Tiddle's Third Trimester

I feel sad that I haven't documented this pregnancy as much as I would have liked but the truth is, this whole pregnancy I have felt pretty much too chubby and unlovely to want to document it for posterity.  Who wants to remember double and triple chins and ginormous upper arms and legs?

So, as I usually do, I stay BEHIND the camera and not in front.  But really- I'm in my 3rd trimester now and wasn't *I* the one who so desperately longed to be pregnant again?  Yeah- that was me.  So, I owe it to Tiddle to at least give a it a go once before the actual cuteness arrives.

I took almost 50 pictures and these are the only ones that I didn't resemble a whale.  And yes, I absolutely only posted the pictures that were the most flattering.  Sorry.  (not.)

The children were away helping the grandparents with chores when I decided to finally do the dreaded deed- because the only thing more awkward than posing for photographs is to do it while being watched.

This is my "THIS IS RIDICULOUS!" giggle and it was taken about 20 pictures in.

This is my "if I look up my double chin won't be as noticeable" and it helped...I just kinda forgot for a moment that staring blankly into thin air is awkward in its' own right.

Nothing is over there, either.  Just didn't know where to look is all.

I know!  I'll do one of those window silhouette things.  My body in deep shadows can only be a good thing, right?  

Not necessarily.  One out of another 20 or so.

So- that is me and Tiddle.  27 weeks along.  (28 in two days!)

At least I look pregnant this time.

As hard as it is feeling so awkward and huge and unlovely~ I am so thankful that my body is strong enough to grow a little person (that, my friends, is miraculous) and that mine has done such good work in the growing of five little wonders.  

Body, you've served me well.  

Now to see the real star of the show...

Tiddle!

(Ankles crossed.)

My sister says I carry like I am carrying a boy.  Matt thinks it is a boy.  The girls say it is a girl because, well, that is what they want most of all.  Personally, I am just hoping it is not a hobbit- by the size of that foot, I am a little worried!

My favorite part of the ultrasound was watching Tiddle slurp up the amniotic fluid.  His/her mouth would open wide open, the tongue would stretch out and then go back in and the baby would do it all again and again.  Here is what I saw, in action.  (BTW- if you are pregnant, or even just interested, this website is pretty incredible.  The children and I have spent more than a little time watching those movies each week, following along in Tiddle's growth.)

The tech was super nice and printed a picture for each of the children with a heart word bubble coming from Tiddle's mouth saying hello to each of them by name since she wouldn't allow me to videotape it. 

And she tried to get a good facial 4D picture for me but Tiddle was kinda hiding behind the placenta (that big thing covering part of Tiddle's face in the lower left hand corner.)   Tiddle wanted to give a wave anyway and you can see his/her little nose right underneath the thumb.  

Sweetling.