Large And In Charge!

I'm now about 36 weeks along. Sorry it's taken so long to post another belly shot but you can imagine I've not been chomping at the bit to post another fat pic. I've left the featherweight class behind and now entered heavyweight status with a 40+ lb. weight gain. I guess you could say that Thanksgiving was more feast than famine and Christmas baking has been more than good to me and the little guy.

I had my first real craving the night of Thanksgiving. We were watching an episode of The Office and in the background there was a vending machine with a Cup O'Noodle in it. I had it have it. Well, Stu wasn't too happy about making a 10pm run to the local mini mart so we toughed it out and I bought about 8 of them the next day. Also been loving the Totino's party pizzas with the square pepperoni on it. Totally not healthy and totally delicious - I haven't had these since college. I'm salvating as I type...

The holidays were great - we had Stu's parents in town for an entire week which was AWESOME! My mom's best friend was also in town for a week at the same time and it made the holidays less painful without mom around. Stu's dad helped prep the nursery with a new closet system. Once we get it completed, we'll post some pictures of the done deal.

My family (sister Christina, sis-in-law Agnes, Dad and mom's best friend Janet) threw us a baby shower after Christmas and it was great to have my in-laws there for the occasion. My sister made a great window valance, bumper cover and crib skirt for the nursery, too. It looks so good with the dark walls. She really outdid herself. There was tons of good food, no baby games (yeah!) and lots of fun opening gifts. Costco erroneously added pink booties on the cake instead of blue - do they know something I don't?

Now on to the bad part - the swelling. Things have taken a turn for the worse in the last week. Edema is taking it's toll on my feet and legs and my lower half is swelling like a drowned pig. I feel like an extra in the movie Shallow Hal. Because I have zero shame, and think it's pretty funny, I've attached a picture of lovely said feet. Enjoy. (Sorry about the lack of a pedicure - will get on that right away.)

More good times ahead - we have our birthing class this weekend, an office shower next Tuesday and my friend Emily is throwing a shower next weekend. Can't wait because my two best friends are flying up for the weekend to attend. Should be a great time!

All our love,

Stu, Beth and Sweet Baby J