Charlie: Why don't you smile?

How's this?

Charlie: Cherlyn, smile.. Me: I AM smiling..

Is this better?

Jax: Like this Momma - CHEESE!

So here we are at 34 weeks. I don't remember being in such discomfort the first time around at this stage but then again I wasn't chasing around an almost 2 year and managing his bedtime routines (or fighting them). Charlie still takes off in the evening most days to take care of his other commitments and so I have to fend for myself..and sometimes (other times its totally fine and doable) I really feel like - dude, when are you gonna get it? I AM HUGE AND UNCOMFORTABLE. Remember? I'm pregnant - meaning, can I just veg out and collapse when I get home and not worry about anything, and you take care of things? But then again, since I don't pipe up about it, I shouldn't really complain or expect the fact that he will just GET IT. But he tries. He asks me if I'm ok..and really I am - its just that I'm pregnant and it's uncomfortable. I can't really explain unless you've already been there. I have heard of women who love being pregnant and actually miss it..I have yet to meet one of these women, and I don't think I will ever be one of them. But kudos to them.

The above photos were taken by Jax...I think he was the first one to take a belly photo of me. These were taken last month. And the photos below are what happens when your toddler finds a working pen and decides to draw all over himself. I guess thats better than drawing all over the walls, right?


This is Jax showing me how he did his handy work.




so naturally, it was time to take a bath...

Had another great day today. It helped that I took the day off from work! I got my eyes checked (essentially the same Rx, except one eye but could of stuck with my old Rx) and ordered a new pair of glasses which I have been itching to do. Also went to see a chiropractor who wasn't pushy about having to go in for a gazillion sessions and feel slightly better. Went bargain shopping (one place was in the most unlikely of places - Sears! they actually had some cute clothes and they were 50% off! I was at Sears for my eye exam.) and scored 2 pairs of shoes, 5 dresses, one shirt, 2 pairs of leggings and even a pair of earrings! All of which were under $100 AND I could wear them after this baby is born too. I also managed yet another day not looking/feeling frumpy. Good thing to since I ran into an old friend of mine while I picked up lunch! So awesome..it was truly such a great day....

*oh just now - Charlie got me a scratcher that Jax had picked out - and it was a winner! A mere $3 but still - it was a winner :) Also Charlie said he was 5 minutes from getting a parking ticket because he forgot to move the car to the other side of the street - but luckily he had to do some work at the house and the parking citation officer was a few cars down, so he was able to move it!  It's the little things.

I'll have to post some photos of my bounty :)

eh, do i have to kiss "the baby"?

There, you happy? some belly pics for you!

the baby is still pretty active except the movements are slower and actually getting more uncomfortable. Often I can feel some sort of body part, as if the baby is trying to elbow me or knee me. the baby is already head down. i actually had some braxton hicks last night..we still havent decided on a boy name and yes, i still think this is going to be a boy - despite us not finding out the sex (sorry Amy. Linda & Tita Angelique)

I just found these photos! They're from last month when we made a visit to the Berkeley Lawrence Science Hall with Jax and his Grandma Linda.

So I figure, it's been awhile and I needed to do an update.

We just got back from a trip to Seattle to visit Charlie's good friends, one of whom is actually Jax's Godfather. The flight there (8pm flight) I thought he would just sleep - but no..he was so interested in everything. The giggling college girls in the row ahead of us. Jax would mimic their laughter and outbursts. He would yell out avion (airplane in Spanish) at the airplanes outside the window. He finally did want to sleep when we landed but awoke to the harsh lights and the announcements broadcasted in the cabin. He did of course conk out in the rental car on the way to Paul & Jen's house.

More and more, I see how his language and comprehension have grown since the previous months. While we were waiting in line on our way back to Oakland, Charlie quizzed Jax on his body parts, all in Spanish of course, and to my surprise he knew where each of the parts were. His eyes, his ears, his mouth, his teeth, his tongue, his arms (that one I was surprised at), and his feet. Charlie likes to confuse him and ask him where his elbows and knees are too - but he only gets those after the first few tries. *I forgot to mention he knows his name and will point to himself and say Jackson (with a Spanish accent) and point to his classmates at daycare and say their names. He likes to babble a lot - I'm sure to him it's not babbling. I can understand bits and pieces but mostly its from his gestures. His personality is also shinning through. He is a big goofball. A sweet, silly kid really.

So, as for me and baby #2 - we're either at 29wks & 4 days (as stated above - which is from my ultrasound) or at 30 wks & 4 days (from my LMP), either way we are in the third semester!! Which is crazy, because this pregnancy has gone by sooooo fast. I can't believe that I have just two months of work left and then I'm having a baby! I plan to stay at work until the end of August and return in January.

I feel this baby move and kick a lot more than I had felt Jax - but it maybe because I am more aware this time around but also I guess Jax was just more mellow when he was in utero - but now? he's all over the place and very active. So maybe this one will be more mellow when he/she is out? Did I just jinx myself there?

Anyway, Jen's mom got us some girl clothes - and I happily accepted even though we have no idea if we are in fact having a girl, but I'll take it for the mojo! Most people say it will be a boy because of how my stomach is shaped. I would be really happy either way as long as the baby is healthy :)

What do you think I'm having? Oh wait, I guess it would help if I had a belly photo up, huh? Maybe next time... ;)