I dare to compare...

It finally occurred to me this morning that this pregnancy is nothing like the last one.

Duh...

"Hi Angie, I'm a reality check. Nice to meet you."

Last Time:

I was sick all day every day for the first 24 weeks and again from about 36 weeks until the end.

This Time:

The second trimester began and the all-day "morning sickness" almost disappeared completely.

Last Time:

I owned about 5 shirts, 2 sweaters, and 3 pairs of dress pants from the maternity section. Yes, it was awful.

This Time:

I have been lucky enough to be blessed with two very good friends who not only happen to be my size but also love to shop and are very generous with sharing clothes. THANKS ladies, I couldn't survive without you (you know who you are).

Last Time:

I gave up on wearing makeup because I just couldn't bring myself to take the time to put it on.

This Time:

Not that way at all.

Last Time:

I gained...gulp...an embarrassing and, quite frankly, rather irresponsible 70 pounds.

This Time:

I checked the other day and I am only up about 15 pounds. Hooray for me! Although, I still feel monstrously fat.

Last Time:

It was me, my husband, two fat cats, and a tiny condo.

This Time:

It is me, my husband, two fat cats, a two-year-old, and a house in the country with a garden.

Last Time:

Heartburn all the time.

This Time:

Unfortunately...this hasn't changed. Even water gives me heartburn.

Last Time:

I carried really high (and had a girl)

This Time:

I'm carrying really low and enduring numerous kicks to my belly button. It's a boy.

Last Time:

Work was pretty slow and I'll admit...a bit boring at times.

This Time:

Lunch? Who has time for that?!

Last Time:

Shoes every day.

This Time:

Shoes? I remember those...they are the things you wear when your feet aren't swollen, right?

Last Time:

Due date- January

This Time:

Due date- Ummmmm, it was September 12, then it was September 5, now it's an early c-section around August 7-14 but it could be earlier than that. So....I guess the correct answer is: I have no idea.

Last Time:

Wedding ring quit fitting around 24 weeks.

This Time:

So far so good. It is still on my finger and we're on week 27.

So, in a nut shell, "they"- whoever "they" are- have been correct, again. Every pregnancy is different. Every woman is different. Every baby is different.

But, really the most important thing to keep in mind....

Is that...

It's all a miracle no matter how you look at it.

An exciting, frustrating, terrifying, sickening, painful, fabulous miracle.