Reminder

Yesterday I kept tripping over things.  Probably 6+ times throughout the day I found myself literally stumbling over trucks, books, shoes, rugs (that have been in the same spot for years), and thinking how in the world I missed that!  I was also bumping into the bathroom vanity, bookcase, etc.  I couldn't get a break, and I couldn't figure it out either.  I was dumbfounded.

I know my eyesight takes a turn for the worse when I'm pregnant, but surely not this much.

Then I remembered.  I looked down and saw this.  Oh yeah.

We're on the home stretch; that "time to get enormous" home stretch.  My feet are invisible.  I am endlessly out of breath.  My hips feel like they're being unhinged from my body.  And quite honestly, I am huge.  Pregnancy is beautiful, though, right?  

I admit I'm not a major proponent of the pregnant belly shot.  I stick with the only-for-documentation-purposes self portrait.  And in this shot particularly, my arm is as unappealing as a shot from the front could have been.  Whatever.   Yet the more this little girl kicks and gets excited, the more I feel like, "What the heck, this is worth it."  With a side of anxiety, too, of course.  

And the truth is, I am so thankful to be having another little one soon.  I'm reminded all too often how lucky I am to be a mom, to be pregnant, to have a healthy child and soon-to-be infant.  I'm reminded all too often of the many who have never and may never live these same experiences, despite their endless tries and deepest hopes.  And my heart sincerely hurts for them.  

Why am I a lucky one?  I don't know.  But I do know I shouldn't complain about the stretch marks, zero sleep (even before she gets here) and utter failure of my current wardrobe.  Instead, I am thankful.  It is a blessing to be running into furniture, tripping over toys and heaving myself out of bed each morning, for these are just reminders of how fortunate I am to be in the position I am.  

Beyond fortunate.