I’ve been a daughter, a sister, a grand-daughter, a cousin, a niece, a friend, a wife … and this month, I become a mom.

I think it’s going to be the most challenging role — but also the most rewarding; one I’ve been thinking about for so long from a distance that now is finally coming into focus.

In some ways it’s hard to fathom that this journey into motherhood is on the brink of beginning; I feel like she could stay tucked in here for weeks more and I’d be OK with it. In many ways, my pregnancy has flown by! But I know she’s growing and almost ready to make her grand entrance in the world–we’re just hoping she waits til 12/18 for it 😉

Tonight I looked at ultrasound pics from the past few doctor visits and it just blows my mind how much Maya has grown, from a few connected “dots” (i.e., head and body) to an actual human form. You can actually see the fat on her little arms in the one pic, and it warmed my heart — especially considering she looked like Skeletor in most of the other earlier pics!

At my doctor’s appointment today I was up to a total gain of 23.8 lbs, so it looks like I’m on track for at least 25 lbs, which is right around the target my OB had set for me. Funny how he knew back in May where I’d end up, pregnancy weight-gain wise!!

Otherwise, things looked good although my blood pressure was high (for me) — nothing to be too concerned about the nurse said (and my OB confirmed) but still, I don’t like seeing abnormally high numbers. They said it could be related to the extra weight, fluid retention, stress … a variety of factors. And since I’m being monitored twice a week with  non-stress tests (where my blood pressure is also always checked) they were not worried. So all in all, a good visit. I also handed in my birth plan … though I realize it’s really more of a birth “idea” since we all know what happens to the best laid “plans”!

Just thought I’d fill you in. I am looking forward to this weekend–my mom is coming to visit and I can’t wait for some girl-time., some mommy-and-me time of a different kind than I’ll be experiencing in the coming months and years. Sometimes a girl just needs her mama!

What are you up to this weekend? How will you make this December one to remember?