A stage of life almost gone

I can feel it getting nearer.

The baby's in the right position, although I didn't need any doctor to tell me how low it's sitting. I can feel that every time I move. Or don't move. Just all the time, really.

All efforts to reduce swelling are either rendered useless, or at the best last for less than a day.

I want to sleep - all the time.

A few little twinges of pain here and there.

It's all my body's way of preparing for this, the arrival of our baby.

*

Nothing's set in stone, but this is very likely the last week or so of me being pregnant. Ever.

It's unlikely I'll ever have to go through the efforts of trying to conceive again. And frankly, spending four years of my life doing that has been enough. The appointments, the disappointments, the emotions, the medications - it's all taken its toll.

I'm not sad to see this stage of my life go. All of it has been a means to an end - that is, to have our family. To be a family.

I feel really ready to move on.

The next step, the adventure of just enjoying seeing our children grow up, will be fun.

*

When Essential Baby and Elevit asked me to contribute a few words of wisdom about conception, I felt I was able to pass on a few helpful thoughts. Have a read of mine and other mums' and dads' thoughts on this incredibly challenging, but ultimately hopeful and positive, time of life:

(Just click on the picture below to see the Elevit Guide to Conceiving.)