Seventeen Weeks

My dear Violetta, each week of this pregnancy seems to go by so quickly, that it doesn't often feel that there is a whole lot new to say. But each week that goes by so quickly, is one week closer to your arrival, and that is quite simply, very exciting.

This week, I emailed my extended family to tell them that you are on the way. They were all so thrilled and so full of joy and excitement over the news. On my dad's side of the family, you will be the 17th blood great-grandchild to my grandmother who is still going strong at nearly 83. (You'll be the 21st if you count step-relations as well.) The oldest of your second cousins is already in college. It's amazing that between all of you, you span an entire generation! We don't see all of them all that often, but when the clan gets together, it's always sure to be a crazy fun time.

On my mom's side, you will be the 5th great-grandchild. Unfortunately, both of my mom's parents left us awhile ago, but there are still plenty of aunts, uncles and cousins to welcome you.

On Daddy's side, you'll be the 4th great-grandchild to his mom's parents, just three weeks after the arrival of the 3rd! It will be fun for you to have a playmate at the many family gatherings that occur here with the family, all of whom are local.

And lastly, you'll be the first great-grandchild to Daddy's Grampa L who will be 92 about a month after you arrive. That is pretty darn incredible, my little one.

Now, I know, it would be a weekly update without me telling you how big you are. This week, you are a turnip, and onion or an apple. Apples come in many different sizes, as you will learn when we take you apple picking in the fall. I wonder if you will like apple pie as much as I do? Anyway, aside from the fact that this combination sounds like the beginning of a recipe for an interesting stew, it also means that you are big enough that I might be able to feel you moving around, and you know what? I think I have a handful of times so far. Usually, in the evening, when I am relaxing in front of the television I have felt the strangest little sensation of popping bubbles. From what I understand, this is in fact you, Violetta, and it's so cool!

*picture still on the camera, I'll add it later.