Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Our Blessings Continue

Our 8 week, 1 day ultrasound was perfect.

The baby is still measuring ahead, at 8 weeks, 3 days, or exactly one week bigger than s/he was last week. Perfect.

The heartbeat was a resounding 174 bpm. The technician used the word "perfect."

The sac looks great, we could see the umbilical cord.

The little spine was forming already.

The little arm and leg buds were there.

And the best part was that at one point, she moved the camera, and the baby moved. It was a reflex and just the tiniest flicker (my husband missed it), but both the tech and I had saw it. She said that reflexes are a good sign that all is developing and working as it should.

Eight weeks is a milestone in the reproductive endocrinology world. If we were "normal" IVF patients (meaning, no miscarriage history), we would be graduating. Given our history, the weekly ultrasounds will continue. However, given how everything is looking right now, they are putting our chances of losing this pregnancy as minimal.

My husband and I are thrilled.

We are also a little scared. Scratch that, we are a lot scared.

You see, at 8 weeks, 2 days, Gummy Bear's heart beat was a rousing 176 bpm. Although there had been a little lag in growth earlier, he was measuring two days ahead at that appointment as well. So, we've been here, and we've been heartbroken.

I cried for the first time in the ultrasound room today (usually, I am too busy firing off questions to really let the emotions in). They were tears of happiness and also fear. Each time this little one grows, my heart melts a little more. The walls that I have built start to crumble. I start to really love my baby. And while that is the most wonderful and natural thing in the world, it is also scary.

But I have hope that this time, the only tears that I will cry are tears of happiness and joy. And that come August 30th (or a few days earlier or later), we are welcoming our little boy or girl, and finally, all of that love will have a real live baby to focus on.

17 comments:

Kim said...

I'm sitting here in tears for you. I'm so incredibly happy that you've reached this milestone and hope with everything that I am that you'll continue to reach milestone after milestone, all the way to a healthy, PERFECT baby in the end.

Polka Dot said...

I'm so glad that things are going well. We worry right with you!

K @ ourboxofrain said...

I'm so thrilled for you and so happy things went well at your ultrasound. Perfect and minimal chance of loss are fantastic words to hear.

Tracy said...

I'm so happy to see this post...I'm sorry I don't have more words in me today. Just know that I am thinking about you, and am so thankful you had only good news yesterday.

Maria said...

What a wonderful u/s!! I am so excited for you. I know that you're still scared, but I pray for you every night and ask that god watch over you and give you strength.

Ahh, I'm so excited!!

Laura said...

Oh Katie! I am so glad to hear that the ultrasound went so well! How wonderful to hear about the minimal chance of loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited for this news! Yay yay yay! I'll be praying for this little one to get past this "milestone" of sorts, and stick around until August.

Mel said...

I am so glad to hear this amazing update. My prayers are with you that things continue "perfectly."

And if that little stinker decides to come early on August 27th, I know I wouldn't mind sharing MY birthday with your perfect little baby!! =)
*hugs*

Kristen said...

I'm just so happy that all is well with your LO. This milestone, while not a guarantee, is certainly something to smile and be hopeful about. I am holding your hand as you get there! XOXO

Waiting Amy said...

Its okay for some walls to crumble. It would be nearly impossible not to have that happen.

I'm glad everything is looking wonderful. Each day is an achievement. I think you will have lots more!

Jen said...

I am so glad for you. You deserve only good news!

Jen said...

Wonderful news! I can definitely understand your nervousness, but at least there is only one week to wait until you see that lovely baby again!

AwkwardMoments said...

EXCELLENT congrats

Yoka said...

What a relief to hear that everything is going so well for you! I'm thrilled that you were able to see your little one move already.

Julie, Todd, Kate and Miles said...

Katie,

I'm so happy to hear about your wonderful 8 week u/s! Congrats!

Julie

Kathy said...

Yay Katie! I am so glad that your 8 week u/s went so well! I am so happy for you and your husband and your child! I continue to pray for you and your family for a happy and healthy pregnancy. I know how hard it is when you have had previous losses. Hang in there. (((HUGS))) So far, so perfect! ;) Take care, Kathy

Me said...

WOOT!!! Big congrats!