About to explode

That's how I feel anyway. Like I am about to explode. And I'm sure as I get even further a long I will be thinking that I had no clue what I was talking about until now. And yes, the doctor was right. The crotch pain IS getting worse. I find, though, that if I just keep moving between a sitting and standing position it isn't so bad. But if I sit for too long, when I get up... ouch! It's like... ok. This may sound wrong, but hear me out. Imagine having had your legs spread for hours and hours (I told you it would sound wrong!) and then getting up and trying to walk like normal. Yeah... not gonna happen. That's when I start to waddle. Thank God I'm obviously pregnant otherwise people may think I'm a little on the "free" side. Again this will sound bad, but it aches so bad I want to massage it. I know! That wouldn't look pretty either! But you know, sometimes you just don't give a flying you know what, what anyone else thinks because if it'll make you feel better then by all means. But... just FYI for anyone who might not already know. It doesn't help. So save yourself the weird massage.


Actually, standing for a long time doesn't really hurt my crotch too bad. But it does do a number on my back! Oh! And can I tell you how often I seem to be dropping things? So what right? Well considering I can barely reach down to get anything... it REALLY sucks when I drop something.


Babyshower #2 was this past Saturday! yay!!! thanks to everyone who made it out! We had a good time... especially since we made the guys play the games! the babyfood tasting one was pretty funny. the winner got a beer. haha! men. Oh it was so cute! My God-daughter Avery, who's 4 years old) told me that she wanted to help me open gifts when it was time. So when the time came around, she was there to help. Which was great for me b/c opening gifts becomes a sweaty task! haha! So I was all to happy to have someone else do it. Junior could have, but hey. Avery wants to then Avery gets to. Let me tell you HOW efficient that little girl is! I think she was in a hurry to get back to playing with the rest of the girls, but she was so efficient. She would pass me the card to read while she would open the gift, then pass it to me and Junior, we'd get a picture with the gift, then we passed it to Junior's cousin Rachelle to put away. Well Rachelle also had a bag for trash that we would pass to her. After the first couple, Avery started to catch on. She'd hand me the card really quick, rip open or pull out the gift and instead of giving it to us she handed it straight to Rachelle along with the trash! haha! What a smart little girl. I think I was slowing her down. And since she saw that Rachelle ended up with it anyway, she just bypassed me. Now see, that's a women's efficient instinct already in effect... at the age of 4. It was pretty funny and cute! Everyone had to tell her that she couldn't skip us. haha! but when we were done, she gave me a big ol' hug and disappeared like that! haha! And there was nothing left to clean b/c she had done all the cleaning during the process.


I just took a loof at my feet. Ugh... they look like balloons. I'm wearing flip flops and even the little thong part makes it look tight on my feet! And yes... the cankles are back. I was doing pretty good for a while. Just kept drinking a lot of water and trying to keep my feet elevated when I could. But it seems that is not enough now. Oh well. I guess it was inevitable. Even my fingers look really chubby! Well I think so anyway. Junior said they don't, but I think he was trying to make me feel better. haha! He knows better.


Even my clothes are getting a bit tighter. They still fit (we're talking maternity clothes here of course), but I can tell they are a tad tighter than they used to be. AND... I have a wedding to attend this weekend. The actual ceremony is Friday and the reception is Saturday. Well it's a Muslim wedding and when I asked around, the concensus was to probably dress as conservative as possible for the ceremony. So I figured slacks and shirt should be ok. But here's my problem. My slacks are pretty long to leave room to wear heels. My heels don't fit anymore. And I'm not sure I want to spend the money on a bigger size shoe. What if my feet go back to normal? I heard some women grow 1/2" to 1" and stay that way. But I also hear that some people go back to normal. Plus I don't think I want heels anyway at this time. I may fall. Then the shirt I have may not fit the belly anymore. So this past weekend I went to look for something, but you know... I just don't want to spend the money for something I may just wear this time you know? So... sigh. I will have to figure something out... and soon... before Friday. Any suggestions? For saturday I'm good. I have a dress that still fits. So I can wear flats with that.

