Why I haven't blogged for the last 4 months...

I've admittedly been MIA in the cyber-world before, but this time I have an excuse. I've heard it said by many-a-mom that one of the (many) perks of having kids is that you have a ready-made excuse for all occasions. The house is dirty: kids. Late for church: kids. Ice cream and Cocoa Puffs for dinner: kids.

I'm only too happy to jump on this train. Haven't blogged in four months: baby!

Today, I had my 3rd pre-natal appointment. As I have quickly learned, not all pre-natal visits are full of excitement. Today's appointment consisted of getting my blood drawn (apparently for no reason; more on that later), peeing in a cup (a monthly event while pregnant), giving my weight and blood pressure, and listening to baby's heartbeat (by far, the most excitement of the day).

When my doctor came into the room, the first words out of her mouth, after greeting me and asking how I was feeling, were, "I have some bad news."

Not the first words (or really ever the words) you want to hear from a doctor, particularly when the visit is in relation to your soon-to-be firstborn child.

But she immediately followed it with, "Oh, nothing serious. They just drew your blood today for no reason."

Whew! Both mine and baby's hearts begin beating again.

Apparently, the nurses drew my blood for the second part of a two-part test to check the risk of potential genetic abnormalities. Unfortunately, the second blood sample has to be taken between 15 and 20 weeks.

I am 14 weeks and 6 days. Two days short.

But...I would rather toss the blood sample and get stuck again, if it means more accurate results. No harm done.

In other excitement, my doctor showed me how to feel the top of my uterus, upon my request. Right now, it is right at the level of my tan line (from Mexico). By week 20, it will be level with my belly button.

Aside from hearing the heartbeat, the second most exciting part of the visit was scheduling next month's appointment, where we get another ultrasound and find out if it's a BOY or a GIRL. Yes, we are planning to find out, and yes, we can hardly bear the anticipation. February 24. Mark your calendar!

Perhaps now that I've broken the non-blogging streak, I will be back here more often. Perhaps I will just continue to nap instead, as has become a daily routine lately.

Either way, I am pleased to imprint Baby Finan's first cyber-footprint (via a 10 1/2 week ultrasound picture) into the blogosphere.

Isn't it just the cutest picture you've ever seen? ;)