new pictures

I went back to Perinatal this week for another ultrasound. I wasn't supposed to have one, but when I mentioned how much fun they are the my doctor, she said she would "recommend" another one for me, if I wanted to go back. I thought it would be fun to have Belinda come with me this time to check it out. It was pretty crazy. This baby really looks like a baby. I think the whole thing really became real for Belinda too. You could see him/her move and stretch and it was a trip to feel the movements while seeing them.

The last few weeks have been pretty nuts. I am thrilled I am now on break. Two whole weeks! Plus, it feels great that we don't have a whole lot of plans. I am going with the girls to Calistoga for one night tomorrow, and then we are renting a house with friends in Shasta for a week. I just want to relax, read and eat and enjoy this time before our whole life completely changes. Once I go back to work in January, I will only have about six weeks of work left before I am out on maternity. It's all starting to whizz by.

tummy wummy

As you can see, my tummy is getting pretty damn huge. Just this last week, I've started feeling some of the negative effects of pregnancy. Nothing too bad, but my back is starting to ache a bit and I get winded walking up any sort of hill. It's really not that bad, but it makes me realize that if I am starting to feel this at week 26, week 36 is not going to be easy.

The kids in my class are starting to become more interested in the bump. The have taken to calling the baby "Tummy Wummy" and say things like, "How is Tummy Wummy doing today?" While teaching reading to a small group today, one girl exclaimed, "Wow! I think I just saw Tummy Wummy move!" And she did. This little one is moving like crazy now, with whole new types of movement happening. I can see what might be a head or butt roll across my midsection. It is all so crazy. I had no idea the movement would be so constant and distracting. I keep comparing it to someone tapping your shoulder while you try to concentrate on your work.

I also think that nesting part of me might be kicking in a bit. I'm beginning to feel a little anxiety about what we are going to do with our work situations, what we are going to need and where are we going to put it. We haven't done much as far as preparation yet, and I'm starting to think that we should get to it, while I am still not feeling bad. At the same time, I realize we don't need a bunch of crap and that one can never fully be prepared. Yikes. What are we doing!!?

i love my husband

As far as husbands go, Damon Todd is as good as it gets. I was just sitting here, doing a little online shopping thinking about how lucky I am to have such a man. I mean, smart, cute, funny, kind, creative, helpful, caring...all in one person? I hope he never wises up and realizes he's too good for me. Take this morning, for example. He got up early, letting me sleep in. Rode out to the farmer's market to get yummy honey and my favorite fruit, satsumas. He came back home with fresh flowers for me and then agreed to go to brunch with a bunch of people from my work, even though the conversation often revolves around teaching. Now he's in the kitchen baking me cookies. Once in a while he comes in to give me a smooch (not to mention the little dance he just did to the Tribe Called Quest song that is playing). I love this man and I know he's going to be the best father in the world. My only worry is that he is going to be so amazing and fun and that our child is going to love him so much more than s/he loves me. I know there is enough love in our hearts to go around and I just feel plain lucky to have tricked this guy into marrying me.