Mind your manners, if you please.

I've stumbled upon a new -- and possibly permanent -- nickname for the fetus.  Thanks to her rhythmic and predictable (if not also consistent) movements, she will now be known as Tiny Dancer.  No, she will not hold you closer.  ;)

Tiny Dancer is 24 weeks along, and according to leading research (probably by hungry persons) is now the size of a papaya (why is it always a food item?) and looks more like a miniature baby, less like an alien from Alien. 

Speaking of Alien, please do yourself a favor and check out this adorable picture of Arthur:  http://www.studioarthur.co.uk/?p=6

I might copy this idea is some way, shape, form, or fashion.

So, as I was writing, Tiny Dancer must be bigger than a papaya.  No papaya I've ever seen is big enough to kick (hit, wiggle, etc...) my rib cage and bladder at the same time.  If she's papaya-sized, she must have some kind of record-setting wing span working in there.  Here's an idea of how much space she encompasses:

24 weeks, 16 to go!

While I'm displaying my expansive midsection for all the world to see, allow me to make a note:  It's a pretty normal size for someone who is 24 weeks pregnant.  Why do some people think I'm giving birth next week?  Or yesterday?

Consider these snippets of conversation, and don't assume I'm just on a soapbox about this:

• Them:  "Ooh, how far along are you?"  Me:  "Five months now!"  Them:  "Oh, is that all?"
• My Doctor's Nurse, Gayle, when I stepped on the scale a few days ago: "Well baby must have been hungry this month!!"  Me:  "What?!  How much did I gain?"  Gayle:  "Eight pounds. Whew!"  Me:  Grrrr...

The first comment has come up more than once -- both spoken in some form by people I know as well as TOTAL STRANGERS.  And the second comment really did come from the mouth of my doctor's nurse.  Of all people, you'd think she'd know better, right?  I mean, are those types of comments really necessary?  I have gained 20 pounds so far, and some manner-less people see me as a blimp.  I think people assume that, because I'm obviously pregnant, I must also be A-OK with strangers openly commenting about my weight.  Well?  I'm not.  Sue me. 

So take this to the bank -- tell the pregnant girl she looks great, and then stop talking.  You'll make her (my) day.

To distract myself, I'm starting to consider taking on a few Nursery related projects. 


This will become a lamp, once Hubby drills the hole for the lighting kit.  Pretty, right?



Bedding colors!  I know there's no pink.  I think she'll be fine.  Grey, Sage, and Ivory go with so many other colors.

The crib -- at least we think.  I guess we should order it sometime soon... within the next four months, anyway.

Since this is the last weekend before the weekend before Thanksgiving, I'll be busy planning a final menu, shopping for delicious food, and even testing recipes (which Jimmy doesn't mind at all!) like a new Pumpkin Pie with a Gingerbread crust -- mmmmm.  I love having family and friends for the holidays, and I wish I had the chance more often.  Plus, who doesn't love pigging out all day? 

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