3 is a magic number

Yes, it is. It's a magic number.

A man and a woman had a little baby. Yes, they did. They had three-ee-ee in the family. And that's a magic number.

And then they decided that it wasn't magic enough so they got pregnant again so they could have another baby. Yes, they did.

Aaaaand my connection to Schoolhouse Rock is officially dead.

True, we are working on our family of 4, but currently, 3 is my magic number.

3 weeks + 3 days left. Dilated to a 3 (you know, in case you care about...that. I love giving people an uncomfortable amount of information). Also, 80% effaced, but my goodness, that has nothing to do with the number 3, so why bring it up?

Honestly, I'm not surprised that I'm dilated. I was at a 4 with Maddy for a few weeks. And I've been having contractions for a while now. They're just not regular or super uncomfortable (emphasis on super).

And you are now updated on the status of my pregnancy. Awesome!

Sing it with me now! "3, 6, 9...12, 15, 18...21, 24, 27...30" (best Schoolhouse Rock, btw)

34 Weeks

I know this picture isn't the best, but you know, I'm on a couch right now, and getting up to take a picture that is the best doesn't sound entirely appealing. So you can just trust that my belly is pretty big and stick out-ish.

At 34 weeks:

• Ah, my back. There are days when it's my sciatic nerve, and it hurts to walk. Then there are days when it's more in my upper back, and it hurts to sit down. And then there are days when it's both. So yeah, I hope you're not too sick of listening to me complain about my back, because I have a feeling I'm gonna keep doing it.
• Baby girl attacks my ribs. Often.
• I've officially gained more weight than I did my whole pregnancy with Maddy. Sigh. Let's hope breastfeeding kicks it to the curb quickly again.
  
• I have quite a few contractions, some of which are fairly painfulish. Not regular or so painful I can't walk or anything like that, but still annoying.
• I'm pretty scared of the fact that I would be considered "full term" in 2-3 weeks. That is not a lot of time.
• I'm pretty anxious to meet this baby girl. I actually still really love being pregnant and all (yes, despite all my complaining, I really do love it), but I can't wait to see her! What is she going to look like? What is she going to be like? And is the name we like right now (still the same one) going to stick? Only time will tell.
• I'm in full-on nesting mode. And it's doubly annoying because we are out of town and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. I guess I could plan out specific things I need to do once we get home...but won't that just make me more frustrated that I can't do them? Unfortunatissimo.
  

32

Happy 32 weeks to me!

It's pretty crazy to think our little family will be growing in just 8 weeks (hopefully no sooner...). I am having serious trouble wrapping my head around the 2 kid concept, and I think I've given up on trying to do so until she actually comes.

She still moves a ton. A ton. And she's getting strong, too.

I'm having pretty frequent contractions. Dr. says this is normal, especially for a second baby. I guess I'll have to take his word for it.

So you know, I'm pregnant. Aches, pains, roller coaster emotions, exhaustion...pretty par for the course. And honestly, I will probably always make it sound worse than it is. I know I have it so much easier than some other mommas.

Oh and here's a picture:



The "good" and "bad" are in reference to my posture. It makes a huge difference in my comfort level, so I thought I'd take some pictures to figure out why. Now it all makes sense. (Check out the "farthest out" point of my belly in reference to the stairs...which Maddy is climbing while I take belly shots. I really am a good mom.) I guess I need to figure out a way to constantly remind myself to have good posture.

Good luck with that, self.

T-Minus 9 Weeks

Here is a little pregnancy update, since today marks 31 weeks:

-Two words: back pain. I think I've already complained enough about this.

-Ultrasound tomorrow. We've had a lot a lot of ultrasounds this pregnancy, thanks to a cyst that has made it's home on the placenta. Don't worry - so far, it's just something to "keep an eye on," but not something to be concerned about. Well, not something you should be concerned about, but try explaining that to an expectant mother who you keep sending to a specialist to have level 2 ultrasounds done. Yeah, doesn't work. But every ultrasound has shown that baby is growing normally and that everything looks great...other than that unwelcome blob.

-I'm feeling huge. I swear I was this big when I delivered Maddy. Blegh.

