When it comes to pregnancy there are many truly insignificant things we, as women (vain vain creatures that we are), fear. Among the many woes we’re likely to face are stretch marks. Gasp. And while I’d rather not have any, I figure next time Sports Illustrated asks me to be on the cover of the Swimsuit Issue I’ll have to pray they use Photoshop or perhaps wear a tankini. In other words, I’m not exactly making a living off of smooth abs pre-baby. (Each day, I do diligently apply the best in stretch mark prevention lotion just in case.)
As I approach week 37 of pregnancy I couldn’t help but think about the real stretch marks of pregnancy. The reality that life is utterly and irrevocably changed already and will be changed so very much more once the baby arrives. (In our case one William Wilder Bedgood slated for 10/10/11.) Like stretch marks there is no real preparation, there is no way to prepare and expand and envision life with a baby. You just have to be willing. Willing to change, to adapt and ultimately to stretch your home, your heart, your life beyond the bounds you ever thought possible for this new human being.
And so as we enter these last few weeks, we’re doing whatever we can to ready our hearts and our home with the full knowledge that we can never prepare enough. And yes, momma is still diligently applying that stretch mark cream.
