Rituals

Well, today is not only Easter. It is also Quinn's due date. It has seemed so far away for so long. March 31, 2013. But here we are! In some ways, I can't believe I am 40 weeks along with Quinn, even though it has seemed like forever. It is like a dream that within the next few days, I will see her with my eyes instead of feel her move inside. I almost can't fathom it. This is really happening!

Every two weeks throughout my pregnancy, it has been our weekly ritual to take a belly picture with pregnancy stickers. When I put on a new sticker, I felt so excited and grateful that things were progressing and going well. Each sticker was a step closer to meeting Quinn.

 

Here I am back at 20 weeks. I loved putting on that sticker. It meant that I was halfway to meeting my Quinn. And I was so excited that my belly was starting to protrude. I remember feeling so large and wondered why some people did not notice I was pregnant.

 

Now there is no mistaking it. I definitely feel and look 40 weeks along. I love being pregnant. I have genuinely enjoyed it. Although now I admit I am ready to be a mom with my baby on the outside. My body is ready. I am ready.

Along with our sticker ritual, Chad and I have another ritual during pregnancy that we have grown to love. Every Sunday morning, when our week number would change, we sit down with our morning coffee (mine is only a mini cup, a tiny indulgence), and I read to Chad the weekly pregnancy update in both What to Expect When You're Expecting and The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. We marvel over the changes that are occurring in Quinn and in my body. It has been so fun to imagine her growing and changing each week.

 

Sunday mornings soon became our favorite. As soon as we wake up each week, Chad and I wish each other a happy new week and get excited to go downstairs to read about and envision our Quinn starting a new stage. It has felt like Christmas each week! This morning, as I read aloud to Chad, we realized it was our last week to read from the books. It was a bittersweet feeling. We will miss our rituals. But we are so excited to create new rituals with Quinn on the outside and in our lives. It will mean so much to us. We love you Quinn!