Book Opinion - Such a Fun Age

I'm having trouble focusing and finishing books lately, but I'm making myself read the books chosen for my work book cub.  Such a Fun Age is the latest.  It is an easy read.  I read it quickly once I decided to sit down with it.  Unlike last month's, it wasn't as much of a chore.  

This book opens with Emira out with friends and being called into watch a toddler.  It is an emergency situation in which the parents call her late, and she goes and picks up the toddler and takes her for a walk to the nearby market.  At the market, security is called as Emira and her friend raise suspicion from one of the patrons for holding a white child.  Another patron captures this incident on cell phone.  It all concludes when the employer comes to the market to verify.  That's the first chapter, and with our current climate, I spent the whole chapter on the edge of my seat/couch.

The book goes a lot of places after that.  It was a good book on its own, but it's such a good one to discuss.  I felt like a lot of people identified a lot of details I didn't (and I hope vice versa).  We were all pretty much on the same page and liked it a lot.  This is the first for our group.  We've been split for all the books before now.  Also, it's a great example of "just wait until the late page..."  

Book Opinion - The Glass Hotel

To be fair, I haven't finished this one yet.  The Glass Hotel is our second book club book with my colleagues.  I'm about a third of the way through for our discussion on Friday afternoon.  So far, it's interesting.  Whether I would recommend it would depend on how the book ends and also on the reader.  It does jump around to different characters (third person limited points of view) and different times.  I'm bad with navigating times, but I kind of start with wherever I start with and then every chapter after that is a "before" or "after", but I have trouble remembering years and dates - in real life and in fiction.

Stay tuned for my more thorough thoughts.

Edited:  I finished.  I was on board until the last 50 pages and then I just can't.  I could get over the changing points of view (it switched to first person at a couple of points after being third person limited for so long).  I thought that worked, and I didn't mind the change in time.  I just can't handle the the very end.  I thought some of the language was really striking, but I wanted to feel something for anybody, and I never did.  I was indifferent to the two "main" characters and had mild disdain or pity for others.  It does seem like the internet liked the author and book and, to be fair, I don't read a lot of mainstream fiction so maybe it's just me.  I'll just go back to memoirs and romance.

Book Opinion - Dear Girls

My work has organized a book club.  Ali Wong's Dear Girls was our first read.  It was a quick read full of Ali Wong's life and experiences in the form of letters to her daughters.  It was a bit raunchy if you don't know her humor.  If you enjoy clean humor, it is very raunchy.  I liked it.  It was a unique outlook format which is always welcome by me.  I don't know if it was my favorite memoir, but I liked the format, and it was easy to read.  It had overall positive reviews within our group, too.  

April 2016 Weekend Update

April starts a very busy time for us. The first weekend, Little Miss had hockey. After we changed and went to Fairfax for family pictures. No shock, but Captain cried the entire time until the photographer gave him a baseball. He stopped crying, but he was never happy. On Sunday, Little Miss had her swimming lesson and a birthday party for a friend. They were supposed to go bowling, but the bowling alley lost power so it was at his house.

The second weekend was the Masters.  Husband prearranged a day out of golfing and then watching the Masters at a friend's house.  While he was out, Sister-in-Law and the nephews came over and played.  On Sunday, I took the kids to the library.  They had a blast, but the library didn't have anything we wanted.  We put some items on hold though.

The third weekend, I went out of town for my sister's bachelorette party.  On Friday, we went to her final dress fitting and then drove down to Charlottesville.  We went to a goat farm where we got some goat kisses and ate goat cheese.  We hit up the breweries, distilleries, and wineries.  We had a shuttle take us around, and at one place, the bartender drove us home.  It was a nice, relaxing time.  We capped it off with brunch downtown and a nice walk during the unseasonably warm afternoon.  Back home, Little Miss had hockey and soccer.  She scored her first goal in hockey practice.  Husband sent me a video and, in the background, Captain was shouting her name.  It was so precious. 

The following weekend, we celebrated Captain's second birthday.  I made cupcakes with Where the Wild Things Are cupcake toppers and some cupcakes were little boats.  The big kids watched a movie while the little kids literally ran around in circles.  Captain missed his morning nap so he was slightly cranky and over sensitive, but I think he had fun.  He very much enjoyed the pizza at least.  Right after the party, I showered and drove to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum for the awards gala.  It was a really great event.  I had missed it previously because I had a baby and Captain's first birthday party, but I planned accordingly this year.

