12 Weeks and 4 Days -- Our Little Kickboxer

Today I had two separate doctor visits within a few hours of each other. My first was at my OB's office and I just had to do some paperwork and get a swab culture. Nothing crazy. My doctor wasn't aware, though, that my cerclage was going to be placed and since he was a bit a against me getting one (because he is so sure that it was solely the infection last time) he was a little upset. He's worried about the risks of the procedure itself, but in all honesty I trust the specialist's experience over his in this area. The risks of waiting and seeing if there will be any changes to my cervix are much more worrying to me than the slight possibility of infection during the procedure (which is his main concern). The good news is that my Perinatologist is going to call him today or tomorrow and have a lengthy discussion with my OB about why he is suggesting this to be done.

Right after that appointment I went to my Peri. for my weigh-in, ultrasound, NT defect screening and blood screening. Our little tummy tenant was kicking up a storm! I couldn't believe how feisty this little bugger was being. The heartbeat was around 158 or so but I don't remember exactly. My mom and I got to see this perfect little nose and mouth, tiny little feet and long skinny legs, swallowing movements, hands jabbing, and lots of stretching!

The NT stands for Nuchal Translucency, or Neural Tube, and the screening is to detect chromosomal abnormalities and other issues. My specialist wanted to have this done prior to the cerclage just in case there is anything unusual with the baby, but no matter what this were to show I will be carrying this baby. The NT screening is done on the nape of the neck and came back that baby was in the "upper end of normal, so that's good!" The blood test will tell me in a week or so the rest of the results. So far everything looks great though! At first I wasn't sure that I really needed the test because like I said, I will love this baby no matter what, but later on I understood the reasoning for them wanting to know more about this little one's health.

Here is some of the kicking that we caught on video:

Some legs and arms (and a face peek at 0:43):

A face and some feeties <3:

My cerclage is going to be done next Friday at the same hospital that I was supposed to deliver Evelyn in, and the hospital I first went to when I was in labor (before being transported). Please wish us luck <3.