28 weeks.

I haven't posted a picture in a while, or taken one for that matter, so for your holiday-viewing pleasure, here I am (This was taken this morning, and I must admit, I didn't know I looked so tired in the mornings!).

I can't believe I've officially hit my third trimester. I feel a bit large and this baby kicks like crazy, but Ryan and I are exceptionally grateful for this experience and we wouldn't have it any other way.

We had a good (read: great, exceptional, amazing, etc) friend lose her baby last week and it sent a shockwave through our home. I think when I was younger I just though that because my mom never had a miscarriage they were super rare and no one I knew had one. We have been deeply touched by the strength of our close friends who struggle with getting pregnant, and staying pregnant, and our thoughts are continuously with them. My sister was telling me that she used to pat her tummy, like you pat a baby's bum, while Gus was in there and I have been tapping this little one more and more as I give him extra hugs and kisses from his daddy and I. For all the unknown out there, we are grateful for this little one in our lives and the experiences (albeit a little strange -- like seeing your skin move or feeling like multiple ping pongs are rattling through my stomach) we have had and are yet to have. The phrase about today being a gift has always seemed a bit corny to me, but especially now I see the beauty and truth in that statement and I am grateful for all that I have and all that is to come.