Pretty in Pike!

Today was our 2nd trimester ultrasound appointment - meant to do a complete Anatomical Fetal Survey and to complete the Genetic analysis for Chromosome panel. But really, all I was mostly excited for was to see our little baby moving around, have healthy brain, heart and wiggly toes, AND to find out if our baby Bogart is going to be a Bambino or a Bambina!

I made a wish when I blew an eyelash that fell out this morning, saying that I would be happy with a boy, but so excited for a girl. And my wish came true! I was so happy - full of smiles and awe when we discovered it's a girl.

The ultrasound technician was so good at her job. I am amazed at how they can maneuver their way through my belly, taking cross-section ultrasound images of the brain, chest, stomach area etc. It really takes an expert to know how to navigate through my body to see not only the baby inside me but also inside the body of the baby as well. I had to use my imagination when guessing at what we were looking at. I was curious a lot, but refrained from talking as I could tell she was speedily on her way through the anatomical survey, and I did not want to distract her. The doctor came in afterwards to do some screening of her own and she reassured us that our baby checked out just fine- everything is in place and looking good.

Not to mention our baby girl had shifted in the second half of the session to a full Pike Position. At first she was just in sitting position, with her head upright and legs straight. But then her legs, feet and toes ended up by her face, while her hands and arms were wrapped around her legs. A true yogi baby, or perhaps a future Springboard Diver in utero!

Taking a look at the baby's facial features Colin and I both agreed that the baby looks more like me as of now. But we know there is much more growing to be had. But from these 3-D photos, she has flat face (like me) and a small nose (like me)!

Now that we know we are having a girl, I feel like I can finally get to fully know what HER personality will be like. I will be spending the next 4.5 months introducing her to future favorite places, smells and foods that I think she'd like. She, Gus and I will read books and people watch when we sit on the beach waiting for Colin to surf. She'll help me pick out pretty sand dollars and colorful rocks when I come home from the beach, and then when she really comes into our home I'll tell her all the stories behind the stones and shells we've collected over the years from various beaches and parks.

Gus is going to be a good big brother, as he does love girls, especially Asian girls. I think Gus was hoping for a Girl as well. Weren't you, Gus!?

*******************************************************************

How your baby's growing: 19 weeks old

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.