full term
Yesterday my irritability reached an entirely new level; high humidity and heat coupled with late pregnancy is not a friendly or likeable combination. Just ask my family.
My poor family.
This morning I woke before everyone else and rose in a frenzy; kitchen was cleaned, lunchboxes were packed, washing was hung on the line and I decided, then and there, that it was time to do some serious last-minute shopping and buy those final things that are absolutely essential for the hospital bag (maternity pads, nappies, black underwear). I’ve also just found and ordered these organic nursing pads (highly recommend the soft cotton washable version as opposed to the disposable plastic option).
During breakfast Daniel had the sweetest chat with the kids about what’s to come. “Now, remember that one day really soon, Mum and Dad will go to the hospital and when we come home, there will be a baby! And Mum will be really tired because having a baby is like running really fast to Sydney and back.” – cue wide-eyes and many “wows”.
“…and we’ll need to be a little bit quieter than normal and you won’t be able to run and jump on Mum for a cuddle because she will be a bit sore. But, we’ll get to cuddle and gaze at our new baby and talk about what we should name him/her!”
While I was driving Che to school this morning he asked me if I would cry when I brought the baby home. And I told him that yes, I will, because I’ll be happy and tired and in love and sore and tender and overwhelmed. All of those things and many more that are just too complex to explain to a seven-year-old. To be honest, they’re even a little too complex for me to comprehend right now.
On the cusp of change I find it best to immerse myself in the practical; making blueberry yogurt cake, trimming the hydrangeas that were growing over the front steps, buying far too many cans of tinned tomatoes.
This baby will come someday soon….maybe next week, maybe a month from now.
Such a lovely time…even if it is marked by irritability!
And this time around I found myself stocking up on cleaning items…so we now have roll upon roll of paper towels, boxes of dishwasher tablets, and more refills of hand soap than I can count! But we ran out of tinned tomatoes yesterday!
I have an impressive amount of laundry detergent 😉
I am in the same boat! At at 40 +1 in Kenya right now, baking hot and too many mosquitos at night. A lively toddler and work piling up as my brain becomes fuzzier and fuzzier. Oddly, this morning was the first morning I felt any motivation to clean and organize, and I am about to do a similar shop. Also on my list: lemons (I find lemon water so thirst quenching), lavender oil, beeswax candles, and a few chickens to throw in the freezer.
Just beautiful Jodi, I hope the remaining days of waiting for your new babe are filled with peace and rest.
Sounds like all of you deserve a good meal out (preferably in cold, soothing air-conditioning) to celebrate this wonderful transition from a family of 4 to 5…
ps: I find that baby *always* decides to come when you either are desperately in need of a shower or have to shave your legs 😉
oh my this is such a sweet post … !!!
best wishes for you all
Denise
Although these final moments can be bittersweet, it's a magical time. Happiness to you all when your wee one does arrive.x
This is beautifully written! I wish you all the best for these last days/weeks before baby arrives.
Best of luck. How sweet the conversation with your husband and kids. I am 40 weeks on Friday. Now at one with what will be will be…who am I kidding. I am anxious and excited and ready to become a family of 4.
Beautiful pictures and words. The final stretch of pregnancy is such a bizarre time isn't it. You're half way between two places. I too found comfort in the practical – especially if the practical chores taste as good as your blueberry cake! x
I loved second trimester but 1st and 3rd – bleh…full term in summer is no fun. be kind to yourself. I love your honesty.
Hang in there!! I totally sympathize with those end of pregnancy woes (I just gave birth 2 weeks ago). That conversation between your husband and your kids is so sweet and completely melted my heart. Xo and good luck!
I can empathise greatly with this! We're 32 weeks now and some days my fuse seems so short (or non existent) – the other day I sat on the bed overwhelmed by this coming week, the hot weather predictions, the 300 or so day old chickens coming, the work commitments and generally feeling bloated and hot and uncomfortable! Then of course my toddler gets gastro last night! Remembering to be still and think calming, peaceable thoughts, only tackle the most necessary of tasks. Bless you as you draw closer to this special birth xx Emily
such a lovely post…you really put the right words on those sentiments… I remember so vividely how I felt during the end of the pregnancies… and the crying once its all over..puuuhhh :)…. all the best! cecile
Lovely post! Good luck with the home stretch, how wonderful and always amazing that a new little life will be joining the world soon.
I just have one teeny thing to add (& I feel stupid asking/saying this!) but could you make a sidenote up near the breast pads that reusuable doesn't work for everyone. I didn't realise this and with my first (& second) had a crazy oversupply of milk and was using reusables but having to change them every feed. It didn't even cross my mind to switch to disposables but when it did click I wish I'd had someone let me know.
Sending generous amounts of love to you, a most precious time is looming. Jx
Oh you lovely thing! Your cake looks most excellent.