The Guarentee

Now, being 38 weeks pregnant, I have a new appreciation for a few things I used to think were women's way of dramatizing pregnancy. I now understand that"waddling" is NOT a choice. It truly feels like walking with a melon between your legs...in all actuality, there is a melon there (the baby's head). No use in trying to slip past someone in the grocery store or restaurant either. Inevitably, your belly or, worse yet, your backside will bump into the person. Yes, it's happened to me. It is also impossible to complete the simplest of tasks without grunting and lots of effort such as putting on socks and shoes, rolling over in bed, or painting your own toe nails. Overall, pregnancy has been fun! I've gotten lots of attention from strangers most of which is unsolicited. I've made relationships with key people at work who've suddenly taken an interest in my becoming a new mother. It is amazing how that has improved my effectiveness as an OT at work. I've also built a special bond with the little thing in my belly who kicked or elbowed me in the ribs and bladder at least 100 times. And there is, of course, the fact that I am the incubator housing a new "little soul", as my mom called her, that I am responsible for bringing into this world. That in itself is pretty remarkable.

As much as I have enjoyed the love hate relationship with my body these last 9 months, I have to say, I am over being pregnant. This realization began just after the 36 week check up where my midwife casually said, "You are 1-2 cm and 80%." One phrase comes to mind, deer in the headlights. I immediately started crying, and then had to explain to poor Thad what those magical little numbers meant. Of course, I felt unprepared for the potential that the baby could arrive so quickly. So, that week was busy with packing my bag and reading the labor and delivery sections of my pregnancy books. Nothing like hurry up and wait. 37 week appointment. I was so sure she was going to send me straight over to the hospital. I was hoping for "4 cm and 100%" but.....no change. I asked her to make a prediction on when she expected this party to start. "I guarantee you won't be pregnant forever." As surreal as that sounded, it was quite comforting.