Baby Cornatzer 6.8.12

I know, I know....it's been FOREVER since I've last posted! At lot has happened over the last year, but the most exciting news to share is that we're expecting a baby boy this June! I'm currently in my 24th week, so to quickly sum up the last 5 months.......

Early pregnancy was a bit rough for me. I was pretty sick (worst weeks were 7-10.) The word "Morning Sickness" is a joke because it lasted ALL DAY LONG!!! I was miserable...couldn't eat, which made me feel worse. Nothing sounded good, couldn't eat meat, veggies, etc. I was pretty limited - but I did my best to eat well for the baby. Plus....I was EXHAUSTED!!!! By week 12, I was starting to feel much better and able to eat all foods once again and by 15-16 weeks, I had my energy back (well, for the most part.)

I was looking forward to our 20 week ultrasound for months and of course it got cancelled because of the January snow/ice storm! They got me in on Saturday to make it up, so I only had to wait a few extra days (seemed like a lifetime though.) I had a gut instinct from day 1 that we were having a boy. So strong in fact, that I didn't even feel the need to think about girls names. I was RIGHT!!! It's a BOY!!! More importantly though, he's healthy and all major parts/organs look good!

There was a couple of things however that were discovered on the 20 week ultrasound. First, I have a "Medial Cord Insertion" - meaning the umbilical cord is inserted near the edge of the placenta (rather than in the middle where it's thickest.) What this means?? Probably nothing to worry about, but it can cause growth problems with the baby. Because of this, I have to continue with every 4 week ultrasounds (and weekly after 32 weeks.) At any point after that, if they notice problems with his growth, they will take the baby early (worst case scenario.) Most medial cord insertions end up to be full term, no problem babies.

Second irregular ultrasound finding is an "Echogenic Intracardiac Focus." This is a small, bright spot on the babies heart muscle that is found in 3-5% of normal pregnancies. This has no impact on the health or heart function of the baby. There is no heart defect, nor will this cause any problems after delivery. Often, they are gone by the third trimester. The whole worry is that EIF can contribute to a chance of chromosome problems (Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18. etc.) therefore, it's considered a "soft marker." What this means?? Because I turned down the early chromosomal testing, I had to go in for later testing at week 21 (ultrasound and blood work,) to determine my risk. My age related risk of having a Down Syndrome baby is 1 in 1,000 (which is ultimately why I decided not to do the early testing - didn't really want to stress about it.) I had to wait a whole 9 days till I got results from my blood work back (longest wait EVER,) and it was extremely good news. It gave me the risk of 1 in 20,000 (which is the lowest risk they give.) Because of the EIF they found, it is automatically dropped to 1 in 10,000 - but still, awesome results. My ultrasound at the hospital (better equipment) went well and they couldn't find any other "soft markers" for Downs. I'm one relieved momma!!

Here's a cute little side profile photo of our little guy at 21 weeks :)



Week 22 & 23 - This is when I really started to feel the kicks (internal flutters really.) At this point I still couldn't feel them if I hand on my stomach, just his kicks from inside.

(Current) Week 24 - Dr. Appointment went well- I'm measuring exactly to 24 weeks and his heart rate is normal in the 140's. Today was actually the first day I could feel him kicking while touching my stomach (super cool!) So obviously he's growing in there!

Ok....that should bring everyone up to speed. It's been a great experience so far and I'm so excited to meet our little guy! I've also been able to experience my pregnancy adventure along with my bestie Michelle (2 weeks ahead of me,) my boss Michelle (1 week ahead of me,) and my cousin Nikki (due in a couple weeks.) Plus....all 4 of our are having BOYS!!!

My dad is coming over tomorrow morning to help Garrett paint the nursery! It took weeks to decide what colors I wanted to go with, but I finally made the decision. I'll post pics soon :)