This baby belly sure is gaining a lot of attention these days, and at this stage of pregnancy, it’s been so positive and encouraging. It’s really helpful to be able to say, “Any time now!” instead of, “About 6 weeks…” or any other similar reply when people ask how much longer we have to go. I’m really enjoying the joy people seem to share over a baby being close–it’s hopeful and uplifting and creates room for a lot of interactions with kind strangers as of late.

I’m still a little perplexed by how everyone seems to know the gender of our baby even though I don’t, but it’s fascinating to hear everyone’s theories. It really is a strange phenomenon that people comment on someone else’s body so freely, but it’s like the presence of a pregnant belly changes social norms and anything is fair game. As with every pregnancy, I’ve been surprised by the number of really bizarre things people think it’s kosher to say, but the thing I want to remember about the past few weeks is the number of people who have gone out of their way to be encouraging and lovely. I mean, absolutely out of their way to be celebratory and kind. It just feels like God wants to offer even more hope and joy in these last weeks than ever before. It’s really a beautiful thing.

Baby is quite literally sticking out off of the front of me like a ball (basket, beach, exercise? You decide…), which makes for an eye-widening sight for many. At 5’2″, that’s just pretty much the option for this little one, and it makes me laugh when he or she moves around in funny positions in there–my whole belly changes shape and contorts in a different direction. It’s been a source of amusement here at home, especially for E and C who always ask to feel it and see what the baby is doing. The human body is amazing. How did a whole person grow inside of me? And how are they living there and growing there still?

These last days are wonderful and magical in their own right. I can’t say it enough. I’m feeling the shift from, “No, not yet,” to “Any time now, little one,” and that always amazes me, too. God’s good and perfect timing is at work. I can’t wait to see how He carries out the next part of the story!

MM