it's started

Taken at 30 weeks. So add five weeks to that belly size. It's now a much better table!

And like most shirts, that one no longer covers the large expanse.

The babe and I are awake. And have been since 3:30 this morning.

It used to be that I could sleep through anything. But recently, upping my nightly tinkle breaks from two to three has been the kicker. After the third time, Edible decides it's time to wake up and does all kinds of tricks to keep me awake. Hiccups being the preferred and most effective method. Usually I try to ignore it, sing songs in my head and manage to slip in and out of sleep until the sun comes up.

But today it wasn't happening. No slipping into half sleep where I toss and turn and then wake myself up with a loud snore. (Oh the snoring! A few weeks ago Mr. Yin asked the midwife if there was anything we could do about the snoring brought on by increased congestion thanks to the many hormones. She recommended ear plugs.)

So here I am. Wide awake at 5:30. Me: the last person you'd expect awake at such an hour without a plane to catch.

All of that will change in three to seven weeks after Edible's arrival. Three to seven weeks, can you believe that?! Let's hope Edible is three weeks old by the time week 42 arrives. Three weeks old and sleeping through the night. : ) My mom will be here over Christmas and New Year's and I really hope she gets to meet and snuggle this little baby before she has to leave. Unlike her last grandchild who refused to come before she had to fly home.

After months of not gathering any baby items, tiny clothes and blankets and diapers are piling up, thanks exclusively to the kindness and generosity of friends and family. We have an awesome stroller with the biggest canopy ever to keep the desert sun out of Edible's eyes. The homemade goodness has come in the form of a nursing cover, blankets, wash cloths and burp cloths--and I love them and the love that has gone into each one. The tiny clothing is mostly yellow and white, but will become more vibrant post arrival. The mini crib that will live in the corner of our bedroom will be put together tomorrow, after the big cleanse to make room for it all. Mr. Yin will be making a movie of the process for his operations class. Yes, there will be a storyboard. Perhaps we'll call the finished product "Make Way for Edible".

For those of you who may be interested, we're now taking guesses on Edible's arrival date, gender, weight and length. Just leave a comment or send an email with your guesses. Extra points for arrival dates before December 25. A prize has not yet been determined for the winner but will involve bragging rights. Mr. Yin thinks we should award a week of one-on-one time with Edible in about two years. You can't beat that!

Looks like Edible has calmed down and the heartburn has mostly subsided. I just might crawl back into bed now that the sun is due up any minute.