It's now May, and Zipporah has safely made it to the second trimester. All of our relatives and friends know and we've gotten a lot of well wishing and congratulations. Advice and warnings as well. I gaze lovingly at Zipporah, who is sitting on my left side at my family's dining table.

My eyes fall slowly from the top of her head to her slightly rounded abdomen, where one hand rests, cradling it thoughtfully. I reach under the table and squeeze it, stroking against her stomach. Zipporah smiles sweetly and squeezes back, before resuming her discussion with Grandfather.

I'm happy that it is only us, Grandfather and my parents. My sisters are less than pleased, and so is Ziska, "You're going to be a very sweet father, Basil." Mom giggles. I smile.

"I hope to be the best dad to her." I proudly explain. Zipporah chuckles.

"Him you mean."

"It could still be a little girl." I rebut.

"Either will be a treasure. We're just excited for you two. I'm still shocked that it happened so quickly." Felicie chirps. I know she wants a granddaughter to spoil. I want a baby girl too, and so do our other friends and relatives. Zipporah is staunchly defending her prediction of a boy, even with the doctor suggesting a daughter in our future.

"Not so much as we are." Zipporah hums. Her eyes twinkle mischievously and she strokes her stomach.

"Are you going to ask to know the gender?" Dad asks. Zipporah and I exchange glances, smiles widening.

"Yes. We want to know. That way we can prepare accordingly," I answer, "But we won't tell the rest of you. It will be a Christmas surprise."

"How secretive!" Mom giggles.

"I look forward to meeting my great grandchild. I know you'll be great parents." Grandfather croons proudly.

"Vielen Dank, Octavian." Zipporah and I chirp.

May 8

"Wilkommen, Zipporah and Basil." Doctor Eichel greets with a bright grin. She's Zipporah's OB/GYN and we both love the lady. She's warm and playful, but very open and honest. She doesn't beat about the bush.

"Hallo, Doctor Eichel." We reply in kind.

"Are you ready?"

"Ja." Zipporah chirps. The doctor nods and gestures for us to enter the sonogram room.

"Let's begin, then." We enter and Zipporah climbs onto the exam chair, pulling up her shirt. I reach out and grasp her hand in both of mine. The doctor applies the gel and turns the machine on, placing the transmitter gently atop Zipporah's abdomen.

"There she is." I murmur to myself, convinced the babe on the screen is a daughter.

"Everything looks checks out. The baby is developing well and is healthy."

"Wunderbar!" Zipporah remarks. Doctor Eichel chuckles and turns to face us.

"Would you like to know the gender?"

"Yes." We answer in unison. Zipporah looks over at me and sends a playful wink. I grin a little smugly. Both of us remember our agreement from this morning.

"Alright. Zipporah, congratulations!" She tilts the sensor, "It's a BOY!"

My jaw drops and Zipporah cheers. I stare at the doppler image. A boy. Our son, "Basil, it's a baby boy!" Zipporah giggles, her voice like bells.

"Our son." I smile and lean over to press a kiss to her lips.

"Mmmhmm..."

~Uilosris