Dear Baby Doe,

This week has been a lot for your mom. Tuesday was our second doctor’s appointment and it was just “how are you doing” and “how’s your blood pressure”, which is lower than last time and “good” according to the doctor.

I had a breakdown on Thursday because I can’t believe that I could be so lucky that you’re healthy. Your dad sat by my side while I cried my eyes out cause I was afraid we’ll get bad news at the ultrasound on Friday. He’s been really good to me, your dad, and managed to calm me down.

Well, we did get some bad news, but it was about the doctor, who was sick, and we had to reschedule to Monday.

So, today… I think I was pretty calm at the doctor’s office, but I can’t really remember. I held my breath when we out the probe on my tummy, but I saw you instantly, and you were kicking your legs and waving your arms, so your old mom got tears in her eyes. Your dad got pretty emotional too, smiling from ear to ear. The doctor said that everything was okay with you, and he was 96% sure you’re a girl! And you’re big. Not too happy about that… Please don’t have a huge head when you decide to come out! The due date got set to Dec 21

And with that said, I’m making all the previous belly letters public

Yes, last Saturday was Hanne-Lill’s bachelorette party. It was so fun just to meet up with her and Maria again. It was also fun to hang with the girls from the Trondheim era and Haugesund. We started with breakfast at 8:30AM, then did some sumo, boxing with huge gloves, inflatable kiddie horse racing and throwing sandbags at tin can at Oslo Gladiators. Then we bussed to the other side of town to a farm with lots of horses, and we got a sleigh ride from the bus stop to the stable. The girls took turn on riding the horses, which I must say I admire them for doing (as it was the first time for some of them) — I’d been terrified.

Then we had a barbecue with lots, and too much, good food. Next on the program was party party, so we headed to the apartment we were going to stay in for the evening. Hanne-Lill visited her son to breastfeed him (his grandparents babysat him), and that’s when we realized that she had had too little to drink…

The rest of the day was spent in the apartment, and we even missed the last bus to town and had to take the train. We ended up at Oslo Plaza, at the Sky Bar, where some of the girls insisted on Strawberry Daiquiries, but non of them finished the drink. And by that the day was over, and we all went home.

Very good day. Can’t wait to see everybody at the wedding in 4 weeks time!

Dear Baby Doe,

Sorry for calling you a shrimp before, but I have to point out that you’re now the size of a medium shrimp, and I find it a bit funny. I won’t hold it against you late, I promise.

After a hopeless search for maternity pants that doesn’t cost 1000NOK ($157) AND that fit me, I managed to find a pair at H&M online. I got it in the mail today, and it fits like a glove! In a couple of months it will be too large, but then the ones in the stores will fit me I must say it’s a relief to have them on! Phew.

We have another doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. Not sure what it’s for, but I guess it’s just a checkup. And then on Friday we’re going to ultrasound! I’m actually more scared than excited, but at least I’ll know if everything’s okay. I think I’m worrying too much.

I’m also having back pains, which could be pelvic pain, but I’m hoping not. Please, please, please.

It’s that magical week number when you can tell people around you that you’re pregnant because the risk of miscarriage has subsided. We counted down the days, but when it got there it felt just like the days before. Probably because I have told almost everyone around me, either because they guessed it, or because I had to tell them because of work, and some because I wanted them to know

We’re thinking of doing an early ultrasound because I’m worrying too much, and because we’re curious! I’m not gonna deny it. I want to know what’s growing inside of me

On the day that marked week 12 I woke up at 4:30AM and just lied in my bed thinking that, Wow, it’s really week 12! Then I woke up Christian and told him, and he responded with something that sounded like: “I’ve got something for you…” When I asked him what he said now, he said: “Congratulations! I forgot to tell you…” And I gave up trying to understand what the #$%& he was talking about, and went to the toilet. When I got back, I spooned him, and after I had lain there for a while he asked: “Aren’t you gonna open it?” And I rolled over, and on my pillow was a present! I opened it, and it was tiny pants and a jacket with cow pattern for a tiny, tiny baby! It’s the first item we’ve got since it’s still early to go crazy in the baby store yet.

I’m really starting to show now. Especially in the evening. We’re going to get maternity pants today, cause I don’t wanna wake up one morning and don’t have any pants to wear. And it’s getting there. I used to wear tight fit, low cut jeans, but just before I got pregnant I bought some loose ones, and these are starting to get too tight. Le sigh.

The funny thing is that I lost weight since the nausea, and since I got pregnant I’ve gained 1 kg although I look like I’ve gained 5. And I still weigh less than before I was pregnant. Oh, well, I guess I will gain more weight than I ever dreamt of in due time, haha.

My skin is another story. I don’t think it has ever been this bad, not even when I was a teenager. I actually got a Nivea Visage Young day creme. And my skin is normally very dry.

It still amazes me to think that, Wow, I’m pregnant!

Dear Baby Santa,

I’ve realized that I haven’t told you about the due date. When I first found out that I was pregnant I googled “due date calculators” to find out when you were due. Since I don’t know the conception date I calculated it from the first day of my last period. And lo and behold: It’s Dec 22nd! I knew it would be around that time, so I had actually had a talk with your father about not “doing it” that month to keep a poor child from being born that close to Christmas. Well, we all know that that didn’t happen, but what’s worse is this: The international method of calculating a due date (according to the World Health Organization) is 40 weeks. And that’s what the English/American due date calculators told me. But, and this is a fuuun fact, in Norway we use 40 weeks and 2 days. Which means that your due date, my large grape, it Dec 24th. (And for those of you who don’t know: In Norway we celebrate Christmas (gifts, dinner and all) on Christmas Eve.)

Doctors and nurses and everybody else find it very funny making comments about that fact.

I see now that I deserve all the nausea in the world for doing this to you, Baby Doe, but you can be happy only about 5% give birth on their due dates. I swear I read it somewhere.

It’s week 9 and you’re now called a fetus, not an embryo. Exciting! You’re now about the size of a large grape, and I’m pretty sure my belly has grown, although it could be my love for soda and chips.

Today I found out that it’s normal for breasts for grow 2-3 cup sizes bigger until you start breast-feeding. Whaaah?!

Your dad and I has our first official prenatal care appointment this week. We talked A LOT and after we got home I still was confused about what to do next, haha. The doctor measured my blood pressure, which was normal, and took lots of blood samples. I’m very interested in the result of the toxoplasmosis one, as it would be very helpful at work if it was positive. Your dad looked like he was about to faint when the nurse took the blood I, who also hate these things, was asking the nurse: “Are you really gonna use that green one?” and “Is it necessary to take that many vials?”

Poo, I do this to animals all day long.