Live Laugh Love & Learn: First Ultrasound 4/20/12

Yesterday (Friday, April 20th) I went in to get my first ultrasound. I was so excited that I counted down the days leading up, and since my appointment was not until 2:30pm, the day moved quite slow. It was my first day of vacation to study for my final exams and I met my Grandma Vatter for Gray Brother's (YUM). Kenny and my Mom met me at the doctor's office to see the ultrasound. I took a bit longer to decide on a physician, so they had to schedule my first ultrasound and doctor's visit separately. I will not see Doctor Mazdai until Monday.

I felt slightly nervous. For one, although I Googled what to expect during my first ultrasound, spoke with a close friend and I read about it in my What To Expect When Expecting book...I did not truly know what to expect. Second, although I know I had multiple positive pregnancy tests and I am still having some symptoms I felt I needed to hear the heart beat and see it for myself to believe it. Knowing a person is growing inside of you is a bit difficult to wrap your head around. I was ready for some additional confirmation. I am going to go into detail for those who want it... I know that a couple of years ago I followed a blog of a mom-to-be and I really appreciated hearing about the small things so I would know what to expect. So for those who don't want to hear all of the details, I understand. Some do want all of them though, so this is for you.

With my notebook with questions in hand, we walked into the office for the first time. I signed in and they gave me about 10 pieces of paper to fill out and sign. This packet of papers included an area to fill in my medical history, Kenny's medical history and our family's medical history. It took me about 7 minutes to fill everything in and I sat on the edge of the waiting room seat as I waited for them to call my name. I had a lot going through my head... "What will we be able to see? How big is the baby now? How far along am I? Can we hear a heart beat? Will there be a heart beat at all?" My mind was racing a bit.

After waiting a few more minutes, we were called back to a room for my ultrasound. Brandy, the ultrasound tech, greeted us and told Kenny and my mom they could sit down. I saw a patient chair with stir-ups, a large computer and a big television on the wall. Brandy said, "Okay Amanda, you are going to have a vaginal ultrasound. Step into that bathroom right there and take everything off below the belt. Wrap this around yourself before you come out," She handed me what looked like a napkin the size of a beach towel. I actually ripped it a little bit just trying to wrap it around myself because it was so thin.

You would think that the moments to follow would have been very awkward, but honestly everything happened so quickly (and for future mothers... it was painless). Within seconds she had a visual of our baby up on that large television screen. I could not believe it. I was speechless. That was MY baby before my eyes! That little thing on the screen with a head, arms and legs is mine! Brandy said that everything looks great and that the baby's heart rate is 180. She then pointed out that you can see where the umbilical cord is, the eyes, nose and ears. For something as small as a kidney bean, I could not believe the detail already. Truly amazing.

All of the photos :)

Side view... you can see all the detail!

Brandy printed off some photos for us to take home with us and informed me that I was between 8 weeks and 3 days, or 8 weeks and 6 days...due date is between November 24th and 27th. She said that Dr. Mazdai would decide which date they would use. It is so nice to have a better idea now! And I cannot wait until my appointment on Monday so that I can find out the exact date that will be used.

Kenny looking up close at Baby G

We were sent into a different room where I met with a nurse who asked me various questions. She asked everything from is this your first pregnancy, to all sorts of questions about medical history. The last thing that I had to do was get my blood drawn and urinate in a cup for them. Pretty simple appointment, and we were all on a high from seeing the baby. I took photos of the photos and text messaged them to my Dad. He loved seeing them. I also forwarded the pics on to Brent and Ashley.

With a date pretty well nailed down, I could not wait to get home to take my 8 week photo. The first of many more! I put on my new shirt that I ordered on Etsy and had Kenny snap some photos. I also took some photos with my DSLR of the ultrasound photos. My Grandma Vatter was so excited that she drove over that evening to see the photos. And I must share, that Kenny decided that the baby looks like a Sour Patch Kid right now. He is such a goof. And there is a little irony there... because remember we told our parents that I am pregnant with small Easter baskets that included Sour Patch Kids? Oh and we didn't think about it until later, but there is only one in there for anyone that may have been wondering. I wouldn't mind twins...would love them actually...but Kenny, he would prefer to start with one haha! SO glad to know that our baby is healthy and growing just as he/she should be. Thank you, Lord! :-)