A Night in Atlanta

This time we didn't drive all the way to Atlanta to shop at IKEA, but to attend the 11th annual Gala of the German American Chamber of Commerce. Yes, you're guessing right, a rather stressful "black tie event" defined by a lot of small talk with eldery men and a stiff dinner during which we had to work our way through the silverware starting from the outside - Pretty-Woman-style. Buying a new dress always does appease me, and so I didn't really mind. Thiemo had a harder time with his tux, but we made it through the evening and definitely cut the average age.

Rocking that Pumpkin

It's October now, and the country is swept with pumpkins of all sizes, a harmonious scenery into which I seem to blend perfectly, given the well-proportioned pumpkin I carry in front of me. Especially when I look at the 'expansion rate' I covered during the last couple of months. But not according to American standards, mind you! I have been exposed to a lot of "Oh you're so tiny!" exclamations, and even the doctor, who measured my better half, pointed out that the belly was a bit too small, and ordered another ultrasound. With great expectations of a small load we went to our ultrasound appointment and found out that our mini-pumpkin is in fact a "chubby little girl". At thirtyone weeks our load weighs almost 1800 g, which is far above average. So much for common sense. Our snug little buddha, head down and butt in my face, has found her favorite spot in the right part of my belly, whose shape, if looked at closely, is slightly slanted. Which leaves us amazed, but not out of balance.

Destination Maternity

How about being a fashion model, walking the runway and displaying nothing less than a round BELLY? In America dreams come true, and being admired for a protruding belly rather than a skinny and boringly flat stomach is not only my, but probably every woman's dream. As baby and not chocolate is the cargo that is asked for in a 'belly fashion show', this catwalk career offers no future prospects but merely a brief moment of fun. And fun it was, equally for mom and belly: I was urged on by an excitedly kicking and certainly also wildly waving baby. As mother, as daughter, I'd say...