The Natural Progression of Things

The other day, Dave said, "You know, I honestly don't think you'll get much bigger than this." Foolish, foolish man. He got a smackinamaowf for it.

Introducing Thorberta!

Now that we've made the whole "We're having a girl" thing public, everyone wants to know what her name will be. Truth? We don't know yet. We have a shortlist of our favorites, but want to wait until she's born to decide. So, in the meantime, I decided to have a little fun.

The next time a stranger asks what the name will be, I'll say, totally deadpan, "Thorberta! It's the feminine derivative of Thor. We just thought it was so unique and powerful, but still feminine." 

I announced this on Facebook, and after careful discussion amongst my friends, I'm proud to announce that her full name will be Thorberta Odina Eunice Wilhelminetta Susannadana Cowan... Aka "T.O.E.W.S." Cowan, in homage to my maiden name.

What? Yes, of COURSE I'm a good mother, why do you ask?

23 weeks, and OW!

According to BabyCenter.com, this is what our leetle girl looks like at the moment, except she's turned around: The placenta is at the back, she's facing outwards, and she's head-down, so those little legs and knees are pointed upwards.

Her kicks and punches are getting increasingly strong, and she definitely lets me know when it's time for HER to eat, even if I'm not hungry at the moment. But that's usually not a problem, since I'm now hungry about every 2.5-3 hours - seriously, I must be raising the next competitive eater. Kobayashi, watch out! (And, no, I still haven't gained any weight. She burns a LOT of calories, evidently.) Her new favorite pastime is stretching out her elbows for a good 5 minutes at a time, which hurts, but I think I've got it figured out.... She's either doing the chicken dance in slow-mo, or pilates. Future wedding deejay or workout instructor to the stars?

In extra-exciting news, Dave got to feel her twice yesterday! Once, she kicked his hand gently when we were laying in bed. Then, last night, we were coming back from a dinner date - fabulous tapas at Manchego on Main - and suddenly this wee foot SLAMS upwards and outwards and I had to stop walking because I couldn't breathe. I put my hand on my stomach and could feel a tiny heel (or a knee. not sure.), so I made Dave put his hand there. He started poking her. She started pushing back. There we stood, father and daughter having a poke-kick fight, oblivious to the fact that I was wincing in pain. They make quite the team.

I can't believe we have only 17 weeks (ish) left. We're taking two hospital tours in the next few weeks, and have another fetal EKG on the 7th, and another ultrasound on the 11th. We have to find a pediatrician, and start taking birthing, breastfeeding, child care, and infant/child CPR classes... And start buying important stuff like a car seat (They won't let you go home from the hospital without a properly installed car seat).... And still work full-time.... And, and, and, and....

I think I need a nap.

Dear Daughter

Dear Daughter (or Son, if Dr. B was wrong... We'll double check at 25 weeks!),

Feeling you kick and punch (still fairly gently, but it's getting stronger) makes me wonder what you'll be like. By turns, you are a chill little yogi, snuggling and snoozing for hours, and then a fiendish little pugilist, squirming and wiggling with increasing frustration as you grow and it gets more and more crowded in the Boom Boom Room. You let me know when you're hungry with extra nudges, and either really like or really hate BBQ chicken quesadillas, as you moved around like a rocket in there after I ate one for lunch today. Daddy and I still can't feel you from the outside yet, but you calm down the instant he says anything to you and puts a hand on my belly. It's frustrating, since I want him to feel you, but very sweet that you clearly know his voice and are soothed by it.

I hope you'll have your Daddy's aptitude for science, math, history, and all things trivia, and my love of books & music. Any way we slice it, you'll probably be scarily smart and outsmart us both within several months of birth. We look forward to being bested by you and wondering where you learned it all.... and then trying to explain to the police exactly how a six month old baby managed to bilk several hundred people out of their life's savings in a sophisticated Ponzi scheme.

There are a LOT of people looking forward to meeting you, little one. It's a bit like being a celebrity, with everyone asking me for updates and photos all the time! You have two sets of already very devoted grandparents who are chomping at the bit to hold you and kiss your little cheeks... And hopefully give me a chance to take a much-needed shower or nap after you arrive. Your Uncles Sparky and Iggity (Mark and Andy) are eager to spoil you and be, as they call it, "corrupting influences on your character."

I hope and pray that you are enjoying your stay in Casa de Utero, where it's always warm and safe and cozy, and that you'll continue to grow big and strong and perfect - and, if I may say so, rather adorable. We love you more than we know how to say, and can't wait to finally meet you and hold you.

Love, Daddy and Mommy

So, what's between the legs? (Whoops)

We had our 21-week ultrasound today, and everything looks great. Unfortunately, the doctor was too concerned with making sure all the requisite internal organs were there to remember to get pictures, but we do have one shot of wee baby Cowan's hand that I'll upload when I have a chance.

The heart, lungs, kidneys, spine, ribs, and limbs all look great. This child has the Cowan cranium (aka GIGANTIC), which is going to make labor quite the experience, and big feet, which could be from either side of the family.

Once Dr. B had checked out the top half, he moved the probe upwards to check out the legs. And that's where my mouth got ahead of my brain.

It's WAR

When you announce your pregnancy, it's a lot of fun - everyone is congratulating you, you're excited for the baby, etc. But once the initial, "Eeeh! You're pregnant! So wonderful! When are you due?" subsides, the judgment starts:

The strange thing is...

...I actually haven't gained any weight from my pre-pregnancy starting point. I lost about 7 or 8 lb during the first trimester (aka The Time Of The Puking), and have gained about 5 or 6 of that back, but that's it. TRUST me, I am eating plenty, and eating a lot of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, etc just like I'm supposed to. But if I don't gain much more beyond the weight of the baby & placenta, it's just fine with me. Clearly, I had enough 'maternal fat stores' to nourish this kid to begin with.

Check the picture out after the jump.... Plus more updates on the development of Shim!

Woooo, We're Halfway There

20 weeks, peeps! HALFWAY THERE! Cue the Bon Jovi!

Yep. This was me.

And I'm not ashamed one bit. (Via)