I could be really evil and say that there was Metallica blasting from those headphones...

...but of course we all know that's not the case. While I plan to make the Bean a lover of all things musical, for now it's Mozart and some of the mellower offerings from John, Paul, George and Ringo. We bought some headphones and have been playing music for the Bean on most nights. According to Margaret, the Bean is kicking up a storm inside her belly. He/she is apparently not quite big or strong enough for me to feel the kicks outside when I place my hand on Margaret's stomach, but we did buy a baby microphone thingy. So far we haven't heard the heartbeat (according to the instructions that isn't unusual this early in the game), but we can hear a distinct bass drum-like sound when the Bean kicks close to the microphone.
I find myself wondering what the Bean will be into as it develops interests. Will it like sports, or will it be a bookworm like his/her parents? Will it want to go out and see the world or be a homebody? What sort of foods will he/she like? There are any number of interests and pursuits, and we will of course support whatever they turn out to be.
The problems from a few weeks ago seems to have smoothed out. We visit the doctor every week, and Margaret seems to be doing quite well. She is really showing now, and although it sounds cliche (doesn't everyone say that a woman is at her most beautiful when she is aglow with pregnancy?), she really is gorgeous in her current state. We have an appointment for another sonogram on January 30th, and with any luck (not to mention a little cooperation from the Bean, who was very bashful during the first "photo session") we should find out whether we'll be expecting a little boy or a little girl. As I believe I have said before, I will be equally happy with either sex, and it will be great not to have to say "he/she" anymore. Best of all, we can start calling it by its name. Yeah, we've already chosen names for both sexes, but that will remain a secret for now. Hey, you gotta keep something to yourself to keep 'em coming back.
New Year's Eve was quiet, spent at a friend's house playing board games and talking. I managed to get another gig writing a concert review for No Depression, a music magazine I have read and respected for years. The editors were kind enough to take a chance with me last year, and this review, of the recent Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez show here in town, will be my third assignment for the publication.
We had our friend Kristin down from Raleigh last weekend, which coincided with our 9th anniversary. The three of us, along with our niece, Noel, went to dinner at Fig, this great restaurant downtown. We spent way too much money, and had a meal to die for. Hey, might as well enjoy haute cuisine before life becomes one big trip to Chuck E. Cheese. I kid, I kid, but then again, I didn't notice the availability of highchairs at Fig.