Beaker Waves Hello!

Yesterday's NT Scan happened right on schedule! Actually, it happened early. I have absolutely no idea what happened on Tuesday, because even in the midst of a nasty wintry mix yesterday that ended up breaking the prior record for one-day snowfall in the Dallas-area, we somehow managed to get to the doctor's office 30 minutes early yesterday!

I'm so glad we decided to do the NT Scan, because it was the first time we saw Beaker move! I'm always nervous before ultrasounds, and this one was no exception. But, I felt more at peace this time than the last two. And, I was in awe of that growing, moving, waving, thumb-sucking little one in there!

I was secretly holding out hope that we might get a gender prediction out of our NT, but our sono doc said it was too early. And, even if she had been willing to venture a guess, I think it would have been tough given the way Beaker was laying. Still, we were able to get some great pics! And, I think I'm finally comfortable enough that Beaker has nestled in for the long haul to announce our news to everyone that doesn't already know in the next week or so. I've told people here and there, so plenty of people know, but the idea of a mass announcement has left me feeling sort of skiddish for some reason. It's time, though.

We haven't heard back quite yet on the NT bloodwork, but the nuchal fold measurements were all well-within normal limits. And, Beaker already has a prominent nose, which is also another sign of normal development at this point. Apparently, Down's Syndrome babies often haven't developed noses by this point.

We were thrilled that the NT results were great, but in reality this was mostly about seeing Beaker for us. And, with that Beaker did not disappoint! We have some great pictures to last us until weeks 18-20 when we've already decided that we'll be paying out-of-pocket for a u/s for gender determination. Even uber-patient, "go with the flow" Hubby was all for that when he heard that our next official u/s wasn't until 27 weeks. We have very little preference either way on boy or girl, but the suspense is killing us! :-)

So, without further adieu, Beaker says Hello!