6 months...the ups and the downs

we passed another milestone this week. bambino is now in his/her 24th week, in other words, 6 months old! we are more than half way along, becoming more and more excited, and more and more nervous (mostly me), to meet this little treasure.

i was told countless time to cherish every moment, for they seem to pass all too quickly. there have been many times already when i found that piece of advice to be useless. early on when, no matter what or how much i ate, i felt constantly nauseous, i was hoping the days and weeks would fly by. yet, of course, they crawled. this summer when heartburn seemed to be my constant companion, i found myself asking "how much longer, really?" recently, it's been my sciatica. i finally have true and honest empathy for my sister who has struggled with back pain most of her life. there are days it's seems a physical accomplishment to walk myself up the stairs to bed, without support and without limping. during each of those moments of pain and discomfort, i found myself asking the same question. "when is this going to be over?"

fortunately, i've been blessed with the gift of rosy retrospection, and more often that not, remember experiences far better than they actually were. i quickly forget the pain, the inconvenience and the times of discomfort, remembering instead feelings of happiness, enjoyment and expectancy. my memory has been known to frustrate some, but for me, it's a gift. as i look back on the past 6 months of pregnancy, i remember first the genuine surprise and elation we felt upon learning we'd soon welcome another member into our little, intimate family. i remember the first signs of bodily changes as my shirts hugged a little more snuggly and the belly band was a staple item in my wardrobe. i remember sharing our news with friends and family for the first time, and joining in their excitement and joy. i remember the first moment we saw our little one, just the size of a bean, but already ours and so loved. hearing the heart beating for the first time is something i'll never forget. so loud, and strong, and steady. i remember feeling peace wash over me like a flood, he or she was going to be okay. no matter the baby we are given in a few short months, god was reassuring me in that moment that he was already resting in his righteous, right hand of protection. that first heartbeat set me on a course of learning to trust this most cherished gift in the hands of my creator, the one who willed and wanted it to be (even more than i).

and now? feeling the daily movements of our bambino is a surprise and joy with each and every kick. i feel him/her most in moments of calm, when i'm sitting at my desk at work, no students around, just me and bambino. during church, when we are sitting and absorbing the word and presence of god. at the pool, laying in the sun reading. but mostly at night, as we're laying in bed thinking and talking about the day. it's in those quiet moments together that bambino is the most active. i like to think that he or she wants to be a part of us. wants to listen to and join in our conversation. wants us to remember him or her in those moments of peace. and oh, we do. thanks to my mom, we can hear his/her heartbeat now with her stethoscope, as we feel the movements of kicking and swimming around. i'm even starting to see little wave-like motions that tell me it's only a matter of time now until my stomach starts to put on a little dance show for all to see. safe to say, the changes i've experienced these past 6 months have been nothing short of unbelievable.

jason's creative eye

reuniting with the the caribbean sea

Cambios y Noticias de la semana 24:

You have grown a lot, again! You are now a full one and half pounds, and growing a half of a pound per week. yikes! also, you're about a foot long, equivalent to the length of an ear of corn. it's hard to believe that there's enough room for you in my little oven.

You're fattening up, little by little, and strengthening your organs, bones and muscles each day.

Your face is fully formed, including those little ears we're going to nibble on soon, which can hear just about anything. you already love the sound of your dad's voice. if we haven't felt you move in a while, all we need to do is get your daddy talking and you're sure to give us a little show!

I've started having little cramps, here and there. my doctor told me it's not uncommon to be feeling those braxton hicks contractions this early. also, i'm sure it's getting tight in there, because i can tell when you're trying to stretch out. i'm getting pinched every once in awhile up by my ribs. you're going to be quite the mover and the shaker little one!

A couple of other bodily changes with the bump...i've discovered my linea negra. from what i've read this thin, black line appears vertically down the belly of women who have a darker skin tone. i guess all those days tanning in the sun are affecting me a bit. also, my belly button has started to poke out when i'm laughing. it's only a matter of time now until i'm sportin' an "outie". will my body ever be the same again?

Finally, we are settling on a name little by little. we have a couple of boy choices (first and middle) and now a few girls choices (first and middle). I think it's safe to say we're getting closer to deciding. There's so much that goes into a name. Will he or she truly BE the person we are considering? Will he/she like his/her name? Will he/she appreciate the time and thought that has gone into this process? It's so important to us that the name is full of meaning and identity, so we're carefully deciding. We'll see... :) For now, Bambino it is!