Things I love about being pregnant

I'm definitely feeling that this pregnancy is winding down, slowly but surely. Come what may, in at most six weeks or so there will be a lovely little lady in our house.  And actually my fingers are crossed (and you can cross yours too!) she comes more around Thanksgiving.

On Wednesday I had an ultra sound to double check that an ache/pain I've been feeling wasn't anything serious. I tell you, it filled me right up with Thanksgiving gratitude to hear the nurse tell me everything looks "perfect." It was strange to see that squished little body in the ultra sound (so different than at 18-20 weeks when you can actually see the body and body parts!).  She's weighing in at 6 lbs 9 oz already, and growing beautifully.

The whole experience has made me think about why pregnancy is in so many ways a joyful time for me. (Minus, I must admit, those weeks of nausea in the beginning. I don't cherish those weeks very much yet. Maybe someday). But on the whole, I really love being pregnant. And for so many many reasons...

• I love the wonder of it all. The absolute miracle of a baby being created inside of me. I simply stand all amazed that this body of mine knows what to do and how to do it. That somehow, a little human life is taking shape. It is truly godly.
• I love the way pregnancy causes me to reflect on my womanhood. It seems that these months stir me up into deep reflection about what it means to be a woman, a mother, a daughter. I become very introspective about my identity in a calming, soothing way.
• Pregnancy pushes me to be more selfless, something I always need help with and for which I am so grateful.
• I love (even as I struggle) the hard work of getting ready for labor and delivery. With both of these pregnancies--for differing reasons and in differing ways--I have worked really hard to be prepared for the climax event of birth. It is soul searching, faith building, and in every way stretching. I am a better person because of it.
• I love the growing belly! It amazes me sometimes that it can get bigger (and yet I know it can!) I smile to see my shadow on the sidewalk or my reflection in the mirror. 
• I love the connection that is made between mother and child during the womb stage. I love the kicks, the little games we play, the imaginings of who and what she'll be. 
• I love the nesting. I must admit, my nesting urges have slowed considerably in the last week or two (even though I still have so much to do!), but on the whole, pregnancy gives me drive and motivation to go, go, go. And I love it. I love the creativity that comes of it all.
• I love the smiles from strangers I get in the grocery store. I even love the random comments from people saying I must be having a big baby (!) 
• And for all I wince over them, I am grateful for all the little aches and pains of pregnancy. The reminder that this body is not my own. I am grateful to be an instrument in the creation process.
• I even love the struggle to eat well (sometimes failing miserably), and to eat as much as I need (which isn't always "for two"), and to not worry about weight gain, but being healthy and enjoying food.

I know a lot of women moan and groan about pregnancy, and I've met my share who decide during their first pregnancy that one is enough. Break my heart. But I also know I have been extremely blessed to be mostly healthy, only really sick for the first 16 or 17 weeks, and to have normal amounts of aches and pains. I have nothing to complain about. In fact, someone commented to me this last week, "You sure smile a lot for being pregnant!" It took me totally by surprise and made me glad. I hope I always smile when I'm pregnant.

As this pregnancy is ending, it makes me grateful and glad to think that this is mostly likely (hopefully!) not my last. We have a few to go, I'd say. I hope that each one is as wonder-filled and faith-building as this one has been.

Taken this morning: 35 week, 5 days