The baby is officially three days overdue today, which isn't that late considering my hospital will let me go two weeks before induction. Although I'm doing my best to soak up the summer sun in Seattle, each day is a lesson in patience as I try to enjoy these last days as a family of two and wait for our baby boy's arrival.
At the time I chose not to write about it on the blog, but we had a couple of preterm labor scares and I ended up in the hospital at 32 and 34 weeks along. Although my midwives advised me not to, I started to think the baby was definitely going to be early. I bought tiny clothes, got everything in order at work to leave at a moment's notice, and each day thought "Today could be the day!"....for about six weeks. But the baby seems to have his own plans and I'm so thankful that he is healthy and full grown.
The whole thing has given me a bit of anxiety but it's also been a great lesson in patience and releasing control. I said to Patrick the other day that this is the most out of control I've ever felt in my life. I have no idea what day this baby will be born, what it will be like to be a mother, what the baby's personality will be like, or what our new family routines and schedule will be like. It's such a strange precipice to stand on and look out into the unknown as we step into a new phase of life. A lot about our lives is about to change and I keep reminding myself that the best thing to do right now is just take each day as it comes and try our best to treat each other well and embrace the unknown with patience and excitement. Easier said than done!
Was your baby overdue? My friend Amber gave me the great advice to do something fun every day that the baby is overdue to take your mind off it. Last night we got to enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Lake Union to celebrate my mom's birthday (photo above). Any other advice out there?
You're doing great, Teresa - I know it can be hard sharing so openly over the Internet too. All of my babies were early so I have no advice on being overdue, but based on that pic I'd say just keep going on boat rides and long walks (and sleeping while you can, albeit uncomfortably at this point I'm sure!). What a great way to enjoy these last moments of the pregnancy
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina! I appreciate your encouragement and your recent blog posts about your newborn girl!
DeleteI read a blog article the other day that had a special term for the end of pregnancy feelings before labor kicked in. Now it is driving me crazy I can't think of where I saw it! Sending healthy and happy delivery thoughts your way for when the time comes!
ReplyDeleteI read that too! I think this is it: http://www.mothering.com/community/a/the-last-days-of-pregnancy-a-place-of-in-between Cup of Jo linked it. :) Thanks Heather!
DeleteYou are going to do great, just keep yourself busy while you wait, and he'll be here in no time! eee!! soo exciting, can't wait for the big announcement. sending you good vibes for a delivery sooner rather than later :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle!!! :)
DeleteRomy was two weeks overdue...I went to the hospital just hours before my induction was scheduled. Honestly I was so tired I slept most of that time, but it is certainly hard to be patient! The great thing about pokey babies is that they are so strong and healthy when they're born.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I didn't realize until I went through it is that unless you have an incredibly fussy baby, the first few weeks at home is kind of a breeze because they sleep all the time! I remember Gawain and I eating great, uninterrupted dinners feeling kind of smug...but then that newborn sleepiness wears off and things get a little crazier. But it's nice of the babies to kind of ease us into parenting!
Hang in there and have fun doing some of the old-wives tales like eating spicy food and going on long walks, even though my midwives said they never work unless the baby's ready anyways. Lastly, enjoy the kicks and movement of your baby. A lot of my mom friends and I were totally taken aback by how much you miss that!
Thanks for all the advice, McCall, I really appreciate hearing from someone else who was overdue! Trying to soak up these last few days being pregnant before he arrives. Your daughter is adorable by the way, what a cute family!
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ReplyDeleteThank you; she's quite a character these days! One more fun things I always recommend to my pregnant friends is to go out and get a new lipstick- something that makes you feel like a million bucks when you swipe it on. That way when you're sleep deprived, wearing sweats and are covered in puke, you can put on your magic lipstick and feel like a human again.
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