The belly picture

I just wanted to explain the belly picture at the top of the blog.

Yes, that is my belly. In all of it's blinding glory. I was about 38 weeks pregnant with Gwen.

It was nicely decorated by my middle child, Frank. He had a blast doing it and I highly recommend this to other preggo moms with other children. Aili had her turn the next day and also enjoyed it.

A few thoughts on this for others...
1. Make sure washable markers are used. I didn't let my children use Sharpies or anything, but I had no idea if they were washable or not. They were the unlabeled markers in the ziplock bag in the art closet. It didn't come off too easily. Took a bit of scrubbing, but did come off.
2. Don't use any random stickers. I think those I used originally for pricing garage sale items. I think I bought them at the dollar store. They were *very* sticky. And being the wonderful Sicilian woman I am (which means a bit hairy), they were a bit painful to take off.


Also, if you can see it...there is a large incision scar towards the lower right side of my belly. At 32 weeks pregnant with Gwen I had my appendix taken out. To answer the questions that just popped in your mind: Yes, it is possible. Yes, it did hurt. Just more of a reason why we know that Gwen is our pure miracle baby. I went into labor twice during that ordeal and she decided to stay put. Oh ya, and we were out of town when I got sick. About a 7 hour drive away. Looking back on that time it's very surreal.

And that's my belly!! Maybe someday there will be another occupant. But for right now I'll take the vacancy.