21 weeks.

Dear baby, 

This week's photo is by far the funniest yet. We had just finished a run and needed to take a weekly photo, so your dad told me to just run in front of the house and garden with our dog, and this is the result, slightly ridiculous. I am still running at 21 weeks, but not as often, and a lot slower. I have been a runner since middle school when I joined our school's running club, the Roadrunners. I ran track and cross country in high school, and have enjoyed running for fun and racing as an adult. I have run six half marathons and one marathon. Running has provided a space for me to reflect, find solace from loneliness, self confidence, and joy. We look forward to getting a jogging stroller and taking you on family runs once you arrive. 

I have been thinking about childbirth a lot lately, and running a marathon is one of the reasons why I am interested in an unmedicated birth. Running a marathon was the most physically empowering thing I've ever experienced, and I'll never forget that moment crossing the finish line. I was brought to tears at what I was able to accomplish. A physical experience became a spiritual experience of reaching into the depths of my being and finding strength I only hoped I possessed, but didn't know because I had never tested myself before. I imagine childbirth could mirror that experience. I'm just thinking about things at this point, and doing some research so I can be well educated. We'll see what happens. I know that no matter what plan I have, you will enter the world in whatever way is meant to be, and it will undoubtedly be beautiful. 

Love, 

Mama

(This week's photos taken in my front yard.)