I still haven't replaced my scanner, but I've taken photos of some of the best ultrasound pictures from my 20-week anatomy ultrasound last Friday. A few are in 3-D, and we could see his face for the first time. At this stage, I think he looks like a Dr. Seuss character. Little Boy Who!

I'll spare you the one that shows photographic evidence of his boy parts. That will go in a special place until someday when I want to embarrass him.

While we're on the subject of my pregnancy, it's time for another installment of the Pregnancy FAQ. This time, Pregnancy Pet Peeves.

• Negativity, negativity, negativity.
  
  This could mean anything from predicting I will be a shambling zombie for the rest of my life, to pessimistic old-wives' tales. While I'm aware that being a parent brings challenges, I also know that it's not all negative. Don't just depict the Diapers of Doom. Tell me positive things, too!
  
  
• Inappropriate jokes.
  
  We're all adults here. We know how babies are made. This does not make it OK to tell crude jokes in front of me, and it certainly does not make it acceptable to tell jokes questioning my baby's paternity. If it was inappropriate before I got pregnant, it's still inappropriate.
  
  
• Assumptions about my capabilities.
  
  Just because I'm pregnant does not suddenly turn me into a weak, incompetent fool (forgetful, yes; incompetent, no). Trust me when I tell you that I have read the books, talked to my doctor, and am well aware of my capabilities. While I appreciate my husband, The Gryphon, taking on extra responsibilities (like cat litter duty) during my pregnancy, I am still usually the one unloading the groceries, doing the laundry, and cooking dinner. Unless my doctor puts me on bed rest or the physical strain becomes too much to bear, I plan to continue to be as active as possible, while making adjustments based on how I feel.
  
  Likewise, I am well aware of my capabilities in other areas of my life and am making adjustments as needed. Even though it goes against my nature, I promise I'll ask for help when I need it. Until then, assume I'm fine.
  
  
• Intrusive assertions.
  
  This can take many forms but one of the most irritating are the people who insist we should have more than one child. Right now, we're planning on having only one. I respect other people's right to have many children or no children. Please respect ours.
  
  
• Dangerous, unsafe behavior.
  It's a free country, as they say. You are free to drive like a maniac, ride the bus while spewing germs everywhere, and elbow through a crowd so you can get your bacon order in next. Yes, you are indeed free to be an asshat. Please, though, don't do it around me and my unborn baby.

On the flip side, here are a few things that I do like.

• Compliments and reassurances.
  
  Keep telling me that I look great, that I'll be a good mom, that everything will be OK. Every time somebody says such things, I smile from the inside out. Maybe that's the truth behind the "pregnancy glow."
  
  
• Showing concern.
  
  Many people, both friends and acquaintances alike, ask me how I'm feeling when they see me. And they actually listen when I tell them! It feels good to know that people care.
  
  
• Funny parenting stories and helpful advice.
  
  Soon enough, I'll have my own stories. Until then, I enjoy hearing about yours, and especially the practical tips on pregnancy and parenting that I might not learn from reading books. Hearing from other parents gives me confidence and helps me prepare. I feel like I'm part of a helpful network or a somewhat exclusive club. The other day, I even got to park in the "expectant moms" spot at the grocery store. Rock on!