Week # 12: The Spine, the Cord and the Restless!

Our appointment July 22 at 7:15, we are running a little late because we both over-slept! This morning we would be able to see the Spine/bone development, the imbilical cord and the baby is restless as ever; kicking Christine like a jack-rabbit. The baby now measures 52mm from crown to rump.

It is our last visit with this Doctor, Christine is emotional but she is hiding it well. We instruct the receptionist that we have a re-writable DVD that we would like to record the image of the baby; we hope the baby is active. The Doctor and Nurse come in, stating this is our 'Graduation' day and asks if we are excited...we are! The image is pulled up as it is every week and there's the baby, the image of he/she laying with the back towards us. We figured the baby was sleeping and there would not be any movement...boy were we wrong! The position of the baby gives us an incredible view of the developing spine and bones. It is amazing enough to see nothing turn into something, but to see your child developing it's skeletal structure is surreal. Anyway, we would be told that the image above the baby is the imbilical cord and with every heartbeat comes a pulse through the cord; yet more amazing.

The Doctor finishes up and instructs us that he will meet us outside the room once Christine is dressed.

The Doctor and nurses are outside to send us off...We hug the Nurses and Christine hugs the Doctor; we thank them for everything they have done for us! The receptionist gives us what she calls the 'Smelly Bag' (lotions, candles and the like) and a coupon book...it is a very nice gesture and send off. At this point, Christine breaks down and cries...we can only imagine what the people in the waiting room are thinking. Hugs for the Receptionist and we have officially graduated!

We are on our way to CoCo's, same breakfast place every week (our comfort spot). Christine tells me that she has purchased a cookie and muffin basket for the staff...a very nice gesture on her part.

Well, on to the Baby Doctor for the next chapter in this crazy ride!

Week # 11: The baby is moving and shaking!

Our appointment is July 14th at 7:15, the baby is eager to be photographed. The baby is 40mm, about the size of a lime.

By this time in the 'baby' process, Christine and myself are mindful that our appointments with the Reproductive Doctor are coming to an end and we will be transitioning to a certified Baby Doctor at week # 13. Christine is sad, I am anxious...but, we will both miss the Doctor's attention and caring manner. But, chapter # 2 is necessary on the road to deliver a happy and healthy baby!

We were brought into one of the same 3 rooms we have seen over the last 6 months or so (both pre and post reproduction). The Nurse explained that we could record the baby's ultra-sound and did we know that; a little late aren't we? Well, we did know and we were going to ask if that was possible. So, week # 12 (our last with this Doctor) we will be recording the ultra-sound (movements and all) onto a DVD disc and we will be sharing it! We hope the baby is as active as he/she has been...

Well, the Doctor brought up the image and showed us (what I initionally thought was a magnified image) the baby; it was HUGE compared to last week! Christine has been taking her pre-natals and eating, eating, eating!!! Fruits, grains, snacks, milk and more...I only encourage her to eat now!!!

The baby was originally in the position you see in the image; big and comfortable. The Doctor was almost finished and the baby moved! The baby appeared to be facing like it was laying on its back looking directly at the camera...all ready haming it up for the camera; it is more and more like Christine every day!

Week # 10: The baby is restless?!?

Our appointment is July 8th at 7:45 am, this will be the first time we can visibly see our baby move. The baby now measures 27mm.

We arrive early, the usual couples are waiting to be seen. The nurse calls us in, and we are prepared to see a baby that has grown...but, we are not necessarily prepared for what we are about to see. The Doctor preforms his usual processes...you know! He pulls the baby up on the monitor; points out the heartbeat, the head, the rump, the arms and legs. All of a sudden the Doctor points out the baby is moving...sure enough, we all see the baby (mind you at only 10 weeks now) squirming around like he/she is doing a dance.

Christine starts laughing, she is surprised. And I feel a moment of anxiety...good anxiety though!

We are amazed by what we just saw and amazed by the fast development of our baby...we drive prompty to Co Co's to celebrate!

Week # 9: The Peanut is evolving into a Baby!

Our appointment June 30th at 7:15, we are excited about what we are about to see this week. By all accounts, we expected the little 'guy/girl' to be bigger but what exactly would we see? To date, we have been able to see the head, the rump and the heartbeat. This week, we could add the arm and leg stubs and the heartbeat beating strongly!

The baby is now 20mm, about the size of 3/4 an inch. If you look at the picture close enough you can really make out the baby; we stare at the picture over and over at breakfast.