Ultrasound #2 and The Joy of Pregnancy Symptoms

Dear baby,
A couple of days ago, I went to the doctor for a second ultrasound, just to make sure that you're growing the way you're supposed to. I expected to maybe see a little embryo, about the size of a piece of rice, since that's what everything I've read says you probably looked like.

So imagine my surprise when I had the ultrasound, and you were about the size of a jelly bean, which means that in just one week, you have grown a LOT! AND!!!! AND!!!!! The most exciting thing of all???? I COULD SEE YOUR LITTLE HEART BEAT FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!! I almost cried, because all of a sudden, being pregnant became so much more real, somehow. The nurse who was doing the ultrasound told me that everything looks great, and that your strong heartbeat meant that the chances for miscarriage (something I've been really worried about) are greatly reduced. We're not "out of the woods" just yet, but I've gotta say, I was really relieved to hear that. OH! And we found out your due date!!!! We're expecting you on September 9. :)

Unfortunately, your daddy was stuck in Miami for work, so he couldn't see the ultrasound. But I made sure to get a picture of it so that I could show him:

(picture to come as soon as I figure out my scanner)

We have our first appointment to see the OB/GYN in a couple of weeks, and your daddy will definitely be there for that. By that time, you should be an inch long, and we may be able to see your little hands and feet starting to grow!

Aside from the excitement from the ultrasound, the last week hasn't been very fun for me, because I've started to get morning sickness. "Morning" is a complete misnomer, however, because I'm nauseous ALL DAY LONG. Just the thought of eating anything makes me sick to my stomach. Even some smells are making me really ill... for example, I cannot STAND the smell of eggs cooking. Ick.

A funny thing, though, is that the day of the ultrasound, I told the nurse that for some strange reason, the only thing that didn't make me feel sick was the thought of eating a McDonald's hamburger. So the nurse said "well then go and eat a McDonald's hamburger!" Apparently, at this early stage, WHAT I'm eating isn't necessarily as important as just EATING. So I called your daddy and told him that I was going to McDonald's to get a hamburger because the nurse told me I had to (heh heh). Other than that, though, about the only things I can stomach are toast, crackers, and some pasta with butter and parmesan cheese that your daddy was nice enough to make me last night for dinner.

The other thing I'm noticing is that man, I am so GASSY! I talked to the nurse about it, and she said that's totally normal because of all the hormones floating around inside of me. Still, it's not very socially appealing. I am also starting to get little pains in my abdomen that come out of nowhere! Apparently these are called "round ligament pains", and they happen when your uterus starts to grow. They feel really weird. And my boobs are getting bigger! I don't really need them to get bigger, but it's happening anyway. And I'm still really tired all the time and have headaches almost every day.

I've gotta say, though, that your daddy has been so good to me this week, making me breakfast and dinner (when I can stomach it), going to the grocery store just to get me some ginger ale, massaging my lower back when it hurts, and listening to all of my various worries. This morning, he turned over and started rubbing my tummy, saying how excited he is to be a new daddy and how he is anxiously awaiting your arrial. He's amazing, your daddy. You are so lucky that you'll have him around to help raise you :).

Love, Mama