Pregnancy: 15 Weeks

Well, we have reached the 15 week mark-well into the second trimester (the so-called easiest of the 3). I must say that this pregnancy has been a doozy thus far. (Olivia's 40 weeks in the womb wasn't necessarily easy but my greatest responsibility back then was making sure the fridge was stocked and blockbuster had been visited so any true discomfort was addressed with a nap.)
This time around has been quite different. So far we've changed jobs, houses, states, churches, and I've had to keep up with an active and independant 3 year old the entire time. But I have clung to several things to help get me through these months.
First, I am blessed to have this pregnancy, this child, in my life. I know how hard getting to this point can be and I'm very grateful for the gift.
Second, I know I am not alone- nor do I have it harder than most. Reading other blogs about pregnancy and raising children has been quite a lifeline. Knowing billions of others have gone through what you're going through somehow lessons the sting. One woman's experience seemed so inline with mine when she said "the second trimester 'energy burst' to me meant I could adjust my pillow with less exhaustion and could get up off the couch for my own snack."
Third, is my family. They have been a dream of a support network and I am so grateful for all of them and wishing I could be part of their lives on a daily basis. I'll have to settle for monthly though (and I'm sure they could use the break from being "my support network" anyway. =)
Fourth, is that these tougher moments in life are just that- moments. And moments pass by quickly. Some more quickly than others but most situations and experiences are just seasons and God uses them to teach us, mold us, create memories and most of the time we end up missing them when they pass.
This pregnancy will probably feel long and hard as the weeks tick by slowly but there will be beautiful times sprinkled throughout and those will be the memories we reflect on when we hold our new addition. (Unless of course I'm commiserating with other mothers and then of course I'll get to recall and compare as much as I like.)