19 Weeks: Pregnancy, Gestational Diabetes, AND The Big Reveal!

I am happy and thankful to report that Baby is growing well, kicking strong and has finally “popped”!

Gestational Diabetes hasn’t been much of a challenge this time around (so far).  The first weeks I had great blood sugar readings but I was spilling some ketones, so I upped my carb intake little by little which got rid of the ketones, but didn’t change my blood sugar much.  Right now I’m able to eat pretty much anything within reason if I’m careful about portions, and staying active.  I’ve had a few (3) high readings, but have been able to narrow them down to a higher carb meal on a lower activity day.  I’ve had the same meal leave me at 85, and 135 on different days, so you can really see where exercise makes a big difference.  Right now I’m walking or doing really light step aerobics any day that my incidental activity level is low, or when I know I’m going to be tempted by extra carbs, like birthday parties or BBQs.  I fully expect my blood sugar to be more of an issue, and to need tighter diet restrictions as I get further along, but for now I’m thrilled that I can enjoy my regular diet, and even the occasional treat.

Baby is very active, giving me lots of kicks, and showing a preference for (or maybe against) big glasses of ice water.  Big sisters can’t wait until they can feel the kicks too. They also can’t wait to hold Baby, feed Baby, change Baby’s diaper and generally be Mom’s big helpers.  They are spending a lot of time “practicing” with their baby dolls, and I can tell they will be excellent big sisters!

Today I had my mid-term ultrasound and, while the tech can’t really tell you anything “for sure”  it looked to me like we have a healthy baby with the appropriate number of arms, legs, fingers, toes and organs.  Baby was a bit of a stinker, and didn’t want to let us see all the angles we wanted to, but we were able to get a good idea of the gender.  Also we’re pretty sure it’s an alien.

A Girl alien!!

Introducing Hazel Rosemary Clark.

We love her already.