Finally Done With First Trimester...

As you can guess from the title, I am pregnant, and very excited. I haven't decided if I like the "Rick and I are pregnant" team approach to the announcement, or if I will stick to the more biologically possible "I am pregnant." Either way, both of us are thrilled. We have been able to see the little blob twice as I have needed a follow-up ultrasound. I wish I could see our little fetus every week because it is truly amazing. During the last ultrasound (10.5 weeks) the little strawberry (nick-name based on approximate size) waved its flippers at us. I think we woke it up.

Due date is August 23rd. Perfect timing as I would love to be 8 and 9 months pregnant during the hottest time of the year in Virginia.

We will find out gender (I want to know, Rick doesn't, but as I am pregnant we are going to find out). Names have been a slight problem. Rick and I tend to feel strongly opposed to each others suggestions. Like, how in the world does he want a son named Xander (fabulous Buffy reference aside), or Keifer (love Mr. Sutherland, but it sounds like an unfortunate and embarrassing sound). The only male name we can agree on is Jack.

Girl names are better. We are fond of Nora, Margot, and Allene (Rick's grandmother's name).

Suggestions are welcome...

O, so my latest pregnancy symptom is generally common, yet personally surprising: vivid dreams. This week my dream theme has been that I am pregnant and yet drinking pints of whiskey, smoking tobacco cigarettes and "left-handed cigarettes" (as my old EMT partner Felton called them). I even spend time in the dream rationalizing that: "it's okay, its lungs aren't even developing yet." Last night I dreamed an old co-worker and I were smoking joints in my grandmother's guest bedroom.