On pregnancy...

First and foremost, my pregnancy is going so great that I feel like I might jinx something just by saying that out loud.  I can't believe that I'm already 27 29 weeks along.  It's flown by.  I'm not ready for it to end.  I'm sure I'll be singing another tune when it's 95+ degrees outside.  But for now, I just want to savor it.  We never thought I would be pregnant.  Didn't even think it was possible.  Now I have moments that I'm already sad because I know it's the last time.

I love my belly.  Maybe it's because this is the first time I've ever NOT loathed my stomach.  I've always (ALWAYS) been self-conscious of it.  Now I just want to flaunt it.  I like that it's getting bigger.  I touch it all the time, especially when I'm out in public as if saying "HEY EVERYONE!  I'M PREGNANT!  LOOK AT ME!"

I love feeling baby Claire kick me.  It took a long time to feel it (21 weeks) since my placenta's up front against my abdomen.  Now I feel it all the time.  Mike just felt the first kick two weeks ago.  On Mother's Day, I had my first alien belly experience and it was so cool.  I laid down and for 15 minutes watched my stomach move all over the place.  After one big kick, I pushed down and she kicked back in response.  It was awesome.

Over the past week, I've started feeling like a tank.  I'm really tired if I don't space out activities throughout the day, etc.  My biggest complaints are heartburn, arm numbing, excruciating hand pain, and moderate left foot pain.  I guess that's minor compared to the whole creation of life thing going on inside of me.

Mike and I took the tour of the L&D at the hospital on Saturday.  Still super nervous about the whole birthing thing, but I am feeling more at ease knowing where I need to be, seeing the floor, knowing where to park, etc.  Yes, as if parking is going to be MY concern when I get there. 

Nate has continued to be my big helper.  He helps me with my (anti-coag) shot every morning and my prenatal vitamin every evening.  He's really been great.  I think he's going to be a fabulous big bro but I know we're going to have some jealousy issues.  I'm sure all kids go through that, right?

So, here I am.  Only 8-ish weeks left to go.  I am stoked that the nursery's coming along quite well.  We had our bi-annual trip to Mecca (I mean, IKEA) two weeks ago.  So, now we have the dresser for the room.  Crib's up and the changing table just has to be re-painted.  I love the wall color - thanks Mikey!  Clothes (from my awesome friends and family) have been sorted by size and just have to be washed.  I'm so excited!

Here are a couple of preggo pics - just because I love preggo pics.

23 weeks

27 weeks

Psst - it's GMBOA time again!

Go check out Rainyday's post to kick off the GMBOA giveaway!  Follow the rules, enter to win, and good luck!