Just a quick check-in to let everyone know that we’re all doing great. Baby Bean is just growing away in there to the tune of my now 9.5 – 1olb. weight gain. When I had my 20 week appointment, the doctor said that I had gained 9lb., which in her opinion was “perfect.” After a bout with a stomach bug last week — one which sent me to the OB/GYN for an unscheduled appointment — I was actually down two pounds. But with the help of some McDonald’s and a couple of extra soy hot chocolates from Starbucks, I’m right back to where I was before. Yes, I know, nothing says “I love my baby,” quite like hot, salty french fries.

In other news, this baby is a Tae Kwon Do master! Lots of folks have asked if I’ve felt Bean kick, and the answer is, “Yes!” In retrospect, I think that I felt the baby move for the first time around 17.5 weeks, but I wasn’t sure until later that what I was feeling was really movement. Now, it’s unmistakable. In fact, while we were at the hospital yesterday waiting on the arrival of my sister’s baby, the Bean was going bonkers in there. So much so, in fact, that my dad, mom, and sister all got to feel it. As anyone who has ever been pregnant could attest, it is the craziest feeling. Marc was excited to finally get in on the baby movement action about a week and a half ago. We were resting in bed…Marc on his laptop while I watched TV. All of a sudden, Bean started moving like a champ, so I told Marc to put his hand on my belly. He left it there for a minute and said, “I can’t feel anything.” (Now, I should note that Marc was feeling a little left out since I had been feeling the baby move for a couple of weeks.) He finally put his hand back on my belly and said, “Oh my gosh! I felt it!” He was thrilled.

So that’s where we are. Things seem to be moving along smoothly. It’s hard to believe that yesterday was four months until our due date. We got a phone call today saying that crib is in, although they’re not sure why the dresser isn’t there with it. Ah, the joys of furniture shopping. Mind you, this is furniture that is meant to go in the guest room/future nursery that currently has a full sized bed, dresser, and roll top desk in it. I’m not sure where the time goes or how in the world we’ll ever get things ready for Bean in time — although Marc assured me that we will.

In the meantime, I’ve got a small request. I’ve learned that the Bean loves soup! (Or at least causes me to want to eat soup all of the time.) So my request is that if you’ve got any tasty — and not super complicated — soup or stew recipes, please send them my way. Must…feed…the Bean (at least something other than fries).