16 weeks

Difficult to believe that I am 16 weeks along. I am feeling pretty well these days except for being exhausted. I have also developed the "pregnancy brain" where I repeat myself and forget basic things (like the names of my students). I am really starting to show now and also ache in my hips and sides (all of which I have been told is normal). I am wearing mainly maternity clothes as they are more comfortable (especially the pants).

We signed up for childbirth classes. It is a 6 week class beginning November 30 - January 4. Sometimes it still doesn't feel real to me that I am going through this. I keep waiting to feel the baby move, but nothing yet. After much deliberation, we have decided to put Grace and Luke in the bigger bedroom in bunk beds and make a nursery for the babe. We won't begin these projects until after the holidays. There is just going to be a five year age difference between Grace and the baby. Luke and Grace are very attached to each other and run on the same schedule. I am sure it will be an adjustment but we will adjust them before the baby arrives.

Speaking of baby arriving...I am a little upset that neither of my children will be allowed to come to the hospital to visit their new baby because of the "lock down" of people allowed in the family birth center because of H1N1. No person under 18 is allowed in the doors. Thankfully Mark and Mother will be allowed to come in. But they have now limited support people from 4 to 2. I know it is for a good reason, but I am hoping they lift the ban in April.

The kids are excited about Halloween coming up. Luke is going to be Darth Vader (a lot of irony there) and Grace is going to Belle (thanks in part to Uncle D and Auntie Katie that sent her a gorgeous Belle costume for her birthday). It will be double the candy and parties because their school is doing a Harvest Festival next Friday and then we always go Trick-or-treating with Mimi on Halloween night, while Papa stays home and hands out candy to the little people that come by. Fun is always had by all.

It is difficult to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. Where does the time go?