Wordy Wednesday

10w6d

Happy hump day! I have come to the realization that I might be using some terms, or will be in the near future, that some people may not understand. Since I am such a nice girl I have decided to save you the Google-ing and start doing a post on Wednesdays containing at least one word or phase and what it means (thank you Snoop Dogg for this idea). This may or may not be in addition to a normal post, depending on how chatty I feel that day. So lets get to it.

Today's Phword (phrase+word, try to stay with me here) is: Nuchal Translucency Screening (or NT Screen/Scan, Nuchal Fold Scan)

According to Baby Center, "This prenatal test (also called the NT or nuchal fold scan) can help your healthcare practitioner assess your baby's risk of having Down syndrome (DS) and some other chromosomal abnormalities as well as major congenital heart problems.

The NT test uses ultrasound to measure the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of your developing baby's neck. Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger than average."

This test needs to be performed between 11 and 13w6d to be most accurate. Mine will be at 11w4d (Monday!) and will be done in conjunction with a blood test. It doesn't give you a firm diagnosis, but will give accurate risk percentages so that you can choice to have further testing done. This is a fairly new test - it used to only be done through blood and the results gave a lot of false positives and negatives. Since the newer test uses ultrasound in addition to blood sampling, it is far more accurate. The technician running the test must use high-resolution ultrasound and also must be certified through the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London. I have to go to a different doctor than my normal OB since the test is newer and requires a lot more training and certification than normal first trimester screenings (the one that isn't as accurate and uses blood).

Choices. A lot of women choose not to have this test done, which is fine since it is elective. We chose to run the test because we want to be prepared if something were wrong. This will not in any way change our mind about the pregnancy or cause us to consider termination. It is simply about preparedness. There are many things you cannot prepare for in pregnancy or raising a child, but if the option is there for me, and gives me time for research, I will take it.

He will laugh at you.

10w5d

I am not an extremely religious person. I like to think of myself as being more spiritual, but there is a certain saying that I love to bust out on people. Not because I am evil, but because I think it is oh-so true.

"Never tell God your plans. He will laugh at you."

I should rephrase this to "Never tell God your plans. He will laugh at you. Unless you are Jennifer Lopez. Then, he will bow down, because well, you ARE JLo, and you get what you want apparently. Even when it comes to the big guy upstairs." Did anyone read about this? Evidently, she was so happy because her baby(ies) due date was February 14th. Valentines Day. She likes the fact that it had "a theme" and that it would make the tabloid cover deadlines. Did you just hear my eyes roll around in my head? I guess I am a little confused. So if she doesn't magically go into labor, I am assuming that she has a scheduled c-section (gotta get that tummy tuck) for that day. I think the latter is more likely since she is having twins. Are we kidding here?

I remember a long time (well, not so long) ago when I made the statement, "I really want to try and have a baby after the month of September, and before the month of May so that there isn't that age confusion (what class to put the kid in) when it is time for the kid to go to school". HA! I should have known as soon as the words came out of my mouth that I was doomed for a September baby. I shouldn't say DOOMED, but you know what I mean.

I know a couple people that did the same thing as me, (hi Denise) talking about wanting a baby during a certain time because of this reason or that. And yes, it may seem so logical at the time, but who can really plan these things? I guess the important part is that we are having babies, right? And if there is one thing I am learning about pregnancy and children it is that, they are unpredictable. And like God, chances are if you tell them your plans, they WILL laugh at you (or take a nap/be hungry/shit their pants/get sick/make you exhausted).

*photo from Getty Images/MomLogic

Yes We Can

Good Baby

10w 1d

So I guess the baby listened and had a little talk with my immune system since the sore throat is gone. Now it has moved to my sinuses and hormones. I don't know whats worse. I just want to crawl in a hole. Today will be a success if I get through the day without hurting someone. I am not in the mood.

Happy Friday!

