20 Weeks

I am officially over the hump on the downward slope to having our little girl. I can't wait. I had my 20 week visit on the 21st of January and according to the doctor, everything is progressing well. The baby's heart rate remains in the 150's and the ultrasound pictures and info from the previous month shows everything is right on track. No abnormalities noted and the baby is growing at a normal rate. I had my belly measured, 20 cm, which does match to the weeks I've been pregnant. I only gained 2 pounds this past month and in total, I have been staying within the weight gain recommendation. I have started to feel movement this past week. It is so incredible and surprising. One minute nothing and then this bigger flutter movement and ooohhhh. It makes you stop what you are doing to pay attention wanting more.
This past month, sleeping has become a bit uncomfortable. I am not used to sleeping on my side, so I am continuously tossing and turning. Now that my belly is getting bigger, it is not as easy getting in and out of bed along with repositioning. I would have never thought it would take much effort just to turn from one side to the other, but it does. It is almost like a straining feeling. Not sure how else to explain it. At times, David will come up to me and want to tickle, and I am begging him to stop. Tickling is not tickling anymore. It is a straining feeling in the abdomen and that does not feel comfortable at all. So he has backed off from that, well for the time being anyway. The hormones are up and down all the time. I will be laughing and fine one minute, then all of a sudden start crying. I realize what is happening, however I can't help myself. I don't like that part of the pregnancy. I don't feel in control, and for you that know my very well, I have a hard time not being in control.
David and I have started talking names, however it is a slow process. We have very different taste in names, so we are just waiting to come up with one that will be a hit for the both of us. Our next appointment with the doctor is on the 18th of February. I can't believe I will be six months at that point. It all seems like yesterday that David and I started the IVF process.

It's a......

On 31st of December, David and I had our first ultrasound since the implantation. We were excited to see how the baby has grown and to hopefully find out what the sex of the baby was going to be. As soon as we saw the baby on the screen, we both were completely amazed. The last time we saw the baby, the baby was in its yolk sac. So there was no form of a baby grown yet. This time, we saw our baby for which seemed like the first time. The best part was watching the baby stretch and move around. Unfortunately I couldn't feel anything, however our hearts just grew with all this love. The other best part was finding out that we are having a baby GIRL!!!!! The technician checked at 4 different times. This was due to the positioning of the baby, because she wasn't really cooperating. However, by the end of the ultrasound, the technician was pretty sure that we were having a girl showing and describing her on the screen. We received pictures of her and one of the pictures is in 3D, which is in color verses and black and white image.
Now the planning begins. David has started looking at cribs and there has been some talk of names, however we have a difficult time agreeing on names that we both like. I'm not worried. I now we will find a name that will be perfect for her. On Saturday night I was lying on the couch resting my hand on the side of my belly and out of no where I felt a movement across my hand. I couldn't feel anything inside, only on my hand. I can't even describe the feeling I had at that moment. But I feel more connected than ever to our baby. I can't wait for her arrival, to see what she looks like, and the personality to come. I am overcome with joy and excitement. My next visit to the doctor is on the 17th of January.