12 months 9.12.11

Getting his finger pricked for the lead and iron test.
Didn't even cry and was a good bleeder!

Our toddler visited Dr. Clifford for his one year check up.  He got a "clean bill of health;" his iron was a little low. We were glad to hear that he had clear ears (finally).  Dr. Clifford said that we could try to get him off of Zyrtec and see how he tolerates it.  I think we're going to wait until we feel like the allergy season is done before we do that though.

We discussed some of our concerns with daycare with the doctor.  TV has always been a huge dislike for us. He moved to a new class this week in daycare.  This room has a TV.  Although very small and way up in the air, it is on some parts of the day, and we feel it is used as a (potitially) babysitter. When Nick went to pick up Tillman, the "substitute" teacher had the kids sitting at the table, she was reading a magazine, and the kids were watching the TV (no toys in front of them or anything). Of course that didn't go over well to see this, but Dr. Clifford reassured us that Tillman didn't strike him as one of those kids that is going to be captivated by the TV.  He said some children he worries about, but by the way Tillman was expressing himself in the exam room (absolutely bouncing off the walls!), he wasn't concerned. Although, it doesn't excuse the situation at the daycare, Dr. Clifford did make us feel better about our situation.

This is only a still shot of
Tillman, the busy body!
(singing, dancing, wiggling, giggling...)

The transition to this new room has been rough on us all-Tillman, the new teachers/class, Nick and me!  We were told on a Thursday that he'd move the following Monday to a new class.  They don't transition slowly (like let him meet the teachers, spend an afternoon in that class, etc)...just cold turkey!  We asked him how we as parents could help with this transition.  My natural reaction is to drop him off as late as possible and pick him up as soon as possible, but that isn't practical!  Dr. Clifford suggested us dropping him off quick! Nick thought he would get a chance this morning to try it out, but Tillman was asleep in his car seat, so I'm anxious to find out how he responded when he woke.  I'm probably going to call the daycare soon to get a report (no, I can't wait until pick up time!)!

Ouch lady!

Dispite all efforts to combat the immunization fever (Advil before his shots and consistently after), Tillman woke up with a 102 fever.  Tiny T got to play hookie from daycare, which I'm sure he was stoked about! He actually ran the fever consistently all day long.  He received the Hib, PCV, and 1/2 of the flu shot (since he is too young for a full shot or the nasal mist). I called the doctor's office to make sure the fever was normal.  The poor child was burning up and the Advil was not helping. When 3pm rolled around and he vomited, I called back.  They didn't return my call until 7pm, and by that time we were at the MUSC Children's After Hours Care being seen.  Dr. Baker did several test and all came back negative.  He said it was solely related to the shots, but we did discover that the dosage on Advil the bottle isn't the right amount when looking at his weight.  I wasn't given him enough each time.  They gave him a dose of Motin before we left (not sure how much of it went down the hatch because he was fussy and spitting it out). 

102 Fever Boy!

After leaving there, we stopped by to visit with Greg, Nick's friend. He is very in-tuned to people's energy (I'm sure this has a title), so he offered to take a look at Tillman. Tillman was really fussy and just uncomfortable.  As soon as Greg touched Tillman, he went silent and genuinely looked "at peace." Greg said he sensed that Tillman's liver and spleen were having trouble, but that is normal when  processing/ fighting/ building immunity when given a vaccine. When we got home, Tillman was very sweaty since his fever broke.  NOW....I don't know if it was the Motin or what Greg did, but Tillman was doing much better and was fever free! 

Tillman's 12 month stats:

Weight: 21.15 lbs (25th percentile)

Height: 29.5 inches (41st percentile)

Head Circumference: 17.9 inches (24th percentile)

BMI: 17

Diaper size: 3-Little Movers

Clothing size: 12-18 month, but it varies by brand

Shoe size: 3--doesn't walk in shoes...only bare feet.

Food: Drinking whole milk and eating cutting up small piece of food (banana, mango, melons) and eating more table food.  Drinking from a sippy cup and gets bottle at night and early morning.

Naps: In the new classroom, naps are taken at 11AM...Tillman will take an hour nap.

Sounds: New word/sound is "ut oh." He's still saying DaDa, BaBa, Bye Bye, and MaMa.

Playing: WALKING!!!!!, busting off child-proof locks, crawling when he needs to get some place fast!

