Pastel animals, suncatchers and Cowboys football

Once upon a time, there was a Polish boy who tragically lost all of his family and his home, but fought to build a new home, a new family and a new life for himself. He was successful.

Once upon a time, there was another young man who, like his own father, used passion to build businesses, machines and toys - tirelessly rebuilding those that crashed, and drawing his own family into his love of life.

D's and my fathers both died when we were young - leaving legacies of devotion and stubborn reslience even when things crash. This is what we want to surround Ziggy with.

So that is my answer to the question about Ziggy's room decor. It has the little glass star suncatchers that my dad created for me, and the bedding that D's dad selected for his future grandchildren almost 15 years ago. (And of course bits of passion from us: D's football love and my little French toys.)

6 weeks to go!

My friend Jill was due 2 weeks before me and had her gorgeous baby David a week ago. While I've explained the importance of tax breaks to Ziggy, I hope he isn't that ambitious! Very possibly, he could be here in 4 weeks... just in time for D's birthday.

Our lives are definitely changing. With Ziggy's uncertain arrival date, David is reluctant to schedule needed travel. And with me groaning at every move like a properly pregnant woman, it's a good thing my wallet is getting lighter with so many new purchases! Holy cow.

My main concerns now are keeping David sane, preparing at work, achieving an easy labor, and letting Ziggy have a trauma-free bris. As for the easy labor... Dr. Reyes says studies have shown that being fit and doing yoga (especially breathing) have helped, so I look forward to my exercise routines. It also helps keep us sane.

Belly Photos

Ziggy is about 3 pounds, and I've gained about 17. It's starting to get difficult to maneuver! Here is a photo of me getting ready for the gym, daddy and doggie, a view of my belly from above (no feet!), and my work clothes testing the boundaries of stretchiness. I didn't realize I looked so big already.

Practice

We used to say at the marketing agencies that our projects were like giving birth... painful, longer than you ever expected, and producing something to which you have a very strong emotional attachment because you helped to create it. Plus... there's always the fear that it will bring you disappointment in the end, even though you hope it will someday make you proud and help to pay for your retirement.

In the world of projects, I had triplets this week... They reminded me how universally useful "breathe! breathe! relax!" Lamaze exercises can be.

We're down to 10 weeks already, and my doctor checkups are becoming more frequent. Mini-man got an A+ again today for size, heartbeat and lots of activity. The doctor showed me how to find his head, which is near my chest in breach position right now. I just pushed in there and moved something. I can hear D already: "Stop squishing him!"

Third Trimester Already!

Time is flying! We are in week 28 already... 7 months pregnant! That still gives us 3 full months to go (since pregnancy really goes until month 10) but 10 weeks from now could hit the window for baby-popping time.

Ziggy is still growing and kicking. According to the literature, he should be about 2 pounds and 16 inches long by now. Unbelievable. He should recognize D's voice and Chester's frantic barking at maintenance men and the neighbor's dog by now, too.

We're starting in on baby classes. D is letting Ziggy and me take most of the notes... he's hoping he can wing it when the time comes. I'm starting to realize what a disaster it will be to prepare to be out for 3 months of work, too. My boss said I might want to hold the baby in for a few more months... it did cross my mind.

Our first visit "home"

David and I took Ziggy over to visit the gorgeous country of Israel. Although Ziggy couldn't see much, we all fell in love with the land and the people. I know he enjoyed it because he started growing quickly, and kicked at all of the amazing sights. We all flourished there, with healthy food, deep sleep, beautiful treks and inspiring history.

We hope we can take him back again soon enough.

You can see our photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/Schnabling/IsraelPhotos?authkey=KHWhI-OuNYU

Ziggy-mobile

We're moving on up! Ziggy and I are going to jet around in style from now on. Granted, the dusty black Chrysler convertible is cool in its own ghetto way... but we are definitely getting a swank mom-mobile now, thanks to Detroit's financial pain. We got in 5 minutes before the latest incentives ended.

Cream exterior and cream leather interior to look somewhat mom-respectable... and a Saab "made from jets" engine to let D have some fun zooming around town in European style.