33 WEEKS: WE ARE READY FOR THIS SH*T!

Dudes.  7 weeks to go.  The mind...she is blown.

BIRTHING CLASS.
First and foremost - WHO SIGNS THOSE RELEASE FORMS TO ALLOW CAMERAS UP IN THEIR N'YAH AS THEY GIVE BIRTH - AND IF YOU KNOW YOU'RE HAVING YOUR BUSINESS FILMED, MAYBE GO AHEAD AND DO SOME TRIMMING DOWN THERE IN ANTICIPATION!!

This was actually a pretty positive experience.  It solidified in my mind that I want no part of an epidural (unless for some reason I have to have a C-Section) and it made us both feel really confident and ready for this to happen.  They taught us how to breathe, how Zach can help me, and what exactly is happening at which stage of the game.  I am so glad we took it, and Zach was really thankful to learn a little more about what's going on in there and what will be happening when she decides she's ready to come meet us.  It was at the hospital we're delivering at, so it was especially great to get information directly from them.

BNut is measuring in around 17.2 inches (in theory) and her brain is developing even more and her skin is turning pink.  She's just fattening up to face the outside world.  (Don't tell Hansel and Grettel - they know this which that likes fattened children)  Evidently, this is also a time in her life where she has to pummel my organs approx. every 1.5 hours.  It's pretty great.  I'm not sure when she's sleeping, but it isn't when I sleep or when I'm awake.

She also has this new trick of pushing on my bladder pretty much constantly.  I know transverse isn't the way we want to be at this stage in the game, but it sure made it easier to to breathe and not run to the bathroom every 5 minutes.

Attached is my latest profile.  This is from 31 weeks, so it's already 2 weeks old, but you get a pretty good idea of how we're doing.

Well, she's kicking my belly button again and rolling her head back and forth - time to sign off and hit the ladies room...again...

WEEK 32: MERRY BESS-MAS

UPDATE: Never made it back to Neb for Christmas.  Won't be back until May as I am officially grounded from traveling now.  Sigh.

Oh, Hi All!

Well, here it is - the last trip we'll take before we have a car seat to snap in and out of - before we have to stop at rest areas to change diapers - before we finally snap and decide that VW Beetle has GOT. TO. GO.

We're headed off to Nebraska for Christmas and bringing back with us the crib and mattress and any stray family members that live in Chicago that did not plan for how they'd get home.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, but with only 8 weeks (57 days) to go, I'm not looking forward to sitting for 7 hours straight.  You would think I'd like sitting on my bum for so long, but Bess has other plans.  There isn't one position she and I can agree on these days.  "Oh, did you want to lay on your side mom?  I was thinking the other side.  Did you want to sit down on the sofa?  That's cool, I'll just push on your bladder again so you have to get up."

By they way - Turd Furgeson in there punched me so hard the other day that I FELT KNUCKLES!  1.  it's pretty cool to feel your baby's hand for the first time, but 2. kiddo!  that's some hard punching!

I also think she's moved to a new position.  Before I was all across-ways and her little head was definitely on my left side, but I think she's in a more up and down position because my abdomen is now shaped totally differently and there is a definite change where the movement happens now (mostly under my belly button - which feels as tingly and icky as it sounds - and on my bladder - which also feels as icky as it sounds)

I can't believe this little lady will be with us next Christmas!  She'll have a stocking.  She'll be able to smile for a picture, and we'll be able to hold her and hang out with her and to quote Jean Shepherd, all will be right with the world.

Month 8, feelin' great.

Merry Christmas,
Emily

WEEK 31: FALL DOWN GO BOOM

Hi All,   (and by 'all' I mean those of you that are strangely still reading this.)

Sorry for the delay, but technically the roll-over is on Wednesdays, so I'm not THAT late. 

We only have 9 weeks to go, and next week I'll be making my last trip until after Bess is up for travel.  I am looking forward to our big trip - I know it's hectic and commercialized and we have to run everywhere, but I still love Christmas inspite of itself.  It's kind of my jam.  We were actually able to get presents for people this year, too! 

As some of you may know, I have been afraid of falling on the bus or train since I started this journey.  I have been diligently holding on to as many things as I can while on the bus (because 'yeild your seat to a pregnant person' is a myth.  which is actually fine - I'm capable of standing, I just don't want fall down!) and I was geting so close to the end of the pregnancy without falling. 

And may I just say, me going 31 weeks without falling down is a pretty impressive feat, even when I'm not pregant!

At any rate, Wednesday night I was on the bus headed to the train.  Most busses have poles to hold on to, but this bus was an older style with just handles on the seat backs.  Driver hits the breaks, and I hit the floor.  Right on my butt.  It didn't even hurt, I was just pretty embarrassed.  Of course, after I fell, some guy (who helped break my fall because he was sitting in the seat I was holding on to) raised a fuss.  "She's pregaant!  Someone should give her a seat!" 

Not him, but someone should...

Anyway, Bess is getting bigger and stronger everyday!  She's punching and kicking so hard these days that it takes my breath away sometimes!  (naughty baby!)

I promise to get week 32 up tomorrow so I can get us back on the Sunday rotation.

Cookie baking time!
-Em

WEEK 30: SERIOUSLY? ONLY TEN TO GO?

Gang.  I'm freaking out a little.  We only have 10 weeks left.   Our crib is in a box in my mom's shed in Nebraska.  The mattress to it is on a farm - a farm that belongs to people notorious for burning found upholstered items.  The room is in dissarray and we are in need of a few key items still. 

Ten weeks.

What happened to the time?  How did it get to be week 30?  I mean, I want her to come out - I really do - I'm just scared.  I'm having nightmares of these horrible things happening to her because I'm incompetent.  I have so many things left to get ready.

On the list of pretty great things, we got ourselves a copy of Pat the Bunny!  Some friends of ours got us some books - Pat the Bunny, Goodnight, Moon and The Little Engine that Could.  Yeah - naturally I've already read them and patted the bunny about a million times.  They also got us a cookbook for how to make our own babyfood and what toddlers like to eat as they get older.  It's pretty great, because I don't know what a 9 month old can and cannot eat - and here it is spelled out in the book for me!!  One less worry for this neurotic mommy!

Bess is kicking away like crazy in there.  She's really making herself at home - a lopsided home, but a home nonetheless.

...And considering how nervous I'm starting to get, she can get as comfortable as she needs to be!

WEEK 29: TONI BRAXTON HICKS

Hello Bessie Fans,

Here's an update on this month's progress. Through weeks 29 to 32 her size will go from 15.2 inches to 16.7 inches and her weight will increase to 3.8 pounds!!

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Thanksgiving was a raging success.  I'm a regular Martha Mutha Grubbin' Stewart.  Homemade napkin rings, a bird that was neither dry nor under cooked, a houseful of satisfied guests, and contractions!

Not real ones. 