Last weekend, I hung out with friends.  It's been so long that we were just celebrating their birthdays - which were in March and the beginning of April.  We had a lovely lunch and caught up.  One just got a new puppy so it was nice to meet her.

Update

We've been busy just like every single other family during the holiday season, but here's a quick update.

We managed to put up a tree and decorate it.  We purchased presents for everyone (and then purchased a few more).  We did cooking and baking.  

Captain is teething and getting those wretched canine teeth in.  It's resulting in either a cold or congestion.  He is also badly constipated this week so the combination is rough.  He hasn't slept and has been an emotional mess.  Last night was better than nights before so I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  His vocabulary is finally increasing.  He can say mama, dada, baba (for drink), his sister's name, bus, car, ball, girl, and now he says cracker, thanks, and good.  He's slow to talk but so was Little Miss.  Because of the age difference, it's like having a first child all over again.  He doesn't have to talk because there's no need to - he has 3 people catering to his every need.

Little Miss is wise beyond her years.  She enjoys mindless YouTube videos and reading Harry Potter with me.  She's doing extraordinary in school.  She hasn't mastered third grade level work yet, but she's never gives up.  She's well above her grade level in both math and language arts.  She speaks Spanish and sign language at home.  She's learning coding on her school iPad.  She knows pretty much what I knew in middle school.  She's incredibly helpful around the house.  If anything, her only fault is not being a good eater, but she eats.

Status quo with Husband.  He freelances from home.  I, however, got promoted this year which is exciting.  I love where I work, and it's nice to receive encouragement back.  

Here's to a happy and healthy 2016!

Happy Halloween!

For Halloween, my office building had a pumpkin carving contest.  At the last minute (like 10PM the night before), I decided to enter.  They provided the pumpkin and carving kit which was super nice.  This is actually my second attempt as my first was a gigantic failure.  I drew the sketch freehand based on a photo on Google and then used that sketch as a stencil.  Then, Husband couldn't tell what it was so I highlighted the sweater and dog ears in black marker.  Just for kicks, I painted it all.  The next morning, I added the zig zag.  Transferring to work was the most difficult part.  The pumpkin was still wet and fragile.  So, I held it in my hands and got a little yellow all over everything.  It's kid paint so it's all water soluble and will come out, but it was still messy.

 Anyway, it was all worth it!  I came in third.  I came in after a patriotic, Washington DC pumpkin and Bernie Sanders.  Despite your politics, Bernie was carved beautifully.  I would have voted for that for first.  I was happy with third.  For my big win, I got a trophy which is kind of awesome and Wizards/Magic basketball tickets for next weekend with parking pass.  I'm less excited about that, but we may actually go because why not?

October 2015 Weekend Update

October was, as always a busy month! The first weekend, I had book club. We read a book that was about a family that owned a vineyard so we went to a vineyard to discuss it. It was a rainy day, but it wasn't cold, and the wine flowed. It was a fun day with yummy snacks, delicious wine, and great friends!

The second weekend was a quiet one.  A co-worker is expecting a baby in the beginning of next year so I offered her any baby items we were no longer using.  It was great to help her fulfill her needs while also emptying out our apartment.  The weekend was a much-needed quiet one.  

The third weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch.  It started out beautiful, but it turned cold and drizzly.  The kids had a blast though.  Captain hated being outside, hated everything.  I got one good picture and a billion ones where he looks miserable.  Little Miss had a blast on the slides, bouncy castle, playground.  She loved being with her cousins.  After the pumpkin patch, Little Miss and I went to the movies. It was nice to have some special Big Girl time.  

On Sunday, my sister and her fiance came over to watch football.  I started preparations for Little Miss's birthday party.  Little Miss had a playdate with a close friend.  It was a good day.  

The fourth weekend was Little Miss's birthday party!  It was all about Big Hero 6, Little Miss's favorite movie of the moment.  We had crafts and food based on the movie, and the kids watched the film.  It was great.

Then, Halloween rounded out October.  We went out to my parents' house.  My dad was out of town.  We stopped at my sister's house and picked up some candy.  Captain was scared of their puppy.  Then, we went to my mom's for dinner.  After dinner, we went door to door.  Brother-in-Law and his wife came with Nephew and their dog.  Captain actually loved their dog.  We didn't score a ton of candy but a good amount.  Both kids got a little taste before we went home.  Both were exhausted and slept on the way home and late into the next day.  Captain was so good during his first real Halloween.  He kept his costume on all night.  Little Miss took hers off at the first opportunity.  

