Last night in a moment of clarity I had a realization. I have been fairly silent on this blog about the little bundle of joy I will be welcoming to the world in just about seven weeks. I have experienced the gamut of emotions associated with this event and pretty much every event that I've encountered or has replayed in my mind over the past seven months. What a ride it has been, but in the end I still know I am right where I am meant to be and she is meant to be my baby girl, and me her mom.

I digress, though. My realization as I have fully entered this seventh month of pregnancy is the metaphor for this stage being the 20th mile of a full 26.2 mile marathon. I know intellectually that the end is near, however, still not in full sight. I am depleting of energy and it is difficult to stomach sustenance at this point. Physical stamina is important, but mental strength is paramount here. Though tired, the core of me remains and the drive to see myself across the "finish line" will get me there. I have no doubt.

So while the two are very different experiences in my life for a multitude of reasons, they are very much the same. Having finished a full marathon (and perhaps previously giving birth to a baby girl), I know I will be well throughout the experience. I wouldn't be honest if I said that the unknown of welcoming a new life wasn't somewhat daunting to me, but I am as ready as I'll ever be to meet my tiniest mini-me. I love her so much already!