And it's a........

BOY!!!

We had our anatomy scan, well a couple weeks ago now.  Between work and vacation, I haven't been the greatest at updating what's going on.  The scan went better than expected, as my appointment was just a smidge early at 18.4 weeks.  The tech was able to see all the parts she needed to, and everything was in perfect working order.  We looked at Baby's heart, brain, spine, internal organs, blood flow, cord, placenta, and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting.  Then we had the "fun shots" where we got to see hands and feet, and a little face.  And of, course, that all important "It's a Boy!" shot. 

I'm still not feeling this kiddo move as much as I like.  He is moving for me, and it's getting stronger by the day.  But that dang anterior placenta is really hampering my ability to feel him.  I've had anterior placentas before, but this one must be in just the "right" spot. 

I'm done with all the first trimester symptoms, though some days I still find that I'm really tired.  Those days, I just tell myself that he is growing.  My heartburn is pretty well under control- as long as I remember to take my meds, and my appetite is back to normal.  My itching is getting bad again, similar to when I was pregnant with Mia.  I don't really like a lot of fabrics- or anything- close to my skin.  So I've really appreciated being able to wear a lot of loose dresses and skirts this summer.  There have been many times in the last few weeks where I have wished I could wear them to work, too!  I've been enjoying Eggo waffles for breakfast almost every morning- a food I never eat when I'm not pregnant, and I'm starting to crave red meat again.  In past pregnancies, this has been a sign of anemia in me, so I'll have to have that checked out at my next appointment. 

I can't believe we're halfway through this pregnancy!!! 

Here is the profile pic the tech got at the anatomy scan.  It's a little blurry, but kiddo was very active too.

We're "expecting" too!!!

Wait!  What???  How can our family be expecting too?  Well, we finally decided that it is time to add a puppy to our family.  We have decided on a Siberian Husky, and are waiting on a littler that is due on the 17th of this month.  So hopefully sometime in the next week!  Then we will have to wait until September to bring our puppy home. 

What does this have to do with surrogacy, you ask?

Well, when you're pregnant and adding a baby to your own family there is definitely an air of excited expectation.  Your family has to get ready- choosing a name, buying supplies, getting a room ready... all those kinds of things.  Carrying a surro baby, our family really doesn't have those things to look forward to.  Instead, we get to see Seth and Johnny making these preparations.  I'm having so much fun hearing about how they are going to decorate the nursery, and speculating about whether they are having a boy or a girl.  And it's driving me crazy that they won't tell me the names they have chosen!  I mean, I'd even take the top three!!!  ;)  Chris and I have even been invited to attend their baby shower in October- so we're making plans to be there. 

Now we have this puppy coming home to our family, and the puppy isn't even born yet.  So (in a very small way, I'm sure) I feel a bit like I imagine intended parents feel.  I'm anticipating the delivery, checking the breeder website multiple times a day for updates.  Chris and I have been talking about what changes will have to happen in our house for the puppy to come home.  We've been looking at crates, and toys, and dog runs.  And it took us almost two weeks to decide on a name that we are both happy with.  Very reminiscent of when we had our children....

Wishing that my breeder would update her website more often reminds me to keep the guys in the loop with what is happening here.  We're definitely in that calmer part of the pregnancy where something new doesn't happen every day.  And while this is my fifth pregnancy, it is still their first.

Here's to happy waiting all around!!!

This is our puppy's mom, Kady.

And this is our puppy's dad, Matar (like the "Mater" in Cars.)

If you are interested in peeking at our breeder site, the address is:
www.phichas-siberians.com