Onto November!  

Papal Visit

So, the pope came to Washington DC today. Most of the city stayed home. Metro was a mess, but it always is. This was actually unrelated to the pope but to a blown transformer. Traffic and Metro traffic were lighter than usual allegedly. Regardless, because my office window overlooks one of the pope's scheduled stops, I wanted to try to make it in. I'm glad I did! You can see more photos on my Instagram.

Hi! #popefrancis #popeindc #popewatch

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 8:49am PDT

Pope! #popefrancis #popeindc #popefrancis

A video posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 8:55am PDT

July 2015 Weekend Update

It turns out July was a busy month!  We spent the Fourth of July with the Inlaws.  It poured so we were inside eating and watching the fireworks on tv, but we did get about 5 minutes in the pool.  The nephews were there as well, and the cousins had a good time together.

The second weekend was Nephew's fifth birthday party.  It was an Ironman theme (though many of the other superheroes made an appearance).  Captain and I went in theme clothing - though Captain didn't care for the mask.  It was a good time.  I can't believe Nephew is 5!  

The next day, Husband played golf with a friend's husband while Captain, my friend and I went to her pool.  It was really nice, and the pool was beautiful.  Little Miss was in Florida with my family.  We had a lovely dinner at my friend's house before heading home.

The third weekend, I met friends for Thai and then we went to see a movie.  After, I got to pick up Little Miss after a week away.  It was nice to have her home, and everyone was thrilled to see her - but no one more so than Captain!

The fourth weekend, we mostly just ran some errands - Target, the library, the grocery store.  It was busy and hot, but Little Miss loves to just drive around and be helpful.

Towards the end of the month, I took some time off.  I took a half day and brought Little Miss to work with me.  She loves coming to work.  She watched a movie and mostly hung out and write me little notes.  My parents met me at my office after lunch.  Then, we all went to The National Building Museum which I've never been to before.  There is a "beach" exhibit currently which is basically a giant ball pit.  It was insane.  It's been many years since I've been in a ball pit, and it was much easier as a kid from what I remember.  Little Miss made a friend, and had a blast though.  We had dinner and then headed home.

The next day, I met friends from out of town and out of country.  We did The Library of Congress, The Folger Shakespeare Library, walked by The Supreme Court, Dupont Circle, went to The National Geographic Museum, and drove by some other sites.  A local friend hosted us for dinner, and it was a really good time.  I got to do things and see some sites I don't normally (or haven't ever) see.

As the Barenaked Ladies once said...

Who needs sleep?

Captain has been waking up at around 2AM for the last few nights.  He generally wakes up at 11PM, but he's in bed again shortly after.  Lately, he's shifted that to 2AM.  Last night, he was up at 2AM and then around 3:30AM.  He ate a little at 2AM and then napped with me and then woke up again to eat.  Husband came in to watch him for a second shift.  So.  Tired.

Also, Men, don't go around telling women they look tired.  They will snap and kill you.  WE ALWAYS LOOK BEAUTIFUL!  A vendor came to visit yesterday and told me I looked tired.  No kidding.  Now get out.  

Happy New Year!

As you may have noticed, I dropped the Blog Ball last year.  Life has moved on, but it's moved on without me updating the blog.  I'm trying to make up for lost time though.  For my own purposes, I will update my books read and movies watched as well.  

Let's see.  Since I've updated (and really, since last week practically), Baby is crawling all over the place.  He's a pretty good listener, too.  He has, so far, stayed away from things he shouldn't be near.  We don't really childproof so much as train early not to go into dangerous situations.  We are cautious and don't take unnecessary risks, but the entire house isn't bubble wrapped or anything.  He sits up unassisted and can move around and then bring himself up to the sitting position.  He has finally accepted solid food.  He's been game to try all sorts of new things.  We've been doing mostly fruits and veggies - a combo of store-bought and homemade.  I've also started passing him some table food depending on what it is.  He had a tiny bite of pasta.  He loves Puffs and prunes and pears and sweet potatoes.  Those are his favorites.  

Little Miss is doing well in school.  She loves it and looks forward to hear quarterly assessments this week.  She has a strong vocabulary and a strong sense of self and an astounding amount of self-confidence.  She tends to think we're all here for her and that our world must be so lonely and horrible when she is not with us.  Baby worships everything she does.  He looks at her with wonder and laughs at everything she does.  She eats up the adoration totally and completely.

