Only during pregnancy do days matter – especially near the end. The final countdown to the moment when you finally get to meet the little person who invaded your body and knew every one of your secrets for 40 weeks give or take a week or a day or two, must include days.
Her room is ready. Walls have been painted a lovely lilac and her white furniture is ready. Decals of butterflies, flowers and bees decorate her walls – lovingly placed by her parents and brother. Her clothes, new and gently used from generous friends, are washed and neatly folded in the drawers. Receiving blankets, wash cloths, socks, mitts, caps – the whole lot awaits my infant girl. Big brother helped to select the softest bunny in the world for his little sister and her bassinet stands gloriously next to my side of the bed. I peak inside every morning visualizing her in it and am simultaneously overcome with memories of how her brother once slept in there all bundled up.
Our bags are ready. Everything is ready. Everyone is ready to hear the news. I am not ready.
I have a list of things to do, to complete before she arrives. Most of it includes finishing Christmas shopping and wrapping. There are also a few more things to settle in the new house. Our short list of names keeps changing and I’d love just one more good night of sleep.
I feel like I am racing time each time my uterus hardens as I live through Braxton Hicks. I stop and wonder after some period-like cramping that I haven’t felt in…well, in 37 weeks and 5 days! I wonder if this new found energy to settle, put away, clean up, cross off one more thing from my perpetual “to-do” list means that I am in nesting mode. I know it all means she will appear soon – but I still need a little more time.
I also know that I will miss feeling her move around inside me terribly. She has been a most physical inhabitant. Her brother was calm and occasionally reminded me he was there. She has been happily bouncing around since I was 17 weeks! I will miss feeling her and having her all to myself.
As with all things parenting related, when a baby decides to arrive has nothing to do with me or my wishes. It is the precursor to every lesson that parenting brings, particularly how you are no longer in control of your own life. It is all about letting go and letting life happen.
I can do that. I can let go. Just give me about 2 weeks and 5 days.
Aww, so sweet. Are we ever really ready?? I also remember running around getting stuff done before Julian arrived! Enjoy the last few moments before you finally meet her!
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Thanks Cil! For some reason I remember being more ready last time. I couldn’t wait to get him out lol! I think the whole Christmas baby thing just unnerves me more weird. I know you can relate 🙂
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I am SO excited for you!!! Unfortunately in life, there is never enough time!
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Thanks you so much! You’re right about time. You really do just have to give in to the moment and stop trying to control everything… It’s how life is normally best lived.
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I couldn’t wait for pregnancy to be over! Of course, my son was 13 days late . . . You are much more graceful about the waiting!
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Wow an extra 2 weeks of being pregnant! That must have been difficult. As for being graceful, thanks, but tough to do when you’re waddling around with marshmallow ankles 🙂
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Baby here yet ?? 🙂 It’s been a little while since I have seen you around! Hope everything is going well!
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Yes! Baby 9 days old! She’s perfect and I’m busy and sleep deprived 🙂
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YAY!!! I was hoping you were going to come online with that news!! I bet! Hopefully you are able to get some rest and relaxation sometime soon! So happy for you!! Merry Christmas as well to you and your family! 🙂
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