Week 12

HER PERSPECTIVE

Best Moment: So many memorable moments this week! We got to hear the strong and steady heartbeat of our little one, and we finally shared the news with our family and friends. So how did we tell them?

Well, the first phone call went to my brother, who lives in London. He recently moved back after a few months stateside and thinks he may stay longer than he originally planned. I asked how long, and he said probably through September. “Perfect!” I said. “So you’ll be home in time to meet you new niece or nephew.” “What do you mean?” was his reply. And he repeated the question at least three more times. “What do you mean what do I mean?” I asked. “You’re going to be an uncle!” I could just feel his excitement from 3,000 miles away. He was so surprised and emailed us the next morning to say he couldn’t sleep because he had “uncle-esque” thoughts swirling through his head!

The next night we arranged a Skype date with Nick’s parents, who live in southern California. We asked Mom about the two weeks she spent in Michigan with our nephews, and then (because Nick had to come up with a more clever way than to just announce “Emily’s pregnant!”) he said, “Are you going to come hang out with our kids, too?” “Of course!” both she and Dad replied. Then Nick said, “Well, mark your calendars for September!” Dad got it right away and started fist pumping. Yes, fist pumping. Nick is definitely his father’s son. But it took Mom a few moments to process what he had said. And then it was all smiles and squeals — on both sides of the screen.

We followed up our California conversation with calls to Nick’s siblings in Michigan, Virginia, and Germany. Everyone is thrilled! Unfortunately, Nick’s sister didn’t answer, so he left a follow-up message to the voicemail greeting he had recorded for her over Christmas. Remember George Castanza’s song, “Believe it or not, George is not home. Please leave a message at the beep.” Well, Nick sang into the phone, “Believe it or not, Emily’s pregnant. And you’re going to be an aunt again.” It was totally spontaneous and totally appropriate. (And, yes, Nick already sings to our unborn child.)

Finally, on Friday, we headed to my parents’ house with cupcakes in tow. After dinner, Nick went into the garage to put the finishing touches on our treats. He walked in, carrying them high above his head, and we all sang “Happy Birthday” to my mother — her birthday was just a few days away. Then Nick put the tray in front of Mom and Dad, and it took only a moment for them to read the writing on the cupcakes. My sister was on the opposite end of the table, and her reaction was priceless! There were hugs and tears and lots of stories to share. Mom says she suspected it since last time we were home — not only was I glowing, according to her, but she noticed that Nick was drinking my beer. I guess we weren’t as sneaky as we thought!

The rest of the weekend was just as exciting with phone calls and visits to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends. Little Peanut is already so loved! We feel so lucky.

Symptoms: Continuing to feel pretty good, overall. And I know how fortunate I am.

Cravings/Aversions: Still on a macaroni and cheese kick. In fact, I asked my mom to please make it on Saturday. This was before she knew I was pregnant, and, thankfully, she obliged. I also couldn’t get enough of my aunt’s homemade chicken corn soup this week.

What I Miss: As happy as we are to finally share our secret with the world, it’s also no longer just our secret. No more whispered conversations or half smiles between the two of us. It may have been challenging to keep the secret, but it sure was fun.

What I Can’t Wait For: I purchased my first pair of maternity jeans online this week, and I can’t wait for them to arrive.

Milestones: Peanut has nearly doubled in size in just 3 weeks. Reflexes have developed, along with nerve cells and brain synapses. The face is beginning to look more human with the eyes and ears now where they should be. Little one is the size of a lime and weighs half an ounce!

HIS PERSPECTIVE

Best Moment: Well, I think Emily just about covered the highlights above. It was a lot of fun to finally tell our family and friends; however, social media has certainly changed the rules of the game. We had to act fast to spread the word, and we had to make people promise not to post anything on Facebook. What a world we live in.

Symptoms: This week marks the last week that I will mention my weight gain or any references thereof. Tomorrow my diet starts. I’m back up to what I weighed before I was married when I ate Chinese take-out twice a week… count yourself lucky that we’re not sharing any of my belly photos.

Cravings/Aversions: It’s Girl Scout cookie season, yay! Here come the Tagalongs and Samoas.

What I Miss: Not missing a thing, life is good.

What I Can’t Wait For: Second trimester! We are both happy that the first is behind us and everything is going well.

Milestones: Physiologically, this week starts the cascade of differentiation that will result in a Mr. Peanut or a Ms. Peanut. Although Emily and I have decided that the big unveiling will wait until birth day, it has weighed heavily on my thoughts as of late.