<< 26 weeks >>

Can someone please tell me how I'm 26 weeks pregnant?!  I'm just about in my 3rd trimester - which still stuns me.  Since the baby isn't due until 2013, I naively convinced myself that I basically had the rest of my life to prepare for her arrival.  Now, it's like "ready or not, here I come!!"

What, tha whatttt?

So since I've got a good bit of pregnancy behind me I thought I'd share the good and the ugly with you.

Source: gravster22.tumblr.com via Hannah on Pinterest

The Good
-Feeling her kick.  And even better, watching Alaa's excitement when she kicks.

- Seeing the genuine happiness on our family & friends face when we talk about the babe.  We are so lucky.
-Being able to eat and not worry if I have a muffin top or not...this is nice.

-Having people do simple tasks for me just so I can stay comfortable.  It's the small things that show you how great people can be.

- Back and feet rubs.  I think these may need to continue post-partum as well. Hmmm

- Getting sweet baby gifts from friends who know how to take care of babies better than I do.

- Sweet ladies at work who chase me down making sure I've eaten breakfast, lunch, and snacks in between.
-Knowing that before we know it we can kiss our babes sweet little fingers and toes.

The Ugly
{These are all in a tone of fun and games..I know that everyone means well!}

-Please do not tell me your birthing stories.  For the love of God, I don't want to know how you were in labor for 21 days / pooped yourself / gave birth to an alien.  Thank you for your understanding.

-Dear cute little cashier in cute little children's clothing store:  I liked you - until you told me that kids were a nightmare.  I'm not disillusioned to think that it will all be fun and giggles, but I did not want to be reminded of the less-than-fun-times to come while I'm buying cute little onesies. 

p.s. did I mention she worked in a children's clothing store?!

-I don't understand what the obsession is with maternity clothes.  "Have you started buying maternity clothes?" is probably one of the most frequent questions I've been asked.  Thankfully, I haven't had the need ( or desire) to.  I'm trying to hold off on that end, but I wouldn't be against investing in belly bands or a pair of black maternity jeans.  But am I ready for a nursing bra?  Not quite yet....

-The infamous phrase : "because you're pregnant..."  Trust me, I have not forgotten.

--Being awoken in the middle of the night with numb arms.  I'm watching you carpal tunnel.

- My intense desire for a Red Bull.  Those suckers better be waiting for me come delivery time!


All in all I'm at the stage where pregnancy is enjoyable.  The little kicks and flutters make the back aches and everything else all worth it.

p.s. a funny birth story