Week 23.  It amazes me how fast time is passing, and at the same time, how far away February still seems.

 
Everything I've read about pregnancy says that the second trimester is the best and that the third is the most uncomfortable.  So far, this has been true for me.  With the exception of the minor lung issue a few weeks ago, I've felt great ever since the nausea went away about week 11.  Now, only three weeks from the third trimester, I'm starting to realize that things are going to change dramatically. 

From now until the February, little Amelia will be growing at a staggering pace.  It's taken her about 23 weeks to reach a weight of about one pound.  In the next 12 weeks, she's supposed to grow almost six times that much, with the biggest growth spurt starting right about now.

I noticed the first big physical changes today.  Up until now, I've had a cute little "baby bump."  This morning, however, I noticed that the bump seems much bigger, much more firm, and much more in the way.  I noticed it while trying to reach that last sock in the bottom of the washer.  I noticed it again when I bent to tie my shoe, and then again at the grocery store when I was unloading our basket.  The discomfort made me a little cranky today and I realized that I'm going to have to implement an attitude adjustment pretty quickly.  This is only the beginning . . . . we've still got a long way to go.

Okay, on to more positive things.  Last week I posted about how Mom Kalahurka and Aunt Martha were constructing a playhouse for Miss Amelia.  Here is the promised photo:

Isn't it amazing?!?

As you can see, it's still under construction, but I think it's pretty awesome.  It's big enough for a couple of kids to SLEEP IN!  Also, the back window opens up in a way sort of reminiscent of a lemonade stand.  Very very cool.  Of course, it will be a few years before Amelia can enjoy it fully, but I'm sure that the Kalahurka neighborhood kids will appreciate it in the meantime.  I have a feeling that the Kalahurka front yard is going to quickly become a very popular play place.

Speaking of the grandparents, let's talk a little about the important issue of official grandparent names.  My parents have been grandparents for some time, and will remain the beloved "Nanny & Paw Paw" to their newest granddaughter.   This is the first grandchild on the Kalahurka side though, and so they had some creative work to do.  They did not disappoint.  Last weekend we found out that Bill's parents will go by the names "Poppi" and "Puter" (pronounced "Pooter").   Puter is short for "Computer Grandma" because we hope that with the help of an internet camera, the Kalahurkas will have very frequent of opportunities to see and interact with their granddaughter, even though when she is born there will be a long distance between us.  I think the names are fantastic.  I have no doubt that between Nanny, Paw Paw, Poppi and Puter, this newest Kalahurka will not want for attention.