. . . bellied, pregnant mama tonight. This week has been quite the whirlwind with one visit to the hospital on account of false labor, one non-stress test (just got home from this one tonight), one ultrasound (earlier today), two birthdays (DH and DD on the same day), a first ever soccer practice, and possibly a baby’s arrival this weekend. If not, I’ll likely be induced in the middle of next week. With all of the craziness, life is good and we are ready for our baby’s arrival.

We’ve been on “high alert” for a couple of weeks now, as the babe has been measuring small in the tummy and femur but her head measurements are right on. There have been many NST’s, a few ultrasounds, plenty of prayers, eating excessive amounts of protein and fat (thank you to my good friends who have supplied me with the most decadent foods known to woman-kind!), and lots of nesting going on. My wonderful DH even caulked the bathtub for me because for some reason it was high on the “must do before the baby arrives” list. We’ve been so blessed with help from neighbors tending kids and a brief stay from one of my sisters and her husband which really made a difference when we had to make a late night trip to the hospital. During all of this, our sweet little A. developed an abcess on one of her front teeth which affected the neighboring two teeth as well and so she had three extractions in one fell swoop. This was a hard one for me as a mom–and she is now finally getting used to having a window in her smile. The same day S. had one tooth extracted and we were confined to eating soft, squishy foods for a bit.

I share this because many of you are close friends and family and perhaps it is also my therapy– I want to remember the craziness that surrounded to the miracle of our little girl’s arrival. Even though things can seem difficult and overwhelming at times–there are SO many blessings squished in between everything. THREE of my best buddies from college have given birth this month. The very day I was “rejected” from being admitted to the hospital with false labor, a good friend was admitted and experienced the safe and healthy delivery of her baby. Miracles happen all around us–and many seem to go unnoticed. I hope to recognize each one.

Lest I go on and on, I’ve got to share a few images captured by my wonderful business partner Kimberly of Tilt Photography during a studio session last week. Kimberly captured some images that I will treasure always–especially that I feel they really show the connection I feel with my children. While I am shy about sharing my baby belly with you all, I am proud of the work my body has done to grow a baby, and I am thankful to have these pictures to remind me of the blessing of motherhood. Be forewarned, this belly hasn’t seen the light of day, well, since I was a baby. 😉