Comparing Pregnancies...

The older I get the more I realize what a blessing it is to be pregnant.

I have been blessed beyond measure to have carried two wonderful baby boys within my womb and one amazing baby girl in my heart.

As my third and final pregnancy continues to continue, I find myself reflecting upon and talking to the boys about what it was like to have them in my belly.

I often tell my boys that comparison is the thief of joy, but in this long, long pregnancy I think a little comparison will bring me much joy and remind me what a gift each of my three children are.

So, here goes nothing.  A glimpse into three prengancies, three beginnings of three little lives, and three incredible blessings.

Due Dates:
#1: January 8, 2005
#2: March 31, 2007
#3: 14-16 months from August 2009

Weight Gain:
#1: 21 lbs.
#2: 26 lbs.
#3: Let's just say I am the heaviest I have ever been ... I blame it on age and having a baby on the other side of the world.

Mood Swings:
#1, #2, and #3: Oddly enough, the mood swings intensified with each pregnancy!  And although it is said that carrying a baby in your heart does not produce hormone changes, I strongly disagree.....

Cravings:
#1: Egg sandwiches and Rice Krispies
#2: Sausage McMuffins with Egg and apples w/ peanut butter
#3: Rice! {i know, right?} Salmon & cabernet {the one benefit of carrying a baby in your heart}

Gender Reveal?
#1: Surprised
#2: Surprised
#3: Surprised

Gestation:
#1: 37 weeks & 6 days
#2: 40 weeks & 3 days
#3: 120 weeks & 6 days

Labor: 
#1: 17 hours
#2: 5 hours
#3: 30,660 hours and counting

Labor Pains:
#1: No epidural for 12 hours {they wouldn't give it to me!} + pitocin = much pain
#2: Epidural + pitocin at the same time = no pain at all
#3: The most heart wrenching experience I have ever gone through

Delivery:
#1: 10 minutes
#2: 5 minutes
#3: 1,296 hours and counting

Birthweight:
#1: 6 lb 13 oz
#2: 6 lb 4 oz
#3: 5 lb 9 oz

When all is said and done and my third pregnancy comes to a glorious close, I know I will look back at each of my pregnancies with no regrets and thank the Lord for blessing me with our

Gibson Jack,

Elliott Drew, &

Finley Grace.