Could it be???

On Thursday, April 10th, I was sitting at work, typing up a progress note on one of my patients, when I started to feeling a "tapping" or "bubble" sensation in my belly. Normally, I wouldn't have noticed anything like that, but as soon as I felt it, I remembered feeling Ella moving around, and it felt exactly the same! I thought to myself, "No way, it's too early." I then searched the Internet on early fetal movement, and got many reports of women feeling their baby move as early as 12 weeks, especially with a second baby. I was 12 1/2 weeks at that point...so who knows! I haven't felt anything since though. Maybe it was all in my head. I am now 13 weeks and decided to include a picture because I feel like I'm starting to show already. Again, with second babies, I've read that women tend to show earlier. I made the big transition into my smallest maternity jeans, and I am so much more comfortable!

How the heck do you position the pictures where you want them? I'll figure it out eventually. Just hang in there until I learn more about blogging! :)

Joe and I went away for the weekend. My parents stayed at our house to watch Ella for Friday and Saturday night. One of my college friends, Gretchen, got married in Madison. On Friday, all the girls got together for manicures and pedicures at this beautiful spa, and that night we all enjoyed the rehersal dinner. Even though I was not in the wedding, we were included in all the festivities, which was so much fun! I was able to catch up with all of my old roommates...some doctors, some lawyers, some business women, some nurses...quite a bunch! Gretchen looked beautiful and toughed out the very cold, "Spring" day. Her new husband, Michael, has become a good friend and they complement each other perfectly. I was ready to get home to see my baby on Sunday!

Ella had her 18 month check-up this morning. She was very cooperative and the doctor said she is growing perfectly and meeting all of her developmental milestones. She continues to be above the 95th percentile for height...surprised? We're not! :) Unfortunately, Ella had to get 3 shots, which she was not thrilled about, but she did get an ice cream treat from Culver's afterwards! I am going to take advantage of this time while she's napping to lay on the couch and watch "Supernanny" from last week.

One quick note, my friend April found out she does not have Fifth's Disease. All test came back positive! Yay!

We Have a Heartbeat!

I went in to see my OB today at 12 weeks and 1 day to try and hear the heartbeat, since last week she was unable to find it. After a long week of wondering and worrying, I was relieved to FINALLY hear our little baby's heart, thump thumping away! I was even able to hear the baby move. I can only describe the sound as this: "bloop bloop." I left the office with a big smile on my face. I immediately called Joe to tell him the good news. He was relieved as well!

I am officially in the 2nd trimester, which seems impossible. I think this pregnancy is going to go by so fast...it's a bit scary. I was able to schedule my "big" ultrasound for June 2nd. This is when we will hopefully find out if we're having a boy or a girl. It's at 8:00am and I have to drink 32 oz. of water prior...and can't go to the bathroom until it's over. That should be fun. The good news is that they've upgraded their ultrasound machine to 4D technology, so we'll be able to get some pretty neat pictures!

Ella is quickly entering her "Terrible Twos" at 18 months. This is extremely hard to deal with, since my patience is a bit lacking during this pregnancy! I can't help but wonder, "How the heck are we going to do this with 2???" I know it's going to be a challenge, but Joe and I are so excited to add another little one to our family.

My next appointment is May 6th, at which point I will be 16 weeks and 2 days. Thank you for thinking of us this past week. Please send good thoughts to my friend April, who is due a week after me. She was exposed to Fifths Disease, common in schools and daycares, and has a blood test tomorrow to see if she contracted it. It's not harmful in kids, but can be a problem in pregnancy. It's always something, isn't it???