hello, little poppy seed

We had a laundry list of plans for 2008. I was never too specific as far as exact dates or appointments… but now we definitely have something surprising to add to our calendar. On or around October 1, 2008, Steve and I will be welcoming a tiny sweet-smelling miniature version of ourselves. In other words, we’re having a baby.

Like I said… SURPRISE!!!

Literally. I stared at that test and nearly passed out. The plus sign came up so fast I was certain it was wrong… but four tests later it has become pretty clear. We are having a freaking baby. It’s strange how fast we accepted this major change in our lives… we went from complete and utter astonishment Sunday afternoon to Steve calling this morning to ask how “our poppy seed” is doing (explanation below). All the favorite baby names that we’ve talked about in the past are part of this new reality. From not really “feeling” pregnant prior to the tests, I am putting so many things together now that I know I’m pregnant. It’s absolutely unreal. So, I had a difficult time focusing at work for so many obvious reasons… but I’m trying to keep my mind off of:

• Shoot, I need to call my doctor ASAP.
• Crap, can I not take my Excedrin anymore???
• Damn, I better still be able to take Prevacid.
• Oh hell, what’s that about no deli meats?
• %$#@&! How much longer will my pants fit???!

This is serious stuff now... Because I cannot imagine myself wearing maternity clothes. The thought alone is enough to make me re-examine those tests to be double (triple) sure that they’re right. Luckily I caved to the whole empire-waisted/tunic trend last year so I have a good collection of tops already. As far as my medications and prenatal vitamins and dietary measures are concerned, I’m bugging my doctor about it this week. Our parents are way beyond thrilled, of course. Steve's mom screamed, my dad's jaw dropped and my mom jumped up and down and whipped out a list of possible names.

About the poppy seed… we found a website with a great visual description of the baby at each week. This week, it’s a poppy seed. I think that’s cute! This is what we know this week: "In week 4, now safe in your womb, the ball of cells (blastocyst) splits in two, becoming the embryo and the placenta. The amniotic sac and fluid are forming around baby, and will act as a cushion for the next eight months." How incredibly weird is that? I think I'll keep updating the blog with the fruit or veggie of the week - I'm already looking forward to the week of the blueberry. Now that is cute.