Our Little Lovely

So baby Gordon is about 5 inches long today and I think I have felt the rumblings of the first somersaults and jabs. Avi likes to talk to the baby and play peek-a-boo. He wants to know why babies can't cry in the womb, and told me he's really glad he'll never have a baby in his tummy. :) It's so cool to see my little baby becoming a big brother. It's also strange how new all these experiences are, even though I have done this before. It seems so long ago, and I wonder if I'm actually going to remember what to do or if I'll have to read all those books again. Here's to creative playtime and getting messy in the garden. I know I've complained so much about the icky sickies, but the truth is, where else can you fall in love with someone you've never met and watch your dreams come true over months, years. and a lifetime?
It still amazes me that a short time ago, I was discovering the love of my life in the gentle eyes of a friend, and now we're creating even more love to fill this house. I'm so thankful for our little lovely bundle of happiness. :)

2nd trimester Highs and Lows

I have officially entered the 2nd trimester. This is told to be a time of peace from morning sickness, increased sexual drive and interest, and a growing belly that passersby no longer mistake for 'man, she really let herself go'. What a utopia!

Some of these pleasures I have gratefully enjoyed (you guess), alas, I must take the time to lament--if only to myself--about the relentless nausea and vomiting I have grown to lovingly accept (the forgiving mother that I am).

I have officially become a non-discriminatory vomiter. I have 'seen again' every food group, every type of food from plain water to spicy indian, from nachos, to seemingly benign grapes; from milk to yes--ginger ale. And even anti nausea aids that help cancer patients tolerate chemo are no match for my propulsive gastric muscles! And the locations have also become more interesting:Yes there is the old standby 'hovered over the commode', but I have also expunged my puny meals at every work location, at Avi's school, in my car, at church, on a plane.

This endless fight for nourishment has only fueled the fire of folks who stand by their vote of 'it's a girl'. Well, the jury is out until December 18th, but girl or boy--this baby is clearly winning the host versus graft battle.

It's so good that I have done this before, and can look into Avi's eyes and believe in 5-6 months that the last thought from my mind will be anything related to these tiring days. But then again, Avi only struck me with a sea of full body acne (which also fueled speculation that he was going to be a girl) and 3rd trimester reflux--those ailments pale in comparison!

Positive points: well, it's kinda like getting malaria--at least you're not gaining weight and people generally provide support and sympathy.

Room for improvement: How about next time I get a Dobhoff tube and call it a day?

Lessons learned: All my prior statements about 'pregnancy is so easy I should be a surrogate' must have karmic-ally bounced back from the ears of women who spent 3-days in back labor and this is my reward.

Love and Life to our family and friends,

Glenda

11 weeks

We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of midnight sickness courtesy of the superhero baby. So far we have had an ultrasound that the whole family attended. The baby was bucking around and moving around like crazy. Mom has early nesting syndrome and is finally getting those long overdue home improvement projects completed. Dad is also kicking into high gear and really starting to run things. Avi is still excited and has no problem giving up his room. (He'll get a nice new room with a big boy bed and custom paint job to match)
All in all, we are moving along and focused on everyone getting healthy and fit so we can keep up with the little one. We will post ultrasound pics soon.
A-team + G

Plans, Letting Go, & Dreams Come True

So after 1 year of marital bliss, I'm bubbling over with maternal instincts, and Akil is feeling equally excited to add to the world's population. After a trip to the doc, we're ready to go, but after a few months of online estimators and ovulation sticks (for which you need an art degree to interpret), I'm a little panicked. I'm thinking: am I old? do I have a luteal phase defect? how do people manage to do this by accident? BTW, here's a tip for anyone trying to concieve: Don't go to the TTC websites if you want to stay sane. August, I gave up, let the plan go (and it probably helped that his insane trauma rotation was coming to an end--Who can live with seeing their spouse only every 3 days?) With no plan, I started the month as matron of honor for a close friend's long awaited wedding and I think that set the tone for success. Weddings are a great way to relive your own vows and that carefree excitement overcame my obsessive planning instincts. Voila! One day late and feeling pretty giddy I picked up another round of EPTs and ran to the closest bathroom. WE ARE PREGNANT!
I decided to set up this blog for us to keep family, friends, and curious acquaintances up to date on our process and to document the development of this amazing life I am currently incubating. I'll post pictures, videos, and all the comedy that is sure to follow us on this journey. Akil will hopefully add some entries as well. It's so amazing to create a new life with someone you love, and such a mind trip to see our lives unfold together. Our son, Avi is 51/2 and totally excited too. He's already shaping up to be a great big brother, reminding me to take my prenatal vitamins every day and making sure I'm giving the baby enough to eat and drink. Not all our family knows yet, and we are currently 6 weeks along. It's been fun telling everyone over a longer period of time because we get to tell exciting news over and over again and savor everyone's reaction!