18 week ultrasound

"You two do good work."

That was the report from the doctor at our 18-week anatomical scan today. I technically hit the 19-week mark this weekend. Can you tell I want time to fly?

I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Although I realize that things can turn on a dime, this felt like one of those big hurdles cleared.

Missy was moving all over the place but ended up cooperating for the important shots - including what I called the sitting-on-the-photocopier-shot, which proved that she definitely is a little girl. "Don't EVER do that when you are big," I admonished her, eliciting chuckles from Cowboy and the male ultrasound tech. I feel slight movements nearly every day, which is the most reassuring pregnancy "symptom" I've had so far.

Our ultrasound tech was terrific. He told us at the end of the ultrasound that he was glad he had us as patients and that everything was okay. He had had two patients earlier in the day that he discovered "really bad news" on their ultrasounds. My heart just went out to those women and men. Cowboy and I went to a late lunch afterward and I felt guilty sitting there all happy with my prospects when there were two couples out there who were staring down the barrel of one of the worst weekends of their lives.

I wish them some peace wherever they are in P-town.

On Monday I leave for a two-week long business trip (apologies in advance if I am not posting or checking up too often). I've promised myself that the real planning will begin when I return: 529 college plan, a will, crank up the life insurance policy and - maybe - some nursery furniture sourcing.

On another cute note, Cowboy is definitely prepping for the baby in his own cowboy way. He was the one who researched ALL the 529 plan information so now we just have to decide on which route we will go. And last weekend - when I was at the baby shower - he went to the mountain where there happened to be a junior ski competition. He made sure he watched the girl's race.