Baby Bear: 5 Months

Right now I think you're practicing for a scene in Rocky because when I am so tired trying to sleep you bang away at my insides like you're on stage with Tina Turner or about to become the Champion of the World. Makes me wonder what your up to in there.

Everyone has a different opinion on how your definitely a girl or definitely a boy. It is amazing how being pregnant attracts random commentary from anyone passing by. I'm stuck in the stage where I just feel so happy people can tell I am pregnant that I just smile in return. I still can't help carrying my belly around like a trophy. I love you sooo much! I look in the mirror and can't help smiling at you popping out wondrously before my eyes. Pretty much everyone tells me my belly is exceedingly small for being 26 weeks, but I think it is perfectly and gloriously splendid. My stomach feels "full." With nothing to compare this to, you feel grand and gigantic and it really makes me sad that men can't share in this incredible experience. I understand why women want to get pregnant again after they have had a baby. How sad it only happens once in your life! It is the most amazing experience ever. I can't believe how fast it is going!

Lately I enjoy reading by the fire with all sorts of books, feeling my belly, and thinking about you. I'm so excited for our Hypnobirthing class! Work is very busy and I come home exhausted with every single part of my body sore as I crash into bed falling asleep with the lights on and well intentioned reading books sprawled across my body. Physically, I have been feeling briefly nauseated and am craving another prenatal massage but exceptional otherwise. I started to crave potato salad but refuse to eat eggs so I made some potatoes and have been eating a minimum of two soy yogurts a day. Your Great Grandpa used to make Ryan and I go into hysterics saying, "Yo....Gert!" which is short for your Great Grandma's name Gertrude. I can't write the word without thinking of him and the way he would smile and say it over and over the harder we would laugh. I wish you could have met him. He had a gift for making people laugh.