The Countdown

I have heard women say that every pregnancy is different and now approaching the end of my third pregnancy I can say that is a true statement. (Or at least it has proven correct for me.) So today I am sitting here in my living room 4 days from my due date and what has turned out to also be my induction date as well. I have time today not only to look forward to meeting her, but to reflect on the past nine months as well. Aaron has taken the other two kids to the gym with him so I am enjoying a rare moment of peace and quiet alone at home. (Thanks Babe!)

This seems to be the perfect time to write, especially considering the next week will be a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. So here is a snapshot of my experience this go around. The first 16 weeks or so I had what some would call "morning sickness," which for me was anytime of the day sickness. Several times a week I would be not feeling up to par, but the hardest part was hearing the kids tell Aaron as he walked through the door from work, "Daddy, mommy went blah!" As a side note with all the unpleasantness of getting sick I actually was losing weight instead of gaining. By the time I was half way through my pregnancy I was less weight than when I came in for my first visit.

As I found myself in my second trimester some other symptoms started to pop up. Some familiar and others just seemed to arrive so much earlier than in my past pregnancies. Not to dwell on them but just to name a few: acid reflux, sleeplessness, uncomfortable, lower back pain, numbness in fingers, headaches, and so on. However, what also starting happening during this trimester was I began to feel this little person moving inside me. From week 14 until now I have felt her move everyday and let me say she is a mover and a shaker! The neatest thing is how responsive she is. If anything or anyone touches my belly she will kick right at that spot. I like to rest things on my belly and then watch as she kicks and squirms moving the item all around. The remote control works the best and she has entertained many of our friends by doing this. At night when I roll over and my belly touches Aaron's back he can feel her kicking him. Alaina and Will have also been able to feel their sister move as they sit on my lap. It really has been amazing and fun! Let's just say we may have our hands full when she is born.

Now I am at the end of my third trimester and I feel better than I did a month ago. I am sleeping through the night (with the slight exception of getting up 3 to 4 times to use the bathroom), which is such a blessing to feel this rested so close to delivery. Interesting enough, although my belly is without a doubt bigger than it has ever gotten in the other two pregnancy I am still less weight today then the day I found out I was pregnant. Upon delivering I will be 10 lbs or so less than my pre-pregnancy weight, assuming my doctor is accurate on her prediction that this little lady will be close to 9 lbs.

All that to say I would like to try to articulate my current state of mind as we quickly approach the birth of our third child. There are the normal fears and anxiousness that come along with the process of labor and delivery, but also an underlying peace that my loving God will never give me more than I can handle with His help. The thought of how can I possibly love another child as much as I love the two children I already have has crossed my mind, quickly diminished by the fact that I already have such a deep connection and love for her that will only grow naturally as I meet her and care for her. The strong desire and calling that I feel God has placed on my life to be a mom is only heightened by this experience. The joy this precious girl will bring to our lives and others is immeasurable. Though unplanned in our minds, God has known and prepared for her arrival long before now. This fact only magnifies my overwhelming sense of responsibility to raise her in the love and knowledge of my Savior Jesus Christ. She is a gift from above, entrusted to us to love and cherish.

I can honestly say, that even though I am may not be in life where I pictured myself being at age 29, I would not trade this time for anything in the world. I am married to a loving and supportive man. I am blessed with two healthy, intelligent, humorous, and adorable children. Last, but not least, I am days away from meeting the newest source of delight in my life, my daughter Teagan Marie.