4 Month Check Up

Sadly, this is the only picture
 I got at his appointment.

Luckily, Tillman has not been to the doctor since his two month check up in November.  He has been a pretty healthy boy!  Tillman hasn't had time to be sick because we've been on the "go" for the past two months, and he has been busy himself growing! 

At 4 months Tillman is

-14 lbs 4 ozs (37th percentile)

-25 inches long (54th percentile)

-Head size 16.25 inches (25th percentile)

-BMI of 16

I was glad to see his height became a little bit more average, and all of his stats have increased in the percentile rankings (especially his head size-it is up from the 3rd percentile!). 

Tillman got one vaccine (a combo shot), and he'll go back in two weeks to get the remaining 3 vaccines to complete his 4 month vaccine schedule.

We spent about 30 minutes with the PA going over questions and having her "take a look at" Tillman.  We were excited to find out that Tillman shows all the right signs to start food-rice cereal (holding his head up with good control and taking more than 32 ozs in a 24 hour period). We plan to start cereal this weekend, and by 6 months he will be able to have some fun fruits with it!

We also discussed sleeping.  She told us that he SHOULD be able to sleep through the night, and we SHOULD just let him cry it out....ugh!  Hard to hear (at the appointment and during the night last night...we did feed him once during the night).  Even though we explained when he wakes at night, he takes down a bottle and goes right back to bed (no play time involved), she said he should be fine until the morning, and he needs to sleep through the night.  BUT, she did follow up by saying "every child is different." We are going to try to see what works for us.  Having a long weekend (MLK holiday) may help us get through the "crying it out" stage if we choose that route.

Tillman is still pretty content with 3.5-4 ozs of milk at each feeding (I, the milk maid, am exclusively pumping...no formula yet for Tillman), although he should be taking 1/2 his weight, which is ~7ozs.  After getting home from the pediatrician visit, I did open a box of new bottle that had some 8 oz bottles and stage two nipples.  We gave him 6 ozs before going to bed, but during the night, he still took another 4ozs.  Tillman is funny when it comes to eating.  He is very good at "cleaning his plate" aka "taking down a full bottle," but don't ask him to go for "seconds."  Once the bottle is out of his mouth, he won't take anymore...he's done! 

I think if he can get down an 7-8 ozs bottle before bed, then I'll feel better about letting him "cry it out." 

We also chatted about "what should Tillman be doing now?"  She assured us that he was "normal." (I need to hear that.)  We did get confirmation that Tillman has been teething and he has a couple teeth under the gums.  It looks like he'll get teeth early.

She checked him out doing some "Tummy Time," and she said he does really well and looks "strong."  We asked if there was a suggested length of time we should do Tummy Time, but she didn't feel there was a set time to do it. 

She did ask if he was rolling over or intentionally grabbing at things.  We said "not yet."  So, that is what we will focus on.  He has rolled over, but it isn't intentional.

We are very glad to hear that Tillman is right on track!  Happy 4 Month Birthday, Tiny T!

2 Month Check Up

Tillman had his two month appointment on November 16th.  This was his first time back at the doctor since we had to take him for weight checks a week after he was born (glad those stressful times are behind us).  At two months, they start passing out the shots!  Nick and I have gone back and forth on the vaccines and schedule.  Nick and I both did research, as our opinions were on opposite ends of the spectrum.  We opted for a compromise and chose to spread out the shots, but for Tillman to receive all vaccines. 

Tillman goes back in two weeks to get his two shots he skipped last Tuesday.  I am glad he only got two because he had a fever and all with just two.  I don't want to think how he would have been with four shots. 

Our poor little guy after shot one.

He had the same reaction to shot two...I would too!

Also at this appointment they get all of his stats too!

At Two Months, Tillman is

-22 inches long (13th percentile)

-10 lbs 13 ozs (22nd percentile)

-Temp reading 98

-Head size 14 1/2 inches (3rd percentile)

He takes around 3.5-4 oz at a feeding. The doctor said he could take more…like 5 oz, but we think he is content with less. So far, he has only received breast milk (Nick calls it "momma milk")! No formula!!! He has come a long way from leaving the hospital at 5 lbs 9oz. He is still on the small side, but I think he is just going to be small. He has been below the 50th percentile with height and weight since his first ultrasound.  I don’t feel he is small because he isn’t getting enough to eat.