-The third trimester brings a whole new meaning to "morning sickness." It's more of a I-need-to-pee-but-am-also-so-stiff-that-I-feel-like-I'd-fall-apart-if-I-moved kind of morning sickness. It's made for some rough mornings.

-Speaking of needing to pee, do I? Yes. All the time.

-No swelling. Have I ever mentioned that swelling is like, my biggest pregnancy fear? I know it happens to most women, and they just deal with it an move on. And I'm sure I would do that too, if it were to happen to me...but I'm still terrified of it. And as of yet, it hasn't come out to torture me. Knock on wood.

-This little girl can MOVE. Seriously, she's all over the place. Good thing she's coming after Maddy, because if Maddy was second, I probably would have worried that she didn't move enough. This is one active lil chica.

-Also, I think we have a name. Yep, I'm pretty sure. Maybe not ready to announce it on the blog sure...but pretty sure. And as of right now, I totally love it.

So there's a quick update for ya. I'd include a picture but...didn't I just put one up a few days ago? Yeah. So maybe next week. We'll see how huge I'm feeling.

Sciatica

If you've been reading my blog for a while (thanks, by the way) you might remember the post where I complained about my baby torturing my sciatic nerve.

Well gosh darn these babies of mine, they must be siblings.

The only thing is...the pain I'm having right now seems much more characteristic of sciatica than what I had with Madelyn. More "shooting" and down my legs into my feet. So I'm thinking either I just totally forgot what it felt like the first time, or only one of these pains was/is actually sciatic nerve pain and the other was/is something else entirely. Or maybe it just manifests itself in different ways at different times? Who knows?

Either way, I go to bed pretty much every night with some yucky back pains. And sometimes they stick around for some morning fun, too.

I just got an awesome pregnancy pillow called a Snoogle. Snoogle's main purpose is to help me with this back pain. Snoogle does a pretty good job at it. Snoogle's secondary purpose is to allow me to say it's name as many times as possible, since Snoogle is a pretty awesome word.

But really, there's only so much Snoogle can do. So I guess what I'm asking is, does anyone have any helpful hints for sciatic pain? Other than what my doc told me, which was to not stand for long periods of time and to not bend over a lot...but my TODDLER sorta kinda makes both of those things hard. So if something worked for you, let me know.

Pleaseandthankyou.

For your trouble, here's a lil picture of me and baby girl after 30+ weeks together:



She's looking better than I am. Also, the picture is in black and white for a reason. Yikes, skin. Yikes.

A Wanted Ad

Married w/kid 20-something female seeks new immune system to replace current weak sauce one.

Ideal candidate is diligent, hardworking, and consistent.

Must be able to work with a pregnant body. Current system takes a vacation in the Bahamas during pregnancy. Unacceptable.

Experience drying up mucus is required.

Accepting applications now.

But for goodness' sake, don't tell my current immune system, or it might turn on me even more.

Guess what I just found out.

Remember how Baby Girl is due August 8?

Keep that in mind.

With that in mind, see what you think about this:

My Pre-K student teaching is during the second summer term at ASU (this is the only time it's offered). This is from July 5 to August 5.

And may I quote: "This is a full-time field experience, so you need to plan accordingly."

{It might be a little late for that.}

Also, since I'll be done with school, the student health insurance that I'm on will go bye-bye on August 15 (happy birthday to me).

In summary:

No early baby. No late baby. 10 day window, baby.

Thank you, that is all.

Read this if you want to know what brand of baby we're having.

Have you all been on pins and needles?

Is the suspense killing you?

Are there any other cliches about waiting that I can write while I stall?

No?

Well, okay then.

I am pleased to announce that our wonderful new addition, who is still set to arrive August 8, and who will undoubtedly bring an insane amount of joy to not only our little family but to the entire world...

is...

a...



Yep, my instincts were wrong. And I don't mind a bit.

And yes, the technician was extremely confident. She said it wasn't just the absence of boy parts, but the obvious presence of girl parts. Even I could tell from the picture. thankyouverymuch.

So there you have it. In 5 short months there will be another little Harris princess.

