Cale Baby Bump...20 Weeks

 20 WEEKS

April 1, 2012

First things first.  We had our level 2 sonogram this morning and the ultrasound technician and Doctor both think Cale looks just fine.  His tummy did not appear large and there were no other issues found during the scan.  The Doctor does want to see us back in 12 weeks (June 26) to double check amniotic fluid levels.  The way he explained it…to the best of my recollection at least!:  

 Sometimes babies have a sphincter muscle in their tummy that is not quite working properly and may cause too much fluid to build up in the tummy.  He said there isn’t really any way to measure this while Cale is in utero; however, what we can do is check back when I am around 32 weeks pregnant to see if the amniotic fluid levels appear high.  If they are high, then it is possible Cale might need a very simple laparoscopic surgery to correct the problem once Cale is born.   

So that is very good news!   The Doctor again reassured us before we left that he really thinks Cale looks like a healthy boy growing in there and he doesn’t believe there will be any issues.  Whew!  Big weight off of my shoulders, I tell you what.

Here’s some photos of Cale during today’s sonogram….he’s such a busy little guy!

Cale's profile...and his little hand waving to say, "Hey guys, I'm ok!"

Look at that adorable little hand!  All five fingers, incredible!

While it appears Cale is healthy and I am extremely thankful and relieved, I know this is not the case for so many other mommies and daddies and babies out there.  And my heart goes out to them.  Just the possibility that something could be wrong with your baby is scary and emotional…let alone that possibility becoming a reality.  Life.  I cannot hardly begin to imagine what other families go through.  

Thank You, Jesus for Cale’s health as well as Charlotte’s.  Thank You.

Over the past few days we have been so blessed through words of encouragement and prayer from friends and family!  On Saturday we ran to the store to grab a few things and when we returned there was a Baby gift bag sitting on our front porch.  Some friends of ours had visited a little sale and picked up some baby boy clothes for Cale and also written us a very sweet note.  I felt so loved and my heart just swelled…as did my eyes with tears ;)  So blessed by Jesus through our dear friends!

Cale- you are one lucky guy!  So many people already love you! 

Cale is weighing in around 11 ounces- that’s one full ounce more than he weighed on Friday!  He is about as long as a banana and still hanging out on my right side.  He’s is moving all over though!  Friday his head was smooshed down low on my right side and his feet were up towards my rib cage.  Today Cale was completely turned around with his head up high and his feet kicking around down low.  Must be fidgety like his Mommy!  Cale’s brain and heart all look beautiful too.  And we were able to count his toes and fingers during the sonogram.  10 of each, 5 on each hand and/or foot.  We checked out his little face again too, with his sweet little nose and mouth.  He doesn’t seem to suck on his fingers like his big sister Charly always did (and still does!)  He’s practicing breathing too, we saw his tummy rise and fall as he breathed in and out.  His heart is strong at 145 BPM…a lovely sound to hear.  

I am feeling good.  My legs already feel like heavy weights when I am out walking (especially hills) and I feel like I must be 50 pounds heavier than I actually am when I try to breathe while walking….but overall I am good.  I am still doing my pregnancy work-out every morning and loving the stretches, so I figure I can’t be in TOO bad a shape.  I’ve gained around 10-12 pounds so far, which is pretty on target.  I’m still refusing pregnancy pants, but I am not sure I will need any.  Since it’s already 80 degrees and sunny most days around here.  I think I will survive just fine with dresses and skirts.  I did; however, attempt to sew a band onto an old pair of jeans I cut off into shorts though.  And they seem to work pretty well.  I don’t have any other jeans I am willing to cut up…so I may need to invest in a pair of maternity shorts for Hawaii and summer activities that may be tough to do in a skirt!

Cale doesn’t seem to like carrots like Charlotte did.  Remember, I ate carrots like crazy when I was pregnant with Charlotte!  I tried to eat some carrots this weekend and I ended up just feeling a bit ick after two.  Cale prefers cinnamon rolls…which I am baking today.  He also likes tomatoes, salsa and espinaca.  He’s a healthy one, isn’t he?

Goodness, Cale.  I am so glad I get to refer to you by name now.  And pray for you by name…and “introduce” you by name.  And I am so thankful you are okay.  So, very thankful.  I love you, Cale…love, Mommy.