We are making it official. We are expecting a second baby! Brandon's new little brother or sister is due to arrive on January 28th, 2011. Although it has been secret to our blog until now, we have been able to see our new little one on the ultrasound three times already. It is so amazing, even the second time around. It also seems a little surreal to us. Here we are on this adventure in a foreign country halfway around the world. Sometimes I feel that time has stopped, and we are just on a strange vacation. Life feels to be put on hold and static. It is almost not reality that a new little life is growing inside Mommy's tummy. But, then I look at how much Brandon has changed in the four months we've been here, and I realize that time is still moving. Our new baby is growing and already kicking his/her arms and legs. Life is moving. The picture posted shows a statue in my doctor's office waiting room. Knowing how the mother feels holding her child makes the art even more powerful.
This Saturday morning was a very special day. Daddy, Brandon, and both grandmas were able to go to my doctor's appointment. Since I'm at the end of the first trimester, I had the first trimester screening tests, which involved a thirty minute ultrasound and bloodwork.
We went in for the ultrasound first. Our little baby was very sleepy this morning, so Mommy had to go for a walk to get the baby to roll over. The doctor needed to get some particular measurements on the baby. I remember how active Brandon was at his ultrasound. I wonder how this new baby's personality will be compared to Brandon.
After the lengthy ultrasound process, I had to go for bloodwork. Unfortunately, the nurse couldn't find my vein. He also kept slapping my arm to get a vein which made me feel like I was going to pass out and/or throw up.
I took a break from the bloodwork to run upstairs for another test. When I returned another nurse was there, and she was able to get my vein rather quickly. I hate bloodwork!
I really like the obstetrician I have here. Different from the U.S., obstetricians do ultrasounds at every appointment here in SG. Very neat to see your baby so often. We will have another appointment in a month. I hope to scan and post some of the ultrasound pictures at some point. Oh, and by the way, many thanks to Jo and Kristie for watching Brandon while I have had doctor's appointments. It's been so wonderful not having to take Brandon along!
Everything on the ultrasound looked good. Since I've been feeling so tired and nauseous, I have lost a few pounds. I am slowly starting to get my appetite back. It has been amazing to have the grandmas here cooking for me. Home cooked food is hitting the spot!
When the nurse measured my height today, she said, "168 cm. Wow. You are very tall." Made me chuckle.
We are looking forward to meeting our new addition and introducing Brandon to his new sibling! We are so blessed!
