Latest Doctor Appointment

Nothing much to report, other than everything with the baby is good. We got to hear the heart, which beats at a techno speed of like 120-170 beats per minute. Areti asked the nurse if she thought it was a boy, to which the nurse gave a solid answer of maybe. It was very non-committal response.

Baby Names

After reviewing the Social Security Administration's list of common baby names for the year 2005 we are in the clear with our choices. I feel bad for the little girls out there that were named after the baby on "Friends".

First Weird Cravings

As if the sonogram was not proof enough, it's offical she's pregnant!

The first of the weird cravings - Peanut Butter and Jelly with Utz Sour Cream and Onion potato chips. For anyone wanting to try this concoction at home; only buy the ripple cut chips because the regular chips are sub standard.

Gathering of Information

After reading through our Obstetrics package we've ended up with some of our questions answered, but mainly a new set of questions to look into. Fortunately Inova has some great resources and a customizable calendar that shows relevant dates during the pregnancy.

Now all we have to do is a ton of paper work and review the next set of tests that will be done at the next appointment:

• CVS Chorionic Villus Sampling - A genetic test to determine the presence of chromosomal problems.
• AFP+ Maternal Serum Screening - A test to determine risks of low birth weights and certain types of birth defects (spina bifida, Down syndrome, etc).

Sonogram Number One

On the second day of Janurary 2007 we had our first sonogram, and it was amazing. The baby is 4.5cm long, roughly eleven weeks old and scheduled to arrive on 7/25/2007!

While mom was not to thrilled to be seeing Dr. Hou, as opposed to her regular female doctor, I like him and his flamboyant nature helped to put me at easy. He checked for twins but fortunately we dodged that bullet, as we both agreed we'll have our hands full with just one baby.

It was so exciting to see the tiny little heart beat go and the little nubs that will soon be the arms and legs! The doctor said that everything looks good so far but there isn't much you can tell this early. The next appointment is 1/29, so we should know more then.