Now A Family of *gulp* Six.

I'll admit it. I've got a big butt. Big thighs, too, which is why I buy "women's" sizes instead of "misses." Much more comfortable, roomy, doesn't cut off blood flow when you've had a meal. Anyway... As my identically-pregnant friend has put it on her blog, you can't find plus-size maternity anywhere in real life. Only on the Internet, where you have to guess at what size might be right. And one size from JCP is not the equivalent size at Old Navy, I've found. Not to even mention Motherhood Maternity, which charges $40 for every shirt. And, don't forget plus-size also means plus-a-few-more-dollars. Usually $5. So I've struggled with my weight anyway. I lost 30 pounds on Weight Watchers before we traveled to Russia in 2004, and gained it all back within a year... then plus a bit more. I think I'm probably the only adopter who gained weight in Russia. It's been hard enough to find regular clothes that fit over the past year...

Roman has sprouted another few inches over the summer, and we realized going through his closet and drawers, that most of his long-sleeve shirts, and definitely his pants, aren't going to fit this fall/winter. I cleaned out what I knew wasn't going to work, and he ended up with 1 long-sleeve shirt and 2 sweater vests. Problem with pants is, he's skinny (like slim) but long. Flannel-wise, he's good - he's got some cute button-downs. But t-shirts, there's a problem. So I went off to Kohl's with my "extra 15% off" coupon to see if I could get some adjustable-waist pants, or even some slims, and pick up a couple long-sleeve shirts & jammies too. Well... what a landmark day. Roman has officially grown out of the "T" for Toddler section, and is in the "Boys" section. We crossed the aisle. He's officially a BOY. While I was thrilled with this, pants-and-jammies-wise, I really am not thrilled with t-shirt selection. I think som...

We had a special treat today of Grandparents VE offering to take Roman for the night. I chose to spend the day doing very little work, a little shopping, and a lot of watching t.v. Doug changed oil on one of the cars, mowed the lawn, & seeded and fertilized the yard. Rebekka did laundry all day, cleaning every thread of cotton she owns, I think. So as we were reflecting on day at dinner, Doug says, "well, I think we all got a lot accomplished." I piped up that perhaps I was a little lazy, but then said... "Hey, I was VERY busy. I'm growing a life over here!" Doug and Rebekka laughed, and Doug said, "Well, maybe you divided a few cells..." Too funny. Tummy update: Just about grown out of one of my dress pants, and my jeans that used to be slightly baggy in the tummy/waist are now tight. Have graduated to wearing all my XL t-shirts that used to be roomy. Problem with those, is that they either advertise bands I've seen in concert or the Corner Ba...

Poor guy. Roman is having a hard time cuddling with me already, what with the "don't stick your elbow there!" "Don't bash your head into Mama's belly!" and last night's favorite, which almost made me toss him out of his bed because it was so tender, "will you STOP bouncing your head against my breasts!" While most of the unpleasantness has gone away (nausea, feeling like I'm in a fog, constant hunger) some things have remained or gotten worse (breast soreness, every-three-hours hunger, having no memory whatsoever). I am officially in my 13th week. I have identified 2 dress shirts I can already no longer wear, and my t-shirts are pretty much a joke - not because of my belly yet, but my breasts are so much larger that my shirts are either too short, or too snug. So I've already worn a maternity shirt (ahh... length and room!) and after trying on 2 different tops today, finally to go with the long drape-y one, I think it's time to ...

Keeping in mind our first child, consider the following possibilities of names for our unborn: Roman and: Greek Roman and: Ramona Roman and: Ramone Or we could combine names, like this: D'amelia Romy Rug Amman Any other good ones you can think of?

I haven't yelled at Doug for anything stupid (yet), but I burst into tears at the slightest things. The smallest events that before would not even phase me, cause me to break down into torrents of grief. Weird. Wish I had the emotional highs that go with this form of manic depression, but alas... I am getting more excited about the impending baby. I don't think I'll ever be one that is THRILLED (as everyone keeps saying I should be). Perhaps because it was unplanned and really, really not expected. I feel bad, because I know that Doug is really excited. Even Roman is coming around, and Rebekka thinks everything is great about it. Here is what I think when people say "aren't you just THRILLED?!" No. I've got a growing parasite that is wreaking havoc on my body, one that I never planned on having and frankly, was okay with not having. I spend much of my time obsessing over miscarriage and Downs Syndrome, amongst other genetic abnormalities, because I don...

There you have it. You've all received mail, if you're the kind I speak to at least every 3 months (unless you live overseas - sorry Beth!). And I'm with child, just turning into my twelfth week. To summarize: Harry Potter weekend. Doug and I rented a hotel room, ate at Ponderosa, I ate almost an entire bag of gummy bears, and the book was read. Sunday, felt bad. Maybe it was the gummy bears. Monday, felt worse. Maybe it was Ponderosa. Tuesday, called Doug at work and told him something just wasn't right, I couldn't shake the nausea. He offered to buy a home pregnancy test. I told him he was mad, but if he wanted to waste the money, so be it. Yeah. Well. It was positive. Found out on Tuesday, July 24. Rebekka came to stay July 26. Talk about a crazy week! So all throughout our trip to San Fran, Family Camp, and the start of school...nausea. But that's been it, pretty much. Feelings lots weird cramps, aches, things like that - my uterus moving around, and such. I...

Watch your "snail" mail, gentle readers... a major topic change of my blog is coming soon! In fact, even the title may have to be changed...

Yesterday was something else. I had Open House in the evening, so just stayed here at school to prep, have dinner with a couple coworkers, and do an errand. When I got home after a very long day on my feet, Rebekka was waiting to tell me all about her first day. She sounded like she enjoyed it, as much as a 16-year-old can. She finally got her schedule (on the first day, that morning) and she is a sophomore, credit-wise, which we were beginning to suspect would happen. She is determined to take summer school and possibly night classes if she can swing it next semester. We told her to just pass this semester, first. I'm having fun being on the "other side" of teachers for once. For instance, I didn't realize how much you could tell about a teacher from their parent letter. I predicted accurately what a couple of her teachers were like, down to age & craziness-level. I will have to go back and review my own letter! I also had yet another "first" at my o...

Our house had a storm cloud over it on Saturday. As most of you may know, the "BIGGEST UPSET IN THE HISTORY OF FOOTBALL!" happened in Ann Arbor, when Appalachian State beat Univ. of Michigan. Doug took it, overall, quite well - aside from throwing his hat on the ground. He actually missed the last play on the radio, which I think was good. Too much tension, really. More sulking ensued on Sunday when all the newspapers had it... and I'm sure more will happen tomorrow, when the actual rankings come out. Ah well... I'm at least glad he doesn't work with so many MSU fans now. School begins tomorrow for Roman and I, and Rebekka will get her schedule as her school starts Wednesday. I think it will be sad news for her - credit wise, she's probably a sophomore. Tomorrow will be telling for her. I have a half day but this is the first year I feel entirely unprepared. Among the blogged activities (and those yet to be blogged) happening at home the past few weeks, I hav...