In the last few days, maybe a week or so, I've started to feel the baby moving. I'd forgotten how subtle it is at first, remembering mostly Will's persistent kicks (punches? head-butts?) of objection the week I was sick before he was born. But at first it's a mere flutter. You have to be pretty still and quiet to even recognize it. It's a nice reminder that all is as it should be. They told me at the doctor's office that I could come in whenever I wanted to if I just needed the reassurance of hearing the heartbeat. I haven't done that, but have considered it a few times when the four weeks between appointments seems to stretch forever. Now maybe when I feel that anxiety I'll be better off finding some quiet and waiting for the baby to reassure me.

Last week we got to visit some friends in the hospital after their baby was born. When they called to ask if we could bring them a piece of camera/computer equipment they'd forgotten I didn't even think twice about saying we'd be right over and that we'd bring dinner to spare them the hospital fare. A few months ago I might have hesitated or even said we'd have to meet at the door. It was weird being back up on the 6th floor, but also very comforting to see what a real Mother/Baby room looks like--mom, dad, AND baby. A rolling bassinet at the foot of the bed. No worries or fear. Something we hope to experience for ourselves in January.

Update from today's 16-week appointment: all is as it should be. The baby's heart is beating at about 150 beats per minute; my blood pressure is normal, 114/70 (I think...should have written it down.) My heparin dose is increasing, and next month I'll have an ultrasound. Starting in October (24 weeks) my appointments will be weekly. Until then, high alert for anything that seems possibly, maybe, slightly unexpected or out of the ordinary. They say they won't get tired of hearing from me no matter how many times I call. I hope I won't be putting that to the test.