3 years ago today at exactly 5:00 p.m.

I looked like this...

and was walking down the halls of the hospital to check in for my scheduled induction to meet this precious gift the following day,

and life has never been the same since.

3 years ago today I was close to having a panic attack because I was so terrified of "having" a baby.

3 years ago today I knew that I would love a child with my whole heart, but I had no idea the depth of that love.

3 years ago today I knew that in less than 24 hours I would forever change my life by having a baby, but I had no idea how completely it would change me, and more so, that I would love the "new" me.

3 years ago today I was still a woman pregnant for the first time, feeling Jackson kick inside me and waiting for the induction to get started at midnight. Now, I'm a tried and true veteran of labor who would do anything and everything for her child.

And it's been so worth it....