21 week update

Well, I'm feeling much better this Sunday than last, even though nothing has really changed.  We had our Level II ultrasound appointment on Friday afternoon.  It took a little over an hour with the high risk ultrasound tech going over Sprout for about 45 minutes and then the doctor coming in and and doing it all over again.  They looked for about 20 markers, but there were none!  Well, except for the echogenic intracardiac foci, which we already knew about.  That one marker alone combined with my blood test makes my chances to have a baby with Down Syndrome about 1 in 22.  Any odds worse than 1 in 270 are considered "high risk."  So, even with about a 4.5% chance, we are pretty high risk.  They offered us amniocentesis, which would give us a definite answer either way but we declined.  The thing is, the Sprout we have is the Sprout we have, and the results of the amnio wouldn't change our decision to keep the baby.  So why put him/her at risk for nothing?  I think we have come to the point where we are both prepared if Sprout does have it, but we feel like we will take our chances with the odds and hope for the best.

Anyway, 45 minutes of Sprout-gazing was pretty exciting!  S/he moves around A LOT (another reason I didn't want to do the amnio), still turns toward the camera like a star, and has cute little hands and feet.  S/he's almost a foot long and weighs almost a pound, which I guess is a little big, and that's a good thing.  Also, it became pretty clear from the profile shots that Sprout has Scott's nose and lips!  Their profiles are identical.  So cute.  When I told my Dad and brother this, they offered to break his/her nose to make it look more "Brizzolara."  Did Sprout's Grandpa and Uncle Jay just say they were going to punch my baby in the face?  Poor kid.

One thing I've learned this week is that if I ever have another kid, I probably won't do any kind of testing whatsoever.  It's just too stressful.  The last two weeks have been really depressing but I finally feel normal.  I hope two weeks of panic and sadness have not rubbed off too terribly on the Sprout.  So, let's get to the stats:

In case you can't tell, that's a pomegranate up there.  How that's larger than a banana, I can't figure out, but whatevs.


How far along?  21 weeks
Total weight gain?  Probably around 10 pounds, which puts me right on target.
Maternity clothes? GAP PANTS.  But still in dresses mostly.
Stretch marks?  None yet but thebump.com says they should emerge any day.  I'm keeping my cocoa butter close!
Sleep?  Better lately for sure!
Best moment of the week?  Leaving the doctor's office and feeling relieved, like we could handle whatever happens in November.  And seeing Sprout's little Scott face!
Miss anything?  Not really.
Movement?  I am starting to be able to tell when Sprout is awake and asleep.  Apparently, s/he thinks 10:30 p.m. is the perfect time to party.  This does not bode well for my future.
Food craving?  I can't wait to get to Chicago so I can eat some Portillo's.
Anything make you sick or queasy?  Smells!  My nose is so sensitive.  Smoked salmon and Belle's dirty ears are especially offensive.
Gender?  We are closing in on names for either one...but I get the feeling Sprout may be a hard nickname to shake off.
Labor signs?  I believe I've had the first couple Braxton Hicks episodes.  Are these labor signs?  I sure hope not.
Symptoms?  I have had heartburn for the first time in my life this week.  I had to ask Scott what it feels like because I literally have never experienced it!  They say that means Sprout will be born with a lot of hair.  Apparently, he is getting some of my genes after all.
Belly button in or out?  Still in.  I don't know for how much longer though.
Wedding rings on or off?  On during the day, but it's become uncomfortable to sleep in them anymore.
Happy or moody most of the time?  Pretty happy!
Looking forward to?  I am going to try to register this week.  I have a couple of good resources including a pretty comprehensive list from my sister-in-law Courtney.  I also am picking up my new car this week and have been working on Sprout's quilt.  I will try to have pics of both up this week.