| Dad's Diary |
| Weeks 18-20 I'm combining a few weeks' entries here because, as some of you know, it's been a busy few weeks. We had all of Erika's siblings in for Christmas and hosted a New Year's party, so I've haven't had too much chance to write. We had a nice Christmas and all the family survived without any conflicts (no easy task when you have 12 family members in close quarters). Those Poethigs sure like to pack their week with activities. I mean, they had something going on every hour of every day. So, I learned that family gatherings, while fun, can be exhausting. Now, the journal is back and I've got big news. The ultrasound On Wednesday, Erika had her first, and possibly only, ultrasound. We checked in at the receptionist's desk at the University of Chicago midwife's group and waited 45 minutes to be called (just like at the doctor!). Finally, we went in and Erika got situated in the chair while the technician put this cold gel all over her stomach. Seconds later, we saw our little one on the screen. I'll spare you the actual photos, unless you are really, really interested. The highlights... * We were able to count all 10 fingers and all 10 toes and see a well-developed spinal column. * We saw the baby constantly moving around, so much so that I said, "movement in the womb has no relation to hyperactivity, right?" * Remember my discussion on gender? All the baby's movement stymied our efforts to definitively determine gender. At one point we thought we might have seen some telling signs that we're having a boy, but the baby moved too quick to be completely sure. Naturally, per my earlier entry, I wasn't entirely disappointed by the ambiguity. :) However, all signs are pointing to a boy: lots of movement, lower heartrate, the brief glimpse of the telltale signs...but you never know. Many of the people I've told since the ultrasound have asked, "well you'll find out for sure at the next ultrasound" But, our midwife said there probably wouldn't be another one. However, I've heard of pregnant women having multiple ultrasounds. Can anyone fill me in on the number of ultrasounds that is "normal?" * The baby appears to be growing at an accelerated rate. All the measurements they took that day pointed to a baby about 1 to 2 weeks bigger than the growth charts said is normal. I wonder if this means an early labor... Despite the bigger than expected baby, Erika is still not showing too much. Every morning she asks me if she looks pregnant yet. She does, but, especially in winter clothes, it is not very noticeable. I tell her that I'm sure she'll look pregnant soon enough. She has developed the very cute habit of walking around with both hands on her stomach, as if she is holding the baby in to keep the kid from falling out. It's adorable, really. |
| Archived Journal |