Early this morning I went in to have my blood drawn for my AFP. I had been told at my last appointment that today would be just the blood draw, and that I will come in two weeks later for a regular check-up. Well, imagine my surprise when the visit turned into a full check-up! I was able to meet the third and final doctor at my OB practice today, and he was warm and friendly as expected. However, when I asked him if we would be able to tell the sex of the baby today, he didn't even bother and said, "It's still too early," when I know full well that external sex organs have been distinguishable for at least a...

Today, I felt my baby move for the very first time. I was sitting in a beautiful church at the wedding of J's cousin (congrats, Suzanne & Lou!). They were in the midst of reciting their wedding vows when I felt it — Butterflies fluttering in my lower abdomen. The moment lasted barely a second, but I knew exactly what it was. "I just felt the baby move!" I whispered to J. He immediately put his hand on my stomach, and I had to inform him that it's still way too early for movements to be felt externally. Unfortunately, I haven't felt the baby move since. But I know that the day can't be far off when I'll feel it move every day. I love being...

I have found that pregnancy and mothering boards can be some of the most heated on the web. Everyone has different parenting styles, and they all seem to think that their way is the best. They fight tooth and nail to prove their point, and soon the debates become nothing short of nasty catfights. There are, of course, topics that repeated garner much dissension among new/expectant mothers and we are labeled as one of two categories depending on what we choose: Crunchy Silky - gives birth at home - gives birth at hospital - plans for a natural birth (no meds) - is pro-medication (epidural, labor-inducing drugs, etc.) - prefers midwives - prefers doctors - eats placenta - is grossed out by the idea of eating placenta - breastfeeds (often for prolonged periods...