Dear Baby - 10 Weeks

10w

Dear Baby-

I can't believe we are already 25% of the way there! I had my second doctors appointment today and it was short and sweet. Everything looks great with me - perfect blood pressure, zero weight gain. The NP said it was a little early to listen for your heartbeat but she didn't want to make me wait another month to hear it, so I get to go back in two weeks to hear it. That will be a fun week. My NT Scan (genetic screening) is that week as well which is the next time I get to see you! Time has been flying by, so I am sure we will be there in no time!

I would like to think that because you are living inside of me that you pretty tight with my insides. Can you do me a huge favor? Can you ask my immune system to step up it's game a little bit? I have a horrible sore throat today and just feel like crap in general. This comes only 6 weeks after the last time I was sick. What is going on?!
10 week ultrasound (not mine)

Moving on to the important stuff, what's going on with you this week? You have doubled in size the last three weeks! And in the next three, you will do it again. Already an over-achiever! You are also getting ready to take your first dump! Hooo-ray! How exciting. No, really. I think that is so exciting. I am a huge advocate of a healthy dumper and this makes mommy happy that you are starting so young! Lastly, you have already developed defense mechanisms (put em' up little one).

I found out last night that my friend Alieshia is having a boy - see, there IS someone that can take all of the boy clothes off of my hands if you are a girl. Congrats Alieshia!

Hang tight little one, and get nice and cozy, 30 more weeks until we get to meet!

New Lows?

9w6d

Someone mentioned yesterday on a chat board I frequent that pregnancy has brought them to new lows, and asked everyone what theirs were. I thought about this for a while and I was having trouble thinking of some for myself. Every one else's were things like, "I puked in my lunch bag during morning rush hour" or "I pissed myself during a board meeting the other day". Since I haven't really had any morning sickness and I am really good about making it to the bathroom on time I thought I was out and closed the post.

Once I got to thinking, I realized I do have some lows. Here we go:
-I used to work-out pretty frequently. I haven't worked out in a long time. Which brings me to point number two.
-I sleep. Constantly. I know this comes with the territory and shouldn't be considered a low, but I feel horrible sometimes about all the sleeping I do. I realize I am not on top of my game like I used to be. It takes me a couple days to finish laundry because I fall asleep during the spin cycle and forget about it. My husband has referred to me as lazy a couple times and it honestly does hurt my feelings, I am trying honey. But I need you to try too. Especially in the Understanding department. I also have been slacking in the dinner department since all I want to do is sleep when I come home from work. Which brings me to point three (like how I am doing this?).
-Food. I used to eat fairly healthy. I barely ever ate fast food, junk food, candy, etc. (unless it was a holiday, and who can resist those mini Snicker bars?). Now I could eat a whole bag of peach o's, whole can of mixed nuts, a bag of Doritos, box of Applejacks and 2 packs of Reese's Peanut Butter cups. And that's just Wednesday. Wednesday's lunch. Fine it was a snack. So sue me.

Speaking of sleeping, wanna see the new couch and tables? It's maaaaarvelous.

And just for your enjoyment, here's the Stinx:

No idea.

9w5d

Whenever I am somewhere that has baby clothes on the cheap, I can't help but to buy some if they are on sale. I mean, who can pass up a $2 onesie? Especially when it has a little picture of the earth and says "Hi, I'm new here". I will post a photo later. Admittedly, I have been buying boy-ish things because a.) I don't like any of the girly clothes and b.) I just have a feeling. If I am wrong, I know like 10 people who are having babies the same time as me and one of us is bound to have a boy. Back to my story, so last night I come home from Target with 3 really cute (and cheap) onesies and show them Paul. This conversation followed:

Me: "I bought some really cute baby clothes on sale."

Him: "How many onesies does this kid need?"

Me (laughing to myself because he has NO IDEA): "Lots. At least 3 a day. They will get thrown-up on, pooped on and God knows what else."

Him: "Ahh."

I am in for it.