27 weeks

Dear Baby,

In the busy life I lead with your siblings, I have spent the last few months often forgetting that I am pregnant.

I don't forget that I am pregnant anymore.

When I sit down, you are sitting in my lap. Quite literally. My tummy is sitting there on my legs and I feel it. It is a reminder that you are there.

I cry a lot more than normal over the littlest things. For example, on Friday morning I began quietly reading the book, "Faith Training: Raising Kids who love the Lord," before your siblings woke up.

(from page 5) ...God blessed her with a daughter in the delivery room, He wasn't just saying, "Congratulations. You're about to become a parent!" he was saying, "Push, Doris, push! And with a few more pushes, you're about to become the coach of one of my dear little runners. Train her to run well, Doris. For her success depends on your training."

I cried. Thankfully I hadn't put on my mascara yet because then I cried some more. I suddenly felt completely overwhelmed with the task before me. I felt completely in awe that God would entrust our family with another one of His special children and I just cried a mix of overwhelming joy, a little fear, and a lot of pregnancy hormones.

Then I got myself together and woke up your siblings. But in that little moment, I was reminded of your presence again.

I am tired. Oh so tired by the end of the day. I know there is a lot on my plate, but even with a nap I find myself exhausted most nights. This is yet another reminder of your growing little body.

I feel your movements everyday now. I don't have to really sit and concentrate anymore. If I am sitting still at all, I can feel your movements. The moving isn't a general movement anymore either. I can feel specific types of movement now...an arm, an leg. It isn't too uncomfortable...yet, so I am able to enjoy it!

It won't be long till you are kicking me in the ribs.

Normally I give very little thought to my sciatic nerve. But your growth is an ever increasing reminder that this nerve does in fact exist in my body. And right now, during the day it yells at me, "Rest lady! Put up your feet!"

I am trying to obey and remember my priorities. You are one of them and you need me to take care of myself.

Some of my early on maternity clothing does not fit anymore. The pants are too tight and I have had to put them away. Yet another reminder that you are going to join us soon.

Very soon.

I took a look at the calendar and it occurred to me that 27 weeks is in the third trimester!

Very Very soon little one. And we can hardly wait!