My first "Centering" class

Today I started my pregnancy centering class! I had never heard of this type of care before moving here, but am planning to try it out for a few months. If I don't end up liking this approach, I can choose shorter, individual appointments. Since I'll be a first time mom, I'll take in all the info and hopefully meet some other expecting moms.

Basically, I met with a group of about 10 other women who have a due date within a month or so of mine for two hours. Most of these women are either in the Navy or spouses of Navy guys. There is more of a focus on education regarding pregnancy and labor & delivery. Today we had a dietician come and speak about nutrition and we just had a general orientation and "meet and greet." During each centering class I will also have one-on-one time with the midwife. Joe will also be able to attend the class, though he was working today and couldn't come.

During my one on one time with the nurse midwife (who is great, I really like her!), everything continues to be normal. I am almost 14 weeks today. I got a little nervous when she was trying to find the baby's heartbeat (what if she doesn't find it?) but my fear subsided when I could hear the quick beating of the little heart, about 150 beats per minute. I haven't gained any weight in the last four weeks, but she reassured me that was still normal. I am also not really showing yet.

One thing I really carry away from pregnancy so far is a completely new perspective on human life. Hearing a heart beat from inside you, when you know this baby is so fragile, weighing around an an ounce or less and only 3-4 inches long, is simply amazing!

Baby on board!

Yup, you read right. Joe and I are expecting!

We are excited to share this happy news with you. Again, I realize that I haven't posted much lately, but that's because things have been quiet on the homefront with the exception of this new development.

As far as a few details go, we found out in late August that we will have a little one joining us, God willing, around April 29 of next year. I had my first ultrasound on my birthday (Sept. 30) and got to see the baby, watch it moving around, and hear his or her heartbeat. So, as of my last doctor's appointment at almost 10 weeks, everything looked good.

I've been feeling pretty good. Although I haven't tossed too many cookies, I can't say it's never happened. :) In general I've had a small appetite and avoided the smell of food and cooking whenever possible. I crossed over into my 13th week of pregnancy this week and am hoping my nausea will soon be fading away.

We do hope to find out if baby Henderson is a boy or girl, and will let you know when we do, around late December.

I'll do my best to keep you posted as things progress. Thanks for sharing our journey toward parenthood!