Look at my belly(?)

This is not actually my belly.

I have heard rumblings and rumors that people want to see belly shots. I assume of me, not Andrew. Just so I know people read this you should comment below if you want to see me gradually blow up like a balloon.

There are a few things you should know if these shots are to happen:

• I will not be using cute chalkboard signs with fun information on them
• My shirt will remain in its normal location. No bare bellies. this also means I will not be painting snowman faces, babies, basketballs or other objects on my belly
• I will not be making heart outlines with my hands on my belly
• Andrew will not be kissing my belly in any pictures
• If you don't know what any of this means, it might be worth your while to search pinterest for pregnancy pictures and giggle for a while

Week fifteen.

Shrimps:

• I have a confession to make. These little guys are not near as big as I've been reporting, according to the doctor. Because there's two of them. I have no fun other comparisons, so just think of the thing I compare them to in the future as cut in two and molded into two miniature versions.
• So this week the shrimps will together be as big as a beefsteak tomato... a normal one. Not a Boxcar Willy, y'all. I got one of those once that split open a paper lunch bag when I tried to squeeze it in. If anyone has some fresh tomatoes they can cut up for me with olive oil salt and pepper please bring them over. With dill pickles on the side if you please.
• Can now sense light in addition to pressure from outside. I guess I should stop shining flashlights at my belly all night.
• Have begun "breathing" the amniotic fluid. Which kind of makes me choke to think about.

Laura:

• Is probably experiencing rhinitis of pregnancy, although as Andrew could tell you her nose has always generally been terrible. So much nose blowing ugh.
• Found a fancy word for current feelings of stupidity- gestational amnesia! That's why I'm so bad at life right now, I'm sure of it.
• Is mentally flailing around in the lake of chaos that is our current life, looking for some order to hang on to... I can hear you parents wisely chuckling in the background. Please pipe down and let me hold on to my fantasy of order as long as possible.
• Now possesses some maternity clothes, and is waiting to grow into them.

Andrew:

• Is doing such a nice job of making Laura eat good stuff. This week he got groceries and bought her a host of things just for her that are easy to make and healthy. What a guy!
• Was certain we'd know genders this week... nope. FYI, next appointment (a month from now), I'll be getting a referral to get a super detailed ultrasound done which the doctor called "anatomical". Which means they look for more than girl/boy parts, I'm guessing.

Weekend and appointment

Why hello there.

Some quick updates for you:

• Laura visited Ohio this weekend! Very fun to see family and friends for the first time since the announcement. Also confirmed loan of a changing table, bassinet, and crib- bam. Can I just be on vacation forever?
• Shrimps are still making eating and thinking difficult. How am I supposed to be eating a healthy diet and making any sorts of plans for them in this state? Shrimps, think of your own well-being and stop this nonsense. Although I was informed today that the shrimps get "fed first" as opposed to the rest of my body... interesting. 
• Had the second doctor's appointment today; they both have heartbeats (145 and 148 bpm) and still enjoy frolicking for the ultrasound. Doctor did not seem too concerned that Laura is still the EXACT SAME WEIGHT. Gosh. You'd think all that food in Ohio would count for something... 
• While chatting idly with the doctor during the ultrasound, she mistook my comment, "Andrew laughed hysterically when he found out" as, "Andrew left me when he found out". And was very concerned. Awkward but soon remedied. 
• Andrew and Laura are still kind of overwhelmed by everything right now. Work and moving and selling a house and normal things and so forth. Continued prayers and positive thoughts appreciated.

This is going to be hunted down and purchased in the case of boy girl, just fyi.

Week fourteen.

Shrimps:

• Are about the size of a fist, unless you've got giant man hands.
• Thumb sucking may have started at this point.
• Have gained their first piece of furniture- a crib! They'll be sharing until a fight breaks out.
• Have their next appointment next week.

Laura:

• Can't wait until today is over... giant event at work that has been eating me up for weeks.
• Speaking of eating, had a horrible dream last night that Andrew convinced me to use the babies as dumpling filling, and said they'd grow back.
• Going to Ohio this weekend!