Can you wait? Because I can't.

What food does to me

Before eating my breakfast this morning:

About 30 minutes after eating my breakfast (of Mini Wheats + a banana) this morning:


It's a pretty big difference if you ask me.

Almost 17 weeks.

Ay yai yai

Is that really how you spell that? "Ay yai yai?" Really? That's odd.

Just thought I would let you know that I am still alive. But just barely.

The past 5ish days have been so.so.so.so. bad.

Food doesn't stay in. Weight doesn't stay on. Sleep isn't constant. Energy is nonexistent.

I'm convinced I've had some sort of other bug that is making me sick. Like, I'm not just pregnant-sick. I'm sick AND pregnant-sick. And it's bad.

It's especially bad because one of those past 5 days was Dallin's birthday. And I was simply unable to do anything to get ready for it or make it extra special. Oh, except...


Thankfully, I got this done right before the major sickness came on. Also thankfully, my mom and sisters helped me out with it. Cool, no? I'm a little proud.

I'm also still trying to make up for his birthday, which was now two days ago. We'll see what I come up with. He deserves so much.

Anyway, I'm feeling better today than I have in a while. Hopefully it keeps up, because I would really like to get back to life now.

Here we go again...

Yep, it is what you think it is.

Due August 8.
Which makes me 10 weeks along.

Pregnancy is coming on stronger this time, in more ways than one.

I'm sicker. I did get pretty sick with Madelyn, but I'm sicker this time.

I've already got a little pooch. No weight gain, but a little pooch.

I think I've already had more cravings this time around than I did my whole first pregnancy.

I have this nesting urge that I never really got the first time around. Plus, doesn't that usually come later?

I'm so so excited, but also freaking out about having TWO kids.

Having one is like, having a fun little friend to take with you everywhere.

Having two is like, business.

We specifically requested an ultrasound that was not planned. They squeezed us in. I wanted to see what all the gagging is for.

We saw the baby move. We heard the heartbeat.

The gagging is worth it.

I feel so blessed. Life is good.

OH BOT: The Saga Ends

I go to the doctor every week now.

We are friends.

At least, we are USUALLY friends.

But when I go in on Thursday and Doctor tells me he wants me to have an ultrasound at the HOSPITAL on Friday because he thinks my baby and I are just too dang small, well, our friendship suffers.

And then when the hospital can't get us in until Monday for whatever silly scheduling reason, my friendship with the hospital suffers too.

I'm just losing friends, here.

I worried all weekend. Of course I did. Wouldn't you be worried if the doctor decided you needed yet another ultrasound? Even though you've already had an extra one because you were too small? And even though that extra one went just fine? And even though the doctor said that, more likely than not, it's just a small baby?

Well, I was worried.

So we went to the hospital today to have our ultrasound done by a fancy-schmancy hospital ultrasound technician.

Want to know what she found out?

1) My baby, once and for all, is NOT too small. Baby weighs about 7 pounds 2 ounces as of today. All the measurements maybe set me back about 4 days or so, but that's negligible.

2) Baby is sitting low and coming high. Head is way way down in my pelvis and bum is way up in my ribs.

3) Baby is a girl.

Yeah, read it again. I had to.

Baby is a GIRL.

Not a boy.

A GIRL.

No boy.

GIRL.

Boy? No. Girl? Yes.

It's a girl.

Ultrasound lady was sure. At least, sure enough to bet her next paycheck on it. It was like, not even a question in her mind.

This has created the need for some serious mind rewiring in the past couple hours.

Not that we're not thrilled - my baby is healthy! - but it's just...not what was expected!

It is quite a difficult concept to grasp.

Girl. Girl. Girl girl girl.

Girl is a weird word.

Girl.

I have some clothes to exchange.

Thankfully, the nursery will work either way. P.S. I got bedding for the nursery (finally) and am totally and completely in love with it. The decor is proceeding quite nicely. I will have to show you pictures someday.

For today, my mind is shifting from blue to pink. Right now we're kind of in a weird purple-y stage.

