How will Annie handle the baby?

My two babies were represented at my latest baby shower

I'm often asked how I think Annie (my first baby) will handle the baby. She'll be fine. It's unrealistic to think she won't be jealous or upset about her "routine" changing, but in the end she'll adjust and life will go on. I think the hardest thing for her to get used to will be the baby talk - something that has always been reserved for her.

I'm lucky that she's a quick learner. She's already learning which toys are off limits. Although she investigates everything as it comes out of the box, she just has to get in a few sniffs and maybe a lick or two and she's good to go. If something is super interesting, she's pretty good at understanding "No!"

We're trying to wean her off most of her stuffed toys. By the time the baby gets here, she'll be down to two "keepers" - Bubba and Moose. Those will be her only stuffed toys and the rest will belong to baby. She's already figuring out she's not allowed to touch, lick or mouth the stuffed bear from Leen nor the musical giraffe from Sara. It's a learning process for everyone.

Annie loves to investigate the new baby stuff - but it's a little scary sometimes.

What the heck is a jicama?!

Week 32 - baby weighs 3.75 pounds (the same as a large jicama)

After updating the little dude's baby book last weekend, I started flipping through the pages to see what else needed to be done. I got to the part that said, "Mommy liked some really weird foods..." I've been leaving it blank because I'm still waiting for the bizarre cravings to hit me. I mean, I've had cravings, but nothing I'd classify as "really weird."

In my first trimester I very much enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches. I've also had a very strong sweet tooth throughout the entire pregnancy. I had one before, but this is something more. I've still got a few weeks so maybe the "weird" foods will kick in later.

Bobbing for nipples

All my besties at my baby shower

Last weekend my friend Sara threw me a baby shower. I wasn't sure what to expect since I haven't been to many baby showers, but it was a lot of fun. It was a lot of fun to see all my gal pals and it's clear the little guy is going to be a spoiled brat when he's finally here. Thanks to everyone for the gifts! Special thanks to Grandma Burke for the bedding and Grandma V-G for the pack and play!

Sara had some fun games planned including "identify that baby food" - which was absolutely disgusting and hilarious to watch. Ew. I got 4 of the 9 - most of my correct answers were fruit, which is no surprise. Amy, my most experienced mommy friend, identified all 9 foods (not without gagging a little bit) - even the mac & cheese!

This weekend is the family shower hosted by Katie Maddaus (cousin) and Auntie Maddie Burke (sister). I'm looking forward to seeing what they have planned after Maddie was too excited after reading about "Bobbing for Nipples." No worries, girls. That game was vetoed after being deemed too messy.

I'm not sure what's worse... the taste or the colors of the "food"

Bring on the pain

30 weeks. Only 10 more to go!

I’m starting to feel it. My back is killing me, my feet don’t last very long and I’m easily winded. I’m also convinced I have at least one foot wedged up under my rib cage, which doesn’t necessarily hurt, it’s just very uncomfortable when he’s squirming around in there.

Speaking of squirming around... Baby G doesn’t kick anymore. He THRASHES or  hiccups or squirms -- not that I’m complaining. Even though I was awakened by thrashing at 5 a.m. this morning, the movement still fascinates me.

In other news, I got to meet Maya Ann this weekend. I even held her - most people know I avoid fragile babies. I figured I better suck it up and hold her to get just a little practice in before Baby G is here. Maya is so adorable I almost walked out of the house with her. She has the sweetest chipmunk cheeks and fat rolls up and down her arms and legs. What a cute little monkey. I only hope my little dude is half as well behaved as she is. You’re one lucky girl, Beckers!

Shower #1 is this weekend. I’m super excited to see all my gal pals! (And to see which games Sara has in store for us...)

Week 31 - your baby measures more than 16 inches long 

and weighs about 3.3 pounds - about the same as 4 navel oranges

I'm just as fat as you are...

Jamer and I have been to two MN Wild games in the last week. I was pretty paranoid that my new jersey wouldn't fit me by the time the game rolled around, but it worked just fine. It was a little tight in the mid-section, but I got it over my baby bump!

In other news, I officially weigh more than I EVER thought I would in my entire life. It's amazing. If Jamer keeps losing and I keep gaining I could pass him.

Whenever I get up to walk to the printer at work it takes everything in me not to shout "Fe Fi Fo Fum" in a deep voice. I'm pretty sure the ground shakes when I walk - think T-Rex of Jurassic Park.

Today Jamer referred to my stomach as my "globe."

Baby has become ninja-like this week. It's the first time I've noticeably been woken up by the kicks and jabs. Sometimes they're so strong and so frequent that I wonder if he's having seizures in there! Cripes kid, let Mommy sleep. Everyone knows I won't be getting it when you're finally here!

 29 weeks. Baby now weighs 2.5 pounds - the same as a butternut squash!