It’s been such a whirlwind since the first time Drea came out of the bathroom with the stick with the “positive” markings highlighted. Two stripes and of course, the second one confirmed our inquisitive minds on why she was feeling off since our European Trip. #ParisBaby became a reality but that haze of something you never thought you’d become – a father – always loomed overhead. Drea looked so normal and nothing was noticeable. The first sonogram left no doubt of something existing in her belly as we saw feet, hands, and a dancing little being in there on the screen.
After Sonogram 1
Since then, we’ve had a couple of exams and I made sure I had myself looked at as well to ensure a long life for the little bean waiting for his/her August debut. August…August 11th, actually. How accurate is that from a sonogram? It’s amazing and although the little one is going to miss being a great Gemini, at least they’ll share the Leo title with my older brother – so, that’s something to celebrate. But wow, time is flying considering we’re in the 19th week of pregnancy and almost at the halfway point. Friends have already been calling and contacting on what the gender is so they can welcome this little person to the world with the toys and items associated with them. We’re always happy with red and yellow, of course. ?
Yesterday, on Monday, we went in for the 2nd sonogram to check on the little one to check on the head size, heart, blood flow, uterus health, feet, hands, arms, eyes, face, and of course, the gender. The room was small with the screen above so we could witness all of the ongoings inside of Drea’s belly. Soon, we saw our little creation – much larger than we had seen before. (S)he’s about the size of
Oh…this is REAL!
This is where it got real for me. I’m sure other fathers-to-be felt the same. You stare at that monitor on the screen watching all of the images going by and there they are…sitting in a position that makes them recognizable. You hear the heart beating at a good 140bpm knowing they’re comfortable in there. Your protection levels increase beyond your own. Your mission is to protect that little mango as much as possible by protecting its mother. Everyone driving on the street is now a threat. The rocks on a sidewalk are suspiciously dangerous. You suddenly check for uneven steps or the weight she’s carrying when holding things.
I always joke with Drea whenever she does something minor like picking up a bag and say in an old school fashion, “You’re in no condition to do that!”. Now, suddenly, looking at that little round head, I find myself saying it with more seriousness. Yes, I probably need to check my misogyny in stating that but it’s out of pure love and protection for the two things I love the most. That little image makes fatherhood real to me. That little-big head won’t be in there forever. Soon, as Drea’s belly grows, the baby will want to meet his/her parents. And that’s wonderful! It’s an exciting feeling as I find myself planning the future in detail I never had believed I ever would. My mind frame changes to accommodate more than my own life. Getting a checkup a few weeks ago didn’t even have to do with me as much as it did my future child.
And yes, we know the gender. That will be discussed next week after our official announcement. We’ll give you a guess – the baby is either a boy or a girl. Sorry, but that’s all you get for now. ? Till then, look out for Drea’s mommy blog at some point.
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