So hopefully my OH BOT saga is over. I mean, this baby had better be a girl now. If a boy pops out, well, I might just have some kind of mental explosion.

Which would be unfortunate.

5 days until the due date! Any guesses as to when our little princess will arrive?

Underfed

Does this look like an underfed belly to you?


Well, it doesn't to me.

But apparently, it does to some people.

Last week, I was meeting up with a dear friend at the mall to have some lunch. I got there before she did, and there weren't very many people in the food court, so I claimed a table and sat down to wait for her.

An old lady, with a rather large sandwich from Paradise Bakery, sat down at the next table. I pulled out my phone and started playing a game where a little cow climbs high in the sky, jumping from cloud to cloud, trying to rescue his cow friends that have been abducted by aliens.

I love my phone.

Anyway, several minutes later, and my game skillz are interrupted.

"Do you have something to eat?"

I look up. It's the old lady from the next table over. She's looking at me with a concerned expression on her face.

"Oh - I'm meeting a friend here for lunch!"

I'm thinking maybe she doesn't like that I'm just sitting at the table, taking up space in the food court that someone could be using for eating. That does seem a bit silly, however, seeing as how there are several empty tables all around us.

"But you will have something to eat, won't you?"

"Um, yes. We're going to have Chick-Fil-A." *Side note: I love Chick-Fil-A. Side note over.*

"Ok..." She still sounds wary. "I just wanted to make sure you were going to eat something."

"Oh. Yeah, I will."

"Ok." And she walks back to her table.

I find myself wondering about this.

So either she really was upset that I was taking up a table in the food court, or she thought I was a poor, underfed pregnant woman who couldn't afford to eat and had to either (a) sit in the food court and just smell the food, hoping that it would satisfy my desperate hunger, or (b) sit in the food court and wait for a nice old lady to offer to buy me some food.

I was hungry. Maybe I was just showing it too much.

I also kind of think I should have started crying and said that I didn't know if I was going to be able to eat ever again.

Now that would have been blog worthy.

Anyway, thank you, old lady, for caring about me and my unborn child. You'll be happy to know that I absolutely devoured my waffle fries.

Happiness Is...

having a husband that makes sure you always have a supply of Ben and Jerry's Phish Food in the fridge.



Love you, bambino.

I Dreamed a Dream

So...I keep having this dream.

I mean, I've had it like, 5 times in the last couple months.

Which, really, is pretty often for a dream.

Although, I guess it's not really the exact same dream every time. More like, variations on a dream theme.

Whatever it is, it freaks me out.

So like I said, it's a little different every time. But the serious weirdness always begins with me showing off to someone all the fantastic, brilliant movements that my fantastic, brilliant baby is making. What's weird, though, is that in the dream, you can always really tell what's pushing against my belly- baby's foot, baby's face, whatever. Like, really tell.

**Side note: I've heard that some people actually can tell things like this. Whoever you are, you are magical. Everything is a lump unto me. Which, I guess, is good, because apparently I'm terrified of being able to really tell. Side note over.**

Anyways, after a few "Oohs" and "Ahs" over this, the freakyness grows exponentially. Most of the time, what comes next is my showing someone my baby's finger...which is sticking out of my belly button. This is never especially weird to someone...we always just ogle over the cute little finger with the cute little fingernail.

But then...more of the baby starts coming out. Like, I'll pull out an arm. Or a leg, or sometimes, the whole baby! And not through my belly button, either. Oh, but also not through the place where babies normally come out, thank goodness. At least this dream, as weird as it is, is rated PG (for thematic material and disturbing images). But no, I pull out the larger parts through some suddenly appearing opening in my stomach, like all that was keeping it closed in the first place was a little overlapping skin.

Ew.

Anyway, the point is, the dream always ends with my going too far in showing someone the baby. I end up pulling her out completely and not being able to put her back in. And yes, in my dream, baby has always been a she-baby. Usually, the person I'm showing (it's been my mom more often than anyone else) doesn't think it's too weird that I just pulled the baby out of the front of my stomach, although she does usually make some sort of comment on how I shouldn't have done it, baby needed to grow more, but hey, you have a baby now!

