99% sure it's a...

BOY!

The "parts" are pretty clear, and even our ultrasound tech who is typically quite gunshy of giving a firm answer on gender says there is almost no doubt. Joshua is thrilled and pretty cocky because he has said he was having a brother from day one. "I prayed for a sister and a brother. I knew Ruthi was my sister. And I knew this was my brother!"

We had another doctor's appointment on Tuesday and it went better than I had dared hope! We talked quite a bit about my ongoing contractions that I've been facing the past month (still technically B&H in average length of 10-30 seconds, but no longer relieved by reduced activity and sometimes happening as frequently as 8-12 times per hour) and my bedrest history with Ruth (that started at 25 weeks). I was encouraged to find that technically I was never in "preterm labor" with Ruth until around 35 weeks, and that the 10 weeks or bedrest from 25-35 weeks were all technically just attributed to "irritable uterus," the condition I am experiencing again now. With this said, since I have no history of preterm birth or cervical incompatancy, I just have a grumpy uterus that likes to keep me on my toes, I need to continue watching the contraction length and intensity, but I probably won't have to go on bedrest any time soon!!!

He did do a cervical check on my request and the tip of the cervix is already starting to slightly open (something I have never experienced this early) but he said for a 3rd, 2nd trimester pregnancy, this is really not at all unusual and he is not overly concerned by this because the rest of the cervix still in long and firmly closed up higher. However, just for assurance, I will go back in next Thursday (24 weeks, 1 day) and have a cervical ultrasound and the fFN test (clickable link if you want to learn more). Depending on how my body continues reacting, I may continue having the fFN checks as frequently as every 2-4 weeks until term.

I asked about weekly progesterone injections and he said that the study has actually only found this treatment to be significantly helpful in women with a history of at least two preterm deliveries. Since I have been able to carry my babies to term, he does not see it as indicated for my case.

I am still 3 pounds below pregnancy starting weight, but he went pretty easy on me about that this time around. Just wants me to continue taking in calories, especially fats and carbs, as much as I can. Fundle hight is measuring at 22 weeks (I'm 23) so pretty much on track, but maybe a little baby again...we will continue to monitor growth-rate for the IgM issues in future appointments, but at this point he doesn't think we need to be more agressive than the continued asprin treatment.

I've been pretty sore and even more contracty since my exam on Tuesday, but I'm just trying to take things as easy as possible, keep hydrated and rest whenever I can. Overall I'm feeling hopeful and encouraged, but the emotions kind of caught up with me yesterday and I was pretty fearful and teary for a while (I've had several friends loose babies around 24 weeks). Today is emotionally and physically a better day again.