And just like that, there go the 70’s! Hello, day 69.

The super sweet lady who rang me up at Trader Joe’s tonight was so gracious and kind when she noticed my bump. She had such nice things to say, which was a total pick me up that I didn’t know I needed today. She asked me when I was due, and then how many more weeks to go. When I said “nine or so, I think,” her reply was, “Oooh, it’s coming up soon!” I so appreciate the kindness of strangers and glass half full conversations at any juncture, but especially in pregnancy.

For some reason, saying “ten weeks to go” sounded like a lot longer. Double digits, maybe? Depending on the day and what I’m wearing, people either look at me wide-eyed with sympathy or shock, or they say kind things and make me feel good in my pregnancy skin. I’m quite grateful for the latter. Being as short as I am, our babies tend to grow outward quickly at this stage. And where else would they go, really? But I’m always amazed at people’s comments and looks anyway, as though I have an extra appendage growing there, or maybe like I should be in labor as we speak.

I’m pretty accustomed to the bump, honestly. It really doesn’t bother me. I generally love being right at this stage, before I’m feeling completely done, but close enough that the end is in sight. The summer calendar suddenly seems to be slipping away, and I never thought it would go quite so fast. August will be here next week already…seems like it’s impossible, but it’s true.

When the temps start to cool just a bit, and as we all settle back into the routines of late summer/early fall, baby will be on the horizon and I will feel so ready. I know I will. No matter how many more items there are to check off of lists, my heart is just feeling more prepared to greet this baby and to be the family of five that we’re becoming.

Most days lately, I’m somewhere between feeling completely stable and totally ready to fall apart at any moment. These third trimester hormone changes are something fierce, although I think I’m generally hanging in there ok 🙂 As a family, we’ve been making big decisions on what feels like every front, so baby decisions are welcome and refreshing to me. I’m glad to focus more and more on this season of preparation as certain things start falling into place.

We wandered through Buy Buy Baby tonight looking at car seats and a few other things we’re ready to replace for baby, and it was fun to think about having baby items around the house again (although I must admit I am waaaaaaay more practical as I walk through that store this time around). The first time we looked at baby items, I saw uses for ALL of the things. This go around, I’m more in the camp of “Where’s the streamlined version? The simple one? The lightweight one? The one that will take up the least amount of visual and physical space?” I’m feeling so much more pragmatic, while still enjoying the thought of a few new items that will be better for our home and will update some of the gear that has seen its day after getting us through two kiddos.

Today was crazy hot here, and I could feel it as soon as we stepped outside this morning. Every last bit of heat and humidity took it out of me like it hasn’t before. Tonight, I’m looking back on a good, full, family-centered Saturday, and also feeling entirely ready for a good night’s sleep. Baby’s movements are getting very pronounced, which is adding to some discomfort. There’s a bit more hesitation on my part to attempt any major projects at this point, although I do get a good second wind here and there, and my mental/emotional motivation levels are high.

One thing at a time seems to be the necessary approach, and I’m just getting better at recognizing my limits. Yet another thing baby has taught me in this growing process.

I’m so grateful for the journey–for every bit. Maybe some days feel harder at this stage of pregnancy, but the reward is so great, and it’s getting ever closer. I love that we are moving toward hope and life and new joys each and every day.

looking for lovely and finding it in so many places,

mm