Boy or Girl?

Two posts back to back (I was lazy last week and forgot to upload the first belly shot)...aren't yall lucky? So, I have now hit 16 weeks and Chad and I are anxiously awaiting our next appointment and sonogram. I can't wait to start refering to 'the fetus' (as it so lovingly called right now) as he or she....or at least 'baby boy' or 'baby girl'. The pregnant belly has definitley brought on mixed reactions, I think for Chad it makes the idea of a baby more real, and so he's starting to develop interesting ideas on fatherhood, and saving money....

So next week we finally discover what type of anatomy our fetus is packing. If it turns out to be of the male variety, then I have my own personal servant to begin doing yard work in about 3 years or so from now. If it's a girl, then it won't be allowed out of the house until the age of 18. Regardless, it's a very exciting time and it's got me thinking more and more about the actual birth.

Now that we're in the trenches of this recession, hospital fees seem outrageously expensive. Not to mention, has anyone ever really felt comfortable and at ease while staying in a hospital? What if there was a solution to both of these problems? It recently occurred to me (after a call from Marla, Chad's mom) that we don't get enough use out of our hot tub and, so far, it hasn't been worth the investment. Until now.

Freebirthing may seem outdated and unrealistic, but I'm having trouble finding any negatives. Here's the scenario I've been picturing in my head: I'd like to host a large barbecue in the backyard with all of our friends and family. We'd probably serve hot dogs and initiate a competitive washer tournament. In the meantime, we'd have Tracy hanging out in the hot tub in a swimmer's cap and goggles. We'll keep all of the delivery tools in the fire pit so that they remain sterile. When the baby starts trying to crawl out, we'll all gather around and chant Tracy's name. This will be just like when Reggie Jackson stepped up to bat before that 3rd home run in the World Series. Because I spent 7 years acquiring a Health Science degree, I figure I'm almost a doctor. I don't anticipate having any problems delivering this child. We can even have Hutch jump in with one of those underwater disposable cameras to catch some action shots. Again, what could possibly go wrong?