I am now at 33 weeks. Tomorrow I have an ultrasound to check the baby's growth. Apparently, two weeks ago at my last doctor's appointment, I measured a little on the small side. I guess she was a little concerned, but overly so, otherwise she would have sent me in for an ultrasound the next day. Right?

Just ate half a snickers on my deadhead between Panama City and Cancun. The sugar has woken her up. She’s dancing about, kicking her arms and legs with chocolate joy. Regardless of this junk food, I think I’m still hiding my pregnancy remarkably well; a little baggy top is all it takes. My days however, are obviously numbered. But as it stands right now, I’ve had no offers from strangers to help me put my bags in the overhead bins or give up their seats on public transport.

I am now 25 weeks pregnant, or 6 months. It’s been months since my last post! Between teaching, flying and rubbing my belly, I’ve done very little documenting. But now I’m not just a bad blogger, but a bad mother! Isn’t part of writing all this down so my son/daughter read this later in life? Let the parenting guilt begin!

I try to picture a little boy running around, but it doesn’t feel right. My ‘maternal instincts’ say it’s a girl, but that might just proof of my single-minded personality. Instincts can be wrong I guess but my gut is saying otherwise.

Overall, this pregnancy’s been a breeze (where’s the wood?). Other than a bit of nasal congestion that seems to have cleared up, I’m feeling fine. Starting to feel a bit heavy, a bit of tossing and turning at night, but other than that, I’ve got energy. Went to pre-natal yoga last week for the first time and after ten minutes, wished I’d started earlier. It took me about 5 minutes before I using my towel to wipe my face of tears. I’ve always found yoga a bit of a mental trip, so I guess I shouldn’t be shocked that it would make me well up. Goddamn Tim Hortons ads make me cry. But it’s nice to have that energy focused so I’m going to try my best to attend as many classes as possible.

From now on, I will try to be a better blogger and a better mother and at least post once a week. Goodnight from Cancun with a belly full of shrimp quesdilllas and a craving for a coke that I will resist with all my will. The mini-bar prices are just ridiculous.

Back at Work

So I'm back at my main work gig after the taking the first trimester off. Not that I was sitting around the house rubbing my belly during those 4 months, I was still teaching part time, but I wasn't on the road like I usually am. But now it's all back on: very early wake-ups, sleep deprivation, checking in and out go hotel rooms, schlepping my suitcase around, smiling sweetly at passengers. To be honest, the actual job part has been the easiest-I've had no problems smiling sweetly-it's the being away from my own bed that has been the hardest. I like being home right now, I like feeling safe.
I just spent 4 days lounging around an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. The weather was lovely, my room comfortable and the food delicious. But I missed my mammals Stef(hubbie) and Jack(dog). I'm glad to be back in rainy Vancouver where I have to cook my own food and make my own bed.

17.5 Weeks

I had my monthly check up this week and I am happy to report that so far we have a 1 in 14,000 chance of having a Downs baby! I'm so relieved that I don't have to deal with the stress of an amniocentesis. And the stress of waiting for the results.

Now, the next biggest hurdle is my 19 week ultrasound. In this ultrasound, called the 'anomaly scan', they'll be looking at the baby's organs, the brain, the spine, etc . They could still find something abnormal or worrisome, but all I can do is keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. So far so good. I've done my research on the internet and have an idea what to expect and what some of the worst case scenarios could be, but I'm finished now. I'll pass on the links to Stef so he also can be best prepared, but I myself won't revisit them. And hopefully I won't ever have to again.

Stupid Questions People Ask

Last night over dinner with some girlfriends, we had a rant about stupid questions people ask, in particular those that pertain to reproduction. Sometimes, these questions can be attributed to just being 'young and dumb', other times, it's just a lack of sensitivity. Here's some examples of conversations:

a: So, you've been together with your husband for a while, when are you going to have kids?
b: I'm not sure.
a: Do you want kids?
b: Yes, I do.
a: How old are you?
b: 36.
a: Well then what are you waiting for?

There are several variations of this conversation. They all suck when you're having to deal with failed IVF procedures. And even if you haven't had to resort to IVF, when you're trying to get pregnant, it rarely happens instantly and therefore trying to answer these questions with composure, is difficult. Especially when they are thrown at you casually from people you barely know.

There's a million and one reasons why you and your partner may not have kids. Maybe the relationship is unstable and you're sure if you want to procreate with this person. Maybe you hate kids. Maybe your uterus is covered with a thousand fibroids making conception very unlikely. Maybe you want kids but your partner doesn't. Maybe your partner has a low sperm count. Why should I have to explain this to acquaintances or even strangers? Do I ask to see your medical records?