The First 13 Weeks

After getting our awesome news, John and I waited anxiously for our first ultrasound.  We had to wait 2.5 weeks until I was 6.5 weeks pregnant.  My doctors office was kind enough to move this up from their standard 8 week first ultrasound probably because they could sense I'm a little crazy or the PC way to say it would be "anxious."  Is everything ok?  Is it one baby?  Is it two babies?  We had to know!

Fate would have it that even though I've switched doctors since the birth of the twins, both practices use the same ultrasound company.  John couldn't come to the first ultrasound due to his busy work schedule so I was waiting alone feeling like I was going to crawl out of my skin.  My name was called and to my total surprise it was Teri.  Remember Teri?  The one ultrasound tech I will never forget?  The one who nonchalantly told me I was having twins the first time?  Here is our first introduction to Teri.

I reminded Teri of our initial introduction and she laughed.  She told me my name sounded familiar and she wondered if she had seen me before.  Teri is now again my new best friend because sweet Teri quickly said, "There is your little baby with its beating heart.  Just one this time Momma!"  Thank you Teri.  You will forever be etched into my memory.

 

Six Weeks - Our Little Bean

Heart Rate 89 Beats Per Minute

After having the twins, I always wondered if a singleton pregnancy would be easier.  The first 13 weeks suggest that the answer to that question is no.  I thought since I have half the hormones coursing through my body then the first time that I would be less sick and less tired this time.  No such luck.  I've struggled with nausea since week six. We've had many nights where full dinners (like filet mashed potatoes and green beans) were served for the family, and I ate a peanut butter sandwich.  It is starting to let up now which I am so grateful for.  I've lost 5 pounds which is exactly what happened with the twins.

The exhaustion however is still an ongoing thing.  I've taken a nap every single day for two months.  I'm not exaggerating.  You should see the disaster that is my house! I was tired the first time around but I don't think I was this tired.  Parenting from the couch and figuring out what Disney Movie the kids haven't watched does not put me on the top of the parenting charts lately, but this is how I got through.  I guess chasing two two-year-olds while pregnant exerts more energy then when I was working while pregnant.

I know the second trimester with the twins was fantastic.  I hope that this pregnancy is the same.  We must be on the upswing!

We've had lots of ultrasounds this time for various reasons.  One being my doctor has an ultrasound machine that she uses at every visit just to check things out.  I love this.  All the others have been with my BFF Teri who I personally believe is the best ultrasound tech ever.

 10 Weeks - Looking like a Teddy Bear :)

Heart Rate 169 Beats Per Minute

12 Weeks - Legs crossed with hand to face 

Looking pretty comfy!

Heart Rate 157 Beats Per Minute

 13 Weeks - Profile

Heart Rate 152 Beats Per Minute

 

13 Weeks - Arm Outstretched

Power to the people!  :)

And by the way, we have an acrobat on our hands.  At every ultrasound this little bean has been a mover and a shaker.  Switching positions constantly.  Stretching.  Rolling.  Kicking.  Crossing and uncrossing it's legs.  Standing on its head.  It reminds me of Clarabear when I was pregnant.  She never stopped moving so maybe our little bean is a girl. 

Even though at times through these first 13 weeks I've felt terrible, it doesn't make me any less grateful or excited for this little bean.  It took us 15 long and sometimes trying months to get here and I am over the moon to be able to bring another little one into this crazy loving amazing family.  I know my life will be even more full of love and laughter and wonderful insanity, then it already is.  We are beyond blessed.