We're Almost There!

I know everyone says it, but I can't believe how fast this pregnancy has gone!  In just a month and a half or so, we'll be meeting Baby Brightwood, and I think I can speak for both Joe and I when I say we couldn't be more excited! 

Compared to other pregnant ladies I've talked to, we've had it pretty easy.  I never had any morning sickness, have yet to see any stretch marks, and Baby already seems to be able to keep up with our fairly active lifestyle!  He or she is constantly moving, and this past summer we were able to complete a 5K, 10K, and our very first half marathon.  Hopefully we'll be able to continue this trend, as I plan to start training for a full marathon once the snow melts!

Joe and I still don't know if the baby is a boy or a girl, and I'm so glad that we've been able to avoid finding out!  There seem to be so few surprises left in today's world, and it's been so much fun to hear guesses from those around us - as of now, I believe the votes are tied.  Speaking of surprises, we do have baby names picked out, and have told several friends and family members, but we've decided to wait until Baby is here to share it online. 

That being said, I am getting a bit uncomfortable, and I don't just mean that it's harder to sleep or find a comfortable resting position - I'm also not as confident as I usually am.  I'm worried that I won't be a good mom.  I'm worried I'll neglect my husband who has been my biggest support through all this.  I'm worried I'll make the wrong choices.  I'm just worried in general.  And, on a superficial note, no matter how dolled up I get, I still feel frumpy and unkempt.

Thankfully, I know that I'm not alone in this.  A friend of mine, Dana, is due just a week after me with her second child, and had expressed that she wasn't feeling quite as confident as usual either.  As this is her second, she doesn't have as many of the same fears I do, but told me she did during her first pregnancy. 

I also have to thank her for giving me a little bit of my self-esteem back!  She is the one that took all of the pictures in today's post, and I have to say, I was not feeling my best the day they were taken.  I felt bloated and just kind of gross in general, but they turned out so well!  We even used the top photo in our very first Christmas cards!

It's amazes me how much our lives have changed in just the past few years.  We met in 2011, got engaged in 2013, married in 2014, and this week we'll be packing our hospital bag to meet our first child!  I can't adequately express how blessed we feel to be at this point in our lives, and while some days are and will be harder than others, we are so thankful for everything God has provided us.  I hope you've enjoyed this little update, and we look forward to introducing you to our little one!

*Photos by Dana Johnson