I have now learned what happens when you spend 2 solid days on your feet in your third trimester.  Braxton Hicks, and (pardon my lack of decent, descriptive vocabulary), they kind of suck.  They're discomfort inducing, worry inducing, and land you in bed for a a day or two afterwards.

Not knowing what the difference was between these and real contractions, obviously I had to call the on call doctor on her day off to find out that no, I am not going in to labor, and yes, more fluids and laying on my left side is really all that can be done.  And then I was promptly sent to bed.

My worry was induced for naught and most likely stemmed from a combination of reading too many books and watching way too much I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant.  The show has since been banned in the house.

Anyway, Bess is doing GREAT!  As I type this, she's kicking the crap out of my insides and having a lovely time punching my stomach.  She was oblivious to the contracting, and has no interest in coming out.  The onus is on me to not over extend myself for the next 11 weeks.  I think I can handle it!  It beats spending the entire day on your left side!!

WEEK 28 - AND SO WE'RE DRAWING TO A CLOSE...

Well, here we are - the THIRD TRIMESTER.  Look at the size of that belly!  She just keeps getting bigger and STRONGER.  If anyone finds a pair of baby-sized golden boxing gloves, let me know, because Bessie needs 'em.

If you flip back to week 13 and then look at this picture, you'll see it's in the same spot of my house, same outfit, same stupid face.  I think it's pretty remarkable.  The best part is - not even near finished yet.  We have 12 weeks of huge-getting ahead of us.

Bess is punching just about everywhere now.  She's really expanded her real estate and most of the time (when it doesn't take my breath away - literally, not Belinda Carlisle-style) it's really amusing to me.  I went to a movie on Saturday and she punched and squirmed her way through the whole thing.  Probably something to do with the butterfingers I ate.

The moving is going to start to slow down by week 34, so I'd better take it all in.  I can't believe that she'll be out soon and I'll have to share her with everyone.

Speaking of being out soon - everyone we know is having or has had babies in the last month.  I got to hold one of them today.  She's just as cute as can be, and already a little over a month old.  I could have sworn she'd just come out.  I had her resting on my belly - which of course made Bessie kick right where the other baby was resting.  (Green eyes already, Bess?  Tsk Tsk!)  Some other friends of ours just had their baby boy on Friday and another friend of mine starts week 13 today!   Bessie will already have some pretty terrific friends at her disposal. 

WEEK 27: I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

First of all, the part you all eagerly await - this week's addition to growing list of monikers for our wee one. Go ahead an add B-Nut to the list.

Also, how is it that it never occured to me that Elizabeth Wagner and Emily Williams are both EW? I never made the mental connection until I saw the decorations for THE GREATEST BABY SHOWER IN ALL THE WORLD'S HISTORY OF BABY SHOWERS! I attached a picture. And how great is that? I guess we can add EDubb Jr. to the nickname list now!

And check out those paper flowers. Courtney made those! I know, I couldn't believe it, either!

Robyn, Courtney and Jessica lined up pedicures and mimosas, then we went to a really amazing restaurant/bar across the street where there were appetizers and a cake that Duff Goldman would have been impressed by! Did I mention they handed out white onesies that everyone got to paint and decorate?

I got choked up a few times. Who wouldn't? Everyone's gifts were amazing, and just reading all of the thoughtful messages in the cards made me tear up! I am not at all convinced I'm a good enough friend to any of these people to deserve what was nothing short of LAVISHING.

Also, when you're 6 months pregnant, it's hard to bend over long enough to reach your toes, so pedicures? GENIUS!

WEEK 26: CROWDED HOUSE

Hey everyone.  Kind of early on the post this week.  My sister moves in to Bessie's room tonight, and my Aunt and Cousin will be here with her through the weekend.  With how my weekdays at work are going, and considering my weekend is basically over come 5pm today, I figured I'd better just update you now.

Wednesday will mark Week 26 for BTown, Bessie, Bess, Xiao Mi Feng, e-Lizardbreath, Turd Furgeson, Busy Bee, Bess the Builder, Zach's Biggest Fan.  She's between 13 and 14 inches and is almost 2 pounds this week!

Here's her development as of week 25 through 28:

Let your spouse put an ear to your belly -- he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Not sure if that means she's soaking up my H1N1 or regular flu shot, but I sure hope so!

Don't get me wrong, I'm kicking my sister out come Jan 15 to her brother's house, but I am also really excited to have her here.  She's going to get to share in some pretty amazing things as her niece grows.  The nightly womb dance parties that start at 7pm and continue to a few minutes before my alarm goes off for instance...Bessie can get really used to hearing her voice, too - maybe there will be a third person that will be able to help when she starts crying??  (Meridith is probably thinking 'no thank you' on that one!)

Also, my abdominal region was actually lopsided yesterday.  haha!  I don't know why I thought babies would evenly distribute their body parts in utero.  So many things you  don't know about pregnancy (like, when they kick - you fart.  period.)  until it happens.  You THINK you know things, and then there is a dance party on your bladder, and you pee a little.

Better get back to cleaning - pregnant or no, I have guests coming, and you know me!  That means this place has to SPARKLE! (jazz hands style)

C'mon everybody, and move your feet,
Em

WEEK 25: THIS HAS BEEN A HUGE WEEK!!!

I have the following for you today:
1.  You can feel AND see her moving now.
2.  New bump picture
3.  New Nursery Photos!

Busy Bee Bess is not only kicking about every 3 hours now, but YOU CAN SEE HER DOING IT!  This is about the time I say absolute and total shenanigans on the 'I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant' people.  If you can see your stomach moving from underneath - or if OTHER PEOPLE can see your stomach moving from underneath your skin, and you don't think you're pregnant, then you should probably go to the doctor.

It is so great to finally be able to share her activities with other people.  She pretty much kicks on command now when Zach talks to her, and Robyn was even able to see a kick from across the room.  She's getting so strong!  That's our girl!

And how about this bump picture?  Don't tell me that I'm not getting bigger!  Zach and I were http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/ for Halloween, and this is how I went.  Yep - I went with an exposed belly.  Looking back at the pictures, it was only half a bad idea.  I hope I didn't gross out too many party-goers.  And no, I wasn't drinking that beer.  I shouldn't have to keep telling you people that.

We had to finish painting the nursery this weekend, too.  I know, I know, we have 15 weeks left.  My sister is moving in on Saturday to stay through January, so it was sort of crunch time to get the painting finished.  We get the crib on Saturday, and then we just need the changing table.  After that, we just move the cradle to our room, and have that kiddo!  Probably won't get a final picture of the room for all of you until January when Mer moves to Joe's, so the below will have to tide you over.

Yep...I made daisies and busy bees for my little Busy Bess.  Wall clings would have certainly been easier, but I think there is something tangible and inviting in the hand painting.  Enjoy!

WEEK 24: ALL SORTS OF FUN!

