Gary and I went for our second ultrasound a few weeks ago, and learned that we're having a boy! Click here for a picture from the recent ultrasound (and here if you want to see the first one).
The ultrasound was totally amazing. The baby was much larger than he was at the first ultrasound, so it wasn't possible to see all of him in one shot. But, there was still an incredible level of detail that neither of us expected. We were able to see the four chambers of his heart, his brain, his eyes and mouth moving, and the source of all that kicking I've been feeling recently. The technician also checked blood flow through the heart and umbilical cord to make sure everything was smooth. We're excited knowing we're having a boy, but also knowing that he's looking healthy.
Meanwhile, back outside, Gary and I have been busy trying to get the house more baby-friendly. We've gone shopping for a crib and changing table, and ordered a glider for me yesterday. The current plan is for my office to be partially converted into the baby's room, and to keep the guest bedroom set up for guests for the first few months. Some time next year we'll convert the guest bedroom into a kid's room.
The next big baby-hurdle is my glucose tolerance test, which checks for gestational diabetes. I've got a bottle of super-sweet orange drink in the fridge; I am supposed to fast for several hours, drink the stuff, then go get my blood tested. With luck (and good chemistry) I will pass and not have to worry about it. Otherwise, I get to do another test, which is much longer and (I've heard) less pleasant.
Posted by Jen at April 11, 2005 07:29 AMWow! He has a face and everything! It's easier to make him out on the computer than on the hard copy.
But that "hi mommy and daddy" feature -- what if the parents are a gay couple? How do they know he's not saying, "Get that thing out of here and leave me alone!" (or as alone as an unborn baby can be).
Sorry if I'm giving the impression that I'm more interested in the prose than in the boy. Not true.
Posted by: Jessica at April 11, 2005 08:39 AMLooking good Jen! Aren't ultra-sounds cool (the results anyway)?
I had to do the glucose tolerance thing too (the long version) and about passed out. Turns out I DID have GD with both Courtney and Joey. It's not so bad to treat if you're being well monitored and otherwise healthy.
Let us know when you pick a name. Stay well.
Posted by: Kathryn at April 11, 2005 09:17 AMCongrats - a boy is wonderful - looks like he has our family nose (sorry Gary) - and hopefully, Jen, you have not developed GD - usually means a bigger baby for one thing. Are they still going with the original due date? My love to all three of you Aunt Kathy
Posted by: Aunt Kathy at April 11, 2005 12:44 PMHi Jen & Gary,
How exciting that we're finally going to get a little boy in the family. There has not been one since your cousin Brian. Liz and I are both thrilled to hear of your good news and eagerly await his coming in July. Stay healthy Jen and get lots of rest.
Love,
Aunt Mari
I'm so excited!! He's looking really strong and healthy. Oh, and did I mention? I'm so excited!
Love,
Mom
Reading from 1/11 (I guess) reminded me. When preg. with both boys, I would cook huge dinners that I was dying to have and not even be able to sit at the table much less eat any of it when they were finally done.
Glad everyone is doing well. Maggie
Wow, it really is getting cramped in there. Too bad you're not a kangaroo so you could just take him out of the pouch when you got tired of carrying him around.
Posted by: Alana at April 11, 2005 06:38 PMHe's beautiful! Thanks for the picture---it really is amazing.
Posted by: Niki at April 15, 2005 12:03 PM