Husband's boss lost the election last Fall so he's looking for a new position, but I have to admit that it's nice having him do the pick up and take care of many things at home.  I'm sure it'll be a transition when he gets a new job.

We had our first snow storm this winter yet not our first snow day which caused issues.  We ended up keeping Little Miss at home because her bus never came and the street on which the school is located was closed.  Today, there was a delay at least.  

I'm still working in DC, and it's going really well.  I've been busy, but I am finally not in a stressed mode.  Sort of.  This week has been a bit meeting heavy, but I have a handle on almost everything at least.  If I can get through Monday, I feel confident that 2015 is my year.  

My sister got engaged at the end of last year.  So, that's exciting!  Even though she has been with her fiance for many years, Little Miss still asked who she was marrying so that brought the soon-to-be brother-in-law down to earth.  She loves him though.

We celebrated Hanukkah with former brother-in-law and his wife last month as well.  Little Miss declared his dog was the best ever which is high praise because she doesn't like animals that close to her.

I definitely feel more confident this year than last.  Last year had a lot of different emotions.  I'm a lot more laid back this year.  

Real Life

I'm back at work. It had to happen eventually. With Baby needing surgery some time this year, I wanted to conserve my allotted time off. I'm better immersing myself with work versus splitting my time. I don't feel that's fair to either my home life or my work life. Husband is at home with the kids for the next couple of weeks. 

I'm sure it's a great time, but Little Miss does know how to feed the ego. Every day, she tells me that she wishes I was staying and that she misses me - which is what she did when Husband stepped out for an hour last night, but that's not the point. Today, Husband emailed me the above photo. Totally cute, and it does make me miss the little munchkins.

Also, excuse Pinkalicious and her inappropriate behavior.  You give that girl one too many Pink Lemonades, and she's lying down with her dress up over her head.

Weekend Update - Last Weekend of Three

I worked from home Tuesday through Friday last week.  On Thursday, I had some pretty strong contractions, but they never became more frequent than 30 minutes apart.  The doctor recommended rest and fluids.  On Friday morning, everything seemed back to normal, but the doctor still told me to stay low to make it to the scheduled c-section time.  

On Saturday, I did very little except travel to see Little Miss play baseball.  I declined an invite to see a movie with Mom and Sister.  The evenings have been very tiring for me, and my entire body has been achy for the last week.  I cleaned the bathroom and put some clothes away though.  

On Sunday, I met with my friends for lunch, and it was nice to sit and relax.  The three of an he haven't gotten together in months due to busy schedules.  The restaurant took a picture of the three of us which was really sweet.  Plus, lunch was delicious.  Then, I took Little Miss to skating.  She's learning to skate backwards and is getting really good.  We are so proud of her.  She was a little extra cuddly, but she's excited for her brother to arrive.  She was a little cranky over the weekend, but she did an awesome job pulling herself together.

So, provided the next 10 hours are uneventful, we are prepared for the fourth member of our family.  See you on huge flip side blog!  No 39th week update though the baby is measuring the size of a mini watermelon and, as someone who bought a mini watermelon this week, it seems about right.  We shall see how big he is for sure in a handful of hours!

Update

I really need to start posting the baby posts on Fridays instead of Thursdays as Friday is the day I visit the doctor.

It went well.  There's still a baby in there.  I lost a half a pound this week.  That said, I expanded by another 2 centimeters.  I'm now 2 centimeters beyond full term in size.  Though there's no sign of it, the doctor believes I may go into labor before our scheduled c-section.  We've all been expecting that as that's how it worked the first time around, but you never know.  

In the meantime, I guess I'll do the finishing touches at home and work on wrapping things up at work.  Everyone is mostly prepared there so it shouldn't be that bad, but there is a bit of housekeeping that needs to be done for my own well being.

In the meantime, just hanging in there.  I should probably take a picture of my belly.  I'm not good at that.  I think I have 2 which is maybe 2 less than I took last time. 

Week 34

Not much new since last week (and really the changes week-to-week are small from this point forward), but you can find out more here.  Lots of movement and some contractions, but nothing alarming.  I seem to be more uncomfortable than last time, but I don't feel the heartburn is as bad as last time.  That said, I drove to work so the activity and train-riding adds a different aspect this time around.  Also, as Husband put it, I'm not as young as I was which was annoying but true. 


I officially hate all my clothes.  I can fit into very few things, but I'd be in better shape if the weather would be nicer.  I have some dresses and khakis from the last pregnancy (where I was pregnant during much warmer weather), but it's been cold.  For instance, right now it's snowing. 