8 Months!

whew! 8 months already! As of yesterday, actually. I pieced this blog together. I got the pic on the left from parents.com, the 3d pic from babycenter.com and the excerpt from whattoexpect.com. haha! Here's what it says for this week:

This week your baby weighs almost four pounds and could be up to 19 inches long. And though that's a head-to-toe length, your baby is actually back to a curled-up position (you try standing up in those cramped quarters!). You're likely feeling tapping and squirming instead of your baby's signature rocking and rolling. That's because, while comfy, your baby is a bit tight for exercise space right now. Your baby has also probably settled into the head-down, bottoms-up position in your pelvis in prepartion for birth. That's because the fetus's head fits better at the bottom of your inverted, pear-shaped uterus. It also makes it easier during childbirth if your baby comes out head first. Fewer than five percent of babies prefer the bottom-down (or breech) position by full-term. Don't worry if your baby hasn't assumed the head-down position yet. There's still a good chance he or she will flip head-side-down before birth — even in the tight confines of your uterus.

While your baby is still getting nourishment through the umbilical cord, it won't be long before you'll be bringing on the breast milk or formula (and soon after, the mashed carrots and peas). In anticipation of that momentous transition to mouth feeding, your baby's digestive system is all set and ready to go.

And because your baby is accumulating more fat, his or her skin is finally turning opaque (like yours), which means those see-through days are over. Though weeks away from D-day, your baby's looking more and more like a newborn.

And speaking of that big day, hope you're resting up for it — because your bambino certainly is. In preparation for that big first date with you, your baby is sleeping like a baby — with sleep cycles of 20 to 40 minutes long (which would also account for the decrease in movement you're likely feeling these days).

Wow... a real baby! haha! So I had my doctors appointment yesterday and once again... the weight issue came up. OK... but THIS time I watched the girl weigh me. And the scale matched mine at home! So I was thinking... hmmm.... but then the doctor was like WHOA! you jumped up a lot in the last 2 weeks! When I saw what was written down, it was 2 lbs MORE than what I weighed in at! I'm thinking... hey.... she weighed me wrong! OK see... the scale is NUMBERED in increments of 2, although there is a line for each pound and lines in between each pund as well. But actually numbered is every other pound. The girl that weighed me rounded up to the next NUMBERED pound thus adding about 2lbs... ok 1.5 lbs more. And then the was trying to see how much I've gained overall and she miscalculated by 3 lbs. so taking all THAT into consideration, I am going to say I'm ok... so far. haha! Whatever it takes to put my mind at ease right?

ANYWAY, that aside (ugh the neverending weight issue) my doctor has me carrying my medical records with me wherever I go... just in case. EEEEKKK!!! I almost wanted to give them back! haha! I mean I GUESS it is necessary JUST IN CASE, but still the thought that I am actually at that point is a little scary. Oh please let this be a fairly easy birth! Along with that, I now have my doctors cell phone number JUST IN CASE. oh geez. OK, but other than that everything is still going well. I've decided not to do any Lamaze classes. Most people I talk to say it's not really necessary since they tell you what to do. So I ran it by the doctor and she agreed. She said that she and the nurse were going to be coaching me anyway. She said that most people take the classes more for themselves so they know what to expect; more for their own knowledge. I figure I've been reading enough books that I think I have a pretty good idea what to expect and Junior.... well he's done a delivery before so he knows what to expect more than I do!

This Saturday is babyshower #2! yay! This one is being thrown by my other brother and sis in law catered towards the family and guys. haha! Since the first one was an all girls shower. So I'm excited!

31 weeks!

31 weeks as of this past Wednesday so yes, I am later on this entry once again. And almost pointless because soon I'll hit 32 weeks which is 8 months!!! oh man... it's coming on REALLY quick! But ok that aside, I still like to have the weekly updates so when I look back there isn't anything missing. But this time, I found ANOTHER website with updates I kind of like better. The pictures from babycenter.com are still cooler so I'm still using that. But here's what whattoexpect.com has to say:

Your baby's on a roll, measuring an impressive 18 inches and weighing in at more than three pounds. You can still expect your developing baby to gain at least three to five pounds, possibly more, before you two meet.