At two month, Tillman loves his swing, taking baths, taking walks in the BabyBjorn, going to work with daddy and is "cooing" and smiling a lot (oh and loves watching ceiling fans and clocks)!  He still takes 2-3 hour naps during the day, and will sleep up to 7 hours at night (in his swing).  The doctor said we need to work on transitioning him to a still sleep setting, so we've been working on that.  Of course, he doesn't sleep as well, but only wake one time during the night. 

Nick and I at two months of being parents have also grown a lot too!  We've adjusted our own bedtimes (9PM for me), and take shifts during the night (I wake to pump and Nick cares for Tillman if I'm not already up).  We've learned that team work in the morning gets us all out the door on time.  Also we've learned that what works for Tillman is good for us, so we adjust to meet his happy point (road trips start at 6AM, only go out to eat when Tillman has a full tummy, we tote his swing everywhere, etc). 

Parenting has been very rewarding for us.  It has taught me a lot about my priorities in life.    Life is no longer at work; it is at home with family.  At work it has taught me to be extra efficient, get things done during work hours, and to not allow work to flow over to family time.  Often when I leave in the morning, Tillman is asleep, and when I return, he is asleep.  I miss not seeing him during the day, but the precious time at night we spend together is something I'm not willing to give up!

Dimple Dilated

That was "the word" from my appointment yesterday.  I didn't think it was a common term, but I "google" everything, and sure enough, dimple dilated is a thing.  Dr. Villers also said that I'm still around 50% effaced.  In previous post, I've expressed that the checks are uncomfortable, but I guess I didn't know until yesterday these checks get worse after dilation starts (yuck...I just can't write it; if you have to know, email me).  I'm hoping Tillman will hang in there next week.  Dr. Villers is out of town next week, and I'll see her again on September 20th. 

Dear Tillman, be patient for 10 more days at least for Mommy and Daddy.  I know that patients doesn't run in the family, but impress us all and show us how it is done, buddy! 

Last night Nick and I went to a newborn class, 1-2-3 For Parents To Be, at MUSC.  I think it was helpful, but we got out way past my bedtime of 9PM (yawn!).  I just didn't feel like I could leave--too scared to miss something I didn't know (and I don't know much about newborns). 

Some things we learned
~the first poop is AWFUL! You must get it off the baby ASAP.  It is better to use lotion to wipe up the baby than baby wipes.  This stuff is like tar and is sticky!  YUCK!
~Breastfed babies poop should not stink.  When they poop, their diaper should have yellow liquid stuff with "seseme seed" like things in it.
~Crib bumpers are dangerous (what?) and should not be in the crib. We are to take it out before he sleeps there....SIDS.
~We're the only couple, in all our classes, who have a birth plan. Most of the dads didn't know they could cut the cord.  For your sanity, fill out a birthplan. It really does help to create the experience you hope to have.

Auntie M x 5 as of 12:23PM yesterday!

I've been "Auntie M" for 8 years today.  My my first nephew, Colin, was born September 3rd, 2002 (Happy Birthday, buddy).  Yesterday (90210...how cool!), my 5th nephew was born, Lance, at 12:23PM weighing 7 lbs 10 ozs and 18 inches long.  My parents report Lance has a full head of hair!

We have lots of September birthdays in my family. My brother's birthday is Sunday (Sept 5th), one of my brother-in-law's birthday is the 13th, Tillman is due the 21st, and my other brother-in-law's birthday ends the month.

While my sister was in labor in Columbia, I had my 37 week appointment with Dr. Villers.  We did the "good ol' check," and she said I am right on time (she doesn't think I'll be early...fine with me!).  She thinks I'm 50%-75% effaced, and have definitely progressed since my last check.  She said it is hard to tell since it is my first pregnancy, and I haven't started to dilate.  When one dilates, it is easier for the physician to measure/guesstimate effacement.  With first pregnancy, the women effaces then dilates.  With multiple pregnancies, a women will efface and dilate together.

Happy LABOR day weekend!  Be safe!

Letter from Tillman

A card arrived yesterday, and low and behold, it was from Tillman! 

Here's what he had to say....

Based on the post mark, I think his Mimi helped him write it!

