SPOILER ALERT: It's a.....

...BOY!!  

Despite the fact that neither one of us had a preference for the gender of our baby, it's still wild and exciting (and a little mind-blowing) to actually know what it is.  I'm so glad I have this time to get to know our little guy, and to imagine what it might be like to have a son.  One thing I know for sure, this kid already has family that love him to pieces.  

We received a hilarious email from Peter (baby boy Backus's one and only true uncle), and I just have to share it:

"I am sure you guys have some names you already like but I have some suggestions (my feelings won't be hurt if you don't use any of these):

Tartlet

Robocop II

Russel Wilson

Lancelot

The Badger

Samuel L. Backus

Massasaurus

Hot Pants

Mabroney

Sandwich

These are obviously first names.

I am so happy for you guys. This is super exciting and I promise I will be a really good uncle. If you want I can have the following "big" talks with him:

1.  Why we don't take full diapers off by ourselves

2.  Walking: why it's awesome

3.  High fives and fist bumps: when, why and how to avoid

4.  You are 13 now, part I: why all your friends are having bar mitzvahs

5.  You are 13 now, part II: Time management for adolescent levels of masturbating or Why you really need to take a break sometimes

6.  Legos: 5 places on your body NOT to put them 

7.  Theories on your father's shoulder hair

8.  The only two rules you need at 18: Always use a condom and never drive drunk

9.  Be nice to your little brother or sister or both. Honestly, life is way more fun when you get along

10.  On why even though you think your parents are totally lame and embarrassing, they are actually pretty cool

11.  Being from a short family, part I: reaching stuff

12.  Being from a short family, part II: Dating taller girls

13.  Uncle Pete's 8 rules for a happy life

Each talk will obviously be accompanied by a powerpoint presentation and a reading list. "

I have to say, I feel so lucky to have such a great brother-in-law, and this little man is going to be so lucky to have him as an uncle.  Despite the many miles between us, I hope these two get lots of time together.  

A photo at 20 weeks (taken about a week ago), marking the halfway point

18 weeks...and a few days

Dear Little One,

I think I felt you kick for the first time yesterday.  Up until now I haven't been sure, feeling strange sensations that could be mistaken for gas or other things happening in my digestive system. But yesterday, for the first time, I was sure.

I was sitting out by the pool in beautiful Maui, soaking in some very welcome Vitamin D and reading a book.  It was so peaceful and I felt very content- the only sounds were the palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, and the background noise of Mass and our friends having breakfast in the kitchen. 

I felt a teeny tiny little jab- like a punch or kick generated from the smallest little limb, toward the front of my belly, what seemed like a couple inches below my belly button.  It startled me, then I instantly felt it again, confirming that I wasn't imagining things.  This time, unlike the others, it didn't feel like gas or something moving through my GI tract. I'm pretty sure it was you; our mango-sized bundle of joy, saying hello, putting a smile on my face, making me feel more blessed than ever.

I've been waiting for this moment- another sign that things are going well, progressing as they should be.  A bit of reassurance to calm the occasional worry that creeps up from time to time.  I haven't felt the same thing again since, only the questionable swimmy "is-there-a-goldfish-in-there" feeling, but I'm looking forward to those stronger and more frequent calisthenics from you, our new favorite person that we haven't yet met.  I'm excited for the day that your dad gets to feel your movements too, and we can experience more of this bizarre yet awesome miracle of nature together, as your two biggest fans.


We love you oodles already,
Your overly emotional....Mom.