January 28th, 2015 - 1st Prenatal Dr. Appointment

Our first prenatal appointment was 4 weeks ago on January 28th, 2015. Because I work through Mayo now, my insurance would have the best coverage if I stayed within the Mayo health system. So, I opted to go with a new OB doctor for this pregnancy. Johnna had school that day, so John, Jem, Badgy, and I all went to the appointment. That first appointment is always so exciting because it not only confirms the pregnancy test but it also gives you an idea of how far along you are. Babies are so mysterious. Here they are doing all of that important work in the womb (like growing) yet you know nothing about them. How old they are is a very important detail, in my opinion! :) I just love being able to read along and see what is happening week to week.

Before my actual doctor appointment, I had lab work done. What was really nice is the next day I was able to use our lab interface to look up my own results. All looked great from what I saw ;)

After we spoke with our new doctor, who is very nice by the way, we headed off to an ultrasound room. Within moments I found myself looking at a tiny little blob with a beautiful heartbeat. The doctor estimated that I was about 7-8 weeks along. According to Baby Center, webbed fingers and toes are beginning to poke out from the baby's hands and feet. The "tail" is beginning to disappear, and breathing tubes are beginning to connect the throat and developing lungs. The baby is only about the size of a kidney bean - yet so much is happening! The baby's heartbeat was fast and strong, exactly where they want it to be, at 178 beats per minute.

Because this is our *4th* time around, John and I really didn't have any questions for the doctor. We made an appointment for four weeks from then, and our doctor told us the baby would look *much* different then! How wonderful and exciting!

The kids are really excited about the baby. They are anxious to start buying baby things and help set up his or her room. It's fun now that they are a little older and can kind of understand what exactly is happening :)

A picture from our actual 8-week ultrasound!