Shalom Darlings!

Week 24 and we are getting serious over here!  Just 16 short weeks to go!  It's hard to believe we're cruising in towards our final trimester.  Everything is still going really well, and being pregnant is still pretty enjoyable.  Feeling her kick is so amazing and Zach is finally able to share in her athletics!!

No big update on Busy Bessie.  She's coming up on 12 inches, weighs over a pound, and is still hearing her daddy talk and her furry friend bark.  Next week as she cruises in to month 6 we'll have more updates!

Oh, did you notice that?  Yeah, I called her Bessie.  I decided that I don't give a crap what mean adults say. 

WE GOT A STROLLER AND INFANT SEAT.  It was pretty exciting, but it did take us a while to figure out how the car seat snaps in to the stroller frame. Hahaha.  Zach and I had a good laugh because idiots are able to put their strollers together and have babies all the time - and here we are reading books and pouring over simple mechanics.  We also spent some time reading up on how to give a bath and freaking out about that.  The advantage idiots have over smart people?  They aren't giving it this much thought! 

I am still enjoying a constantly stuffy nose and a chronically sore tail bone section, but other than that, I think I may be getting the hang of this whole pregnancy thing!  Nothing a comfy chair and a few breathe right strips can't cure, right?

Expect some nursery pics coming up soon!  We'll have the room painted this week and hopefully the wall clings will show up! 

WEEK 23: BESS THE BUILDER HAS A SHOWER

Before I get started on the shower, Bess is in the 11 inch range.  My friend King taught me how to address her busy bee nature in Mandarin - xiao mi feng.  It means 'little bee.'  I think I'll stick with this one for Elizabeth's Chinese Name.  Xiao Mi Feng. 

She is moving around all of the time now.  Here's the latest on her status:   Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Tonight she practically kicked on cue!  Zach was talking directly at my stomach, saying, "Elizabeth!  Kick!"  AND SHE WOULD.  Told you she's brilliant!

Speaking of kicking, Xiao Mi Feng is a busy bee indeed!  I've added 'Bess the Builder' to Elizabeth's nickname list.  (This kid is going to have an arsenal monikers at her disposal!)  She's taken to positioning herself on my bladder or on to my intestines and then pusing really hard.  I like to call it 'womb construction' because when she gives a good push...well, trust me, she makes more room in there!  I can't believe how 11 inches of limbs can be so strong!!

ANYWAY...The shower...

My family had a shower for us this past weekend.  Everyone was disappointed in the size of my tum-tum, but I contend that I've still got 17 weeks to get huge!  Sheesh! 

The generosity was overwhelming, and while I've already sent out thank you notes, I just have to say 'thank you' again to all of you reading this that were in attendance.  The generosity from our loved ones is truly touching.  With me facing unemployment after Bess' arrival, the outpouring of gifts is more appreciated than you can even realize.  (Also, the cake was delicious, the appetizers phenomenal, and the flowers gorgeous!)

Love to you all!
Em

WEEK 22 - CRYSTAL BALL WEEK

Hi Everybody!

Miss Bess is getting big and strong in my tum tum and she is our little Busy Bee - always on the move!  She's about 10 inches this week and weighs a whole pound! 

Auntie Katie got us a busy bee swaddling blanket, a little lady bug shirt and a guitar shirt already!!  My friend King has given me two Chinese names for Bess - TIAN DOU which means Sweet Pea, or just DOU DOU.  She said it's a very common and good name for children in China.

I've been tasked with the challenge of writing down my predictions, since I am apparently making a lot of them.  It should be fun to look back on this posting March 1 and see how many NostraEmous got right.

Prediction 1:  I will be late.  I am predicting a 10 day late arrival and b-day of 2/27

Prediction 2:  Bess will be between 7lbs 10oz and 8lbs 10oz

Prediction 3:  She will be bald until she's 2 (Zach and I aren't exactly Pantene models)

Prediction 4:  Her eyes will be turquois.  (Zach's eyes are green, and mine are blue.  This is just science, people)

Prediction 5:  I'm going natural.  I am fully mentally prepared for a C-section, but I have a good feeling about this.  (Mom, calm down.  I am allowed to have a good feeling about this)

Prediciton 6:  I will go in to labor while I'm at my desk at work.

Prediction 7:  She will be the smartest and cutest baby ever.  (This one is a simple fact, people)

I'm being kicked, so it must be about time to go lay down!  She likes it when I make more room for her.

Fart,
Me

OH, BOY! IT'S A GIRL!

Of course I cried as Zach squeezed my hand.  See this precious little lady?  She's our little Elizabeth Ann.  (We worked out the confusion - and you can call her Bess if you like!) 

She crossed her legs for us today at our ultrasound and waved her little hands at us. 

Zach sent me flowers at work. Needless to say, I cried some more.

I have no snarky comments for today.  She's precious and wonderful and we're thrilled!!  We're so glad to know who is in there.

WEEK 21: KEEPS GETTIN' BETTAH

Got a few good stories this week, but first...
Check out that bump.  Also, this picture makes the majumbos look way smaller than real life and me skinny overall.  This is a misleading photo, but I really don't care.  It will allow me to pretend that I was skinny a year from now when I'm putting pictures in the book. 

So, story #1...READING IS FUNDAMENTAL or WHY I SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO BUY GROCERIES ANYMORE

Now, I know how to make marinara, and I'm always happier making it myself, but I was feeling lazy and didn't want to take the time when I was just making stuffed shells anyway.  Caveats established, I go down the pasta aisle at the store to select a sauce in a jar.

Have you tried to buy sauce in a jar lately?  There are 42,000 different kinds and they all claim to have fresh basil.  You know that has to be a lie, because in real life, when you chiffonade fresh herbs they don't come out in perfect little squares.  Still, extra basil is far preferable to me than "sausage and cheese" sauce.  For one thing, I don't like sausage - it's made from pork, filled with MSG, and then stuffed in to emptied intestines. For another thing, I don't believe in meat in jars.  There is something bloated and disgusting (re: dead) looking about it that makes me want to not eat it. 

After sifting through the myriad of sauce choices and dry heaving at the prospect of eating shriveled monkey brains, I mean sauce sausage, I find right next to it 'extra sweet basil' and make my choice.

Until I open it when I get home.  "What's that smell?  That doesn't smell right!"  (Super-human smelling strength - see also my trips on the CTA when I get sick from the smell of dirty strangers) So, what do I do when I think it smells funny?  Rather than read the label, I take a taste.  I mean, doesn't that make sense?  When I am trying my hardest to avoid food poisoning, I take a taste of something that smells suspicious. 

I BOUGHT THE SAUSAGE.  I was grabbing for the basil, and somehow managed to get the sausage.

This wouldn't stand out as much of a story until I did the same thing with the toothpaste the other day.  I SWEAR I grabbed the Aquafresh that comes out orange and white.  I SWEAR I did.  It's our favorite kind and I've been buying it for years. 

