Well, for those of you that we haven't been able to reach, I guess this is the official announcement that we are expecting one more tow-headed child! Due March 15, 2008 this baby is already making it's presence known. I don't know if this pregnancy is harder due to older age, two kids to chase after, memory lapse of previous pregnancies, or a combination of all of the above.
Luckily for me, this child has brought me a lot of needed joy this week. I went to my first doctor appointment on Monday at 10 1/2 weeks. I was hoping in my mind that I might get to hear the heartbeat, but not really expecting anything until the next visit. Much to my surprise, the doctor had an ultrasound machine all ready to go. And suddenly, before my teary eyes was my beautiful little one. The heart was beating perfectly and the little peanut was moving all around...if you have met the other kids, this should be no surprise. But as it waved it's little hand at me, it was almost as if it was saying, Hi, Mom. I can't wait to meet you too. In a week full of challenges and exhaustion and some pregnancy sickness, this little picture has been something I have really held onto. I know, I know, it is clear as mud, but it signifies that no matter what, I have what appears so far to be a healthy child and that somehow makes everything else okay. It helps to focus on what is really important in life. And it has made me love my other kids a bit more too. It makes it easier to love them when they are whining or fighting or just plain out of control. Man, who knew that a tiny little black and white photo could bring a mother so much joy---even on the third baby. So, if this baby ever doubts my love, it should know that before it was born, this baby was the source of much joy.
Now that my cheesy and totally pregnant hormonal rant is over, the details of the picture are hard to see, so I'll explain it. The baby's LARGE head (yes, they say it is normal for this stage of development, but let's be honest, both of my kids have unusually large noggins) is to the LEFT. The white stuff on the head is the mouth and jaw where there are the most bones forming. Directly below the head and mouth, you can see a little nubbin sticking out that is the baby's right hand. The feet were moving, but in the picture, they are tucked up at the end of the torso on the RIGHT side of the picture. And yes, it is true to size, it is smaller than a peanut, and therefore the term, "our little peanut" really seems to fit! We can't wait to meet this one--if only the weeks would speed up a little for Mom!
Now that my cheesy and totally pregnant hormonal rant is over, the details of the picture are hard to see, so I'll explain it. The baby's LARGE head (yes, they say it is normal for this stage of development, but let's be honest, both of my kids have unusually large noggins) is to the LEFT. The white stuff on the head is the mouth and jaw where there are the most bones forming. Directly below the head and mouth, you can see a little nubbin sticking out that is the baby's right hand. The feet were moving, but in the picture, they are tucked up at the end of the torso on the RIGHT side of the picture. And yes, it is true to size, it is smaller than a peanut, and therefore the term, "our little peanut" really seems to fit! We can't wait to meet this one--if only the weeks would speed up a little for Mom!
