Random Stuff All Jumbled
Work: I’m still working and trying to wrap up a few projects. I have two small articles to write this week, a strat guide to finish, a dissertation chapter to edit, and hopefully another couple of chapters to complete for my long-term projects. I am both glad that there’s stuff to do, and distracted enough to have a hard time buckling down to do it. It’s kinda crazy in my cabeza.
Appointments: Another Birth Center appointment today. Dentist appointment for Lucas today. Dentist appointment for me on Thursday. I’ve been flossing in the hopes that it will counter my pregnancy gingivitis, which, believe it or not, has been linked to preterm labor/birth.
38 weeks, 2 days: I’m starting to want this kid on the outside now. My sleeping sucks and my back hurts. I’m feeling sorry for myself. Ian gave me a great massage last night. I was up only 8 or 9 times last night, though, and each time, my back was stiff. I feel huge and unsexy, but I think it could be worse. More often than not lately, people say nice things to me.
Food: The other mommies at Sac Waldorf School are organizing a team of food preparers to prepare meals for our family after the baby comes. It’s touching and sweet and I’m very grateful. I felt obliged to tell Megan today that Ian is doing 70% of the cooking these days. I didn’t want her to think I’m the overworked homemaker, have-a-baby-in-the-morning-and-have-lunch-on-the-table-for-the-menfolk-an-hour-later kind of girl. I also want the world to know that I have the absolute BEST HUSBAND EVER.
What I know about my new baby: He is a clothes horse. We have AMPLE clothing for baby, ample blankets, ample booties, ample hats, etc.
Money: Lucas’s tuition is paid through the end of the year (thank you, darling!). I cannot express how happy and relieved this makes me feel! My biggest money stress is tuition payments. Having this year paid in full in January frees me to rest and take it easy for a little while after the baby is born.
The Plan: The Beautiful Bs have offered to help out by caring for Lucas if we go into labor during the daytime. Mom is planning on coming over to our place to stay with him if we have to leave during the night.
Birth: I’ve been reading up on birth a bit to remember good positions for labor and delivery. I have a great team assembled: Same midwife and same doula and same husband as I had the last time. I’m optimistic about the outcome. I feel strong for having made it through this experience unmedicated once before. I should be able to do it again. Ruth says that my body will remember what to do, even if my brain does not remember many details. All those labor “techniques” (specific breathing patterns, supine birth positions, strenuous pushing, etc.) are too rigid and too much designed to help others cope with the birth process and their convenience. It’s really not about them. We’ll have a tub available. I hope to labor at home for as long as possible, staying active and on my feet, and I hope that I’ll know when it’s the appropriate time to go to the Birth Center.
Support: My friends are all pulling for us; I feel their good wishes and hope all around me. I’m grateful to be so blessed to have a community like this one. Thank you, sisters. Thank you, friends.
