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At just under 37 weeks pregnant, I'm about ready for this party to start as I currently sit here being 3cm dilated and 80% effaced.  I didn't blog much at all towards to end of my pregnancy with Evan, so I'm really going to try to do a better job this time so I have this to look back on!  I'm excited to know that the birth of this babe and the recovery I'll undergo marks the closing of this chapter of my life called infertility.  It's been 8 years of treatment, many fails, zero natural conceptions, but 3 beautiful IVF conceptions.  I'm grateful for the perfect timing of each procedure I've undergone.  I'm thankful for my healthy children.  And I'm so glad I got to share this journey with everyone.  Writing about the hardships of infertility was my escape and without any intention, I was able to reach a lot of people going through the same journey.  I'm extra thankful for the friendships and support I've gained from those of you that have connected with me. 

That being said, I'm still sitting here being 37 weeks pregnant with my third child.  It's an interesting thing, undergoing IVF to get pregnant, and then sacrificing your body to carry this baby to full term.  I will never understand those who say they LOVE being pregnant.  I love my babies, but I definitely don't love this constant pain in my lower back, having heartburn ALL THE TIME, not sleeping before birthing a baby that will also require a massive sacrifice of sleep, or waking up everyday with no feeling in my hands and feet.  I don't really love the swelling and the fact that my shoes don't fit anymore or that even my maternity clothes are starting to become too tight and ridiculous looking.  I also am not the biggest fan of having constant nose bleeds, shortness of breath, and being congested all summer long.  Have you heard of restless leg syndrome?  You know that kind torture?  Yeah, that's another thing about pregnancy that I don't really love. 

I have prayed many prayers asking to conceive a child miraculously on our own but if I'm being totally honest, at this point, that dream is long gone.  I'm good!  God used my infertility in many ways and blessed me along the road with a family of five.  I mean, I can hardly believe it!  I am forever changed by the ups and downs of this crazy roller coaster and I'll forever have a place in my heart for those who experience infertility. 

In the meantime, my doctor isn't going to let me go past August 28 so we will schedule an induction that day if I'm still pregnant.  "If" being the key word.  Considering this is my third baby, I'm already 3cm and 80%, and Evan came super fast, my doctor is assuming this baby will arrive anytime within the next 2 weeks.  I should probably get ready!

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