The first day of my 3rd Trimester

Here's the picture I already posted (23 weeks) along with one I took today (27 weeks). Today is the official beginning of my 3rd trimester. I'm feeling great! No nausea, no gagging- I'm so glad that's past. The last month or two, I've found it hard to bend over and tie my shoes. I have to sit on the floor like a little kid. I've noticed several Braxton-Hicks in the last few weeks. My stomach muscles feel weak, so I'm glad my uterus is practicing for the upcoming event. I've felt the baby roll more than usual in the last week. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm on a ride - like Tower of Terror. I don't like that stomach feeling, but it's always fun to know he's there. Sometimes I wonder what he's up to. Some days, he seems to be practicing Disco, with his arms and feet jabbing me. Other days, he's so sneaky and quiet - probably resting from all the previous days' action. The other day, my piano student came in the door and exclaimed, pointing to my belly, "You have a baby!" I guess I'm big enough for people to KNOW I'm pregnant. Kind of a relief because a few weeks ago when wearing a fitted shirt, I felt more pudgy than pregnant. I've been reading baby books and finally got signed up for prenatal classes, starting March 5th. Oh, he's hitting me right now :) I guess he wants to say "Hi" to everyone. In general, a baby that's 27 weeks along is 2 pounds and around 14 inches long. This week, alone, he's expected to grow 1/2 an inch! That's about it for now. I'll probably post another picture update in 4 weeks.

A Call to all Mothers!

Next week officially begins my 3rd trimester. May 14th is starting to feel closer and I'm starting to get anxious about everything to come. I was thinking now would be a good time to read a few books that people found helpful about the transition to motherhood and getting babies on schedules, etc. So I'm asking for any recommendations. What did people read that helped them feel prepared and armed them with knowledge and power :) ??? I'm going to make a trip to the library in a few days and I'm wondering what to get....

"Good Guys Guts"

Landon came home from work yesterday with blood on his socks and scrubs. I don't know why I thought it was funny but I just had to take a picture- maybe because he acted like it was so normal. He said he usually puts booties on in the operating room, but didn't this time. He was just going to wash the socks, but I'd rather throw them away. Who knows what diseases could be lingering in that "ABC blood- mixed with DEF blood" (ah, the good one-liners from "Detective Shrubba" in our family videos growing up...)