Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Waiting


Today is the day you're supposed to be born. Well, it's halfway between when the scan said you'd arrive (July 30th) and when the doctor said you'd come (Aug 1). So, I was kinda hoping you'd respect that your mommy is a deadline-abiding journalist and follow suit. But you're keeping me waiting.

This picture was taken last night when Paul and I took advantage of a break in the storm to walk to the botanical gardens in hopes of speeding labor along. Scary to think it might be our last walk with just the two of us.

Not that you're not teasing me with plenty of contractions and "signs of impending labor" according to the baby books. I've ticked nearly all of them on the list, and yet I'm no closer to meeting you. I even added extra hot sauce to my curry at lunch and am having Paul bring home spicy Thai food for dinner. So far, all I've got is gas to show for it.

But between the contractions, I have been pretty productive today (otherwise known as nesting, yet another sign that you should be popping out soon). I set up the portacot and rearranged the furniture in the living room to accommodate it for you. I can wheel it around to let you nap or play in the warm sunshine or take in the ocean views (not that you can see that far right away, I know).  I also :
  • Dug a couple holes in the garden and planted some lilies that should bloom around Christmastime. 
  • Cleaned up the yard after the gale force winds swept through yesterday and today (remind me to tell you about breathing through contractions while the living room is shaking sometime).
  • Mopped the wood floors downstairs so you'll have a clean slate to work with
  • Cleaned the bathroom (see above)
  • Figured out that old plastic ice cream tubs will be the perfect container for the homemade cloth baby wipes I made for you and set some aside.
  • Administered first aid to Banderas the cat, who in his attempts to impress me lately with lots of dead birds from his hunts appears to have gotten into a scuffle and has some scratches on his ear and face. No wonder he's been clingy today.
  • Repacked our "going to the hospital bags"
  • Took a long, hot shower (knowing it might be my last)
  • Set up this new blog to help remember this time and let your friends and family far away know how you're doing.
  • Looked up on the internet more ways to get this labor moving more quickly...

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Love the new blog! Don't worry, Jen and Paul's baby, you will come soon enough, and when you do, you will surely be showered with lots of love and cuddles.

Your friend Sienna can't wait to meet you. Both she and I clapped for you today. Hurray, you are almost here! I asked Sienna to wave hello today and she picked her nose (which is something she just learned to do -- wow, there's something in there!). So she brought you a nice little welcome present!

There will surely be lots of things you will bring mommy. But tell mommy not to worry: Auntie Dulce has had snot, poo, pee, food, milk, sand and whatnot all over her, and she is still smiling. Lots to look forward to! Love you all! We're sending you good vibrations for a speedy and wonderful birth.

xxoox
Auntie Dulce, Uncle Noel and Sienna

Mike said...

I haven't seen it in any books, but have you tried trampolining, horseback riding, or rollercoasters :-)

Hope the delivery goes quickly and easily, and I look forward to pictures of Baby Bula --

Love, Mike (from Mont'-gum-ry)

Grace Lanzetta said...

Auntie Grace is waiting for you too Baby!! Be nice to your mommy! Now that you flipped around for her (that was very kind). . .it should be smooooth sailing. Try to hold your poop in until AFTER you are born, and good luck with the transitional breathing - remember, in and out, in and out! And yes, everything is very, very bright out here!! I can't wait to meet you!

XOXO

Anonymous said...

It's a boy! Congrats guys and hello to little Heathcliff (Mom told me):)

Anonymous said...

Alright, his name isn't Heathcliff (although modern naming conventions in NZ are a funny things).

Hello Richard Dean Melsness!