First�s and last�s

We had a wonderful Christmas. We spend both days with our families, enjoying their company and wonderful meals. Wait, did I say BOTH days? Yeah, in The Netherlands we celebrate First and Second day of Christmas. I have NO idea where the second day originates from, but hey, it�s an extra holiday, so who cares ?

We got terribly spoiled with lovely gifts. I love one gift in particular. Mr. Sweety got me a body pillow.
It�s the best gift I ever got. I mean, really EVAH. Every night I hug it as if my life depends on it. It�s truly a must have for every pregnant woman.

Expecting a little bundle of joy, made this Christmas extra special. A lot of things will change. SOON. This was our last Christmas � and New Years� - together, just the two of us. Mr. Sweety had this week off and we spend every minute of it enjoying each others company and enjoying the peace and quietness we now have.

And hopefully our trip to the baby store this Wednesday was the last for now. I can�t believe how much stuff a baby & mother needs! Every item we bought seems necessary. But I can�t help it but think, that poor people just need a place to sleep for the baby. And maybe a breast for milk. Jesus was a perfectly happy baby in his crib and I don�t think the 3 wise men brought Jesus gifts like a co-sleeper, a baby car seat and a breast pump (with or without IQ). Imagine how your Christmas nativity scene would look like if they had.

And throw-away diapers 2006 years ago? Ladies, Gentlemen and bank account, behold: our first package of diapers. 6 euros for 28 diapers. iBaby, you can come out and poop.

Since Christmas is � at least in this part of the world � a bit of a capitalistic money spending holiday, I feel comfortable sharing a gift my parents got us: a dryer. We never had a dryer before. My parents gave it as part of our wedding gift. The Holy Grail of laundry arrived just 2 weeks ago. And already I wonder, how did we live without it? Were we happy? Did we smile?

The dryer is also a great cat bed. Simba spends hours sleeping on it, because the top warms up a bit.

Tonight? We�re celebrating New Years at home with a lot of oliebollen. Just the two of us. Okay, technically it�s 3 already. Or should I say 2.5?

Happy 2006 everybody!!

Simba says: Merry Christmas!

Taking it easy

Last week was my last week of work. For the next FIVE months!
I am VERY excited about that. Every day until the end of May I do a happy dance.

I originally intended to keep working until today, but iBaby didn’t want me too.
My belly responded to my busy work by getting really hard (like basketball hard) with nasty cramps (my midwife says they’re some sort of contractions preparing me for the real thing). Anyways, it’s way too early for me to have those (or any thankyouverymuch) contractions. So I decided it was probably best to listen to my belly (and my husband) and stop working a bit early. iBaby I heard you! I’m taking it easy.

OK, I should not lie, I’m taking it easy between: Christmas shopping (which we almost finished, woohoo!), writing Christmas cards, getting the baby room ready, doing homework, going to school, cleaning house, designing iBaby’s birth card and doing last minute babystuff shopping.

So much to do before the baby comes, and so little time.. Or so it seems. And really, I can’t believe it’s another 6 weeks. My belly feels like it’s going to explode. It can’t possible get any bigger.

Can it?

The belly at 34 weeks:

And Mr. Sweety? He is learning how to use the baby carrier:

Pregnancy talk

I’m sorry. In my 33rd week of pregnancy I can’t possibly talk about anything else. But with my belly being so obvious now, it’s not just me: others can’t talk about anything else too.

Funny store people sharing intimate details
Cashier: that’s 21 euros please
Cashier: can I ask you something?
Me: sure!
Cashier: are you pregnant
Me smiling: Yes.
Cashier: you never know when you can ask. Some people are just fat.
Me: handing over money smiling
Cashier (giving back change): I’m pregnant too.
Me: congratulations
Cashier: It was an accident.
Cashier: But a welcome one.
Me: That’s great.
Cashier: I just found out a few days ago.
Me: Quite some holiday gift.
Cashier: my boyfriend thinks it’s great too.
Cashier: he ac….
Me (thinking): STOP right there
Me: I’m sorry, I really should be going. Congratulations again.

I really didn’t mind talking to her. But maybe the 20 people waiting in line did.

People trying to be funny#1
Colleague pointing at belly: So when is your baby due? Next week? Muhahahaha.

He was standing at a safe distance.

People trying to guess the gender #1
People trying to guess the gender: You have a pointy belly.
People trying to guess the gender: That means you’re having a boy!

Rude public transport people
Me, in a full tram: squeezed between the doors and lots of peoples
Me: excuse me
Me: excuse me
Rude person: there is now where to move
Me: Could you please try? I’m 7 months pregnant and would really like to stand somewhere safe for my baby and me.
Rude person before moving: next time take a few trams later, there will be less people in the tram.

Sure my boss will understand that. “I’m sorry boss, I’m a few hourse late, but pregnant ladies aren’t allowed in the tram between 8 AM and 10 AM.”

People trying to guess the gender #2
People trying to guess the gender: You have a pointy belly.
People trying to guess the gender: That means you’re having a girl!

People trying to be funny#2
Colleague pointing at belly: Are you sure it’s’ just ONE? Muhuhahaha!
Me: grrrr