Big News: It's a........

GIRL!

We had the ultrasound this morning -

Dr. Soffici said she looks great - healthy, everything is in the right spot, right size, looks good... Heartbeat sounded strong: 146 bmp.
She is currently 10 inches long and weighs approximately 10 ounces.

We saw lots of neat views of the head/brain (the lobes), spine, ribs, the hands/arms were up around her head, fingers, legs, stomach/liver/intestines, thighs, feet... And then... the check between the legs where the was just a line and nothing else.

Therefore - we have another little girl on the way!

She was moving quite a bit!
We definitely got a few 'quit poking me' responses to his poking/prodding =).

We got a DVD of it too so if any of you are hanging out at our house and would like a viewing, just let us know =).

We're both excited (and Tom's relieved we don't now have to buy an entirely different wardrobe =)) and now have to figure out how to let Cyanne in on the little secret that is her little sister...

So - there you have it!

We're very thankful we have a healthy, strong little baby girl in there!
Now... we hope she keeps on growing and hanging out in there until mid-November!! No need to come any earlier than expected, at least in my opinion (though my tune may change in those later months =))!

And also... to pick a name. At least now we can focus on girl names. =)
Good thing we already have a list from before!

If I can figure out how - I will try & scan some of the images...

Since we haven't written much about this pregnancy on here, I figured I would provide a little background:

During this pregnancy, I've had a lot of similar cravings from the first time. Carrot juice, cranberry juice, cheese, spicy foods, sweet potato fries, (bizarrely) CPK BLT pizza (yes, I love salad on top of my pizza), really strong (decaf) coffee, Diet Coke (with lemon/lime), fizzy water, Starbucks venti skinny decaf vanilla lattes, hot salsa, taquitos (preferably from Playa Azul), arugula, nuts... and the occasional pickle. I've also been adding a ton of lemon or lime juice to pretty much any liquid I consume (other than coffee). It's a rather bizarre list, I know. There are more but those are what come to mind.

In terms of the baby girl:
I started feeling movement a lot earlier this time. Helps when you know what you're looking or feeling for... I felt the first BIG kick around 16 weeks. I was lying in bed and turned around to put down the book I was reading and apparently, that movement did not sit well with the wee one. There was a huge kick from inside.

I've felt little flutters and kicks ever since with a few big ones every now and again. That usually happens when I twist in some odd manner and the baby says, um, hey... you're smooshing me or um... my foot is there, move it! But, as always, it's very reassuring to feel something, anything. It's a nice, (for now) gentle reminder. So, I respond with a "hi baby... how are you doing in there? Staying nice and comfy?"
It's definitely picking up though... which is great.

The heartbeat first registered at 160 and at my last OB visit, was 144 bpm.

I am currently almost 20 weeks (will be 20 weeks on June 28th) so almost 1/2 way done! Which is amazing... I've gained 4-5 pounds so far which is on track based upon my calculations.

I'm still tired but not quite as tired as I was during the first trimester. Ah, the sensation of your eyelids being pulled down and being totally exhausted... Oh, what I'd give for a nap. Cyanne, though, is often not keen on naps and therefore, Mommy cannot take one either, no matter how fantastically enticing I try and make it sound to her =). One weekend afternoon I even started to fall asleep on the mat on her floor while holding her puppy and blanket with her standing over me giving me this look of "what are you doing down there?" And then she put her hand to her cheek as she does for her "sleeping" sign. Yes, Mommy is sleeping (sort-of). Resting, more like. Thankfully, it's getting better.
Overall, I have felt pretty good.
Though I am able to convince Tom to give me the occasional back/neck rub while we're hanging out or watching TV. Amazing what carrying a child will do for (an already bad) back!

Cyanne is, for the moment, blissfully unaware of the little sister she's to have hopefully in November. She's doing great. I'm sure she'll be a wonderful big sister... Now, I just have to read up on the whole introduction process.

We head off to Cooperstown, NY tomorrow, Friday, June 26th. We are really, really looking forward to it! Not only will Cyanne have lots and lots of quality time with her Nanna and Grandpa but Tom and I will hopefully be able to relax!
(Oh and don't worry... we'll be bringing the DVD for your viewing pleasure, grandparents!!)

Yay for baby girls!!!