C-section?

I had an ultrasound today to follow up on my placenta previa (where the placenta is covering the cervix, the baby's way out). Unfortunately, the cervix is still completely covered. The basic message I got today (from the ultrasound tech and the doctor) was that it's still possible for the placenta to move, but unlikely. So, talk of a c-section begins. Of course, I will continue to have follow up ultrasounds and hope that the placenta will move. In the meantime, I am mentally preparing for a c-section (which my sister, Haley, warns me the recovery from is awful--especially when you already have a little monster, I mean, munchkin at home!). I guess I am still optimistic and not yet convinced I will need a c-section (maybe it's denial). I do have concerns about potential bleeding, bedrest, or an unexpected early delivery. Really, it's just a situation where we will have to wait and see (and hope and pray).

The good news is that our little girl, who we call "Gigi", is growing perfectly. She measures exactly as she should and all of her organs look good. So, we are thankful for that!

Little sponge!

Wow! I feel like Vince is learning so much everyday. He has started chattering like crazy. I am amazed at how quickly he is picking things up now--he copies words we say and things we do. It's really pretty entertaining. He surprises us a lot lately, like by adding the words to songs when we are singing. Think it might be time to start filtering what we say!

Jock in the making

Steve is creating a little jock. He wants to be sure Vincent has exposure to a variety of sports. We have a basketball hoop, a t-ball set, footballs, golf and bowling equipment. Steve was getting concerned that Vince didn't have any hockey equipment yet. So he was very excited to find a kids hockey set this weekend. I'm not sure the hockey set is a big hit with Vince just yet.

He does seem to be a basketball fanatic, though. I recently caught him trying to shoot hoops with a wet diaper (at least he was aiming for the garbage can). When we are out for a walk he points out all of the basketball hoops he sees, saying "baa" (he hasn't quite got the "L" sound yet). And he will often stand at the gate at the top of our stairs whining, "baa" because he wants to go to the basement and play basketball. We'll see if his love of basketball lasts!

Here are a few videos displaying his athletic abilities.

Baby Shalikow Update

We had our 20 week ultrasound this week and found out that Baby #2 is a GIRL! I am so excited! I think Steve is still in shock and maybe slightly nervous at the thought of raising a daughter. Everything looked good with our little flutterbug (measurements and organs). They did discover that I have placenta previa, which means the placenta is covering the cervix. At this point, it isn't a big concern as the placenta usually moves out of the way as the uterus grows. I will have a follow up ultrasound in about 6 weeks to see if it has resolved. On the plus side, I get an extra peak at the little one!!

Pregnancy

Well, I have hit 18 weeks. I can't remember exactly, but I think the morning sickness finally went away between 18-20 weeks with Vincent. I think I was expecting to feel instantly nausea-free at 18 weeks. Not quite yet (although there has been some improvement)--I am still popping tums and zofran in order to eat and keep food down. The good news is I can eat again (see expanding belly below)! All of my cravings seem to be for junk food. Hey, I'm just giving the babe what it wants!

Anyway, I've started to notice some tiny movements from our little flutterbug. It brings back memories of feet, knees, elbows, etc., digging into my ribs and bladder! Despite those love nudges, I am actually looking forward to the second half of the pregnancy and more importantly, the end of the first half! 20 weeks will be here soon. We are so excited for the ultrasound and to find out the sex of the baby! Steve thinks it's another boy--I really have trouble guessing at all. Stay tuned for the results (and don't forget to enter YOUR guess in our baby poll--http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyShalikow2 )!


11 weeks

17 weeks