Tickled BLUE

Jason and I headed in for our 18-week sonogram yesterday, in hopes of discovering the gender of our anxiously awaited family addition. Before she began, the sonogram technician asked us if we wanted to find out what we were having, and Jason and I agreed, we did. It was a good thing she asked, because the second she turned on the monitor, it was very clear to all of us--even without being told, that Norah will be welcoming a baby brother this December! (above photo is under-side view of baby's bottom/legs--so you're looking up between his legs...arrow indicates the "gender-identifying body part") The technician also confirmed it verbally--we are expecting a boy. Jason and I are overjoyed and so excited. (We would have been thrilled with another sweet girl, too, but do think it's fun that we're headed for "uncharted waters" with this one)

(Photo at right is a front-view of baby brother's face, which is blocked by both of his arms, in a "boxing pose"...you can see his nose and mouth peeking out between his arms) We took in a video tape to record the ultrasound--the same one we used for Norah's. So, before she could record on it, the tech had to fast forward through the first ultrasound. It was fun watching tiny Norah--2 years ago--6 months before we even knew her. The neatest thing was comparing the two babies' movements. Norah was so calm in the womb. I didn't feel her move until I was about 24 weeks along, and even then, it was a rare occasion the entire 9 months. "Little brother", on the other hand, I've felt since about week 16--and he put on quite the acrobatic show during the sonogram. (He did, however, hold very still for us to confirm his gender...Norah was much more bashful and tried to keep her legs crossed). Both babies crossed their legs at the ankles for a good part of their sonograms. That was fun to note because Norah still loves to sit in that position now, and it looks like little brother may follow in her footsteps. The tech said everything looks as healthy as can be--the best news of all!

(Photo at left is of baby brother's profile, looking up) After taking little brother's measurements, the tech moved my due date up 5 days, to December 27th. (That was music to Jason's ears since December 31 was so close to the end of the year and he's really hoping for a last-minute tax deduction) On the other hand, if little brother comes 2 days early, like big sister did, we might have to leave in the middle of Christmas dinner! Either way, we'll be excited to welcome his arrival.

For those who are curious, we haven't settled on a name yet, but are in negotiations :) However, as was our practice with Norah, the name will remain between Jason and me until the baby arrives. (Since we tell everyone the gender ahead of time, we like to keep one little secret to ourselves...plus, it insures that no one tells us how much they hate our name until after it's too late to change our minds)