16 Weeks = 4 Months!

Can you believe it's already been four months?  Your mommy cannot believe it.  Time is flying by, and you are growing quickly.  I'm now at the stage where complete strangers are congratulating me (which means, I think it's obvious that you're in there!).  I even got a special seat at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame because of you. 

You are really starting to kick around in there.  I am starting to be able to feel your little movements much more often.  I'm waiting for the day when I'm holding Ellie and she looks at me wondering what's going on in Mommy's belly.  It's you!  Trying to play already.  :o)

Your First Pictures

Today you gave us a little bit of a scare hiding from the nurse so she couldn't find your heartbeat.  The good news, though, is that it gave us an excuse to see you on the ultrasound!  The ultrasound technician found you immediately.  You were moving around, having a good old time in there.  While you were twisting and turning, she managed to capture a few shots of you:

She caught you staring straight at us!  You look a little like an alien right now, but I can't wait to look back at you, into those eyes of yours.

Here is a picture of your profile.  I love being able to see that little nose and mouth, and that tiny limb at the top!

I thought it was funny that she captured your feet too.  It'll be too soon that you're using those to run around to catch up with your big sister. 

Next time we go to the doctor's office we'll be finding out whether your a girl or a boy.  Maybe then you won't be called Brister anymore...I can't make any promises though!  We love learning all about you little one.  Keep growing safe in there.

First Flutters

Despite my upset stomach and not being able to eat much, I think you're doing pretty well in there.  I felt you for the first time!  Obviously it wasn't anything anyone else could feel on the outside, but I'm definitely feeling you jump around in there, and I love it!  The only way I can think to describe the feeling is: incredible.  It's like you're letting me know that you're doing well and having fun in there.  I can't wait until your daddy can share the feeling.  Keep growing in there little Brister!

Sharing the News, Take Two!

Your Grandma and Grandpa came to celebrate your big sister's birthday and we sprung the news on them the same way we did for Nonna and Ga, with Ellie's special shirt.  We had to do it almost immediately since Grandma already noticed your little bulge in Mommy's belly, and it was hard to hide the fact that you're making it very difficult to keep food down.   They got the message right away and are just as excited to welcome you as grandbaby number two! 

Once all the grandparents knew, we shared with your aunts and uncles and other family via Skype and the phone.  The most common responses were those of surprise, happiness, excitement and voices in pitches that were hard to discern as words.  Needless to say, everyone is excited to welcome you into the world, 2.0!

Brister

We had our first doctor's appointment today.  Mommy, Daddy and Ellie waited patiently while the nurse searched for your heartbeat.  It was a little scary at first because it took so long, but Daddy explained later that the nurse was searching too high on Mommy's tummy.  Once she found you, though, there was no mistaking it.  Your heartbeat was fast and strong!

Daddy was telling Ellie that the heartbeat was you, her little brother or sister.  Since we're not sure which one you are yet, he was having trouble deciding what to call you.  As we listened to your beautiful heart beating he came up with a new name for you: Brister!  Mommy started laughing immediately, which scared the nurse because it made such a loud sound on the sonogram.  Oops!  We all had a good laugh about that.

The room was filled with smiles and happiness.  You are healthy and growing little Brister!

Sharing the News, Take One

Even though your big sister doesn't quite understand what's going on, she was the one that broke the news to your Nonna and Ga.  Your daddy proudly showed his parents the "Big Sister" T-shirt that Ellie was wearing in your honor.  There was screaming, laughing, hitting, hugging and congratulating that followed.  Your Nonna and Ga are excited to welcome you as their fifth grandchild!

Morning, Afternoon & Evening Sickness

Well, I was really hoping to avoid "morning" sickness this time around, but alas, it has arrived.  Thank goodness for Zofran or you would not be getting any nutrition at all!  I keep telling myself that it's a good sign that you're growing strong in there; that is what's keeping me going.  I can handle all of this and more if it means that you're healthy and safe in there.  I do hope that it goes away sooner than last time though...I'm beginning to get lost in all that needs to be done since I'm spending all of my "free time" sleeping.

I have to say a not-quite heartfelt thank you to your grandma for this.  I hear that morning sickness is somewhat hereditary and she got it with each of her pregnancies.  Looks like I have a lot to look forward to...most of all you in 33 weeks!