About the Size of an Olive

The size of an olive is about one inch long. It is also the approximate, average size of a 9-week old embryo.

We have decided to go down this road once again. Yes, I am pregnant for the second time. And yes, we are quite happy. I've told Gusi but he doesn't seem to get it. He'll sometimes make a reference to his friend Tommi who has a younger sister but most of the time he just ignores me or tells me flat out no, he doesn't want a sibling. I have been feeling quite queasy and that is rather upsetting to Gusi. He doesn't want me to feel ill, look ill or be ill. I had horrible morning sickness when I was pregnant with him, so with the help of the pharmaceutical industry I'm trying to avoid the vomiting part of the morning sickness. I was lucky that my mom was coming for the holidays since that meant that a phone call to my obstetrician's could result in nausea relief since she picked up the prescription and brought it with her.

Many may be wondering what we're going to do for the birth of the child. Exact dates are still tentative since I haven't yet gotten my dating ultrasound (to pinpoint my due date better), but Gusi and I will be going home sometime in late June. The baby is due in mid-August and PapaGus will be joining us for the month of August. Gusi, the new baby and I will be returning about 6 - 8 weeks after the birth. In the meantime I'll be doing my prenatal care with the US embassy physician. Those exams that he doesn't have the equipment for (e.g., ultrasounds) I'll see a Senegalese obstetrician. The only screening test that won't be reliably available here will be done in London. I'll be medically evacuated (sounds a lot worse than it is) to London for two days and then come home. The hardest part will be being apart from Gusi and PapaGus. The following medical evacuation will be to go back to the US for the delivery.

It's exciting but different this time around. The first time I had 9 months to remain somewhat self-absorbed, this time I have a toddler to run after. I don't have time to be sick and naps are quickly becoming a family affair. Plus, it will be a big change for me to have TWO children to look after. I am an only child and sibling-hood has always seemed rather exotic to me. PapaGus is the eldest of 4 with three younger sisters and though he's not particularly close to them now as adults, he seems to have enjoyed his childhood with them enough to want to give Gusi a sibling. And just for the record, I don't care what we have as long as the baby is healthy. If it's another boy I will be thrilled since Gusi would have his little playmate and I would know, more or less, what the journey entails; if it's a girl it will be thrilling just as well since it will be a new journey. PapaGus says he wants a healthy baby too, of course, that's what is most important but he keeps referring to "it" as "she".

For now, it's just incredible to think that this little being, the size of an olive, will be here in a few more months. And memories of my life before children will be even further than they are now.