Setting the Pace

39 weeks ago I started one of the most important journeys of my life. The crazy thing is that at first, I had no idea that I was starting it at all.

At first it was just nausea and two pink lines. It was hard to really believe that there was anything different about me at all. I was still able to run, wear my own clothes, and touch my toes. There was something different about me though; there was a little life growing within me. It started out tiny but it still filled my heart almost to the breaking point. This change came at the highest point of my weight loss journey.

My focus changed from miles and pounds lost to pre-natals and staying strong without harming my belly. Over the next 6 months I started to enjoy seeing the number on the scale moving up (a first for me). I started to think more about the needs of this little life than my own wants. Sure I like veggies but choosing them over chips as a side dish at every meal was more for her than it was for me. Seeing her heartbeat on the screen of the ultrasound was a miracle. It really was true…..there she was.  Then I felt her move for the first time I was laying in bed reading when all of a sudden I felt the tiniest kick in my lower abdomen. Suddenly my little girl could “talk” to me. She could let me know she was doing ok. As time moved on her movements became stronger and more noticeable. She even started responding to the sounds of my voice.

Now, everyone can see her movements. My stomach changes shape when she moves. You can feel tiny elbows, hands, and feet. It is the most magical feeling ever. Now my little girl and I are just days away from meeting each other face to face. I have so enjoyed my time with her just the two of us but I am overjoyed to be able to hold her and watch my husband hold her. It hasn’t all been fun and games. I can no longer touch my toes, my stomach looks like a stretch mark war zone, and the 30 extra lbs aren’t really fun either. I wouldn’t change a minute of it. This has been the best journey of my life. I have learned so much. So much about myself, what I am capable of and just how far I am willing to go to ensure that my family is safe (veggies and all).

5 days until my due date. Some time in the next two weeks (they won’t let me go any longer than that) I will get to hold my little girl. I reach the end of this journey and start a new one.

I cannot wait to see what the future holds.