My first doctor's visit

Monday I had my first visit to the doctor. It was wonderful - our doctor is fantastic and spent a lot of time with us - asking us questions, and answering our questions. We are so thankful to have such a caring and meticulous doctor.

During the visit, the doctor wanted to verify how far along I was, so we did an exam and attempted to hear the heartbeat. But because of the position of my cervix, it was not possible to hear the heartbeat. We were asked to come back for an ultrasound. Considering that I am only 10-11 weeks is also a reason that they might not have been able to find the heartbeat. Not to mention, the doctor thought I was too small to really be as far as I thought I was........

Of course, the 48 hours following our visit were SCARY! While my gut told me that everything was fine (and of course the queasiness and fatigue and overheated feeling that randomly overcomes me and excessive thirst), there was some worry. I wanted to get in sooner, but it was not possible. I read everything I could find about not finding a heartbeat this soon, and everything I read reassured me to the fact that most likely, everything was fine. The doctor did not really seem worried either - she just wanted to do the ultrasound to verify my due date, which she quoted as Sept 3.

When we finally got in for the ultrasound, I thought I was going to be sick! I was so nervous - and immediately, when she started the procedure, we could see BABY! Baby McCool is an energetic one, just like his/her mom - didn't want to sit still at all! The heartbeat was about 162 beats/minute - perfect speed! With the help of two different ultrasounds, we verified my due date and that there is only ONE baby. The doctor thinks I could be further along by a day or two, but we are going to keep my due date for Sept 3. Everything looks great! Baby McCool is about a thumb's length long - 4 centimeters. Amazing!

During it all, I wanted to cry - it was just so amazing and I felt such relief! We go back in 4 weeks for our next check up. Oh - and today I wore maternity pants for the first time (thanks for sending them mom!) - I was tired of not being able to button my pants and wearing a belt to keep them up (the rubber band thing isn't working for me!). The maternity pants are much more comfortable. People at work must think I am slacking on my running (which I am) since my belly just looks pudgy to the normal person. But I know the real secret........

Hope you enjoy the pics below!