A quick update before I'm off for one of my many lie-downs of the day. Midwife appt. went great, everything looked good on my blood work, and we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat. Mary found it very quickly; maybe the little one was expecting us. Hearing that fast "swish, swish, swish" was the first real sign, other than my expanding abdomen, that there is actually a baby growing inside of me. I listened and looked at Gary, who was holding a well-behaved Spencer on his lap and getting a little teary at the sound. It's just amazing.
I did remember to ask Mary about my stupid headaches; I've been getting three or four a day, and sometimes they last for four or five hours before fading away. Two extra-strength Tylenol was doing nothing most of the time. She asked how much caffeine I get (none) and advised me to have a glass or two of Coke or coffee every day. Imagine that! I read years ago that caffeine can actually make a headache go away, but it never crossed my mind that it could be an antidote while I'm pregnant, what with all the "keep away from caffeine if you're pregnant" articles that have come out recently. She also recommended that I get some essential lavender oil and dab it on my temples. That's one of the things I love about her, that she's willing to go outside what a regular OB might suggest, like when she advised me to drink red raspberry leaf tea during my last trimester with Spencer.
I also remembered to ask about my EDD. Both Gary and I were surprised to hear her say August 31st. Ack! We thought we had more time! I sort of stupidly asked her if she were positive---like she doesn't do this every day, but I genuinely thought it was later than that. She said that no, right now they were going with August 31, although it could be as late as September 10, and they would get a better idea at my ultrasound (scheduled for April 14). I don't care much either way, only that I want it to be accurate in case I go past my 'due date.' I know they give you up to two weeks after that date, and I don't want them to be rushing for an induction on September 14 if my true due date has been miscalculated.
So that's it. Spencer was a jewel the entire time, Gary brought me a donut from his office as a surprise treat, and now I'm going to go nap.