Tillman also had his weekly check up yesterday with Dr. Villers. We found out that Mommy Meredith's GSB was negative, so no meds needed before delivery. Tillman remains happy at 150 bpm, around 5 lbs, and he is resting easy these days with his head directly on mom's bladder (I'm feeling the love about every two hours)!

Follow Up Growth Scan Video & Yesterday's Appointment

The above video is from my 33 week follow up growth scan.  The results were very good, so we won't have to have another scan!

I had my 35 week check up yesterday.  At this appointment they tested me for Group Strep B (GSB) infection (GSB is not an STD) by a simple swab test.  Every pregnant women will be tested for this because this is an infection that can be transferred to the baby during delivery.  If the test is positive, then antibiotics can be taken.  Many women go symptom free who test positive.  To find out more about the test and GSB, click here.

At this appointment, I was also "checked" for the first time.  Ladies, that is totally unpleasant and uncomfortable!  Dr. Villers checked to see if my cervix was dilated and to see if any effacement has begun to occur.  As I stated earlier this week, I could wait another week to prepare for the rest of my life, so I am really hoping my progress will go slow.  Dr. Villers was also glad to hear this, as she will be out of town the week before my due date (but we have a back up plan if she isn't in town)!

From the "check," Dr. Villers said that my cervix is still completely closed (no dilation yet), and I'm about 50% effaced, but that is completely normal at 35 weeks. 

I have probably told you way more than you ever were interested in hearing about my personal exam, but oh well!  It is much easier to type these things than it is to tell people this in person.  I don't know why that is.  It is kind of like saying the word "sex" in front of my mother.  It isn't a big deal, but IT IS!!!!

Happy Friday!

Growth Scan Video

On July 8th, I went for a growth scan at MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center (to see results click here).  Below is the video.  This three part video features me talking about why I was having it done, some footage of the scan, and then Dr. Newman explaining the findings.
Take a look!  If you have trouble seeing the YouTube version, click here to see it on MUSChealth.com.

Today I have my 31 week appointment.  I'm now seeing Dr. Villers every two weeks.  Also, tonight Nick and I go to the MUSC breastfeeding class.  Busy day of Tillman activities!

Tillman, Are you a Momma's or Daddy's boy?

We got a good look at Tillman at Thursday's Ultrasound.  The 3D images of his face really help us get to know the little guy a little more.  There was a student following the ultrasound tech the day of the growth study.  She sat beside the ultrasound tech and observed how she maneuvered the "wand" over my belly to get the shots needed for the scan.

When our tech went to go discuss the findings with the physician reading the reports, the student "played around/learned" on my belly for a while.  She actually got some GREAT 3D shots of Tillman.  We walked away from the appointment with TONS of photos of him. 

If you know me at all, you know I over-analysis things to death (my poor husband).  I has studying the photos when I got home on Thursday.  I tried to get Nick involved in this activity, but he wasn't having it.  I was pointing out his nose, his chin, his lips and other parts that I thought Tillman favored us. 

From the first Ultrasound, I noticed Tillman's chin.  That is totally Nick!  See for yourself.  He's a Daddy's boy when it comes to his profile, lips and chin.

One of our engagement photos

Check out Nick's profile vs Tillman's

My parents visited us this weekend.  After my Mom looked at the photos, she said "he has your nose."  I really couldn't see it, but after looking at my Dad, I felt like he totally has my family's nose.  Also, he has the crease under his nose down to the middle of his lip.  I have one of those too!

Bridal picture for the newspapers

Check out my nose vs Tillman's

During the growth study, the Ultrasound Tech said that his brain was of average size.  We were jokingly saying we wish we could tell if Tillman was going to be smart.  Nick "spouts off" and said "well I sure hope he is smart because the way he is growing, it doesn't look like we have a football player on our hands." (Tillman is under weight and size from normal babies at his gestational age).

It was very exciting to get to see Tillman again.  I am sure he will look different when he is born and will change everyday after.  Having these moments with him to observe him in his "happy place" helps me get to know the little guy a little more and gets me even more excited for September!

Growth Study Results

Tillman was not much into being on camera yesterday.  The majority of the pictures were of him with his hands in his face.  The picture above certainly looks like he is tired of the "Paparazzi!"

