My second pregnancy has been much different from the first,
in part (I suppose) because I now have a two-year old to enjoy while also
growing this new little one. In fact, I’ve been so busy that I rarely take time
these days to reflect on how very happy I am to be ushering in new life all
over again.
Because I’m tired, almost all the time.
Take for example
Briggs’ birthday party. It was a wonderful gathering of family and friends
(with grandma graciously agreeing to host at her place). But even without the
extra cleaning, hosting a rather simple birthday party was truly exhausting.
Being on my feet all day is not something my twice-pregnant body much enjoys,
and my body fought back by allowing a head cold to become another sinus
infection…so I’m still tired and sick, a week out from the
festivities.
I say this not to gain
sympathy exactly, but to admit that this pregnancy has been a juxtaposition of
challenges and joy, almost constantly. In spite of all the “woes” of pregnancy,
I am really, truly, wholeheartedly happy…and sometimes I just need to say that!
You just might miss it in our initial conversations, because
the tired Emily almost ALWAYS speaks first. Then, after I’ve had my moment, I
tend to allow the happy sunshine to stream through. I just wish sometimes the
sun would shine brighter than my complaints. The truth is, I am extremely
fortunate for this pregnancy, for the health of my family, for a supportive
community around me, for friends who understand and sympathize with the
frustrations of varicose veins, an achy body, mood swings, fatigue, (and the
gazillion other pregnancy symptoms you can google at your leisure). I am
fortunate to have a career in which I am called to tend my soul as well as
others’ because it gives me spiritual perspective, especially when the tired
Emily wants to take over.
So hear this from the happy Emily- the next 2 ½ months might
not be my most physically pleasant, but I do feel blessed with this chance to
discover yet again how powerful and miraculous our God truly is. And I am
fundamentally happy to offer my body for the process of fostering another new
life (at least while I sit here comfortably with my feet up!) J
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| Photo Cred- AJ Munger |
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