I realize that there have been so many things that I've had to endure during this pregnancy that I just simply would never do for anyone other than my children - heartburn, painful bloating, losing the body I worked so hard for, arthritic pains in my hips, sleepless nights, extreme discomfort, back pain, leg cramps, fatigue, nausea - there are people out there that say pregnancy is the most beautiful thing in the world. Well, if I just described my symptoms to anyone without them knowing I was pregnant, they'd think I was dying of the plague (OK, that might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but still, NOT pretty. The beauty in pregnancy is not the exterior, because let's face it, varicose veins, stretch marks (thank GOD I don't get them), swollen hands and feet, and chubbier arms and legs are not a lovely sight - I don't care who you are. The beauty of pregnancy comes from within, the glow of a mother because she's about to bring a miracle into this world. And it's for that very miracle, that we graciously accept the duty of pregnancy - crappy symptoms and all.
The thing that keeps me going, even on my worst days, is knowing that at the end, I get to meet this beautiful creature that has been tapping on my belly for months. I never get bored of watching him squirm around in there though I've seen it now hundreds of times. I already love him more than life itself, just as I love my first son, Tanner. There will be nothing either of them can do to change that - because my love for them is truly unconditional. I know that the pain and discomfort I've had to endure is only temporary, and it's worth having a new love to fill my heart. And I believe that it's for these "inconveniences" and "discomforts", that I appreciate them and love them that much more.
