There's a first time for everything!

I've never made it this far into a pregnancy! I have three more days until my due date. Since both of my girls arrived anywhere from a week to 2.5 weeks early, I sort of expected (though I tried not to get my hopes up) that I would have had Baby Boy by now. Despite my best efforts to keep my expectations realistic, I have spent the last six weeks "on alert". I thought I was going to go into labor on the evening of Annunciation. Then Holy Week came and went, and everyone told me I looked like I was gonna pop. Then I was glad Baby held off around V's birthday, for obvious logistical/ timing reasons. Then I was getting a little antsy, but I convinced myself it'd be much nicer if he could wait until after S's birthday. Two days after her birthday, my mom had planned a small shower for me, so I made it my new goal to make it to the shower pre-baby. The day of the shower, I was having a LOT of contractions and feeling pretty convinced it was "go time." I even called my midwife to give her a heads up, in case things picked up later. I thought, "Okay, I'll go the baby shower, then I'll come home and have this baby!" No such luck. It didn't happen.

I keep thinking of baby tasks to complete, assuring myself that once the (insert task) is done, the baby will come. Once the house is clean. Once the baby quilt is finished. Once the supplies are gathered and in order. Once I pray the Akathist one more time. Once I finish reading (insert pregnancy/ birth-related book here). Once I figure out a name (ha!).

Well, I've exhausted myself keeping the house cleaned. I've given up on that theory. The baby quilt is done. The homebirth supplies are gathered and organized. Baby's drawers are filled with freshly washed onesies and plenty of clothes. I keep praying, regardless. I have stopped reading pregnancy books-- I love'em, but I have had my fill and they're just making me too preoccupied with labor anyways. The name game continues... each different day is taken into account, as I keep up on the patron saint feast days, etc. (Andronikos is today... hmmm...).

So, the waiting game ensues. I had an appt. today, and my midwife said things are looking great. I'm so thankful for that! The rest of the day was spent getting lunch with my girls and walking around a sunny spot of the downtown area. Now we're home and the house is a mess and S's diaper needs some serious attention. Did I mention Job gets home in 15 minutes? And I don't have anything simmering on the stove? Yikes.

Anyway, I just thought I'd update the world on Baby and me :) We're hanging in there. Each day is different-- some days I'm tearing my hair out with anticipation and readiness. Other days (like today), I'm okay with chilling out a little longer and spending time with the girls. The only thing consistent about me is my inconsistency :)

I have been sewing things for "me", which has been really nice! I sewed the Beignet skirt, and I just need to add the buttons and button-holes. I wont' be able to wear it until I lose all of the baby weight... and since I've gained the most with this pregnancy, I need all of the incentive and motivation I can get :) The pattern was really great to work with, so very easy to follow and understand. Now I'm working on a quick "Easy to Sew" blouse, which I started last night and am nearly done with. After that, I'll start the Parfait dress... I have no idea what size to make it, since I'd like to wear it to a wedding I'm attending in July... Hmmm. Time to choose between reality and fantasy... 12 or 6? If this little guy is like Susy, he'll suck all of the fat out of me in record time... but even then, I wont' have all of the weight off by July. Maybe a 10 is a safe bet? Yes, the sewing has been a therapeutic, constructive, non-"Baby"/birth distraction. God is definitely good!

Job gets home in 4 minutes. Time to get off my tush! See you later :)