June 2004 Update - On the Move
I apologize for being a little tardy with this month's update. So many things have been going on, but most of them don't relate to the baby. But a couple of things are literally related to the baby, and I'd like to acknowledge a couple of special recent events. First, my mother. She just celebrated her 50th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! Your last one without a grandbaby. Hope it was a good one! And congratulations to my brother-in-law and his new wife on their recent marriage. We all wish you two the best in your new life together!
Hey, that was fun! Sharing news about someone other than myself. But I also know that's not why you're reading this. So, on with Erin and baby news. Let's start with work, or lack there of. Yep, I am officially unemployed now. My last day of work was the Friday before Memorial Day. They sent me off in grand style, though, with a wonderful baby shower. Thank you all so much for the gifts, for they will come in handy. But thank you more for for just attending. It was a wonderful send off, much better than a "goodbye party." I will miss you all!
Next up, actual baby news. He's moving! Well, I mean, we've known he was moving, but I can actually feel it now. I had suspected that I was feeling it for a week or so, but I finally had it confirmed about two weeks ago. Actually, we have quite the little movie critic on our hands. I got kicked rather harshly during Van Helsing, which was the first time I had felt movement when there was no doubt that's what it was. Since then, I have become more aware of the smaller movements, and I usually feel him wiggling several times a day. I found the sensation rather creepy at first (felt like I swallowed a live snake), but I'm pretty much accustomed to it by now. They aren't quite strong enough for Steve to feel yet, but they will be soon.
And before you ask, yes, we do have a short list of names (six, to be precise: Brian, Evan, Kevin, Luke, Ryan, and Shane). Yes, we know that two pairs of those rhyme. And yes, we do have a favorite on the list. And NO, we're not telling which one, so don't ask. We won't actually decide on a name until he gets here so we can see which name "fits" the best, so there's really nothing to tell anyway. One thing I can tell you for sure is that his middle name will be Warren. :)
Now, before I start this next paragraph, allow me to *clearly* state that everything is fine. Okay? Got it? Nobody panic. EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE! You're sure you have that firmly in mind now? Then you may continue reading. We had a tiny blip on the so-far flat and boring road to a baby. One of my blood tests came back slightly off from normal, which might possibly have the chance of maybe indicating a birth defect (enough qualifiers for you?). I didn't tell everyone when I first found out because, after extensive research, I knew the likelyhood of there actually being anything wrong was slim to none, and I didn't see the point in stressing everyone out for most likely no reason (trust me, I was stressed enough for all of you). We had a level two ultrasound with a perinatologist (took over an hour) where everything (and I mean everything) was carefully checked, and we are as sure as we can be (without risk to the baby) that all is well. For the fully detailed report, check out this entry on the baby's website. With everything that they checked, there is virtually no chance that there is anything wrong. So, I repeat, everything is fine. And we have some new ultrasound pics to show off from it. They are the first three in this webshots album.
In fact, things are so fine that my most recent appointment (my "regularly scheduled" one for June) literally lasted three minutes. Come in, check weight and blood pressure, check the heartbeat, verify that I can fly to Texas for a wedding in July (I can, assuming no changes between now and then), and leave. My next appointment is June 30, and it will be a blood-glucose test (in this office, they check everyone). Basically, I drink this sickly sweet orange soda stuff (I'm thinking a Krispy Kreme donut would serve the purpose just as well and be much tastier! LOL), and they check my blood sugar to see if my body is handling it quickly and efficiently. Usually takes an hour, could take as long as three hours, but (assuming I pass and barring any future issues) it should be my last blood test. Yay!! And after that appointment, I'll start going every two weeks for what should be more routine three-minute appointments. :) You, however, will only have to endure an update monthly. :p Until next time....
Love, Erin and Steve and Baby G
