I think the baby is growing exponentially at this point.  Grandparents and friends are waiting on the edge of their seats for the "phonecall" that things are going into action, but alas, I'm still here walking to work and waiting.  We've reached the 40-week "finish line", but it's kind of like rounding the last bend when all of a sudden, the ribbon, timekeeper, and cheering crowd all disappear - and I just have to keep on running - for who knows how long.   

I certainly attest that this feels like an alien in my belly, and moreso every day.  I can feel hard spots and soft spots, and s/he keeps squirming around.  With little warning, a sharp protrusion from my side appears and disappears as quickly.  I feel like I'm up to my ears in fullness, and can hardly find any interest in eating food.  I know I need to keep eating, so I'm trying to ignore the fact that I feel like I've just eaten at an all-you-can-eat buffet Chuck Wagon special.  To the dismay of my midwives and myself, I've somehow managed not to gain more than a pound over the last 2 months.  Overall, I've put on about 25 pounds, but all in the first 2 trimesters.  So, contrary to popular belief, my new instructions are to pack on the fat.  Cheesecake, whole milk yogurt, coconut milk, avacadoes, ice cream - you name it.  Sounds great, right?  I think I'd be more into it if I wasn't so full all the time.  How do I make room for the vegetables, protein and grains - AND all that fat?  It's a challenge many people would be envious of, but right now, it doesn't feel much like bliss and gult free gluttony- I feels more like a goose on a forcefeeding track to expensive pate.  I'm not sure that a few more days on lipids is going to do the trick, but I'm giving it a go.  Come on kid, let's get the show on the road eh?

Mom was up visiting this last weekend and we had a nice diversion from all the housecleaning and multiple pre-washes for the Bum Genius diapers I bought.  We went to the Dog Days of Summer with Mocha and Lucy.  We all took part in the fun walk around the lake, and Lucy even won a prize for dunknig a purple tennis ball out of a kiddie pool - old hat trick for her.  She's never liked the green tennis balls anyway, especially "new" ones.  Since she picked the alternative color, she won!  Mocha found a few bones in the dirt pile, and we saw lots of different kinds of dogs.  All the dogs seemed to enjoy smelling each other and hanging out.  I think they understood that they were part of a club that day.  Speaking of our dogs,  I get the feeling that they're picking up on being less "front and center" for our attention.  I've been sleeping more, and walking them less regularly (like 3 out of 5 days instead of 5 out of 5 days).  We're interested to see how they each react to the new family member.  Lucy could be a dedicated protector, or a pouting pile of jealousy.  Mocha - she's just going to be stoked for the food dropping to the floor for a change.

So, for any of you still wondering, no baby just yet.  Miguel is holding out for the 18th of September.  I thought it would be the 9th.  I'm still running the race and I'm just not sure how many more corners are ahead.  See you at the end.