*Second Trimester*

Woo hoo!!  I am officially in the second trimester!  Hallelujah!  And I have to say (knock on wood) I am actually feeling a little better today.  Not 100%, but I did have enough energy this morning to take a 40 minute walk.  It does help that I didn't have to be up early for work today...so, we'll see how tomorrow is.

Here are a couple of pictures from our 12 week ultrasound taken two weeks ago.  I know it sounds cheesy, but it truly was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced.  I had tears streaming down my face pretty much the whole time.  I was so glad Kit got to be there too.  I really think it helped connect him to the pregnancy and baby.  It was so cool seeing the little one move and wave it's arms.  Our u/s tech would jiggle my belly to get it to move positions so she could get different views.  But, the little one was quite content taking a little nap!  It would stretch it's legs out, shake it's arms and go right back to the original spot.  I have no idea where those traits come from! ;)

The second picture is a 4-D shot.  I don't think these are typically done at this time.  We just got lucky with a really sweet tech.  This was also our last appointment with the specialist.  I am grateful we were able to see a specialist during these first critical weeks.  Not that they really did anything different.  It just felt comforting knowing we were doing everything we could and that we were being followed more carefully.  It was also nice having the extra ultrasounds.

Now that I am released to my regular Ob/Gyn office I will be on a normal 4 week schedule for the next few months.  I had my 14 week appointment on Monday which was short and sweet.  We listened to the heartbeat which was thumping right along at 140 bpm.  I also got to schedule my 20 week ultrasound.  And yes, we will be finding out the sex if baby cooperates.  Now that things are becoming more "real" I am so excited to find out the sex!

When I look back over the past year, I can so vividly recall the feelings of hopelessness and fear that followed me so closely.  There were days when I honestly never thought we would be here.  I am so aware of the fact that everything I have can be taken away in a moment.  And I know that every mommy who makes it to the second trimester doesn't bring home a baby.  But, for now, for this moment I will relish in the miracle my body is participating in.  I will praise God for giving me this life...even though I had so little faith that it would happen.  And I will continue to hope and believe that come November I will be holding this little one in my arms.