As far as growth goes, your baby's still on a roll, measuring an impressive 18 inches and weighing in at more than three pounds. You can still expect your baby to gain at least three to five pounds, possibly more, before you two meet. Your baby's brain is working overtime these days, developing faster than ever. Connections between individual nerve cells are growing at a frenetic clip, and your baby can now perceive information from all five senses. Sure, your baby can't smell anything right now, but that's only because he or she is still submerged in amniotic fluid and needs to be breathing air to get a whiff of anything. Lucky for you — and your baby — yours will be one of the very first scents your baby breathes in, a scent that will quickly become his or her very favorite.

So what's your little dove doing all day while you're busy feathering your nest for his or her arrival? Making faces, hiccupping, swallowing, breathing, pedaling with little hands and feet along your uterine wall, and even sucking his or her thumb. In fact, some babies suck their thumbs so vigorously while in the womb that they're born with a callus on their thumb (what a little sucker!).

OK, maybe I like it better because it says more. Anyway, I finally got me one of those wedge pillows that you 'wedge' under your belly when you sleep for some added support. I was a little weary at first b/c wouldn't that suck if it didn't make a difference. But I read such good reviews on it so I gave in. Am I glad I did! It helps on the back pain and therefore I sleep better. Thank God! Now I'm battling a slight cramp in my left calf muscle here and there and an itchy belly. If it's not one thing it's the other. oh well. It's still not that bad. I still consider myself fairly lucky throughout this pregnancy... SO FAR. It's not over yet.

I am starting to get what people say when they say that sometimes it feels like an alien inside you the way it moves. I so get that now! There really is no better way to explain it. This wave like movement... it's like an alien inside you! haha! Some people felt it was a little freaky and weird for them and I can see why. Although, I think it's pretty cool. It's like... hey, that's my baby in there moving around!

Geez... can you believe that in less than 2 months I will have a daughter??? How crazy is that? Easter Sunday (I started this blog on Saturday and didn't finish until Monday) Junior and I went to his friend's house to hang out and oh my! There were kids, newborns and pregnant people everywhere! Junior said, "I don't know if this is a nursery or a fertility place!" haha! It was crazy to see all those kids and pregnant people, but cool at the same time. It's nice to have people in the same boat as you. You can relate. the crazy part was that all the newborns and pregnant people there were with boys... except for me! hahaha! Junior's friends said that either all these boys will fight over our little girl or they will all be like brothers to her. Well I'm thinking (and for Junior's sake) that if she's anything like me she'll be a tomboy and therefore they'll all be like brothers to her. haha! Plus, Junior is determined to have her working on cars... in a pink dress. haha! We'll see how that goes.

Cankles

Ugh... I knew I was going to have to face it one day but I have been doing so well thus far I actually thought I might get away with it. Last night my legs swelled so it looked like my skin was so shiny and my ankles disappeared giving me that cankle look. I hate it! Especially with the warm weather coming... I was getting into capri's and stuff! But it is NOT cute when you have cankles... EVEN if you are pregnant!


I was showing Junior last night and he made me elevate my legs to help with the swelling. I knew that that is what I am supposed to do, but it was kind of cool that he knew that too. Well he is a nurse, but still. I found it pretty cool. So this morning the swelling went down but right now at 10 before 6pm I have cankle's once again. Thankfully I'm wearing pants today, but still it bothers me. I think I am getting into that downward slope of the "horrible" third trimester I hear and read so much about. I keep telling myself it won't be so bad since I've seem to have a fairly easy pregnancy so far. But we'll have to wait and see I guess.

Baby Shower #1

Woo hoo! I just had my first babyshower yesterday and I had a lot of fun! I mean I've been to plenty of showers before, but this is MY first babyshower! yay! Thanks to everyone that made it, it means a lot to me! :) Ok, now I didn't really take any pictures; I was having too much fun. But I know there are at least 3 of you out there that took plenty of pics so PLEASE send them my way! Thanks! But here is one of the few pics I did get on my camera. This is me (with food in my hand... duh) and my 5 year old newphew Merrill kissing my belly. awwwww... I know? So cute isn't it!? One day I can show my little girl this picture and she will know how much her cousins already loved her before she made an appearance in this world. Notice the pretty corsage on my hand! My sis in law, Lisa, gave that to me. How sweet right? In fact, she threw the whole shower and I am very grateful for that! From all the decorations (flowers everywhere in memory of Mom+), the BEAUTIFUL (mini wedding) cake, decorations and food! Not to mention all the stuff she got us and the baby. Oh wait, maybe I should say all the stuff she, my brother and the kids got. Haha! I think we all know how that really works! ;) Regardless, we are very thankful.


