OB news and Whoa Doggy!

So today was my monthly OB visit and we came to several conclusions...first, in two weeks we will know if the little person in my belly is a girl or a boy. And secondly...they decided it was a good time to change my due date. I've had 3 ultrasounds since finding out I was preggers and each time baby measured big than they initially estimated me. We discussed this today at the appointment after the midwife (same one from last time that I absolutely LOVE) felt for my uterus and commented how it was sitting a bit higher than expected for being only 18 weeks and 3 days. So Hubby and I told her about the measurements at each u/s we had in the past and she promised to look into this and get back to us. And she did...she said after reviewing my ultrasounds and the measurements and comparing that to my the placement of my uterus, my new due date is going to be 2-12-2009. But the kicker is that I could actually also have the date of 2-7-2009. So what does this all mean? For me anyway? It means that the third semester will be sooner than I thought! And that I should feel baby any day now!! That I can not wait for...it will truly thrill me.

Baby was moving around like crazy today and his/her heartbeat was fast and strong. I don't think I could ever tire of hearing that heartbeat so strong.

And in closing...today we introduced our furbaby to the baby in my belly...the proof is in the pictures:

OB, OB, Oh!

Today I had my second OB visit and it went swimmingly. I met with a midwife and can I just say she was the nicest, sweetest lady! She put me at ease immediately about several questions I had and I really wish I could request her as my midwife come February. She was peppy without being overly so and just so excited for us that I wanted her to be my new bff! She laughed at my lame commentary and really seemed sincere about getting me through this journey my way.

The waiting for the appointment took longer than the actual appointment. I just don't get doctor's offices...two hours to spend maybe 15 minutes with the midwife? I don't understand that about any visits to those in the medical field. One of life's mysteries I suppose?

Our little budding baby was still moving around like a fish and she had a hard time getting a heartbeat reading but when she did, it was the sweetest sound, nice and strong and fast. I can't wait for my 20 week ultrasound to finally know if baby is a he or she. We also were thinking about doing 4D images...anyone have insight about that?

I've had a few people ask about names and if we've been tossing around a few, both male and female. Ever since I can remember I have never been one to talk about the names on my short list. Mostly I didn't want someone that would be pregnant before me take what I considered my name. Silly, I know but it's something I have always been firm about. And continue to be firm about. Once we know gender, Hubby and I will settle on a name and keep that under wraps until the day baby arrives. At that point it won't matter 1.what people think of the name and 2. someone can't steal it.

Come what may.

Today I had my first official OB visit, which was all of an hour but somehow I was still at the office for two. It never seems to change with doctors or dentists, does it?

After watching a video that talked about the practice, I had a midwife come in and ask a ton of questions. I was glad to answer because I knew it beat filling out paperwork! The midwife was extremely personable...more so than the doctors. The doctors always seem so rushed...after they keep you waiting.

One of the first questions the midwife asked me was whether we had decided if I wanted to have a doctor deliver or a midwife. I have to be honest...I didn't know the biggest difference, except for the MD after names and I said as much. She politely explained that a doctor would only be around to check on me and then "catch" the baby. I asked if I specified a doctor (my practice has a handful) would they deliver and she said no. It was would whichever doctor was on call. But it was the same outcome for the team of midwives. Ok, I know it has been years (12) since there were any babies born on MY side of the family, but I could have sworn you saw the same doc for all 9 months and then they were there on the important day. When did this change? Is it silly to say I watched Knocked Up and cheered Heigl's character on when she decided to find the right ob/gyn? Don't get me wrong, I like my practice, everyone is nice and helpful and accomodating but should I be expecting more?? Anyone have a midwife and want to talk about their experience??

After getting grilled about my health and my families health I was asked told about the various testing and asked what if any I thought I would want to have done. Can you say overload?? On my previous visits the doctor had talked to me about the nuchal translucency test and I opted to schedule this. Today three more test were bought to my attention and I can't help but feel overwhelmed. First there was the cystic fibrosis testing, something called and AFP plus and something else I can't even recall. I know there are more test out there and at this point I'm ready to forgo all test...and let come what may.

Advice, assurances, and soap boxing welcomed.