The Retiring Ceremony…

Back in the day, Kings and Queens had this specific procedure that they and their royal peeps followed before bedtime. This procedure was referred to as “The Retiring Ceremony.” Things aren’t as formal these days, but I know everyone has one (at least I like to think everyone does). The retiring ceremony, for me, is that series of things you do to get ready for bed.

I’m such a routine type of person that I do the exact same thing every night, in the exact same order before bed. When I was living with Tina through college, she called it the retiring ceremony and it just stuck. I’m aware of how OCD it sounds, and sure I’ve got some quirky tendency, but let’s face it, those that know me well enough are already very aware of that! Which brings me to the new, AWESOME addition to my “Retiring Ceremony.” A friend of mine let me borrow her Doppler (thanks Meghan!). This Doppler allows Chris and I to hear the heartbeat of the baby any time we want. Because of my OCDish behavior (as stated above) this could become my new obsession. So, we decided to work it in to my “Retiring Ceremony”. It is the sweetest time of the day, and I just can’t wait for bed time each night. Chris and I just sit and listen with goofy smiles on our faces and time seems to stop for those couple minutes


We recently went on vacation with our friends, and we were able to bring the Doppler with us, since it is pretty small and really portable, so my “Retiring Ceremony” kept it’s most important and newest addition! We were also able to let our friends hear since we were all staying together, so then instead of just me and Chris with goofy smiles and headphones it was goofy smiles all around.

Now, there is an added bonus to the Doppler…quickening! Quickening is described as the first movements felt by mom. I am starting to feel little movements; however, before I was pregnant, there were also “little movements”, so how was I supposed to know if it was baby or gas!?!? The added bonus from the Doppler is….we can now hear the baby moving around with the Doppler (s/he tends to be full of life at around 10:00) and when I feel one of those little movements and hear it on the Doppler at the same time, I can safely say it’s NOT gas!! It is getting easier to decipher the baby’s movements with out the Doppler, as s/he gets stronger, but that Doppler gave me that peace of mind even earlier. I, also, now know why they call it quickening. Every time I feel that little one move around, my heart quickens and I get all giddy! It’s one of the best feelings ever!!

Don’t forget, only 8 more days to vote if you haven’t already done so. What do you think….boy or girl?