Um, how did that happen?

So I had the amnio last week, and so far all is well (we did what they call FISH, which gives you a quick check on common genetic abnormalities such as down syndrome, etc.). We still need to wait for about another 5 days to get the full report to rule out neural tube defects (aka spina bifida and the like), but we feel good about our odds on that.

Which is to say, yeah! Healthy baby!!

Before the amnio, they do a pretty in depth sonogram, and if you ask they'll tell you the gender.

So we asked. And they told us. We were thrilled! Then, they changed their mind - nope, it's the other gender. And we were thrilled! And went home and told lots of folks we were having a ____. (Note, there will be no reveal of the gender in this post - we're telling both sets of grandparents in person this weekend)

And the next day, the lovely genetics counselor assigned to us called me and told me the good news about the results. And I asked her for confirmation on the gender.

And it was ___ again - the FIRST answer we got! My head ached from the flipping back and forth.

I stammered out "how did that happen?" (I didn't realize I'd said it outloud...) and the counselor started in on how "you need an x and ...." - I cut her off. I know HOW the genetics worked, I was just flummoxed by getting one answer, then another, and then the original answer again. So again, I just said "yeah!" and left it at that. I think she must have thought I slept through high school biology or something. But who cares - we're having a _____, yeah!!!!

Family Planning

Each day, when I pick up Monkey from school, I get a green sheet of paper with a report of her day.

Vital statistics are reported:

• number of diaper changes (and of which variety)
• snacks consumed
• lunch report
• checkboxes next to activities in which she engaged (conversation with teacher, listening to directions, wiping own nose, etc.)
• So on and so forth...

But the bottom of the green sheet (because she's in the green room, bien sur!) is my favorite part. That is where the teacher writes a short, free form description of Monkey's day.

Yesterday the report noted that Monkey and Christina (another little girl in the green room) played with a baby doll, and pretended to put the baby down for a nap. Awesome - Monkey is engaging in imaginary activities! She is creative! She is modeling the behavior she sees! (note to self, never pick nose or undies out of butt....Monkey is watching. heh)

I read the report while still at the school, and commented on how she was putting the "baby" to bed.

And you know what BOTH teachers said to me? "She's getting ready for her little brother or sister!"

Um, when did I invite you two into my bedroom? Just saying.

Family Planning

Now that Monkey is verging on 14 months old, random strangers and acquaintances at work have decided that our family planning is fair game to discuss at all times.

Now, in general, asking someone if they are planning on having a second child isn't that big of a deal.

But, honestly, I think that the bland "so, when are you going to have another kid" question that the security guard at my building lobs at me weekly is annoying. Not because of the question, per se, but because of the presumption inherent in that question. It isn't IF, but rather WHEN. Kind of like asking someone when they stopped beating their wife.

Of course, some of the people I work with/near have NO tact. Like the receptionist that kindly pointed out last winter that I was "starting to show." And when I smiled and patted my then-slightly protruding belly, she corrected me and said "no dear, I meant here" as she patted her ass.

Yes, that's right folks, a nice little old lady told me I was getting fat when I was 5 months pregnant. For the record? That nice little old lady? She's dead to me.