It's a girl!!!

We got to have our anatomy ultrasound on Tuesday and it was incredible! I mean the opportunity to finally get to see our sweet baby again was just unbelievably wonderful. I know that IVF ultrasounds are different but going from every other day ultrasounds to a 10 week gap between them can be rough! Even though there isn't much "fun stuff" to see on follicle ultrasound you still have them and the details they provide to keep you feeling updated and connected. Then, when you do get pregnant you get to do 2 early ultrasounds that natural pregnancies don't at 6 weeks and 7/8 weeks. So between the IVF, those 2 and the "new ob" ultrasound we went from seeing the progress tons to not at all! Now, we won't see the baby again at all until delivery unless other issues prompt extra ultrasounds. It just feels crazy and I'll admit had my anxiety a bit high for a while there. So... long story short I needed this ultrasound! It was soothing to my soul to say the least :)

Literally as soon as the screen popped on we saw our little GIRL'S bum and proof that she was in fact a she. Then proceeded to get a front row seat to a 45 min. show from Baby Dustin. She was super cooperative as far as showing off her cute little body except for her sweet face. So the tech did all her measurements and explaining while we waited hoping the little wiggle worm would put her arms down for us. She moved quite a bit and we were finally able to make sure things were ok with her facial features as well. We didn't get a super clear 3D shot of her face because she's right up against the placenta and there wasn't quite as much fluid as it needed. It happens to be right between her and my skin which I guess is the reason I haven't felt as much movement as I would like or expect (although I believe it is starting!). So again... very comforting! It's fairly normal and not a problem, just a little cushion. As far as we can tell, this little miracle is perfect in every way!

Guys I can't even begin to describe how insane of an experience baby ultrasound are. Knowing something is unmistakably living and growing inside you just keeps blowing my mind. I always knew it would be great and obviously I have wanted it for a very long time but it still just blows me away. Especially when you think about all of the milestones and development you've read about and see such movement, yet don't really feel a thing! I can't even really describe how I feel about it and I won't try because I've gushed enough already. I've struggled wanting to share everything and wanting to spare those still struggling with what I did for years and quite frankly always will. I don't want my happiness to cause anyone more pain for someone else but I also know that I never wanted anyone to hold back on my account either so I'm just doing the best I can to find balance in it all. But anyways, I feel so blessed and grateful to be experiencing any of this at all and I can't wait to meet this precious little miraculous blessing in 4 more short (oh so long) months!

P.S. Still feeling great! I've only gained back the weight I originally lost and I can feel what could be movement but am not sure about it and its not often. I definitely lean toward healthy food still but definitely have gotten a slight rise in desire for sugar. Sleep is slightly worse but not bad. My clothes still fit although pants are not comfortable to sit in anymore. Thats about all as far as "symptoms" go!

16 weeks, when my bump would still come and go as it pleased and most of my clothes hid it anyways!

20 weeks and starting to be able to disguise it less and less (not that I try :) )