Ultrasound is Amazing!

Our little Warrior at 21 1/2 weeks! He was so active it was tough getting a look at his face front on.
See his foot up against his head? He's folded in half--that's what you can do when you don't have a fully developed hip bone apparantly! Isn't this amazing!

it's a boy, by golly!

Yep, that's right we're having a boy! We awaited the day of finding out with much anticipation. I went back and forth between finding out, but I really really wanted a boy because all my life I wished I had an older brother. Well, I got my wish and I have a feeling a little charma with it too! At 21 weeks I still hadn't felt him move. Everyone thought I was weird, even my doctor. I think cuz its my first I didn't know what to expect, but it happened this week. Right at 21 weeks he has COME ALIVE!!! He is so active! During the hour we spent for our ultrasound he wouldn't stop moving. Even as I type he's having a hay-day. I know I'll have my HANDS FULL! I know its payback for the child I was and I know Ryan was quite the character too! We're so excited. I couldn't help by lose my breath watching the baby move, yawn, kick, roll over, give us the peace sign (I have a pic to prove it). It was awesome! What a blessing! We couldn't be happier. I just want him here! Now we just have to settle on a name...its been tough agreeing for boy names but as Ryan says "we have some good ones to work with". I'm starting on the baby's room next week (cleaning it out that is). Thankfully it appears he is growing right on track and healthy as far as can be told!! What a blessing!

official announcement

head, shoulders, knees, and toes!

Well, I'm 11 weeks pregnant and we had our second doctor's visit. Ryan had his first experience in an ob/gyn office and it was comical to say the least. I actually had a great line, which we agreed was quite hilarious. So I was getting undressed and into the hospital gown for my visit and as usual I was concerned about hiding my under garments from the doctor's view so he wouldn't see them. Well, while I was lying on the table I noticed my bra strap was visible and I asked if he could cover it up. He then looked at me and said, "You're worried about a bra strap when he's gonna be doing a whole lot more than that..." Oh man, so true but I was really worried about that. So, we survived the visit to say the least. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat and see it move around quite a bit. It was very active. I'm right where I should be for 11 weeks! Things are going well and it was awesome to see that its not a blob anymore, there's a head, fingers, arms, etc. We're excited!

pregnancy costs!

So, I just couldn't resist this quick post...so Ryan and I have been saving our nickles and dimes (ok way more than that) for this baby. We both work for small employers so we are stuck with High Deductible Health Plans (at least we have them, well that's the gist of this story). So we complain and worry about how much this baby will cost and hope that the $6000 we've saved so far in our handy-dandy HSA accounts will be enough. Well, today I almost had to put the baby (who is only the size of a walnut right now) on the black market because I got our first lab bill and the opening line said "amount billed: $918.25). HOLY COW!!! That was just ONE lab visit and I've heard there will be plenty more to come! Yikes! So then I freak out and quickly scroll down and pray there is better news...and there is! Althought our insurance sucks compared to some (we have a $2500 annual deductible and then have to pay like 20% up to the cal year max out of pocket of $4000-if you do everything by the insurance's book, and this baby will take up not 1 but 2 years worth of deductibles might I add) it will be a great asset due to the contracted rates between hospitals, labs and doctors and Blue Shield! What a relief when I saw that I am only responsible to the lab for $120.11. Whew, the baby is safe (for now)! So, my advise get a crappy/cheap plan if you have to to avoid cash pay prices. Plus, with the HSA accounts Ryan and I can both put away $2800 a year each for medical expenses for anyone in the family and it rolls over each year (and makes interest) forever. Plus, the premiums are low like $130/month and our employers do contribute $600-800 a year into the accounts so they will be helping to financially pay for this pregnancy. Thank you! Another reason to support lower premiums on insurance and bring it to all Americans!

Initial Doctor's Visit with OB: $102.44

First Lab Tests: $120.11

Our first baby: Priceless

Coming Spring 2009!

That's right folks! We have a baby on board! Its quite surreal and isn't yet a reality. We are very excited though since I had many fears this day wouldn't come. So, the world will be moved in ways never known to man before when Baby Beck enters the world March 2009! We couldn't be happier!

My first visit to the doctor: (6 weeks)

Its pretty much just a blobb, but amazingly the doc could see a heartbeat (good sign to calm my fears). So, I just trusted him (and the 4 pregnancy tests I took) that I am indeed PREGNANT!

All Ryan keeps asking is if its a boy or a girl. I just keep telling him we've got a while before we can find out. Seeing as he's never really held a baby before this will be an exciting ADVENTURE!