9 weeks and counting

This week the baby finally makes it to a full Inch in length! Yay! It is about the size of a grape. All essential body parts are accounted for and the Oh-so-fashionable tail is gone. The heart is dividing into the four chambers and the teeth are forming as well. The ears, nose, eyes and mouth are all more distinct. The gender organs are developed but are still too small for a gender determination. (a few more weeks on that one) All of the basic physiology is in place and its time for the baby to start gaining weight. Next week marks the end of the embryonic stage and moves us into the fetal stage! Only a three more weeks left in the first trimester. (give or take)
I've been having some serious back pain and decided to see a Chiropractor yesterday. His plan sounds great and includes PT to get my back and joints supported for all that weight I'm bound to find. I also had some blood work done today to check all of my vitamin and hormone levels. Thankfully, the headaches are pretty much gone and the morning sickness hasn't shown up (knock on wood!)
We'll give you more information as it comes in!
much love,
Justin and Robin

First Dr Appt

Yesterday was our first official appointment with our Mid-wife. After a lot of paper work and a lot more waiting-we finally were lead to the back. Our mid-wife (CNM) was really nice. I was pleased to see that she wasn't a complete tie-dye wearing hippie. She was nice, well informed and was very relaxed about the whole process (not at all fussy). She reminded me to use common sense and that pregnancy isn't a disease but a condition to be mindful of. Renee also scheduled us for an ultrasound! So we got to see the baby (or at least the out line of it) and saw/heard it's heart beat for the first time! COMPLETELY AMAZING! Justin was couning the heartbeat--141 bpm--very strong.

After the physical exam, we were given a March 18th due date. But after the ultrasound they told us March 30. But in looking at the heartbeat and reading information that the ultrasounds generally measure small...we are still thinking my initial dates were right. So splitting the difference would mean that the baby is right about 7 1/2- 8 weeks along...which makes it a Jamaican Baby =)

***here are the ultrasound pics--I know they are hard to read...but you get the point!

much love,

Justin and Robin