So, on Friday we're going to find out what gender the baby is. I've never had any inclination to keep this a surprise (I'm not much for surprises in general), so we're pretty excited to get that info. We'll hopefully be able to start thinking about names, too. We've got nothing so far. I've been feeling it move almost every day for 4 days or so. It feels like someone is tickling me from the inside in brief, almost firm, motions. Probably doesn't make any sense...most woman say "fluttering" or I've heard that it feels like "a bag full of minnows." I think I missed that initial gentle movement- not uncommon for first timers, and am now on to a little stronger stuff.
The baby- yes, its a baby. It moves now and I'm going to find out the gender, I'm finally accepting that I'm going to have a baby here in a few months. The baby is probably about 6 1/2 inches long from crown to rump, but starting this week is measured by its full length from head to foot - about 10 inches. It weighs about 10-11 oz. I have gained about 6lbs, totally on track at this pace to keep under 25lbs, but from what I hear the worst is ahead of me. I believe my placenta may be on the left side of my belly. It seems to be firmer and sticks out a tiny bit more and all of the motion I've felt is on the right- the placenta can block the sensation of movement. Who knows.
I'll update everyong when we know what we're having and we've been assured that all of the parts are there. I know a high school friend just found a heart defect at her FAS, so we're a little nervous. The ultrasound at 16 weeks showed what the tech though was a healthy 4 chambered heart, but it was really too early to see.
Friday will also decide how much more Jon and I have to talk about circumcision. I've basically told Jon from when I met him (When I was writing a human rights paper on routine male circumcision in college) that I couldn't justify circumcising my child, but the issue is much more personal and complicated for him. Feel free to send me feedback on this issue...I don't think my position will change, but I'll listen.
Until Friday, here's a picture of a 20 week girl. Which I'm starting to hope we have (see above).
Tanya, I think you and Jon have a lot of valid reasons to want to know the sex. I believe most people pin way too much on this aspect of pregnancy, but you've taught me that means more than just an excuse to buy pink or blue wallpaper.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate being able to read your thoughts, among the other ways you've let me in on your experience. The personal is political—or at least it is when you multiply it—and your candor about pregnancy is helping me make some of my most strongly held political beliefs personal.
Thanks, MM. I think I'm talking specifically to you sometimes!
ReplyDeleteHey T :). On circumcision. You're not particularly religious (as far as I know, please correct me if I'm wrong) so that arguement is out the window, I guess. But other reasons? I'm sure you're well aware that studies show that there is a degree of higher/easier cleanliness maintained from being circumcised. Also, he'd look like most everyone else, which in that department, I think - maybe esp. for a man - is particularly important to him. If it's very important to Jon, it's just MY two cents, but I'd say, go for it. You know what? I know from personal experience, having a son, that circumcision REALLY is not that big of a deal. They use some anesthetic, it's done in like 3 seconds. You put some Vaseline on it for a week or two. My son didn't even cry. Bada bing, bada boom. You asked, so those are my 2 cents. :)
ReplyDeleteTanya, you were the first person to convince me that circumcision causes more harm than it's worth. I don't have to parrot your stance here, but I will add that having been romantically involved with someone who was never circumcised made me care ten times more about it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough my former boyfriend had no help growing up uncircumcised, (his parents never mentioned it so he found out he was different in a junior-high locker room), he was infinitely grateful that his parents made this one good choice before they started making bad ones. Your son will have smart, caring, open, supportive, capable parents on his side.
Please don't forget that your little one is going to spend most of his life as an adult. My old flame pitied other men just as I pity excised women.
I don't feel the cleanliness argument justifies circumcision, either. I have a tear duct that's prone to clogging. It's a pain in the neck, because I have to wash my eye out with baby shampoo every day and I rarely wear makeup. When it flares up, it's uncomfortable and embarrassing. I've even had to have it lanced. But I'm not going to cut my eyelid off.
When your doctor says things like "He'll do fine either way," why remove a body part?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete