12 weeks & 5 days

Today, we had another appointment. It really wasn't supposed to be until Thursday, but I was having bad back pain and lots of cramping. I called Monday to see if I should be concerned and they said to come in today. So, we did. Overall, it was a good appointment with a little bit of surprise. Baby "Peanut" doesn't really look like a peanut anymore! We got to see the arms and legs and even a quick view of the fingers. We could also see the profile of the face -- it has a cute nose! :) Peanut was moving around quite a bit, but we did get to hear the heartbeat. They said it was strong and healthy at 152. Earlier, the nurse had found it with the Doppler machine in the 160s. The back pain and cramping is caused from the baby growing. The nurse suggested that Brad massage my back. Without thinking, I started laughing out loud! That won't happen! I was very happy to hear I haven't gained a single pound!! :) The nurse, of course, quickly said, "OH! You will!" Thanks, I know, but I'm pretty happy about that so far! I still have partial placenta previa. The doctor could not tell if it was improving or not, which kind of frustrated me! And then...the doctor decided he's sending us to Omaha to see a perinatologist. If you know me at all, I freaked out! Considering our family histories, he wants us to talk to a genetic counselor to determine our risk of birth defects / genetic issues. I personally think this is something we would have done before getting pregnant, but he's sending us anyway. I was completely shocked to hear this. At our very first appointment, we asked questions concerning our family history and he acted like it was not a concern. Now, today, he acted like it was a concern (even though he had our family history all mixed up)! Needless to say, I'm slightly frustrated with our doctor. I just don't feel like he explained himself very well! Additionally, if I go into labor as early as my Mom did with me (6 weeks early), I cannot deliver in Carroll. They will probably transport me to Omaha. So, I think that's part of it, but then again, I don't. It's all so confusing to me!!! He also thinks this will help stop my worrying. I just wanted to say, "If you think I'm worrying now, you haven't seen nothin' yet!!" But, I didn't. I did, however, tell him I think he has my due date wrong. I don't think he appreciated that very much! Oops! Anyway, long story short, it was a bittersweet appointment. I just continue to pray that God will help everything be OK. So, we would definitely appreciate your prayers, too!!

Love ya!
Kari