Butterflies and Ballgames

Amber says it feels like butterflies. The medical world calls it, "quickening". Whatever you call it, Baby Peanut is moving, kicking and doing all kinds of things inside that belly.

According to websites, reference books and numerous other outlets, feeling your baby move for the first time can come at any point from 12 weeks on. Here we are at week 15 and the little one is holding true. Not sure if Baby Peanut is energized by food, activity or something else, but the look on Ambers' face the first time she felt it was indescribable. From what she tells me, it feels like "nervous butterflies in her tummy", and as if the baby is, "running its fingers down the inside of my belly". WOW!

From BabyCenter.com - "Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). He/She is busy moving amniotic fluid through his/her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in his/her lungs begin to develop. His/Her legs are growing longer than his/her arms now, and he/she can move all of his/her joints and limbs. Although the eyelids are still fused shut, your baby can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, he/she is likely to move away from the beam."

Knowing that Baby Peanut can hear and sense all kinds of activity, Amber and I sing, talk and play music for the baby all of the time. Our parents raised us on classic rock and Baby Peanut will be no exception. Steve Miller Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynard Skynard, Eric Clapton and some of our favorite Christian artists like David Crowder Band and Matthew West are constants. This kid is going to have rhythm and God from day one! Even after Amber has been sleeping for hours I'll still peek over to make sure the pink iPod is pumping out the music for the little one to learn.

In addition to the iPod jams, Papi (that's me) has been singing to Baby Peanut every night before bed. Some of my favorites include "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider". I would have never guessed that I would someday be singing off-key, late at night to Ambers' belly, but here I am.

I guess when you finally realize that life isn't about you anymore, it's easier to do what you never would have done. Especially when Baby Peanut is standing next to me singing, "buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks..." I'll remember the nights I was laying in bed singing to and teaching our unborn child one of the greatest songs ever.