Under 100 Days Until New Baby is 40 Weeks!

I completed my 26th week of the pregnancy today. That means I have 98 days left until I am 40 weeks. Wow - that flew! I am so incredibly thankful that God has seen fit to give me so many amazing pregnancies. I feel fantastic! I feel like I am gaining a lot of weight, like I did with the girls, but feel very strongly it's a boy.

I'd honestly rather gain a lot of weight than be sick and miserable any day. I have no idea how I would have survived if I had been sick during any of my pregnancies. The Lord knows how little I can handle in that department, probably. Chances are we'd just have Samuel running around all alone had I gone through what some others I know went through. I am so thankful my pregnancies have been non-eventful so far. As I'm sure Sam is, too. I do not take this lightly. I am aware there are countless number of women around the world who cannot even bear a child, so gaining more weight than desirable seems like it should be a pretty petty issue in my mind.

People are certainly not making comments along the lines of "oh, wow, you don't even look like you're pregnant unless you look at your belly!" or "My! You are so tiny!" And, for all the selfish and superficial reasons in the world, a part of me wants to hear those comments. I want numerous perfect pregnancies and births and look amazing through it all. HA! Oh first world problems...

I don't really ever stress about my body, except when I'm pregnant, so having to go to a big fancy wedding last weekend surely put my self esteem to the test. I was going to be seeing people I haven't seen in years and didn't like how I looked. But, I really didn't want to let a few extra pounds ruin my mood. Instead I wanted to embrace this season of life and enjoy myself and others. I think I did okay for the most part.

Looking at these pictures below, I honestly cringe at how fat I feel like I look. But, I know I'm the only one who truly thinks about it at all. Andy tells me every day how beautiful I am and how adorable I look pregnant. But, he's not the one carrying all the extra weight, so it's easier for him, I'm well aware. But, I still wish I had the same perspective he does. I'm working on it.

I lose all the baby weight eventually, so that is my comfort, but with each pregnancy I wonder if this time will be the time it never comes off. We shall see. But, for now, I want to embrace this life I've been blessed with, and not grow bitter at the effects that come with this miracle growing in my womb. And, I know this precious baby is surely going to want pictures of his/her mama when they were growing in her belly. So, here they are...

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I adore this picture of my mom. She looks so happy and beautiful. She just radiates.

My love and me.

The stunning bride and me. I kinda have another sister... and she is awesome!