Giving Thanks

Ah...Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada. This typically signals the countdown to Christmas and the coming of the cooler weather. Leaves are in the midst of changing colours and in my neck of the woods, frosty mornings are becoming the norm. For me, now 30 days until L&D (labour and delivery), the countdown officially begins.

Yesterday, as I ran a short 4K run on the waterfront during the late afternoon, I was struck by the intense beauty of the scene: at one point I was enveloped in a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, greens and oranges and then crossed over a wooden bridge where I saw a marsh to my left and the gently rolling waves of Lake Ontario to my right. The sun was at such an angle that the water just sparkled. As I plodded along, now at 7:28 min/km, I felt a sense of calm. I'm grateful for this day- for this Thanksgiving weekend.

And I took in a few breaths to describe the scene to my slumbering passenger.

"The leaves are now changing colour," I told Baby Max. "There are Canada Geese getting ready for their sojourn south and the wind is blowing a crisp, yet comfortable breeze on us. It's so inviting...but don't worry, I'll take you here again!"

I've had a wonderful pregnancy. I'm continually reminded of this every time I workout or go for a run. Since I discovered I was carrying a little passenger, we've run 10 races together and have continued to forge ahead with physical activity now heading into my ninth month. According to my midwife, my weight gain is healthy; my glucose levels are fine; and my blood pressure and blood work have all come back normal. I have no stretch marks - yet. And so far, no varicose veins- though I'm told that they can still raise their ugly heads in the last weeks. I haven't swelled and still don't have the "Shrek" feet most other women have...yet.

To be honest, despite the worries and slight discomforts, I've really enjoyed pregnancy thus far- especially connecting and listening to my body in ways I've never done before. My most favourite part of being a preggo is feeling Baby Max move. It's perhaps the most wonderful feeling in the world. It's made me realize the true meaning of "The Miracle of Life." To this, I'm thankful and yet, humbled. I still can't get over how such an energetic, sometimes restive little person inside of me was created by two tiny cells.

I'm surrounded by a network of supportive people, including family and friends. They say, "It takes a village to raise a child." I'm fortunate enough to have a metropolis. And perhaps, most importantly, I have a loving B. Together, as we embark on this great adventure, we'll have the support of each other.

Much to be grateful and thankful for indeed.