Good News Comes In Twos!

So I’m three weeks in with the NHS and everything is going great! I’m meeting new people everyday and getting to know the people I work with even better. I’ve been able to help almost every department in the hospital; doctors, nurses, psychiatrists and social workers. It’s amazing how down to earth they all are. Sometimes I don’t have anything to do and I get really bored, but I just go for a walk around the hospital, have a chat with the front desk staff or tease the head wound victims.

As you all know we had our 20 week scan last week. (Side note: I use to hate it when my pregnant friends would speak in weeks and not months! But now I get why, it’s the only way your doctors, midwives and the books talk about pregnancy. You get used to it. So in layman’s terms I’m 4 months pregnant, or half way through). The sonographer started by pointing out all the major bones: legs, feet, arms, hands, spine, skull and ribs. Then all the major organs: heart, brain, bladder, and kidneys. Baby is healthy and all parts are accounted for. She measured things and took some screen shots for us to take home. Then it was time to look for the really important bits. And even before she said “It’s a boy!” it was clear to see that it was definitely a boy! There was this little willy sticking straight up! (Is this going to be one of those things that when he grows up he’ll say “Mom! I can’t believe you put that online!! I’m so embarrassed!”?)

Of course I started crying, I always do when we get to hear or see the baby. The picture was so clear! You could see everything! What surprised me the most was how much he was moving around. I can’t really feel all his movements yet, he’s so protected in there, and I always picture him sleeping soundly. But actually he’s dancing around all over the place! I was so impressed with the first scan but this one was way better. He was just a little bug before. But now, only half way, and he’s so fully formed. I guess since all his bits are made we just have to work on growing him bigger now. That’s why I eat a Snickers bar after lunch everyday.

As most of you know I was totally preparing for a girl, I even had the name picked out. I thought I was born to look after girls; after all I have 4 younger sisters and a step daughter. So I just assumed it would be a girl. How daft. So I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’ll be raising a boy. And thinking about what kind of boy I want to raise. Paul can teach him to cook and how to play guitar. I can teach him about insects and Dr. Who. That way he'll be a good mix of cool and nerdy.

We have a few boys names on the shortlist, but nothing’s grabbed us so far. It’s really hard to pick out baby names! I thought it would be fun, but there’s so much to it. You don’t want it to be something you just found on the internet, it must have meaning. I like names with a good story behind them. And I don’t like super common names. Of course there are boys names we like but it always turns out that either I know someone with that name (“Oh not that one! I knew a Patrick in high school who was a real prat!”) Or Paul just doesn’t like it, or one of our friends has a baby with that name already (“Isn’t Angela’s son named Charlie?”) So we’re really no closer to naming this kid. But I’ll let you guys know as soon as we agree on something.

We’ve got a lot of work to do on the baby’s room. Actually its Maria’s room as well, which adds to the work. I want to make it comfortable for them both. We bought Maria a new bed on ebay. It’s one of those high beds with space underneath for drawers or a desk. The only problem is we had to totally dismantle the bed to get it in the car. And it didn’t come with directions. So I think we’re in for quite a puzzle. I also bought a ton of boys clothes on ebay. Mostly 3-6 months. We got 80 items for £30 and they’re all in great condition! I’ve been doing laundry for three days straight.

Now if you’ve made it this far through all that rambling you deserve to know the rest of our great news. We’re coming home for a visit!!! Paul and I will be in Portland from October 22 until November 7. We have a few things planned but I’d like to use this opportunity to organize a few other events.

1. Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze- Let’s get the old gang together for one last trip through the haunted corn maze. Who’s in? Rene? I know you’re down. Leah?

2. Dinner at Spag Fac- Baby wants some pesto dressing (and for Mommy to get better taste in restaurants) Cheesy, yes. But you can’t knock free bread. And it’s a bit of a tradition for Jenn and I. Everyone is invited! Just tell me if you wanna join us and I’ll let you know when we go.


Thank you so much for all your comments on my last post! It was so great to hear from you! And I had a good laugh reading them all. I'm so please that everyone is just as excited that it's a boy as I am!