Bump over the Hump

We are halfway on the way to welcoming Number 3 to the world. Our 20 week ultrasound scan yesterday went well: everything normal, bigger than average baby, all looking good. All sounded a bit familiar - but still a relief. Nic came along to watch - not particularly interested. The sonography took forever - far longer than my previous two (20 week scans) in Australia. Must say we were getting pretty bored by it all towards the end: the flip-side, I guess, was that it was extremely thorough and looked at all organs, bloodflow, etc. in great detail. 

Again, as per my request, baby’s gender is and will be a surprise. Most people here seem to be perplexed that we do not want want to know (of course, Paul really wants to know!) It seems much more common to find out in the States... or perhaps that is just Chicago. With the mothers groups I belonged to in Brisbane, and amongst my circle of friends, the to-be-parents who found out a baby’s gender were definitely in the minority.  

I am of the opinion that it  is the most wonderful surprise. Of course, we didn’t go into baby-making with any real preference - nor are we going to abandon a child on the steps of an orphanage if it happens to be the wrong ‘flavour’! On each occasion giving birth, I was much more worried about the baby’s well-being and desperate to hear that cry before even thinking to ask what we had spawned... and of course, concentrating on that feeling of well-being that comes along with a cessation of pain! 

It may sound harsh, but I really do lose interest in a pregnancy once the ‘conclusion’ is known. It is a real let-down for me - as it kind of evaporates all the mystery and intrigue for a really special and once-in-a-lifetime occasion. I prefer to meet a child after it comes into the world, rather than have a preconceived notion of what it might be. It makes no real difference what gender the baby is to prepare for a newborn anyway. A new baby doesn’t care what it wears, sleeps in or looks at (apart from nipples of course). 

Photo: Baby No 3. See if you can tell what it is?!? You have a 50/50 chance of getting it right. 

Boys will be dogs

The simple, straightforward sense of humour of children really catches me out sometimes, and makes me fall about... with both laughter and embarrassment. 

Yesterday, after putting some music on for the boys to dance to, an Elvis song, Hound Dog, came on. Luc did his best Elvis impression - how it was so accurate, I’m really not sure. I can only think back to videos (perhaps) shown at Graceland last year - I really don’t know. I commented on how well he impersonated Elvis. Luc then explained “And now this is Elvis... Dead”, throwing himself onto the floor, on his back, with arms and legs stiff in the air ‘à la hound dog’. It was brilliant! 

We visited one of our local coffee shops today. One of the regular customers, Gina, walked in with her very cute and adorable Jack Russell Terrier, Miles. Gina is very obliging and happily lets the boys play with Miles for a bit (as does Miles). She indulged Nic by letting him feed Miles some dog treats. Miles gave Nic some dog kisses - which of course, Nic loved. 

A couple of ladies walked into the coffee shop, took one look at Miles and exclaimed “Isn’t he cute!” Not to be outdone, Nic, sitting up on his haunches, panted at the women. They both laughed. Given the reaction, Nic barked and went over to them to rub against their legs... or so I thought. It wasn’t until it was a little too late that I realised that Nic actually went over to lick them! I apologised for my puppy’s behaviour. They just laughed and noted how impressed they were at the lengths he took his role-play to! 

Photo: Gearon boys at the Adler Planetarium. 

The trees have it

It is officially Spring. The trees say so as they finally unfurl their new leaves. Luc likened the clumps of new leaves to broccoli (his favourite vegetable!) Every warm day we have had recently, so far, ...and no leaves. The trees know better. We should know by our third Spring that the trees will in no way unleash their green until there is absolutely NO chance of snow or sub-zero temperature. I just looked at the weather forecast. No days anywhere close to 0℃ in the foreseeable future. YEEHHAAAA! 

This winter has been particularly brutal - even by Chigagoan standards. It started in October, and has just now finished, in April. I thought people were joking when they said Winter could be (a minimum) six months long in Chicago. It makes me wonder why anyone would choose to live here.... and then Spring happens in an instant and Summer is just SO lovely. OH NO... we don’t have any summer clothes! 

Photo: The trees unfurling their... broccoli!