The last few months have been exciting, nerve wracking and scary at times. Approaching pregnancy so soon after experiencing a heartbreaking miscarriage brings to the surface so many more worries and concerns, which is part of the reason we chose only to tell immediate family in the first few months. But we feel so blessed that everything seems to be going well.....So let us start from the beginning.
In the days following our trip to Pensacola Nicole started to feel bad-she was very sleepy, sick to her stomach and just not feeling like herself. Three pregnancy tests later, 2 pink lines appeared! The news however didn't sink in until after the doctor confirmed the pregnancy at 4 weeks. Unfortunately Nicole's progesterone levels were low so she was put on medicine to increase her levels. The medicine did the trick and at 6 weeks, we heard the heartbeat for the first time, it was 128 bpm.
6 week U/S picture of Baby Smith
Subsequent dr. appointments showed all is progressing normally and checks on a fetal heart Doppler reveal a strong heartbeat of around 170 bpm. At 11 weeks, we went for a NT scan and saw the baby kicking his/her legs and squirming. It was so cute for us to see, but made it difficult for the tech to check the width of the neck. Fortunately the NT scan and the blood tests all came back normal and we got some wonderful pictures of our growing baby.
In terms of how Nicole has felt, it hasn't been easy. Even before the pregnancy test turned pink she was dealing with morning sickness that has continued throughout. Between feeling extremely sick to her stomach and having many food aversions, she has dealt with the other symptoms of pregnancy, extreme tiredness, headaches, congestion and all that fun stuff! Still it is so worth it knowing that the baby is doing well and growing.
As we start the second trimester we want to thank everyone for their continued support and love, especially over this past year. Pregnancy has been a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs, but we feel so blessed and thrilled to be able to expand our family.
Love Mark & Nicole
6 comments:
Oh guys! I am so happy for the two of you. I have been wait to hear the news of pregnancy coming from yall. I will be watching to see when you post your registry list. I can't wait to buy for baby Smith. Again, I am so so happy for yall!
I am so happy for you!!! If you have any questions just let me know!
Leah
You know we all can't wait!! We love babies in our family as you know and we will spoil yours just as much as ours!! Love to all of you.
Christy
Oh!!! What joyful news! You both will be fantastic parents--already are! Am so excited to find out if this will be a baby girl or boy. Congratulations!
Congrats, you two!! Baby Petersen is suppose to be making his or her appearance March 13th. We will have to plan play dates next year for sure! :)
Congratulations! I'm very happy for you guys!!
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