Dear Munchkin,

Okay, it's official.  I both LOVE and DESPISE crackers.  After I get through this morning sickness, I will probably NEVER eat another cracker.  Ever.  I've tried all kinds, and I hate 'em ALL.  But they keep me from getting TOO nauseous, so right now they're my friends.  It's a temporary thing; sooner or later, I will no longer speak to them.

Ginger ale, on the other hand, is my best friend.  Sure, I'm a bit tired of it too (maybe more than a "bit") but it's saved my hiney like I wouldn't have believed.  And it's got very little real ginger in it; I can't figure out how that works.

This week you started growing arms and legs, and moving them!  You also have eyefolds above what will be your eyes; you'll have some color in those eyes this coming week.  (Most likely green; both your father and I have green eyes.  Oh well, at least you'll be different.)

I told the folks at work about your impending arrival this week.  Most people say to wait until the first trimester is complete, but with travel coming up, and the EXTREME fatigue I'm experiencing, and the nausea (did I thank you for that?), I figured it was time to tell 'em.  And they could NOT have been happier or more supportive.  I swear my boss was about as excited as your grandparents!  They love children there, and love families, and are anxiously waiting to meet you.

I'm still losing weight; nothing is appetizing (except mashed potatoes, at least in theory; they're cooking now), but I feel less nauseous with something on my stomach so I'm choking down those damned crackers and anything else that seems even slightly worth eating.  Your furr siblings won't leave me alone; all four cats spend as much time either sitting on or near me, or begging for attention from me, as they possibly can.  The dogs are just as bad; they're excited to see me, but gentle (even Baldor, who LOVES to bounce around like he has springs in his back legs) with you.  Running isn't happening, and probably won't until you get here; I'm just too tired to WALK very far, much less go running.  So much for my desire to run all the way through the pregnancy (or at least for as long as I could).  I underestimated just how much of my strength and energy you were going to sap.

Hugs and kisses,

Mama