7 Months

Well here we are. Officially enormous. We've reached the seven month mark and I definitely feel pregnant. I still feel good, but still pretty achy. Also, my feet have grown a half-size. Seriously, I went from a size 8.5 shoe to a 9. It happened so fast though, that I haven't been able to find the time to get some new shoes, so I pretty much hobble around with bloody, blistered heels all day.

I feel you squirming all the time in there, and want to warn you that you should get it all out of your system because I assume you're about to run out of room to move around much. You get the hiccups all the time, and seem to be most active at night and on Sundays. I doubt you're actually more active on Sundays, but I'm certainly less active so I'm much more aware of you. In fact, as I type this you're bouncing all over the place.

We've been gradually collecting various things for your arrival. You have some onesies, some binkies, some receiving blankets, and a little going home outfit for when we leave the hospital. We're really looking forward to moving into our new place though, so that we can finally start setting up your nursery. I think my nesting instinct is kicking in, which is sad because I don't have a nest to nest in right now.

I do want some serious props though. I am seven months pregnant and 30 pounds huge, yet this last week I've still managed to walk to and from work each day, totaling about 5 miles of walking a day. My feet are swollen and sore, my back kills, and I'm utterly exhausted--but I know that I need to keep my body moving as much as possible for as long as I can. I will probably use this as a martyr chip for pretty much the rest of your life. Like, you won't be able to complain to me that your feet are tired when we go furniture shopping, because I'll always say "you know, when I was seven months pregnant with you and 200 pounds, I walked 5 miles each day just to get to work so that I could provide for you." Then I'll win and you'll have to be quiet and well behaved.

This last week your Uncle Jack and his girlfriend Joy came and stayed with us for a while. Your uncle, being the baby of the family and a typical 20-something year old guy, is less than intrigued with pregnancy and all things baby-related. However, one night I was lying on the couch and Uncle Jack just happened to see you give me a giant kick, and I've never seen anybody lunge so feverishly at my abdomen like he did. Fortunately you were in the mood to say 'hi' and gave him one more good belt right smack dab on his hand. Uncle Jack was awe struck and truly elated. I've never seen him so enthusiastic about anything, quite frankly. I was so grateful that you were feeling playful right at that very moment. Now I think the two of you are bonded, and I will feel less guilty leaving you for weeks at a time at his house while your dad and I take exotic vacations some day. Feel free to give him a hard time.

I think as of right now we only have 70-something days left before you get here. We are so excited, and increasingly nervous. We can't wait to see your little face once and for all.