Crazy that I can now respond to the question, “When are you due?” with a one-word response: FRIDAY.
Holy shit.
I tweeted this last Friday. The next morning, DH said, This is our last Saturday before we become parents.
I feel strangely calm. I’m ready to meet our daughter.
And although I feel, were it not for the previa, she might choose to make her entrance into this world closer to 41 weeks, I think she is ready too. The biophysical profile I have as part of my twice-weekly NST shows a healthy-sized baby whose ribs have expanded and contracted at three out of the four appointments so far. You don’t always catch this on a limited ultrasound, so I’m hoping this means she has a good set of lungs on her and won’t end up in the NICU. (Caesarean-born babies have a higher chance of time in the NICU because their lungs are squeezed clear of amniotic fluid in the birth canal.)
The ultrasounds have also shown a head-down baby who lies face up, and I love seeing her chubby cheeks, upturned nose, and full lips gulping amniotic fluid. I even saw her blinking at one appointment! I still can’t get over how there is a person inside me. A fully-formed baby, ready to blink, eat, scream, and poop.
Honestly, though, there’s a part of me that will miss being pregnant. It hasn’t been the easiest ride, but I’ve loved feeling her kicks. But I’ll also love holding her more. (And I’m looking forward to being able to consume sushi, certain cheeses, and unpasteurized veggie juices again.
Today is my last day to get things done. I’ve crossed off a bunch of stuff on my to-do list, including wrapping up work projects, setting up changing pad on dresser, and switching out my bedside table so the bassinet is flush with my bed (to allow for easier post-surgery breastfeeding).
I’ve also cooked about 20 chicken thighs and several kilos of rice for our dog who has diarrhea and goes to the petsitter tomorrow for six days…
My fabulous MIL is coming over for the second day running to help me change the bed linens, clean the floors, and other stuff that is considered “strenuous” by my doctors.
Tomorrow is a full day that goes like this:
- Drop off dog
- Go to final OB appointment
- Have pre-op blood drawn
- Do NST
- DH and I have acupuncture
Meanwhile, I’m treating myself to a mani-pedi. I’ve scheduled tomorrow’s post — my caesarean birth plan, for those of you who are curious, so this is my last “live” post until after Baby V is here.
Think of us at 7:30am California / 10:30am NYC / 3:30pm London / 4:30pm Western Europe time!
Over and out! Xoxo
Thinking of you on the big day! So happy for you that baby V will be here soon. Hope all goes well, Lauren!
wishing you a safe and joyful delivery! so happy that this is happening for you xo
So happy and excited for you!! What a wonderful journey this has been! Prayers for a safe delivery and can’t wait to ‘meet’ little V!!
I can’t believe it’s finally here! I’ve loved following you on this journey and I cannot wait to follow you on your journey with V. I will be thinking of you on Friday. Love you girl! <3
I can’t believe she’s almost here! I hope all goes well with your birth and little V comes into the world healthy.
Honey I’m in floods!!! This has really triggered me emotionally in so many ways. I’m thinking of you and this incredible journey. Less than 48 hours to go lovely lady. See you on the flip side xxx
This has been a wonderful journey to follow you on, and I can’t wait to see the next leg. Much love to all of you!!