Tuesday, April 24, 2007

About The Baby

Thank you for your kind words on my previous post announcing the pregnancy. Salena and I are very excited and are trying to enjoy this chapter of our lives to the utmost.

We had our suspicions about the pregnancy early in the year and they were confirmed on Superbowl Sunday.

It was one of those moments when the world slows down and your focus narrows to tunnel vision...

I was working at the computer when Salena came in the room behind me. Before I turned around I knew the expression on her face and the words she was about to speak. It was an intense and surreal moment. And not one I will soon forget!

At this point, we're about 16 weeks into the pregnancy and our first child - who is now about the size of an avocado - will be born sometime in early October.

I find it interesting that the first reaction folks seem to have after learning we're expecting is to inquire into the sex of the baby. I suppose this is a completely normal reaction and one I have more than likely committed repeatedly. Now, however, the health of mother and baby entirely trump the pink or blue nursery quandary.

I am happy to tell you that mother and baby are doing perfectly well and are under the care of a very gifted doctor at one of the best hospitals in New York City.

Now to answer your question: No, we do not know the sex of the baby. Salena is keen to know if we're having a boy or a girl. I am leaning more towards waiting until the baby is born to know the sex. I totally understand the physical, emotional and logistic reasons behind learning the sex of the baby ahead of time.

Conversely, how many genuine surprises do you get in life? Maybe someone throws you a surprise birthday party. Maybe someone gives you a fantastic gift for no reason whatsoever. Maybe someone proposes marriage and catches a lover completely off guard.

All wonderful surprises but not of the same magnitude as waiting until the day the baby is born to find out if its a girl or boy. Perhaps best of all, the surprise is a magnificent win-win either way!

"Wherever life takes us, ther are always moments of wonder."
-Jimmy Carter

8 comments:

Deene said...

joy of all joys! I waited until the baby was born even if the dr. knew i asked him not to tell us. it's the best surprise. also we don't give gifts before the baby is born and finally have a giant party after a couple of months when the baby first laughs out loud.

Beanie said...

yay again.

i may wait if/when there's a next time. I quite like the sound of a surprise. I just REALLY needed to feel totally orgranized and prepared the first time around!

keep us posted!

Ginger Breadman said...

interesting thoughts on the surprise - it makes me think . .

still - wow - you guys must be going through new emotions day by day - and how exciting to learn about the changes week by week - ironic how right when you announce it to the running community, (in the 16th week) the baby's circulatory system is fully functional, and it's sweat glands are developing - pretty cool, huh?

JustRun said...

So glad to hear mom and baby are doing fine. Also, as impatient as I am, I like the idea of waiting, also.

I'm betting, though, that even if you do find out beforehand, you're still in for a WORLD of surprises. :)

Rich said...

We couldn't wait, but more power to you if you can hold out that long!

Phil said...

I've never understood the questioning about boy vs girl. It isn't like you have any choice and you'll love either ...

The next moment you'll never forget is when you're wife goes into labor. I can't say I remember when that occured for baby #2 and #3, but the first time you here the words ..."I think we need to get to the hospital" you always remember what you and your wife were doing and feeling.

This is going to be a great time for both of you.

Stephanie said...

Hmmm...why the avocado? Hehe!!!

Well...I think people want to prepare for the baby; buying stuff, so I would say just stick with yellow and be surprised!!!!!!!!!!

You sound very happy - congratulations again!

Anonymous said...

congratulations!