Bob Turns 21, Kicks Me & Plants a Tree

(Bob, 21 weeks) 

Bob is not only 21 weeks, but Bob is “a mover & a shaker.” Bob kicks me periodically throughout the day and though it cannot be felt from the outside, my insides are quite aware. I’d suspected that I’d felt Bob much earlier in my pregnancy – definitely in the 1^st trimester – but having nothing to compare it to, I didn’t want to declare it with such confidence (esp since it would come and go throughout the week, not a daily occurrence.)  But now, I know the little effervescence  & tiny pulses were Bob…violent, violent Bob. During every ultrasound, I was able to see Bob moving and at my 20 week appointment where the doctor merely listens to EVERYTHING (no "inside view), she was able to detect Bob’s movements and commented, “Wow, your baby is really active!” Greg is excited about being able to share in this soon and so far our little Tupelo remains unfazed by my growing belly/shrinking lap.

In news unrelated to Bob, we finally began “doing something” with the front yard (a feat I can only imagine makes our neighbors sigh with relief as opposed to impatience.) Here are some pics. The “before” pic is our Christmas card pic from 12/11. Although our changes are slight & have obviously not filled in (as we just planted them yesterday), you can get an idea of what we’re going for. We (aka Greg) removed an unidentified bush and we (again, Greg) planted 3 salvias, a kangaroo paw, an echium & a Hawaiian plum tree. Keep your fingers crossed our thumbs are green.

(front yard, before, Dec. '11)

(front yard, during)

(Greg takes out the last of that annoying shrub. Used a pickaxe AND his sawzall) 

(ya know, plants)

(front yard, after)