bump chronicles

Last night my husband and I ventured out into the mosquito infested evening to take a few maternity photos. As of today, I am 34 weeks pregnant which means that in the unlikely chance that this baby arrives on his or her due date, we will meet in only 6 weeks. Maybe sooner. Maybe later. 

I really don't know where the time has gone. While I can barely remember life pre-pregnancy, it still feels like it wasn't that long ago that I glanced down at that stick with those fateful words.  It won't be long until our little family gets a little bit bigger.   

Until then, I'll be the only one getting bigger... and bigger... and bigger.  The past few weeks life has become a bit more challenging. This bump is big and round and in my way.  Simple tasks like getting off of the couch or out of the car are far more daunting than ever before.  Heaven forbid I forget something upstairs, because as far as I'm concerned stairs are on par with sprinting around the block at this point. Also, next time I'm this pregnant it will ideally be winter to save me from the tedious task that shaving my legs has become.  Don't get me wrong... for the most part I really do enjoy being pregnant... I'm just feeling rather huge and rather exhausted.   

9 months is a long time. As the days grow nearer, I become even more excited to meet this tiny little human.  It's amazing how you can have so many hopes and dreams for somebody you've never even met.  I hope that our baby inherits our love of life, adventure, and travel.  I know that we have many years before he/she sets out into this world alone, but I'm always thinking ahead. I want him/her to know that I believe in chasing dreams. Exploring the world has changed my life and the person that I am for the better. My only wish is that this baby and all of our future children will have the opportunity to be just as blessed as I have been.   Obviously I'll encourage a good education and stable career... but Little Shippelt, if you want to spend a year eating instant noodles and living from a backpack, I support that decision. You'll learn more in that year than any school will ever teach you.  You might not learn math or science by traveling the world, but you'll learn to be cultured. You'll learn respect, patience, appreciation and understanding. Most importantly, you'll learn about yourself and who you truly are and want to be.  More people in this world need to get to know themselves. So Baby, explore this world. Just promise me that you won't fall in love abroad, get married, and never come home to me. Although prior to falling in love with your daddy I can't say that the idea never crossed my own mind. Be brave, be curious, and be happy in everything that you do.  When all else fails, just listen to Dr. Suess. 

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” - Dr. Suess, Oh the Places You'll Go