2/3 of the way!

Today begins our third trimester. The second trimester seemed to go a lot faster than the first. I'm starting to feel very huge, and running into things with my big belly is now a daily occurance. It's getting a lot more difficult to turn over in bed and bend down to pick things up off the ground. It's fascinating to watch my belly get bigger every day. Just when I get used to it being one size, it gets bigger. :) Jeff and I looked at some baby dolls in the store the other day that are about the size of Alyssa, and we were amazed at how big she's getting!!!

Alyssa and Kitten (our little siamese cat) seem to have a special relationship already. Kitten lays against my belly every night, and I think Alyssa knows she's there, especially when she purrs very loudly, because she kicks her a lot. I hope that they still like each other after Alyssa is born and Kitten's jealousy has set in. ;)

Alyssa woke up and started moving this morning when I talked to her. It's neat to know that she hears my voice and responds like that. She probably doesn't have a clue that I'm actually talking to her, but it's fun anyway. :)

Hiccups

Alyssa keeps getting major hiccups this morning (beginning at 3:30a.m., of course), which is pretty amusing to feel and watch! :)

We had a great Thanksgiving, and Alyssa finally kicked/hiccupped for some grandparents and her Uncle Brian. She seems very happy and healthy in there. Alyssa also got to experience day-after-Thanksgiving shopping beginning at 4:00 a.m., her favorite time of the day. She didn't seem to mind at all. She was pretty lucky to shop in such comfort-she didn't even know how cold it was outside. :)

We made another visit to the doctor on the 17th to check out some possible problems, but everything checked out okay. My next visit is next week, and I'll get some more bloodwork done around that time.

Getting closer

I ended up with a sinus infection this week but am doing better now. Alyssa got to experience her first "drug high" when I had to use my asthma inhaler Wednesday. I thought the poor girl was going to jump right out through my belly button! :) But thankfully she didn't, and we're both feeling better now.

Our doctors appointment went very well. It was fairly uneventful, which is what we hope for. After going for almost three months without gaining any weight, I gained three pounds in two weeks, which seemed like a lot to me, but the doctor said I'm doing great. Besides, I am still blaming part of it on the heavy shoes I was wearing. :) I got my official information sheet on pre-term labor, which is comforting in an odd way because it's a reminder that Alyssa is old enough to probably survive on her own now. (We're certainly praying that she stays put for a few more months, but it's nice to know that she is getting so big and strong.) The doctor sent some labwork away to make sure that my ten-minute bladder capacity is because of Alyssa sitting on my bladder and not because of a bladder infection. Since I haven't heard anything from his office about the results, I have a feeling that I had better get used to staying close to the bathroom for a while. :)

Jeff is really excited for Alyssa to come so he can see her. He is getting nervous about having a baby. He is already practicing his breathing techniques (just like Bill Cosby) for labor coaching. :) By the time we go to our childbrith classes in a few weeks, Jeff will probably be able to teach the class. :)

Kicking for Daddy

Alyssa is growing, and her daddy got to feel her kick yesterday!!! :)

I have a little sinus/throat bug, which is no fun since most cold and pain medicines are off-limits. But I'm so thankful to have this little girl growing inside me that it makes it not seem so bad to be sick. When I'm lying awake at night because I don't feel well, Alyssa keeps me company by kicking my belly. :)

We see the OB tomorrow afternoon. I'll post an update if there is any news to report.