Hardships and Upsides

Ahh September. Baseball divisional races are in full swing, football season is kicking off and autumn is just around the corner. This is one of my favorite times of the year and being a guy...why not!

This past week has been one of status quo with regard to Amber and Baby Peanut. Peanut is becoming more active every day and Amber is feeling great. All systems are go and things are progressing right on schedule. We're still so excited for next Wednesday as that's D-day for knowing if we're having a little boy or a little girl. Amber is very excited as this means I'll finally get to work on the nursery. ;-)

As a guy, I won't ever know the hardships of pregnancy such as swallowing a prenatal vitamin the size of a SmartCar, the monumental mood swings at the drop of a hat or food cravings for things that can't possibly taste well together. On the other hand, I also won't know the upside of pregnancy such as those first butterflies in my belly, the feeling of knowing my every move may have an impact on my baby or being able to sleep at a moments notice. (Thank goodness for DVR.)

Through the first 19 weeks of this pregnancy I've grown to not only be amazed by the huge transformation Amber is going through, but have also gained so much respect for her. Knowing that this little life growing inside of her will depend on both us for everything, I'm so glad I have Amber by my side. There is no instruction manual for becoming parents, but the following quote reminded me that there are no rules on how it's done.

"The best thing about being parents is that you'll do everything right...and everything wrong." - Anonymous

Week 19 from BabyCenter.com:

"Your baby's sensory development is exploding! His/her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that he/she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to him/her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. His/her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of the body now. The kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on his/her scalp is sprouting."

Again I want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement. Be sure to check back next week as you can expect the next title to be, "Boy" or "Girl"... or something catchy like that.

Goodnight all!