Did you say "built-in table"?

Along with all of the weirdness come the cool parts of pregnancy. In the past few days, I've discovered that I now have a built-in table when I sit in the recliner. How cool is that?

And this morning about 30 minutes after I'd gotten to work, I saw my belly move from the outside. I've suspected Zyggie's movements were strong enough to see from the outside, but I hadn't actually seen it yet. I have to admit, I stopped in my tracks for a few minutes just to admire the awesomeness of what was happening.

I'm really carrying a baby. And this Friday (7/13), I reach what's known as "viability." Basically, that means if I were to go into pre-term labor, this baby might have a shot at making it. Obviously we want this baby to stay in there to as close to full-term as possible, but it's pretty cool to realize we're almost at the point of definitely having a mini-me to take home. It's also overwhelming.

Here's the last belly picture from 23 weeks. I've given up on the brown shirt. It's a pain to get dressed in the same outfit, only to change every Friday for work. After all, who wants to wear the same brown shirt every Friday?

23 weeks:

We still haven't done much in the way of preparation. I know I should be freaking out, but I'm actually doing okay. We've registered for a breastfeeding class and a basic childbirth class. On my list of things is to find a local infant CPR class and decide which pain management technique to use. I think I just need to choose one and study up - they're not all *that* different from what I understand.

On July 20, we're driving up to the Minneapolis area to attend a baptism. Adam's old college buddy, Josh, had a baby (well, his fiancee did) in June. Adam will be godfather to little Teaghan and we get to meet her. Along the way, we're taking a minor detour to North Liberty, IA (near Iowa City). My friends, Tiffani and Josh, have agreed to sell us their baby stuff. While I know it is bittersweet for Tiffani, it's super exciting for us. And this is why I think I'm not freaking out. After that trip, we'll have very little left to buy. Pretty much only some clothing, diapers, a stroller frame, and a crib. And aside from the diapers and clothing, those things can wait. We're getting a pack n' play from the Edmonds that has a bassinet, so that can serve as the baby's bed for a while, if need be.