36 Weeks

I can't believe I'm already 36 weeks. Only a month to go! Life has been so busy lately that I haven't had a lot of time to focus on my pregnancy, which might be a good thing since I'm growing more uncomfortable and cumbersome by the day! BittyWee makes his or her presence known, however, by kicking and shoving violently, and last night I felt pretty serious hiccups for the first time. I had forgotten what a strange sensation that is!
I mentioned my varicose veins a couple weeks ago and I am very pleased to say that while they still bother me, they are GREATLY improved and causing a lot less pain. Thank you, Lord!
Lately I've been craving grilled-cheese sandwiches and WATER! I am very thirsty all the time. I also have been really enjoying an evening cup of decaf coffee after dinner. Although, that may just mean I'm turning into my grandma.
BabyCenter.com says that BittyWee weighs almost six pounds this week. That sounds about right, if baby is going to gain one ounce per day from here on out. At that rate, he or she will weigh about eight pounds, which is what SJ weighed when she was born. Follow my logic? Want me to stop talking? Ok, here's my photo:
I hate to beat a dead horse, but I keep asking Richard to take the most LEVEL photo he can, so that I look less pear-shaped. I don't think it's his fault.

Perpetual Motion

Two weeks ago, SJ and I went to an open gym in Woodbury. It is a gymnastics center that opens their doors for two hours per week for kids to come play and enjoy their equipment (for a small fee). We had a FANTASTIC time! Here are some photos from our day:

Going up...

Going down...
Over...
Dancing...

Balancing...

SJ LOVED the balance beams. She would have balanced all day! She moved a lot slower than some of the other kids, but she patiently shuffled from one end to the other over and over. (Holding Mama's hand, of course.)

Fashionista

We all know that Shirley Jean is something of a fashionista. I call this her "Boho Look:"

Sometimes she brings me something she needs help putting on, other times, she comes out of her bedroom in "creative" outfits. Either way, too cute!

Poll

I'm interested in whether or not you all think BittyWee is a boy or girl. I've set the poll on the left here to go through my due date. I can't wait to see what you think.
Feel free to leave a comment and tell me WHY you think it's a boy or girl.

(Spoken like a true extrovert, right? "Hey, guys! Let's talk about me some more!")

Basketti

Can you hear the bath water running?

If you listen carefully, you should be able hear it...

I'm just glad I had the foresight to remove her shirt before dinner.

33 Weeks

Imagine my surprise when I looked at the camera this week to see the photo Richard had taken of me and saw this:
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening.

I have said several times over the past week that it doesn't seem right that I should be this miserable this early...only six-plus weeks to go...

Actually, I'm doing pretty well. My only real complaint is some very painful varicose veins that should go away after BittyWee is born. To that I say, SHOULD?!? Let me put it this way: I'll be should-ing all over myself if they don't. Especially if they still hurt this bad.

Other than that, I'm feeling pretty good.

I find myself daydreaming more and more often about what it will be like to have an infant in the house again. I'm definitely looking forward to it, though I do NOT feel ready yet.

Now that Lauren's wedding is over, I'm hoping to be able to focus on getting our home ready for BittyWee's arrival. Every day I've been working toward getting rid of stuff, organizing and making room for his or her things.

This week I have been craving FOOD. You name it, it probably sounds good. I'm hoping this means BittyWee is having a growth spurt, not that I'm just turning into a cow. Now, THAT would be a disappointing photo. I'm just saying.

Playdate

I took these pictures of Shirley Jean playing with Sophia and Jazlyn a couple of weeks ago. They are too cute not to post.

Let us in!

Jazlyn taught SJ how to knock.

"And THEN, you won't BELIEVE what she said..."

Giggles. :)

Nice save.

Erin: Are we out of bagels?

Richard: Yes.

E: Bummer.

R: Aren't you about ready to move to just straight cream cheese?

E: So, you noticed?

R: Noticed what?