Then of course my friend, Jamuna came up with all the games. That was a lot of fun! One of my favorite parts of any shower is the games part! So thanks to Muna for that! I have to say the game that everyone seemed to like the best was the pictionary game b/c even after the shower was "over" those that hung around still played it! So that was fun. Oh! And she had this great idea where she bought four frames and all of these cool scrapbooking stickers to have the ladies decorate the frames with. Awww... they came out so nice! I know my friend Suzanne was quite proud of the one she put together!


Best part was seeing some of the faces that I rarely get to see these days. Old friends that I hadn't seen in years or maybe ever just a few months (too many) came and that was definitely very cool! Thanks you guys! What a success, my first babyshower! So much thought went into it!

It's funny because even still, some of the ladies were telling me I still didn't look very big. I guess... but I tell you I feel otherwise! And just based on that picture above, I can see it. I'm not just talking about the belly, but the pudginess in my face... my fingers (oh my)... HOLDING FOOD. haha! But then again, we are our worst critic right? You can always tell whats wrong with you even if no one else sees it. So I guess that's what that is. But hey, I enjoy hearing "you're not big at all!" So please, don't stop. haha! Even if you have to start lying to me.


Unfortunately, baby girl didn't kick around too much during the shower and that was a little let down for some of the ladies who really wanted to feel her kick. But I think when I am up and doing things, she tends to either be pretty still or I just don't notice her moving. But when I am still, that's the time she normally moves around. And when she does move and I tell people, she doesn't move again. haha! Such a tease already! Some of us ended up staying at my brother's house all day and all night after the shower. The guys were all out fishing during the shower and when it was over we all hung out. Ate some left over food and cake from the shower and they got pizza and movies too! Oh! and we played guitar hero too! haha! Anyway, during the movie Bagel started to have her regular case of hiccups. And although it's harder to feel it on the outside, Rachelle was FINALLY able to feel something! So at least there was that.


So my day ended at 1:00am. Crazy huh? But I had a blast! Thanks again to everyone!

30 Weeks!!!

Holy cow, I'm 30 weeks! How crazy is that?! I'll be full term in just 10 more weeks. Well techinically, I think at 36 they consider you full term already so... 6 more weeks. eeek! Ok, but 10 more until my EDD (estimated due date).

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Again with the food comparisons.... cabbage. Really? Anyway... so I had my doctors appointment today and all is well. Heartbeat is still in check. Doctor confirmed that my glucose test came back ok. Whew! Again, I knew I didn't need to worry but still... you just never know. However she said my iron was a little low... and I mean A LITTLE. Mine reads 10.8 and the norm is 11. haha! Still, she wants me to start taking iron supplements until delivery to overload me on iron so that when I have the baby and lose all that blood (hope that didn't make anyone feel sick but c'mon, what'd you think happens?) my iron count will be normal. Sounds like a plan to me. So I went ahead and bought me some iron supplements to take along with the prenatal vitamin I already take daily.

I also told her about my groin pain. Yes, I said groin to her because I felt that although I refer to it as crtoch pain, it sounded more professional to say groin to my doctor. haha! Since when do we need to be professional to our doctors? They're not our clients! But she confirmed it was normal and went on to tell me that it will get worse and the back pains will get worse and I will be increasingly uncomfortable until delivery. Wow... no sugar coating there. But that's ok. I prefer the raw truth as opposed to someone telling me I might feel some "mild discomfort" because that would be an understatement. Plus, if she makes me expect the worse and it turns out to be better than that, then I'll be really happy! On the positive, she did say that if that is the only thing different that I had been experiencing since our last visit to consider myself very lucky. That it is nothing to worry about. OH YEAH! How can I forget the more POSITIVE thing about today's visit. She said NOTHING about my weight. Now let me tell you, if you are having a great pregnancy and no real problems at hand, then your biggest problem becomes your weight.

