Hello third trimester!!

We've made it! The final trimester! This is half scary, half exciting. Scary because there is still so much to be done before our little bundle arrives, as well as the terror of knowing our lives are never, ever, EVER going to be the same again. EVER! Exciting because soon there will be tiny toes to kiss, a warm little baby to snuggle and, on a selfish note, my body will be my own again without any sudden pains, paranoia about what I'm eating and the ever increasing weight! (bah)

Mostly, I'm just excited (though a panic attack is probably right around the corner). At this point baby's movements are more often swishes as s/he turns one way or another and stretching of little arms, legs, elbows, knees and a tiny tush pressing out here and there. I. Love. It. Sometimes it's a bit painful but I like that I can get a feel for who is in there. It's not as much a mysterious presence causing sickness or random "popping" sensations. It's a definite being with arms and legs I can feel. Baby's antics make me laugh all the time because they're so unexpected and delightful.

In some ways, at least this week, I feel like I'm returning to the first trimester. Not sick, thank God, but very tired. I've been having trouble sleeping soundly this week, work has been very busy and by the end of the day I'm exhausted. I come home and just sit still on the couch for at least a half hour before I can manage to convince myself to get up, exercise and make dinner. I'm hoping this is just a phase this week due to a baby growth spurt and fighting off a cold, not a new normal. I felt pretty great throughout the second trimester, so I know I'm lucky.

My belly feels so big to me! Though when I say that to other moms they just laugh and say, "just wait." I know. I know. It's going to get WAY bigger. But this is the biggest it's ever been in my life so, just sayin', feels big. People now feel comfortable just looking at me and saying, "Oh! When are you due?" I feel like that is a significant line that has been crossed. And who can blame them? Look at me!

The belly (angels singing)

Seriously, someone tell me how on earth I have three more months of growth left? I'm going to topple over!