It's weird. I really don't like having this dream.

So, anyone want to psycho-analyze me? I love making up crap to psycho-analyze other people's dreams.

I'm not sure what my shrink self would say to my wanting-to-be-shrunk self, however. Maybe..."You live in constant fear of giving birth." Or..."You're worried about having your baby too early." Or maybe even..."You really wish you were having a girl...today!"

To which I'd reply, "Doc, I don't think I'm really thinking any of those things."

And shrink self would say, "Do not argue with your subconscious!"

And, I guess, I wouldn't have anything to say to that.

Am I Insane?

Don't answer that right away, all you gun-jumpers.

Ok so...I've been thinking about this for a while. Probably too long. Maybe not long enough. I don't know. But I think I need some other opinions.

Two words for you: cloth diapers.

Ok but seriously - don't freak out. You'll most likely scare people around you. And really, people are scared enough in general as it is.

First read this:

http://simplemom.net/3-compelling-reasons-to-try-cloth-diapers/

And this:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/5-diap/45-diaper-cost.htm

And look at these:

http://www.fuzzibunz.com/one_size_diaper.php


http://www.rumparooz.com/catalog.php?category=65

And then you may freak out. If the urge is still there.

From a purely financial standpoint, this makes a whole lotta sense. I mean really - about $350 to buy a set of one size, adjustable cloth diapers, probably a little less than double that if you're going to have 2 stinkers at once. But no more than $700 to diaper all your children. Forever. Compared to about $2500 per child! Plan to have 4 or 5 kiddos and...

That is huge. Tell me that's not huge.

I used to cringe at the thought of cloth diapers because I saw them as little cloth rectangles that you had to fold and pin around your baby's bum while trying to get him to hold still. Then when you took it off you had to dunk it and scrub it a little bit before trying to get it to the washing machine without it dripping poop water all over the place. All while holding your nose. Seriously, in my head you needed 8-9 hands to do this job.

But, in reality, you can get cloth diapers that already have the look/shape of disposable diapers, so putting them on and taking them off is no different than with disposables. I mean, disposable diapers are still gross, right? You still have to pull the diaper off and wipe the baby and roll the diaper up and throw it in the trash. Cloth diapers just adds the step of dumping major solids into the toilet. They even make little sprayers that attach to your toilet to help you do that.

Oh yeah, and a couple extra loads of laundry.

But from what I've read, cloth diapers are a lot more comfy for baby, and they are super absorbent so you're less likely to have lovely (ahem) blowouts.

In theory, this idea makes sense to me.

I don't have children. Theories have not been tested. But I'm trying to do my homework here.

So you tell me- would you ever consider this? I mean, ever? In a million years?

Because I'm getting really close to talking myself into it.

Lord, have mercy.

H2-Eau

I don't speak French. Not even close, if you can come close to speaking a language.

One thing I do know is that "water" in French is "eau." While I'm not positive, I believe this is pronounced rather like "oh." I also happen to know that it would be very awkward for me to use this word in casual conversation.

I tried when I went to France. Because I wanted to be cool. This is probably how it happened:

The french waiter with the twirly mustache (no, I don't think he actually had one, but he should have) looked at me expectantly for my drink order and I said, "Oh."

Does no one else find this weird? Seriously, if someone said that to me, I would think they had just remembered something ("Oh!") or had a sudden painful feeling in their stomach ("Oooh"). I would not think, "Ah, this person would like some water." I just wouldn't. So I can't imagine anyone would think that when I said it to them.

Anyway, this post is not about the French language. It's about eau. No, I didn't just remember something. I meant it's about water.

When I went in for my last ultrasound (pics of my innards can be found here), the technician casually mentioned, as I was leaving, that I should be drinking lots of water. I mean, really like thrown in as a side note as I was walking out the door. I don't think she noticed anything weird or anything.

Although, it wouldn't have surprised me if she did. Like, wouldn't have surprised me if she was like, "Hmm...looks like your blood is carbonated," or something like that.

Because here's the thing: I don't drink water.

GASP!

