Week 23

Here we are. Two months have passed since my initial post.

Suddenly we're in week 23. It's an interesting thing that right now we count week by week how you're growing, how you're forming. Then, when you come out to meet the world, the count starts all over again.

Three weeks ago, we did the ultrasound. This is what you looked like:

It was an incredible experience.

We hadn't originally planned on going to do the ultrasound. As you'll live to learn, your Mother & I are pretty skeptical about unnecessary tests. The midwives sold us on it though, it was a matter of M's spinal issues when she was born. We wanted to make sure the same thing wouldn't happen to you. No worries though, your spine is forming perfectly.

That was a relief for your M.

The nurse going over each part of your body. The first real visual proof that we'd had that you exist. It was fascinating. It was unreal. It was joy.

We'd said that we didn't want to be spoiled on gender. It doesn't matter to us. Whether you are a boy or a girl, we will love you with all our hearts. We just hope for a stunning healthy baby.

M's tummy is getting quite round. Sometimes she thinks she can hide it. She really can't though. If she sucks in just right, she can convince herself that her belly is normal.

She glows though. She is very happy.

We have another appointment with the midwife this week. Thursday. It will be the very edge of week 24. It's hard to believe there's only 16 weeks left. Four months. Time that will pass in the blink of an eye.

In case you're curious, this is how big you are this week, compared to a football. (Don't worry, we don't care about football... we're purely a hockey family.)



People ask if I'm worried. If I'm ready for my life to completely change. I admit, I should likely be a little worried. I'm not though. I believe that everything is going to be alright. Better than alright. I think we're ready. I'll keep my fingers crossed just in case.

I'm not sure how often I'll update this. Mostly when I feel like talking to you. When I have something that I'd like to say. It could be every day, it could be a week or a month. I will keep on this though. That much I guarantee.

Blueberry

Blueberry.

That's what we call you.

Don't worry... It's temporary. We'll give you a real name once we actually meet you... But for now, it's a word we say with a love that we've not known.

We now marvel at the fact that there's someone growing inside your Mom. We marvel at the fact that time is suddenly moving so quickly. A process that we tried to start so long ago is now chugging away at the speed of light.

I don't know you yet... but oh, do I look forward to it.

I'm writing this as a time capsule. As a way for you to know who I am today... before you're fully in my world. Before you become a large part of my world. A way for you to watch me grow as I watch you grow. You'll know me so well in the future, but you should know who I am today as well.

Your Mother and I are aware of the fact that although until now, we have been the favourite people in each other's lives... Now, we will become second favourite. Everything will be focused on you... and while that concept does scare me a little, it fills me with such joy as well.

Am I ready? Are we ready?

I swear to you I will do my best to never let you down. You can always come to me, talk to me. About anything. I will do my best to ready you for the challenges of this world. I will do my best to steer you away from the mistakes that I have made... That my parents have made... I will do my best to give you the knowledge and wisdom to make your own choices. So that I can know, without fear, that you will live the life that is right for you.

I will teach you what I feel is the best way to look at the world. With wonder, with hope... and in turn, I look forward to you teaching me new aspects... letting me see this world with new eyes.

Today you have existed for fourteen weeks. Today, for the first time I heard your heart beat. For both your Mother & I, the absolute joy and happiness of the moment was undescribeable.

This week your hair is growing. Your eyebrows are forming.

It's an amazing thing.

Right around the time I'll be celebrating my 35th year on this world... You will just be entering it. With you, our world changes forever.

Already we love you.

I look forward to telling you stories. I look forward to showing you the places that mean so much to me. Hoping that they will mean so much to you. Introducing you to the wonderful people that we have in our life. To our family, to our friends.

I look forward to being your Dad.

Your story is just starting. I have my fingers crossed already that it will be a glorious tale.

It will be an epic saga worthy of a Viking. That much, I guarantee.

9/23/2011 - Week 14