Opened the box...put it in the medicine cabinet...walked away.  Still nothing tipped me off...

Went to brush my teeth.  The lid on the Aquafresh tube makes it so you can stand it up in the medicine cabinet.  The lid on this toothpaste was a regular lid.  "Huh, that's weird."  Put it on my brush, and it was all white.  "That's strange."  Put it in my mouth and IT TASTED AWFUL.  An apothecary's wet dream, this toothpaste was nothing short of "old school."  Baking soda and salt?  Who knows.  I started making vomity sounds and rinsed and rinsed and rinsed.  Nothing was taking the taste out of my mouth.

Zach asked me what all the commotion was about, and I said, "the toothpaste is terrible."  "Yeah, I meant to ask you about that.  Why did you change brands?"  Arm and Hammer!  ARM AND MOTHER GRUBBIN' HAMMER!?!?  THAT ISN'T WHAT I BOUGHT.

Zach brought home normal toothpaste yesterday.

Story # 2, BURNING BABY RETINAS

Zach has an impressive collection of flashlights.  I am not positive, but I think it's because he's convinced that the end of days is nigh, and when the Apocolypse comes, ComEd will be the first to go.  Always having a flashlight on his person, Zach likes to whip one out and shine them in my eyes on a regular basis.  I've explained a few times that this just serves to give me a migraine, but I think he thinks it's like a fun disco party and, hey, everyone likes a party!

We were hanging out one night, and he was talking to Fozz, and he gets out the flash light, "I'm going to give the baby some light." 

I. Freaked. Out.

"YOU'LL BURN THE BABY'S RETINAS.  YOU CAN'T DO THAT."

He giggled.  Case closed.

Next day, "Just let me give Fozzie some light."

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?  OUR BABY WILL BE BORN BLIND AND SOPHIE IS TOO OLD AND TOO NAUGHTY TO BE A WORTHY SEEING EYE DOG."  (Yeah, geriatric Sophie still finds ways to be naughty on walks.  Besides, she'd just lead Fozzie to the river, and Fozz wouldn't get anywhere all day.)

Fine fine.  Next day rolls around, "So, now I'm going to give Fozzie some light."

"OUR BABY'S RETINAS..."

"Honey, look."  He held up the flashlight to his hand to show me a faint red glow.  "Do you really think by the time it goes through layers of skin and womb this tiny flashlight is really going to burn it's retinas?"

I paused to think.  Honestly?  Yes, I had thought that, and upon seeing the light against his hand, I felt pretty silly; however, to admit that?  Yeah, I don't think so.  Knowing that saying 'my stomach doesn't have hand bones to protect and difuse' I simply said, "well...I just don't wanna."

Yeah, that's airtight reasoning.

Story # 3, THE BABY DANCE

This isn't so much a story as much as it is a really great dance.  I'll have to have Zach film it and we'll put up a video of it later.  It's really great. 

You didn't think I'd be pregnant for 9 months without coming up with a dance, did you?

ANYWAY...
Zach felt Fozzie move for the first time this weekend.  It is really really exciting to be able to finally share some of this pregancy with him.  We're just so excited to get to know our little beast.  We keep thinking about how great it will be when Fozzie squeezes our finger for the first time, or how great it is that baby will know to trust us because baby has been listening to us all of this time.  BABY!! 

More to come on Tuesday when we find out who Fozzie is!!!  Over half way to baby!

WEEK 20: HALF WAY TO BA-BAY!

Hey there Cat-n-Kittens!

Why would I say that? I hate cats.

Anyway, we have 6.5 inches of squirm-worm in my belly. Mommy's current weight gain is around 8 pounds. (It honestly could be 10 - I've been a little lax the last two weeks. I'm sure I'll hear about it next week.)

I learned something very important about cravings today. Indulging them is not necessarily a super great idea. Case in point: french fries, bacon and ice cream. This combo of delicious items was truly gratifying while going down the gullett; however, the 2 hours following were PAINFUL. I ate a veggie salad with vinegar as dressing and a glass of milk for dinner. Lesson.learned.

Zach thinks he felt Fozz Squirmy Wormy Bear in my tummy the other night. He was talking to me and I felt a decent sized push, so I told him to put his hand on Fozz' Casa De Uterus, and we think he caught one!

Speaking of Zach, I would like to take this half-way mark to thank him. I don't think I was giving him enough credit in the first trimester. He has been a rock. Those of you that know already, I've recently received some pretty tough news in the form of the future of my employment, and I wanted to have a melt down. It's scarry to think about a devestating blow to your financial belt (considering most of that belt is on credit) when you have a completely dependent little Fozzie in your tum tum, but he has kept me sane. Doing the dishes, giving out hugs, the occasional "we'll get through it, babe," etc. And as much as you all think you're excited to meet Fozzie, it is so nice to have a partner in happiness crime. Zach is just as excited as I am to hold our little bear for the first time. Before I become sentimental (which will probably cause you to panic and demand to find out who I have ghost writing this thing) let me just sum up with a thank you and a shout out to my baby daddy.

We're a few short days away from knowing Fozzie's true identity!! Oct 6 is the big day.

Sorry for the late posting. For someone on the her way out, I sure do have a lot more work to do these days. This is the first night I've had off in a while. Naturally I thought of all of you. (And there was nothing on in the 9pm hour on TV)

My Lovin' (no, you're never gonna get it. just kidding, you will. this ain't no En Vogue concert!)
Em

WEEK 19: 10K + 6 INCH BABY + UNEMPLOYEMNT = HUH?

I have to admit, I had planned to write this week's entry from a totally different perspective. I did a 10K on Sunday, and I had planned to write how when you're only this far along, you don't really get enough credit for doing a race. I mean, wearing the loose fitting race t-shirt, I really just looked like a tubby girl smuggling an innertube that only ran 45 minutes. (And let's be realistic - I WAS a tubby girl that only ran 45 minutes.)

I felt really well after the race and even though she is swearing she is never doing another, Mom did an incredible job. I'm really proud of her for doing something so far out of her comfort zone.

So, I planned on writing what it was like to have to pee every two miles, and how it felt be pretty sure I could go further, or what it was like to pass a finish line nearly 5 months pregnant...

*EDIT* - there's no need to edit this anymore.  THIS IS THE WEEK I FOUND OUT I WAS LOSING MY JOB WHEN THE BABY IS BORN.

Benefits to UNEMPLOYMENT :
*No need to not end sentences in a preposition. UNEMPLOYED people have nothing to prove.
*No more being shoved around on public transit in the mornings.
* UNEMPLOYMENT = lots of vacation time
*More time to blog - albeit with subpar grammar on account of sure to be forthcoming mental malaise
*Time to finally learn the Beyonce "Single Ladies" dance
*Time to teach baby the "Single Ladies" dance
*Learn a handicraft. Just kidding. I hate crafts. hahaha! I'll probably persue my other favorite hobby - looking up swear words in the dictionary
*Going to park to meet up with other UNEMPLOYED parents

Well, Fozz is kicking and I'm considering writing in my other blog.

