8 months in...and you're unbelievable

It's hard to believe but as of Saturday- the day of our Shower for you- we are 32 weeks along. That officially puts us in our 8th month of pregnancy! In an effort to avoid cussing, but still express to you the enormity of this number and the awe we are in at the proximity of your impending birth, I'll say the following (because I like fishing): "HOLY CARP! We're 8 months pregnant!"

It seems just like yesterday that we were in awe of being 10 weeks pregnant! But now, this is getting real.

It's hard to believe that you're now over 3 pounds and around 16.5 inches long (if averages are supposed to be trusted). It's hard to believe that your Mom is starting to have what the book is calling "Braxton Hicks" contractions, which is basically her body practicing for delivering you.

It's hard to believe that you're now using all 5 of your senses actively. It's hard to believe that you could already be sucking your thumb and (believe it or not) crying in there! But, just like crying in space, no one can hear you scream in utero.

It's hard to believe that you're blinking and dreaming and learning already.

Finally, though, here's something that I CAN readily believe: now that you're 8 months in, your skin is no longer transparent. With all the baby fat you've been accumulating over the past months, your skin is finally getting to be opaque. And that's way easier to picture than transparent skin.

Speaking of accumulating fat: the food at the shower was great! I ate a lot of it, to be honest. But I did leave some for your guests. We couldn't have done it without your Grandmas (Mimi and Nannah Joon) and your Great Aunt Chrissy who all rocked the house with their food and party planning.

And the games were a lot of fun too. A lot of people had far too much fun with the "what will you look like" game, creating monsters that are even creepier than the well-intentioned cut-and-paste babies.

I'll show you some of the "winners" later this week. But, just to prep you, we know you're not going to have two heads, or noses for ears. You're going to be far cuter than that! And that, too, isn't hard to believe at all (you'll believe me when you see these collages).

Showers (expected and otherwise)

This weekend is the baby shower in your honor! What? You didn't get the invitation? It's alright, we already knew you would RSVP yes; you pretty much had to.

What is a shower, you may ask? Well, primarily it's a device in which one cleans himself thanks to running water and a drain. But, that's not the type we're having for you. It's when all of the people who already love you get together and SHOWER you with love, and affection, and excitement and gifts, if they so choose.

There's going to be a lot of good food, which I know you'll love. There are going to be some fun games too. But not "everyone come play this game" game... more like "anyone can play this if they want to."

In one game, your guests can cut and paste together pictures of what they think you might look like, using your Mom's and my baby features. Here's a test your Mom did on the computer:

This game absolutely frightens me. I hope you can see why. You kind of look like a monkey wearing someone else's face like a Mexican Wrestler Mask. But that's okay. It's still a cute idea and should theoretically be fun for anyone who wants to play!

We're also doing a little illegal gambline and wagering. People are going to place bets on the date and time they think you'll be born. But, don't worry, it's not for money: it's for chocolate.

I like chocolate, and I love you: so I'm going to go ahead and be the first to wager. I think you'll be born on March 3, 2010 at 7:30 pm.

Hopefully I win some chocolate. But, either way I win because you will be here finally!

Now, onto less expected precipitation. I don't want to say too much so as to not gross anyone out, but let's just say that if your Mother were currently any setting in the Harry Potter series, she'd currently have to be called the Leaky Cauldron. She just discovered that this morning! It's definitely weird, but it's completely normal and only concretizes the idea even further: you're coming, and you'll be here in about 2 months...

on precisely March 3 at 7:30 pm! (c'mon...Daddy needs some new chocolate!)