3rd Trimester, Here I Come!

The last few weeks have been a flurry of activity as I've begun to really grow, and started to plan baby showers, birthing classes, pediatrician interviews and thinking about getting this house ready for a newborn.
I haven't gotten very far on this last task yet, as I have almost nothing to use in getting ready! Once we get some furniture, I will move my office, and then we can start painting, assembling, decorating and fighting about the nursery.
Aiden is really growing, and moves so much! I never get sick of it, and am falling more in love with him every day! I can't imagine what it'll be like when we actually have him with us.
Many moms (old and new) have been giving me advice on which things to buy and which routines to try, so thanks to you all! It's hard to judge by information on the internet and in books what will really make sense for me and my baby.
And I can't believe how quickly time flies! I am 26 weeks this week, and a week away from entering my 3rd trimester.... I also can't believe how one day pregnancy is suddenly much more "real" than it was the day before! I had a lady ask me at water aerobics class a couple of weeks ago if I was even pregnant, to which I took great offense - and then, one week later, I was getting into the pool for the same water aerobics class when my bathing suit actually popped open! Unfortunately, the damage was irreparable, despite the attempts of several prego ladies and the aid of a few safety pins....I went home dejected and un-aerobicized. Needless to say, my body had undergone some changes in that week!
And now, with this boy riding high and stuffed up into my ribs and lungs like a bunch of pot stickers that won't digest, I often am very short of breath without much of an obvious reason. I often have to explain to clients the reason for my difficulty with simple things like speech and movement after very little strenuous activity on my part (like unlocking a front door or bending over to determine the make and model of a furnace).
Really, though - I can't complain in the least. This boy is healthy and strong, and so am I. I'm surrounded by amazing people and have two loving families that have been so supportive as we transition to a "real" family. I've chosen to birth naturally, without the aid of any drugs, and am looking forward to hopefully accomplishing that! Mostly, I just can't wait to have this little guy with us...