The reason for the ultrasound was to check on his growth.  My belly growth has been consistently about two weeks behind, so the study was to see if he is growing as he should.  As Dr. Villers explains the growth study- "A growth study is just to see how much the baby weighs and how much it has grown since your last ultrasound. We have standards to compare the baby to which helps us determine if the baby is growing at an expected rate."

Master Tillman is in the 27th percentile for weight.  The majority of his "lag behind" comes from abdominal growth.  His femur length is also behind, but I have pretty short legs, and Nick doesn't have long legs either.  An average baby is in the 50th percentile.  Tillman at 29 weeks weighs 2 lbs 8 ozs.  All his little pieces and parts are in place, and fluid levels are good.  The blood flow in the umbilical cord is good, so they don't have any worry about him getting nutrition. 

While they were testing the flow through the umbilical cord, Tillman was doing "practice breathing."  This is normal and good!  The ultrasound tech let us listen to him while he "preformed!"

He had plenty of fetal movement during the study, so I think that indicates that he is "thriving."  His heart rate was 144 bpm, and that was completely normal.

Comments from the physician report-"A repeat ultrasound of this single intrauterine pregnancy was preformed. The anatomic survey was abbreviated today but reported as normal on previous exam.  The amniotic fluid volume was normal. Appropriate interval growth was noted. The AC (Abdominal Circumference) was < 5th percentile on today's scan. EFW (Estimated Fetal Wight) was 2lbs 8ozs, placing the fetus at the 27th percentile. Umbilical artery Dopplers and MAC Dopplers were preformed with normal S/D ratio.  BPP (Biophysical Profile) was 8/8."

(In this picture his hand was chopped off by a sound wave.

Notice the nub?  An ultrasound is made up of sound waves. 

I think he looks like Captain Hook!)

We will go back in one month for a follow up to check on the little guy's growth!  All and all, a good visit at MUSC's Prenatal Wellness Center!

26 week appointment

I had my appointment with Dr. Villers today at 8:30.  I got to listen to Tillman's heart rate.  Everything is sounding good!  She did say that my belly growth is still behind, so I'll be going for a growth study (an ultrasound) on July 8th to make sure everything is ok with him and Tillman is growing as he should.  Dr. Villers doesn't think Nick and I will have a huge baby just given our size, but she still just wants to check things out.  I am very grateful for her being cautious.  It makes me feel really good about the care I am receiving.

The first thing I do when being called back to my appointment is get weighed...booo!  I've gained 10 lbs since my last appointment.  I officially weigh more now than I ever have in my life (including all fat stages that sent me back and forth to Weight Watchers)!  I will say 10 pregnancy pounds feel a lot different than 10 regular pounds.  The weight is all in front; where as the other weight gain is all over.  So far, I don't mind the pregnant look.  It is the first time I'm 18 lbs heavier, and people tell me I look good.

My blood pressure was also good this visit-117/70. 

The majority of my appointment was chatting with Dr. Villers.  I did ask her about stretch marks.  She did say if I had them in puberty (which I did); I'd likely see them again.  Dr. Villers said if you prone, then you are just going to get them.  It has to to with the collagen levels in the skin, and it is all hereditary.  She suggested after pregnancy to get them laser treated.  Laser treatment only works on the marks that are still purple.  Once they turn silver/skin color, there's really nothing that can be done.

We also chatted about my next appointment.  I will be receiving the shot, Rogam.  My blood lacks the Rh antigen (- blood type), it is called Rh-negative. If it has the antigen, it is called Rh-positive. Basically, since my body isn't used to Rh antigen and Tillman were to have Rh in his blood (+ blood type), my body would build antibodies against the baby.  Apparently, you are given a shot, and all is taken care of after that.

Also, at my next appointment, I'll be reviewing my birth plan or wishes during the delivery process.  MUSC has a birth plan on their website that I'll be filling out. Click here to check it out.

My Glucose Screening

I had my glucose screening a couple of weeks ago (as you probably know by reading), and here is the video to show you exactly what to expect if you haven't done one before.  Basically, you drink the glucola, wait an hour, and then have your blood draw to be analyzed for gestational diabetes.
Dr. Villers' office made the hour wait go by really fast.  I drank "the juice" at 8:30, and was seen by Dr. Villers at 9:00.  I was very busy during the hour "wait."  The staff also mentioned they will send the glucola home with some of their patients to drink 30-45 minutes before their appointment, so all they have to do is to go straight to get their blood drawn when they arrive for their next appointment.  All and all, the process was painless!
The "glucola" was super sweet, but if you know me at all, I love sugar (I've been known to eat it straight....weird...maybe), so it was no problem for me!  Speaking of sweets, I just found out yesterday that one of my showers actually depended on me passing my screening.  Luckily I did because my girlfriends (Mary-Margaret, Jennifer, and Catherine) and sis-in-law, Julie, are hosting a dessert themed shower!  My mouth is already watering!

