week 31- snowboard binding

Week 31 and baby #2 is about the length of a snowboard binding (with strap)... just over 16 inches! When I did my Fraser pregnancy updates, I always included what was going on at this stage of development with the babe (but haven't really been doing it this time around for some reason). I took a gander at my sources, and apparently all five senses are now in working order, and brain/nerve development is happening like crazy. Also, thebump.com mentioned that being out of breath is normal for this stage of pregnancy, and out of breath I most certainly am. There are steps between our side entry and kitchen, and I have to sit down and catch my breath for a sec when I somehow manage to stumble up the THREE STEPS into the kitchen... kind of makes me feel pathetic, so I'm glad it's normal!

1. Valentine's Day!

Fraser's V-Day shot...

And Fraser's V-Day card...

(Don't be offended if you didn't get one. We only ordered enough for grandparents, cousins, two best boy buds, and two closest gal pals.)

Now for Valentine's evening. Nana & Papa offered to take Fraselnut for a sleepover leaving us free to paint the town red. Buh-bye love bug!

As it was Lowell and my 10th Dateversary, we celebrated in style by attending the Red Dress Gala. When I called for tickets, I asked if the women were ACTUALLY meant to wear red dresses... and indeed they were. I mentioned that perhaps that would be a problem as I'm super pregnant and do not own such maternity wear. The nice lady good naturedly told me that I'd still be welcome but perhaps I could accessorize red. So, accessorize I did. I wore a black dress (thank you, Sheena), and recalled in the deep dark recesses of my brain that my friend, Tina, had some hot red boots. Brilliant. Thanks ladies. Throw on some red lips, and I was officially accessorized.

(PS- I love how strangely nervous Lowell looks in this picture... makes me think of an awkward prom photo. hehe)

At the event (at which there were 400 people), the lady I spoke to on the phone approached me and said, "You must be Julie!" When I confirmed her suspicion, she went on, "I knew because you're the one without a red dress!" And folks, I was the only woman (out of at least 200 women) that wasn't wearing a red dress. LITERALLY.

Okay, well that was sort of a lie I just told for dramatic effect. I DID spot a purple dress, a gray dress, and even another blonde pregnant woman in a black dress (my kindred spirit, obviously). But other than those three... I was literally the only one NOT in a red dress (see? totally lost dramatic effect with that admission).

Anyhoo, it was a lovely evening with delicious food, hilarious speakers, a talented band (a local group of ER docs who call themselves DNR (hehe)), and a photo booth to boot.

2. Compared to my 24-week pregnant twin, I feel like the largest laziest slug there ever was. She's all in nesting mode: stensilling bathroom walls, sewing linen tea towels, cleaning out every drawer and cupboard, creating artful masterpieces etc... all this on top of working nearly full time. I, on the other hand, can not seem to peel my enlarged rear off the couch after Fraser's 7:30 bed time. I finally manage to drag it to bed, but the little jaunt down the hallway to our bedroom is the extent of my night time activity. Hopefully some day before baby #2 is born, I'll be bit by a radioactive spider and tackle my to-do list. Here's a shot of Carlynne's bathroom wall. It looks amazing, yes, and this little bathroom project of hers is still a work in progress...

3. I received multiple comments this past week about how I am suddenly noticeably larger than the previous week. Like, not just one comment... MULTIPLE comments. And not just a larger tummy... a larger EVERYTHING. To be honest, however, I don't really mind the comments because I DO feel larger and it's nice to know that I'm not going crazy. Also, it's an acceptable largeness given my current state. Say something like that to me in the weeks/months/years following the birth of this babe, and you may find yourself with a black eye or two... but for now I'm cool.

4. Play dates are fun. Fraser had a busy week!

Niko...

Nico...

 And Elliot...

5. Lowell, Fraser and I headed out to Orion on Saturday to spend the day with Julie Anne and Ryan. It was a relaxing time of food, games, walks, conversation, and cuteness...

 Only in Orion...

Don't worry- even in the tiny desolate hamlet of Orion, Fraser was still closely supervised whilst running freely down the highway...

Pregnant Julie squared. Julie Anne at 25 weeks, Julie Renee (aka me) at 31 weeks...

6. Don't you forget about Baby Prediction Contest 2.0!! More deets here. Remember... there's a PRIZE up for grabs!!