Oh, what a wonderful feeling...

It has been a while since my last post...mostly due to the fact that I had my in-laws visiting from India! My MIL was here of course, but later my FIL, BIL and SIL (and her bro) all arrived. So, to say that I was lacking time, would be an understatement :) It is fun though to have all of this family at home - but between trips to the mall, to NYC and the cruise, (oh, and a trip to NH for work), I've been more traveling than I had thought I ever would during my pregnancy! Thankfully, there have been no issues, but I do feel worn out from all the travel - and not to mention, my 'wonderful' lower back pain!

On June 17th, I went to Good Sam hospital for my very ultrasound for an Early Screen test (to test for Down Syndrome) that I opted for. Unless you've been through an experience like this, there is very little I can say to describe the feeling. It is amazing; my first thought was "whoa" - there is actually a little one with all these moving parts inside of me!!! Scary! But, within 10 secs, I became a ball of emotions...and started crying! It was so beautiful to see my little one! But the main reason we were there, of course, was for the test - and unfortunately, my baby was having fun looking directly at us (and it looked like he/she was slightly waving!) so therefore was not in the right position for the test. I tried walking around, going to the bathroom, singing Bollywood/Punjabi songs while lightly tapping my belly - but baby was completely stubborn and didn't want to move. After 30 minutes, we had to give up and re-schedule for another ultrasound.

On June 23rd, we went to Bethesda North for the follow-up ultrasound, keeping our fingers crossed that baby would cooperate; since this is an Early Screen, you can only test up until 13 weeks 6 days...and I believe at that point, I was 13 weeks 4 days - and since we were on our way to NJ/NYC for the weekend - and stopped at the hospital in between - this was the last day I could take this test (there is a Quad Screen you can take after 14 weeks, but considering they charged me for the last ultrasound as well, I wanted to ensure that this test went through to ease my apprehensions and make sure everything was OK with my little one!). This time, the baby was in the right position. Since the whole family was with me, my MIL, BIL, SIL all got to see baby...they were all so amazed by the ultrasound and seeing the movement!

We spent the weekend in NJ/NYC - it was fun, but I have to say, I cannot do the long drives any longer. My back was aching the entire trip...thankfully, I was called in to go to NH for work, so I took a flight from Atlantic City to NH and then back home...I was saved the return journey!

At that point, I was not showing - but yes, had gained weight so was feeling chubby all over. No one at work noticed that I was chubby, or even if they did, did not say anything - so def did not look "pregnant." Even now, at 17 weeks, I'm not "showing" - just looking chubby. I'd rather be showing though, at least people would know there is a reason why I'm gaining this weight ;)

On June 29th, on my way home from the NH office, heading to the hotel (it was a Tuesday and I was fasting - and hungry!) - I first felt a flutter :) I first thought it can't be possible to feel something so early...after all, I was only 14 weeks! So, I felt it TWICE...and dismissed it. But, the next day, I was speaking to Falak who told me that her bhabhi (Kashmira), who is about as far along as I am, also started to feel flutters in week 14, I knew what I felt was the same! I didn't feel the flutters again for a while, but now, at week 17 I feel them all the time - especially when I'm hungry!!! I think this is baby's way of saying "helloooo...I'm here...feed me!!!" lol. Saurabh still continues to rub my belly every night, wishing he could feel the baby too...but I'm sure the little one is comforted and feels snug by his touch :) Once, when Saurabh was in Atlanta and I was home - and I was really missing him! - as soon as I heard Saurabh's voice I felt flutters a couple of times. Looks like baby was missing daddy :)

Since I fast on Tuesdays - it's getting harder and harder to keep the fast, even though I'm allowed to have fruits, milk and one meal of halwa/kheer & poori. I'll be happy when the 21 fasts are complete, but have faithfully kept each one :) Aug 17th will be the completion date!

Interesting fact: the baby is now almost 6 inches, and weighs 4 ounces! WOW :) You're getting bigger every day, my sona!!!

At this point - I do still feel tired, but it's not as much as I usually used to feel. My back pain is unrelenting, and I'm in desperate need of a massage! Also, while on the cruise, not sure what happened but it feels like I pulled a muscle or a nerve is acting up on my upper-inside thigh. It hurts every time I try to stretch my leg (especially while sleeping) and def cannot sit cross legged since I can't bend it! I guess all these aches and pains are a normal part of pregnancy - I'm still happy that my pregnancy has been fairly smooth, aside from these small bumps.
Update: I read up on the pain I've been feeling, and it turns out that it may be "sciatic nerve" pain, which occurs commonly during the pregnancy. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, to the back of the legs/feet. You can read more on this at: Sciatic Nerve Pain

My next appointment is on July 31st - and I will be 19 weeks at that point :) I can't wait to schedule my ultrasound in which I'll find out whether baby is a he or a she!!!! :) I'm so excited!

Love you, my little one! I'm counting the days until I can hold you in my arms and kiss you!!!