Predictions

Now that we are almost into the twelfth week and out of the danger zone of miscarriages, the predictions have started.

What gender do I think the baby is? Answer: girl.
Don't ask me why - I just feel that it is. My husband is worried I will be disappointed by a boy. How's that for generational irony?

When do I think the baby will come? Answer: early because we have a history of pre-mies in my family, myself included. I predict three week early - sometime in June.

How much do I think the baby will weigh? Answer: five - seven pounds.

These are the things a first time mother of friends with 2+ children knows to contemplate. The other night I had to laugh at myself because I brought back several parenting books when I came back on vacation. And I was only a few pages into the first one. I've got to hurry up, I thought on the plane, I'm supposed to have read an entire one before we land.

Later that night, tucked safely back in bed, I realized that I have 6 months to read these books. And for me, who can read a book in a day, that should be plenty of time.

If the jet lag keeps up (last night had me awake from 2am - 5am) then I should rip through them in no time.

I heartily give THE GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO PREGNANCY a hearty two thumbs up. Refreshingly honest and thorough, it is remarkably like having a talk with a girlfriend - but you've never met the writer or talked to her. Nevertheless the overall effect is reassuring.

My husband is reading a book also, much shorter and smaller than mine MY GUYS CAN SWIM the only pregnancy book purported to not put father's to sleep. Apparently thus far it's been true.