flutter

It was 6:24am when I felt the 'tap, tap, tap' my little one made on my shoulder.  Still 6 minutes until the alarm beckoned us all awake, I pulled her up into bed for a cuddle.  After getting her tucked in by my side, I felt it: that memorable but sort-of-forgotten feeling of the first flutterings of new life inside.  The baby, 15 1/2 weeks along, had just made those first discernible kicks.  Joy!

Feeling him/her move makes baby #5 seem more real.  I'm excited, but nervous at the same time.  On days like today, when I am pulled in 100 directions at once and I ache for one millisecond of quiet, I'm not sure I can handle another life in my hands.

But, in moments like this morning, during my six-minute-snuggle with my girl, I am so honored to be welcoming another little soul into my heart.

Blessed am I.

the fashion world hates me.

In the year and a half since I was last pregnant, maternity clothes have taken a change for the "gypsy."
*Sleeves have gone fluttery (heaven help me).
*Shirts are supposed to hit you right below the bum (such an un-flattering place to land).
*Pants have tapered legs (this doesn't even look good when I'm skinny, let alone when I'm toting a baby bump).
*Nearly every top does this criss-cross thing across the chest, leaving LOTS of added room for that blossoming, pregnant bust line (of which, at week 23, I still have none).
*Dresses are, apparently, back in fashion. Except no one (I repeat, no one) can avoid looking like a campsite (read TENT) when wearing a dress over a prego belly.
*And skirts. Well, that's what I was really after. But, the mini is back (even in maternity...spare me), and well, I'm sure we all know why THAT won't work.

I spent all morning searching every store (with even a single maternity rack) in the mall. I didn't by anything.

Until I stopped at Borders on my way back to the car.
Books always save the day.

news!

fortunate

Yes, I'm feeling fortunate today....
A closer look, you ask?
You read that right, young grasshopper. Bitty #4 is predicted to join our clan at the end of August, in this, the year of the tiger.

We are thrilled with our good fortune!


P.S. If you'd like to try your hand at home-made fortune cookies (the future looks better when you write it yourself!), this is where I got the recipe. Mine don't look nearly as pretty as Brooke's, but even the mess-up scraps are yummy to eat!

outdated Christmas card...

...but for a good reason!

Baby arrived early, making our just-sent-out Christmas cards now out of date! But, we're so glad he is here, safe and sound (and tiny tiny).

More info and photos to come...watch your e-mail box!

artistic expression

Kate was drawing this morning. Guess who this is?
Yes....I'm getting bigger! :)

Cravings

I'd love to be able to blame my constant need for ice cream on the pregnancy. But, I pretty much crave ice cream ANY time. Except maybe in the dead of winter, if I'm shoveling snow and my nose is cold. But otherwise...I'm always good for a scoop. Lately, my craving has been worse. Maybe it's because Black Raspberry Chocolate Chunk has been on sale at the grocery store, and it is practically a crime to pass that up. What can I say? Our freezer has been well-stocked lately, and my dips into the carton are frequent. But, if you can't indulge while gestating, when can you???

Anyway, I was ECSTATIC to discover this little gem in my inbox today: World's Largest Ice Cream Social. Cold Stone Creamery is raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation this month, and treating customers to free ice cream on September 25th. So, if you don't have the convenient excuse of a 'bun in the oven' to satisfy YOUR ice cream cravings, this might be just the thing. I mean, it is for a good cause, right?

Mmmmmm....

Four Hours

...is how long I just spent shopping online for a baby car seat/ stroller combo. I haven't looked at these for 6 years, but I sold my old set long ago and am in the market again. Maybe it is because the last time around we were only looking at the clearance table at Babies-R-Us and were limited to the money gifted to us by loving family and friends, but there seems to be so many more options now. And, who knew that baby seats now come in Big and Tall?? Whew!

I love Amazon because they always have lots of customer reviews. However, in reading reviews for baby items, it seems like lots of first-time moms love to put their opinions out there about baby gear they have yet to try...because they are still only 5 months pregnant! And, the bulk of their review consists of how cute or stylish the item is. Sheesh! I can see the picture, Mama. I want to know if you can lift the thing. With your kid inside. In the rain. While also buckling up your preschooler's car seat. And unloading the groceries.

Any suggestions???

Stepping Out.

I've been putting it off; squeezing into too-tight clothes. But, today, I bit the bullet and pulled on maternity clothes. That's one way to definitely LOOK pregnant. But, I have to say, I'm enjoying the chance to breathe again. And, my new maternity jeans ARE pretty cute. Plus, I have a new short-sleeved maternity top I've got to wear a couple of times before the weather turns cold. Around here, that is looking like tomorrow.

It's been a while, and although I'm thrilled beyond description to be 'in the family way,' I'd forgotten what a klutz I become when I'm pregnantly-off-balance. And, we're only half way through! Hang in there, little buddy. It's going to be a bumpy ride....