Everytime I have a doctors appointment I have slight anxiety about having to get on that scale. Well that and peeing in the cup. But more on that later. The scale is worse. I mean nobody likes to see the numbers go up on the scale EVEN if you know it is for a good reason like pregnancy. And then to have to wait and see if the doctor says something like "what is going on with your weight!?" haha! So she said nothing today and that IMMEDIATELY made my day.

OK, so really quick about peeing in a cup. If you didn't already know, they make you pee in a cup at every doctors appointment so they can test for the sugar and protein levels in your urine. No big deal. I mean no one likes peeing in a cup but you get used to it. Here's what no one tells you (except for those girlfriend type books). This will be TMI again. Along with the crotch pain comes swollen lips and I am not referring to the one's on your face. Personally I haven't looked (partly because I can't see down there anymore), but some take mirrors and say it looks horrible and purple. I think I'll just take their word for it. I don't need to see for myself. Anyway, because of the swollen-ness down south, you start to lose control of your aim, THUS when you pee in the cup this late in the game you are bound to pee on your hand. Sucks, but it's true. So FYI for those who didn't know.

Moving on...

She measured my uterus and I am exactly at 30! So that was pretty cool. Then she told me that I don't show as much as some women. That some women's belly's really protrude and I don't so much and that I conceal it very well. I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not, but I'll take it. Still felt odd to hear her say it because I feel huge. But then everyone tells me I have a small belly for being 7 months. So I guess what is perceived and what I feel are very different! But then she said the downside to being able to conceal it so well is that sometimes you have no idea how big the baby is in there. hmmm....

Now at first I thought, well that's not so bad! That means I'll lose more weight after birth right? haha! But then reality hit and I thought, oh crap... that is going to hurt like a you know what and I HOPE I don't have to undergo a C-section! eeeek! So yes... I think I must have just been sitting there with a dumfounded look on my face. I didn't know how to respond although I don't think she was necessarily looking for me to respond. It was more of her just informing me.

She also told me that since I'm still "soft" (I'm guessing small?) that at this point we won't be able to tell where the head and hands and feet and back, etc are. eeeeek! The thought is exciting! She said that as I get bigger, the baby will be closer to the skin and she will be able to tell where the head and other parts are. Oh man! I can't wait! I'm always curious when she moves whether she is kicking or punching or what.

Babycenter.com says that since Bagel can see now, I should be able to take a flashlight and put it to my belly and that she will move along with the light. I want to try it! I need to find a freakin' flashlight!

Check this out:

Now HOW adorable is that?! Last night Junior and I went to Target and we saw it and I couldn't stop laughing! And although it takes a hit at him, I think he fell in love with it and bought it. Awww... how cute? He even hung it on HIS side of the closet. How sweet right? I can tell he is excited!

Ouch

OK, this is going to be TMI but oh well. The only one here who might suffer from embarassment is me right? So if you've been pregnant before you may know what I am about to tell you (at least based on what I read it's fairly common) and if not... you might be shocked.

There are, after all, a LOT of things that happen during pregnancy that they never talk about. I don't know why not. Anyway, what's the TMI you ask? Well... to be straight up and forward, my crotch hurts. HAHA! I know... I can imagine the reaction some of you may get. But I'm damn serious. Especially after sitting for a while. I don't know if it's all the weight down there or what, but geez. I'm thinking that this is part of the reason for the pregnancy waddle! Of course, I'm still going to bring that up with my doctor to be on the safe side.

I'm reading this book right now called The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy by Vickie Iovine. Basically it's a book between "girlfriends" about pregnancy symptoms and experiences and that is the FIRST place I read about the pain. OK, but maybe I made it sound worse by using the word 'crotch.' Everywhere else that even talks about it refers to it as 'pelvic and/or groin pain.' I guess I'm not politically correct... or proper. haha! It's me... in the raw! ha!

It's been almost two weeks since my glucose test and I hadn't heard anything. I think that means I'm in the clear b/c my doctor said she'd only call if there was a problem. So yay!!! I mean I didn't really think I had a problem, but there's always that part of you that wonders and worries. So no news is good news!

Other than the down south pain, the back aches are about the same. Sometimes it hurts and sometimes it doesn't. But I think I'm getting used to it a little. Is that sad? Used to pain? Anyway, whatever. If it means I'm not miserable I'll take it.

