First Trimester Screen

Today we went for a First Trimester Screen which is a fairly new, optional non-invasive screen that uses a ultrasound and blood test to identify risk for chromosomal abnormalities including Down's Syndrome, Trisomy - 13 and Trisomy - 18. This was an elective procedure but widely recommended for all pregnancies since most insurances pay for it. While we are considered very low risk for any of these chromosomal abnormalities we elected to do the screening since 1) our insurance pays for it 2) in the unlikely event that something is wrong we can be prepared for it when baby arrives.

The ultrasound isn't a standard U/S. We were able to see the Baby Meade's spine and ribs and the goal is to measure nuchal translucency (fluid beneath the skin behind baby’s neck). A thicker measurement could mean a chromosomal abnormality. Baby Meade's measurement was completely normal and now we wait for the blood test results. The combination of the two will determine our risk factor that Baby Meade will have chromosomal abnormalities. While it is unlikely we will find anything other than normal, we ask for your prayers while we wait for the complete results.

During today's U/S Baby Meade was going wild...bouncing and moving all around, turning over, waving his/her arms, and really not wanting to cooperate with the tech! It was really crazy to watch and is pretty amazing that all that is happening and I can't even feel it. Chad and I laughed thinking we might have a wild child on our hands!

Baby Shower

On Saturday, Becky Schaub and I hosted a baby shower for our good friend, Lynda Kolb. Lynda is due April 28th with her first baby. The shower turned out great! Lynda is 36 weeks and looks just adorable. I can only hope I'm as petite and cute when I'm that far along!

Denver is back into the 60s today and most of the 10" of snow is gone. I've been absolutely exhausted today though so I haven't really enjoyed the beautiful weather. Normally I would be begging Chad to take a walk with me and today he actually asked me and I said no. I think two days of being on the go preparing for the shower and my lingering cold did me in. Since I've been taking it easy today, I'm hoping that tomorrow I will be back to full energy.

BLIZZARD!!!

We've hardly had a winter here in Denver this year, in fact, we've probably had more 60-70 degree days than days in the 30s, so here it is the end of March and we are on a blizzard warning until 6a Friday morning. I must say that I predicted this! We desperately need the moisture, since Jan 1 I think we've only had about 4" of precipitation. We are only expecting 8-16" but the very high winds will classify it as a blizzard.

I've had a lingering sore throat and cough since Monday night (it might have something to do with the hot/cold weather) and all symptoms kicked it up a notch in the middle of the night. I didn't sleep since I can't breathe and coughed non-stop. And since I'm technically still in my 1st trimester I get to suffer this one out since OTC medicines are out of the question. I'm taking the blizzard as a sign from above that I need to lay on the couch today and get better.

None of this is good timing though, my girlfriend, Becky, and I are throwing a baby shower for our friend, Lynda, on Saturday here at our house. Not only do I still have a long to do list, Lynda has a many out of town guests coming to town today and tomorrow. My to do list will get done (I will lay here and make my honey do list) but I pray Lynda's guests arrive without any major issues.

On a side note, our friends out here in Denver, Becky and Phil Shew, welcomed a darling baby boy on Monday evening. Becky and baby, Andrew James Shew, are doing great! We a so happy for them and can't wait to meet the little guy. Here is a pic of the beautiful new mom and baby.

Ultrasound pics- look how the little bean has grown....

Here is a series of Baby Meade's first photos:

In this first U/S, our little bean is 11 weeks 4 days (he/she is a whopping 2 inches long). This image was taken 3.23.2009:

In this frontal shot, the little bean was 8 weeks 5 days (approximately 3/4 of an inch long), taken 3.3.2009: (Look at those cheeks, I wonder who he/she gets those from!)

And in this image at 6 weeks 5 days, little bean was more like a sunflower seed (only 1/4 of an inch long) on 2.17.2009:
For those who have gone through this I'm sure it isn't nearly as cool but Chad and I are truly in awe and amazement every time we get a little sneak peek of our bean! He or she has already stolen our hearts! PS- For all those wondering, yes, we will find out the sex...hopefully mid May!!!!

We're expecting!!!

We had our 12 week appointment today and have decided it is time to share the news with the world...we are expecting a little Queenie or little Maddog on or around October 8th! We are absolutely thrilled! He or she will be a little anniversary present for us. We will celebrate our 4 year anniversary on October 1st.

Since we live 1500+ miles away from most of our family and friends, I've decided to blog about the journey through pregnancy and post pics as I grow and as baby grows.

So far everything has been going great and thankfully I feel great. I've been one of the lucky ones to escape nausea and morning sickness. Other than a very hearty appetite that has resulted in some weight gain, I wouldn't even know I was prego.

Last weekend we attended the wedding of Chad's cousin, Michelle, and Ryan in Williamsburg, VA. We flew in early and visited Chad's grandparents in the Outer Banks. It was great seeing Chad's grandparents and telling them that they will be great grandparents for the 10th time and the wedding was beautiful and so much fun. As always, it was wonderful to see all the family. Here is a pic of us and very proud "Nonnie to be for the 3rd time" (Chad's mom) before the wedding.

I will try to post our ultrasound pics but I need a scanner. As of today (technically 11 weeks and 4 days), Baby Meade is almost 2 inches long. Stay tuned....