29 weeks 5 days.

If I didn't have that little counter on the sidebar of my blog, I would tell you I was 3 months pregnant. I cannot believe 30 weeks is around the corner. I am starting to feel a wee bit uncomfortable. especially at 3 am. But I have lots of energy, I am fairly happy and all seems right in my world. I am not anxious for the baby to come because 10 weeks and 2 days is exactly enough time for me to finish up my life as a mother of three. Change is gonna come. It always does. And I am planning on embracing it-- even if it kicks my butt.

During my pregnancy with child #1, my husband casually told me that I had LOST MY SPARKLE. It was one of the most devastating things anyone has ever said to me. After the words crossed his lips, he knew it was a mistake. Of course, over the years, I have been able to joke about it and can now use it as an excuse for those no-good, terrible days during subsequent pregnancies. "Sorry honey, I wasn't able to clean today. I spent the afternoon looking for my sparkle..." He hates when I tease him about it-- and the fact that I am now documenting it on the blog might cause some serious marital problems. But I don't think he knows that I changed my url to fairlyhappy. So let's keep everything under wraps. If you don't tell him, I surely won't.

If you ask me, my sparkle hasn't gone anywhere in the past 29 weeks. I feel fantastic. I don't think I have been this emotionally stable in a good 2 years... maybe longer. And even during the first 18 weeks when I was struck down with morning sickness, I was bursting with happiness. I think going through such a rough time period made me better able to appreciate the little things... and oddly enough those low moments are some of my most treasured experiences. When it's really dark, the smallest flicker of a candle makes such a difference. And when the sun finally shines, it's unbelievably bright. and warm. and peaceful.

I don't know if you've noticed, but my camera has been out of commission for the past few weeks. Actually, the camera is fine. I just misplaced the battery charger. (It's probably hiding under a couch cushion along with my sparkle.) Luckily, my boys have a totally ghetto Star Wars camera. I didn't know it actually worked until Ben snapped this picture of Luke and me this evening. It's small and grainy and I had no clue a real photo would come out of it-- but here's proof. Not too shabby for an $8 [somewhat digital] camera.


So, here I am at 29 weeks and 5 days pregnant-- standing next to my scrumptious six year old who combed his own hair before we left the house. If God wants to spoil me, he will send me another brown-eyed boy.

My belly is expanding along with every other body part.. particularly my face, arms, butt, ankles. I have gained 30 lbs so far. If I drink Slim Fast for the next 10 weeks, I might accomplish my goal of gaining the "typical" 25 lbs. Then and only then, will I be genuinely happy....