21 week belly pics

Well, I wanted to take a 20 week photo, but I was not happy with my sweaty, homely, appearance last week, so it never happened. I didn't want week 21 passing by without getting a photo, so alas - here they are. I figured I better not wait till I looked good, just take the damn pic already! lol

Lil' chicken nugget is moving around letting me know of his/her presence! Mixing this heat and my growing pregnant belly has not been a good combination - not been getting things done especially around the yard! It is a bit more uncomfortable to get good sleep too. I don't expect these things to get better......

I am loving my curvy belly and breasts- went and got a bikini top to wear with my swim shorts so I could show off my belly. lol I think a pregnant body is pretty damn sexy, if I do say so myself. I think my husband thinks so too. ;)

Dream

I was having an ultrasound, but it was being done in water in a tub. I started bleeding and freaking out all worried. The technician and staff present were not worried, telling me they knew someone who delivered a 6 week old fetus and it survived. I did not believe them, but they were adamant. I delivered a baby girl and her parents named her Brooke.

Pre-natal appt

Today's dr. visit went well. My blood pressure was great at 110/66. The baby's heart rate was fluctuating between 147 and 153 - just fine. I actually LOST 3.5 lbs! What the heck?! The doctor was not concerned about it as the baby is measuring where he/she should. He said I have plenty of time left to get all bloated. :) I guess all the weight is going where it should - to the baby as he/she is measuring at 19 weeks 4 days. I suppose it has been due to how active I have been this summer.
My TSH (thyroid levels) were very low at .24. I thought I felt "off." He decreased the 2 extra doses a week to no extra doses, just 1 tablet a day and I am to be rechecked in 4 weeks. Hope this gives me some extra energy!

19 weeks - ultrasound

Today, I had an ultrasound. It was with a specialist. I guess the doctor recommended it since I am 36 years old. I guess I am considered old for childbearing! The mom, her 4 year old son, and the mom's sister made the few hour drive to come to the appt. It was so nice they could attend. The ultrasound was very comprehensive. The baby looked great, measured at 19 weeks, 4 days. Sorry, I have no pics to post as the momma took them home. The doctor recommends I return in 4 weeks for another ultrasound to focus on the heart. Supposedly there is new research that shows an increase in heart defects with IVF pregnancies. I got lab work done to check my thyroid levels. I should have the results tomorrow. I also have an appt. with my OB doctor tomorrow for a general pre-natal appt.
After the appt. today, I picked up my kids from my mom's and met with the baby's mom, aunt, and big brother at a local park for a while. It was so nice to visit and have the kids play together.
The parents did not want to find out the gender of the baby. However, I learned that the mom's sister calls the mom chicken, so the baby has been named chicken nugget. :)
I will update after tomorrow's appt and plan to post a 20 week belly pic.

16 week pics!

16 weeks! This baby will here before we know it! Things are going well. I am in contact with the mom often via e-mail. I am feeling good. The next dr. appt.will be the big ultrasound. I am enjoying the summer with my own kiddos. Life is good. Damn, I am looking tan from working in the yard and taking the kids to the pool!

14 week OB appt

Things went great at the appt. today. I had my TSH (thyroid) levels done in the morning,so they had the results in the afternoon at the appt. Last month, they had wanted me to add an extra dose of medication 3 times a week. Well, the levels were a bit low, so they changed it to 2 extra doses a week and want me to have levels rechecked before next months appt.

My blood pressure and the baby's heart rate was great. All within normal range and sounded good. My weight stayed the same from last month - I expect that to change soon!

The next appt will be the big ultrasound. They are supposed to call me back with an appt, but it should be in the next 4-5 weeks. After the appt, we will be meeting with the OB.

I have found it to be more uncomfortable to get to sleep already! Just can't find a comfortable position. Already pulled out my body pillows and extra support pillows! lol

After the appt, I met up with a girl who is starting the surrogacy process. She had her medical screening and has moved on to the legal stuff. She has 2 kids similar in age to mine. We had a nice visit and hope to see her again.

That is about it. My belly is growing!!!!! I will definitely be taking more pics at 16 weeks!

12 weeks!

This baby is the size of a lime now! I SWEAR I have felt flutters the last few days. I know, I know, it should be too early, that a doctor would just tell me that it is gas or something. Well, I still think it is flutters! Looking forward to the next appointment!