26 weeks

*The baby is now ... Two pounds!! (Feels like 20.)

*How I'm feeling: Oh-so-very pregnant. Things like going up stairs is certainly taking a little more effort. But I'm trying to stay as active as possible for as long as I can because I think that is a big reason why I continue to feel pretty good.

*Physical differences from last week: I got huge. I went from "aw, cute little baby bump" to "undeniably pregnant" to "whoa, look at the pregnant lady!" in the span of about two weeks. Last night, as we were getting ready to go to bed, I asked Mike, "When did this happen?! When did I get this big?!" His response: "Yesterday, I think." I swear, it happens over night.


*What's been on my mind: This week's task is to finally get rolling on getting a will made up.

*What I'm looking forward to: Friday is my one-hour glucose test, which is the initial screening for gestational diabetes. If I fail it, I have to go back for a three-hour diagnostic test. If I pass, I'm all clear. Fingers crossed! I really don't want to deal with the three-hour test, so I'm hoping to pass with flying colors. I should also get to hear the little guy's heartbeat again, which always makes me happy.

*Other random thoughts: On Sunday, we toured the hospital where I'll be delivering. We got all sorts of information on where to park and where to check in, depending on what time of day I go into labor. We saw the high risk delivery rooms, the OB triage, and the regular labor, delivery and recovery rooms. It was sort of fun to be around a group of other pregnant ladies, although it did make me wonder whether I'm waddling like some of they were. I don't think I am.

Anyway, it was nice to see the rooms and be able to picture where it will all go down. Knowing the process of checking in and what exactly will happen (as much as can be predicted) is reassuring. Even so, I think we both left the hospital a little more nervous than when we walked in. I am, of course, nervous about the actual labor/delivery, and seeing the rooms and talking to a nurse about it definitely made it even more real. I am going to give birth, whether I like it or not. Yikes. Mike is nervous about getting me to the right place at the right time. But he has studied his map and taken notes, so I'm not worried about that.

The tour also got us talking about the all-important packing of the hospital bag. I don't think it needs to be packed until I'm about 36-37 weeks. But I think if Mike had his way, he'd pack it tomorrow. I told him we really don't need to pack too much... a cute "going-home" outfit for Ryan, some slippers, comfy clothes for me, etc. But he had other ideas, including several Chapsticks and packages of Skittles (my current obsession). Ahh, that man knows me well. And to know that he's got the Chapsticks covered is pretty reassuring.