Top Ten: The Little Things

It’s seems appropriate that today I give tribute to the “little” things I’m thankful about in this pregnancy. Little kinda seems to be the way we roll this time around. The weeks are ticking away (yesterday marked 34 weeks – only 6 to go!) and I know I will soon close this chapter of my life. Still not sure if I’m ready to do that, but that’s another blog post 🙂

There was a special saint who was often known for her “little way” and I find that it’s no coincidence…St. Therese of Lisieux. She was born in Lisieux, France and Scott and I had the opportunity to visit there on our trip to Europe this spring. I was just 11 weeks pregnant when we visited her shrine. I have no doubt – no doubt – that her intercession has been a pillar of strength during this pregnancy.

Ok, on to why you logged on today…

TOP TEN: THE LITTLE THINGS

1. The sweet words people, both friends and strangers, have shared with me. Things like, “You’re glowing” (even when I felt lousy) or “Five kids – that’s awesome!” All those kind words you share with a pregnant woman don’t go unnoticed. In fact, sometimes it makes our day.

2. The babysitting. Just last weekend one of Scott’s co-workers offered her daughter’s babysitting services (for free!!) so Scott and I could enjoy a kid-free lunch. She kept saying how it was no big deal. Oh contrare. It was the highlight of our week – uninterrupted time with each other.

3. The bathroom pass. Now that I’m finally looking preggo, this has got to be the biggest perk. I mean, if you have to pee every 15 minutes, it’s nice to know you never have to wait in line.

4. The door holding. I don’t think I’ve opened a door in the last several months. Dads, other moms, kids, senior citizens – they’ve all been more than happy to open the door for me and the gang. And, a few have even offered little thing #1 – a double dose.

5. The photos. Ok, while technically not a little thing in anyone’s book, the gift of our photographer’s time to shoot photos of me and the belly in 105-degree heat counts as a huge thing. I will cherish those photos forever.

6. The bowls of ice cream. I have always been a lover of lactose, especially when it’s made in Brenham. Inevitably, ever night, I look over at Scott and smile. He hops off the couch and says, “What flavor? Banana split or chocolate chip cookie dough.” And then I laugh because he always knows the answer. Banana split baby.

7. The back. I have to give kudos to God on this one. Just before I delivered Clare, my back when AWOL on me and I was in pain for 6 months. Serious pain. God must’ve known how incredibly difficult that was and blessed us with many graces this time around.

8. The doctors. At first, I was not a fan of our perinatologist. I thought he was a little too honest, a little too blunt. But, in the past three months I have come to appreciate his candor…and I’ve even seen some glimpses of a deeply spiritual, compassionate man. It was luck (or perhaps providence) that we landed in the office on his day. Whatever it was, I am humbled by how much he cares about us and Baby W.

9. The conversations. Sometimes God gives you a situation and you’re able to have a splendid conversation with someone that you would’ve never had otherwise. I’ve learned so much about other women and their pregnancies – so much about the preciousness of life – so much about how we all struggle in one way or the other. It’s been a privilege to listen to other people’s stories and to share in their joy.

10. The tears. There have been a lot shed (perhaps one or two as I write this), both in joy and in despair. But all of them have been purposeful. They allowed me to get it out of my system and be a big girl.

Not sure how much longer Baby W and I get to co-habitate, but I’m loving the days I have left. Soon enough, my puffy ankles at the end of the day, my too-tight maternity shirts, my inability to climb the stairs without having to pause for a breath – those will all be a distant memory. Captured here on the blog for me to reflect upon and laugh. For now, while we look forward to the healthy delivery of Baby W, I’m also working hard to make sure I enjoy today. In all its glory.