Hi, Rocket.

If you've never had the thrill of experiencing an ultrasound before, the only way I can describe the way you feel is to liken it to Christmas morning as a child. You know how you'd wake up with so much anticipation of the joy ahead, and then you'd rush downstairs (or, in my case, sit on the steps until your older siblings finally decided to wake up) only to realize that it was so much better than you had imagined? That magic you felt? That right there. That's what it's like.

It's the most beautiful sight in the world. My sweet little thing curled up in there, resting his or her little fist on a cheek, just so content and peaceful. Last Tuesday, I had my anatomy ultrasound to check on Baby Reeder's progress. Since we haven't had any problems with this pregnancy, this was our first glimpse at our future son or daughter. I wasn't as nervous this time as I was the last time. I was filled with this overwhelming sensation that everything was going to be fine, that Rocket (one of Joe's serious name suggestions for the baby that has become a bit of a nickname) was doing just fine in there. And mama's intuition is never wrong. Baby is perfectly healthy, with the correct number of fingers and toes & all the right parts. No one, not even our doctor, knows the gender because we asked that it be kept a surprise. Baby wasn't cooperating so well (another stubborn kid, awesome) so we got very few pictures.

He or she is growing right on pace...for a Reeder. This kid is going for the record, you guys. Let me give you a few numbers real quick:

Average size for a 20-week fetus: 10.5 oz.
Brooke at 20w: 12 oz.
Joe at 20w 5d: 14 oz.
Rocket at 20w 2d: 16 oz.

A whole freaking pound! This child weighs a whole pound already. 2 full ounces bigger than his or her big brother, who, may I remind you, was 10 lbs 2 oz at birth! Excuse me while my head explodes. I'm terrified, friends. Even the ultrasound tech kinda laughed when she told us; "I saw in your chart that you have big babies..." I'm measuring a full 10 days ahead. When we brought it up with my OB, her response was, "The trouble with you is that I can't even help you & induce you a little early; your babies just don't want to come out on time!" Uh huh. I remember. Like I said, terrified.

So let me sum up for you. I'm thrilled beyond belief that we got to see baby and that he or she is perfect and healthy. I'm also not buying any newborn diapers or clothes. Maybe not even size 3 months.

How far along?: 21 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: +1 over the past 2 weeks, +13.5 total.
Maternity clothes?: Leggings, y'all.
Sleep: Can't complain. Seems to be the one thing that's gone my way this week.
Movement: I still feel it mostly when I'm sitting or lying down, but it gets more forceful every day. I actually saw my belly jump this week.
Food cravings: Still none. I've been sick for what feels like weeks so my relationship with food isn't great right now.
Gender: Team Green for life.
New w/pregnancy #3: Record-breaking fetuses. The tech didn't say it was the largest baby she'd ever seen at 20 weeks, but I could see it in her eyes.
What I miss: Can someone please call Jersey Mikes and ask them to be extra cautious with their deli meat this week so I can have a club sandwich?
What I am looking forward to: January. Life will slow down in January, right? (I say this every year and it never does. But a girl can dream.)
Best moment this week: Seeing my babe on that fuzzy little screen :)
Milestones: The husband finally felt his 3rd child moving around! It was very disconcerting to me that it hadn't happened yet (he was completely unfazed by it) so I forced him to just sit with his hand on my belly. Didn't take long before baby and Daddy finally met :)