Dear Moe (16 weeks)

Hello, sweet bean. You're now the size of an avocado! And you're about to embark on a huge growth spurt over the next few weeks. Your ears can apparently pick up the sound of my voice - which boggles my mind like you wouldn't believe - and you are becoming quite playful, turning somersaults and playing with the umbilical cord.

According to Baby Centre, the name of the game for the next four weeks is Vitamin D and calcium. So, Moe, get ready for an onslaught of the following foods: eggs, hummus, almonds, milk, yogurt and cheese. I simply can't do fish - the only fish I like is the fish I'm not allowed to eat, so I'll have to up my egg intake. And, weather willing, I'll try to get outside for half an hour at lunch time to soak up some Vitamin D the fun way.

Granny brought back a car load of stuff from your aunt and uncle in Toronto, so we now have a high chair and a playpen for you, among other things. We've been having fun filling out your baby registry and planning your nursery. I bought you a lamp the other day - it is perfect for the nursery, and it was being discontinued, so I jumped at the chance. It feels really wonderful to be able to buy things for you - there is still a cloud of fear that hangs over me, but not like it did in the first trimester. I suspect that cloud of fear for your safety might just be there for the rest of your life. ;) But don't worry, Moe, I won't let myself be ruled by it.

It's pretty amazing how I can love someone I've never even met, but I do. Moe, your very existence makes me so happy. I'm looking forward to feeling you move in the next couple of weeks, and your Daddy and I are both looking forward to the ultrasound in early October. Please don't be shy - we'd love to know if you are a girl or a boy!

Dear Moe (Bonus)

Please get off my bladder. Mommy would like to get some work done today.

Hugs and kisses.

Invitation for October 17

Bundy and I would like to invite you to a party on Saturday, October 17, in honour of all the wonderful friends and family who have been so supportive of us in our ongoing journey toward parenthood.

We have been so fortunate to have so many people keeping the faith and crossing their fingers for us - we'd like to thank you with some Bundy-cooked food and good cheer.

We would be honoured if you would attend. Children are welcome - feel free to bring outdoor toys for them, as we have a nice stretch of parkland behind our house.

Things will get underway around 2pm - please feel free to drop by for a visit of whatever length of time works best for you.

However, we'd really appreciate it if you could let us know if you plan on coming. This will help Bundy determine how much food and beverage to have on hand. :)

Dear Moe (Week 13)

Hey, there, little bean. You're about 3 inches long from crown to rump, about the size of a peach. Peachy keen, indeed, little jellybean!

We met Dr. P. yesterday for our first appointment, and we both feel that you're in very good hands. He answered all our questions and provided us with tons of information. AND... a prescription for diclectin.

I took the first pill yesterday around 6pm. It made me super drowsy - I could barely keep my eyes open - but sure enough, this morning the nausea is much, much better. Strangely, though, this morning I gagged on my pills (the small ones - not even the prenatal vitamin!) and vomited for the first time since becoming pregnant. Huh. I'm chalking it up to a fluke. But I feel great this morning, and I don't have an icky taste in my mouth. I haven't taken another this morning because I was worried about being so drowsy at work, but I have them with me, so we'll see how it goes.

~*~

Moe, you'll eventually meet Solly. He's my pharmacist, and he has been filling all my prescriptions for years and years. Although we've never talked about infertility, he knows as much of my story as you can by filling prescriptions for fertility medication. And he knows how long we've been waiting for you. Solly is a man of few words - he's a tall, deep-voiced East Indian man, and I figure he's likely in his 50s now.

I handed him the prescription for diclectin, and he read it over and nodded at me.

"Congratulations," he said, nodding.

"Thank you... I've been waiting a long time to give you a prescription like this," I smiled.

He nodded some more. "I've been waiting a long time to fill one like this for you." And he turned away and went to work on it.

~*~

At the doctor's appointment yesterday, they took my blood pressure and my measurements and were pleased with both. I did a bunch of blood work, and I go back next week for the IPS ultrasound. In the meantime, we got to hear your heart beating. It was amazing.

One thing your Daddy noticed was that the sounds made on that dopplar machine are very similar to the sounds the aliens made on the baby monitor in the movie Signs. Minus the eerie clicking. Crazy.

So we have the ultrasound on Sept 8, and then another one in early October. Your Daddy will be there for that one, for sure. We're really looking forward to seeing you! And hopefully, you'll let us know if you are a boy or a girl. :)