Little Miss MeMe is taking over. She’s the first thing people see when they look at me. For a while, my belly was big but still a little hideable, now there is no mistaking that I didn’t just swallow a basketball. My neighbor cornered me the other day and yesterday, we went to a house party where she was the topic of conversation.
It was for a 2 year old’s birthday celebration, but more like a multi-generational party. My parents, husb and I went to this party thrown by some members of our club/association. A few of us Ghanaian-Americans get together monthly to discuss different topics and embrace culture. Mostly we throw parties/picnics and socialize. They were very supportive after my boys died and brought us food when my aunt died shortly after that. It’s like one big extended family with the older generations hanging out with the younger ones. My parents have tons of kids to spoil and play with as if they were their grandkids. I haven’t been to any meetings or gatherings in months, mostly because I had to work or because I was just lazy. Husb said they always asked about me. I think lots of people were really worried about my emotional state for a loooong time because I stayed in hiding. Anyway, the party was extra cute. And it turns out the hostess, whose daughter was the birthday star, was 4.5 months pregnant as well.
She actually did a belly bump with me, it was pretty funny. So then comes the questions about my belly. Everyone was so happy I’m so close to delivering and there will be a new baby to join the group. Babies get all the attention. The babies will get held and passed around from woman to woman all night long. There was a 6 month old cute little boy that was sitting on various laps and getting his cheeks messed with. It’s hilarious. I don’t usually participate in the baby-passing; I just ask how old the baby is, wave hi to the little one, and say that he/she is cute. I’m sure when MeMe is out of the cuddle phase, any new baby will make me want to hug and squeeze them too. One of my mom’s long-time friends said she was so excited she’s gonna be like another grandma. MeMe is gonna get smothered everytime I bring her to a party/picnic/meeting.
My parents have been advertising the “Outdooring” party already. Mom told some of her work friends already. We were thinking November, before Christmas craziness kicks in. It’ll give us a chance to use tradition to show off the baby and bring her into our community. Awesome!
MeMe is so big, I can’t imagine how things will be in 4 weeks. When I lie down, all she does is kick and move. Thump thump thump all night long. My belly looks like a snake is moving underneath my skin. Keep movin and groovin baby girl! Other symptoms: insomnia (pretty much all pregnancy long), sore hips when sleeping on either side for too long even with the body pillow between my knees, urinary frequency, fatigue, easily short-of-breath, hunger, indigestion, occasional acid reflux, vivid dreams, hands fall asleep randomly, lots of light belly stretchies (boo!).
BP during the week was good, still no ankle or pedal swelling. No bleeding and rare braxton-hicks.
Another cool thing was that the party was located near the area of Southern Cali we want to move to. Husb and I spent most of the night analyzing the house layout, backyard, neighborhood, etc. So the plan is still to move later this year. Mom doesn’t like the idea because she thinks we’ll be too far and that I might regret having a longer commute to work. Dad thinks it’s a great opportunity since the big homes are going for great prices. If they can come up for a party, they can come up to see MeMe just as easily. It’s okay mom, I know I probably wouldn’t want MeMe to move away from me either!