Maybe next week I can get Zach to finalize that Team Wagner logo!

Love,
Judge Judy

ZACH'S BABY AQUARIUM - PART 1

He said he's still working out the details, but here is Phase 1 of Zach's babysitting plan.

WEEK 18 - OUT LITTLE BUSY BEE

5.6 inches, 6.7oz - Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.

I STARTED FEELING FOZZIE MOVE AROUND 3 DAYS AGO AND IT IS THE GREATEST FEELING OF ALL TIMES!! Let me just tell you, Fozz is a busy little bee in there. Yank yank - punch punch - flutter flutter. I am surprised and thrilled by all of the movement, which brings me to a little story about the other morning...

My sister one day when we were kids, would try to sneak up behind me and 'scare me' - a task she would regularly fail at. In her defense, I was eight years older than her, so a four-year-old trying to quietly creep up behind you is never particularly quiet, and a twelve-year-old is too big of a jerk to just pretend.

On one such occasion, little Meridith failed once again to scare me and burst in to tears. When my mom asked what was wrong, she proclaimed, "I'll never be a good mommy if I can't scare my kids."

Yeah, my mom jumped out at us a lot. And you wonder why I'm so twitchy!

Little Fozzie Baby Bear is already having tricks played on s/him. Muh-wah-hahaha!

I am sleeping on my side now per the doctor's and every book in the world's recommendation and I'm starting to get good about staying on my side. Two evenings ago, I was so exhausted that I didn't even wake up to use the restroom (a first since May!) and when I first woke up in the morning I rolled on to my back.

SCRAMBLE SCRAMBLE SCRAMBLE SCRAMBLE
Hahahaha! Fozz was totally caught off guard! I felt the tiny little scramble of tiny little limbs as someone's contents shifted during flight.

I did it again this morning, and again, hilarious. Nothing like playing jokes on my unsuspecting 5.6inch baby!

So, Meridith and Mom, rest easy - I'm on my way to being a GREAT parent!

Second Post Today! PROGRESS!

WEEK 17 - JUST GETTIN' BIGGER

Well, a week late, but up nonetheless, here is my current belly status. What a great weekend! Just sippin' some brews down on the shores of Lake Michigan, doing some water skiing, got out the wake board...oh, wait. That was OTHER people. I sipped an O'Douls and dipped my toes in the water.

By the way, have you ever had O'Douls? It tastes just like beer, and just like beer, after the first one, I'm finished with it. Big thanks to Zach for getting me that, though. It was tasty to have a beer with group - even sans alcohol.

It was another great weekend, though. Clark, please thank your parents again for us!

Fozz is 5.1 inches and 5.9oz today! Getting pretty big!!! Fozzie's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger - and I think Fozz is tugging on it pretty frequently.

I thought for a second I felt Fozz punch me on Friday. I felt two sharp jabs come from lower abdomen. Not painful mind you - not at all - but like someone's finger poked me two times from the inside. I haven't felt anything since, so I'm guessing once again, it was gas.

I get to hear Fozz's little wokka wokka's tomorrow (but no peeking in on Fozz), and then we're just 4 weeks from the big day!!! Is Fozzie Bear a he or a she?

WEEK 16 - EVERYONE ELSE'S BIZWAX

Yes, I know, I know. I am late. Most of you probably didn't even notice, but Jessica sure did. She is bossy - which is a great segue for today's entry...more in a moment.

Well, I am for certain showing now. I need to get another picture up - we'll take one tomorrow and I'll post it for Friday. I know in a few months I'll look back on this burgeoning bump and think, "that was nothin!" For today, though. it's something! And my future self shouldn't be raining on my present self's preggo parade!

Before I get started, Fozz is 4.6 inches and 3.5oz this week! Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. Supposedly an ultrasound would also pick up gender differences, but Doc Garb (he's not olde tyme, I just like to say Doc) likes to wait until we're good and past week 20 to be safe.

Now then... I am finding myself reminding others that Fozzie isn't community property. I know some people took that "taking a villiage" business to heart, but honestly, Zach and I have it covered, people.

"YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE???" 1. You're not my doctor. 2. You're not Zach. 3. You aren't even my friend or related to me - you're just someone I know. My reply? "Well, I was going to do a bump of coke, but the workplace frowns on that." Yes, I am going to have a cup of coffee. I'm allowed 1 a day to stave off the blinding migraines that I get and for which I can take absolutely nothing.

"WELL, THAT'S STUPID, AND I HATE WHEN PEOPLE DO THAT." (in response to: if it's a boy, we'll name him William Frank and we may call him Frank.) 1. I don't recall asking your opinion. 2. Don't accuse others of being stupid if you're going to be stupid enough to be needlessly insulting at a nice dinner party. Rude people are stupid. 3. Bubby says it's the parent's greatest priveledge to bestow a name on a child, and Bubby is a Bubby and she knows more than you, so shut yer yap.

"CAN I TOUCH? I'M JUST GOING TO TOUCH." Hey gang, I'm showing, but I'm not THAT showing. When you touch me, you're really just touching my stomach (yes, it's sticking out because Fozz's coccoon is pushing up on it.) The baby is still set pretty low, and only Zach and the Doctor are touching there. Capice? So, no means no. And this isn't Frat-Boy-Style-No where it means 'yes.' Actual no.

I'm allowed to go jogging, a boat is like a car, I'm going to have my hair done, and hot dogs are okay for me at ball games.

I promise you - I won't do anything to hurt the baby, and Zach certainly won't let me do anything I perceive as safe that isn't. Trust me. He's an eagle eye. (Ask him about telling Spilliams she's not allowed to clean on top of the kitchen cabinets.) Zach is the only person besides the doctor to whom I'm listening, so if you have a request, you may want to run it by him.

Also, ask him to post already! He has some great things he says he's going to put up on here, and he hasn't done it yet. There are some really funny ideas he's had, so try to help me coax him in to posting!

Bump pictures to get posted this week - I swear!

Love,
Em

WEEK 15 - YOU AIN'T SEEN NESTING YET!

So, a few of you have accused me of 'nesting' lately, and finally one person got it right.

Robyn: "haven't you been nesting since college?"

Anyway, I am feeling pretty great the last few weeks, and even though I can't really bend over anymore, I can get a lot done. I FINALLY finished the spring cleaning list (4 months late, but finished) and now there is only one task looming in the near future...

looming...

THE MAN ROOM.

Before I delve further - Fozz is 4 inches, 2.5 oz this week, and size of an orange. I should start feeling something in the next few weeks.

Okay, THE MAN ROOM and it's LOOMING...

