Another type of expansion.....

Due to popular request and as someone who easily complies with requests...

I will demonstrate proof of my own expansion project.

The BELLY!!!

Belly at 12 weeks!! You can see the little pouch there :)  

Although Garrett says I was 'pushing it out'

Belly at 20 weeks! Starting to show....early December I think? 

At 26 weeks!! Really starting to show then. Between this picture and the previous, I could no conceal the pregnancy with my clothes at work....

The most recent shot! At 34 weeks. Of course it is the one that is a 'close up' so I look even bigger! I wanted to wear the same pants throughout but I can't find them right now.... That must mean that I need to do laundry....

A few benefits of the growing belly:

- Serves as an ever present conversation piece. Perfect strangers have no qualms asking about due date, commenting on my size, speculating on baby's gender, and offering sage (and not so sage) 'advice'. Those awkward silences on elevators and such confined places now have a simple transition to conversation. Regardless if I would like to participate in said conversation or not.

- SOMETIMES (an emphasis on some) I get preferred seating at crowded meetings. People are a little nicer about giving up their spot at the table when a large belly is hovering around..... although sometimes the seat is so coveted that it precludes chivalry. But my chances for a chair have dramatically improved as the belly grows. 

- I currently have an ever present resting place for my hands, papers, drinks, candy.....the 'shelf' is functional! 

- The belly also allows my caloric intake to continue to increase guilt free in public places. Saying 'baby's hungry' with a smile allows me to consume all the extra deserts I please. 

- Most of all, it serves as daily proof of the continued growth and health of baby Caris! It is amazing to have a daily reminder of the miracle of a new life. Keep on growing belly!