17 Weeks!

Well it is already December and 2009 is coming to an end. Things are going by really fast and we, like many, do not know where this year has gone. So far the reports are good for Baby Barajas. Since our last post, Brenda has been to 2 appointments and a sonogram. Brenda's Arthritis has also improved immensely the last few weeks. She's not running marathons, but she has not been moving around this well in a long time. I am so excited to see her able to do things and feel good. Since we haven't posted in a little while I am going to recap the last few appointments and events that have occurred since then.

At the first appointment, the nurse tried to get a heartbeat by using the doppler. The nurse tried for a good little bit, but couldn't get anything. The nurse told us it was very early, Bren was only 9 weeks, and many times you cannot pick up the heartbeat with the doppler. Still ,we both wished we would have been able to hear something. Dr. Suris reiterated that it was too early and that we would hear it next time. There was a time when the nurse was running the instrument on Brenda's belly and we thought we heard something. The nurse told us that was merely blood flowing. Oh well, we would have to wait until next time.

Something that was really difficult for me was missing the next appointment which was a sonogram at 10 weeks. I was happy that Brenda's mother was able to accompany her to the appointment. This was the first time that Brenda got to see the baby move around. Brenda says the baby was flipping around and running in space. It appeared like Baby Barajas was doing water aerobics. The technician told Brenda that she was going to be a busy mom because of all of the movement the baby was doing. My Mother-in-Law Sheila, said the baby looked like it had a skeleton costume, ready for Halloween. Shelia is so excited for us and we are blessed to have her here to share this with us. We appreciate very much everything she does for us.

At 14 weeks, we went to our next appointment. This time, the nurse was able to get a heartbeat on the doppler. Pretty cool to hear the heartbeat again...Not as dramatic, but still amazing. At the last appointment Brenda gave blood for the ultra screen, which tests for Down syndrome and trisomy 18/13. We had already called to get the results, but the doctor's office said that all the results would be given in person at the office. We really had nothing to worry about except you can't help but think about people who get unfavorable results from preliminary tests everyday; so naturally, we were a little anxious. We went through the whole appointment and no word about the tests. We figured the doctor would begin by discussing the results. The doctor did his exam and said things looked good, talked to us a bit and then started to say "Goodbye, see you in fours weeks," when Brenda and I stopped him and asked about the test results. Dr. Suris goes, "Ahhh I am sure it was perfect, 100%...but let me go make sure." Thank God, he was correct, and now that moment seems funny.

Brenda, Baby Barajas and I had a great Thanksgiving. I ran the Turkey Challenge 5K for the Food Bank in the morning while Brenda rested a little and made her famous green bean casserole. Well , its famous in our house. We went over to my parent's house at about noon and my mom and sister were getting the final things done for Thanksgiving lunch. We have a lot to be thankful for, and the wonderful, delicious meal we had was perfect for the occasion. My mom out did her self again with everything, but especially the turkey. My younger brother Xavy helped a bit with the basting. It was a great day all around, we went and visited the Council's after the meal. I watched the first half of the Cowboy's game with Bill; when the Cowboys win on Thanksgiving, the world just seems right.

Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers. We hope to see you soon. We wish everyone the best this Holiday Season. Merry Christmas!