Week 17 | Level 2 Ultrasound
On Monday we received a call from the doctor regarding our second trimester screening. The blood test is a screening process for early signs of any abnormalities. Originally we were not going to take any of these screening tests because they are optional. The test results showed a possible risk that the baby had Trisomy 18, meaning the baby has an extra (third) chromosome 18. We did some brief research just to see what this was and Trisomy 18 did not look good. Most Trisomy 18 pregnancies do not make it to full term, if they do, a majority of those are still births. And those that are born live usually do not live to see their first birthday. Ryan and I didn't want to look too far into Trisomy 18 because we were not diagnosed yet and didn't want to get scared over something that wasn't there. We looked to God for support and strength over the last two days placing full faith in him that whatever he decided was best. And under no circumstances would we abort the pregnancy in the event that God wished to perform a miracle through our baby.

While each pregnancy is a miracle in itself, this one is no exception. Today we went to Lutheran General Hospital to meet with genetics counselors and to receive a level 2 ultrasound. The ultrasound is another screening process that would measure the baby's head, brain, arms, legs, stomach, kidneys, watch the heart and other symptoms commonly found in Trisomy 18 pregnancies. It is absolutely amazing to watch our little one wiggling around in the womb, extending her hand and waving then covering her face again with her hands. Stretching a leg and trying to roll away from the ultrasound camera before giving another kick. Just watching our baby move was enough peace of mind to know that God has blessed us with this amazing gift and that everything will be fine.

The ultrasound results were all normal and they saw no signs of Trisomy 18. The baby weighs about 6 to 7 ounces. Her heart looks healthy, all four chambers closed off nicely and the heartbeat is not echoing. Her head is developing right on schedule—even a little larger than average—which is a great sign to know the baby is developing on time. When they did the growth ratio from the head to the femur (thigh bone) the femur was a little small. They believe that this could be due to the head being above average so that throws off the ratio. Another option could be that the baby has short parents and grandmothers :) or that the baby will catch up before birth. Because the baby was so active they were not able to get a definite reading on the umbilical cord. They could find two blood vessels in the cord, but couldn't find a third. They reassured us that babies with a two blood vessel cord are just as healthy as those with three, but they may develop slower in the womb. We will be going back to Lutheran General in four weeks for a follow up with another level 2 ultrasound to check development again. I'm anxious to hear if the baby's due date has changed after all this additional screening.

Mom and Baby | Week 17
We are definitely starting to show. Word has spread like wildfire through work and rumors of pools for the baby's sex and delivery date are among the talk.

I believe I am starting to feel the baby moving around. It's still very faint, but will be stronger and more frequent as the baby grows.

Week 16 Ultrasound
This was Ryan's birthday present this year. After omelets, pancakes, waffles and a scheduled trip to the dentist we had our second ultrasound. The baby was pretty active, moving his arms and legs. It was so strange to watch him moving around on the monitor, knowing that is inside of you and not being able to feel it yet. The technician took all the baby's measurements and confirmed that everything seems healthy. We had a short visit with the doctor who encouraged us to take a blood test for genetics screening and I found out that I've lost a pound so far during the pregnancy. So, I guess the scale isn't broken after all, I just need to eat more calories. So far I've gained a whopping two pounds and am encouraged to gain 25 pounds—that's just over a pound a week!

Don't Drink the Water
In the last four days, two of our close friends have announced that they are expecting. The first couple is due in July, the second in August. Our friends Obi and Ashley have a 4-month-old and we have two nephews close in age too (10 months and 8 months). Our little one is going to have plenty of playmates!

Baby's First Mail
This week Baby Klos received his first piece of mail. Paula, a friend of Ryan's from MCC, sent us a hand knitted bib that her mother made. Paula is also the one who gave Ryan a baby name book when he left MCC a couple years ago. I think the ladies at MCC have been encouraging a baby for a while ... Pat made a fleece jalapeño sleeper for Ryan's going away gift too. Ryan enjoys keeping in touch with his friends at MCC and misses Bagel Wednesdays, stone soup and rummage sales.

Baby's Development
We are finally at week 16. Our baby has fingernails, eyebrows and hair. She is able to suck her thumb, stretch, yawn and make faces. After 16 weeks some moms are able to feel the baby kicking. It's hard to imagine, but she is about 6-inches long and weights about 4-ounces—about one third of her birth size. I have no idea how much weight I've gained because our scale hasn't budged in 15 weeks. I've determined that it is not working, Ryan's disappointed.

Coming Up
This weekend we are hoping to be able to post two pictures. One of Mom and Baby, and our ultrasound. We go for our 16-week ultrasound on Monday. On Monday we will also be celebrating Dad's 30th birthday. Ryan wants to go to Walker Brother's Pancake House for breakfast to "get an omelet as big as [his] head."