Baby Parts

We went in for our ultrasound today and if this baby's behavior is indicative at all of his future personality we are in for a ride, although I should be expecting such things when marrying a character like Joel. Last time we got an ultrasound the lady couldn't see his heart very well because he wasn't in a very good position and wouldn't move. We also found out last time about the placenta being underneath him, which if it didn't move come birthing time I would have to get a C-section. So for these reasons we went in again today at 23 weeks. Today he was in a good position for her to get a good look at his heart and she said that everything looked fine. This time, however, he had his little feet wedged down between my cervix and the placenta so she couldn't see the placenta. Joel says it makes sense because his feet are probably cold and he was just trying to find a place to warm them. She tried to get him to move but he was not budging, apparently he was just too comfortable. So the little stinker put me in quite an uncomfortable position: pants off, sitting on the table with a cold slimy apparatus up my hoo-ha that had a camera on the end. She ended up getting a good idea about the placenta this way. Apparently the placenta needs to been at least a distance of 2 centimeters away from the cervix in order to be cleared for a vaginal birth. My placenta was 2.5 centimeters. She also said in the next 17 weeks it should get further and further away so I don't need another ultrasound and unless the midwife spots something we are a go for the most painful experience of my life. Yay! Also the baby is in the 27th percentile at 1 pound 5 ounces right now which is above the danger point (10th percentile) so if he continues to progress in the 27th percentile everything is good. We're grateful that everything is looking good and the baby is already exhibiting such stubbornness. And since I know you're so curious the ultrasound lady was much better today. She talked to us and told us what was going on, last time she must have been having a bad day ... or maybe she just enjoyed seeing me so uncomfortable. Who knows.



Here is another picture of baby, I was told that his mouth is open and tongue sticking out taunting us but I can't really see it.










And here is that infamous foot.

Jamie: No Rant and No Slant

We had another baby appointment today. It's a little frustrating to me that it takes an hour to get to the hospital and all they do is take my blood pressure, weigh me, and listen to his heartbeat. I KNOW there's a baby in there because he's kicking me all the time. As for my weight, I don't want to know what it is (I gained seven pounds this month). This is the third time we've been in and the third midwife we've seen which doesn't really bother me except I would kind of like to know who is going to be there when I actually have the baby ... if I don't get stuck in traffic for hours and actually make it to the hospital. Also I was supposed to have another ultrasound this visit but I don't remember the very unenthusiastic ultrasound lady telling me that. So now we have to go back next week and then again in three weeks for the regular appointment. I also don't remember the killjoy ever telling me (because she didn't) that part of the reason we need another ultrasound is because she couldn't really see his heart. I thought it was just because of the placenta being in the wrong place. So there are multiple issues going on and I'm not very happy about it. The good news is the midwife did say I could listen to Eye of the Tiger while I'm giving birth. I think that will really help. Hopefully the post labor state doesn't affect me so drastically that I suddenly think naming him Rocky or Sylvester is a good idea. I guess that's what Joel is good for.

In other news I don't really love either of my jobs, doctor bills are expensive, there's nothing to eat right now, and I can't sleep on my belly anymore. Joel tells me I'm too negative and I need to look at the good side of things. So here are some good things. We got a free lamp yesterday, that was nice. And the anatomy lab I'm in isn't dissecting cats anymore, I appreciate that. It's cold enough outside that I have to wear a jacket and I have lots of cute ones. And I'm pretty sure for Thanksgiving we're going to go out to eat so I don't have to buy or cook anything. Joel is on the third Harry Potter book. I did a craft the other day ... it kind of worked out. I eat sausage. And I'm pregnant and going to have a sweet and precious baby in less than four months. This one really does make me happy, even if the ultrasound lady is the worst.