Sex … not that kind!

We’ve had mixed reactions to our wishes to not know the baby’s sex. Some people think it’s great, others are completely baffled. The controversy reigns on in our very own household. Bill wants to know the baby’s sex. I do not.

For those of you more inclined to Bill’s point of view, here are a few reasons for not wanting to know.

• Revisiting the Days of Yore: This has been an extremely high-tech conception and pregnancy. Heck, we’ve been seeing pictures of the baby since it was only 50 cells big and lived in a Petri dish. Don’t get me wrong. I’m beyond grateful for every bit of technology involved. For me, though, it’s kind of nice to have a bit of “old fashioned-ness”, too.
  


• Nursery, Clothing, etc: Knowing the baby’s sex would make no difference in our nursery choices. The traditional blue and pink themes? Not for me. Honestly, I’m not fond of blue. I know… I know … everyone likes blue, right? Well not me. It’s one of my least favorite colors. Hardly surprising from someone who’s not fond of cola, meat, or chocolate either. And, although I like pink just fine, neither of us would likely choose a pink nursery theme, either. Avoiding these colors in the nursery is easy. Clothing is more difficult, but I’m giving it my best shot. The neutral color clothes are so much cuter anyway.
  


• Names: Sure, it would be easier to focus on just boy or girl names, but truthfully I’ll be surprised if we can agree on even one name by the time the baby arrives. It took weeks of discussion, negotiation, and brow-beating to name Boo. I don’t imagine naming the baby will be any easier. Oh, and for the record, Priapus is definite NOT on the list.
  


• Suprise! I just want the excitement of the surprise.

On the other side of the coin Bill feels that knowing would help him imagine the baby better – help him feel more bonded. I can’t blame him for wanting this. I’ve got the baby with me 24/7. I get to feel every kick, flip and punch. Bill is able to enjoy only occasional movements. I get his desire to know more about the baby than the a few occasional kicks.

This is why, after a lifetime of certainty that I would never want to know my baby’s sex prior to birth – we have, in fact, found out. I wanted Bill to have the bonding experience he wished for.

There it is. We know. Now it comes down to the question of letting others in on the secret. In typical W*** style, we differ on this. Bill, of course, wants to tell everyone. I would like to make it a surprise. So, we’re leaving it up to you. To Know or not to Know. That is the question. Let us know....

Tomorrow I'll tell the story of how I started the day completely mobile and ended it in bed, foot in an air cast, with crutches sitting next to me.

Prenatal Limericks!

Our brother-in-law Jim, famous for his limericks, felt inspired to write the following. I loved them and thought I'd share them. Because this blog is part of the public Internet, I've blanked out our last name (W*****'). You all can fill that in yourselves.

Two W****’ – A Bill and a Jen –
Baby’s coming, but we don’t know when
But we’ll play the game
And pick out his name.
Our final answer is Sven.


Two W*****’, a Jen and a Bill
A new baby – Oh what a thrill
For fortune and fame
She needs a good name.
Our feminine option is Lil.


Come back tomorrow for yet another blog update!!

Energy Crisis

Information presented in the pregnancy literature can be confusing. It's common to find conflicting advice about the baby’s development and various pregnancy related symptoms. But, there’s one topic they all agree upon. The second trimester is filled with energy (!):

• "Many women take advantage of the increased energy levels in the second trimester…."
• "the second trimester is the easiest. For most, nausea has subsided and energy level is high"
• "You are now entering your second trimester. Your energy level should increase …"

Quite frankly - and I'm feeling frank - it’s all a bunch of bull. I am in the midst of an energy crisis the likes of which haven’t been seen since the gas lines of the 70’s. Sure, I don’t feel the same levels of exhaustion that came in the first trimester. I can actually get my butt off the couch during the day. But I sure don’t have loads of energy and a feeling like I can take on the world; and I’m nowhere near the same energy levels I had pre-pregnancy.

Mornings are pretty good and I tend to get a lot done. Afternoons come with less energy, but overall I can stay on top of things. But by evening – say sometime around 6:00 or 7:00 – I hit a wall. That’s when complete and utter exhaustion sets in. Because weekend work involves more physical activity, things are worse. I’m pretty much down for the count by 4:00 or 5:00. I can keep going to 6:00 if I push myself, but I pay for it the next day.

So what’s up with this mythic second trimester energy boon so vastly touted in the literature? I think it’s some nasty psychological trick. A scheme designed by the medical community to help keep 2nd trimester OB appointments short and complaint free. A "power of suggestion" thing designed to keep those of us with growing bellies quiet during our 2nd trimester checkups. I think it's a bit like telling women that labor feels like “intense pressure". If we’re told we’re a bunch of 2nd trimester energizer bunnies we’ll certainly believe it. Right??

I much prefer the info I get from some of the Moms I work with who tell me “Energy? Yeah. Well, that’s pretty much over now. You’ll never get it back.” Daunting advice, but at least it’s honest.

The good news is that next week (Thursday, to be exact) starts the infamous 3rd trimester where, apparently, a pregnant woman has ever right to be tired. Ah, the freedom it will bring!

Check back again tomorrow (yes, tomorrow!) for another post update...

A Few Stats ....

Hi there! How've you all been? It's been a while since the last post, hasn't it? I've no great reasons or excuses for the long absence - just a combo of general business, late day fatigue and a calm, uneventful second trimester.

I have a few interesting posts perculating away - none of which are quite ready for prime time so for now, I'll just let you know that all is well , Brunhilda is growing and quite active, and Boo is... Boo.

I'll leave you with a few stats and misc photos.

Stats:

• Number of Weeks/Days: 25 weeks, 2 days (24 weeks is the start of viability for babies)
• Month of Pregnancy: 6th month
• Trimester: Second trimester.
• Weight gain: 14 lbs
• Recommended weight gain for 25 weeks: 13 - 21 pounds
• Belly Measurement: 39 3/4 inches
• Belly Growth in the Last Week: 1 1/2 inches
• Total Waist Growth To-Date: ~9 inches

Pre-Pregnancy:

Last Week:

Our Water Cat:

Our Resident Momma Raccoon Taking A Rest: