Pooped

I thought I was supposed to get my energy back in the second trimester? So far, so such luck. I am pooped! I think this is the first time in my life I've really S-L-O-W-E-D down. Of course my mind is still racing with everythign I need to do before Baby B gets here -- but other than that, I've been forced to bring everything else down a notch or two. It's actually kind of nice to know I am carrying out a much larger purpose -- bringing a beautiful human life into the world -- than the more mundane things I used to get whipped up about. On the radio the other day, they played a parody song that sang, "Prgenant Women are Smug". It was all about how once women become pregnant, other things don't matter as much. I hate to admit it, but its kind of true. Am I smug? Maybe. But I feel blessed to have such a miracle growing inside me. And if it means slowing down to rest and create the healthiest baby possible, then that's jsut what I am going to do.

17-Week Ultrasound!

We had an OB appointment on Monday, July 20. It was just a general check-up, where they weigh me (oh jeez!), take my blood pressure and we listen to the heartbeat. But just like last time, they had trouble finding the baby's heartbeat. For what felt like hours, the midwife moved the Doppler around my belly, searching for the beat. My heart stopped when she couldn't find one, even though she didn't seem nervous at all. She decided to take us into the Ultrasound room, where my baby immediately popped on the screen, heat just beating away. I was finally able to breathe again -- and excitement took over. I was getting to see my baby again!!! It had been a long 9 weeks since the last time! This time the baby actually looked like a baby -- not a peanut or blob. I could see its arms and legs flailing around. Seriously the best feeling ever! Here are a few pics... in 4 weeks, we get to find out the gender. The baby had his/her legs crossed this time!

Cord Blood Banking?

I'm starting to research Cord Blood Banking. I've registered to receive tons of info about the benefits of it. It seems like a no brainer -- of course I want to have the option if my child ever gets ill! But the cost seems kind of steep ($2,000 - $3,000) with all the other expenses adding up. My husband thinks we should absolutely do it, that we will find the money. I am leaning towards that as well, but I wonder how many people have actually had to use the cord blood they banked? What circumstances is it good for? How long does it last? So many questions... I just want to make the best decision.