Visit to Ankeny

Last weekend we took a trip out to Chris' parents house. Chris had an interview in Kansas City, and since Ankeny is only three hours away, we decided to make a weekend trip. We had a very nice time and were amazed by the crazy snowfall! Apparently they have had more snow this year than they've had since 1865! It's a little crazy driving in this, because you can't really see over the snowbanks if you're in a tiny Honda civic. In the picture above, you can barely see the mailbox poking out of the snow.

Okay, here's 17 weeks. I think I look fat rather than pregnant right now, but at least we're making progress! When I wore this shirt for my 13 week picture, the sweater was not pushed out by my belly nearly as much as it is in this picture. It's fun to see.

I also saw my doctor again, and everything's still great. Apparently I'll get to feel the baby kicking soon. Although, I suspect I may have already felt the kicking. It's hard to know if you're feeling it when you don't know what it's supposed to feel like! But, it's all very exciting.

I have scheduled our ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby for March 22nd. Chris and I suspect a boy, but hopefully we'll know soon. We're planning on Peter if it's a boy--we like it especially well since it's not on any top 100 boys name lists.

Speaking of babies, my lovely sister-in-law, Ann, just sent me a great book: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. I think all women who are having kids would benefit from reading this book. It really helped me feel so much better about the upcoming birth experience. I feel strangely empowered from reading it, whereas I think I was almost scared silly before reading it. There is some strange hippie stuff in it, but overall it is great! Thanks Ann!!