Tuesday, October 5, 2010

And So It Grows

So, here I am on the cusp of 11 weeks and still *gulp* pregnant. It feels surreal to even say the word aloud. I'm almost afraid I will somehow jinx it and wake up sans baby. But the unrelenting nausea reminds me that there is indeed a little human growing somewhere in my pelvis.

On Friday, I got another little sneak peek into my uterus to see Dewdrop. To my delight, the heartbeat was still beating away. I was so amazed at how much he/she has grown in just three short weeks. He/She actually looks like a baby instead of a prehistoric sea creature. There is a distinct head, body, arms and legs. He/She kept putting his/her hands near his/her face, which reminded me of Nate in utero. And best of all, he/she flashed a little smile for the camera, as if to say "see, I'm fine in here Mommy!".



The doctor didn't measure the CRL, which was actually fine since I had been obsessing about being 3 days behind at the last scan. I am just choosing to trust her word that the baby has grown significantly and that all looks perfect. The yolk sac is being absorbed and the placenta should be taking over soon, which means I can stop the progesterone supplements in 8 days. Wow, what will I do without all that panty goo?

The first trimester always seems to be the most agonizingly slow one but when I consider that I'll hit the second trimester in just 15 days, it really seems like it has gone by speedily. I'm not actually rushing it away this time. Sure, I'd like not to have to sip ginger ale every time I wake up. But I want to soak in each and every moment. This time, I'd like to have no regrets.
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As for my firstborn, we had him evaluated for speech therapy over the course of the last month and a half. Last week, we learned that he has a 50% delay in expressive language and a 25% delay in receptive language (which is most likely the result of the expressive delay). He will begin therapy later this month. A teacher will come to the house weekly and do specific exercises with him, which I will repeat during the week and report the results. After 6 months, he will be reevaluated to see if he needs more intense therapy.

It's always disappointing to hear that your child has a developmental problem, but I was not surprised. I had been expecting to hear this so I was as prepared as I could be. It breaks my heart that he is unable to communicate effectively, as social as he is by nature. I just hope he gets the help he needs.

12 comments:

Brynn said...

hi! i was so relieved to read your post today. i was hoping all was well. i, too, am an IF graduate with two little miracles. just wanted to let you know that i am a speech pathologist, and even though you don't know me, you can feel free to ask me questions about nate's speech. keep feeling better!

Rachel said...

Yay for 11 weeks! I'd love to hear more about speech therapy as my daughter also has a significant speech delay (about 5 words at 21 months). We keep putting off therapy because our pediatrician is not sure how effective they can be with her yet, so I'd love to hear about your experience.

Maryanne said...

YIpppie! Great news on the new little one! Keep it up!

Maryanne said...

YIpppie! Great news on the new little one! Keep it up!

Katie said...

First off, congratulations on the healthy pregnancy! And you are almost to the second trimester. . . how exciting!

Secondly, I am so sorry to hear about Nate and his language development. As a mom, I know that must hurt. BUT I also know many, many kids who were a bit delayed and caught up NO PROBLEM, especially with a bit of assistance. I can't wait to see some posts about his success!

Take care of yourself!

Natalie said...

Fantastic!!

Anonymous said...

Our 3 year old has some communication issues too as a result of being a slow-to-develop eater of all things due to a gag reflex of some kind (even had to see a speech path to teach him how to swallow). The specialists are awesome though, and he's doing fantastic with his communication now. You're addressing it early, which makes a big impact too. Best to you and your fam.

Melissa said...

Kristen, I've been waiting so impatiently for updates on your blog - don't keep us in suspense! I hope your pregnancy is going well. Hope you update soon. :)

Bec said...

Hope you are doing well xxx

Ashley said...

Hope all is going well and you come back with an update soon.

Maryanne said...

Thinking of you and hoping all is well!

Kristin said...

Hello! I know you don't know me, but we've got something in common. I got your blog address off the Stirrup Queen's blogroll and was wondering if you wouldn't mind helping me help a couple who is trying to add a little one to their family. We're holding a silent auction for them this weekend (Friday and Saturday) on goteamwitt.blogspot.com and need help getting the word out! We would love it if you would spread the word via social media or here on your blog. Additionally, we are always looking for more donations to auction off, so if you or someone you know might be interested in making a donation, all the information is under the donate tab. If you have any questions or would be willing to post a pre-written blog post about the auction and the sponsored couple, please contact Kristin at goteamwitt@gmail.com Thanks in advance for taking the time to consider this!