It is funny to me that the last 9 months of my life has been measured in weeks and days. I remember this past spring when I could not wait to reach the 12 week milestone...then 20 weeks...now I've hit term at 37 weeks and we are sooooo ready to meet our baby girl.
I'm a big believer in the motto that "one can never be too prepared". Well I think God is about to teach me a big lesson with having a baby. AS much as I try to prepare for everything she might need, every scenario that could unfold.....I don't think I will ever be ready for this amazing miracle about to enter our lives. I am learning flexibility already and that things won't always be perfect. But Im starting to feel okay with the unknown...the excitement that we get to parent an innocent little being. What will her personality be like? What will she look like? What will her cry sound like? How will our lives change?
I'm often asked, "Did your pregnancy feel like it went fast?" Sometimes I answer that yes it flew by and then other days I think back on it and it feels much longer than 9 months. So much has happened...I feel like I've grown and changed into a mother and Pete a father. I've grown a baby for heavens sakes... Can all this really happen in just 9 months?
Pete has been such a trooper the last nine months; especially the last month as my nesting has soared to a whole new height. We've deep cleaned every corner of the house, we steam cleaned the carpets, we've organized and rearranged and then did it all again, we've put many baby items together, stocked the cupboards, cleaned the cars, took a baby moon, attended our birthing class, and read birthing books. Tomorrow I'm having our air and dryer vents cleaned. HA. There always seems to be just one more thing that needs to be done before "she comes".
BUT my heart is becoming more and more content as each day passes. I feel a peace...Ready or not....our arms are open to hold little Shipley Lucille. As my friend Mel told me the other day, "Maggie-I really don't think you will care if your oven is clean when you get home from the hospital with your sweet baby!" Good advice!
My pregnancy has shown me in more ways that one what an awesome GOD we have! I cannot even imagine how I will feel after I lay eyes on her. The development and growth of a baby is ASTONISHING when experienced first hand...God's protection over mom and baby is OUTSTANDING... and the wave of love I feel in my heart is CAPTIVATING. (Can anyone tell that I'm super sentimental and emotional right now?)
In conclusion. . .pregnancy has been an amazing journey...one I hope I will get to experience again in my life time. BUT I'm ready for the next chapter. My heart skips a beat just thinking about my daughter. Lastly, we are so thankful for our families, friends, coworkers, and the day to day people we interact with that have supported us, encouraged us, and gave us advice for pregnancy and parenthood. For example, the man at the pharmacy told me yesterday I'm in for a "magical" experience having a little girl! :) It has been wonderful having loved ones to share in our JOY!
So let the count down continue...It is less than or equal to 1 week and 4 days till we will meet S.L.M.! Prayers are appreciated for a safe delivery. I will write again with the news of BIRTH! :)
