Heart-healthy

Today's visit to the pediatric cardiologist was much happier than the one on Garrett's birthday one month ago. Not only was Max active and showing off his moves, but he also cooperated with the ultrasound. Dr. Rhee didn't see any fluid around the heart this time and his valve didn't seem to be leaking. I guess he healed on his own. As a result, we received the thumbs up from the doctor who said she didn't want to see us again. Yea!

Max is on the move!

This kiddo is kicking. I thought I felt him at 14 weeks. When we met with the doctor, I asked him about the little flutters and he teased me that it was simply gas and wishful thinking.

Yeah, I felt cool.

Then, at the ultrasound on the 15th, I watched the screen as he moved his leg and I felt the same bubble-popping sensation. The ultrasound technician exclaimed that he'd given a good kick. I knew then that those increasing movements down there were Max. It was reassuring to know that at least in that respect I'm not crazy.

Last Tuesday, the 22nd, Garrett and I had settled down for the evening and Max began his acrobatics. My hands find their way to my tummy bump increasingly often these days and I thought I could feel the movement on my hands as well as inside. When Max let out a few good kung fu moves, I grabbed Garrett's hand and placed it on my tummy. I knew from the look on his face that he felt it, too. That moment alone made a lot of the difficult stuff worth it.

On Sunday my mom got to feel Max. For a couple of days, he'd be really active, but by the time she got to me Max had settled down. Then he really gave her a good kick. It was one of the strongest yet. Again, I knew she felt it because of the look on her face. Plus, she pulled her hand away so fast it was like she'd been bitten!

We think Max is currently renovating his space. His apartment must be a little small because we suspect he's expanding. I'm feeling sensations further out than I have before. We were at week 19 when we went for the ultrasound and they told us he was 11 ounces and the size of a Ken doll. I think he's getting bigger because some of his movements are stronger. Tomorrow will mark week 21.

February 27 Ultrasound

We had a doctor's visit about the same time their plane left. It was an ultrasound and blood test to determine if the baby will have certain problems. Everything looks good!

No really, everything looks good.

She didn't even see the hematomas on the ultrasound until we told her about them. Then she saw one and said it was barely there. The other one must have totally healed. We were so relieved.

She sent us home with lots of pictures. The baby has a cute little nose and long legs. And it really looks like a baby--until it looks straight at the camera. Then it looks like an alien. Hey, it will grow out of that soon enough.

I'm still on "take it easy" mode until the end of March. However, it's such a relief to know baby is doing well.