I have a pretty good list of things needed for the baby.  There isn't too much thankfully.  Also, thanks to my gift card hoarding, there shouldn't be too much we have to physically purchase.  Husband has strong feelings that the little guy is going to come early, earlier than April 28.  We'll see.  There was no indication that Little Miss would come early so you never know.  I'd like to get through Easter at the very least, but as with all aspects of parenting, there's not as much control as you hope.

Week 31

Week 31 has no big changes from Week 30. According to this site, the baby is the size of a pineapple, 15-16 inches and a little over 3 pounds. So, basically, at this point, he'll be packing on weight from this point forward.


I feel like I've hit a plateau in terms of size. I haven't had a ton of swelling, but I was on my feet a lot last weekend. My feet were a little swollen on Sunday, but it was hardly noticeable. I fell again on Saturday so that may also result in a little swelling of the ankle from aggravating the sprain a bit. Either way, it was fine by Monday. The movement hasn't been as routine, but the baby is definitely more active than Little Miss at least at this stage. Obviously, at this stage, there's a discomfort level. I'm getting around ok, just a lot a little slower. I'm sleeping ok, but I find if I stay up later, I sleep better for consecutive hours.


We've started doing a full Spring Cleaning. I've done two closets, the bathroom and the majority of the living room. I know it doesn't seem like a lot. I don't purge often, but when I do, I go through everything and reorganize everything so I picked through make up, coats, broken hangars, everything. I consolidated bottles of liquor and organized all of Little Miss's arts and crafts. It's an undertaking. The biggest tasks still loom though - Little Miss's bedroom and our closet. I just purged most of my things last year so that shouldn't take long, just some straightening. Husband is on his own with his things. Plus, I recently reorganized the kitchen which is coming in handy at this point. I plan to do all of that within the next week. Starting next weekend, we're doing actual preparation which shouldn't take long - just a trip to storage and then we work on what is out at my parents' basement and then the finishing touches. All should be ready by early April though so I can figure out what needs to be purchased.


We have generous family and friends and co-workers though so some of the gifts have been coming in which helps curb my buying. I've not bought anything yet. Little socks are killing me! They're just precious. If they weren't so impractical, I think I'd have a billion tiny socks.

30 Weeks

I wrote this post and it disappeared.  It was a lengthy one, too. Anyway, here it goes again. We're at 30 weeks which is just ridiculous.  I have my doctor appointment on Friday before I start going every two weeks.

I believe I'll be able to go a mixture of non-maternity and maternity clothes for the rest of the time.  My shirts have been working hard, but maternity clothes just fit me so poorly.  I'm hoping that my co-workers aren't too tired of the same old same old.  I'd at least have some more options if the weather warmed up a little for dresses.

Luckily, no heartburn this time around which is nice.  It was so bad with Little Miss.  I do have shortness of breath which I didn't have before.  No swelling, and I've been sleeping fine which is good.  I do have an itchy belly, but I've been trying to moisturize which helps. 

I have a fairly aggressive March getting everything ready because, so far, we haven't done anything to prepare for the baby.  Unless you count actively denying that time is passing quickly.  We do that quite a bit.  We don't need too much other than a car seat and a monitor.  There are a few other wants, but the car seat is a priority.  

The baby is very active though getting quite cramped.  There is a lot more stretching than kicking lately.  I'm hoping he stays in there a good while or, even better, until his scheduled date which would be a new development in this house.  Little Miss beat her c-section date by a couple of days.  Either way, we'll see!

Week 28

According to this, the baby is mostly growing. With medical help, he could actually live outside of my body which is kind of terrifying considering we have nothing ready and haven't bought one single thing. 

I have my 3-hour glucose test on Friday, but I've been checking my blood for the last few weeks routinely. My mornings are high more often than they are not which was typical for me last time though I'm hoping I won't need insulin again. I've had high meals here and there but not regularly. Strangely never when I expect a high number. What I find helpful is when I eat my carbs/sugars. If I eat them in the afternoon as a snack before I walk home and my dinner is somewhat sensible, I'm in good shape. I've found breakfast unpredictable, but I can usually control my lunch numbers.  Either way, I don't expect to pass the test.

