Fat Pictures :)

The Third Trimester is proving more difficult than the rest of the pregnancy has. I have had more sickness and more discomfort. The good part is I get to feel the baby a lot, every day, all the time. I suppose he is doing well in there. I am hanging in there, clinging to the thought that it is ALMOST OVER (while still trying to somehow stay in the moment, too, to appreciate this experience for all it's worth).

The first two pictures below are from the 7th of April, and the bottom one is from today- yes, I grew THAT much, and I have the stretch marks to prove it :( I gotta tell you, I don't feel this big, and in any case, I haven't gained more weight than I am supposed to. I think the camera adds some pounds...needless to say, I don't like these pictures. However, there are some of you who want to see "progress" so here it is.

Hey Everyone

Well, it's kinda late over here, but I just wanted to say that we are all doing alright. I had a glucose tolerance test done and my iron levels checked and both turned out okay (though I am one point away from being considered anemic). I'm trying to figure out how to cram in enough iron to make me feel better. Since I am now in the third trimester, I am sick again (which I am told is kinda normal?). I am very tired most of the time and spending my days at home. However, I try to still keep my mind active by researching topics of interest to me, mostly through www.wikipedia.com (online encyclopedia); I figure now is a good time to do it since I won't have time in the near future!! Alden seems to be doing fine and now responds to touch on the outside of my stomach. He's fun to play with, I think especially for Joey. I can't wait for him to get here. I want to see him and feel better!
Joey seems to be doing fine, though I know me being sick gets to him. However, he is very sweet and patient (still) and waits on me hand-and-foot when I really get too sick to get out of bed. He's still working at the Greenway and working on some electronic guitar pedals (building them), which occupies most of his mind's free time, I think!
We've both been enjoying grilling outdoors. We found a wonderful recipe for cheeseburgers, and we've done steak a couple of times. It's wonderful cooking outside, eating outside, and then sitting and discussing our ideas on everything while we swat the bugs. I love it.

Well, I'm headed for bed because I can't keep my eyes open! Everyone take care!!

New Edition

First off, my doctor's appointment yesterday went wonderfully. The baby is right where it is supposed to be in size, heartrate, etc. I have also gained only 16 pounds which is great! Ideally, you gain 25-30 pounds while pregnant, so I am right on track. Alden is moving now more than ever. My midwife said that is because the peak of fetal movement is around 28 weeks, and that is about where we are at! My belly is now very big and hurting my back sometimes. However, I am overall feeling MUCH better. I am now able to actually go and do some things outside the house because I got a new anxiety medicine that is working well. Now I'm trying to catch up and figure out what to do with school!

So, also, Joey and I got Darwin a friend. We named him Einstein. He is the cutest thing in the world. We got him because we were researching rats and found out that they need to be kept in pairs at least because they are extremely sociable. They really do have a great time together. We got them a bigger cage that they can climb in. I made a hammock for them to sleep in today (we'll see how well that goes over). They are great fun for Joey and me. We also recently found out that Einstein behaved much like a sugar glider. He is crazy. He will jump off of your hand or shoulder onto his cage from distances as great as five feet and with suprising accuracy! I have never seen any rodent act that way besides a sugar glider! Darwin is more slow and lazy, probably because he is older and bigger. He likes to hide. He is the better one to get out and hold because you can keep up with him! Anyways, I have put some pictures on here for your enjoyment.
















This is Einstein.
















This is Darwin eating!!


Joey and I also went to Murphee Springs which is a wetlands area here in Murfreesboro. It was so wonderful walking around there looking at all the wildlife. Joey got some great shots of some of the birds there are some pictures from that as well.











































We will work on getting some pictures of me and my growing belly here soon. I keep asking Joey to take pictures of me, but we just get distracted doing other things. Plus, I don't like the way I look on film! But I know some of you want to see me, so I'll try and get over that soon.