Its been an interesting couple of weeks for us.  Last week we got the results back from our quad test, they were positive for the possibility of down syndrome.  It was a little daunting, but the doctor reassured me that the chances were minimal, but that we should be aware that the chance was there.  They were already sending me to St Mary’s for an ultrasound due to the fact that I was born with a hole in my heart (which healed itself and has caused me no problems) so we already doing the next thing needed to check for downs.  So yesterday we went to St Mary’s for the ultrasound and we also met with a genecist to go over everything relating to chromosome abnormalities and what our options were and what they would be looking for in the ultrasound.  They would be looking for the physical characteristics associated with Downs and other abnormalities.  It was all a bit overwhelming, but in the end, everything looks good.  We were unable to see any physical evidence that there could be something wrong.  However, the baby was most uncooperative when it came to us looking at the nose and the heart (stubbornness already…go figure), so we are going back in about 4 weeks for another ultrasound to check on those things.

We are hoping to know what we are having at that time as well.

So yesterday was an awesome day.  I am so glad that Andy was able to go with me.  Also, funny story about yesterday.  When we arrived at the hospital I had to go to the bathroom, but when we checked in the lady told me I needed a full bladder for the ultrasound.  So I did not go, we registered then went up to the fetal area, I filled out more paperwork, and we waited about 10 mins before we sat down with the genecist.  We met with her for about 45 mins (keep in mind that I have yet to go to the restroom and its been an hour and half).  After the genecist, we went back to waiting room to wait for ultrasound.  I asked the nurse in the fetal registration area if I could go and she also told me that I should hold it unless I was in significant discomfort.  So I continued to hold it (we are close to two hours now).  After a few minutes we went into the room for the ultrasound, I got up on the bed, we did some more paperwork  and THEN she put the goopy stuff on and we were going to start the ultrasound, first thing she noticed was the full bladder (we even have a pic of it) and she told me I could go to the bathroom and why did all those mean people make me hold it.  So we wiped off the goopy stuff and I was able to relieve my bladder and then she reapplied the goopy stuff and we continued.  Morale of the story, most of the time people dont know what they are talking about!!! hehe

Yesterday was my 3rd appt and we got to hear the heartbeat again.  This time Andy was there too and got to hear it.   It just makes me smile to think about it, this little person growing, the heartbeat was proof and just what I needed to reassure me that everything is going fine.   I had been thinking something might be wrong because I was feeling almost normal.  But now I know everything is going as it should.  I will have my first ultrasound within the next few weeks.  They are having me go to Barnes or St Mary’s for it, because the equipment at those places is much better and becuase I had a small hole in my heart when I was born and there is slight chance the baby could too.

I actually caught Andy smiling last night, lately that has been few and far between.   I can only hope that having this baby can be a bright spot for him even in these times of hardship.  I know he is stressed and each day that passes without an offer makes it worse, but I know we will get thru it.  OK so its back to work for me.

I had hopes, but then about a month ago Andy got laid off, as of today he is still interviewing and no offers, but I am sure something will come up soon.  Then yesterday, I got bad news at work.  My hours (and pay) and everyone elses have been cut to 75%.  This has happened before and lasted for about 3 months, but at that time I was single and did not have the debt/bills that we have now.  I was devasted when they told us, caught me completely off guard.  I so did not see it coming.  After about 30 minutes of crying, it occurs to me that getting depressed and angry is not healthy, so I became determined to put a positive spin on this.  I have been wanting some time off for a while and so now I have it.  We are ok thru this month and part of April, so with any luck Andy will find a job that pays more than unemployment and we will muddle thru somehow.  Andy is a little worried about me and swears that something must be wrong, but as I said i am trying to stay positive, its better for me and for the baby.  Besides, he has enough depression going on for the both of us at times.

Andy suggested looking for a new job, but it does not make much sense to me unless i get indication that the doors are closing where I am at.  When the baby is born I will have 5 to 6 weeks off paid, any new place we will not have that.  Also, if the economy keeps going to shit wont I be the first person let go at a new place???  So I am looking but not aggressively, never hurts to see what is out there.  So that is where we stand these days.