This video is blurry...bummer.
If you can't see the YouTube video below, click here, to view it on MUSC's website.

Passed!

Meredith,
 You passed your glucose test! Hooray!
M

Margaret S. Villers, MD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Medical University of South Carolina
 
I got the above email on Friday!  It was nice to hear the good news.  Another update from my appointment is that my "belly growth" is two weeks behind.  Dr. Villers isn't too concerned about it, as Nick and I aren't very large people.  She would like to see me in 3 weeks, and if my "belly growth" is still behind, I'll go for another ultrasound (growth study) to make sure Tillman is growing as he should.

Gulcose Screening-Tomorrow Morning

Tomorrow morning I'll be "drinking the juice!"  (Yuck...I hear.) The glucose screening is a recommend a test for pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes, a high blood sugar condition that some women get during pregnancy.  Dr. Villers prefers for her patients to get it around the 24 week mark verse later.  (I'll be 24 weeks on Tuesday.)

For the test, I've been told that one doesn't have to fast.  They request that you don't go and have a crazy carb/sugar meal.  However, I have many friends who have told me HORROR stories about those who chose not to fast and were on the board line, which caused them to go for the extended test (3 hours long and you are required to fast).

Since my appointment is at 9AM, I think I am not going to chance it and fast.  I just want to make sure I have the most accurate reading possible, and eliminate any false positive readings.  Dr. Villers' office did mention I could come in at 8:30 to "drink the juice."  After drinking it, you have to wait an hour for the reading.  My appointment with Dr. Villers is at 9:00, so I hope that hour will go by quickly since I'll be busy! 

We do plan to video the test, so you'll have to tune in! 

The drink for the test is orange and is supposed to taste like Sunkist.  I really hope it does because that is one of my favs (wishful thinking..huh?)!

Anatomy Ultrasound Video & Week 21 Update

As you read here and here, we had our anatomy ultrasound on April 30th.  Things have really picked up after knowing little Tillman Alexander was joining our family in September.  Below is a video explaining the scan, the actual ultrasound, and Dr. Donna Johnson (Director, MUSC Maternal-Fetal Medicine) visiting us after reviewing the ultrasound to explain the findings.
If you have trouble viewing YouTube, click here to view the video on MUSChealth.com.



We hit 21 weeks yesterday, so we're a little over halfway there!  It is hard to believe we'll be parents in four months...yikes!  This week Tillman is the length of a carrot and three quarters of a pound according to Babycenter.com!

Babycenter.com also mentioned- "You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as he initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now."

Since I have an anterior placenta, I'm not feeling much yet from Tillman. Tillman has to kick hard enough for me to feel through the placenta (kind of like he is kicking through a large pillow).  I am feeling lots of new things.  To me, they seem like little twitches, but no defined kicks or punches as of yet!  Also, I know things are getting crowded down there because I have to go to the "potty" every hour it seems (can't wait until he starts kicking the bladder...)! 

They also go to say some wonderful things that moms might be experiencing now-spider veins (a group of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin),!  I'm the lucky winner; I certainly have a few of those!  Fortunately, they state these are not harmful.  Also, I am fortunate so far to not have experienced any varicose veins, which pregnant women are more prone. 

