doctor and not only did he find the baby but we were able to see baby's heartbeat! I continued to see the doctor every week and was blessed to see the baby growing at every appointment. Seeing the baby every week made all those months of appointments, blood tests, and treatments absolutely worth it! Everyday morning sickness got worse and worse, a constant reminder that baby was growing.
Luke left for China when I was 11 weeks and at 12 weeks I officially graduated the infertility clinic and started going to a normal OB/GYN! At my last appointment at the infertility clinic everyone in the office came out to say goodbye and wish me luck! My favorite nurse (who always did my blood work) gave me a hug!
Around 14-15 weeks I noticed I was starting to feel better. Now, at 18 weeks I feel amazing! I started feeling the baby move about a week ago and last night Luke put his hand on my belly and he felt the baby move too!
I haven't really had any food cravings, except maybe pineapple. I eat pineapple everyday. For the first 14 weeks I hated everything. Especially meat. I could not walk by the meat section of the grocery store without gagging. I still don't dare eat red meat, but I have been able to add chicken and pork back into my diet.
I got my first pair of maternity jeans last week! Thank Heaven for elastic waistbands!
We find out the gender of the baby on Monday! We both think it will be a boy, but we will see on Monday!
I think that covers everything!
We are so excited and feel so blessed. We've seen so many miracles in the last few months! We cannot wait to welcome a child into our family!
