Preggo Status - 32 weeks

How far along?

32w

Bubba's chunk-o-meter: 

Apprx. 16.5 inches / 42 cm, 3.7 lbs / 1.7 kg 

My total chunk-o-meter: 

15 lbs / 6.8 kg

Stretch marks? 

Not yet, my belly is itching like crazy though...

Belly button status? 

More out than before, can't stand it when Diver Dude touches it now - EWWWW!

Counting sheep? 

Had a few restless nights with crazy legs, peeing every hour and minor belly aches that had me worried about preterm labor. Probably shouldn't have popcorn and chocolate right before bed...

Foods I can't live without: 

Tomatoes and avocados. And why do Milky Bones suddenly seem so tempting? Pickles with ice cream?

Foods I can't stand: 

I wish there was some food I couldn't stand, put it in front of me and I'll eat it!

Best moments this month: 

Spending the holidays with my family.

Nephew feeling Bubba move and relating to Bubba as "Baby Max". 

Pregnancy photo shoot with Sister. 

Getting the baby room (close to) ready. 

Worst moments this month: 

Falling on an icy beach while taking pictures - saved both belly and camera but it scared the living crap out of me. 

Diver Dude having a moment of total freak-out when realizing Bubba will be here in two months. 

Movement? 

I'm feeling it and seeing it, and so are others! It's like an alien belly show every day :)

Symptoms: 

Braxton Hicks, shortness of breath, minor heart burn - nothing to complain about.

Gender? 

Yup, Bubba's a boy!

What I miss? 

Sushi, Sashimi, Sake, Sauvignon and Stilton.

What I'm looking forward to? 

Baby Shower Jan 22nd - I honestly never thought I'd have one, but a friend of mine insisted on throwing me one and I'm thrilled! 

Labor rehearsal on February 10th. 

Monthly Wisdom: 

If a girl needs to clean - stay out of her way!

Milestone: 

Hmmm, making it this far still boggles my mind :)

Emotions: 

Happy, calm, overwhelmed, amazed, worried and organized - all at the same time!

Happy New Year

When the clocks had all turned twelve, the fireworks all exploded, the champagne all been sipped and new year kisses all been exchanged, one little boy woke up coughing looking for his auntie.
With sleepy eyes, rosy cheeks, and small voice, he asked his mommy to come sit with me. Sister brought him over to me as I was stealing a quiet moment on the couch away from the party. Nephew's small but heavy body instantly wrapped around mine - his legs dangling down on each side of my hips, his back curved around my bulging belly, his arms hugging me softly, and his head a soft weight on my chest.
I gently kissed his hot forehead and whispered "I love you" before I leaned my cheek against the top of his head.
We sat together for a long time listening to the voices and laughter of the other adults, breathing slowly, not quite sleeping, but not really awake.
At one point Bubba started moving around and Nephew gently pushed himself up, looked at me with a sleepy smile, put a firm finger on the bump and said "Baby Max". before resuming his position and closing his eyes. My heart grew so big I almost feared it would burst.

So many great things are happening in my life and I'm surrounded by so much love - I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. I have a feeling 2011 is going to be a fantastic year.