“Baby Cracker Bethelda, is that you?”

So here’s the real reason for the slump in posting. You can expect big, big things from me in the upcoming months. And I do mean my size, not the size (or number) of babies. Nope, just one medium-sized baby, we assume. And one elephantine mommy. The comments are already pouring in, and I’ve only got one trimester down. I haven’t actually gained any weight yet, just changed shape. Ah, well. Such is the lot of a short-torso-ed gal. My 5 foot 9 sister-in-law just had a baby, and I look more pregnant than she did right before her delivery. Okay, the whining stops here.

We are thrilled! Ellie will be almost 3 years old, and hasn’t really gotten the whole baby coming thing yet, but I think she will be excited and a fun sister. Chloe’s eyes really widened and she stared at my stomach for a full minute after we told her there was a baby inside. She remembers to pray for the baby and suggested, “Baby Cracker . . . Baby Cracker? Does that seem like a good name for the baby?” I told her I would consult with dad. In the meantime, she’s told everyone that’s the name of our new baby. Mike added Bethelda. Of course, we don’t know if it’s a boy or girl yet, we’re just used to girls. (Chloe says it's a boy.)

I’m amazed at the office ultrasound machines they have now. At 12 weeks, I saw the baby open its mouth wide and move its arms around. They’re as good as, or better than, the high-tech, 20-week ultrasound we got for Chloe, four years ago. It’s so cool – and reassuring – to be able to see that, and hear the little swoosh-a-swoosh of the heartbeat. We really feel blessed and are excited to welcome the newest member of the family.