I have thoroughly enjoyed this pregnancy. Once we had Eli we knew we’d have a fourth child, I can remember trying to come up with the perfect time to become pregnant and then in the same thought process I’d begin fearing we’d lose the baby. That our hopes of having our children close together would not come true.
We had an early ultrasound, that was the protocol for our pregnancies since losing the twins, and she surprised us with a beautiful heartbeat.
This has been my healthiest pregnancy so far. I’m on the lowest amount of blood pressure meds that I’ve ever been on, even when not pregnant, I have felt great, my swelling has been minimal, sure there are aches and pains but that’s part of pregnancy.
This pregnancy just always felt good to me. And then I damaged my pelvic floor and that did not feel good and then I could no longer pick Eli up, all I could do was sit or lie and do nothing.
So, we had to get creative with how we bonded.
I would spend many times a week attending different appointments. Mostly physical therapy, which in the end, I know, played a huge role in how good I have felt.
Beginning at 29 weeks, I started weekly NSTs. Every week, I’d head to labor and delivery and listen to babies being born, as I sat in silence, also listening to the rhythm of my sweet baby girl’s heart. Never wanting to rush through the pregnancy but obviously hardly able to wait until I saw her sweet face.
This pregnancy, despite my injury has just been really good. I can’t begin to stress how grateful I am for the health and safety of it all. Not that long ago I feared never being able to carry another child to term again. I thought I’d never hold that sweet, precious goodness that we had longed for … and here we are. Two babies in two years. (we are so blessed.)
I’m sad to see this pregnancy end. I’ve loved it and never wished it away. But rather than being sad that it’s over, I’ll just remain grateful that my last pregnancy was so very amazing.
And this week? I was given the all clear to hold Eli again. Which made my final week of pregnancy extra sweet with extra snuggles.
I’m ready for the next chapter to begin. Ready to be the mom to four amazing, beautiful children. I’m ready to be up in the middle of the night, ready for the hundreds of diapers that will need to be changed every month, I’m ready for it all.
And I’ll always, always be grateful for this amazing pregnancy that is about to close it’s door.
The next time you hear from me. The new chapter will have begun.
Thank you for always praying with me and cheering for me.
Oh, Beth, reading this makes me so happy and reminds me to be so, so grateful for the everyday miracles. You have always been an inspiration to me and I cannot wait to follow you into this next chapter of your amazing adventures.
I am so happy for you are your family! Can’t wait to “meet” her!! Sending you prayers for an easy and stress-free labor and delivery!!!
Oh how I love pregnant bellies!!! We just had our 3rd girl about 5 weeks ago—babies are such a blessing! Being pregnant is the most amazing experience ever!!!!! So excited for you and your family!
That was beautiful! I hope that I can have a bit of your joy with my 4th pregnancy! I am 25 weeks into my 3rd pregnancy and know that we will add a 4th to our family after this. I struggle to find joy in each moment! You radiate joy in your pictures! Can’t wait to see this new miracle!
Prayers for you that everything goes well with the delivery and you have a healthy baby girl
Can’t wait to see what her name is! I so want to have a fourth…if only I could convince my husband…
Beth, I love your perspective on this. I LOVE how you have loved being pregnant. You are an amazing woman and you make all who read your beautiful words enjoy life a little more and realize just how blessed we are. I can’t wait to meet your new sweetie!
I’m so pleased that you’ve been blessed with such a wonderful last pregnancy. It also makes me happy to hear that your finally able to carry Eli again, I went through a similar thing with my fourth (last) pregnancy and it was very hard. I look forward to hearing the news of baby’s safe arrival, seeing her beautiful face and following you into this new chapter of your life.
Sheila x
I just had my last pregnancy, too…and said goodbye yesterday to our 9 month old foster son. We had him for 9 months.
Here’s to new beginnings!
Woke up with you on my mind!!!
Steph
So excited for you!!!!!!!!!
Praying for you and your sweet baby girl. Can’t wait to meet her!!!
Praying for this last little hurdle! You guys are very blessed! I would have given anything to be able to have another baby! Enjoy it!
You made me cry with the beauty of this post – the photos, the words, the sentiment. Good luck and I can’t wait to meet your newest bundle of joy!
I have been lurking around your blog since my little guy was born, about the same time as Eli. Just last week I gave birth to my little girl, our fourth and last. You have been such an inspiration, and I am constantly amazed at how our lives are similar in their stories. Becoming and staying pregnant was never easy for us. We pray for your safe delivery and look forward to hearing more from your beautiful family. Thank you and our prayers go with you.
You are incredible. Your family is incredible. This new baby, incredible, of course. And by the way, you LOOK incredible!
Incredibly happy for you. hehe
Janelle(Nell)
GraceTags
I am so excited for you and your family!! I cannot wait to meet the newest member of your family
I’m de-lurking to say good luck with the remaining few days of your pregnancy, and best of luck with labor and delivery!
Love that you are so close to your baby girl being here. Is that last picture one of you in a hospital bathroom?? I hope so! I will be praying for a quick delivery =) Can’t wait to see pictures!
I’m so happy for you. I love the picture of cookies on your belly, that’s funny
you look beautiful and have that glowing mama glow. i’m so glad you’re able to pick up Eli again! can’t wait to meet the new addition to your family.
Beth,
Blessings to you and your family, and especially to the newest-to-be member!
I, along with the rest of your followers, are sooooo happy for you!! We hope it’s all you’ve hoped for and wished AND MORE.
Can’t wait to meet her!!
Diane
Wow, Beth! I can’t believe the time is already here! Keeping you and yours in my thoughta and prayers. So very exciting!! Xo
Adorable pictures, I always say a mom to be is the closest thing to a miracle as anyone can ever imagine. Psalm 139 tells it all in the bible. I love to read it and love to thank God for the wonderful miracle He has chosen to give us. One that WE can actually be a part of.
God be with you as you labor and deliver this precious little one. Can’t wait for pictures.
You wear pregnancy well! You look beautiful! Can’t wait to hear all about the perfect birth.
Praying for many blessings on you and your beautiful family as you welcome your new bundle of joy.
how exciting! Praying for you while you wait to welcome your new little one
May I just say that you look amazing?!?! I am so happy that Clara Catherine is here and absolutely perfect and beautiful. You family is complete. XOXO
Can’t wait to meet her!! Our first grandchild is coming on the 14th also a little girl, can’t wait for that either! Wishing you a wonderful delivery!
Beth this is such a beautiful reminder to celebrate the joy and miracle that a pregnancy brings. I am so happy for you that this pregnancy was your sweetest of all and can’t wait to read your next post and meet your newest pink miracle
I am praying for you that you have a fast, easy delivery and a healthy baby! Enjoy these precious first snuggles.
So glad you get to hold your precious Eli again…and I’m so excited about the arrival of your baby girl!
So very excited for you! I felt the same way with my last pregnancy…trying to cherish it, not wish it away but oh so excited to meet our newest blessing! Best wishes to you!
I hope you have as fabulous and healthy a birth as the pregnancy has been for you! Can’t wait to meet your sweet baby girl. xo
beautiful post. you are one gorgeous pregnant woman. I love Baby Clara. so very cute. you make some very cute babies!!
this is such a beautiful post. agree in so many ways, this is so beautifully put.
This is beautiful. So beautiful.
I loved reading this whata great heartfelt sumery of the last 9 months. I can’t wait to write my own someday. Praying for a safe delivery!
I love that you look so happy and beautiful in that last picture!