Full Term and Fully Ready!

I realize I haven't said much about my pregnancy this go round. For one thing, I've been way too busy with the other three to really get a chance to think about it. For another, I figure there's not much to add the fourth time around. Been there, done that, if you know what I mean.  But this past week I hit a big milestone, so I thought I should at least write one post with a few belly shots before this sweet baby arrives. We don't want her wondering one day why her mama never mentioned her!

preview from my maternity session...can't wait to see the final edits!

So yes, we've made it to 37 weeks! That means our littlest one is fully formed and should be able to function just fine if she were to make her appearance a little early. I seriously doubt that will happen given my history, but just in case, we are happy to know that she is baked and ready! This pregnancy has been completely uneventful except for the horrid morning sickness of which I've unfortunately grown accustomed. I have felt great, gained weight steadily (but not too much,) and have really had no issues other than occasional indigestion, the need to pee frequently, and now that it's getting closer, just feeling heavy and tired. I am so very thankful that I've been feeling so good and able to do pretty much anything I could do before. It really is a blessing.

The boys are so excited to welcome a baby sister into our family. They love to rub my belly and feel her little parts sticking out, and they love to tell people her name. Don't ask me what it is because I won't say, but ask any one of them and you'll find out without hesitation. Every night at bedtime Leyton tells me that he hopes I sleep good and that he hopes the baby stays in my belly until she's ready to come out. This is in addition to him saying that baby girl is his baby because he prayed for her to be in Mom's belly. How sweet is that?!

We are pretty much all ready to go around here with just a couple weeks left. I finished the nursery except for a few frames that need hanging, and I will post some pictures of that when it's complete. (Brody says that it's very fancy and wants to know why his nursery wasn't as fancy as this one is.) The new little outfits and sleepers that I have so far have been washed and put away in drawers. The carseat and swing have been washed and are ready for their little passenger. I've got plenty of newborn diapers!

Given that Callan made such a swift entrance, my doctor suggested when he was born that if we decided to have any more kids, I should consider being induced to ensure I make it to the hospital. This has weighed on me quite heavily over the past few weeks. I am unsure about whether I should just let things go and happen the way they are supposed to, or if I should request an induction once I reach 39 weeks. I guess we will just see how it goes. At this point, I am feeling heavy, tired, and experiencing quite a bit of pain and pressure in my lower belly, so I can see how I might be ready to just get it all done when I get to 39 weeks. But at the same time, knowing this will be my last pregnancy, I want to just savor each little kick, wiggle, hiccup, ache and pain. Being pregnant is the most amazing gift, and I am blessed that my body has been able to do this four times. Although I can't wait to meet our baby girl, I also love knowing she's happy and safe inside my belly, and I don't want to forget what that feels like.

i learned the term "selfie" when bethany was visiting, so i thought i should take a few selfies of the ever expanding belly. i'm gonna miss it.

The countdown is on, and only time will tell when baby arrives and makes our family complete!