Warning!!!! Belly shots below!!!!!

So the birthday was fantastic.

The doctors appointment was fantastic. I have gained 8.5 inches around my belly and have actually gone from 30.5 to 39! I have gained only 2 lbs. She gave me a little lecture about that but stopped when I told her that I was eating healthier than I ever have in my life and never let myself get hungry because then I feel sick. She took my fundal height measurement for the first time. For those of you don't know, this is a vertical measurement from the top of your belly down to your pelvis. It is supposed to be 1 centimeter for every week of your pregnancy (give or take 2 centimeters as grace). I was 17.5 weeks and measured 17 centimeters so that was good.

We listened to the heartbeat and it was magical as always.

She has however scheduled me to see my OB at my ultrasound on January 29th and he will continue my care from there (almost 2 weeks earlier than my scheduled appointment). She doesn't want to take any chances and although everything looks right as rain, the report from the ER scares her a little. I guess everyone thought the fluid that got me out to the ER was amniotic fluid. Although I guessed that, I thought they thought it was coming from the lost twin. No... Apparently they thought it was Boo's amniotic fluid. However, ultrasound confirmed that Boo's amniotic fluid level was fine. Nevertheless I saw the determined way she told me that she would not see me again during this pregnancy. She clearly didn't want to be responsible if anything were to go wrong. Whatever, I am just as glad to meet the OB and get going on a regular routine.

I was checked for sugar and protein in my urine and both were normal. No signs of Gestational diabetes or Preeclampsia at this point. My blood pressure was 106 over 66.

So..... the promised belly shot. Well first I thought I would show you what my belly normally looks like. Not close up and not pregnant... you know as a point of reference. So, this picture was taken this past summer while hiking in Watkins Glen State Park. Just a mere 6 weeks before the start of this IVF cycle.























Now here is a close up of my 18 week belly. Honestly, although I know close ups make it look bigger, it really is this big!

















This belly is the one part of pregnancy I am truly, truly enjoying. I love holding it and rubbing it. I love the reassurance it gives me... because surely if I keep getting bigger, something is going right....right?

Not that the belly is the only part I love. But for now, I think it is my favorite part!