First trimester visit

Our first trimester exam went really well today!! Since I am now 12 weeks, the doctor did the screening for down syndrome and other abnormalities. Based on the measurement of the amount of fluid in the back of the baby's head and neck, it looks like we are clear from any down-syndrome issues. They also took a blood test for any other abnormalities (i.e. cardiac, liver, etc.) which we will get the results of in about 2 weeks. Overall, the doctor said the baby looks perfectly healthy!

The best part of the whole day was when we got to see the ultrasound. The baby actually looks like a baby now!!! He/she was moving like crazy -- it looked like he/she was dancing some kind of water ballet ... the baby kept twisting around, moving his/her arms and kicking the feet!! The baby was sooo hyper already! I can't feel the movements yet because the baby is too small, but he/she is definitely moving and dancing around inside. He/she kept trying to kick his/her legs up in the air so he/she kept bouncing around! It was like he/she was putting on a show for us! It was so amazing to see all the movement (in retrospect, we should have videotaped it!!! ... Next time ...). The doctor said it's a good sign the baby is moving around so much. She said that the baby is finally discovering how to use his/her arms and legs so he/she is experimenting with movement!

I attached the latest ultrasound photos (one set is labeled and the other set is not). Our next appointment is in four weeks but we won't get to see the baby via an ultrasound again until I'm about about 18-22 weeks.

Thank you all for your continued prayers!!! God seems to be blessing this little one with a big helping of good health and curiosity!