seriously? you didn't think i was pregnant?

so a coworker asked me last week if i was pregnant. she wasn't sure until recently that i wasn't just putting on a ton of weight. really? you work with me every day, saw me loose a bunch of weight and keep it off for 2 years, then all of a sudden i start packing on the pounds? at least ask someone. jeez. enough people know that you could have gotten a straight answer. that was a bit confusing for me. if nothing else, surely the pregnancy-type clothes and general absence of trying to minimize the appearance of weight gain should have been a tip off. most ladies who gain weight tend not to wear maternity clothes or fitted tops that show off the belly. oi. just had to get that off my chest.

so in addition to packing on the pounds, pregnancy has afforded me a wonderful motivation to keep my posture. now that the baby is taking up so much room in my belly, i really can't afford to slouch at all. if i do for more than a second, i've got feet in my ribcage, forcing me to sit up straight faster than a nun with a ruler. i've always kind of prided myself on my posture and the little one just helps me remember to keep it up, despite the desire to be lazy. it's a good thing, really, so i suppose in the end i'm grateful to the baby. it's helped me continue to feel good as i grow. that and gymshoes and chaco sandals, the 2 most supportive pairs of shoes in my closet. i've abandoned even my flip flops in favor of the support and comfort the other 2 pairs offer. sure, it's not the most professional appearance, but i try to make up for it by continuing to be productive at work, despite the nagging desire to crawl under my desk and nap all day. not an argument i'd necessarily offer my bosses, but it makes me feel better.

so the countdown is finally at a point where its grasp-able. 6 more weeks is a very real, comprehensible time frame i can relate to, and it's getting a little intimidating. i think i'm ready, but only time will tell. i know with adam at my side, we can figure it out and make whatever happen that needs to. i think the relative closeness has subconsciously inspired me to start preparing. i've decided to start organizing the baby's stuff somewhat, and adam and i have started to go through some of the boxes of clothes that have been stored in the spare bedroom since we've moved. progress is progress, but it would have been better to get more done before i said aloud, "wow, we're really making good progress" and adam pulls a muscle in his back, bending over to get something off the floor. argh. i jinxed it.

this past weekend our good friend dann got married. it was a beautiful day, wonderful ceremony, fun pow-wow and festive reception. if the wedding is any indicator of the quality of marriage, they're in for a long life of fun, friends, family and fun. it was that fun, what can i say. being out in the burbs, we rented a hotel room for friday and saturday night, to avoid any commuting issues for the big day. it worked out brilliantly for me, since i got to work out and spend some leisure time in the pool before heading out for the festivities. it was very relaxing and just what the doctor ordered (if a doctor knew what was good for him/her!) i also had the unique privilege of wearing a beautiful black dress that my own mother wore when she was pregnant with me. so i guess you could say that was the second time i had been in that dress for a party. . . ha.

i got lots of compliments on the dress and even more compliments on how well i was holding up. it's not that big a deal to me, but i guess with all the negative publicity pregnancy gets these days in movies, tv and what not, a content mother-to-be is hard to come by. adam likes to say i love being pregnant. i wouldn't call it "love", it's more like just not hating it, being content with the changes and not dwelling on them. i do prefer to think positive, so in a time in my life when i'm growing exponentially, eating and peeing for 2 and every day finding a new small task i have to do ever so slightly differently to accommodate my current condition. . . it would be easy to be crazy and unhappy all the time, i just choose not to and just sit back and enjoy the ride. it's a new and exciting experience (that the human race has managed successfully for many, many years), so why not take it all in with a good sense of humor. i like being the happiest pregnant woman our friends have ever seen. maybe it'll inspire them to be more happy too (pregnancy not required).

i had another doctor's appointment on wednesday, and everything continues to be right on schedule. i event got to be accompanied by adam this time too. we met the 3rd and last doctor from the office and i'm pleased to say that while i'd prefer *my* doctor for the big day, i'll be comfortable with any of the other three, should the schedule require it. i was disappointed to hear i put on 3.5 pounds since the last appointment, which evens out any potential weight "loss" from previous visits. oh well. i'm still working out, still feeling good, still have good blood pressure, so whatever. i just have to work on not freaking out over passing the big 2-0-0 mark. ouch. sure, the math adds up, but it's an intimidating number to associate with my person. of course there will be plenty of time to do something about it once the baby arrives, so there's no point in worrying about it now! this doctor did prove somewhat amusing, with her concern of slight swelling in my lower legs (she has no baseline! what does she know?) and finding a "solid" heartbeat. we heard it just fine, but it was more distant that some past visits and she wanted to hear the solid thump-thump of a close listen. our baby is elusive, what can we say? adam suggested we should recruit our child to be a spy, he/she is so good at being elusive. it got a chuckle out of the doctor, but i don't think she found it as amusing as we did. one more appointment in 2 weeks, then we're in there every week. yipes!

so adam finds it amusing when i comment on people generously giving up their seats on the train or bus. what i had to explain was that it doesn't always happen, although i do try to time my commute to give myself the best chance of an open seat without having to rely on someone giving me theirs. all i can say is that i totally plan to keep a keener eye out for the pregnant ladies in the future because it can be a bit intimidating to stand on public transportation. not so much for the standing factor, but for when abrupt stops and turns can send you off balance and who knows where you and your belly will end up. though i thank generous folks as profusely as possible, i'll take this opportunity to thank you again. thanks!! i can only hope others will learn from your example. we pregnant ladies really do appreciate your generous consideration.

last but not least, i have to address my baby. he/she has been very active all week, ever since sunday afternoon. it's a shame, because billy really had his heart set on feeling the baby move. good thing we've got a few more weeks. it's been a trip: all times of day and evening, the baby is twisting and poking and really dancing a jig in there. it's fun, but distracting at times. i just continue to be grateful for the reminder that all is well on the inside.