Regarding Gender

August 24, 2014

2 years, 9 months, 5 days

22 weeks, 6 days

 

How could you not want more of this craziness?!

I was sitting in the bathtub last night and I thought, “What if I have another boy?” And I will admit that I was sad for a moment.  It is quite possible (I’d give it a 99% certainty) that this is my last pregnancy.  Two seems like a wonderful number for us – we’ve given it much thought over the past few years and particularly over the past few months.  

Frankly, my poor body is rather pained this pregnancy – everything that didn’t seem to happen until the last month with Colter seems to be happening 16 weeks earlier.  Splendid. Mainly it is my dear poor sciatica – both, in fact.  I am working through it as best as I can.  Yoga, stretching, Tylenol….but I fear my eagerness and need to continue my regular walking exercise means that the flare-ups tend to be continuous. I am certain I have taken on a most bizarre gait and whether lying, sitting or standing it tends to aggravate me.  I found myself saying out loud today, “I can’t wait for this pregnancy to be over so I don’t have to be in pain anymore!” Woe is me.

Swimming feels great...too bad the closest pool is 80 miles away! :/

But enough. I do love being pregnant – despite its challenges.  I know many other women who suffer longer and more extremely than I do. I love feeling Baby kicking and moving all around.  I love hearing the heartbeat.  I love how Colter is excited to be Big Brother.  I love how my husband puts his hand on my belly.  I love that “special” feeling. I love not-knowing whether it’s a mini-CJ or mini-Heather waiting to make its grand debut.  I love knowing that our family is growing.  I love that I am fortunate to mother two children. Frankly, I love my life!  It’s cheesy, yes, but true.

Brothers.

The gals at my Family Baby Shower in San Diego in July.

 Another boy.  The prospect is both alluring and daunting.  Two wild boys running like crazy men around the house.  Two hungry boys to feed.  Boys in the house outnumbering me four to one – because you can’t forget Owen! A beautiful baby boy.

Another girl. Of course, I would imagine that most women would love to feel the connection that only the mother-daughter bond can bring. To share so much through life’s journeys and trials.  A beautiful baby girl.

Peaceful moments.

I suppose these ramblings don’t really make a difference in the long run.  Baby is what he or she is.  And we will love this baby no matter what – a truly incredible gift, miracle of life, unbelievable blessing.  

I can't wait to see Baby's face....and know that it will be just as precious as this one!

For now, I am content with just me and my boys.  And my dear sweet baby pouncing away on my bladder.

Happy.

Oh!  I must keep track.....

Week 23:  Baby is 11 inches long and weighed in at 1 lb 3 oz last Tuesday.  Baby can feel me dance and I know Baby loves story time snuggles with Big Brother and Owen - s/he always starts moving around.

Round Two

There's a "ba-loop" low in my belly, my sciatica is screaming and my cankles have reappeared. This can only mean one thing: the Malcolm's are having another baby!

Tomorrow marks 22 weeks. Which means, ladies and gentlemen, I am over halfway there. 

We have decided to go the surprise route yet again. There is something magical about not finding out until the Baby slides on out. Or perhaps we are just old school. I admit this go around I have absolutely no idea whether it's a boy or a girl. My mother intuition seems to be failing me. The mother in me proudly states, "as long as it is healthy". How many thousands of years has this echoed for?  Colter is hoping for a little brother- though I did breach the possibility of a little sister and he seemed intrigued...

This pregnancy has been so vastly different from the first...the first trimester symptoms not so much but more the overall experience. I remember the days of blogging regularly and sitting for hours rubbing my ever growing belly. And then the Baby came out. And now I have a two and a half year old consuming my waking (and ever so occasionally my nighttime) hours. Early on, I found myself forgetting that I was pregnant. These days, I've decided I have another active child growing in my womb as I seldom go an hour without Baby kicking and punching. 

The great difference this go around? I remember the intense, powerful love I felt as I opened my eyes (for the first time in 5 hours) and held my beautiful baby boy for the first time. I can't wait to feel that overwhelming power again. I'm experienced- I know what's coming this go around and I am so excited to meet this precious child that will steal my heart yet again.

I have no fear that there will be plenty of love to go around.