When we first moved in, we had a second bedroom, and we thought to ourselves, "we want to have a baby someday, so let's not get too attached to this room." We thought about making it an office or a spare room, but it wasn't high on my list, so I didn't do it. Since I stopped entering the room altogether, Zach sort of adopted it as his very own Man Room. I will fully admit that I have some spare blankets in there and a few things that I didn't unpack, but they all fit in one corner of the room. The rest...is Zach.

I haven't really gone in there, and I've never cleaned it or asked why it looked any certain way. This room is 100% Zach's domain.

Now, I'm not saying this is what the house would look like if Zach were left to decorate...I'm just saying that the above photos are what it currently looks like. Please don't ask me where the center of the floor is. I haven't seen it in 2 years.

So, now you know why I said 'looming' earlier. Because, starting this coming weekend, we dive head first in to the Man Room and figure out what is actually going on in there. Don't fret, we aren't even using half of our storage unit so there are places for all of this stuff to go.

I'll try and post a second 'before' shot after we clean it out, and then a final 'after' when it's all decorated...and yes, I'll be doing the decorating. Otherwise, we'd never find our baby in there!

WEEK 14 - SAD WEEK FOR COMEDY

Folks, it's finally happened. I never thought this day would come, but here it is, and I am trying to cope as best as possible.

What I'm trying to say is...gas is no longer funny.

I used to giggle to myself every time I'd break wind or burp. Sometimes, I'd even sing, "a fart is a burp your ass makes..." to the tune of that Sleeping Beauty Disney song. Passing gas out of any orafice was always a source of juvenile joy to me. Maybe that was because of the novelty of it all...

Guess what isn't novel any more. Dudes. Everytime I bend over I have to fart. Everytime I stand up, I have to burp. It's becoming increasingly embarrassing. I can't just laugh off every single one because it happens constantly!!!

Anyway, I'm feeling great and Fozz is 3.4 inches in length now. I am not getting sick anymore and I've stopped wanted to kill people on public transport or at work (everyone - you can breathe a sigh of relief now - I won't be hitting you with my umbrella)

Fozz is fully mobile now (hence the increase in gas) and can go wherever little Fozzies want to go inside of wombs. I can't feel Fozz yet, but I hear that is coming in the next few weeks! Hells yes!

Anyway, that's all I have for now. Me and my incresingly large belly are going to step out for lunch.

-Emily, Co-DNA Donator to Fozzy Baby.

ALREADY FOUND A BABYSITTER

He's good with kids and he says no to drugs.

A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE, WEEK 13

Well, this week our baby is a precious peach of baby love in my tummy, and as you can see to the right, I'm starting to show!! I've actually been showing for a while, but not really to the outside observer. I figured this was a good week to start showing you since there is now a fairly obvious bump there. I'm positive that's baby, because I still haven't gained a pound.

I also put up a picture of our fridge chart. We've been keeping track of the week we're in, the size of baby, and how many weeks on the fridge since week 6. I thought it would be either fun for you to see, or fun for you to ignore.

I have been feeling a lot better the last two days, and I think it's going to last! I was cleared for take off by the doctor and I've gotten to go running a few times now! I've even picked up the arm weights again.

Baby is 2.9 inches long, and like I said earlier, the size of a peach. We're growing teeth and vocal chords, and I hear tell that our intestines are moving inside the body!

Did you know how many things babies need? I had my mind fully blown in the baby section at Target. Fortunately, Robyn was there to help me decipher what I'd actually use, and what are gimmicks aimed at tricking new parents in to wasting money. This may surprise you, but evidently parenthood is a lucrative opportunity for a lot of manufacturers. I just can't believe someone would capitalize on the naivety and eager wallets of new parents! It's shocking! hahahaaa...

THERE WERE WOODS? WELL, WE'RE OUT OF 'EM!

Hi Everyone!

A mid-week update? To what do you owe the pleasure? Oh, I don't know. The weather has been nice? I'm still awake past 9pm? OR OUR 2ND TRIMESTER STARTS SUNDAY, AND THE DOCTOR GAVE US THE ALL CLEAR TODAY!

I got to hear little Fozzie beating away today! Fozz was naturally hiding, and there was a moment of panic (on my part - Doc just said, "somebody is SO pregnant!" and kept searching.) Tucked up in the corner (can a womb have a corner?) and off to the side, there it was! Plain as day and thumping away, Little Fozzie's heart is ticking along just fine!

I think I'm nearing the end of the first tri woes, too. I haven't felt so sick on the bus or as bothered by how everyone smells. Other than two days of Migraines this week (and let me tell you - a cup of coffee and two tylenol are NOT a perscription, Doc!!) I'm starting to find myself with a little more energy. I was even able to go to the grocery after work and be PLEASANT to a stranger. Yeah. I think I'm back, baby!

WE WILL FIND OUT IF FOZZIE WANTS A PINK OR BLUE BOWTIE ON OCT 6TH FIRST THING IN THE MORNING!!!

Well, I still have dishes to do (yep - I cooked...barefoot and...) and my bedtime is fast approaching. Until next Monday, adieu!

TWELVE - EVE PLUM WEEK!

Yeah, it's celebrity week here in my womb. Eve Plum has shown up, and "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!" can just cool out, because Jan Brady has taken up residence in my ute!

(Fozzie is the size of a Plum this week)

For those of you wondering, yes, I'm starting to show. Thankfully I should be able to tell everyone at work soon, since we have a couple of twits that have been running about secretly asking if I'm pregnant. Good thing I am, or that would send me right back to the crackers and water diet. (Hey, mom said boys don't make passes at girls with fat asses, so I had to do what I had to do. Don't judge me.)

I will have a bigger, better, and more awesomer update for you on Wednesday, but let me put this out there...my baby has NOT started 'sucking' this week. Baby Wagner TOTALLY RULES and doesn't suck at anything! How dare you internet site I found!

At 12 weeks pregnant your baby is just about two and a half inches long and weighs up to half an ounce!
Your baby continues to grow and develop tremendously during pregnancy week 12. You'll be amazed at the pregnancy week by week changes that start occurring within your baby in the upcoming months. Your baby's genitals will start showing signs of being either male or female soon. During pregnancy week 12, your baby's brain is starting to make hormones, and nerve cells are multiplying at a rapid rate. Your baby may be sucking as early as this week, and your baby's kidneys may even be producing urine.
By pregnancy 12 weeks if you stimulate certain points of your uterus your baby may move in response, though you won't be able to actually feel your baby moving for another few weeks!

LIME IN THE COCONUT - WEEK 11

Hi Friends and Family and Curious Blogosphere Wanderers!

Here we are half-way through week 11. Next week at this time we'll be at 12.5 weeks and having our next big appointment. I'll be hearing Fozzie's heart beat again, but this time just via Doppler. If all is well, we will be officially out of the first trimester!

