40 Weeks

Happy Due Date weekend! The countdown that has been winding down since the first weekend of March is here - and do you want to know what happens at the end of your 40 weeks? Well, for me, nothing. Just another beautiful weekend to enjoy relaxing, watching football and eating good food with good friends. No complaints here...except that at any moment, I could go into labor. No big deal...I got this, or at least am hoping I do.

It's funny how Marc and I have been talking, guessing, day dreaming and planning November 12th for most of 2011. You know that feeling you get on Christmas eve? Well, maybe you don't unless you love Christmas as much as I do. There's something so magical about waking up on Christmas day...I just absolutely LOVE it! And yes, I am a 27-year-old and proud to admit it. Well, leading up to Sam's due date, I anticipated a similar feeling but instead it's going to be more like a surprise Christmas morning with contractions and some minor freaking out, but there is an awesome gift at the end of it.

So what to do until then....

Well for one, I'm overnested. I don't think there is one more room, closet or drawer that can be cleaned or organized. They say that planning a party is the best way for you to get things done around your house. I disagree. Pregnancy is. More projects have been accomplished at our house in the last 9 months...and I have loved every moment of it. Organization is one of my love languages for sure. So, nesting...check.

Next on the list...getting ready for maternity leave at work. Check. I have crossed off every task on my to-do list. So...I'm a little curious about what I'm planning to do in the office next week if Sam hasn't arrived (dare I say it...plan ahead?!!).

Take lots of naps. Check. Last Saturday, after eating breakfast, I took a nap. Then, after dinner, I took another nap. Then I went to bed. Also, the nasty cold (who is attempting to hang on by a thread) afforded me plenty of napping opportunities this week as well as more than enough time to watch more tv shows and free movies On Demand including Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride 2. Also, catching up on tv. Check.

Our bags are packed, the car seat is in and sooooo I'm wondering what I'm going to do while we wait for Sam's arrival....

Well, as I've avoided an all-out panic attack because I really don't have anything looming over me that needs to be done, I realized my brain finally has some capacity to just enjoy the beautiful fall weather and give thanks for the many blessings God has given us during this time. Which of course now I'm realizing I've carving out time at the end...so typical. My devotion yesterday even said, "If you're bored with what you are doing, fill your time with prayers and and praise." It's amazing what you can hear God tell you when you finally sit still.

This pregnancy has been such a sweet time. I have been so blessed by a wonderful network of support through family, friends, co-workers, our church, the kids and their families and even perfect strangers. People LOVE pregnant women. Just the other day, I was at the grocery store when a woman came up to me and said, "Oh thank God you're pregnant. I'm pregnant too and feeling so nauseous. Can I take this medicine?" Well first off, I've never had a perfect stranger tell me they were thankful to see me at the grocery store. I realized that she felt comfortable approaching me because we shared the bond of pregnancy.

I'm so thankful for what the Lord has taught me during this time. How He has gently reminded me of who is in control and how He has opened my eyes to see His creation woven into my routined life. How thankful I am that He chose me and Marc to be Sam's parents. And, how much I am reminded through this how much He loves me. I'm thankful for the lessons that the Lord has taught me during this time that has and is preparing me to be a parent. And, the Lord's very blatant reminder that I will not be perfect and have to rely on Him...for everything. Finally, I'm thankful that the Lord has allowed me an opportunity to work with a group of kids who have helped prepare both Marc and I for parenthood. They allowed me grace to love them as family and make some mistakes in the process.

As Sam's arrival has approached, I've cherished every moment Marc and I have shared in the past 4 1/2 years and the sweet quiet moments we've shared together in the past few weeks. I'm so thankful for the adventures we experienced as a couple. And, the ups and the downs that have allowed to us become better friends and a stronger couple. I'm excited to experience the adventure of parenthood with him. I'm thankful for his support and gentleness during my pregnancy....for every emotional moment he endured, his patience as I perfected every part of our home, for every time I woke up in the middle of the night and he asked if I was ok. For every time he reminded me of how beautiful I was when I felt like a stretched out ball of lard.

Lastly, I'm so thankful for Sam! Thankful for his health and thankful that he made being pregnant so fun and non-eventful. We are so excited to meet you Sam and I will say we're getting more and more anxious to finally lay our eyes on your precious face, but you come out when you're ready. We'll be here!