But really, I don't. Water bores me. I need excitement in my life. I love bubbles. Soda is my best friend. We've have sleepovers and paint each others' toenails. Juice is my very good friend. We do lunch and shopping and gossip about the unpopular kids.

Like water.

The most unfortunate part of my attitude towards water is pretty obvious: water is like the freaking best thing you can put in your body. And yes, soda and juice have water in them...but apparently putting sugar and flavors and stuff in water detracts from its amazing nutritional value.

Oh and also...don't tell me that flavored water is a compromise. I would much rather stay on speaking terms with you. That stuff is nashty.

Anyway, the point is, I took ultrasound technician lady's words to heart. She's right - I do need to drink lots of water. My baby needs water. I need water. It's like, a freaking life force. More hydration equals more energy and fewer headaches. I'm all about that.

Although I haven't had a headache in a while anyway...maybe I don't need this after all...

Ok, that was the evil little voice in my head/taste buds. It has been silenced.

So anyway, this has been the story of how a large jug of water became my close friend.

Or at least, one of those fake friends your mom makes you hang out with because no one else will.

And please, don't think you have to tackle me if you see me drinking soda. I didn't say I was giving that up, did I? Who do you think I am, Buddha? No. Just drinking less of the bubbly stuff and more of the pure stuff.

Bets on how long this lasts?

Size: Prego

I very much like shopping.

I don't even necessarily have to buy anything...just walk around and look at lovely things and know that they are there for me to buy, if I had the money/desire to buy them.

Oh, who am I kidding? It's much more fun when you can actually buy something.

But I am a very careful buyer. I'm not a very trendy person. I really only buy something if I'm fairly to moderately positive that there is a high probability of my wearing/using the item for years to come. I'm proud to say that this is absolutely true.

Which, I just realized (I mean really, just realized. We are discovering things together, reader - you and I), is probably why shopping for maternity clothes is proving to be...well...frustrating.

And yes - the time has come. I mean, I'm not suddenly in dire need of a whole new wardrobe or anything. In fact, I still have no trouble at all fitting into most of my pants. But the shirts...well, it just gets a little annoying to have to keep constantly pulling them down. I can still comfortably wear probably a third of what I have. But what's more, I don't want to stretch anything out to the point that it's unwearable post-partum.

I don't really know the first thing about buying maternity clothes. Well, that might not be true...since the first thing is probably that they are usually bought by pregnant women. But the second, third, and all subsequent things, I am a little bit lost on.

For instance - will the maternity clothes that fit me now still fit me in 3 months? I mean, they're not sized from month to month, so I assume that they are made to fit throughout your pregnancy. But I also don't want to have tons of barely worn clothes that I can't squeeze my ginormous 8 month tum into.

And I don't want to spend precious house-down-payment dollars on clothes that I'll only wear for a month.

That's the other thing - helllloooo expensive! I mean, ok, it's not that bad. Shirts for $15-$20 really aren't that bad, compared to some other things. I'm not looking for Gucci prego sweatpants, or anything. It probably just seems so pricey because we are trying so hard NOT to spend money. And I found some cute stuff on Down East Basic's website for $5, which is suh-weet. But still...if I have to buy a lot of this stuff... it's gonna add up. I also tried a thrift store... to very discouraging results. And no, I'm not above shopping at a thrift store! Are you?

But seriously - found nothing.

I went over to my aunt's house to borrow some of the large stock of clothing she's collected over the years. The thing is, all of it is kind of on the large side. And while I'm willing to sacrifice some style in the name of frugality, I still want to look...well, nice. There are a few things in there I can use, because they tie in the back and I can cinch them up as needed, but the majority of it is most likely going to go unworn. Sigh...some of it is cute too.

Anyway, I will survive. A lot of the shirts I have are pretty long to begin with, so they will work for now. And I found a couple reasonably priced things at Target. AND my darling husband has assured me that, if it makes me happy, I can spend the money. And he was totally sincere.

But that sounds like a guilt trip just waiting to happen.

So...advice?

Oh, and in case you're wondering about the little one who's causing all this trouble...

