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Week 26

Dear Jellybean,

So. Let's talk.

You've been kicking and moving, a LOT. And you know what? I like it.

In the last couple of days, you have been making yourself known in a big, big way. There have been some really big kicks, not to mention some protruding bumps out of my belly! We have been excitedly hypothesizing about whether we're feeling bums or knees or elbows. I've started feeling you more and more during the day, too, which is fun!

The doctor said it's completely normal that I'm feeling a lot more "downward pressure" from you, which I totally am. Something about all those muscles getting weaker from the previous pregnancy. (So that's where my six pack and washboard abs went!)

In the last week, I have started to feel big, really really big. I feel like you are growing - or at least I am! You are now about two pounds and about 14 inches long. My belly is starting to look proudly maternal! At least there is no doubt now that I am pregnant - people are starting to notice and ask me when you are due to join us here in the real world.

We already have a name for you! Of course it's going to remain a secret until you arrive, but we came up with the name on the day that we found out you were going to be a little boy and have been "test-driving" it since then. It feels pretty good, so we're more or less set on it.

This week, I started to feel as though I was getting anxious for the pregnancy to be over. I'm still secretly fearing that whole giving birth thing, but I'm eager for it to be over for so many reasons.

Partly it's because I'm looking forward to having my body back to normal. It's been increasingly more difficult to keep up with the day-to-day activities of being a full-time mother with my growing belly.

But mainly, it's because I just can't wait for you to get here. I can't wait to hold you in my arms, smell that new-baby smell, and tickle your little feet.

There's still a ways to go though - an entire trimester - so I promise to sit tight and patiently look forward to your arrival. Keep growing well and kicking hard!

With love,
Mama