It's A...

Today Ron and I went to the doctor for my ultrasound (22 weeks). The technician checked out all the body parts, organs, etc. and we got to see our baby hiccuping in there, and kicking its legs around. The whole time, it had it's hands in front of its face like it was going to play "peek-a-boo" but never took them down for us to get a good look.

We also were able to find out the baby's gender this time... (if we had wanted to!) However, we opted out again. We aren't going to know until it is born, so using this photo of Baby's feet, you can make your best guess. We're having a... baby with feet!

When I was pregnant with Lucy, we had a technician who went crazy with the picture taking. Her name is Joy, and she printed for us almost 30 pictures (as well as the photos on CD). I think we were spoiled, because this time around the technician only gave us a few (see them here), partially because the baby was being a little camera shy. Although we don't have as many photos, it was very cool seeing the baby moving around, kicking, and opening and closing its mouth (we could see the lower part of the baby's face at times). I just realized that the baby holding its arms/hands in front of its face is a habit established a little while ago - if you look at this earlier post which shows Baby at the 12 week ultrasound, hands up by the face. The measurements all look right on, but the baby is measuring a bit longer than average (which is actually "normal" in our case). All those measurements are estimates based on femur length, head circumference, etc. The weight estimate was 1 pound 3 ounces... but like I said that is only an estimate. Even with today's technology, they have been known to be far from accurate.

The other good thing about not having an excess of photos is that we won't get as much "It looks like a ______" or "It has Ron's feet, so it's a boy", that we got last time. I don't mind just-for-fun guesses (I even added a poll in my sidebar if you feel so inclined...), but I suppose I do get annoyed when someone tells me what sex the baby is with this attitude of certainty and insight (that may be my one real pregnancy pet-peeve). Unless of course someone can determine gender from the bottom of a 22-week fetus's foot. Last time I was told I was having a boy because my face didn't change. What? The bottom line is everyone has a 50/50 chance of guessing correctly, and even then it's just a matter of chance they are right. Now that I have that out of my system...

No video today either, although we brought our camera. It was just a matter of not speaking up on both our parts, and that's alright. There should be one more chance toward the end of this pregnancy to do that. It's just amazing to see a baby in there, moving around... and after seeing it, we'd love to share that with others. I look forward to ultrasounds as a little "treat" to get you through the weeks and months, but I am making my best effort not to wish away any of this pregnancy, and to enjoy each stage for what it is. It may be the last time I experience this process (not that we're making any permanent decisions yet, but I always imagined having 2 kids, but who knows I guess).

Also today the baby gave me my first uncomfortable kicks. Don't get me wrong, feeling the baby move (even when there is some discomfort) is probably my favorite part of the pregnancy... but I've entered the stage where sometimes those kicks catch me off-guard, like HEY watch it. That just means he or she is getting bigger and stronger, and those kicks and rolls are actually very reassuring!