Thump, thump

Our doctor's appointment went really well -- and so quickly -- today. It pays to be the last patient in the door on a Friday, I suppose.

I have officially gained 12 pounds since our first visit. Being as we are approaching the halfway mark and my doctor's goal for me is to gain between 25 and 35 pounds, I think we're doing really well.

My blood pressure was fine as well -- 92 over 60 for those who understand (unlike me).

My only complaint going in to the appointment was more frequent headaches that have been making it hard for me to concentrate... or open my eyes most mornings. I've had migraine issues since early college, but I knew ways to keep them in check. Ways that aren't working in the pregnancy. I was told at our first appointment that my headaches will either entirely disappear throughout the pregnancy (hmrph, I wish!) or would continue/get worse. They're worse. The pregnancy-allowed Tylenol hasn't been cutting it either.
Our nurse today told us that sometimes low iron levels can cause that, but that my recent tests showed an iron level of 12.9. (Good is between 12 and 16, so that's fine, especially for someone who's had anemia issues in the past).
The doctor then suggested (surprisingly to me and Scott) that we put some caffeine back in my diet (I quit pretty much cold-turkey in December) and that I consider going to a chiropractor (which I didn't know was allowed for us expectant mommies) since something might be out-of-whack.
For now, we have a prescription that we're going to try out for a few days. (It's baby-safe, don't worry).

Now, thanks for your patience, but I know you all just want to hear about Little Baby Z. Well he/she is doing great!
We heard the heartbeat, which was in the 150s today. (Again, a perfect number!)
It was interesting because the doctor kept getting my heartbeat and the baby's heartbeat mixed in together and she said that it might have been that she found the umbilical cord -- how cool is that?!

Now the REALLY exciting news...
Our GENDER DAY (aka the fetal ultrasound) has been scheduled for March 26th. So, my birthday present to Scott (whose birthday is March 29, hint, hint!) is to let him know if he's having a baby girl or a little boy. We're really excited of course and welcome any guesses or hunches you might have.

Our next doctor's appointment is in early April -- and by then, Baby will be more than halfway through its journey and will be kicking the crud out me!

And as a final thought -- Baby Z has gotten some more outfits lately.
Debbie and Calvin (Scott's parents) got us a pack of pink onesies and a pack of blue onesies the other day -- they're very neutral!
Uncle Paul got Little Baby Z an outfit from Brazil on his most recent business trip -- can't WAIT to see it.
And, our newly-engaged friends Ashley and Tyler got the baby a Jacksonville Beach (in neutral red) bib during Ashley's recent trip down south.
Thank you all!

Much love,
The Zooks!