Home Stretch!

Yup! It's another post about me and my pregnancy. The end is finally in sight and I don't feel much different. Sure, my belly has hit the true home stretch. It simply cannot stretch anymore. I can no longer bend the way I want and it makes the PERFECT table now. Other than that, life is still happening around me!

I haven't had the painful contractions everyone warned me about and I feel like I could live another month like this. But thus it is not so. In 3 days from now, little Ellie will be in my arms rather than in my belly. I wanted to take just a moment to share my gratitude for such a wonderful pregnancy I've had.

With little nausea here and there I really cannot complain at all. I was able to go hiking and do lots of other fun stuff without feeling like I was restricted because I was pregnant. The only one who truly restricted me was my sweet husband. He was at my every beckon call (for the most part). Recently I wish he would just let me help!

If there is one thing I wish I would've done differently is that I wouldn't have worked so much. I would've scheduled my time better and actually ENJOYED the easy pregnancy I had. I would've taken the time to really reflect on what a blessing this little girl would be. After all, you are assisting in creating life. Yes, it's natural for a woman's' body to procreate but it's a time for spiritual growth as well. It's a time to realize your full potential and to talk with God that you might guide this child in righteousness. I pray for guidance to raise this little one that has been entrusted to me and my husband.

I've come to realize the absolute best part of pregnancy was having Colton by my side. Even when he couldn't physically be there, his presence was. Luckily my fingers didn't swell so I had the constant reminder of an eternal companion on my left hand. I love seeing him get excited about baby things even though it took him awhile.

I don't know what I would do without him as a companion. When I found out I would be having a c section, I was so distraught! I was mad that the doctors would tell me 4 weeks before my due date that I should lose the ideas of birth I had in my head because they were not going to happen. I was depressed for a whole week. It was not fun to work and I definitely shed many tears in between phone calls and other duties. I kept telling my self that I've accepted it trying to keep my anxiety down. It has definitely resurfaced with full force but it's at least a little comforting that I am not alone. Yes, I may cry for the next three days but this family will be stronger because we will be together.

I am grateful for all the friends who talked me through the hard times and the family that was there in many ways. My family has given me emotional and physical support the whole time and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.

I am so happy to be welcoming Ellie into this mad world. She will be greatly protected by her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I cannot wait to introduce you to her! Thank you all for your love and support.

-Ani

PS
I realize there are a lot of woman who are not given the opportunity to bear children in this life and I am sensitive to that. So to those who struggle or may be deeply saddened by this, just remember all glory belongs to the Father. He has a plan and there is perfect reason behind our trials on this Earth. The true happiness will come in it's own time when we walk with God. In the eternities, if we are righteous, we will have our kingdoms and the families we desire. Some may not even get the chance to marry in this life but the patient will all gain eternal reward.