Proud Mom

Well, after 53 hours of labor and a C-section, my daughter greeted the world. She is a precious gift that I sometimes have a hard time believing is real. The labor and delivery were a bit too real though. They don't call it labor for nothing, and our original plan was to do everything as natural as possible (we're granola like that). We knew that we needed to be flexible and to do whatever would be best for me and the baby. So, after laboring for FIFTY-THREE WHOLE HOURS without any pain medication, and hearing that it could go on for days more, with high risk to both of us, I gladly opted for a C-Section. Within 30 minutes, my daughter's cries filled the room. I know I'm biased, but I think she is beautiful and perfect. I can't even begin to describe the love I have for her.

Tick-Tock

Well, my due date is this Sunday, and so I study my calendar too closely and look at my watch too intently these days. I wake up in the morning thinking "is this the day??" and go to bed at night thinking "is this the night???" With such an easy pregnancy, people would ask me if I was ready to have her yet. Honestly, I wasn't. I was enjoying the 9 months that sailed by, enjoy feeling her move inside me (I still do) and taking time to get adjusted to becoming a mom. So many things to do with the nursery and things to prepare for an additional little person living in your home. But now. I think it's time.

I don't sleep well and it's amazing how much that can affect your day. My body is wondering if it will ever get to shed the extra pounds it has accumulated over these last few months. Simple things like washing my hands in the kitchen sink is difficult because I am *that* far away from the sink and so it requires either bending over at an awkward angle to reach the water or leaning on the counter to wash my hands. (I choose the latter). I eagerly anticipate my weekly chiropractor appts to adjust my back, hips and stubborn rib that is out of place. But why am I complaining? I have the privilege to feel my daughter's movements every single day. Although I look forward to seeing her move outside my tummy and realize "so THAT'S what she was doing in there", I think I will miss the gentle nudges I've gotten so used to.

So, baby girl. Take your time. We'll see you when you're ready to greet the world.

I love you already.