Our Visit

As I mentioned in my prior post, my IP's (whom have allowed me to use their names!) Elsa and Vince, came out to visit with us this past weekend. We had a GREAT time with them.
Mark and I met up with them on Friday morning at our ultrasound. We had an hour long session where we got to oohh and ahhh over this little guy bouncing about in 3D. As tiny as he is right now, we were still able to see fingers and toes, ribs and spine, and of course his beautiful heart beating away. (We all got to hear it, too). It was the first time Elsa and Vince were able to listen to their baby boy's heart beat. ♥ It is such a magnificent sound. I still get teary-eyed every time I hear it. The appointment was wonderful and  Elsa and Vince have arranged 2 more ultrasounds for later on in the pregnancy, when he's a little more plump and we can start to see more of what he will look like at birth.
After our ultrasound we had lunch together and chatted for a while. Vince had some work to do, so we parted for the afternoon, but planned dinner together.
That evening, Elsa and Vince came over for pizza. They were able to meet our four kiddos, my parents, Pat and Brant, my youngest sister, Jane and her daughter Emma. We had such a great night just hanging out and talking. Vince got suckered into a game or 2 of chess with Blake, Elsa had her ear talked off by Gracie, Shawnie was enthralled by the fact that Vince flies a plane, and Abbie was excited to say she knows people from California.
They brought a gift for the kids...I thought that was so sweet and thoughtful of them....an educational gift (their words!). They bought our children an iPad. OMG! (Abbie's words!) Needless to say, they all love it. They are having a blast and believe it or not they have been sharing it very well. They generally split their time in 30 mins. intervals and I haven't had to break up any fights over it. :-) Shawnie and Blake started to research what makes a plane fly, as they promised Vince they would. Gracie found the library and has started to explore other languages. I found her trying to learn German. LOL. Abbie is all over the place with it. She is our little techie. She'll teach us. It's such a wonderful gift...they really shouldn't have! But the kids truly are enjoying everything about it!
We had such a wonderful time. We can't wait to see them again! Here's a couple pics...

My IP's Vince & Elsa, and my parents Pat and Brant

Somehow, Blake's guitar made it out and Vince showed the little ones what he knows.

17 weeks and moving right along

It seems like this pregnancy is just flying by! I am 17 weeks already! WOW! Still feeling good. Haven't felt movements yet. I thought maybe I might have a couple weeks ago, but now I'm thinking I had bubbles in my belly because I haven't felt them since. According to What to Expect it could still be a couple weeks until I experience his flutters and kicks. 
An exciting note...E and V are coming to visit this weekend. We have talked about doing a non-medical ultrasound while they are here so they can see their little guy in action. I am so happy they are able to make it out and visit!
Here's a shot of my belly at 16 weeks.

Appointment today

I had a routine OB appointment this morning. Everything looks good. I have gained 5 pounds at this point (since the start of cycling). The little man's heartbeat sounded wonderful. We have an Ultrasound in 4 weeks with another routine appointment.
Last week the blood work portion of the NT scan came back normal. Everything is moving along so smoothly...QUICK...but smoothly! I ♥ the second trimester. Meds done, sickness gone, energy back and hopefully the pregnant glow will come along soon! ;-)