December update

Christmas #1 is over. We all had a really nice, if chaotic and busy, time in Indianapolis. I didn't quite understand that having 4 kids under 9 running around all day every day would be so crazy. Pregnancy updates: last visit to the midwife (16 weeks) and I didn't gain a single pound since the last visit 4 weeks ago. They were not too concerned, but told me I should snack more and eat lots around the holidays. At least the last part I can check off. My belly is now super-showing. Everybody at work can tell and I can no longer squeeze into non-pregnancy blouses and pants. Must go shopping. Need at least a second pair of khakis and second long-sleeve blouse. Baby's heartbeat was down to a slower (still normal) 140-150 beats per second, so no real confirmation of the baby's sex. Sonogram scheduled for next week, so we'll find out then. They said the VCR that's hooked up to it isn't working so well anymore, so we may not be able to record it like last time. But we'll try. I took a Brazilian samba workshop one Saturday and miraculously my hip pain is gone. I must have shook my lower half back into position. Midwife recommended a chiropractor, but I would rather a massage. Ah, I hope Nicky moves back to town soon. Tonight the contractions were a big pain after dinner. Very uncomfortable. Johnny was sweet and gave me and my belly kisses when I told him it hurt a little. I can't believe how grown up he is. He got a baby doll for Christmas which he plays with on and off. And we brought back from Indy the melamine tea set I had when I was a little girl and he played with it for about a half hour after dinner. We all needed more coffee, he said. This may have been due to the 5 mugs in the set.