My 9 months of pregnancy condensed to 7 paragraphs

Jan.17, 2010 So far I have not written about the details of my pregnancy. Maybe it's because I didn't want to get carried away and reveal too much information. Or, maybe it's because with two other little ones running around, my blogging has been kept short and sweet. However, I'm about to make an exception: this post is my Pregnancy Update. This announcement gives anyone not interested, (probably 95% of you) a chance to flee!

OK, if you're by some chance still here. . . I don't know, but I'm pretty sure I have committed two of the big "no-no's" of pregnancy. First, I've publicly proclaimed when I think I'll deliver, otherwise known as "open mouth - insert foot," or is it "eat crow"? There's definitely an old saying out there that fits what I've done. My Dr. did tell me there's a very good chance this baby will come two and a half weeks early like big sister Isabel did. So, I announced that I'll probably deliver early, sending everyone into "baby alert" mode a little too soon. (oops) Why couldn't I just simply say "the baby will come when she's ready" and leave it at that?

And the second mistake, I turned to the Internet for information on what to expect this third time around. I should have known better - the last time I looked to the Internet for medical info, I spent half the morning in a panic waiting for my doctor to call me back and assure me I was not going to die! As the due date nears, I've relied on my "What To Expect When You're Expecting" book, advice from friends and my Dr. of course. But tonight, I did a search for "third baby labor." Yikes! I've been hearing all along this will be an easier and shorter delivery. But as I search I see instead "third baby is unpredictable," "third baby longest labor," and "labor signs could last three weeks before baby comes." WHAT? Are you kidding me? That's it- I'm never searching on the Internet for medical advice again!

The good part is: at least by preparing for an early baby we are, well, prepared! I was so exhausted after the holidays, then we all got sick the week of New Year's, so it was very tempting to just sit and relax for a few days. But instead we jumped in and got ready and I'm so glad we did. Trey's been so awesome, staying close to home, checking off his "honey-do" list and even declined an out-of-town hunting trip. He's been doing most of our shopping and urging me to rest. He won't admit it but I'm sure he'll never listen to me again!

As for me, this "nesting instinct" you hear about is very real. I'll open the fridge to get out the milk and ten minutes later I have straightened all the condiments, thrown out the leftovers and wiped it down with a Clorox wipe. I have folded clothes and cleaned bathrooms in the middle of the night.  It's great having a clean house. . .  even if it only lasts until morning when the kids get up!

Another thing, people are already asking "you haven't had that baby yet?" and "when are you gonna have that baby?" Now, I know it's just small talk, and they really do care- but this is why pregnant ladies stop going anywhere at the end. It's not because we feel so awful and need to rest. (Or else we wouldn't be on our feet all day and night sorting, folding and rearranging the contents of every drawer and closet.) No, we hide to avoid those questions! I'm just kidding of course. Pregnant women say we don't like the questions. But the alternative- having everyone ignore us? No thanks! We know all too soon it will be all about the baby and we'll just be the invisible thing holding the baby. So keep those questions coming because we love all the attention!

I've said all along that this baby will do the opposite of what I think and by expecting it early, I'm setting myself up for a couple extra weeks of waiting. And now, that's looking like the case. One of my friends, Mary, told me to go mess up the house, throw clothes everywhere and the baby will come! I didn't do that but after church tonight Trey went off to a cabin in the woods to chaparone the teenager lock-in. And my closest "call in case of emergency" neighbor is in Boston tonight.  So, this should be a good night to go into labor! I'll keep you posted....