Happy Mother's day everyone!!! This has been an exciting week for us on many levels. First, we received the results of our AFP (Alpha-Feto Protein) triple screen test and they were negative suggesting that things are looking good for "little-p". This test screens for genetic abnormalities such as spina bifida (where the spine fails to close during fetal development) and Down's Syndrome. Unlike an amniocentesis which pierces the amniotic sac to draw a sample of amniotic fluid to determine the presence of genetic abnormalities, the Alpha-Feto Protein test is non-intrusive to the baby in that the mother's blood is screened and tested. Of course this also means that the Alpha-Feto Protein test is orders of magnitude less accurate than the more invasive amniocentesis but life is full of trade-offs and risks and as "little-p's" parents we prefer to err on the side of caution and not do anything that will disrupt his tiny peaceful little world.

Secondly, Elena starting feeling movement from "little-p" this week. This is called "quickening" (I'm like a chick with all the technical lingo). Movements are ever so slight and feel like an internal brushing. Elena gets really excited when she feels him move.

Thirdly, this is the first Mother's Day that we celebrate together. I searched long and hard to find the Mother of my precious "little-p" the perfect gift to help her through the physical discomfort she has and will continue to endure as her body hosts the new life that grows in her belly. Since Elena hates to sleep on her side but will have to in the coming weeks, I picked her up the "Comfort-U Body Pillow" . This full length pillow will allow her to throw her leg over it and provide support to her belly and back, wedging her into as comfortable a position one could possibly get when sleeping on their side. I hope this will provide some relief to her in the coming days.

Tomorrow we meet with Elena's OB-GYN to go over the results of the aforementioned AFP triple screen tests and make an appointment for "little-p's" Fetal Anatomy (level II) ultrasound. This ultrasound in conjunction with the triple screen AFP can detect the presence of Down's Syndrome 60% of the time. Just 10% better than if we polled a room full of monkeys but hey, we'll take what we can get.