I can’t believe the day is already this close. It’s been a long journey, this pregnancy. Typical for me as far as pregnancy goes. A horrendous first trimester filled with worship at the altar of porcelain, tachycardia appearing in the second trimester, then lots of lower back pain as the baby grew. The third trimester has actually been pretty kind to me as far as pregnancy discomfort, but that would just be too good to be true so we threw in an onset of neurological issues and a new diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Needless to say, the past couple months have been a little stressful.

MS is a big hairy deal and requires a lot of action and research and fighting – you can’t just sit back and see what happens. So my mind has been there mostly, but I have been working hard to keep my “eye on the prize” so to speak. I have needed to find some excitement in the midst of it, to remember that I’m having a baby! and she’s going to bring us joy! That has been difficult for me to stay focused on, but now the time has come. She will be in my arms tomorrow.

Life with a newborn will be tough. Recovering from a c-section will be tough. Starting MS medication will be tough. But I know that there will be plenty of room for smiles and I will get through it. I have the most supportive husband on the planet, and a vast network of friends and family who seem to just be chomping at the bit to jump in and help at a moment’s notice.

Natalie Joy, I can’t wait to meet you and hold you in my arms! You are going to love being a part of this family, I just know it