Today I am 38 weeks pregnant, and only 2 weeks away from my official due date - September 10th. So it's pretty much just a waiting game, knowing that she really could come at anytime. I had my checkup yesterday and so far there are no big signs that Eva is ready to come, but based on what I described my doctor is pretty sure that I am having random contractions and getting ready for the big day. When I have long days or uncomfortable nights I think that I am ready to get her here as soon as possible. But then I think about really being a mama and all the changes that will happen, and I decide that maybe she could wait another 2 weeks. In the end, I know that she will come when she's ready, and I'm hoping that at that point I will be ready too.
At 38 weeks, I am definitely uncomfortable and having a hard time doing too much. Whenever people ask, "How are you doing?" I am torn between smiling and saying "Great!!!" and looking at them with a bewildered stare that politely suggests, " How do I LOOK like I am doing?" I have decided that when people who have never had a baby look at you and smile they are admiring your glowing pregnant body and dreaming of what it will be like when they are pregnant one day. (I know this is true, because this is how I have always looked at pregnant bellies). When someone with children looks at you and smiles, they are probably secretly laughing at you in their head, knowing all that you are endearing, but hopefully also knowing that it will all be worth it.
Thankfully, over the past week I have actually found a bedtime routine that allows me to sleep at night. This is so awesome because for about a month before I hadn't been sleeping and I know that this is my last chance to rest up before life with a newborn. I've also had more swelling in my feet and hands this past week or so. It is strange how much swelling can hurt - not to mention the vanity side of it. I used to workout in the mornings, but now it hurts too much to stand that long, so I do most of the same exercises in the pool and that helps some. I also take my huge spaghetti pot and fill it with cool water to soak my feet in in the evening. Don't worry, I will wash it out really well before I make spaghetti in it for you!
I also keep thinking about Mary making the trip to Bethlehem right before she had Jesus. Oh. My. Goodness. Ride a donkey? At this point? You would have to drag me there all the way. And at the end of it all to give birth in an old barn on hay with animals. No ice chips. No epidural. Not even a camera to take a sweet picture with your new little baby. The Christmas story is beautiful and miraculous, but I'm thankful that it wasn't me. I will hope that God will use me for His glory in other ways :)
And so today we will continue the waiting came.....baby coming soon!
Loved reading about your experiences these last weeks of your pregnancy. Thanks for the laugh. I don't think that we women who have had children are laughing inside, we totally can sympathize with where you are at right now, cause I so remember! Tick-toc-tick-toc....she is almost here!
ReplyDeleteThe swelling sucks. Makes your poor toes feel like sausages. :) I believe that God made the last few weeks SO hard and miserable so that by the time we actually have the baby we are TOTALLY ready and are so sick of being pregnant that we're not as scared of the birthing process!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you mention Mary and Jesus. When I was planning my first homebirth people couldn't believe I would do that and I said that if Mary could give birth to Jesus as a virgin and in a barn surrounded by animals, I figured I could do it in my nice, clean house with electricity and running water - especially since I'd already had one baby! :)
You'll be ready to be a mama when she finally decides to get here! It happens in an instant and its one of the best instances of you life!
ReplyDelete