What this means for you: you can post all of the comments you could ever want on Facebook. Just go nuts. You can tell anyone you like (some of you already have) or complete strangers if you wish! I won't be so worried anymore, and I hear tell I'll start feeling a lot better. Huzzah. (And yes, mom, I will stop banning you from purchasing things.)

This week we're the size of a lime. I have to say, I like this because I always have limes on my kitchen counter (insert your Martha cracks here) so I have an easy reference every day. Next week I'm supposedly going to have a plum in there. Is a plum bigger than a lime? And what is it with prunes and plums? Are these fruit comparison people trying to hint at ways to clear my 'issues' down under?

And plums? Who eats plums anymore? I will acquiesce and call Fozzie plum-sized next week, but I'll call it Eve Plum sized. (I love you, Jan Brady!)

You'll get a regularly scheduled update on Monday to ring in week 12 (weeks start on Sundays, but I don't do Sunday Blogging. Sheesh!) and then the big update on Wednesday. When you see that update, you can just go nutz! That's right - with a Z.

Word,
Co-Spawner of Fozzie the Baby

WEEK TEN...PERFECT FINGERS AND TOES, AND DR. PEPPER?

Oh, Hi there, Fans of Fozzie! We've got a pretty big week this week! Turns out we're the size of a PRUNE. Ew! A Prune. Prunes are right up there with Raisins and other dried fruits (re: abominations of the fruit world) and I will be excited for next week's size of a Lime update. Limes are far more useful.

And here's a question - if they're all dried out, how do you get Prune Juice? I mean, isn't the point of a dried fruit to devoid it of juice? And why is that the big ingredient to Dr. Pepper. Is that why it has 'doctor' in the title? Because it gives you loose stool? (If you're a drinker of the Pep, let me know if it keeps you regular. Or don't, because then I'd know too much about you. But do, because then I may have one.)

Here's the real excitement for the week - perfect little fingers and toes! Yay! We even have prints now. (Which I was told today by a friend that's a good thing, since Fetal Crime is way up this year.) Also, our tail is gone this week! We're growing hair, and our (for you more gentle readers, you may not want to read this next part) genitals are distinguishing themselves. Oh, Boy! ...or Girl! (Kids these days are starting younger and younger. Sheesh!) Also, you should see the size of our kid's brain now! Wow! It's, like, almost the size of all the rest of it's body! Fozzie sure is smart!

Still not much change in me. I am still tired all of the time, and I still get sick on the bus. Today's adventure involved me sitting next to a girl that smelled like she had a baking accident with the Vanilla. You'd think that'd be pleasant to me, but all I could think was, "Is she a hippie or a stripper? Either way, that smell has to go!" I'm told I only have a few more weeks of this, and I have to say, I'm elated. I can't wait to feel more 'normal' again. Emotionally, I almost hit some guy with my umbrella the other day for no other reason than just because he looked like a Theatre student/douche bag to me. Poor kid. He thinks individualism comes from the outside, and he's going to be attacked by a lunatic pregnant woman if she sees him again.

Number 9, Number 9, Number 9

Hi there cats and kittens! Welcome to the wonderful world of week 9. Honestly, it feels like the other weeks for me, but turns out Fozzie is squirming and growing and gaining weight. I put Fozzie's progress below in italics.

For me, I have developed this new trick of getting nauseous on the bus. The train seems to be mostly okay, but for some reason the bus is killing me. Maybe it's the way the clientele on the bus tends to smell worse, maybe it's the way CTA drivers can't seem to gently accelerate or break, or maybe it's just that the AC on the bus is rarely as reliable as the AC on the train. Either way, I now officially hate riding buses and I can't wait for this phase to end. (The smell is the #1. Oy.)

Funny story. I gave my seat up to a pregnant lady today. I looked up from my seat, and there she was, about to give birth on my shoulder. I insisted she take my seat, and she thanked me profusely. So, this goes out to all the jerkos on the Brown Line this morning - if one pregnant lady has to give up her seat for another pregnant lady, and you're some dude sitting there reading the Wall Street Journal, your a jerk.

Not that I'm incapable of standing, but I'm pretty sure no one wanted to see her give birth on my shoulder.

If you were to peek in on your little one you'd find they resemble a miniature human being (one with a very large head!). Because your baby's organs and limbs are forming, in the next few weeks your baby will be putting on weight. Your baby's tail should have disappeared by now, and your baby's organs and muscles should be functioning on their own. During pregnancy 9 weeks your baby's eyelids will fuse shut and won't open up again until your baby is about 27 weeks along. Your baby's face is becoming more distinct every day, with the mouth, nose and nostrils becoming clearly visible. By nine weeks your little one will even have developed sex organs, however your healthcare provider won't be able to discern them quite yet. Typically the sex of your baby can be determined by ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks gestation. Your baby's heart should have divided into four separate chambers by pregnancy week 9, as your baby swims about gleefully in her warm and cozy home.

BETTER ULTRASOUND PICS

but you're not getting an update until tomorrow, cheeky bums.

ULTRA SOUND - MEET FOZZIE BEAR!

Well, already our little nugget has been labeled as 'perfect,' but I'm sure you all knew that was just a matter of time! I'm looking in to fetal gifted programs this afternoon. It's never too early to get started. Winners don't rest on laurels...

As you can see to the right, that's Fozzie! I'm re-naming from Neicephew to Fozzie because the heart beat sounds like: wokka wokka wokka wokka. Fozzie's heart beat is 164!

Zach got to see Fozzie first, as the screen was pointed away from me. By the way, NO ONE TOLD ME WHAT THE FIRST ULTRA SOUND WAS LIKE - THAT WAS SOME INFO SOMEONE COULD HAVE PASSED ALONG! For those of you that are like I was, let's just say this: the first ultrasound isn't done on top of the belly...

Awkward moment with your husband in the room and your feet in stirrups aside, the placenta is coming along nicely, and that thing you think is it's head is actually the 'yolk' so to speak. Fozzie is in profile. It was more clear in the office...especially when YOU COULD VISIBLY SEE FOZZIE'S HEART BEATING.

And then, we heard it: WOKKA WOKKA WOKKA WOKKA. It was the most incredible sound of our lives. I won't say Z teared up, because I'm sure he doesn't want me to compromise his manly profile (he did), but I was practically bawling. The Ultrasound person said it straight up, "EVERYTHING LOOKS PERFECT! THAT'S A PERFECT 8.5 WEEK SPECIMEN."

So, I'm sure this is daunting for all of you looking to become a mom knowing that my kid is already perfect, and your kid will have a hard time keeping up, but I'm sure even if they don't get in the same magnet school, my kid will still be nice to your kid. Fozzie is a giver.

RASPBERRY, WEEK 8 & You People Astound Me!

