Genetics

At this point in my pregnancy, I have given so many blood samples! One of the most important samples was optional, which helped determine any abnormalities such as Down's Syndrome in the baby. Well, excellent news! Eric and I tested negative for such abnormalities. This means our little babe has the normal number of chromosomes, yay! In order to ensure the health of our kiddo, we are trying our best to follow a healthy diet regimen. I probably shouldn't say "diet" because I am not on a diet, but rather eating as best as I can. We have gotten in the habit of juicing fresh fruits and veggies so baby Peterson can develop taste buds for all those nutritious goodies! In fact, last week, week 16, he or she was at the point where they are introduced to the taste of different foods and ingredients. I've been banned from a few select foods (mostly my go-to junk food) and I am trying to introduce wholesome, green yumminess to this little squirt. 

Don't get me wrong, I still eat pizza on occasion, but I don't overly indulge in foods such as potato chips, chocolate, candy, etc. Some things I indulge in frequently include milk, fruit (watermelon, grapes and apples), extra lemon in my ice water, cereal, and eggs. I'm trying to eat a lot of protein as well and this past weekend for our anniversary I tried my hand at crab legs! Boy was that fun and delicious! I read after the fact that I should not eat any more than 12 ounces of crab, so hopefully I stayed below or at that number.

So as far as gender goes and the common myth that if you crave salt, it's a boy and it you crave sweet, it's a girl has not really applied to me. I go back and forth equally! Eric and I find out on August 14...It will be funny to look back at my posts and think I referred to our babe as a "he or she" after I already know. Our plan is to go to dinner that evening and hand the waiter the envelope that reveals the sex. From there, we will find out through food what sex lies in our future! We are still trying to decide if it will be through the main dish or dessert. We may wait to share with everyone so I can plan my gender and name reveal through the mail, especially to send a special birthday greeting to my dad, who wanted a boy of his own, but got all girls...haha! We shall see if he gets a grandson!! Stay tuned!

So as far as genetics go, here are some questions we have pondered...
1. Will he or she have red hair?
2. Will he or she have the Peterson nose?
3. Will he or she pick up a love of reading, like I did when I was so young?
4. Will he or she get our blue eyes?
5. Will he or she have 10 fingers and toes?
6. Will he or she have excellent hearing?
7. Will he or she be short like mama or tall like dada?
8. Will he or she have allergies?
9. Will he or she have a more creative/imaginative mind like me or a common sense/literal mind like Eric?
10. Will he or she have freckles?


These are just a few things that come to mind. Hopefully I can add some more later and eventually come back to think about the answers!

2nd Trimester

I realize I have been lacking on posting, but the happy news is that I'm well into my 2nd trimester! I'm 15 weeks at this point and I'm beginning to see some bulge. Even though it looks like I have overeaten, it's there! It actually gets bigger after I eat and I cannot suck it in.

I notice my self-esteem is pretty low. I'm having a hard time finding myself attractive and I feel like I just need a little support in that area. I don't hear very often that I'm looking good or looking pretty. It would be nice to hear from time to time--as long as it is the truth!  ha!

The only story I really have from lately is my bike crash with another Chicago bike rider. This man needs some prayers! Let me explain. I was exiting a bike path and as I was slowing down to turn left to exit, this man wanted to pass on my left and as I was turning, he ran right into me. I had Molly in the basket and this babe in my belly so you can imagine how nervous I was. This man was not polite about the situation at all! He was all concerned about his bicycle and fell to the ground like a drama queen and did not get up right away. Immediately, bystanders asked if I was okay, and I replied, "yes, but I'm pregnant so I'm pretty shaken up right now." The man did not even flinch or ask me how I was. Even though I should've been worried about myself, I kept asking him if he was all right, but he totally ignored me and wouldn't even address me. Please pray that this man learn some proper manners and etiquette when it comes to speaking with people. I know that sounds mean, but I don't think he had proper social skills or manners. To me, good manners are ALWAYS in style.

Hmm..in other news, I finally announced I was pregnant at work. I'm getting a lot of positive attention including students who ask if I am naming the babe after them haha! I also got asked what I would do if a full size teenager comes out of me. WOW!