I Made It!

Ever since learning I was pregnant, I made a mental goal to make it to 27 weeks. I think I read that baby's chances of survival triple once you're past this point. Or maybe I just noted that it was the beginning of the third (and final!) trimester. Either way, as of today, I did it.

27 weeks, baby!

Here are some of the things I am loving about being pregnant:

• Mike being much more willing to go grocery shopping with me (thanks to the fainting episode, I believe).
• Random people being totally excited I am pregnant.
• Feeling this fun comradeship with the 15 other girls in my ward that are also pregnant.
• Watching my tummy move all around while laying down. Watching Mike's initial reaction to this was classic - I think it could be described as a mix of fear and awe.
  
• Planning what the nursery will look like.
• Looking forward to registering for gifts and a baby shower.
• Feeling closer to Mike as we've both started to be excited and expectant.
• Seeing the little guy every month at my ultrasound and laughing at his unusual poses and fighting spirit.
• Getting to buy baby clothes.
• Having all the doctors I work with call me "preggers," "momma," etc. and pat my tummy.
  
• Feeling the baby's hiccups. So adorable.
• Thinking about the fact that, soon, we will actually have a sweet little boy join our family.

Less than fun aspects include:

• Having less energy- how am I going to get everything done if I need to lie down?!
• Horribly painful leg cramps in the middle of the night.
• A growing tenderness in the belly area from all the kicks and hits I've been getting.
• My nearly constant runny nose - which I hear is one of those less publicized and odd side effects of pregnancy.
• Waking up constantly during the night wondering if I am sleeping on my left side, having to go to the bathroom, being thirsty, etc.
• Watching my leg muscles deplete and my cheeks expand.
  
• Getting more and more nervous each time I yank my wedding ring off. Pretty soon, it's just not going to fit at all.
  

That's it. Overall, being pregnant has been a wonderful adventure, with the good parts by far outweighing the bad. I'm looking forward to the next three months... and beyond!