Weeks 26, 27, 28, 29

How far along: 29 weeks

Baby Size: A cabbage
Weight gain: 24 pounds
Maternity clothes:  Sure am, and I'm still collecting them.  I can't seem to have too many pairs of black maternity pants, and lately I've been loving the flow sweater tunic tops (non-maternity) in a size larger than I typically wear. What's interesting is that I'm still at the stage where I can just barely manage to disguise my bump so that it doesn't attract attention -- twice in the past week I've alluded to my pregnancy while talking to strangers, and they both looked down and were surprised by my stomach.  I think it has something to do with darker colors and layers of sweaters or scarves -- that's one good thing about being pregnant during the winter!
Sleep: Has gone way downhill in the past couple of weeks. I'm not sure if it's just due to pregnancy hormones, or anxiety about "the big day" or my frequent trips to the bathroom, but I can't seem to get any quality sleep. I did talk to my doctor, and got approval to take Unisom on nights where I really need to get some shut-eye.  Unfortunately, for me, Unisom leaves me groggy the next morning, so it's sort of a catch-22 as to whether I'd be groggy from the pills or just exhausted from lack of sleep.  Hoping to improve somewhat in this area, even though I know sleep will shortly become somewhat of a luxury once Miss Priss arrives. 
Gender: Girl!
Movement: Girlfriend is in there taking salsa lessons, I swear.  She's either fast asleep (during the day, when I'm up and moving around) or dancing up a storm (usually after meals or in the evening when I'm just starting to wind down).  At my 3D ultrasound a couple weeks ago I had a latte and a banana to wake her up before I got to the doctor's office, and then the ultrasound tech gave me some chilled apple juice to drink just before they started the show.  Due to all the caffeine and sugar, this baby was dancing like it was her job! She's definitely inherited her father's inability to stay still when she's awake.  We ended up capturing the funniest little video of her feet doing a tap dance inside the womb!
Best moment this week: Passing my glucose test a few weeks ago was a huge moment of relief! As far as the bigger picture is concerned, each passing week leaves me with a little more anxiety surrounding labor, but a little more peace of mind knowing that Baby Girl is one week closer to being fully capable of surviving outside of my body, should it become necessary. I feel like there just aren't enough parenting or labor books in the world to get me ready for this, but I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that this is something I'm just not going to be able to control. 
Looking forward to: Going back for a follow-up 3D ultrasound on Friday (the tech couldn't get a good picture of her face, due to the umbilical cord being in the way) and hoping to see that Girlfriend has gone ahead and flipped head-down since we saw her on the ultrasound last. 

Food cravings: Still nothing I'd necessarily call a craving, but I do happen to still be going through an ice cream phase at the moment. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still with the cheeseburgers. I just want nothing to do with them. 
Labor Signs: I have had short bouts of Braxton Hicks contractions here and there, but nothing too bad. I expect that may change here in the coming weeks, as I'm going to resume drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea to help tone and prepare my body for labor. 
What I miss: Sushi, as always. I had a couple sips of red wine on Christmas Eve, and I have to say, I really don't miss it at all.  Which is strange, considering how much I loved my wine before getting pregnant. 
Symptoms: With the arrival of the third trimester, I've noticed a lot of my first trimester symptoms returning -- a little nausea (typically only in the morning, and for short bursts), a whole lot of fatigue, lots of aches and pains (primarily in my shoulder, from sleeping on my side, and in my abdomen for obvious reasons), and just an overall feeling of being uncomfortable. Also toss in the insomnia and the insanely frequent bathroom breaks (sometimes they come at 10 minute intervals) and I have to say this isn't my favorite trimester so far.  But, I'm trying my best to keep my eye on the prize and to remember that this too is just a "season of life". 
Nursery: Making so much progress! All the furniture is in place, and at this point I'm just tackling some of the smaller details.  I just ordered my floating bookshelves this afternoon, and for Christmas my mom gave me a painting I've had my eye on to hang over the crib. Everything is slowly coming together, and I just love sitting in my rocker and gazing around the room before bedtime every night.  We've managed to create such a serene, beautiful feeling in that room, and I can't wait for this little nugget to be able to take up residence in there!
Belly Button in or out? Still in, but definitely not as deep as it used to be. 
Wedding rings on or off? Depends on the day. Technically, they're still on, but they're nearly impossible to get off at this point.  Now that Christmas is over, I'm hoping I can get back to a lower-carb way of eating and can cut down on some of this swelling. 
Mood: Anxious. Excited. All the usual feels. 
Workouts: No. It's been so hectic around here over the holidays, but I really do need to get into a walking routine. 
Hubby: Can no longer sleep next to me due to my incessant snoring, so he's been sleeping in his office at night. I think he's just as ready as I am to meet her, and we're both just sort of biding our time until the next phase arrives!  He got me a baby gate for the top of the stairs for Christmas (even though we'd agreed not to exchange gifts), and that means more to me than he knows.  I love watching this Dad side of his personality slowly come to the surface! I can't wait to see him in action.