Monday, August 24, 2009

Almost check-in time

Hello from this side of labor! If all goes as planned (when does that ever happen?), today is my last full day of this pregnancy. 40 weeks is a long time.

Gunter and I have enjoyed the past few days. Highlights include our family all coming to see us one more time while I’m still pregnant, a movie date, trying a Japanese restaurant in town with a couple of friends, watching two Tyler Perry plays on DVD and tying up loose ends. We split a big Diet Coke at the movies, the first I’ve had in I can’t remember when. Bailey didn’t seem to mind. The weather has taken on a tinge of fall, and it’s beautiful, though now both of us have sinus trouble. Gunter has done very well with his new healthy diet. We’ve become quite educated on the fat content of various foods. Some restaurants’ nutrition facts have shocked us. We discovered that fat free milk is not bad after all, even for me, the milkaholic. We started work on our choir Christmas cantata, “All Bow Down” by Travis Cottrell. I read Baby Wise, but I don’t think I’ll understand it until I know what caring for a baby is actually like. Gunter finished stripping the paint from a dresser for the nursery. Lots of getting up during the night and lots of feet-propping. Lots of “You haven’t had that baby yet?!” I realized this morning that if I were pregnant one more day, there’s no way I could paint my toenails myself. Having TV in the hospital will be kind of like vacation for us. We haven’t had cable since we got married, and we’ve had no TV since we moved to Brockton.

It’s strange to think that Gunter and I are about to go through such an experience together. He mentioned last night that it’s even more special to him because it hasn’t been so long ago that we went through other life-changing experiences that weren’t so happy. Sometimes I still think of us as those little kids who met in third grade or those high school friends who cut up together. Life is such an adventure.

I’ve had moments of nervousness about the next couple of days, but I’m not nervous right now. Last night, I worried about all the swine flu talk going around since I’m about to spend a few days in a hospital and bring a baby into this germy world, but I’m over it for now. I can’t miss enjoying this because of something over which God already has control.

We’re still hoping I’ll go into labor before tomorrow morning, but if not, I’m okay with that. No, I’m not going to jog, ride a dirt road or take castor oil. Walking is painful, but I do what I can, my front yard is a bumpy enough ride, and I’ve heard the castor oil horror stories.

So, I guess I’ll see you on the flip side. I’ll post pictures as soon as I can.

9 comments:

Mary Tyler S. said...

SO excited for you. I can't wait to see pics! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Love all 3 of you!! I'll visit the new family Wednesday!!
Kim Gibson

Sharon Ward said...

Bethany

You don't know me, but I have just recently found your blog and have enjoyed it. Good luck and I am glad the time is finally here for her to arrive.

My daughter, (Shea Ward Barnett), used Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo, and Robert Bucknam. Her baby girl who is now 2 1/2, was sleeping 8 hours and 45 minutes at night by the time she was 9 weeks old, and then 12 or more hours by the time she was 12 weeks old. It really worked with her, but not as much with her baby brother who is now a year old. Somehow it does put in place a real important balanced schedule of feeding and sleeping. Some are just going to sleep better than others. The friend that recommended the book to Shea had fabulous luck also with her daughter.

It's funny to read you tell about you and Gunter. Gunter stayed at Yound World while my kids, Shea and Ryan Ward, were there for just a little while. In fact I think that Gunter and Bradley Bane were the first two there and Shea and Ryan were the next ones. Sure has been a bunch of years.

Sharon Ward

The Macks said...

I take it your getting induced tomorrow. We'll be thinking about you!

I think E is looking more like Brett too, but most people now think she looks more like me. She really is a good mix!

Kristin Douglas said...

Bethany, I love your blog. I found it through Christi's. I don't even know if you realize I've been keeping up with you through it. :-)

Best wishes tomorrow -- everything will go great! Another friend of mine will be induced on Wednesday. And Chad's birthday is Thursday. This is a special week to me. :-)

I can't wait to see pictures of that beautiful baby. :-)

Love,
Kristin

Katelyn Ellis said...

I can't wait to see pictures and welcome sweet Bailey! I pray for a safe, healthy and comfortable delivery!!! Keep us posted!!!

Sherry said...

This is all so exciting. Reading your post brought back sweet memories of our son's birth -- 32 years ago -- just like yesterday -- well, maybe more like last week!

Good luck and I'll be praying that everything goes really smooth. Looking forward to your pics.

Blessings,
Sherry

Heather said...

Can't wait to see pictures of little Bailey!!! :)

Sharon Ward said...

Congratulations on the new baby girl. I read Gwen's e-mail about her arrival. Hope things go well for you all and she settles into a real good schedule. I will look for pics of her soon.

Sharon Ward
Elba, AL