16 week appointment - boy or girl?

I arrived thirty minutes early for my appointment this morning.  I have no idea how I managed that one as the calendar at home and on my phone had my appointment marked as 9:00.  I decided to check in and wait in case the doctor was able to see me sooner, but that did not work out for me.  I didn't get called back for my ultrasound until 9:50.  By that time I was ready to scream with impatience and nerves.

The sonographer was able to take multiple clear images of little spark.  She was amazed by how well baby did at showing off heart, organs, brain so she could take a good look.  She said that seeing the four chambers of the heart clearly at sixteen weeks is very, very unusual.  Good job, little spark.

The tech was the same one we saw when we went in last February to look at Charlotte's heart. She remembered me, asked how old Charlotte is now.  When I told her what happened she stopped scanning, rubbed my arm, said she was sorry.  There were tears from that point on, not copious amounts, but little ones that slipped out now and again.  She kept scanning but would pause every now and again to pat my leg or rub my arm.

Here's what I love about receiving ultrasounds at this clinic:

a) Every room has a screen mounted on the wall so I can see what the sonographer is seeing.  I don't have to crane my neck, or try to sneak a peek while they scan.
b) They talk you through what they are doing.  They explain what they are seeing, point out different organs, make comments on your baby, and generally make the entire process easier (for this mama at least)
c) Every now and again, like today, they offer to show you a 3-D picture
d) Every tech is kind, compassionate, and good at their job

Baby did so well, and showed itself so well I didn't even have to see the doctor. I went from the ultrasound room to the waiting room and then back to an exam room to meet with the midwife.  We had a better encounter this time.  She only made one snarky comment about my nauturopath, lack of pelvic exams, and lack of general physical exams.  I just smiled and moved the conversation on to the amount of screening, tests etc. I will have in the third trimester.  I am realizing that this midwife, much as she annoys me, is the keeper of the kingdom, so to speak, and I need her on my side.

I was so relieved to be done with the appointment I stopped at my favorite fast food place on the way home. Their hamburgers are made from hormone free local beef so I don't feel very guilty about consuming them.  The guy at the register next to mine ordered three cheeseburgers and then proceeded to stare at me when I ordered a double cheeseburger, a cheeseburger and French fries. Seriously, his mouth was hanging open.  I wanted to explain that technically I was only having two cheeseburgers and therefore had plenty of room for fries, but he was holding up the line so I just turned and smiled at him.

And now that you've read through all of that, here comes the big reveal:

IT'S A BOY!!!!

Pardon the slightly scary 3-D image.  Sweet boy doesn't have much fat on him yet.  Mama intuition was right again.  I'm two for two.

After my cheeseburger fest I stopped at the store and bought three little outfits (and a candy bar. Good thing the guy from lunch didn't see that indiscretion) to wrap up and give to J when he came home from work.

One for mama (it says I love mommy), one for daddy, and one for Charlotte. The little brother onesie is preemie size, which means little spark will most likely never wear it, but I saw it, I wanted it, it was on clearance ... I'm hormonal and happy, do I really need to explain myself? 

Back in four weeks for a more in-depth look at little spark's organs.  So far, all is well.  And, exhale ... 

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