Sparkle Flower

Things move fast around here. Just this week I misplaced three days. Looking back on the week they're just - gone. No idea what I did - and unfortunately - these are usually my busiest, fullest days.

But you know what I did do? I had an ultra-sound to verify the due date of our newest edition. And you know what else? It's a boy. And I am 18 weeks-ish and the due date is still set at July 23rd, maybe take a week.

And can I just tell you - the first time I saw his little body. It was all snuggled up into mine. I am sure in there it is toasty warm wherever you are - but he was curled up, facing me, as if he were outside of me, searching for warmth. His little spine and the back of his head and his legs curled up. Just darling. Just the shadow of him was darling. And I know. We're going to be ok.

The placenta is all stretched out on the front of my belly. Which means I won't feel him move as much and also means 'don't panic when the heart beat can't be found straight-away.' But he's there and we're gonna be friends. I am pretty sure the placenta was in front for Talmage, as well, which was really just fine. No one likes being jabbed all up and over the place. Alaska was a kicker and Talmage was much more calm in there. Not sure if he really was calm or I just couldn't feel him as much - but it was a win. And his sweet personality would give off the impression that he was calmer. Maybe I can get lucky again.

The ultra-sound specialist was just the absolute best. Each picture she took she explained and then ended with, "Such a cute baby" And she was so super careful to never say the word 'it'. She always, always said, 'You're sweet one' or some kind of variation. It was comforting in a weird way since it was something that I noticed and wouldn't have minded if she call the baby an 'it' or not - I don't think. But it was thoughtful and you could just tell that she loved her job so much.

My mom went with me, by happen-chance. Steven was doing an interview and I didn't think we were going to find out the sex anyways. I was just going to wing it by myself and then my mom had the day off of school for a snow day and she came with me. It was nice to have someone to share the excitement with.

I am mostly excited for Alaska to come with Steve and I to the 20 week appointment. She is going to be beside herself. She loves this little boy something fierce already.

I was so nervous to tell Alaska that her 'Sparkle Flower' would need to have a more masculine name. I knew she wanted a sister and I really wanted to give her what she wanted. Even though Steven and I had been trying for a boy, by the time the ultra-sound happened, Alaska had me convinced that a girl would be best for our family. We were reading Junie B. Jones and in that particular story Junie was telling her class about her new baby brother. And that's when we told Alaska. Feeding off Junie B.'s excitement. And you know what? Alaska was just fine. I guess all her excitement is mostly about having a baby. Boy or girl. Sigh of relief.