Less than 3 weeks, actually, to the Official Due Date. Which I hear most (first-time) babies ignore, anyway. They're such procrastinators!
This week's trip to the doctor went well. The baby is still head down and pushing me in the ribs hourly (I didn't really need to see a doctor to confirm this, though). And we confirmed with a quick ultrasound that he does not have 6 eyes, although he does have a lot of ribs and a good heartbeat.
My first week of maternity leave was not as productive as I had hoped, but I have been getting a lot of rest, which is more important. I even took a nap one afternoon!
So what have I done? I turned in my disability paperwork to the doctor so I can get paid for the next few months. I bought newborn diapers, baby wipes, and a crib set (sheets, bumper, etc). I agonized over baby ointment (there are about a dozen different brands), but didn't buy any. I washed half of our 0-3 month sized clothing collection, which should be enough to get him through high school. And Gary helped me rearrange my office the baby's office the baby's room last night. The glider (chair, not airplane) is still downstairs, but I am hoping we can move it upstairs this weekend.
And what haven't I done? Well....I still haven't really packed a hospital bag. I did make a list of what should go in it, and I put my toiletry kit and robe in the suitcase. But I have so few maternity clothes that I can't bear to part with any of them for a few weeks. From what I've heard about labor, though, it seems that I'll have time to go through my list and pack the day I go to the hospital. And if the baby can procrastinate, so can I. :)
Posted by Jen at July 9, 2005 06:35 AMTake all the naps you need now - and even when the baby arrives - nap with him - life as you know it will change drastically with his arrival -especially YOUR sleep cycles. Notwithstanding - having your baby son is worth all of that and more - of that I am sure. Can't wait until he gets here - hope he is not a procrastrinator. Enjoy your maternity leave - enjoy being just Jenny - and then enjoy being a mother. Love to all - Aunt Kathy
Posted by: Aunt Kathy at July 9, 2005 07:44 AMThanks for the answer; for the past few days I've been wondering about liftoff or whatever they call it, and thinking about looking at your blog; but once my eyes are open and I've brushed my teeth I tend to forget about it. So your email was a welcome reminder. Don't forget to pack a good book, too.
Posted by: R.A. Raimi at July 9, 2005 08:36 AMIs it true that if you walk around the baby will come sooner? If he starts procrastinating too much, break out the treadmill!
Posted by: Alana at July 9, 2005 03:57 PMHi Jen!
I just love your writing--it is so funny and entertaining! Sounds like you are pretty prepared (at least materially) for the arrival of your little one. It is always a bit of a waiting game (of course, Roan wanted out so soon he came early for a first, and would have come a whole month early but we got him to calm down somehow...). You will be a great mom. It's very...challenging and quite hard for about the first year (we're still in it), but so worth it, as someone else said. You can't imagine how much love you can have for another person until you're baby is around, and then you can't imagine your life without him. It's pretty amazing. If there is anything I can do to help, try to answer questions, whatever, just let me know. It's such a mystery, really, going through the process and becoming a parent. I'm still in awe...
Can't wait to see him! And for he and Roan to meet.
Posted by: Heather McAuley at July 9, 2005 10:12 PMHi Jen and Gary,
Can't believe that it's almost time for "B" Day. Like most babies, this little guy will probably wait until about 3 p.m. in the morning to make his arrival. If he has a good sense of humor he'll say 'let me see what I can do to get their attention' and then proceed to wake you out of a good restful night's sleep.