The Nerve and the Newly Gained Perspective

So this morning I am out jogging on the beach with Marley, and while most of the feedback I get from perfect strangers is completely positive, such as, "look at that pregnant woman, she's jogging, wow!" I of course let the one negative comment I receive nearly bring me to tears. Literally this woman stops me as I am jogging to ask me when I am due. When I respond with my due date of August 19, she breaks into hysterics and says, "Good grief, how many babies do you have in there, whoa?!" I am totally stunned with the comment, and give her a big eye roll before whisking Marley away with me to finish my jog. As I am running home, between chocked up sighs, I start patting myself on the back for biting my tongue and not saying what I was really thinking, which was, "yeah, well, how many babies do you have in there???" You see, this woman was a little bit toothless and a little bit obese. I was reminded once again this week of the Proverb I am learning to live by, "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19

Anyhow, today I was asked if I am enjoying pregnancy, and I wasn't able to answer "yes, it's wonderfully delightful, and everything I ever imagined." Being a control freak myself, watching my body expand exponentially, and not having much say in the matter is a little alarming to me. Oh and did I mention this is the second stranger in one week to laugh after I told them my due date? Yeah, not exactly the feedback a pregnant woman desires.

Anyway, the picture I am posting was taken this morning, and looking at it, I think I look great, especially for being 28.5 weeks pregnant! My best friend (who is even more pregnant than I) came over today and took the photo, and you know what, it's all a matter of perspective (thanks Lorri for that) so I am gaining more weight than I intended, and my belly is just popping straight out, but at least I have great teeth (unlike certain insensitive strangers) and at least my skin is clear and shiny thanks to the baby, and at least I am having a baby in the first place, and at least I have a hot husband who still thinks I am beautiful.

So I guess that settles it then, whether I gain 10 or 15 more pounds, or whether I swell up at the end like a balloon, I am going to enjoy this, and keep smiling, because God loves me, Don loves me, Marley loves me, Sasha loves me, and you guys too, I think...:) Ha! I love all of you too!

Patty Cake

Last night I said goodnight to the baby and pat my tummy three times in a row. The baby promptly high-fived me in the exact spot where I had placed my hand. So, naturally I did it again, and he did his thing again too, and we went back and forth like that for about five minutes. It was amazing! Sleepy Don was able to keep it going for a bit too, until he pooped out and fell asleep with his hand on my belly, leaving the baby back to entertaining himself for the night.

When I was at the doctor's office last week she asked me if I had felt any movements yet. I reminded her that I felt movement over ten weeks ago, and she seemed surprised. I was so confused why she would ask that. Sometimes he kicks so strongly that I feel seriously startled! Is it possible some women are just starting to feel movement? Does this mean I am going to have an extremely active, and mobile child? Probably. Great. It's looking like he will most definitely take after his dad, who according to my mother in law was practically out the door by the time he would walk. It's also looking like I will most definitely be worn out chasing him all over the place for the next few years. Good thing I will have Marley to help me baby sit! She is going to be the best nanny ever.

I got my 26 week baby gram today. Apparently the baby is more than a foot long, and weighs over 2 pounds. I can't believe it! He's bigger than an eggplant already! Wednesday night Don and I went to a class at our church and one of the pastors asked me if we were ready yet for the baby. We laughed and joked together, and then Don and I left to go home. About one minute into the car ride on the way home, I realized how not ready we are, and I started to cry. I can't believe my mom was only 21 on her first go. I wish she lived closer!!! Needless to say, we decided this weekend to have a date at the Library and to rent a few DVD's on baby care, and Lamaze. I think that will help a lot.

Missing you all!