We attended my company’s Holiday Party this weekend, which is the fourth party,or happy hour, that I have attended while preggo. This prompted me to create a “parties” photo album to document the soberness. And for those of you who have been wondering, it has been surprisingly simple to not partake. There have been a few moments of stress that have made me reminisce on how I would handle the situation if not pregnant, but no real desire to. But due to the smoking ban, I am able to attend happy hours with friends and still keep the baby healthy, and whomever else I am driving home safely. I did have a partial glass of red wine with the dinner this weekend, which only makes me tired these days. Bryce still indulges of course, however he over-indulged in an obscene amount of shellfish at the cocktail hour pre-dinner. This resulted in our early departure and him being really ill for the remainder of the evening [insert ‘idiot husband’ comment here, in a loving way of course]. I am not eating shellfish or pork during this pregnancy, b/c I think those foods are dirty and a common carrier of bacteria, so I did not suffer his fate. Ok, that was a little bit of a lie…I am eating crawfish. I can’t be expected not to!

I have been feeling Baby Watson move a little bit, but only from the outside. I’m assuming that I am feeling him turn on his side b/c this hard 4 inch long bump appears from time to time since Thursday. I haven’t put on a lot of belly weight so I can see it and feel it, so can Bryce. So, as usual I am spending my days waiting to feel him “flutter”….and waiting for My Sophia to come home. Our next appt is next Monday, the 17^th.

(15wks 4days) We had the confirmation ultrasound this morning, and as you can see from the photos, he is doing just fine. His audience included us and Bryce's mom and aunt crazy (Kristin). Baby Watson was asleep this time, and kicking at the ultrasound tech while she pressed around on my belly in order to make him move. Not a morning person like daddy! He was also being shy and kept his hands in front of his face for the majority of the time...and of course had them in other little boy places too. I also gave blood for the routine spinabifida test. So that was my last trip to that doctor. We have an appt on the 17th with the OB for a general look around, and more pics for me. Love it! His heartbeat was 151 and looked great. There is a photo of that too. She also did a 4D ultrasound this time, and I was not impressed. Those just creep me out. I don't think they make babies look like babies, more like little creatures. He wasn't being very sonogenic today anyway, with his hands over his face, so I didn't post those photos. So great visit with the baby and he is looking as healthy as we could pray for!

 On a darker note: For those of you who know my first baby, My Sophia, she has vanished. She has been missing since Monday. We looked all over the neighborhood last night and I put missing kitty flyers on the mailboxes, but no Sophia. And yes she is "missing" not "lost, she knows where her home is and has never run away (6yrs old this mth). I am overwhelmed with saddness, and I just cannot even find the words to describe the since of loss. I am still praying that she will return home.

I just got the best secret stork gift yet, thanks! It is clink & chew keys that light up and make noises. That makes a total of 6 thoughtful gifts from an anonymous co-worker.

 I still feel great. Getting a little more of my energy back and sleeping a little more. That is always a treat. I'm not enjoying the iron pills much though. They make my stomach a little upset when I take them, but nothing I can't handle. And for those of you who keep asking, I still fit into all my clothes, and shoes. Bryce told me this weekend, while shoe shopping, that I shoudn't buy any b/c my feet are going to grow and swell. Thanks, but that will not deter my shoe addiction! Speaking of shopping, we still haven't bought anything blue yet. I'm waiting for the ultrasound next Wednesday to make sure. We have been discussing nursery themes recently, for a boy. Bryce is great b/c he honestly doesn't care what I (and my mother-in-law & aunt) do with the room. His only concern was that I would hire some fancy artist to paint a mural on the walls. If that is my only limitation, I can handle that...but I want I mural now that he mentioned it.  So basically, no breaking news here. Just waiting until I can feel baby Watson move and trying not to out do myself. That means that I'm being very careful with all my Christmas decorating.

 We hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We sure did have a lot to be thankful for...and I mastered the "eating for two" concept over the holiday too.

(13 wks 2 days) We received the results from the Ultra Screen yesterday, and I am happy to report that the baby is not at risk for any of the chromosomal disorders tested for. Very relieved & thrilled! I did not get the results of the gender test at the same time, as promised. Long story short, carelessness of a tech is to blame. Of course I did not find that acceptable and had the situation resolved today....so think blue! Now I can tell everyone that I already knew this b/c I have had 2 dreams, and I don't sound completely crazy. The gender blood test is only 99% accurate, so December 5th we will go for the confirmation ultra sound. So no painting or shopping just yet.

(12 wks 1 day) Today is the first day of my 2nd Trimester. I am a little less paranoid, but not so much. I cleaned out the office this weekend, in order to convert it into the nursery. Now I can't wait to decorate! We will find out this week the baby's gender via blood test. I met a lady last week who's daughter's results were false though. So we will not be !00% sure until December 5 (15 weeks). That is still 5 weeks earlier than normal, so my impatience has paid off. I also took the first belly bump photo on Saturday. I still don't look or feel pregnant  yet. Again, I guess I should count my blessings!

(11 wks 3 Days) Today was the Ultra Screen & bloodwork appointment...and that was the best thing so far! The ultrasound machine was so clear! We counted the baby's fingers and toes, when he/she was keeping still. Baby Watson was spring jumping off the side. So, still a wild baby like daddy. The legs & arms looked so long, and the tip of the nose was so cute! The tech showed us the chambers of the brain and where the stomach and esaphogus are. She said our baby was very "sonogenic" b/c he/she cooperated and got into the poses that the tech needed for her measurments. The nasal bone, jaw bones, and diaphram were visible as well. And we heard the heartbeat!! There was so much to see that I am still a little overwhelmed and forgetful. But I do remember crying! Seriously, the baby looked fully formed and ready to go. It is hard to understand that I can't feel all of that movement.

The doctor said everything looked fine and all the measurements were normal. She did say that the baby could be a week ahead of schedule though (12 wks 3 days). She is going to send the results to my OB and let her determine if my due date should be adjusted.  So bascially we got to watch the baby jump around and then fall asleep for about 30 minutes. It was the best day ever! Oh-and I had to give blood for some other tests, so we signed up for the gender determination too. The company has a 99% success rate at determining the gender via the mother's blood. So, we will know pink or blue around 11/16. Definitely the best day ever!

Still no morning sickness. I think I am in the clear and blessed with a perfect pregnancy so far. I have a little bump, but my clothes still fit for the most part. It has been hard to eat all the servings of the recommended food groups though. It is alot of food actually. Bryce is helping me stay on tract with my diet though. He cooks now, very cute. However, he is losing weight and that might start to tick me off when I start gaining. Cannot wait till my ultra-screen appointment on Wednesday! It is so exciting to see the baby again. And I want more pictures!!