Baby Bellies

I have often wondered why it is that so many people feel the need to comment on the size of pregnant women's bellies (to their faces). It is one thing to say to someone, "Wow..she has really grown these last few weeks." It is an entirely different thing to say TO the pregnant, hormonal, emotionally unstable woman, "WOW...look at your belly! Are you sure you aren't having twins?"

I am also amazed by the vast difference in opinions. I am currently 18 weeks pregnant and receive such a wide range of comments. My favorite ones, of course, are, "You look fantastic! You are barely even showing for how far along you are!" My least favorite are more like, "Are you in maternity clothes ALREADY?" and "You are looking Very pregnant already!"

I am confused by my reactions to some of these comments. Isn't this what I wanted? I have prayed for so long for this pregnancy and I am ecstatic about it....and yet I am upset about gaining weight, getting rounder, outgrowing my clothes, etc. What is wrong with me? One of my good friends suggested that maybe this type of thinking is God's way of keeping us from ingesting more junky food than we need in order to not completely balloon. Whatever it really stems from, I have decided to fight it. I should be reveling in my roundness, not complaining about it or feeling insecure about it. Pregnancy is beautiful and it only lasts a short while. I Will enjoy it....All of it. :)

The "Famous Front Flip"

Yesterday, Andrew discovered that he could do a front flip off of the diving board (much to his mother's dismay). My heart nearly stops every time he does it unless I am standing to the side of the diving board and can actually mentally measure the distance between his precious head and the hard diving board. Today, we went to the pool yet again (do we ever skip a day?) and he pronounced that he was going to do his "famous front flip". Apparently, in one day, the flip and it's creator had become famous in his mind. I love this age. :)

Movement

I felt it. I finally felt it. I was sitting in the tub last night, trying to unwind after a particularly busy weekend.....and my baby started moving. I had felt tiny little "possible" movements for a few days, but this was distinct. It was like my child was saying, "Mommy...I really am here! It is not your food digesting, it is not your imagination, but ME...the little one you have wanted for so very long!" Praise God for this miracle growing inside of me. :)