Out of the Army and new Baby Picture!

Two big pieces of news!! Clearly, we got another ultrasound picture to share with you. At first, Gregg and I didn't think the picture she gave us on the top was the best one she could've given us because there were some great ones, but I realized today why she gave us that one... you can see (I don't know how well on here) the baby's facial profile... forehead, nose, chin... it's incredible! We definitely have a real, complete baby in there! It's no longer my little rice krispy blob... although it will always be in my heart! :-) The bottom picture is of it's little face looking up at us. The ultrasound tech said that it is 7.7 centimeters.. so it's definitely growing and quickly!

We were in yesterday for our appointment with the ultrasound specialist/guru as I like to call Dr. Ball. He was mostly questioned why we got the test done to begin with since my parents hadn't been tested and I had no history or family history of blood clots. He considered it to be looking under stones, which is true, but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if we didn't do something to prevent any problems. He knew that and thought that any shots would be too much for me since I don't have the worst of either mutation that I tested positive for. So, we decided I would take a quadruple does of folic acid and a baby aspirin every day. I'm okay with this plan. He says I'm doing "a lot" when I told him I just needed to do "something". So, I think we are. Without knowing if I would have had problems, this is a good path for me.

I also happened to get the phone call from my unit yesterday. I am discharged from the Army as of 25 November. I knew it was what I wanted as quite a few people in my unit had me afraid that if I did stay in the rear if my unit deployed, there was still the chance I would have to leave my baby and our new family. That wasn't something I could risk. So, ultimately, this was the best thing for us. It would've been nice to finish out to the full 8 years, but I think 3 months shy will be okay! It was a big part of my life and although there are many reasons I'm getting out and am happy with that decision, there are a lot of things I will miss. This was very sudden for me, so after I wrap up some loose ends and hopefully get a chance to say goodbye to friends, I think I will have some closure on it and will be happier about it. But overall, this a blessing. One less thing over my head and to worry about. We can really just focus on this baby and bringing it into the world happy and healthy.

My next appointment isn't until the 17th week on January 2nd. That week we'll get another heartbeat reading, test for some of the genetic disorders and schedule the ultrasound where we'll find out the sex of the baby! Those few weeks will be so exciting! The Aussies come into town on the 19th and we're going to tell that set of grandparents on the day I go help pick them up from the airport! Should be fun to tell them.

So, we've had some good news! My service with the Army is complete, no more gray clouds in the sky for me and we're doing all we can to help this pregnancy have as few complications as possible! Sounds good to me! :-) A friend at work, Amy, had one of the greatest quotes on her blog today and I'm going to borrow it for today, it was so comforting..."The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you". How great is that.