Andrew:

• Did not actually tell Laura to use babies for dumpling filling.
  

Short today, but my brain will be busted until this weekend... maybe I'll post from Ohio!

Some Prayer Requests.

Salutations, Vogel shrimp followers-

Things are getting heavy over here- figuratively only, although one of these days I'll start gaining weight- and we'd appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts on the following:

• Work life balance: of which we have none right now, so it seems. Andrew has to get his certification asap, in addition to having a full 40 hours of client work a week (which is crazy- no down time). Laura is still trying to get down doing her job efficiently and not worrying about it off the clock. Not that this will ever be "solved", but we've realized we're gonna have to get better at it soon... looking for motivation, peace, and the ability to see the forest rather than the trees.
• Mortgage lease lease: the new house is a super awesome blessing, to be sure! And breaking our current lease won't be so bad either. But that house in Upland is our biggest cause of ulcers right now, and we really need to move forward. Praying for forward movement, peace, expert advice, and maybe some help getting it market ready!
• Relationships and stress: It's been hard for us to make friends in this area, although those we do have are awesome (hi Roots!), it's difficult for Laura especially. Also with the above two bullet points, we've managed pretty well so far but it's a little scary to think what yelling and stomping we'll be capable of once our patience and energy are sapped by tiny babies. Praying for increased number and depth of friendships, and strength of our relationship too.

Just wanted to get that out there. We love you guys and appreciate your support. Thursday we'll be back to our regularly scheduled funny update!

Week thirteen.

Shrimps:

• Skip this bullet if you have the mind of a middle schooler. Although I guess posting this means we kind of do? Anyway, we were loaned a great book by friends (thanks Berghoeffs!) that has glossy photography and detailed descriptions of babies growing during pregnancy. By happenstance we learned that all babies start out with an organ called an "indifferent penis" which eventually forms into girl parts or boy parts. WHAAAAAT. I will be forever squeamish about this evolution process going on inside my belly.
• Are just getting around to forming bones. 
• Have fingerprints!
• Are beginning to be a little more proportional to their giant heads.

Laura:

• Dare I hope that food is becoming tasty again? Found myself daydreaming about homemade marinara and meatballs the other day. And will soon have to get a restraining order from my pumpkin ice cream and ginger cat cookies.
• Had my first truly memorable pregnant adventure- attempting the "Billy Goat A" trail (read: rock climbing) at the C & O Canal with Uncle Gary and Aunt Lynn. This would have been perfectly fine had the weather held as I have no shame scootching down rocks on my behind, BUT it just so happened to be the day that a tropical depression hit our area (read: monsoon). Never been so wet in my life, but all's well that ends well!
• Is always ITCHY and has unbelievably strong nails. Not that these two things go together.
• Is starting to have fun with theoretically rearranging furniture in the house.

Andrew:

• Went with Laura to measure every possible dimension in the house and created a layout from it. I love this man.
• Has pretty much become the dishwasher since bits of food and soapy water skeeve me out. I love this man. Especially since the new house has no dishwasher.
• Has been married to Laura for three years as of Wednesday! Went to the Arlington Drafthouse and Cinema last night to celebrate.

A debate for you:

I had decided a few years back that cloth diapers seemed like the environmental way to go. Now that the reality of diapers is upon us, we'll be dealing with two messy bottoms at once, and daycare is most certainly going to happen for some time during the week, it seems less certain. Read this article with some of this facts and figures. I feel like it'd still be worth it when they're home... a few less disposables in the landfill. Comment with your thoughts, just know that in the end we most likely will do what we want to regardless of what you say:-).

House Update Update

You all are effective pray-ers and good thought senders... we are signing on the house this month!!! Get a full photo tour here. 

This does of course mean that a moving party will be scheduled soon, probably the weekend of November 9th. Break out your large vehicles and old clothes, people! We will feed and house you, and I will allow moving volunteers to touch my belly (if you want) without slapping your hand away!