It's a boy!

Murphy looks concerned

Yes, we are excited (but come on, we'd be excited either way).  Three different ultrasound techs confirmed it at different ultrasounds.  We have a short list of names but don't want to share until we're sure, which may be next week...or it may be the day the baby is born.  Also undecided:  the color scheme or theme of the baby's nursery.  I am currently loving pictures of vintage hot air balloons and may end up doing a hot air balloon or travel-themed nursery.  Check out my Pinterest if you want to see more about that.  I do prefer more gender-neutral stuff for the nursery though.  It would get more use if we have a girl later on, plus, we realized that not all boys are crazy about tonka trucks and sports.

I have been reading up a little on parenting methods and I tell you what, there is a lot to read!  From attachment parenting to the babywise method there are full-length guides to how to do everything with a baby.  Then there specific ways to reach developmental goals, such as the elimination communication method and methods specific to establishing a sleeping schedule.  I'm far from done with my research into all the parenting styles, but I think I can define fairly well my way of doing things.  I'm going to read and listen with an open mind, pick and choose aspects from each method that I like, go with my gut, and do whatever I feel like doing.  So there.

20 weeks and 5 days (5 months!)

I believe that babies are born a couple months before they are really ripe.  In other words, to start out, an infant's life should be very womb-like:  very comforting, with feedings on demand, and without rules about when to sleep.  After that, I'll transition into a schedule probably not too far from the one that the babywise method advocates.  I plan on babywearing and breastfeeding, but not till a kid is two.  I'm not saying it isn't good for the child, but but I have my limits.  Later in the child's life, I may take a page or two from the way the traditional French way of parenting.  (want to know more, read Bringing up Bebe)  Sure, I want my child(ren) to love me and be attached to me, but also to be independent and responsible.  I may change my opinion on parenting styles many times but I will stick to that philosophy and I am confident that our kid will turn out just fine!