She'll be comin' around the mountain when she comes

In just a couple days I'll be entering the third trimester...hooray!  Things have been going really well and for that, I could not be more grateful.  I haven't gained that much weight, relatively speaking.  I do expect to pack on a few more lbs in the next 3 months.  I don't want to jinx myself, but I may be one of those women who other pregnant women hate.  Other than lots of throwing up for the first 24 weeks, I haven't had many other horrible pregnancy symptoms.  So far the only swelling I've had was when we went on vacation and I sat for too long in the car.  I've only gotten bigger where the baby is and a little in my face, but again, I think I'll get more round in the next few weeks.  I expect to develop a double chin.  Or maybe a triple.  Go big or go home, right?

I consider myself very blessed, even through all of the throwing up and stretch marks, that I have been able to carry this baby as far as I have.  I recognize that conception itself is a miracle and that every other little development is significant in its own right.  I would never have chosen to become pregnant because I don't like to be in situations in which I'm not in control.  If you need a little lesson in total dependence on the Lord, get pregnant or start an adoption! 

She is starting to kick me super hard these days.  It's so cool to have her kick my hand off of my stomach!  I love to look down and just see her twirling around.  It's also very reassuring.  I am a big worrier but I have really been at peace this whole time with everything.  What a nice change of pace!  Perhaps that will mean some lifestyle changes even after she's born.

Here are some things I can no longer do that no one warned me about.
*I can't fit in most bathroom stalls.  They're shrinking everywhere.  It's an epidemic, and it must be stopped.
*Paint my toe nails.  I wasn't aware that I needed to budget for pedicures.  I'm considering setting up a Paypal to rectify this situation.
*Sleep.  I. CAN'T. SLEEP.  No amount of pillows, pee breaks, and fans can help me sleep for longer than 2 hours at a time. 
*Exercise anonymity.  I'm a wallflower.  I would rather have the floors open up and suck me down than to have people notice me.  But now, everywhere I go, people are staring.  Not at me, but at my belly.  Can you actually see my belly button holding on for dear life? 

On the flip side, here are some new things that I can do.
*I feel beautiful.  There, I said it. 
*Grow people.  Obviously.
*Plan ahead.  I consider myself a dreamer, but that is definitely not the same as a planner.  Planning takes organization.  I have already decided what she will wear in her newborn pictures, planned her first birthday party, and chosen where she will attend college.  Just kidding about that last one.

Here's to the third trimester!