Boo!

So many wonderful things lately!  First off, I'm now 22 weeks pregnant, and growing like a weed, but only around the midsection.

In honor of the holiday at hand, Jimmy and I decorated pumpkins.  See for yourself:

Jimmy's handiwork :)

And I can't begin to tell you how difficult it is to find a Halloween costume for a fetus (pardon the term).  After quite a search, I had success. 

It also glows in the dark!

And of course, if you'd like a profile shot, I have one of those too.  Twenty-two weeks!

And another amazing thing:  Jimmy got to feel the little Papaya this weekend.  During a particularly vigorous practice session for her Congo line exit in 18 weeks, Jimmy got a direct Judo-chop to the hand.  It's hard to imagine exactly how exciting it might be to feel those movements all at once, like Jimmy did.  It was exciting to feel the first wigglings for myself, but it was so gradual that I often couldn't tell if it was my lunch or my offspring that I was feeling.  How amazing to feel nothing and then, suddenly, a purposeful and well-placed kick to the palm? 

Venti

Twenty weeks in, twenty weeks left.  Can I say it's all downhill from here?  Or is it uphill?  I'm less able to bend over or sit up, and I think Jimmy's getting tired of helping me off the couch.  Also, my 'innie' is flat.  I have mere days or weeks until complete inversion, and my innie will be an outie.  Poor belly button. 

On the amazing side of things, I can feel the Soybean practicing a Congo line on a regular basis.  Jimmy has yet to feel these rehearsal sessions, but I feel them quite often.  Additionally, we've decided to stop calling it a fetus (even though that's what it is!) due to backlash from the families.  So, until further notice, Soybean it is.

My mom came to visit this weekend!  Jimmy and I are hosting the Anderson clan for Thanksgiving, and I've been so excited to have everyone for a holiday, that I have been consumed with details way too far in advance.  But my mom was happy to oblige my distraction and helped me make the CUTEST napkin rings -- see for yourself!

Adorable DIY Napkin Rings :)

I've saved the more excting news for last:



It's a Bird!.......



It's a Plane! .......



It's... It's... It's a Baby Girl!



Yep, that's right -- we found out we're having a girl!!

Be Realistic

I haven't (yet) purchased any baby books, but after reading this article, I think I should.  It surprised me on on more than one level.  This is the kind of stuff no one tells you, I guess.  So read on, and let me know what you think -- Is this list even realistic, or complete, for that matter?  Or am I worried for no reason?

"12 Utterly Unglamorous Things to Have on Hand Postdelivery"
http://www.lilsugar.com/Items-Have-Hand-After-Giving-Birth-19312613?more=true

Entertaining

Although I wish I had the gumption to blog more often, I feel that the regularity with which I actually do blog deserves some credit.  This has become my Sunday night ritual almost.  Perhaps more blogs will come when more exciting things happen during the week. 

Of note, this week:  Jimmy had "Wingman Day" through his squadron at work, which is an adult version of field day.  (Don't worry, Jimmy says that's a pretty spot-on description.)  Started the day off with an assembly, and then the boss man gave them the option of 1: going back to work, or 2: going bowling.  Jimmy chose the latter, and as a result...

TA DAAA!  Jimmy bowled the high score AND brought home twenty-five smackers.  And people ask why I married him... hmph.  ;)

Friday evening we had the pleasure of welcoming our good friends, Patrick and Melissa with their sweet little man Luke.  They don't live far at all, and were able to come to town for a short visit.  Jimmy and Patrick go way back, to their humble beginnings sacking groceries in high school.  Turns out Melissa and I are two weeks (or less) apart in our pregnancies, which is serendipitous as least. 

We took the Godinez clan out to Pinnacle Mountain, for a hike to the summit, which sounds crazy, but was quite enjoyable.  It's about a 1,000 foot climb to the summit, and most of it is managed trail, so it wasn't too bad for three people carrying babies.  (Luke was in the Baby Bjorn with Patrick.)  It was great timing too:  the weather was fantastic, and there's no way I'd be making that hike in another month or two.  Here are some pictures of the day.

On the way up the mountain!

Summit!  How cute is my dog?  And how pretty is the view?

The deal was that Patrick would carry Luke up, and they'd switch on the way down.  Didn't work out that way.

Addie and Luke are besties.

Later that evening, we drove to Hot Springs for German food at the Brau Haus.  We met up with a group of friends, and I of course forgot to get a picture of the group.  The night was so fun, and I did manage to snap a few shots of Luke with his mom and dad learning the Chicken Dance.

Lastly, as photographic proof that the fetus has been to the top of a mountain, here's my 17-week belly picture, for your viewing pleasure.