I'm proud of this belly!

I am blessed in many ways.

I am blessed to be carrying a healthy baby,

and for having sisters and a sister-in-law to get maternity hand-me-downs from.

Because when you gain an extra twenty pounds, ain't nothing gonna fit.

Yes, you read that right. Two-zero.

I think my Mom only gained 20 or 25 pounds when she had my sisters and I. Yikes, Colleen, you need to slooow down... I have been good, guys! I promise! (And you can ask my husband- I was not sneaking Christmas cookies. Poor guy ate most of them and it took him half way through January because I wasn't eating any.)

Before going to school the other day, I scrounged through my maternity stash for bigger sizes. No more "smalls" for this momma. Little Mack has moved me up to a "medium" and I am totally fine with that.

Before I got pregnant, I did not like the thought of gaining a bunch of weight, but then when I found out I was pregnant the thought left my mind.

Shoot- I am making a person! I'm going to gain weight, to grow and nurture a another human being inside of my body. Bring on the maternity pants with the giant belly panels!

I don't feel like I'm any bigger except when I try to reach for something on the floor or attempt to zip a jacket that I haven't worn for a while.

The other day at the thrift store I work at, a customer asked me for help. She was trying to find the size of a shirt that was nowhere to be found because the tag had been cut out.
     As she finally turned to look at me she said in a unsteady voice, "Are you pregnant?"
     I happily replied, "Yes, I am!"
     "Oh good! I thought you were fat."

I wanted to say, "I'm six months pregnant., lady... growing a human being inside of me... I'm proud of this belly!!" But I don't think that would've been good customer service. I just walked away.


The weeks are rolling along and Little Mack grows more everyday.

I remember when I made my first doctor's appointment. I thought waiting until my eighth week was taking forever. The third trimester is on the horizon and I don't believe it.

I had a prenatal appointment with my midwife last week and she said that I am on track with my size. She also said that the baby doesn't have any more room to grow up (into my ribs), so the belly is going to be stretching out.

I also did the ever exciting glucose tolerance test and am SO happy to hear that my blood work is all normal.

Progress is coming (slowly) on my pre-baby checklist.

My husband has been working on the bathroom and I finished painting our soon-to-be bedroom. The craft room is still a disaster, but I keep telling myself we have three more months... I hope we have three more months! (Unless Little Mack decides to check out early.) I need to stay active, especially now, so all this can get done while I still have the energy.

Last night, sitting on the couch watching the Super Bowl (wearing a beloved Buffalo Bills shirt that I stretched to fit me) I felt huge. I still have three more months, give or take, and I am having a hard time picturing my belly bigger than it is right now.

I am getting very excited to meet Little Mack. Every little kick makes me smile and reminds me that I am truly blessed in many ways. <3