The XY trend continues

I'm sorry if this disappoints anyone who was hoping for a female grandchild to help keep poor outnumbered Joybear company, but our ultrasound session last week confirmed that Matt and I are indeed expecting a boy. So Angie and Jeff, it looks like the XX-chromosome-ball is in your court -- don't let us down! ;-)

Seriously though, Matt and I couldn't be happier, although we weren't all that set on a gender anyway (so long as it was one of them, har). We've decided on Simon as our little guy's name, although we're still a little up in the air as to a middle name. We may opt for Lawrence, after my own dad...but I kind of like Simon Matthew too, although Matt is still "thinking about it" (sheeesh, some people just can't take a compliment! *wink*). Does anyone else think that the Simon / Matthew name combo has too many "m" and "n" sounds?

The best news of all is that our little Si-guy has thus far a pretty clean bill of health. My sequential blood screen results were very good, and the level III ultrasound I had last week concurred the findings well enough where my perinatologist didn't feel the need to recommend amniocentesis. Looks like I'm off that particular hook this time around.

I'll post the ultrasound images below, but first I need to take a quick poll among the "Foster mothers" -- Diaper Genies; yea, or nay? Discuss!

Simon's foot:


His face and belly:


Yep, it's a boy alright!


His profile -- he was gulping for us again!

12 week ultrasound images!

On Wednesday the 21st, Matt and I went to the OB for my 12 week checkup. We were treated to some very clear images of our little bean, or should I say our little jumping bean -- the little tike was all over the place!

It got to the point where our sonographer had a difficult time getting an appropriate image, necessitating my walking around the exam room for a few minutes in hopes of encouraging the fetus to change positions. Matt will tell you that I added a couple of deep knee bends, high kicks and other lame dance moves a'la Napoleon Dynamite, just to keep things interesting. Matt was certainly amused! ;-)

Anyway, we got some great images and are excited to share them with you. Enjoy!

Here's a top down view through the skull; observe the magnificent brain contained within!


The little bean appears to be waving hello to us here:


Here the bean is performing what appears to be a windmill -- I always knew I would bring a champion breakdancer into the world...


And here we have a view looking up through the nether-regions, featuring what my OB was reasonably sure is (as Doc Mark would say) developing "boy parts" ;-)


Anf finally, here is the little guy(?)'s body in profile. Technology is truly amazing!



My due date has been moved up to August 30th, which puts me at 14 weeks and 2 days. Things are definitely getting interesting now...nausea is fading, energy is returning (somewhat), and even Matt's pants are coming close to not fitting me anymore. Sometimes I could swear that I feel the little guy moving around in there...given how active he seems to be, that might not be too surprising, but we'll see. Exciting times!