Here's my FAQ for those who are interested:
Q: Are you crazy?
A: Probably
Q: So this was planned?
A: Yup
Q: I'll bet you can't wait to post everything baby-related on Facebook!
A: That wasn't a question. But no. We'll see what happens but my current feeling is that people on FB choose to be friends with me. They didn't necessarily choose to be friends with my baby - or its ultrasound pictures. That's the purpose of this blog - you get to choose to come here and see updates. This doesn't mean that when Baby McD-D does something hilarious, gross, weird, or super cute that I won't show FB - it just means that for the most part those things will be found here.
[The obvious exception is the posting of this blog on FB so you can check it out to decide if it is something you want to look at! Come back as often as you like!]
Q: Are you going to find out what you're having?
A: Absolutely! We should find out March 15th
Q: How were/are you feeling?
A: Great! I think I had it easier than most women in the first trimester - my main symptom was extreme fatigue. There was also constant, low-grade nausea and food aversions - but really much more mild than some of the stories I've heard. As for now - why does nobody tell you about round ligament pain? Now that hurt - probably because I wasn't expecting it. Sleeping has become challenging but I'm getting used to side sleeping, I think.
Q: Are you showing yet?
A: Yes - although I can still probably get away with telling people that I had a large burrito for lunch.
Q: How's Jesse feeling?
A: Great! Now that I'm showing he's getting more and more excited. He's graduating in May and will likely begin working right after graduation. If he continues at his current employer (likely) he should be eligible for paternity leave, which is great!
Q: What do you think you're having?
A: I have no idea. Jesse thinks its a girl - as does everyone else who has shared their hunch, with the exception of Jesse's sister.
Q: Have you felt Baby McD-D move yet?
A: I've had flutters but no distinct kicking or anything yet.
Q: That sure is going to be a well-travelled baby!
A: That wasn't a question! But yes, we'll have my sister's wedding when the baby's about 8 weeks, then Thanksgiving at 3.5 months and Christmas at 4.5 months.
Q: Are you going to take time off?
A: From the PhD program or work?
Q: Umm....both?
A: I'll take maternity leave (the equivalent of 3 months) from work, I'll put some of my dissertation research on a brief hold, and I'll be TA-ing a fall semester course. Jesse is planning on taking the equivalent of six weeks off as well - if all goes well we won't have to start day care until December or January.
Q: Are you crazy?
A: Probably
------ On to the ultrasound images! ------
December 13: Teeny tiny Baby McD-D's gestational age is six weeks. This ultrasound confirmed that everything was developing as expected!
January 7/Gestational Age 9.5 weeks: Visual evidence implies that Baby McD-D may be a cross between a turtle and a teddy bear with a giant head.
S/he was waving its little arm paddles at us -- it was amazing. We also got to see and hear the heartbeat, which was fantastic.
S/he was waving its little arm paddles at us -- it was amazing. We also got to see and hear the heartbeat, which was fantastic.
January 30/Gestational Age 13 weeks: This ultrasound was part of the California Prenatal Screening series. We saw Baby McD-D moving around, arching its back, sucking its thumb, holding its hands, kicking, etc. This is when it hit home that we're actually going to be having a baby this summer. Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
February 4/Gestational Age 13.5 weeks: First visual evidence that we may be gestating a storm trooper. What do you think?
We'll add another image around March 15th [another screening ultrasound where we hope to find out the sex]! If all goes well that will be the last of the images until we actually meet Baby McD-D!! Then the photos will flow...
