I can’t believe it’s been a year since I first blogged about squirting my cat to keep her off the baby. Nowadays, my daughter V will push her away and say “Noooooo, kitty!” or “Off, kitty!” She shares my feelings about that pest. I haven’t needed the squirt bottle in a long time. When I first started blogging, I was trying to be like other bloggers I’d read. I’m happy to see how my blog has evolved into my own voice, and not an imitation of what I think is popular.
I know what you’re thinking: OUT WITH IT!
I had my genetic ultrasound this afternoon. The doctor was an hour late, so the anxiety that built up was terrible. I managed to not be nervous about it for the whole week. Thank goodness the appointment coincided with the end of my semester, so I was so preoccupied and busy with grading, planning, and cleaning that I barely had time to worry. Okay, I worried, but I didn’t have time to obsess.
The doctor didn’t see anything on the ultrasound to make him suspicious of a Down Syndrome diagnosis. The heart, kidneys, bladder, and brain all looked normal and healthy. The only thing he wished he could see was the face. He wanted a measurement of the nasal bone, but the baby was bashful and faced my spine the whole time. We go back next week for that measurement, at which time the doctor said he’ll be able to change my 1:53 number to something higher. I was so happy to see a healthy heart, I wasn’t even disappointed to miss the face. This time.
He also said he wants to make sure there’s no cleft palate. Great! Something I FORGOT to worry about that I’m now totally worried about. Just kidding. I am not doing anything tonight but grinning ear to ear. And also worrying about a cleft palate.
So this will be a short one, since I need to get back to grinning.
After the ultrasound, the doctor sat down with us and said that he catches 98 out of 100 fetuses with Down Syndrome. “Out of every 100, I’ll miss two,” he cautioned us, “because they look normal.” Then he gave his advice about the amnio. “If you plan to terminate, then you have to have an amnio, because you must be absolutely sure. But if your position is that you will have this baby no matter what the amnio shows, then I see no reason to have it.” Odie had the words out before I could even open my mouth.
“We’re not terminating, no matter what.”
“Great,” the doctor smiled. “Then I’ll see you in a week, and congratulations on your baby girl.”
The Friendly Pedant by Mrs. Odie 
Awwww! Ooooooooooh! I just popped by to see if you were up and about – and there I find – only minutes old – such wonderful news!
A baby girl……………V will have a baby sister! I’m getting all goose-bumpy, remembering – 35 years ago – when the Doc told me I had a baby girl – a 5 lb. 14 oz baby girl! I will never forget………….May your baby girl and her big sister, bring you and Mr. Odie a joy-filled life…..Congratulations!!……………Rosemary
Congratulations to you Mr & Mrs Odie!
I hope the cheeky little babe is more co-operative at the next ultrasound.
xo
Congrats on the one-year blog! There must be something about January as I have seen many bloggers start in Jan. My anniversary is same day as yours, but it is 2 years now. It is my middle son’s b-day, which motivated me to use that date as a deadline to start my blog.
I had my 3rd baby at age 38 and I remember refusing the blood tests because they were so unreliable. Instead I asked for an ultrasound to view certain criteria as this doc of yours is doing. I remember having an u/s with my 2nd son at 17 weeks and the tech couldn’t see the proper # of arteries in the cord. Two weeks later she did. When I told this story to the doc who did the u/s for baby #3, he basically said “Duh, you can’t fully see the arteries until 19 to 20 weeks.”
I’m on the side of the fence that believes that early tests and u/s cause lots of worries to the parents. A common worry is when the placenta attachment is seen as low. Then later on it usually is seen higher up in the uterus, but it results in so much stress for the mom and so many u/s.
I wonder if moms also worry more these days because there are so many stories–stories that were not out there pre-blogs 10 years ago.
Here’s hoping your 2nd 20 weeks will be less worrisome.
I’m a new reader, and I really enjoy your writing Mrs Odie. Honest and witty. 🙂
A couple things. I have a cleft palate, and in my opinion, don’t waste your week worrying about the small possibility. Sure, it’s a pain in the ass for the parents in the beginning (feeding), but the repairs are amazing. In the long run, it’s a non-issue.
Also, I happened to check the KH blog yesterday (I do enjoy it in small increments), and then I watched the new episode of 30 Rock last night. Have you seen it yet? Dying! They were making fun of dramatic soundtrack-moments. Lo & behold, the song used to signify a cheeseball moment on 30 Rock is the same song opening on the KH blog.
I will never bring up KH again, but a little irony never hurt anybody. 😉 Congratulations on your 2nd little lady, how fun!
AHH! We have two girls and I love it. I was actually excited to see another girl and not one bit sad that I won’t have one of each. I love Odie’s comment and both of your perspective on keeping the baby no matter what. I hope you are experiencing 2nd trimester bliss! Cheers…Sarah
I,too, popped over to see what’s happenin’ in OdieWorld. CONGRATS!!!!! Yay! Whoop whoop! Baby V gets a little sister – I’m so happy for you!!
We really wanted a girl with a healthy heart and are overjoyed at the news. But we have no idea what to name her!
Please….just don’t name her Lainey or Nella!!! HAHA. I wouldn’t put it past one of the crazed KH fans however.
What was the story behind V’s name?
I thought about my favorite childhood characters, movies, books, and actresses. I thought of “The Mists of Avalon,” then “Gone with the Wind.” Scarlet was a veto by Odie. The name of the Lady of the Lake in the first novel was the same as the name as one of my favorite childhood actresses. As soon as I suggested it, we both loved it. This time around, I brought up the name Hazel. “Watership Down” is an all-time fave. But Odie vetoed that, adding, “Why don’t we just name her ‘Bigwig.'” Which is actually a good joke.
CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you and Mr Odie, but mostly for Baby V. I have one sister (who finally arrived after THREE brothers – bah) and she is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Our relationship is amazing and makes me think that all little girls should have a sister – it is just the most wonderful gift. Sorry, didn’t mean to be so vom-inducing, I’m just delighted for you!
Take my mother’s advice that she gave me when pregnant. Enough worries! When we were in the womb women took ONE test. The pregnancy test given by the Dr. The test came back postive and then no more tests for 9 months. Seriously. Just stop. You will love this baby up with all your might and a zillion tests showing you glimpses of the future will not begin to paint the picture of what is to come. YOUR baby. Enjoy these last few months/ week. Maybe the last you will ever have a little person in your belly. He/She will be perfect because they are yours.
Feeling like your big sister tonight….
🙂