29 Weeks

I added a new picture this week so the front-view is saved for posterity, too. Can you see the belly button poking out there? Of course you can. Everyone can. I was somewhat embarrassed by this at first, but I quickly came to terms with it. It's out there, and there's nothing I can do about it. Like it or not, I have an outie now, and everyone can see it.

I had a good week, but I can definitely see and feel some changes happening. I've been a lot more tired, but I still don't know if it's because of the pregnancy or because I'm working full time again. It's probably both, I guess. I'm sleeping pretty well, though, despite the funky dreams and the need to reposition an arsenal of pillows every time I wake up (which, surprisingly, isn't all that often).

I can definitely tell that she's growing a lot now, and can tell that she's taking up a lot more space within my body than she was. She presses on my ribs a lot, and I'm feeling a lot more pressure in other areas, too. I get indigestion all the time now, so I have Rolaids in my purse and Tums by my bed and in the bathroom and in the family room....pretty much everywhere. I'll feel her move around wa-a-a-ay over on my side, and will simultaneously feel her wa-a-a-ay over on the other side. It's becoming obvious to other people when she moves around, too, which is funny. This afternoon Scott and I spent about 30 minutes gawking at my bare belly, because she was bouncing around and we could see her little head rolling from one place to another. Scott actually got to play with her some, by pushing down and letting her push back up at him. It was so sweet.

The belly is becoming somewhat cumbersome at times. I'm feeling more clumsy, for one thing, and sitting up or getting out of a chair is getting harder and harder. For a long time, Scott was always offering to help me up and I didn't really need him to, but now I eagerly accept his assistance. I have a 3-pound, almost 16 inch cantaloupe in my midsection, after all, and it's not very flexible. I have a feeling that we're about to undergo a growth spurt, though, because I'm all itchy again. I'm doing my best to stay lotioned up so the stretch marks don't set in now. (I'm not sure if lotion really helps at all, or if it's really all just genetic, but either way, I'm doing my part.)

I really do feel good, though. I always just see the changes and symptoms as interesting and amusing, because I know they're just part of the process that I'm so excited to be able to experience. I try not to sound like I'm complaining because it all really is wonderful. Pregnancy suits me, and I'm realizing I'm going to be sad, in some ways, when it's over. I'll be thrilled, though, of course, to have my girl in my arms at last.