Best Christmas present...

...we could've ever asked for! Our little bambino (or "Rocky" - as Hubby as began calling him/her) looked great on our second ultrasound! Growth continued and the heartbeat was up to 164. We couldn't be any happier!

Needless to say, it was the worst week of my life. I was completely terrified and had pretty much resigned mysefl to the idea that this pregnancy might not lead to a happy and healthy baby. What should've been the most exciting day (the last day of student teaching...ever!) was a big blur for me. I spent the morning with a fake smile on my face and thanking everyone...while instead I just wanted to race to the doctor's office.

Thankfully Hubby had a half day and was able to go with me (not that I would've given him a choice...) When we arrived at the RE's office, we didn't even wait in the waiting room for 30 secs. We were immediately taken back my a nurse giving me "the pity face". I'm sure most of you have seen it at one time or another... Talk about a kick to the gut. Dr. Griffin and the same nurse both came into the room just seconds after I had plopped onto the table. Again, both with the pity faces. Dr. G asked how I was doing and gave an uncomfortable chuckle when I said, "Nervous as hell...let's get this thing going..."

I was terrified to look at the screen. I remember looking at Hubby's face and seeing a smile. I glanced over at the screen and saw our bambino...definitely bigger than last week. Good...but still not everything we needed to hear. Hubby immediately saw the flicker of the heartbeat and pointed it out. I wasn't convinced everything was ok until Dr. G said, "Now that's what we want to see...heartrate is 164".

I couldn't believe it...I had him repeat it several times. He moved the wand around for a bit...checking measurements and getting us a good picture. He asked, "So, do you want to come see us again next week?" Ummm...yes! I'm so not ready to graduate to my OB and only be seen based on a "normal" schedule. After our scare, I was definitely thrilled to know that they were willing to watch us a little while longer. Needless to say...it was a very excited room that day. Completely different than the week before. The nurse had finally lost the pity face and even said, "We were all so nervous for this appt today...we were dreading giving bad news this close to Christmas..."

I'm hoping I can follow Hubby's "new rule" and enjoy this pregnancy...without worrying about all the what-ifs. Slowly I'm starting to believe that this is the real deal...and that *hopefully* this scare was our last for awhile. I even think I'll let Hubby start taking some bump pictures. While I'm not necessarily looking forward to showing off the progesterone bloat that has taken root around my midsection...but it will be pretty neat to see the actual bump slowly immerge.

I can't thank everyone enough for all their thoughts/prayers...