High Risk Humor

     As I mentioned in my last post, I will be seeing a high risk specialist for the duration of my pregnancy. Wednesday at my 13 week mark, we met him for the first time. Our specialist is seriously hilarious! He made both my husband and I so comfortable that it helped ease the stress of a high risk pregnancy. Since the day I found out I was pregnant, I have been even more of a worrier. It's something my husband calls me out on a lot. My worry level got so high that I was near to having panic attacks, which would obviously not be helpful during pregnancy. So, I prayed. Hard. I prayed that God would take away the worry just enough that I wouldn't be reckless, but that I also could get through the day. Every time a new issue has come up, or a new doctor has been introduced, I want to worry. But, I don't. At least not beyond the normal level of worry all pregnant women face.
     Our specialist is a perfect example of God loudly answering this prayer. He actually told me, "God has this baby and your pregnancy under control. You take care of you, and God and I will take care of the baby." Doctors don't normally say things like that, and maybe he felt he could get away with it, because I was literally praising God in his office as he was walking us through some incredible news! Either way, my heart was comforted. I have to admit, I'm still nervous, but it's much closer to an appropriate amount than it used to be.
     So here's the good news... First, the ultrasound he preformed was a Nuchal Translucency Screening. This ultrasound test is used to measure the back of the baby's neck and the tip of the nose. Babies that have Down's Syndrome or heart disorders have thicker necks than babies that do not. This test is an early indicator that the baby could have complications. Since it can be completed in your first trimester, a lot of people elect to have it. We didn't really elect this test, but our specialist always does it anyway. Our test revealed no abnormalities in the neck!!! The doctor told us we could have more blood test run to be 100% sure, but my husband and I decided not to. I'm not a fan of needles, and anytime I can choose not to have one stuck in the only good vein I have, I take it.
     Other good news followed. I am a carrier for Factor V, but I DO NOT have it!!! If I had a history of blood clots, injections would be encouraged, but since I don't I am off them for now. I still have to take the baby aspirin until I reach 36 weeks, but that's it. I can also skip the extra folic acid, because he changed my prenatal vitamins. These vitamins may also stop me from throwing up everyday. The first morning, they did help with the nausea, and so far I've kept everything down. I have been throwing up nearly everyday, and not always in the morning. In fact, when we arrived at the doctor for a 2pm appointment, I threw up in the bathroom. In addition to throwing up on myself, I also peed my pants because I couldn't hold it anymore. It was seriously embarrassing, because we hadn't even seen the doctor yet. So there I sat in puked, peed clothes. I guess I am just preparing myself for the mess I will be once the baby comes.
     Speaking of the baby... It's a boy!!! A healthy, strong boy, who moves A LOT! I can't feel him yet, but every ultrasound we have he's wiggling. Our specialist said, "healthy babies move a lot, and he hasn't stopped moving since I started this ultrasound." Although the doc said he can only be "80% sure" that this little one was a boy, we have some pretty convincing ultrasounds with his little peen at full mast. To which our doctor said, "Looks like his daddy in the morning, huh." Hilarious!
     We will go back to the specialist on Halloween for another ultrasound. This pattern will continue throughout my pregnancy. And just like any other OB, the frequency of visits will continue as I get further along. Although the specialist is not my delivering doctor, he will have final say about when our little boy should debut. It still looks like I will be induced at 38 weeks, which means Baby Watkins is coming in March, not April.
     As far as naming the little boy goes, my husband and I have been trying for so long that we long ago picked out names we liked. This little boy will be named James Bauer Watkins. James is my husband's and father-in-law's middle names, and my all-time favorite boys' name. Bauer is my mother's maiden name. My grandparents only had one son, and he passed away before he had any children. I have always wanted to hand the name down, because my great-grandparents brought it over from Hungary. It is my heritage. And, I am proud to be Hungarian. My grandparents were and are such an important part of my life that I cannot imagine Bauer disappearing when my grandfather passes. Our son will, essentially, be named after both of us. It is likely, we will call him J.B. for short, which I personally think is adorable!
     It is such a relief to have great news after such a long battle. I really have my readers to thank. I feel your prayers for us. I feel blessed. I cannot believe I get to be a mother. I get to raise a son. And, my husband is such an amazing man that I know our son will have a great role model as he grows up. And, as much as I expect I will be peed on every time I change his diaper, I couldn't be happier. God is good! Amen.