I can’t believe after all the planning and preparing that we’re down to the final days before we bring Henry into this world. Many people have asked whether or not I’ve enjoyed being pregnant. I some mixed feelings about this question. There is a lot of discomfort (and pain, though mostly at the end) associated with pregnancy. The lower back pain, stretch marks, heat rash, digestive issues, leg cramps, insomnia, etc. are not something I would normally welcome on a day to day basis. However, when you think about the life you’re bringing into this world and how temporary it all is, the discomfort seems pretty trivial. On a scale of 0 to miserable, I think I’ve had a pretty blessed pregnancy so far. I won’t say that I’ve felt like some sort of maternal goddess with glowing skin who radiates happiness, but I also haven’t had any health issues or been put on bed rest like so many other women have.

Psalms 127:3 – “Children are a blessing from the Lord; the fruit of the womb a reward.” Don’t fret over the changes, the upcoming sacrifices, but rather rejoice in the gift and the Giver!

If I will miss anything about being pregnant, it will be rubbing my belly. I think this is something I’ve done since the first trimester and it’s both comforting and helps me enjoy the bond that Henry and I have. Especially once he began to “rub” back:) I’m so excited for Dan to meet him and feel him. While it would be biologically awkward/impossible for men to share in the human growing process, it does seem unfair that they don’t get to experience the bonding process until after delivery. Dan has both felt and seen Henry move through my belly (AND uterus, AND amniotic fluid), but I know that it isn’t quite the same.

Henry is still doing quite well in the womb. His biophysical profiles (baby’s bp, movement, breathing and use of fluid) have all been great and as of his last measurement scan (on June 19), he was just over 6 lbs. I don’t think Dan and I could be any more ready on the “pre-delivery checklist” side. Henry’s room is ready, his bassinet is set up in our room, his diaper bag, the breast pump, the hospital go bag, car seat, etc. are all packed up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. I’ve even prepared a few make-ahead meals that can be thrown in the oven or crock-pot so we can focus all of our attention on Henry (and sleep) when we come home. The rest is in the Lord’s hands.

The doctor and I discussed induction at my check-up this week. Dan and I have always kind of gone back and forth on this topic, but we always agreed it’s best to let him “cook” as long as possible and come when he’s ready. However, after discussing it further (and being so close to our July 9 due date) Dan and I have decided we are going to TRY to schedule delivery for sometime next week. I know that induction only starts the process and doesn’t guarantee a delivery time, but I’m secretly (or not-so-secretly) hoping for a 4th of July baby:) I also realize how little of this is actually in my hands, but at the end of the day (whatever day that ends up being) all I really care about is getting to meet my little guy. This post will close with a verse I think will guide us not only through delivery, but through parenting (and life) as well.

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Also, here are a few pics that my friend Christina took during a maternity shoot last weekend. I’ll stop complaining about how big I look this time, and just let you enjoy her work!