It's this moment in pregnancy when I know the baby is most likely okay....when the light emerges at the end of the (ever-widening) tunnel...and when I frantically prepare for the chaos that is sure to ensue when this tiny human switches from inside out and turns our lives upside down.
It's crazy, but so so exciting.
Full term is an interesting phrase, because medically it means the baby is (kinda) ready for the outside world...my doc won't stop the process if it begins tonight! But full term reminds me of the many other ways I am "full" at this moment in time.
I'm full of baby, obviously. Knees, fists, a precious little butt- who knows what's all sticking out and rippling through my belly at this point!?!
I'm full of anticipation. As the weeks wither away, it's getting harder to shut off my brain at night. SO many things to prepare. SO many unknowns to test my patience. SO many memories of Briggs' infancy running through my mind.
I'm full of humility. Sure, baby bumps are cute, right? But they are also incredibly uncomfortable, inconvenient, and strange. I bump into everything. I am constantly looking for the most comfortable position, which is often the least flattering. I can't bend over or cough without losing control over any number of bodily functions. And I am a public target for everyone's envy, pity, fear, admiration, and just plain curiosity. Oh, and I waddle.
I'm full of awe. I still can't get over how amazing this miracle is. How, despite so many ups and downs, here I am with a big, healthy baby about ready to become a living being entirely distinct from me....and so I pray my thanks that this baby has survived my many rounds of antibiotics, Briggs' brotherly jolts to my belly, and the general stress that has accompanied this pregnancy train.
I'm full of love, the kind that's challenging, invigorating, exhausting, and totally worth it.
Here's to this baby staying put 3 more weeks so this mom can finish out her work schedule and check off as many to-dos as possible before that moment I can never plan for...contractions!!!
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| People say I'm small. Ha! |
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| Briggs needed his photo taken too. |
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| practicing his "cheese!" |
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| Full length shot courtesy of photographer husband and proud papa |
