Have I Done This Before?

While pregnancy is opening my eyes to an entirely new world I've never experienced, I somehow feel that I've been here before. Taking one step at a time, listening to my body for signs of change, looking forward to the next big milestone, and waiting anxiously for the prize that awaits me when I've come to the end of this journey. Yes, this is all too familiar. Pregnancy is like a marathon. I've run this race before.

When I first began that run I was so excited to finally get started after all the anticipation and planning leading up to it. Yet at the same time, I was scared out of mind about what lied ahead and how I was ever going to cross that finish line. It seemed like an eternity away.


One foot in front of the other, I settled into a pace I felt comfortable with.

And, of course, it helps to have a support team.


Before you know it, I've arrived at the half-way point - feeling great and amazed I've already made it to this point!

(Only there was a lot more puking to get me to this stage in pregnancy where as, thankfully, there was none of that involved in marathon running. Sorry for that mental image.)

I'm on top of the world right now and feeling physically at my peak (for a pregnant woman). But I have a feeling that at some point in the not too distant future, I'll be more like this:

Needing assistance to get my pants off.

Lucas, that is where you will come in.

But no matter how miserable I feel, I will continue to put one foot in front of the other. Step by step. One milestone at a time.
Until I can see that finish line...

In that moment, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride that I cherish to this day. It was an amazing moment in my life. One of the best. But I know it will pale in comparison to the moment I hold my child in my arms.


Don't get me wrong, I was pretty siked about this medal....

... and the cake.

Truth is, I know our baby girl will change my life forever. And I can't even begin to imagine how amazing it will feel. It is kind of sad that this marathon analogy is the best I've got. But it let's you see how truly special Lily Ann is. Nothing else compares to her.

I'm half way through this journey now. I can't believe time has passed by so quickly. So until I hold her in my arms, I'll cherish every pound I gain, every movement I feel, and all the good morning kisses her daddy can give.

And you can bet
there will be beer at the finish line.