When Max was ultra-sounded, I took a video of the screen with our handycam. This enabled us to see the video and record what the doctor was saying at the same time. We were not allowed to make our own recording of Lucy’s ultrasound, but were instead instructed to bring a VHS tape and we would be given a copy.
Now, being 2010, Toby asked if we could get a copy of the ultrasound. She was told to bring a VHS tape. Huh? We don’t have any extra VHS tapes, so I made a special trip to the drug store to buy a new blank one. What I found out was that, like cigarettes and condoms, VHS tapes are kept behind locked glass at the Carpinteria CVS store. I had to call over the only employee in the store to unlock the cabinet and hand me a $3 blank VHS tape.
We arrived at the Dr.’s office, armed with our VHS tape, and while I was out of the exam room, Toby asked about still using VHS. He said they now have a DVD burner and graciously burned us a copy of the ultrasound video.
Although there is no sound or narration, you can see the shape of our newest addition-to-be.
P.S. Does anyone have a need for a blank VHS tape? I just took the shrink-wrap off of it.
We all 4 got to see our little widget at the 20 week ultrasound yesterday. All is good – thanks be to God. The doctor was sweetly careful to honor our request and not scan the area of the baby that would give away the gender. I figure, if you are going to push out a watermelon, it is nice to get a surprise.
Here’s a great picture – he/she saying, "Oy Vay! How did I get into this crazy family!"
Lucy was in the right place and time the other night. I was getting repeatedly kicked in the same spot of my belly, and I had her come over and feel. She felt it and her eyes lit up – super cute. Max is waiting for his turn now…
I’m 21 weeks now, by the by. Please pray for my sleep – I haven’t slept through the night but once in the last 3 weeks. I lose 2 or more hours every night and it is getting brutal.
No sooner was the party complete than I have to finish up the little details of the renter’s room. I spent Sunday afternoon working on assembling a roll-top desk. I had the kids ‘helping’ me. They were mostly yelling and dancing and singing while I tried to decipher the cartoon based instructions. At one point Lucy said to me, "Don’t look, Dad." So of course I looked. I waited 3 beats and turned my head to see Lucy dropping trow(sers) and giving Max a full moon. I laughed and laughed.
Later, Lucy said to Toby "Mom, how big is your bottom?" I kept my mouth shut and waited to hear the answer. Toby said, "It is the perfect size for my pants, so I am happy with it." (She was wearing sweatpants). Lucy would have none of this. She said, "No, I mean how many inches around is it?" I couldn’t keep it in any more. My laughter allowed Toby to make a get away and avoid the answer.
The last few weeks have been completely focused on getting the first floor finished enough to have a baby shower hosted here for Toby’s cousin, Chelsea.
Chelsea’s mom (Toby’s aunt) Bonnie, stayed with us for the long weekend, and was a massive help. She cleaned on Friday, set up the tables and chairs Friday night and then on Saturday got all the food prepared.
The pulling of the paper off the floor and the moving of the cardboard out of the house was done in such a rush that everything was just thrown into the front yard. It was trash city. The kids and I went out early on Saturday and began the yard cleanup. We got all the trash up, Max trimmed some of the bushes and Lucy swept up the front porch. My lawn hadn’t been mowed in months, so I did a ‘pre-mow’ with the weed-eater. I was racing against the clock, but finished cleaning up with about 15 minutes to spare.
As a reward for doing a great job working so hard, I took the kids to see The Tooth Fairy. It was silly and perfect for Max and Lucy.
Below are some pictures that show the insides as the party was being set up. I think more than 30 people ended up attending.
