Year of the Golden Boar

Happy New Year! I ate a lot this weekend, even after my incredible weight-gain this past month. I'm now officially Large and In Charge enough to need a preggo massage (already scheduled for this Saturday). The fetus has been growing fast and has been very busy this last week and a half, roaming around during the day, at night and whenever else that suits it. I'm looking forward to our Hawaiian Babymoon in a few weeks, and getting out of the artic temps Michigan has been rocking these last few weeks.

The saloon is full of taxidermy from all over the world. Of course there are deer and moose, but polar bears, cougars, sharks and lions as well. And a Texas saloon would never be complete without its armadillo races.

My friend, Armund Armadillo, was a champ. And photogenic.

After a 10 hour day on my feet in an enormous convention hall manning the corporate booth, I get to the saloon and get handed an armadillo. And I'm totally not on drugs. And it is truly the most surreal experience I've had in a while. Trade shows are really exhausting and strange, even if you aren't pregnant.

Bumper (black minpin) and Willie (red minpin) are enjoying an afternoon nap.

9 weeks ultrasound

This blob is the embryo at 9 weeks. Back then, it was still so busy growing that we were able to hear the heart beat without it swimming away from the doppler.

Now, it's nearly impossible to get a bead on the fetus, as it is having quite a good time floating around and away from the ultrasound and doppler instruments.

Schnazberry's almost half-baked

Schnazberry's almost half-baked, but since I have gotten over the exhaustion and haven't had any morning sickness, I don't really feel pregnant. Sure, most of my clothes are too tight around the middle, but I haven't felt any kicking yet, so it's almost just the size thing that reminds me that my life is in transition. That and the relentless need to eat.

We went to the midwife yesterday for my third OB check up and got to hear the heartbeat. That is the best part of the visit. Usually I have a raft of questions that takes half an hour to cover, but not yesterday. I was just so happy to hear the heart. And a little nervous that they are screening my blood for potential complications.

One of my friends told me this weekend that I should start a journal, so that I can remind myself of who I am and who I was before becoming a parent. Apparently his wife changed quite a bit. I certainly expect to change, but hopefully I still recognize myself.