Weekly check-up: It’s a …

Workout: Ran 3.21 miles

Capris, ‘twas nice to wear you again.

It was 35 degrees and partly cloudy when I set out this morning, borderline capri weather. However, I was determined to wear them this week and I did – along with a long-sleeve top and thin jacket. No gloves. No hat. No ear covering (though that might have been nice). The sidewalks were clear save for a few rough patches at the park. I pretended it was spring. And I loved it.

We’re supposed to hit 49 today, with a low of 44, so I’m hoping that tomorrow I can not only wear capris but run somewhere other than the fancy boulevard and the park!

***

Yesterday was the big day - “Show Me Your Parts Day” – at the OB’s office. I could tell you the story about how I ate a cookie to give the baby a sugar high (aka get him/her moving) or how Mark met me there or how the baby looked sort of creepy – like a dancing Halloween skeleton.

Or, I could just tell you what you want to know … what we all wanted to know.

Please cue the video to 3:59.

Did you watch it? Did you?

So, yes, it’s a boy! He’s healthy with two arms, two hands, two legs, two feet, a beating heart and, of course, one … well, you know. Mark and I are both excited though I think Mark is more excited than I am. Something about having a boy boosts a guy’s manhood and pride. It’s like they did something right. Whatev.

While Mark was basking in his “accomplishment,” I was being taken down a notch by the doctor. I asked, because my grandma will ask me later, if it was still OK to run. I was expecting his normal encouragement but instead I got a very vague response that boiled down to “not much longer.” I tried to assure him that I was running slower over a shorter distance and fewer days a week. He nodded as if it was OK but not before asking: “Can you speed walk?”

I bet you know my answer. So, I’m running. For the next four weeks, at least (that’s when I see the doctor again). It’s a bit hard to swallow that my desire to be be one of those Runner’s World chicks who run till 8, even 9, months probably won’t work out. I’m hoping, instead, that he’ll let me go through to the end of my second trimester.

How far along: 19 weeks

Weight gain: 13 pounds (within normal range)

Cravings: Can I say cookies? HA! Actually, I’m wanting for nothing specific. I am eating pretty much as I did before being pregnant except that I’m eating more.

General feelings: The fatigue of the first trimester has dissipated, and I can now stay up to 10 p.m. to watch all of “The Biggest Loser.” Except last night – I fell asleep on the couch at 9 p.m. as I watched the Westminster Dog Show.

Sea monkey FAQ: Now the size of a mango, Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid.