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Keeping a Surprise

Posted 05/16/2011 by Emily in Children, Health, Newlywed Life \ 5 comments

I'm a central Pennsylvania native who met the love of my life in a science lab. On 08.28.09 we stood in a garden on the banks of a river and promised to honor and cherish each other in sunshine and in rain. And now we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little Peanut in September! You can also find me at The Culinary Couple.

We have officially crossed the halfway point! At 21 weeks, I must say that I’m really enjoying being pregnant. Aside from 3-hour naps during the first trimester (really, we could all use an occasional 3-hour nap) and minor migraines during the second trimester (which I’ve cured by snacking throughout the day), I have been blessed thus far with an easy pregnancy.

pregnancy
{17 weeks; 21 weeks}

My cravings have been simple to satisfy — from strawberries to guacamole to spaghetti and meatballs to hot fudge sundaes — and I have had no food aversions. I walk regularly and do daily yoga stretches to keep my lower back strong and limber. And my husband has treated me to countless foot rubs and back massages. Yes, I’m a lucky lady.

20weeks1
{20 weeks}

Of course, I sometimes miss my morning cup of hazelnut coffee and my pint of homebrew with dinner, but such small sacrifices are well worth it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes for a healthy little Peanut!

Speaking of Peanut, we had our second trimester ultrasound last week and were thrilled to see our long-limbed acrobat.

peanut21
{second trimester ultrasound}

And I’m happy to report that he/she kept his/her boy/girl parts sufficiently hidden from our view. That’s right, we’re keeping the gender a surprise! We figure there is no better thrill in life that the jubilant announcement of “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” in the hospital delivery room. I also figure it will help me to “push harder” when the time comes.

What about you? Did you/will you/would you keep the gender a surprise?

Posted 05/16/2011 by Emily in Children, Health, Newlywed Life
5 comments
we heart your comments!
  1. Kerry writes... {May 16, 2011 at 9:23 am}
    Reply

    Congrats!!! We are due in 2 weeks and we dont know the gender either! More fun this way for sure!!!

  2. Amy S. writes... {May 16, 2011 at 2:58 pm}
    Reply

    My baby is 8.5 months old and we also kept the gender a surprise – I highly recommend it! I don’t think I will ever forget my husband announcing “HONEY IT’S A GIRL!”

  3. Tara writes... {May 17, 2011 at 8:29 am}
    Reply

    You look fantastic! I used to think it would be crazy hard to hold out on knowing the gender but it would certainly add a very fun element of surprise.

  4. Rhi writes... {May 26, 2011 at 1:49 pm}
    Reply

    I’m due in November and we’re also keeping the gender a surprise. I’m glad to *meet* someone else who is doing the same!

  5. Steven O writes... {June 8, 2011 at 8:44 pm}
    Reply

    My wife and I kept all three of our baby’s genders a secret and we have no regrets! Now they are 16 (girl), boy (13) and our youngest -baby boy- now 10. I remember everyone asking ‘why?’ we didn’t want to know? It just didn’t seem to be important. Planning a surprise is just as much fun as having a surprise….right?
    Peace always to you and your family,

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