MacNut Week 25

She has a name!  Camille :)  We have been thinking about this name since the beginning of our pregnancy but there were other candidates we were also considering.  After narrowing the choices down to two names several months ago, we decided that Camille was the name that we liked the best.  We've been testing out this name for the past two weeks and it is sticking!  We also sometimes call her "Millie" for short (because "Cammy" is destined to be a pole-dancer name*...and she ain't gonna wear no clear heels, even if she's 1/2 Vietnamese**).

My dad's name is Cam Le.  So his entire name is in hers.  We told my parents this morning and my dad said he was so honored.

We also chose the name Camille because even though it sounds very feminine, it is not too cutesy.  We were hoping to give her a name that can be taken seriously.  You can see Camille in a board room, can't you?

Finally, one thing that I have learned this week is that a gravid belly is kind of intimidating to some people.  Taking this knowledge into practice, I proudly showed off my belly while standing in a rarely-available parking spot on Broadway as I called Chin on the phone to tell him, "Quick!  A spot just opened up."  About half a dozen cars drove by and wanted the spot.  But once they saw my belly, they must have thought, "Do not mess with that pregnant lady!" and drove on by.  Success! :)

Technically, this is what's going on this week:

• MacNut is the size of a rutabaga (W...T...H..?) - ~ 13.62 inches and 1.46 pounds.
• Bones are becoming solid, hands are now fully developed.
• The brain is growing rapidly, the brain cells are starting to mature.
• Baby's nostrils begin to open.
• The sexual organs are fully developed (but will not be in use for another 30+ years if her dad can help it***).
• The uterus is now about the size of a soccer ball and mom looks pregnant (ha!).

Physical:

• Weight: 143 lb (+17)
• Belly circumference: 37.25 in (+6.75)
• Fundal height: 24 in
• Baby continues to be very active.  This week was the first time, however, that I actually felt assaulted by how strong her movements were!  Have you ever played the trick with your pet where you make them chase your laser pointer?  It's totally like that!!
• This week continued to be a rough week for sleeping.  I have not been getting out of bed early simply because it just hurts to get out of bed.  I just haven't been getting restful sleep.  Some have advised warm baths before bed, or a maternity support belt (this is the one I have...it's a little loose on me), and sleeping on an air mattress.  If you have any other advice, please pass them my way!

Spiritual & emotional:

• Because of my lack of good sleep, I am like a zombie most days, I'm less productive, and this has a tremendous impact on my emotional well-being.
• I don't feel as moody as last week, thank goodness!
• Oh!  I received some highly-anticipated items in the mail this week: 4 pocket diapers (3 Smartipants and 1 free Fuzzibunz one-size) and a Freemie hands-free breast pump attachment.  I know!  Now I just need to get a poopy baby and start lactating (boy, I can already sense that I'm going to be sorry for saying that). :)
• Chin and I have been reflecting lately about our years of being "unencumbered by children."  We've been married for nearly 7 years (coming up 7/26).  They have been glorious years with rough patches that never last more than a day or two.  We've enjoyed our travels.  We've given our best, first fruits to the Lord.  We've definitely experienced deliverance from all sorts of shenanigans.  We have intentionally built in plenty of margin in our lives so that we can spend time together.  Yes, we are blessed!!  I can't even say it takes hard work.  It feels so natural to be married to Chin.  Well, we've been thinking about when (not whether) we will start lamenting these youthful, carefree years.  Will we regret not having done more before kids came along?  Probably.  But we both think that it's going to be a grand journey ahead :)

* Chin: Sorry if you know anyone named Cammy who isn't a stripper.
** After writing this, I realized this could look like I mean all Vietnamese women are strippers.  This, obviously, is not true.  I simply mean that a lot of Vietnamese women wear clear heels.  They do!
*** Chin: Uh, that's not true.  I don't want her to be celibate if she's married by the age of 30.