Junior and I are playing with little Bagel a lot lately! We'll poke my belly and then wait a few seconds and she'll kick/punch/move back. It's fun! This past weekend, Junior got to feel one of the really big ones! One that felt like somersault then kick! haha! He was like, "whoa!" Then he did the zuburt thing on my belly and she really moved back! It was cute. I think he gets a kick out of playing with her already.

29 Weeks!

Time is FLYING! It seems to be going so much quicker than before. Maybe because THE DAY is getting closer and closer! eeeek!

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

OK, there goes the FOOD comparison again. Butternut squash? Really? Maybe it's their way of telling all the pregnant women out there to eat healthier.

I think I'm going to try and do the headphones thing where you put headphones around your belly and let your baby listen to music. Although, my headphones are not like the headband kind. I have the ones that come with your Ipod. So I guess I just have to hold it there. On the other hand, I'm not so sure you need to really place headphones up to your belly b/c I'm pretty sure she can hear outside noices anyway. She gets really active during American Idol and when I listen to certain CD's in my car.

The back aches are a little more consistent now... yay. But I guess that had to be expected right? It's getting a little harder to get out of bed too. There's so much weight on top (girls included) that I can barely push myself to sit up! Speaking of the girls... I remember early on that they seemed to be outgrowing my belly. I remember that it was to the point where bra shopping was a little too regular. WELL... that has changed. I've forgotten about the growing girls because the BELLY is seriously outgrowing them. A lot of people get excited that I'm showing, but they still think I'm not that big. Which is weird b/c I feel HUGE. It's scary that I'll be even bigger than this. It just doesn't seem possible. I'm trying to learn how to stand the right way. I find myself often standing with my back arched to where my belly sticks out more. I guess in support somehow but really it just makes the back aches worse. But then sometimes I find myself slumping. That hurts too. So I'm trying to remember to stand straight which is so hard when you've gained so much weight all in one spot!

Oh, so I've had yet ANOTHER dream of being at a water park. I don't know what the deal is. That is at least 3 times during this pregnancy. But atleast in this dream I was actually pregnant. I wasn't in the other ones. OK, but crazy dream from last night. I'm pregnant but in high school. Except I don't feel like a teenager or anything. I feel like I do now... 29. Well anyway, I'm in high school and I forget that I'm late for my English class. So I go, except that I forget how to get there b/c the school is so large and confusing and I get lost. This obviously was not at my old high school. It was, however, my old English teacher in my senior year, Ms. Warren. haha! Anyway, So I finally get there but have to leave to do something. I can't remember what. And when is it ever ok for you to just leave class in high school when you please. It's not college. But whatever it is, I forget to go back to class until it is long over. So I panic b/c I've just missed a whole class and apparently have been b/c I'm so forgetful these days. So when I go back, Ms. Warren gives me a lecturing. hahaha! Now is that WEIRD or what? My analysis on that? My absentmindedness has me anxious. But atleast I didn't forget to do my weekly update this time! That counts right?

Junior and I had dinner with his aunt and uncle today so that was cool. I'm really craving parentals right now. I don't know what it is. I'm sure it has to do with the whole pregnancy thing. I want to share my every experience and then ask about theirs but there are no parentals around. :( So being with Junior's aunt and uncle, who he always considers like second parents to him, was nice. We don't see them very often. And even though we didn't talk too much about experiences it was nice to just hang out with them. Damn I miss my parents. Delivery day will be one hell of an emotional rollercoaster!

7 Months!!!

I am getting really bad at updating this blog! I used to update EVERY Wednesday for each week and now I'm late (haha! That's what I told Junior 7 months ago). Is that me subconciously saying that I'm not ready yet? Maybe. Well anyway, YAY! I made 7 months this past Wednesday. AND, at my doctors appointment she wasn't alarmed with my weight gain. She said I was doing well. Hmmm... My scale is still on the same gradual weight gain as usual. So I never know what to expect at hers. Nevertheless, I'm already at 25 lbs gained and I'm only supposed to gain 30. Can we say, not gonna happen? ha! But ok, I'll still consider myself lucky if I don't go past 35. So I need to work on that.

