To miss or not to miss, that is the question. (Thankful Thursday)

Being that we are about to meet our 2nd daughter next week (yay!) I already find myself torn between wanting just a little more time of being pregnant and wanting her to come now, TODAY and not next week. I wouldn't say that this pregnancy has been easier or harder, just different for different reasons. But as I sit at the end of a 9-month road, about to enter into a new season of life, I cannot help but ponder what things I will and will not miss. Funny how big changes always prompt that in us. I had to write this all down for myself so I remember!

To miss:
* The movements. All the little kicks and feelings that remind me of the beautiful one God has created in His image in my growing belly. From the first little flutters months ago to the full-on conga line the last few days, I have LOVED being constantly reminded from our little girl, "Hey mom! I'm in here! Take good care of me!"
* The affinity for food. This sounds funny, but any currently pregnant woman will attest, you either hate food or you LOVE it. As ferociously as I despised having to think about cooking, eating, meal planning in the beginning, the 2nd half of the pregnancy has brought with it, a fresh appreciation for all things culinary! There are only a few things I really cannot stand but mostly, there are so many things I liked before that I can't get enough of now! Luckily, they are (mostly) all healthy things. :)
*My time with Lucy though I know I will still have this to some degree, we have been just inseparable the last little bit, as I have been soaking up the time with her. We have made some great memories and I though I greatly look forward to time with TWO little girls, I will miss the "just she and I" time.
*Having clothes that fit like they're supposed to. This may seem like it's in the wrong category but I have really enjoyed Maternity clothes this time around-- much more than last time. And I was reminded of the awkward stage that comes immediately after when your clothes don't fit right yet but the maternity clothes look a little strange without the cute belly sticking out. BUT, we have a double stroller, and this mama will be hitting the pavement as soon as the Dr. gives me the ok. :)
*My predictable time with Lance as much as this is no where what it was before we had kids, every night we know bedtime for the little one is coming and as soon as it does, we can sit and be uninterrupted for as long as we like, usually until we both fall asleep these days. :) I will enjoy getting into a new normal and establishing our new routine of "us" time.
*My rockstar parking spot at the Grocery Store. Really. Once I got big enough to really show, I have completely used the "stork" parking every time we go--especially when I have little Lu with me. Lifesaver!

NOT to Miss:
* My lack of gracefulness. Seriously, I have never dropped so much, knocked so much over, and spilled things in my life.
* The many embarrassing, uncomfortable, and very often painful symptoms that remind you, "By the way-- you are growing another life and you probably won't feel normal until you are finished doing so." These are the things that you forget about from one pregnancy to the next. That's the selective memory that allows us all to keep having children. :)
*Sleeping propped up. Honestly, I've never had Heartburn or anything else that always seems like something your grandpa gets, but this pregnancy, whoa buddy.
*My energy level decline.  Though I know this will only sink further over the next 6-9 weeks-- I look forward to being able to do things all day long without having to take multiple breaks.
*Not being able to pass a bathroom without a visit. The funniest thing about this is, Lucy recently became potty trained and so every time she goes, I go just in case. So between my having to go every 15 minutes, her going every 30 and all the time in between, we don't get very much done when we leave the house. HA! Too much information? sorry.
*Expecting some weight gain on a regular basis. I mean really, who WANTS to keep gaining weight? Thankfully, I have gained WAY less this time than last. Chasing a toddler vs. sitting at a desk will do that to you. :)

All in all, this has been a great pregnancy and I'm just so happy to be having another Healthy baby that I think I should be rejoicing no matter the discomforts. Praise God for sustaining us and for my wonderful Husband. He has been a true knight in shining armor through the whole experience and I am SO very thankful to be able to walk WADDLE this road with him at my side.

And just for fun, let's take a brief look at where the PREVIOUS 9 months of pregnancy took us:

 From Here... 05/26/09

 To here... 

 To here: 11/2009

To here--  05/2010

 To here 04/2011 (Sassy Pants)

To here! 01/2012