29 Weeks - THIS IS NOT AN ADULT VIDEO!!!

Hi all,

     Dave and I had Sunday dinner at my parent’s house this week, which we always enjoy.  We had time to catch up and talk about the fact that this baby is going to be here somewhere in the next 8-12 weeks!!!  GULP!

We talked about so much … the nursery, how we will acclimate Charlie to his new brother, and my mom even shared her thoughts about last week’s posting about leaky boobs.  Frankly, she wasn’t a fan ;) But both my dad and Dave said that neither of them even knew that leaky boobs even happened!  So, my friends, I feel as though I can use this blog as a good educational tool to help inform and enlighten those of us who are not aware of all of the many wonderful things that come along with this budding life. If constipation, hemorrhoids, heartburn, leaky boobs and a fat … everything, isn’t appetizing, I don’t know what is!

My parents also shared with me all of the comments they’ve received from people who are reading this blog … people I never even imagined would know about it, let alone spend the time reading this! So, another thank you to everyone for tuning in on our journey. We can’t thank you enough for the support.

One thing that they shared, which I find quite interesting, is that apparently the status of my ever-changing belly button is of the interest to many readers!  Who knew that such a little knob could spark so much interest.  It continues to freak the “bleep” out of me, and I can tell you that every run to the bathroom seems to bring on a new transformation in the physical appearance of this tiny button. And I would be lying if I told you that I don't poke it in from time to time in an effort to slow the progress ;)

Since my belly button has such a “growing” (pun intended) fan-base, and since it seems to be transforming everyday, I feel as though this belly button has taken on an identity all its own.  I feel that it’s only right that such a being deserves a name.  So, yesterday in the shower, it hit me.  From here on out, I will only refer to my metamorphosing belly button as Isabelly.  First name, Isabelly, last name, Button.  Isabelly Button.  

What used to be an “innie” is now … gosh, I don’t even know how to describe it.  It’s mostly flat.  But I can officially report that Colonel Isabelly Button has assembled a battalion and is quickly planning an all-out attack on its surrounding environments.  Put the women and children to bed, because this squadron will bite off anything in its way.  I have even informed Dave to make sure he keeps his distance because there is no telling what Isabelly Button and her fierce regiment are capable of. I will be sure to report back to all of you when it is again safe to leave your homes.

In other news, there is an additional topic that came up at Sunday’s dinner of which I feel responsible to report on through this blog.  While discussing the actual birth of this little man, Dave has shared his views for wanting to view, all of the views of pregnancy ... meaning ... he wants a front row seat to all of the ... ahem... action.

I am not sure how other women feel about this, but I have some specific thoughts on this topic. I realize that the delivery of our child is going to be one of the BIGGEST days of our lives, and it's going to be wonderful and a moment we will never forget .... EVER.  So, of course I want Dave to be involved in just about every aspect of the birth as possible, from the first contraction, to cutting the cord.  However, there is one MAJOR, HUMONGOUS, GIGANTIC , BIGGER THAN SHAQ problem I have ...

NO ONE IS ALLOWED SOUTH OF THE BORDER!!!!!!!!!!!! RAAHHHHHHRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!

(hear that? That growl is a warning call made from an angry preggo … this relatively tamed creature will keep its distance, but has been known to attack when provoked.  Also, please don’t feed the birds.)

Seriously … I feel very strongly about this.  Unless you have initials after your name (M.D., R.N., etc) YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED DOWNTOWN.  I don’t care if you are my husband, have given birth yourself, or are blind and can’t see a thing … you are NOT ALLOWED. Dave and I have had some interesting conversations about this.  Dave wants to see everything the minute it happens … and has even threatened me with a VIDEO CAMERA ... but I think EVERYONE can wait the 0.5 seconds it takes for the doctor to yank the baby out and present it to the room.  And, really?? A video camera?  THIS IS NOT AN ADULT VIDEO!!!

NO ONE wants to see what goes on down there.  Should one be exposed to the trauma that occurs below the belly, one shall NEVER be the same.  The amount of blood, guts, goo, and other disgusting properties that spew from the area are not things that can be ignored.  I don’t care how “amazing” giving birth is … everyone can wait for the baby to be taken out and THEN you all can have your “oh my god he’s here” moment.

Those who ignore or otherwise disobey this ruling will have your arms and legs gnawed off by Isabelly Button.

Thank you!

Forgot to list my Preggo Brain Instance of the Week last week.  So here's what I can tell you.  In an effort to lower the AC upon preparing to leave for the morning the other day, I accidentally TURNED ON THE HEAT.  This smell started coming out of the vents and I couldn't figure out what it was.  Dave came FLYING down the stairs wondering what was going on and noticed that I turned the heat on.  I still have NO recollection of doing this.  I think Charlie did it...

As for our little man, this week he is about the size of a butternut squash!  He's about 17 inches and just about 3lbs!!!!  And for the very first time, I felt him hiccuping!!!

How far along? 29 Weeks, 5 Days

Countdown: 10 Weeks, 2 Days

Total weight gain: 22lbs at my last checkup.  Next checkup is in 2 weeks, but I've decided that I hate this question.
Maternity clothes? Yes. I picked up a couple more tank tops this past weekend. My old tank tops don't cover the bottom of my tummy anymore :(  So, to make myself feel better, I also bought a pair of black Coach pumps for work :)
Stretch marks? nope, still stretch-free! thank god! But I freaked out the other day thinking I ran out of my stretch cream ... just an air bubble, but I've definitely got to stock up!

Sleep: Our AC is still broken in our bedroom, grrr, but I have been sleeping better the past few nights thanks to the evening temps dropping a bit!
Best moment this week: prenatal yoga (great to hang out with some other preggos!!), shopping with Lisa Lu, getting the basement cleaned out, and Dave started painting in the nursery!
Miss Anything? wearing 3/4 of my wardrobe, going for a run ... and WINE.

Movement: Yes!  he's been going nuts the last few days.  I literally almost had to excuse myself last week during an interview at work.  While interviewing a candidate for a job and trying to wear my best work Poker Face, the little man started going NUTS!  I'm pretty sure he's practicing some Michael Jackson moves, but I almost couldn't keep the laughter in.  He's already testing mommy's boundaries!
Food Cravings: macaroni and cheese from A BOX.  Oh my god.  And it had to be the kind with the orange cheese ... where the heck did that come from?
Anything making you queasy or sick: no, but I feel queasy and sick after eating so much mac 'n cheese!
Gender: BOY!

Labor Signs: Nope! But apparently soon ... fan-freaking-tastic.

Symptoms: my back has started killing again.  Other than that, I don't have any horrible symptoms.
Isabelly Button, In or Out? Survey says??? FLAT!!!
Wedding rings on or off? on, BUT it was quite hard to get them off the other night to clean them.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Overall, happy, but feeling the pressure of impending motherhood!
Looking forward to: Hitting week 30!! .... eerrr ... I think!!!  Also, only a few weeks left until our shower :) Can't wait to celebrate!