Blueberry? You were impressed with the size of a blueberry? Well have a seat and take a deep breath because this week we're a large raspberry! We have our Ultrasound this week, and we're going to see our growing little fruit salad on Wednesday! It's an understatement to say we're excited about seeing Baby Wagner for the first time...

Now for being astounded. You people astound me! (Well, maybe not all of you people, but some of you people. I don't want to offend those who are not currently astounding me.)

Here are answers to your FAQs...

Yes, we will find out the gender, and when we do, we'll let everyone know. Probably some post like, "Oh, Boy!" or "Girl, You Better Recognize!" Something like that.

Yes, the Gender is already decided. It was decided at conception. That little turd in there already knows if it's a boy or a girl and is just holding out on us. Some of you think that babies just 'decide' what to be...or 'just become' a boy or a girl based on what 'starts growing.' Kids...if gender is decided by sperm...then it's decided at conception. It's the fastest swimmer of the moment. It's not what accidently grows based on how much asparagus I eat (or, for fans of the Tudor family, it's not based on my worthiness as a wife - so please don't suggest cutting off my head - it was all Zach - which always makes me have a private laugh at Henry the VIII...he was a royal prick.)

Yes, it has arms and legs now, and yes, they move, and yes, they have fingers and toes - which are wonky little fingers and toes for two more weeks, but fingers and toes nonetheless.

No, I can't feel it yet. Which bums me out. But it's living in a grapefruit-sized vessel inside of me.

MORE ON WEDNESDAY! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!

AND WE HAVE MOTION! WEEK 7!

Hi Everyone! Your favorite Niecephew is in week 7 already! We are the size of a blueberry now with arms and legs that can move. Don't believe me? Lookee right there! That's a hand, my friends, and that thing moves around! Before any of you ask, no, I cannot feel it moving yet! Do the math...if a blueberry had arms, how big do you think those arms would be? I'm more likely to feel gas moving...which I do...

No morning sickness yet. I did feel some nausea twice, but mostly I am having dizzy spell issues. I have also become a champion sleeper and eater of dairy products. There are other symptoms I won't bore you or disgust you with, but suffice to say, I'm still knocked up for really reals.

We're making another trip to Nebraska this weekend that is being met with mixed emotions. On the one hand, it gives us a chance to see the people I didn't see two weeks ago, but on the other - I just get so tired. At least Zach will be driving this time. Joke is on him - we'll be stopping at every rest area between here and Omaha.

Zach is getting pretty excited, too. He has a dry erase board on the fridge for me to mark our week so he can keep track, and he's really focused on that Ultrasound on the 8th. I guess I'll be finding out soon if my husband is queasy.

9 DAYS FROM SEEING OUR LITTLE ONE FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!

No Big Deal, It's Just WEEK 6 ALREADY!!!

Oh, hi there, friends and family. We have made it to week six already. As you can see to the right, the baby is still very tiny, so I'm still drawing on the location reminders. (That's below the belly button, for those of you worried I don't know where the baby is currently located. And don't ask why my hands are like that. We only had one take as I was falling asleep during my 1 picture photo shoot.)

I guess I should probably quit marking up my lower abdomen as this is the last time it will look this way.

If any of you were curious, NO, a road trip is NOT a relaxing way to kick off the first trimester. Don't get me wrong, it was great to see everyone, and I had a great time, but since I'm in a constant state of sleepiness, driving like a mad woman from one town to the next only to take a nap isn't necessarily the best visit for the people I saw and it was more than a little exhausting for me, too.

Other than being ridiculously tired and eating a lot of cottage cheese, I'm feeling pretty great. No morning sickness yet, and as I type that, I'm knocking on wood.

Well, here's what you all came for...what niecephew is up to this week...

The first heartbeats have begun! The greatest baby on earth is now a super great baby and is about 1/17 of an inch long. Growth is very rapid this week. The umbilical cord develops. The eyes and ears begin to form as well as an opening for the mouth. The heart has begun to pump blood and most of the other organs are well under construction. Buds form on the body that will become the arms and legs.

"BABY" and the Ultrasound date.

I've written 'BABY' in permanent marker on my lower abdomen so Zach doesn't keep mistaking my actual stomach for the womb. He wasn't pre-med, either.

Our first ultra sound is July 8!

I'm grounded from running until Aug 3. I'm still supposed to do cardio like recumbant bike or elliptical or fast walking, but no high impact.

WEEK 5??? WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW 24HRS AGO, AND ALREADY WEEK 5?

Until week 12, let's keep this a family-only/very close friends site, okay?

Well, we've done it. We've joined the legions of nearing-middle-age people that start a blog about their family so other's can keep up because...WE ARE FINALLY STARTING A FAMILY. Whatever - look at it this way - this will spare you from ever getting a lame Christmas card from us with a boring letter.

So, here's the story one last time so I'll quit boring you all with it's retelling...

I was on the phone with mom yesterday after stopping off to yet again purchase a box of pregnancy tests. (At this point, I think I own stock in EPT) Since I'm rude and disgusting, I decided to go ahead and take it while I was on the phone with her. I mean, they're negative every darn time anyway, and mom is used to hearing me pee on the phone.

No sooner had I set it down that it began to show. PLUS. A PLUS. A POSITIVE RESULT!!!???!!!??? (Yes, I ended up taking 2 more tests just to make sure!)

In the midst of choking and trying not to laugh and cry, I asked mom if I could call her back, and of course she wouldn't just say 'sure' and hang up. She had to ask what was wrong and keep asking if I was okay so I had to resort to, "MOM. I'M CALLING YOU BACK. GOOD BYE."

You all know how emotional I can get. I broke down in the bathroom crying and laughing and laughing and crying. Then I ran around the house doing this same routine. When I realized no one was home yet except a very perplexed Sophie Queen the Wonder Dog, I called Zach.

"We can't tell anyone! It's so soon! Get home as soon as you can." Naturally by the time he was home we'd both already broken that rule!

Turns out according to doctors, I'm in week 5 already. Normal people would say week 3, but I'm going to count the weeks the way the doctor does it so I don't get confused by #19. (Thus making pregnancy 40 weeks now instead of 38 - it's all the same amount of time, if you ask me - but I was a Theatre major, not pre-med.)

I'm feeling pretty great so far - still able to jog/run and no nausea. I am going to the bathroom more frequently, but that's also because I'm drinking water like a fiend. And, as Katie observed, I'm more clumsy now. Thanks, Katie!

I'll keep everyone posted on doctor appointment developments.

Anyway, here's how we're doing:

The developing greatest baby ever has three layers. In the top layer (ectoderm), the neural tube will form which will further develop into the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, skin and hair). In the middle layer (mesoderm), the heart and circulatory system, bones, muscles, kidneys and reproductive organs will develop - eventually. At this stage, however, the heart and primitive circulatory system will rapidly form. In fact, the circulatory system is the first organ system to function. In the inner layer (endoderm), a simple tube will develop into the intestines, liver, pancreas and bladder.