A Note to The Little 20-Week-Old Fetus

Dear Fetus,

It's hard to believe you've been baking for 20 weeks now! This pregnancy is really moving along quickly; and, I must say, you have been a dream to carry!

For starters, the sickness has been minimal. Although, I have had it on and off since about seven weeks. Just last week I was unable to complete a dental exam due to all the nausea you were causing me! That, and who really likes other people's fingers in their mouth?

Weight gain with you has been next to nothing. I weighed in yesterday at just 5 pounds up. Craziness, considering with your big brother I was a giant beast of a pregnant lady. In the end I had gained 45 pounds and a nice case of gestational diabetes. You and I won't get checked for that for another couple weeks yet - but I hope we are in the clear! I also hope my scale is right; it must be nearly accurate though, as I'm still wearing pre-pregnancy pants AND am just now squeezing out my normal stretchy shirts. Like I said, you've been a dream!

Tomorrow, your Daddy and big brother and I are going to get to see you on a special ultrasound. It's a big, fancy, flat-screen ultrasound. The techs will measure you and make sure all your bits and pieces are growing as they should. We will also have the chance to find out if you are a boy or a girl. However, your father and I have decided to wait it out and get the big news on your birth day!

We are all getting excited for your arrival, even though it's months away. I think I may have found the perfect bedding/theme for your nursery. But, I'll tell you more about that later, once everything is set in stone.

One day when you and your big brother are older, I will pass on to both of you, bound copies of this blog. This way, you'll be able to see how we all became a family. How it all started, the trials and tribulations, the joys and hopes, and everything in between. I'm sure you'll notice that with your brother, I blogged a lot more during the pregnancy. It's not that you are any less important, or aren't as big of a deal; the difference is that my approach to this pregnancy has been more low-key and intimate. I haven't had many whacky experiences or dramatic events. This journey with you, thus far, has been quiet and serene. Many women have doted about loving being pregnant, and I get that with you. I just hope the second half of the pregnancy goes as well as the first!

However, there is one major struggle. Your father and I cannot agree on an acceptable name- boy or girl, we are in dispute. We've got a couple contenders though.

If you are a girl, we are considering:

• Norah Grace

• Lauren Elizabeth

• Camryn Grace

• Grace (searching for a middle name)

If you are a boy, we are considering:

• Ryan Hudson

• Garrett Thomas

• Dylan Thomas

So, little 20-week-old fetus, does anything above sound like a name you'd like to have for life? If so, drop me a couple signs...maybe a kick or two, I haven't felt you much and would really like for you to start jabbing me

I am really looking forward to seeing you on the big screen tomorrow! When you are older, you'll get to see yourself as well; the office will send us home with a DVD and pictures of you! I couldn't imagine seeing an ultrasound of myself when I was still in my Mom's belly. It would be cool and kinda gross. We'll see how you react when you are older!

Much love little one. I will write you soon.

-Mom

P.S. I should probably mention (although I'm hesitant), that I am in fact growing a nice lady-beard AND a miss-tache. It's VERY attractive. ;)