Time is flying by. If I stop to think about it, I remember that, really, this happens every spring. The agenda fills up, weekends feel shorter than usual, and the weeks pass in a blur. Of course, this year I'm paying more attention to the calendar, anyway, and March and April
flew. There was a time when July felt very far away. ... Now is not that time. I'm realizing, too, that our baby could quite realistically be born in June, although I'm really pulling (or, more appropriately,
pushing) for a July birth day.
Lamaze classes are an interesting thing. I am enjoying our Wednesday night dates! Bobby and I inevitably have dinner out, and it's time together, spent focused on little else but baby-prep. A girl could do worse! But, the classes themselves are much too long, in our opinion. If it weren't for the overly-frequent breaks, chit-chat, and ice-breaker activities, I'm quite confident we could condense each of these 8 sessions from 2.5 hours to 90 minutes, at most. But, they serve a purpose, I'm sure. More than being particularly full of new information, they are confirming what we already know and we are enjoying thinking about the time when we'll welcome our daughter into the world.
In class two weeks ago, we were informed about labor positions and natural pain management. The class ended with the strong encouragement that we try out the various tools and techniques stationed around the room: birthing ball, massage, hip movement, etc. We gave them all a try, in the midst of fifteen or so other couples. There's a reason women labor in private.... It was awkward.
Last week, though, was our tour of the labor and delivery floor at the hospital, and I must say, being in that environment made me
very excited for our stay. I can picture us there now, and having that clear image in my mind of what our surroundings will be when she's born has heightened my anticipation of the big day.
I like being pregnant. A friend asked me several weeks ago whether or not I like being pregnant. Had this question been asked last fall, in the middle of my morning sickness and early pregnancy woes, my answer would have undoubtedly been different. (That seems fair.) But, first trimester queasiness and general discomforts aside,
yes, I am still really, really enjoying this. As the doctor confirms at seemingly every appointment, I feel so very normal, and my body has seemed to do exactly what it was created to do throughout this process.
I like the way my body looks.
I like knowing there's a new life growing in my healthy body.
I like the bond that's intensifying between Bobby and I.
I like the attention. (
I'd be lying if I didn't admit to that.)
I like the busyness and anticipation surrounding her upcoming arrival.
I like the refreshed spiritual awareness.
I like feeling fulfilled.
Yes, I'm happy to say, pregnancy seems to suit me. (Which is good, because I pray this isn't the last time I do this.)
Forcing myself to slow down is my biggest challenge these days. I like being busy, and it's becoming very easy for me to over-do it. It's discouraging when grocery shopping feels like a major workout.... I want to garden alongside Bobby, but can't for long without becoming overheated.... Bending over (& getting up & bending over & getting up...) to play with Royal is exasperating.... Seemingly minor physical exertion is wearing me out, and although I know that my body is working hard constantly, that's difficult for me to wrap my head around when I'm feeling lazy for resting on the couch. And, it's hard for me to sit and watch activity and be left out. Lately, though, I've otherwise felt wonderful...unless I've over-done it, and then I've really no one to blame but myself.
Watching my tummy move and feel her inside of me is my favorite thing. I don't know how to describe it, but I hope I never forget this sensation. It is unlike anything else I've ever experienced, and it's beautiful. Her movements have become more and more frequent, and now her entire body rolls and shifts. The kicks and jabs are unmistakeable to Bobby and other onlookers or feelers, and I love being able to share this activity of hers with them. It's becoming much easier to picture this little girl not as a fish swimming around in my tummy, or fluttering like a butterfly, but as a nearly-newborn child, trying to find a comfortable spot in ever-tightening quarters. She's getting ready for her debut...and, in many ways, it feels like I already know her.
