Are we there yet? Nope, six more weeks...

The nursery isn't done yet, but here are a couple pictures anyway. My friend Megan made the fleece blanket on the glider.

Last week, two people (strangers) said they did not notice that I was pregnant until I turned & they could see my profile. Here's a picture of us in Mike's squadron today. You be the judge...

The profile gets big reactions (pun intended), & I refuse to post a picture of that this time. Trust me, it's kind of shocking.

Yesterday I had my 34-week checkup. My doctor said we're doing fine, and the baby kicking around my liver is normal (and apparently pretty common). The baby is head-down for now but still has time to do a few more flips before settling in that position.

Mike & I went to our first childbirth class last night. The instructor talks A LOT, and she said a few things that made Mike turn a nice shade of green. There were about nine expectant moms in the class, and when the instructor asked how many people had stretch marks, only two of us raised our hands. Bunch of liars. I don't think we're going to get any hints on breathing or relaxation, so I'll have to look that up on my own. We should think about packing soon, even though I should have more than a month. Several people (not health professionals) have told me that they think I'll deliver early. If they're wrong, I'm hunting them down...

I have been very cranky, my back hurts, my hands are swollen, & I'm tired most of the time. Mike is handling this very well. A bunch of people from Mike's squadron are coming over for Thanksgiving. I'm pretty sure he is hoping that I don't snap at him or any of his coworkers. I have threatened to make anyone who complains about work to be banished to the backyard (it's supposed to rain). They will be thankful, or they will be sorry.

at long last, a photo

Mike here... Allow me to present my beautiful Sarah at 32 weeks pregnant! She was embarrassed by the photo so I'm given a wonderful opportunity to brag about her a bit. She's taken to pregnancy very well. I couldn't be more proud of her. I can't imagine walking around with a little guy squirming inside. I went to a Dad's class at the base a few weeks ago and put on a ridiculous sympathy vest (weighted stomach with boobs) and yes, I put it on over my uniform. It was quite ridiculous, as I bent to pick up a pencil and sat down and got up again. I was winded from about 5 minutes of that so I know Sarah must be tired all of the time.

We've chosed a name!!! Elmer Snuffleupagus Richter!!!!!

As for me, I've been traveling a bit lately but I should be home for a while now. I played with Aaron Neville, Take Six and Restless Heart at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville last week. They tell me lots of famous people have performed there. I can't get past the Ole part in the title though. Seems kind of dumb to me. The week before I was in Biloxi, MS. New Orleans gets all the press, but Biloxi was really messed up by Katrina too. Having been to these places a number of times over the years and seeing the before and after is rather sad.

I played at a Military Ball tonight (think prom for high ranking military personnel and community big wigs) and will return at midnight when it's all done to tear down our lights and speakers. I'm expecting to get in around 4 am. Ah, the glamorous life of a working musician.

As for the delay on getting the picture up, I seem to be losing everything recently. Keys, camera, cell phone charger, and (gasp!) wedding ring. A little advice, guys. Don't ever do this. Repeat, do not ever do this... especially when your wife's pregnant. I've been doing a major inventory of our gear at work: speakers, instruments, microphones, lighting equipment, sound boards, you name it. Much of this stuff weighs multiples of what I do. I put my ring in my pocket while moving gear around and it must have fallen out. Sarah says my forgetfulness is a symptom of sympathetic pregnancy. I think I'm an idiot... and losing my mind. You be the judge.

Well, I'll stop rambling (I'm caffeinated for the late night work, can you tell?) and return to work now.