36 WEEKS - We made it!

Have you ever dreamed of something... and you picture it being a specific way... and then that dream finally becomes a reality... and it doesn't go the way you had always pictured it... BUT actually ended up being better than you could have even ever imagined? That is where I stand today. I am 36 weeks pregnant, "FULL TERM"... 9 whole months pregnant. Technically I still have 4 weeks until my due date, but hitting this mile stone is the most incredible feeling...EVER. 

For many who have been following my blog, you already know how my journey began. For those of you who do not, you can read our story here: http://tysanddani.blogspot.com/2012/01/start-of-something-new.html . This blog has been a way for me to journal my thoughts as I have had a roller coaster journey on becoming pregnant and STAYING pregnant. I write to help me get my thoughts out on paper and I also write to give others hope through infertility and trials in general. We all go through different trials and I am grateful that we can all learn from each other's experiences. 

I had always dreamed of being pregnant and becoming a mom. I dreamed that I would have a perfect marriage, where Tyson and I would be able to have as many kids as we wanted, that we would get pregnant every other year so all of our children could be friends and close in age. I dreamed that I would have a flawless pregnancy and I would only gain 20 pounds and would have the perfect baby bump. I dreamed that I would work all the way up to my due date and have the nursery 100% completed by the time our baby would arrive. Well, let me tell you... the dream of becoming pregnant came true, but it did NOT go any way I had imagined it. 

Soon after we got married, Tyson and I learned that becoming pregnant was not going to be an easy thing for us like we imagined. We probably wont be able to have as many kids as we want and we definitely wont be getting pregnant every other year so all of our children can be close in age. I did not have a flawless pregnancy and I have gained a whole lot more weight than 20 pounds. I have been out of work for three months due to bedrest and the nursery is not even fully completed like I would like, as I am unable to run errands like I imagined. All of these things are COMPLETELY opposite of what I imagined...but I wouldn't have traded ONE thing along this journey for anything. We have learned so much from these experiences and this dream of mine has become the best reality in the world!

At 24 weeks I went into pre-term labor and had a cerclage put in to lock our baby girl inside! I will have my stitches removed tomorrow at 9am. WE ARE SO EXCITED! Most patients last about 2 weeks after the stitches are removed before they go into labor, so I am planning on her coming around New Years. I think New Years Eve would be SO fun... It would be the best end of the year gift in the whole world! I also think it would be fun to be like the movie NYE and have Laila be the first baby born in Las Vegas in 2013! :) The chances of this happening are very very slim, but it is fun to think about! The doctor said only once in his whole career has he removed stitches and the baby's FOOT popped out, so he had to re-stitch her up and do a C-Section that moment. He and I both HIGHLY doubt that will happen. Originally I was thinking she would be here around Christmas, but I am putting myself on STRICT bed rest until the day after Christmas so she doesn't come until after! My mom will be here on the 26th and then Laila can make her appearance any time after that! :) I am going to DIE if after all of this, she doesn't come until her due date which is January 17th. THAT will be crazy! But anything can happen with this girl... we have all learned that throughout the past 9 months. 

I am so excited to be a mom. I love our sweet Laila so much. She is a miracle and blesses us every day. She has already brought us more happiness than I can describe. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on our progress! Thank you all for your love and support the past few months. Your prayers have truly been felt and answered.  Next time I blog... I could be a MOM! So weird... :)

“I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass.” 
― Gordon B. Hinckley