HICCUPS!

Quite literally actually.... Layla had her first case of hiccups today that lasted about 5 minutes. they were too cute and were quite comforting! What a darling little thing and how sweet that she is well enough to be hiccuping in there! She must really be relaxing! Well, she caused me many cases of hiccups during my first trimester, so perhaps the have worked their way down to her now!

Heartburn much?!?! I have never had heartburn before and for all of you people out there that experience it regularly.....GOD BLESS YOU! That HURTS! You know, sometimes the gruesome side of pregnancy never really comes out. The parts that everyone overlooks because it is sucha joyous time. Well, I hate to break it to you, but pregnancy is not all glore and no gore! Due to the graphic nature of pregnant women's bodies, I will not go into too much detail. Viewer discretion is advised...

Actually, the worst things as of right NOW include the occasional heartburn and pulling sensations on the skin. Although no stretch marks yet on the tummy, I am getting some small ones in other places that hopefully will never be seen by anyone but Matthew. And I am praying he is one of those people that is blinded by the beauty of pregnancy and motherhood that he never really sees them in the eyes of a human being. My face is constantly broken out and the "glow" you always hear about in pregnancy, just means a facemask of sweat and/or grease from an hour's worth of activity. I think some people find the belly button popping out as in many ways disgusting, but actually, I find it very beautiful. I mean when can anyone else ever pop their belly button out and make it look so round and sweet. Although mine hasn't actually popped out yet, it is definitely getting a bit rounder. It is sweet and I actually look forward to that, I think those pregnant women with large bellies and popped out belly buttons are the most beautiful. The dark line down the center of the abdomen is another beauty mark caused by the increase in melanin in the skin during pregnancy. It is simply a line that darkens which we all have, just usually lighter in color. It is under the skin and cannot go away until once the baby is delivered, then it returns to absolutely normal. It's another cool thing that most people will never encounter, especially the male population. Kind of a signature of pregnancy, if you will. I have developed a shortness of breath, and requirements of taking VERY deep breaths just to feel like I inhaled all the way. That is kind of annoying, but expected to worsen as the baby increases in size.

As of right now, I have about a large melon in my tummy, perhaps about the size of a volleyball. Actually, it is more like the size of half of a basketball because it is round and stops right at my belly button.

Ok, well, enough for tonight. Love to all and happy Friday to Matthew.....one more paycheck down, right baby? I love you.