Well, it's about time...I'm having a baby!!I went to the doctor two weeks ago for my first prenatal appointment and I'm expecting in August!
I'll be 34 in March and I'm ready for single momhood, so it's a welcome surprise. I was home at Christmas, so although it was very early, I told my friends and family so I could spring the news on them in person. The responses were incredibly supportive and ranged from my uncle's high-five to my mom's happy tears. My dad even said he can see how this way fits my lifestyle and life goals. They all know me and have followed me through life's journeys - they know I rarely do things the way "everybody else" does. It's very special to have such supportive friends and family!
My first appointment was absolutely amazing!! It's unreal how much detail you can see - the baby was kicking its legs and moving its arms and it was only 2.5 inches long. I've been exhausted, but I guess that's to be expected when so many incredible things are happening inside of my body.
I plan to stay in Guatemala for some time. I really like it here and after living in six countries and traveling to 46, I have a pretty good idea what I'm looking for. I'll probably move into a two-bedroom this summer and I'm currently looking to buy a car - something nice and small, but safe. The driving can be crazy around here...people don't really follow the rules, or suggestions, as I like to call them.
It's incredibly cheap to get a nanny here, so I plan to have somebody who comes over early in the morning, so I can get my run in before school, and stays until I get home from work. There are also live-in nannies...I'll have to see what I feel like when it gets closer to the time.
School has been notified and everybody has been super supportive. Several women had babies last year and they're leaving after this school year, so I'll be able to buy the large items from them, like a crib, changing table and car seat. I was a little concerned living in a more conservative culture and having a baby as a single mom, but it seems it's a new age for independent women, even in Guatemala.
I'm in my 12th week and already had an ultrasound. I thought I was totally prepared, but one thing I wasn't prepared for is what the doctor said to me during the ultrasound....
"Do twins run in your family?"
I responded that yes, my grandmother on my dad's side had twins. He then asked if I was on fertility drugs and I responded, "No," and stared nervously at the monitor. I was told that I have two gestational sacs, but one of them is empty, so one of them didn't develop properly.
I'm already looking forward to my February appointment and I'm hoping to find out the sex of the baby at my March appointment.
Although I had planned to go to Africa this summer, it'll have to wait until the bambino is big enough to join me. My aunt can already picture me with a baby strapped to my back, hiking Macchu Picchu. I plan to travel around Guatemala during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and head to Cuba with a friend in May for a four-day weekend. I may take one last trip at the end of June, but I'll wait and see how I feel. My doc told me not to play soccer anymore and he even suggested I not run, but walk instead...and not too fast! I think I'll continue doing some running after the 1st tri, but maybe not as much as before.
Well, that's my big surprise! Happy 2008! Questions welcome :)