January 14, 2009---19 weeks

Baby Boy K is about the size of a "large heirloom tomato" this week. He weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom. He may even be able to hear our voices now. I guess he will need to start getting get used to Blake's wonderful singing. I am not sure if I have felt him move or not. I think so, but I just really can't tell.

Last week was officially the beginning of me wearing maternity clothes. Laura went shopping with me and I got mainly pants for now and a few shirts. I feel like I am growing, growing, growing. Here are some pictures of me currently and then a preview of what I look like with the 7 month belly and 9 month belly put on in the fitting rooms.

18 weeks...










7 months...
















9 months....
















I got the results from my last blood test at the specialist and the Down's Syndrome part was now 1 in 10000. The other tests came back great as well. Today was our appointment with Dr. St. Louis, my regular OB doctor. We were told that I would be having another ultrasound but when we got there, they said that since I had just had one at the specialist, we were not going to have one today. I was disappointed because Blake had taken off work and we were hoping to see our little boy, but we also understood. The heartbeat was good and so was the measurement of my belly. I am gaining wait at a normal rate based on my weight from the last appointment. I asked if I am more likely to have a c-section due to my blood pressure and she said not really. She said there are a lot of variables that will play into it and we will just have to wait and see. She also asked if I am on my feet a lot in my job. I smiled and said "all day." She said that we will be watching things but there is a chance that due to my preexisting high blood pressure and my job circumstances, I may be put on bed rest towards the end to make sure the blood pressure doesn't cross over to a dangerous level. I told her that I am willing to do what I need to do. I have the sick days built up and can get a sub if I need to. As we thought we were done, I asked if they wanted to take my blood pressure since of course, that is pretty important for me. They usually take it at the beginning but things were pretty hectic in the office today. They took it and it was a little higher than the last time. I really don't think that the nurse that took it the last two times took it correctly because her readings were not consistent with the specialist nurses. Anyway, since it has gone up, I have to go back in two weeks on the 28th for a blood pressure check and then in 4 weeks, on February 11 for my next regular appointment. Please say some prayers that it stays normal. Right now it is in normal range, but it really can't go much higher.

On top of the appointments I mentioned above, we have our next specialist appointment on January 30th. It is a shame I don't get some frequent visitor points out of all of these doctor's appointments. We will get another ultrasound then. I will post at least one of the pictures at that time. I will also try to get a 20 week belly pick up next week.