As we get ready for this little babe to arrive, we've been advised by many friends to "enjoy these weeks". I've actually told a lot of patients this same advice in the past. I've cautioned them of the upcoming night-time feedings, sore nipples, diaper changes, general sleep deprivation, and unpredictable changes that parenting will bring. What great advice I thought I was giving. Now I get pretty annoyed when people tell me to enjoy this time.
I imagined that in my last month of pregnancy I would be doing all kinds of really cool things- hiking my favorite trails, getting extra hours of sleep, cooking amazing things to put into the freezer, sewing all kinds of crafty home-wares, and getting ahead on darling knitting projects.
But somehow- life is not as idyllic as I pictured it! The pregnancy has been healthy and pretty darn easy. But these last few weeks are testing me a bit. My nights are full of frequent trips to pee, painful hips and low back, and difficulty rolling over (imagine a six-point turn). So with such poor sleep, my motivation after a long day of work to do all of the lovely above listed projects, is pretty poor. Of course Brent is getting no sleep with such a restless bed partner. So we're a little grumpy, restless, and anxious for the babe to come.
We're excited to meet this little creature. We're excited to have our lives turned upside-down, and to embrace the chaos of parenthood. I think we're both as ready as we can be, waiting with a feeling of "bring it on". This kind of anticipatory anxiety forces us to try to slow down and "be" in the moment.
Hopefully we'll be able to take that annoying, but good advice to enjoy these weeks. I'm going to try to enjoy these moments of discomfort, fatigue, excitement, uncertainty, urinary frequency, and nervousness, and maybe put a casserole or two in the freezer and get a little exercise.
-Val
that is a good looking belly!
ReplyDelete-gregg
I hope I age the blog thing figured out. I think I just sent a message to myself. Anyway, love the photo of baby hiding the in the belly. Enjoy your casserole making, but I'll be there to help with some cooking. Continue to enjoy the moment. The excitement is buzzing for me too. Love you. Soon to be Grammy or Grandma Sue
ReplyDeleteVal. I love the blog, and as to who reads it, these entries will bring you great joy as you look back on them in future, as well as help your family and friends feel more connected.
ReplyDeleteAfter Owen, I decided that q2hour night-time voids at the end of pregnancy was some sort of preparatory step for night-time feeds. Though with nigh time feeds, all you have to do is grab the baby,nurse for bit, then give it to papa if needs changing -less of an interruption once it's figured out you'll practically do it in your sleep. Never did understand why some people put newborns in a nursery down the hall.
As far as nursing goes, my advice is follow the "10 steps," read up about how to get a good latch so you don't end up with super sore nipples, and have faith in your body.
You are going to make an excellent mother!!
PS, sorry my comment turned into a book:)
Hi Val,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see pictures of the baby outside the belly, although the belly is looking good:)
It won't be long.
Sending loving vibes your way!
Jan
Hi Brent and Val:
ReplyDeleteGreat to have this blog site so we can share all your preparations, joy and excitement. Thank you.
Anxiously awaiting more.
Love and hugs,
Lorrie and Morris