Ultrasound Anatomy Scan Level 2 Ultrasound

Friday was our big day at the MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center for the Ultrasound Anatomy Scan.  I thought I would tell you a little more about the scan beyond finding out the sex of the baby (It's a BOY!).  The scan's main purpose is to rule out most anomalies and birth defects.  We had a 4D ultrasound (the fourth dimension is movement).
This is an excerpt from What to Expect.
"The ultrasound anatomy scan, or level 2 ultrasound, is an amazingly interesting experience for parents-to-be. Your baby will be measured from crown to rump (and what a cute rump it is!), around her middle, around her head — and that's just for starters. The four chambers of the heart will be viewed, as well as the kidneys, bladder, stomach, brain, spine, and sex organs (be sure to tell your sonographer if you don't want to know what he or she sees — or doesn't see!).
Measurements are taken to make sure your baby is growing appropriately (and that his or her gestational age is still on target). A survey of the organs, including the umbilical cord, ensures that they are developing normally (or identifies any potential problems as soon as possible). The sonographer will also be looking at your amniotic fluid levels, the location of the placenta, and the fetal heart rate. Settle in to enjoy the show: The detailed level 2 scan can take 30 to 45 minutes (depending on how cooperative your little one wants to be during the photo shoot)."

Juli, our sonographer, explaining the scan.  (Excuse the unedited version. I can't figure out how to edit on my Flip Video. It keeps telling me not enough room on the camcorder even when I try to save it to the computer...)


Check out the "cool" 3D photos and other movements of Tillman.

My First Trimester Screening Video (Professional done!)

As many of you know from reading, I had my First Trimester Screening a few weeks ago.  I posted a video I took of the results and a clip of the actual ultrasound.  Well, MUSC is using some of my flip videos for a section on their website call "My Story."  Of course "My Story" is "My Pregnancy."   Some of my videos will be posted on MUSChealth.com's video section (Click here).  Check out the below video.  It captures other parts of the ultrasound/first trimester screening that I didn't post originally.

Happy Easter everyone!  I hope your weekend is filled with lots of fun, love, and family! 

Oh! Don't forget about the give away! Click Here!

Update: Second OB visit

This is week 15 of my pregnancy, so it was still too early to tell what the baby's sex (darn it!).  At my next appointment (April 30th), they will do another 4D ultrasound and will be able to tell the sex then.  April 30th seems like a long way off, but I am sure it will be here before we know it.

I'm including links to 3 videos taken during this visit.  Videos 1 and 3 are 6-7 minutes long, so grab a bag of popcorn before watching!

The visit was very good all and all!  Our baby still progressing as it should, and everything looks normal. 

Reviewing my list of questions (See Here)



2D ultrasound (Doppler) to check on the baby (check out the difference between this video and the 12 week 4D video...4D really makes a difference!).  Heart rate has slowed from the 170's to 158, which is normal to slow down a bit.  As with the last ultrasound, our baby had its legs crossed again!!



Follow up questions with Dr. Villers and after-visit chat.

First Trimester Screening

Everything went really well at the first trimester screening Friday, and everything looks normal. We'll have the full results when my bloodwork comes back in about a week. The ultrasound tech at MUSC Prenatal Wellness Center, Juli, was AWESOME!

Our little one had its legs crossed the whole time (very proper just like its mom!!), so we don't know what it is yet! Juli tried everything to try to get it to move, but he/she was comfortable where it was! Juli asked me if I ate Turkey before the appointment because the baby was not budging from its position.  She said I should eat something with sugar or drink a soda or juice before my next ultrasound to get our little one moving!  Nick quickly said "oh, she will have no problem with that!"  He is right; I don't need an excuse to eat sugar. 
 

Although we weren't able to tell what the sex of our baby was at our appointment, I am told and know of people who have found out the sex of the baby at their frist trimester screening when going to the Prenatal Wellness Center (PWC).  The PWC has a "super-duper" ultrasound machine that can see more than the normal office ones.  After comparing my 12 week ultrasound pictures to others at 12 weeks, I feel I can see a lot more!

 

We also Flip videoed my ultrasound.  Here is a "flip clip!"

9 Week Ultrasound

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At 9 weeks, they still perform an internal (transvaginal) ultrasound.  I wasn't prepared for this, but the baby isn't big enough at that point to see it when doing an ultrasound on top of the belly (I think she said it was about two centimeters long).  Dr. Villers did the ultrasound, and we actually found out by the measurement of the baby's length that we were 9.3 weeks along.  I'm told, the measurements of the baby are pretty accurate when estimating the gestational age.  Also, we saw the baby's heart beat, and it was beating around 160 bpm.

Immediately, my husband, Nick, whipped out his Blackberry to start counting back the weeks to see when this all started (such a guy thing), while Dr. Villers whipped out this date wheel to see when we would be due. 

Nick's date was December 15, 2009.

Dr. Villers' due date was September 21, 2010.