This Friday will be the halfway mark in this pregnancy – we’re just 4 1/2 months from meeting our little one!  I’m feeling just a bit of movement now and then, when I hold very still and look for it.

I’m well past the general nausea now and am able to able to eat more than just beans.  I feel good as long as I watch my blood sugar and don’t let it drop too low.  I don’t monitor my blood sugar now, although I did for most of 2 pregnancies.  My signs are very predictable, so I know when I’m dropping.  This means eating every 2-3 hours.  This also means I miss the middle of the sermon every Sunday when I slip into the kitchen behind our meeting room for a quick snack.

Since my nausea was relatively mild this time, I can’t help but think I don’t actually feel pregnant – in spite of the fact that I have all the normal aches, pains, ligament cramps, etc.   After so many pregnancies, I think I’ve lost enough tone that I feel movement later and later, so I hardly know I’m pregnant except for my expanding belly.  Not that that leaves any doubt.

2 weeks ago, I was still in that awkward phase in which everyone wonders if you’re pregnant, or just sporting a little leftover baby belly. I’ve only gained 5 lbs. so far, but I’m still holding 5 from Bethany so I’m 10 above my normal weight.

Rabbit trail: Let’s have a show of hands.  Who thinks I should resign myself to that extra 5?  I’ve never had to fight my weight before, but this 5 stayed on all summer, even without a/c.  It came off briefly due to morning sickness but came right back again.  I’m afraid it’s here to stay unless I resolve to battle my metabolism for the rest of my life.  That’s not my idea of fun.

But I digress (are you surprised?).   Two weeks ago, I was hardly showing.  Last week in WalMart, the little old lady who was ringing up my groceries nearly flew around the counter to keep me from lifting a 25 lb. bag of flour.  She insisted on doing it herself while I stood by.  I guess I’m officially showing now.

Over the past 3 days, at least 10 people have squealed at the sight of my belly: “Oh, look at you!  You’re finally showing!  You’re really showing!  Look how that baby is growing!”  It’s a good thing I don’t mind having cooing admirers handle my belly, because there have been plenty.  There have also been plenty of knowing looks and sappy smiles from strangers.  I’m not mocking them.  I do the same thing. 

Wanna see?  Yes, I know you do.  Here’s the belly.  Don’t laugh at the typical Pregnant Lady Stance.  I didn’t even do it on purpose.  These things just happen.

But wait – there’s more.  That’s when I’m just standing there, not thinking about The Belly.  During my years of teen vanity, I formed the habit of holding my belly in.  I like to think the habit has served me well over the years.  Watch what happens if I relax a bit and rest a hand on my belly.

Now I can’t decide whether it’s harder to believe that we’re already halfway into this pregnancy, or that I’m going to get bigger for another 20 weeks.  Maybe I’ll have triplets.