Funny story - I wrote half of this earlier in the week and was about to say it has been 2 weeks since my fall.  I was feeling really good about myself.  I'm still bruised from that fall, but they don't hurt.  Then, on the way home from work, I got my foot stuck in the road and fell spraining my ankle pretty badly (or pretty well if that was my goal).  Later that night, it was huge, and I couldn't sleep all night - which meant Husband didn't get to sleep either.  Little Miss was great.  She ate dinner and did her homework by herself.  She gave herself a bath, propped my foot up and even gave me her stuffed animals to help heal me.  

I worked from home on Tuesday and Husband drove me to the doctor where it was a sprain, but the baby is doing fine - moving constantly, good heartbeat.  As with the last time on my restricted diet, I lost weight, but my belly is growing.  So, everything seems to be working except my ankle.  Because of the snow prediction, Husband drove me to work on Wednesday so I could get items I needed.  The ankle was feeling better, but it relapsed a little as it has been aching since then.  I can at least put weight on it and be mobile so that's good.  I expect it to be sore and swollen a little longer, but at least I can sleep.

Hopefully, this won't affect the actual preparing for the baby which I've put off until the next few weekends through March.  It's still kind of surreal.  I swear I forget until I try to get up out of bed or off the couch or put on shoes.  I feel like my size has stabilized.  After huge growth in the second trimester, I don't feel as big.  The third trimester did hit hard, and I'm almost instantly slower and awkward though.  I like to think I don't quite have the "make it be over" face yet though. 

Week 30

It's surreal just typing Week 30!  Anyway, details can be found here, but nothing new since last week really.  I'm really only uncomfortable in the morning and evening.  I do find myself short of breath, but I don't have the crippling heartburn I had with Little Miss.  I think it's because this one rests a lot lower so I get a bit uncomfortable low in the belly, which I didn't have with her, but it's much easier to tolerate than the heartburn. 


I have my monthly appointment on Friday morning after which I start going every 2 weeks to check in. 


I actually haven't been feeling as big lately, but then I caught myself sideways in the mirror yesterday.  I suggest never looking at yourself sideways in a mirror.  I'm wearing non-maternity clothes today - belly band around the pants and a stretchy top - and am still quite comfy which is nice because I refuse to buy additional maternity clothes.  Everyone at work will just have to get used to seeing the same couple of dresses and pants for the next couple of months.  I can't wait until summer - the stretchy, endless stream of sundresses.  I mean, I can't say I'm looking forward to dealing with a swimsuit, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.


Luckily, I'm still sleeping fairly well though I have had some wacky dreams, but I suppose no more wacky than usual.  Overall, light symptom week though which is good.  I still can't complain, but sometimes I think I'm too old for this when going through the day-to-day of being pregnant.  *g*


I do have to start getting ready for the baby which means doing a lot around the apartment.  There's little we need, but it's a matter of shifting what we have and getting what we need into the apartment and just organizing.  I set aside some time, but then other things came up.  I may have to do things during the week and reevaluate.  We were invited to a playdate this weekend, and I have dinner out with friends.  I hate to have Little Miss miss a playdate when we've been postponing this one for months.  I'll just have to buckle down after work and see if I can make up time before baseball season starts (more on that once it starts, but Little Miss is starting baseball because ice skating booked up).

Week 26

Back with another week's update. You can find details here as always. It says the baby is "13.6 to 14.8-inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds" or the length of a head of lettuce which is kind of a random vegetable.


As for the other symptoms, I get the occasional headache, but it hasn't been too bad.  No swelling, and I've been mostly sleeping well.  I have had a few little practice contractions, but nothing crazy.  I do feel it when I run around more like when I'm rushing to get Little Miss after school because if I don't pick up by 6PM, there are issues with Extended Day so if I'm caught up at work, there's a little stress and panic.  There is still a bit of movement, much more than with Little Miss, but the baby is getting bigger because they are less kicks and more pokes and rolls.  I don't feel noticeably bigger from last week.  I also feel like the more maternity clothes I wear, the less big I feel because maternity clothes run big on me versus squeezing into pre-pregnancy clothes so it's more of a mental thing.


I did stumble on the way home last week.  I hesitate to fall because I really tripped and just landed on my knee.  I cleaned it up when I got home and there's been a lovely bruise, but everything is fine.  It was too late to call my doctor, but Little Miss had a physical so I just bought it up to her doctor.  The doctor seemed as unconcerned as I was.  My next doctor appointment is Friday morning.  I make my appointment for the big glucose test at that point.  If I don't pass, I'll have to enter rehab for my cocoa addiction as the withdrawal symptoms could be bad.