I went in for another ultrasound on Tuesday. At the first one, when we found out the gender, the baby wasn't really moving enough for the technician to get quite all the measurements she and the doctor wanted, so she had me come back. We got some better pictures this time - post-worthy pictures, as a matter of fact. Check it:

Here's his cute little alien face (technician lady says he has chubby cheeks!):


And a little foot, which is being thoroughly exercised, by the feel of things:


And, my personal favorite, the profile:



And, of course, as this little guy grows, so do I. Here I am, sporting the 23 week tum:


I so look pregnant. My sister said I look "huuuuuge," and I'm thinking, "Uh, first of all, this picture was taken at night, right after a big meal...so basically when I'm my largest, thank you very much. And secondly, I'm going to get bigger. Probably much bigger. Let's save the huuuuuges for then."

But I do love having a tum! For now.

Getting on my nerves.

Or more appropriately, nerve.

My sciatic nerve, that is.

For the past several days, my day to day activities have been rudely interrupted by very sharp, excruciating pains in my lower back.

I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday. I'm not a complainer, but I complained. Or Dallin did. Doctor says it's very possible that baby is resting his cute little self on my sciatic nerve.

I say baby decided to string a bow with my sciatic nerve, and occasionally uses my butt for target practice. He shall be an olympic archer someday.

Trouble is, this pain is becoming more and more persistent, pretty much to the point where it is there all the time. Funny how you take little things like getting up or even just walking for granted! Suddenly, you're afraid to do either. And the world becomes a scary place.

Ibuprofen helps. Please don't freak out that I'm taking ibuprofen while I'm pregnant. My doctor said it's totally fine up until 32 weeks. I still take very small doses. I also still freak out a little bit. Then I remember that ibuprofen helps me walk. So I suck it up.

Anyway, baby's doing great! Good heartbeat, good growth. I can feel him moving quite often now. My weight gain is good, and I've even got a little belly to show for it. I took a picture...and I can't find the little cord thing to transfer said picture from camera to computer. So you'll have to imagine it.

Motherhood can't be any more painful than this right?

Wait...I take it back. I TAKE IT BACK!

Dang it, I think I just jinxed myself.

OH BOT.

So.

Dallin and I go to get our ultrasound done yesterday.

We got there on time (fear #1 appeased).
The technician lady was not sick/absent for any other reason (fear #2 appeased).
All the equipment worked (fear #3 appeased).
The baby cooperated enough so that she could see the gender (fear #4 appeased).

Let's just say I was kind of expecting something to go wrong...and it didn't!

We told her that we wanted her to seal the "results" up in an envelope so we could open them at the big family party planned for that very reason. She did. And we didn't peek.

And when the moment FINALLY came, after eating lots of pink or blue sugar cookies and drinking pink or blue lemonade out of pink or blue cups and washing your hands with either the pink or blue soap in the bathroom (yes, my mother planned this party); and after waiting for everyone to arrive/get on the phone, and then for the video camera to be turned on, we opened the envelope....

and...

there was a little picture of our little baby, with a caption that said....

"OH BOT."

No, really - this is what it said. It would be kind of pointless for me to put the picture up on here, because you really can't see much of anything except those words.

After a split, devastating second of thinking I was going to be giving birth to Wall-E, I realized that the "T" is, of course, right next to the "Y" on a keyboard, and anyone, except expert typer people like blogger typer people, could easily make such a mistake. Technician lady should blog.

To be sure, we looked at the other pictures.

And, indeed, our precious baby boy made himself known. And technician lady spelled "boy" right in the other captions.

I mean, you couldn't see anything very clearly...which is why I'm not going to put any pictures up here. You'd probably be like, "Um, sweetie, I don't think you're having a baby, let alone a boy..." so it wouldn't really make sense to post the pictures. Just trust me.

The poor little guy wasn't moving very much at the moment, so we didn't really get any awesome pictures.

But, our pictures are clearly labelled "boy"/"bot," and really, I can see where she's coming from. It's there, people, okay?!

Oh my goodness...I'm gonna have a SON!

He's going to be the biggest ASU football fan ever. Heck, he's going to be the best ASU football player ever.

Oh yeah, that's my boy.