My belly has been really tired lately. It is hard to explain how it feels, but the closest I can come is by comparing it to when you have walked a really, really long way, and your legs are just worn out. They don’t ache or hurt or anything, they’re just tired. So my belly has been feeling like this, and it is hard because I want to be out walking around doing things, and my legs aren’t tired, my brain’s not tired, just my belly. So today I had …

I went to the doctor today for a regular appointment. I thought it was a  midwife appointment, but apparently I was wrong!!! My midwife appointment is in 1-2 weeks and they have to refer me from the doctor’s office to the midwife’s office. What a lot of chasing around. Anyway, I got to hear Baby’s heartbeat, which was very strong, and the doctor felt around to see his positioning. He has “nestled” down between my pelvic bones although he is still floating. Basically, this means he is floating along, upside …

A few days ago I started having what are called Braxton Hicks contractions. They are perfectly normal and common, and they don’t hurt at all – they are just the way your uterus trains for the big event. It is weird, though, my belly gets super tight and hard, and then Baby wakes up and starts kicking. I’m sure it doesn’t feel very good to be squeezed from every direction. Or maybe he is kicking with glee… hard to say.
I have my next midwife appointment on Thursday afternoon, but I …

off to work!

So with a day to spend in Antwerp, we tried to hit all of the big sites. We started off the day at the Grote Market which is the most colorful and lively part of this northern city.

The statue in the middle of the square is of Brabo, a legendary Roman soldier who freed the city from the giant Antigoon and then threw his severed hand into the river. Sounds like someone needs to be cut off from the fruity beer… Anyway, the statue spills right onto the cobbled square, …

After our unbelievabe waffle experience, we were feeling a bit parched and decided we really needed hot chocolate. It was a cloudy, drizzly day – perfect for warming up in a cozy room with something warm to drink. We found our way to a place called De Proverie. Joanne ordered a cappucino, and John, Michael, and I ordered hot chocolate. After a few minutes, the waitress brought me what looked like a big cup of pure, melted chocolate. I was half thrilled, and half dreading the fact that I was …