OK, the usual pics from babycenter.com are up. I can't get over the 3d pics! I know that is not my child, but still. I can imagine can't I? Here's the weekly update:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

You know I've noticed that babycenter likes to compare the size of the baby to food. Is it because we pregnant women can relate better to food??? Maybe... but still, Chinese cabbage? How about a large M&M. I can relate to that more.

This past Saturday I went to my first babyshower as a pregnant woman. Not my shower, a friend's shower. But it's fun to attend someone else's shower when you are also pregnant. You get next best treatment (the mother to be that is having a shower gets first best treatment of course!)! At this shower everyone was ready to eat, but they told my friend that she had to start first since she was the celebrant. So we're all waiting in this line with plates while she gets her food. Personally, I've never been to a shower that actually lined up for food. Everyone just kind of bombard the table. But anyway, so she's getting her food and then everyone says to me, "you go next because you are pregnant too!" Shoot... don't have to tell me twice. So that was nice of them. Oh, and as my friend was sitting and opening up gifts a card fell out from one she was opening. We all saw it and told her she dropped something. Well I noticed she was having a hard time even reaching for the gifts so I took it upon myself to pick the card up for her. Uh, yeah. I remembered that I was pregnant once I got closer to the floor. Everyone was like, "what are you doing? you're pregnant too!" Not like anyone else was reaching to get it. But yes. My friend said, "you forget sometimes don't you?" She was right. I forgot that a simple task like that is not as easy as it once was. And then to top it off, SHE got ME a gift at HER shower! I was like, "what are you doing?!" But then she had a valid point. She is one month ahead of me and she said she has a feeling that she is going to deliver early. This is her second. So she wanted to give me my gift now in case she doesn't make it for my shower. How thoughtful was that? I thought very much so!

OK, so aside from that. I'm feeling very huge but apparently I'm not so I'm told. I guess. I mean I FEEL like there is no possible way I can grow anymore b/c I'm at full capacity. Yet, I have 3 more months to go and supposedly most of the growing is done during that time. It's kind of scary! All the veteran mom's out there tell me that I will grow more. That my uterus will press up on my bladder and ribs right under my breasts... AT THE SAME TIME. wow. How do you live? haha! And then I hear that it's really uncomfortable when the baby decides to stretch. great. But ok. I'll continue to take this one day at a time.

Other changes? I'm now seeing my doctor every two weeks as opposed to once a month. I think at 36 weeks I go to weekly. Eeeek! I'm not that far from that! Crazy. My back does hurt more than it used to. I really cannot sit for too long... or stand for that matter. I need to change positions otherwise the pressure on my back can get insane. Oh yes. And when the pain is there, I start to waddle. Junior says I sometimes have that pregnant waddle. How sexy is that? But I can barely sit through a movie now. Which kind of sucks since we are big time movie goers. Sitting in a theatre for 2 hours straight is quite a strain. I have to try and position myself differently to help ease the pain. How sucky is that?

My neices and nephews seem to be really excited about the new cousin they are about to get. The older two, Tommy (10) and Alyssa (9) are like, "wow... it's getting bigger!" referring to my belly of course. And I just tell them to get ready to change diapers and be thrown up on because it's payback time. haha! I took care of these two quite a few times during their babyhood and many diapers I have changed and once my neice threw up all over me. I swear it was everything she had to eat that day. So yes. I told them to get ready. And I told my brother too. It's payback for him too. haha! My other neice and nephew are a little younger. Merrill is 5 and Madeline is 2. I get the craziest feeling that Madeline and little Bagel will be trouble together. I get this feeling they will be a lot a like! haha! Oh it's so cute though. The other night I was at my other brother's house and Merrill and Madeline had to go to bed. So they were saying their goodnights and I told them to say good night to the baby. So they do and they kiss my belly (awwww... so cute!). Merrill says, "this is your cousin Merrill!" and so little Madeline says in her munchkin, still learning to pronounce some things voice,"this is your cousin Madeline!" but she gets so excited she had THE BIGGEST koolaid smile and is bursting with excitement! I got so sidetracked in her reaction that I can't remember whether Bagel reacted or not! But I think she did. I don't know. I'll have to test that again. I want her to get used to hearing her cousins voices.

OK. that's enough for now. I've been sitting too long.