Sweet Sixteen

Dear Baby,

Yesterday we had your 16-week checkup. I was excited for this one because somehow I had gotten it into my head that there was a possibility that we might find out your gender. I swear the doctor had said that to me, and because of this I had your father come to the appointment. I was pretty disappointed when they didn’t even do an ultrasound. It was just a checkup on my weight, blood pressure, and another blood sample for genetic testing. BAH. I also could have sworn the doctor said they did an ultrasound at every appointment (it was a selling point to me for this practice), so it was extra upsetting that I didn’t get to see you this time, or get a picture for the baby book. On top of this I was told to show up with a full bladder (I even have an email message to prove it), which I assumed had to do with the ultrasound. When I got there, they told me the full bladder was unnecessary. That’s cruel and unusual pregnancy punishment right there.

The one redeeming point to the checkup was that we did get to hear your heartbeat. There was a moment when the doctor was moving the stethoscope all around my belly and couldn’t find you and my heart dropped into my stomach. But it was only brief… eventually she found you… and lost you again. You were simply on the move. You kept moving out of range of her stethoscope. She was like, “Wow, this one doesn’t sit still!” And your father responded in kind with, “Huh. I wonder where the baby gets that from…” (referring to me).

At sixteen weeks I am still feeling pretty good. I have been experiencing a lot of hip pain while sleeping (I’m not normally a side-sleeper, but I have changed my position based on what the pregnancy books say), and am considering investing in a snoogle. Supposedly this is the pregnancy pillow to have, but I’m not convinced that it is more effective than the pillow fortress I build around myself. I’m also considering attending some prenatal yoga classes to help stretch myself out. I have never gone to yoga before in my life, and have actually been opposed to it because I believe exercise should be fast paced and rigorous and I’m just not a very “zen” person. But, several doctors have recommended it, and it says no prior experience required so… when in Rome.

The major news events going on while you’re gestating are twofold: the presidential primaries, and the growing concern over the Zika virus (a mosquito born virus that is known to cause birth defects). Obviously the latter has me in complete paranoia with spring approaching, and I’m considering getting our yard bug-bombed for the summer. That isn’t cheap, and your father thinks I am completely insane (this virus has not yet been locally transmitted in the United States), but I can’t be too cautious over things like these. I am beginning to realize this is just the beginning of a great many years of my worrying about things that could harm you. If things get really pandemic, I’m moving to Alaska for the summer.

On a happier note, you received your second gift ever! “Goodnight Darth Vader” from your Aunt Joanne. Another “children’s classic” so to speak. Funny, I remember it as “Goodnight Moon,” but this one seems to be much more befitting to your father’s taste. I’m sure he will love reading this to you as a bedtime story.

SO awesome.

In maternity fashion news, my Kate Middleton dress arrived! And here it is in all its glory (this picture was at 15 weeks)…

Who wore it better?
Me or Kate? (Don't answer that)

And since I’m on a roll with the maternity-wear pictures, here are a couple more at 16 weeks…

Aunt Joanne sent me this dress in the mail with your Darth Vader book saying,
"My experience was that all the gifts and focus was on the baby--and deservedly so--
but mom needs a treat now and then too."
The dress is pink, orange, and checkered. Aunt Joanne "gets" me.

Although previously I’ve said I’m all about the dresses, I am coming around with the “under bump” maternity pants. They don’t have that nasty elastic pressing on my belly, so they are much more comfortable than the “over bump” and I believe more figure flattering. I’m sure by the third trimester they might be out of the question, but for now they are working out quite nicely.

And now, with that, we shall begin the gender-reveal countdown… 27 days to go! Happy sweet sixteen weeks of becoming a human little baby!

Love,

Mom