Sounds & Sights

Wow. Ok.. so this has been a busy and emotional week.

I had my second pre-natal appt on Monday. Erik was going to come with me but unfortunately he had quite the cold and we thought it would be unwise for him to be around other pregnant women and have the possibility of getting them sick. But, I figured it would just be like last time anyway and nothing really new to discuss. Boy was I wrong. Dr. McKenzie brought out a fetal doppler and had me lay back, put some goo on my belly and started listening. It only dawned on me then just what she was listening for. Once I realized.. I nearly held my breath. Static, static, static... woosh, woosh... woosh woosh... woosh woosh!. OMG.. the baby's heart beat!!! Awwwww.. Admittedly I got a little misty eyed. Doctor said that it sounded strong. I'm so pleased. I've heard that the baby's heartbeat sounds like a race horse galloping.... I didn't hear that. I heard something that was faster than my own, but still calm. I hope that is so.. I hope baby is happy and calm.

I felt terrible that Erik wasn't here to experience this. I debated whether I should tell him... but I knew there would be no way I could keep that information to myself. We've been nursing Erik back to health because there was no way he'd miss the first ultrasound.

While heading to the ultrasound doctor's office today I felt lighter than air, bubbly and so very excited. Today we were going to see our child for the first time. So very nervous too. You read so much about the problems the child could have that it's hard not to be nervous.

Both the doctor and nurse were really pleasant and calming. They did both belly and vaginal ultrasounds. At first, it looked like a baby chicken... then the classic alien. OMG.. we're having an extra terrestrial chicken! LOL But then we got a good clear picture of baby. He/she measured just fine and passed the initial tests for Down syndrome. We saw the blood flow through the heart and baby was wiggling up a storm. It surprises me that I don't feel it yet considering just how acrobatic it was. Baby has fingers and toes and little jumpy legs! We asked if it was too early to tell if the baby was a boy or girl. The doc gave us fair warning that it's probably too early to give a definite answer. He looked and there was something between the legs. He reminded us that girls can look like this too a this stage, but there's a 51% possibility that baby Day will be a boy. It's not something to bet money on.. but just a possibility right now.

I figured we'd get a picture of baby Day today, but I had no idea about the DVD we walked home with! Baby has his or her first home movie!!

I was surprised my by reaction driving away. Erik was flying with probably more glee than I've seen in him yet. I however went into this sort of shock. Not a depression kind of shock.. but a weird realization kind of shock I suppose. I still can't fully describe it. I knew I was pregnant before the test... I heard the heartbeat and melted with this little life in me. So why did this hit me the way it did? I almost feel bad about it except for the fact that I know that I'm genuinely happy we're having this child.

My only guesses on explaining this are...
1.) Actually seeing the baby jumping around just made it all the more real... and a little odd that I have this little thing growing inside of me. But I knew this.... I don't know.
2.) I realize that I have no idea how to raise a boy. Honestly, little girls have always made me melt. Dance lessons, petite demeanor, dresses... Most of the little boys I've seen are little loud destructive beasties. It's been few and far between that I've met a little boy that I was so completely charmed over. I've grown up with girls.. I've babysat mostly girls... I have a far better grasp on raising a girl than a boy.

Please understand that we are overjoyed and feel blessed that we are having this beautiful child. I think #2 might be it though... A feeling like I have no idea what I'm doing. If baby really is a boy though.. I will do my best to raise the most charming, creative and polite little non-beastie out there.

Here is baby Day's first picture!



After the appointment we headed to the mall to do an exchange of something and thought while we were there, we'd look in the GAP Maternity store. First of all.. it turns out that 3/4ths of the store is all baby stuff. Adorable clothing I can't wait to get my little one into. Melted over mini cargo pants!! LOL But the maternity selection was bleak. It was the closet of the store basically. We did find a pair of Khaki pants and I now own my first pair of maternity pants. I've been told that there are larger stores with a far bigger selection.. but they are about a 40 minutes to drive to. It would be worth it. I love the GAP and their maternity clothes are reasonably priced... but I'm a little disappointed that I'll have to make it a "trip" instead of just popping into the mall.

Oh yeah.. last thing. My mom's cousin Karen is here visiting and she brought me the christening dress and slip that was made by Emma Kunstman (my mother's father's mother) in 1916 from her wedding dress (1913). It was worn by her 5 children, worn by their children (2nd generation), worn by me (3rd generation), and by my cousin's daughter (4th generation). It's stunning, hand sewn and remarkable as it's the only thing that I'm aware of that is a family heirloom. Baby Day shall wear it too. Thank you Karen. Thank you so very much!

Well, that's all for now. I'm positively beat and gotta get some sleep. I now know why I'm so tired all the time! It's gotta be baby Day's dancing in there!
Cheers!