Captain's log, stardate 30.12.2013. This may be my last entry.

So, last time I remarked that 30 weeks felt like panic time. Well, turns out I was wrong. 38 weeks (and change) is definitely panic time. Less than two weeks to go! Jim was a couple days early, too, and they say that your second is usually a little earlier than your first, so really, could be any day now. Holy crap. So let's have an update, since we haven't had one of those in a while.


Me this morning. I feel like I'm going to topple over any second.

How far along? 38 weeks and 2 days.
Total weight gain/loss: Up 28 pounds. At least five of those are from Christmas, though.
Maternity clothes? I have three shirts and one pair of pants that fit. I have some dresses, too, but it's too damned cold for dresses right now.
Stretch marks? Two new ones, each about a centimeter long. I'm hoping they don't spread.
Sleep: Really uncomfortable. My back hurts no matter how I lie.
Best moment this week: I got a bonus ultrasound on Friday, and my sister got to come, so that was fun. Also, Jim announcing firmly that he will help the baby chop down a tree.
Movement: Yes, lots. I think she's trying to tunnel out through my cervix.
Food cravings: Ice cream.
Gender: Ultrasound tech confirmed girl for the fourth time (and used the euphemism 'hamburger' for the girly bits, which is particularly gross, yes?).
Labor Signs: Tons of practice contractions and cervical pressure.
Belly Button in or out? In, but super tiny.
What I miss: Getting off the couch without it being a complete production.
What I am looking forward to: Putting adorable pink hats on her. Also, watching a newborn and a toddler attempt to chop down a tree.
Milestones: Full-term, of course.


We may have gone slightly overboard on the clothes. This is all newborn or 0-3m stuff.

38 weeks with Jim, just for reference. And as a reward for scrolling down this far...


Ultrasound pictures from Friday (37w6d). She definitely looks more like my side than Noah's, I think.


Seriously, look at those cheeks.

Christmas preparations.

So this was basically the most exciting thing that has ever happened to Jim. He's been obsessed with "Kismas teeeeeeeees" ever since he first saw one, so getting our own and setting it up was pretty thrilling. Even Noah the Grinch had to play along with his enthusiasm.


Noah gets the tree ready.


His adoring audience.


Jim proved his might by carrying in the tree stand all by himself.


Jim supervises to ensure a straight tree. Also, Noah is incapable of keeping his shirt around while doing labor of any sort.


I demonstrate proper tree decorating techniques while Jim takes notes.


Jim is delighted. Lottie is inscrutable.


Festive spirit is not Jim's strong suit.


Our stockings and half-assed mantel lights which I keep intending and neglecting to fix. Originally we were going to use all identical stockings, but Jim spotted the middle one and insisted on having the one with candy.


Jim admires the finished product.


His favorite ornament. He's already ripped a leg off once, but fortunately they go back on easily (unlike the glass balls, which he has smashed one of so far).