Perinatologist (I had to Google it too.)

Yesterday I had my appointment with the perinatologist.  I won't even try to lie and say I wasn't a nervous wreck.  Between worrying that something would be wrong and they would keep me in Norfolk (1.5 hours from home), everyone getting out of the house by 6:45 a.m., and the almost 2 hours in the car including dropping Avery off, I could feel I was just worked up.  I haven't even been upright or out for that long in 3 weeks.

They finally called us back, and of course the first thing they want is my BP, sitting up.  My doctor always takes it lying on my side, and that's how I take it at home.  It was high, and the bottom number was ridiculous.  They did the typical checks and then left us in the room to wait for the doctor.  I could feel my anxiety building.  The nurse came in with the doctor to check my BP again, and it was higher.  At that point, I started waving around my numbers from home.  I was not staying in the city.  The doctor had a good sense of humor, and after asking me some questions about my history, he sent me to get my US and said he'd see me when it was over.  When he asked if I had any questions, my only one was "Are you keeping me?"  He said at that point he saw no reason too.  Music to my ears.

He hurried along the ultrasound people, which is good because I was starving and thirsty.  The ultrasound lady was really nice, and I was pleased to hear that everything looked good while we watched on a TV screen.  It was LONG though.  She literally checked/measured every part of his body.  Everything looked great, and he's still a boy.  I didn't really expect any problems, but you just never know.  His stomach is measuring small, but all his other measurements were good, and his estimated weight was 4 lbs 11 oz.  I know those can be off, but I was thrilled to be over 4 lbs.  I was a little concerned with his stomach, because I know the high blood pressure can cause IUGR.  The lady took the report to a different doctor (apparently one that's only in the US department), and he was pleased and just recommened another check in 3 weeks to make sure he's growing enough.  I'm excited to see Sam again, but I'm hoping it won't be so long.  I was on my back so long that I got really hot and sweaty feeling and had to lay on my side for awhile.

It was back to the other side of the waiting room to see the doctor again after that.  We were starving.  Luckily they called us back pretty quickly but took my stinking BP again.  It had come down by that point so that was good.  I really think I need an anxiety pill before my blood pressure is checked.  My doctor had warned me that this doctor was big on IUGR and had told me not to worry if he said he suspected that.  However, he was pleased with all the measurements and how everything looked.  I'll see him in 3 weeks after the US, and I assume he'll decide if Sam needs to be born to gain weight or can wait until 37-38 weeks.  I'll be 36 weeks then so that's not a huge deal.  If that doctor is happy, I'm happy too.  He does not recommend me going past 39 weeks, so I'm thinking Sam will be here around the first week of March if things continue to go well.

Ned and I were both pleased when we left and hit up California Pizza Kitchen.  That involved some walking in the mall, but we won't tell anyone that.

During the US, I asked if they did any in 3D, and she said not unless they really needed to see something well.  But, she tried hard to get a picture of his face.  He wanted to hide behind his hands, but we got somewhat of an idea.  It's getting a little tight for 3D at 33 weeks.  I'm including Avery's 3D at 28 weeks, which was routine then at my doctor's office.  Hers is a little easier to see, but I do think I see some resemblance.

Here is Sam...

And here is Avery...

It's amazing to think that in 4-5 weeks Sam could be here and we can really see who he looks (and acts) like.