21 weeks

"The sea's only gifts are harsh blows, and occasionally the chance to feel strong. Now I don't know much about the sea, but I do know that that's the way it is here. And I also know how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong. To measure yourself at least once. To find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions. Facing the blind death stone alone, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head."


Andrew is visiting this week, and we just finished watching "Into the Wild"... again. The above quote has resonated with me since the first time I saw the movie. I have always found that experiences that tested me deeply, both physically and mentally, were the only true reminders of my own strength. In this resistance, both organic and manipulated I am always reminded of my own power and potential. I have endured long distance runs, survived my bachelor in architecture, put myself in plenty of situations that forced me to grow... For me, there was no greater experience to measure myself, to 'find myself in the most ancient of human conditions, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head' than that of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. With each day that brings its own set of challenges and difficulties, I am reminded of my strength as a woman, and the ultimate culmination of all of my efforts as I look down the road to childbirth. Pregnancy, with all of its ups and downs, does provide a gift... childbirth. I have had no greater experience in my life, and no greater opportunity to feel strong. For this I am thankful, and feel grateful for the opportunity to experience it once again.
















photo week 21: outside PRADA with uncle Andrew
aches and pains week 21: indigestion, headaches, poor sleep, tight muscles, the beginning of 'floating rib' and morning sickness.