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December 5, 2003
December 5, 2003
Collin is 2 years, 5 months old.
I’m 37 weeks pg.
I’ve made it! The baby is now considered to be full term and labor could happen anytime now. I had my 37 OB appointment Thursday morning and I’ve lost 2 pounds, measured a week ahead (38 weeks) and…drum roll please…I’m 2cm dilated and 50% effaced! For the past two weeks I’ve been feeling tons of pressure and been having mild to sometimes painful menstrual-like cramps, so I wasn’t surprised at all to learn that progress was being made. If I were to guess on when the baby would come, I would say 7-10 days. I have no idea what date that would put me at and I’m not interested in looking because I know babies come when they are ready and not by the date on the calendar. A lot of women can go weeks being several cm’s dilated, but just going off my past history with Collin, I’d say I won’t be going that long.
We are ready for this little angel’s arrival. Our personal bags are packed; I’ve got the diaper backpack (thanks iP!) packed for both kids (man, does that ever sound strange…BOTH kids! Smile!) and I’ve even been keeping up the torturous and dangerous chore of shaving my legs. LOL! A few days ago I went crazy scrubbing out the shower and bathtub. It’s been awhile since it’s been REALLY deep cleaned and the hard water stains were bugging the heck out of me. I sprayed it down and went to town with a toothbrush. I know things are getting close when I start doing nutty things like that. Tonight I plan on vacuuming every square inch of our bedroom. I noticed several dust bunnies comfortably living behind our door and I about had an attack. If I plan to labor at home with my doula for as long as possible before going to the hospital I don’t want dust bunnies creeping around the room. Not that I’d be concerned with them at that point anyway, but for right now it’s driving me mad.
Our birth plan is typed up, our list of phone numbers is ready and we’re just patiently waiting our baby’s arrival. I’ve been getting a little misty eyed today when I play with Collin. I’m totally excited for him to be a big brother yet at the same time I’m a little sad that it won’t just be him anymore. I know that having my two children will be the absolute best thing ever, but I can’t help but wonder what’s in store for Collin. I feel bad knowing that he’ll have to start learning to “share” mommy and daddy and that I won’t be able to attend to his every whim right at the moment he wants me to. On the other hand, I know it will just be breathtaking having two little ones running around, double the amount of kisses, hugs, and I Love You’s. I know that Collin and Ireland will have so much fun together and will share in so many beautiful moments as siblings. I’m excited to be able to give my children something I never had.
Monday night is my Blessingway party and I’m really excited. I have a few, close girlfriends coming and it will be very intimate and low key. My doula is coming to and I’ve very excited for everyone to meet her. We asked everyone to bring two beads (one for me, one for the baby) to string onto a labor necklace we’ll be making during the Blessingway, also, my artsy friend, Heather, will be painting my belly into a big jolly Santa Claus so that should provide some hilarious entertainment for all. Everyone is bringing a yummy sweet treat so we’ll spend the evening gorging out on sugar and just having some nice girl time. I feel the need to gather with my close friends as the time of labor approaches. I’m hoping they provide me with lots of warm fuzzies to give me courage and strength for our upcoming birth. I have some wonderful friends so I’m really looking forward to this time.
We had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving. I cooked all the traditional yummy foods and we ate until we couldn’t eat anymore. There are still a few leftovers in the refrigerator but I’m betting they will be tossed out within a day or two. Speaking of…now that I think about it, the refrigerator needs a good scrub. Now that I REALLY think about it, it’s already starting to bug me so you know what I’ll be doing tomorrow!
Mark’s mom came over around noon and they sat around the living room and played with Collin while I labored in the kitchen. It was exhausting but I had fun cooking MY first Thanksgiving dinner for my own little family. Collin ate almost an entire can of black olives and gorged himself on sweet pickles so he didn’t eat too much of the main meal but he did love the cranberries! He had so much fun that entire week reciting all of the yummy foods that Mommy was going to cook. I swear, up to the day, he had me listing the menu four or five times in a day. He was also very excited because he got a small glass of Ginger ale as a “treat” with dinner. Do we know how to live dangerously or what?!
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, we put up our tree, all the lights and house decorations. It looks cozy and warm and very festive. We love to shut off all the lights at night and just marvel in the beauty of the tree. I think we’ve had about 10 mugs of hot cocoa and whipped cream since last Sunday. Collin likes his whipped cream piled to the sky. He also likes to have a small handful of marshmallows too. Can you say sugar high?
All of Collin’s gifts are bought and ready to be wrapped. I’ve even gotten all his stocking stuffers and treats. The only things left to get are batteries. Oh and lately he’s been asking for a “My Little Pony.” That’s commercialism for you! Mark doesn’t want him to really have one, but I say, why not? I’ll pick one up over the weekend and just to appease Mark I’ll not get a pink one. (grin)
Collin has a new big boy bed and even picked out cool new Spider-man sheets, but the little dickens won’t sleep in his new room or bed yet. I think it’s just too much of a change all at once. I’m in no hurry because I really love him sleeping with me and I love getting a 2-hour nap late afternoon with him. Those naps have been a godsend for me because most nights I can’t sleep and I’m up for about two hours between 3am and 5am. Mainly because I just can’t get comfortable but also because my heartburn is so bad at night the only thing that helps is a nice big glass of cold milk. Once I drink that I’m usually wide awake and thinking of things I could be doing or lists I could be making.
Collin has been the cutest ever lately and saying the darndest things! One of his favorite things to say is, ‘I love daddy so much, he’s my favorite guy!” Gets me weepy just thinking about it. Kids…what a blessing!
As usual, I’m pressed for time and I need to get off the computer! I wanted to do a quick update to let you know how the pregnancy is progressing and what’s been going on. I hope to update next Tuesday or Wednesday, if Ms. Ireland isn’t here yet! Send me some positive healthy labor vibes. We’re down to the wire now!
Enjoy the season and remember the reason!
~Jennifer
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