35 Weeks 2 Days

Running errands and talking on the phone,
I am pleasantly reminded that I am not alone.
Little tiny hands a precious rounded knee
pushing and twisting that no one can see.
Oh sweet child kicking up your heels,
it is our little secret that only I can feel.
I look forward to your birth,
when I can kiss your skin,
but for now I will just smile,
As I feel you play within.

Should We Name Him Noah?

Rain won't go away anytime soon; May was third wettest for the area.

BY MARIA BARAN
News-Democrat
If you feel like you haven't left the house without an umbrella in forever, you're just about right.

This year has started out as the wettest in recorded history for the area.

While May did not break any records, the recorded 10.84 inches of precipitation was more than twice the average amount of 4.11 inches for the greater St. Louis area. It was the third wettest May recorded, according to the National Weather Service.

"That's something else," meteorologist Ben Miller said. "This is so far the wettest year on record, by over 2 inches. So it's been very wet."

The average amount of precipitation through May is 15.82 inches. This year, we've been drenched by more than 29 inches -- about 9 inches shy of the average total for the entire year of 38.75.

The immediate future certainly doesn't look like a chance to dry out.

There is chance of thunderstorms today with a predicted high of 92 degrees today and a low of 70.

In fact, almost every day this week looks like the rain could roll through along with some thunder and lightning.

A storm system was predicted to roll through early this week and then another stronger system by Thursday that could stick around through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday is predicted to be partly sunny with a high of 88 and a low of 74 degrees. But the middle of the week could still see rain.

"The way this spring has gone, raining on the drop of hat," Miller said. "Wednesday looks low (for a chance of rain), but we certainly can't rule it out."

The record for the wettest May was set in 1995 at 12.92 inches, just two inches more than what the area was pelted with last month. Last year, May precipitation hovered right around average at 4.26 inches.

Pregnacy Q & A

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

36 Weeks!

I can not believe I'm already 36 weeks! The time is flying by. Here's a few pictures of the belly this week. (Maybe I should have ironed my shirt today...nah!)

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers ? which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born ? are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

I've noticed that moving around in bed has become more like a workout. My weekly update gave this advice: Slide your way to slumber "In the third trimester, turning over in bed is a nightmare. The solution? Big satin pajamas and even satin sheets ? the slipperiness of satin helps tremendously!" ? Carrie

I'm thinking about just buying these...EZ Moves Pro...Used by moving men, carpet installers, carpet cleaners, painters, remodelers, store owners, janitorial services, interior designers... and now pregnant women! Brilliant!

Until next time...

Another Funny One