countdown

one week.

my due date is less than one week away.

my mind has been running a thousand miles a minute, mentally organizing and preparing myself for this little one. i've been nesting and enjoying every minute of it. i'm not sure how my husband feels about it, but for me, it's nice to finally feel like i'm getting things done. well, as much as i can do carrying my baby belly around with me doing it all.

some days, i feel more than ready for baby, and other days, i feel like i could use a little more time. i can't wait to get feeling better and be done with the nausea and constant acid reflux, but it's a wonderful feeling to have this baby safe inside me. i love feeling her kicks and movements and having her so close to me at all times. i love being able to get pregnant, be pregnant and have the privilege to carry and bring these sweet little spirits and bodies into our family. it truly feels miraculous.

the past nine months have gone by quite quickly overall. some days, mostly the days when i was feeling the worst, it felt like it would never end. but overall, most months just flew by. i'm sure it had a lot to do with how busy we've been, looking for, purchasing, fixing up and then moving into a new home. at times i felt like the busy-ness took over and i didn't have the chance to enjoy this pregnancy to its fullest. i have a handful of pictures of me during this pregnancy, not that i wanted a whole lot more, but i feel like i documented nothing well enough during this pregnancy, or even this whole year. i know i shouldn't beat myself up about it too much, not only were we incredibly consumed with life, but my nine-month long sickness certainly had something to do with it as well.

it's nice to have the house all aflutter with all things baby. the newborn clothes and paraphernalia that come with a tiny newborn have been brought out and set-up throughout the house. emaline constantly points to my belly and yells, "mommy's baby in her tummy! baby sister!" and ava always asks if we can talk about the baby, and wonders if she'll "have a lot of hair, or a little hair, or 'none' hair". she even asks to feel the baby and lights up and gasps when she feels a little bump or kick. bryce too, loves to feel and see the baby wiggling around in my tummy and after one conversation reminded me how wonderful tiny little newborns smell. he's truly pleased that we're having yet another girl and this one has already worked her way into his heart. yes, there is a certain buzz surrounding our house and lives, an excitement in the air as we prepare for her arrival.

and i'd be lying if i didn't say how much i was looking forward to the chocolate cake at the hospital. it's been 2 1/2 years since i've been able to taste it, i wonder if it's as good as i remember.

here's hoping i don't have to wait too far past my due date. let the countdown begin... for the baby, of course, not just the cake.