Pregnancy FAQ's

That's right, we are having a boy!!!!

Thank you all so much for your congratulations, it really has been unbelievably sweet to read all the comments to Jon and realize this dream is really happening for us.  At request, here are some details about our little adventure so far:

How far along?  
21 weeks and 3 days.  I know, I know-- We are a little weird for waiting to announce for so long.  I can't really explain it, but this entire experience has felt incredibly personal and sacred.  The years we tried for this have been deeply trying and private, so when it came time to announce I kept feeling like it was also incredibly private.  I have already felt biologically compelled to protect this growing baby, and that included protection from the prying eyes of the world.  I have been made incredibly tender by this entire experience and have loved every second of being pregnant, reveling happily in my growing family's little secret.

What was the reaction when you found out?
I was looking at Jon, telling him to stop getting his hopes up again, when his eyes got very big and he sucked in his breath.  I had barely enough time to glance down and see "pregnant" before I was wrapped in his arms and carried out of the bathroom.  All I can remember of the rest of the evening is giggling and kisses.

Dominant emotions thus far?
Well, the giggling has not subsided.  An attitude of gratitude is abundant in our household, as is love, awe, happiness, and contentment.  So content.

Any morning sickness?
None!  I know a lot of you are rolling your eyes at me right now.  I was very worried about being sick while pregnant because of my ability to get car sick on a porch swing, but it just goes to show that morning sickness and motion sickness are two different beasts.  Luckily.

Any cravings?
Yes!  My first craving was very early on and it was for a Slim Jim.  Remember those?  Yuck.  I ate it and felt sick to my stomach by the end, and luckily the craving has not returned.  I've had a slurpee every single day for about the last 3-4 weeks, so I'd say that's a pretty big one.  And gas station pickles, but I've loved those greasy little things for my whole life.  And I can never get enough orange chicken.

Weight gain?
Not a pound.  That's okay though, according to the doc-- so I'm going to go ahead and be grateful.  I "popped" at Week 20, so I just recently started using rubber bands to hold my pants together and bought my first pair of maternity jeans.  Even if I haven't gained any weight, I am starting to feel 'stretchy'.  I run out of breath easier and everything feels squished inside there.

Sleep?
Pretty dang good.  I woke up quite a bit in the first trimester to pee, but that's mostly subsided.  I'm preparing myself for the third trimester, though.

Movement?
A ton!  I felt the first kicks (6 in all) on the first day of Week 17 and he hasn't stopped yet.  He loves rolling around in there and I am loving feeling him.  Jon was able to feel him kick the evening before the 18 week ultrasound, which made us both ecstatic.  I know that I will bemoan his movement when he's 6 pounds and his feet are in my ribs, but it's all about the small joys right now.


Boy??!?!?
I know, right?!  Well, I'd say he surprised most of us.  But we couldn't be happier with our little man.  He's perfect, penis and all.


How does Jon feel about all this?
That boy is thrilled.  If anyone was ever ready to be a dad, like 5 years ago, it's him.  He has wondered on occasion where his wife went and why Medusa has replaced her, but those have been few (I think?).  He is also very excited that he adjusted his school schedule and will be done with rotations on March 11th, so he will be on a self-made "paternity leave" with me and the baby until July 1st-- we couldn't be luckier.

Name?
Still a secret.  But we love it and call him by name every day now.  Don't worry, we'll get around to telling...

Things I've enjoyed the most so far?
I have been keeping a pregnancy journal and love it.  I know that this kind of excitement is common among first time moms, who tend to over-do everything.  But I just can't help myself from writing every single thing down.  I have been plowing through pages and pages, trying not to forget a thing.  I look forward to being able to pull it out during subsequent pregnancies and compare between my experiences.

Things we are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to holding him and seeing if he looks like his dad (but we all know that's going to be a slam dunk).  Jon says he looks forward to getting to know his little individual personality.  (And watching him root on my awesomely huge boobs, but he's going to be really mad that I posted that for all the world to see).


Thank you again for all your support and interest, we really couldn't be happier.