Well, we went to the doctor today (as we will every week from here out) and we got an ultrasound to check up on the little girl’s weight. Since Steph has gestational diabetes there’s a risk of high birth weight if her blood sugars stay too elevated. Luckily Steph has been doing a great job of eating well (and I’ve been doing a great job of feeding her, if I do say so myself) and her blood sugars have been great.
So, even though there was no real reason to worry we were quite relieved today when she weighed in at 6lb 4o. Actually we weren’t relieved at all. Somewhere along the line we got it in our head that they gain a pound a week at this stage so doing a little math put us on track for a 10lb baby! We were relieved however when the doctor told us we were nuts and that an ounce or so week is much more like it. She says we’re right on track for an average 7lb baby, which we’re thrilled about (especially Steph since she’s got to, well you know).
So here are a couple of shots we got of her. The first is a good look at her face and her puffy little cheeks and the second is a good look at the girl parts.
Steph’s been feeling Linnea kick for a while– even before we knew she was a she, but I haven’t felt her myself. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying. I have lost track of how much time I’ve spent with my hand on Steph’s belly, only to feel nothing or to come to realize that little bump I felt was my own hand (with a healthy dose of imagination).
But finally, last night, my timing was just right and Linnea let out a kung-fu kick and I finally got to feel her. I haven’t felt her since, but hopefully I will get to feel her more frequently now. Until then, I’m thankful that she saved up her strength and gave me a big high-five.
It’s pretty incredible stuff really. I’ve seen pictures. I’ve seen video. I’ve heard the heartbeat. Nothing compares to touch though. I am looking so forward to the day when I can see her, smell her, kiss her and hold her and now that I’ve reached out and touched her and had her touch me back (whether she knew it or not) I feel one very large, important, and heartfelt step close to that day.
Update:
Tuesday morning now. I felt her again last night and once again this morning so it’s definitely not my imagination and the kicks are definitely strong, as long as your timing is right.
If you cannot see this video, click here.
