Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.

We had our First Trimester Screening (also known as the NT Scan or the Nuchal Translucency screening) yesterday afternoon and it was pretty amazing, so I wanted to make sure I jot down my thoughts/feelings before I forget. I feel like I've been so busy lately that a lot of important things are going undocumented, but this one deserves the time it'll take me to blog.

For those who don't know, this particular screening is totally non-invasive. It's a combination of ultrasound and blood work to detect the likelihood that our baby will be born with Down's Syndrome or Trisomy 18. They measure something on the back of the baby's neck -- I guess babies with either of these conditions will more than likely have extra fluid behind their neck, which is what they are looking for when they measure. Annnnddd... for those who don't want to read the whole blog just to find out whether we're growing a healthy baby or not ... from the ultrasound measurements itself, the dcotor said we were well within the normal range. :)

Anyway, the beginning of our appt included the normal paperwork/etc. When the tech came to get us, she didn't waste any time and got started right away. She showed me the placenta (which is hanging out at the top of my uterus right now) and my ovaries, which was kind of neat to see. How often does a woman actually get to see her own ovaries? lol Then she focussed in on the baby and man, I love seeing our little one!

Our last u/s was at 8w4d, and we were 12w3d yesterday. It is absolutely amazing how much this baby has grown in 4 weeks! Last time all we could see was arm and leg buds and the baby kind of looked like a stuffed teddy bear/turtle. But now it looks like a tiny human! It was so amazing! The tech pointed out the arms, legs, knees, brain, stomach, spine, eye sockets, etc. Wow. It was SO cool! If I could have an ultrasound every day, I think I would. When she focussed in on the face, we decided our baby looks like a demonic alien though ... lol The way the eye sockets are open and dark is kind of creepy, but I am still convinced that our baby is the cutest baby ever. (Something about a mother's bias or something? ;)) The doctor did say that everything looks perfect though, and that the baby is actually measuring a little bigger than he thought ... so my due date might change again, we'll see! Either way, baby is healthy and growing just like he/she should! :)

The absolute BEST part of the whole appt though, was when she turned on the speakers and let us hear the heartbeat! I have to admit, I cried a couple of times during this appt, and the moment I heard our baby's heartbeat was the first! It was loud and strong at 153bpm and perhaps the most incredible sound I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. To know that there are two hearts beating within me is the most awesome and fantastic feeling ever. I feel such a huge responsibility toward this little baby already and am already head over heels in love with him/her. I can't wait until we find out the sex in a couple of months. Then I can finally start saying my little boy OR my little girl! :)