Kathryn, all the websites or books that I've used to update your growth, top out at 40 weeks. Frustrating, seeing as the average first time pregnancy, when left to develop naturally, will last an average of 41 weeks and 1 day. Anyway, today is your due date and you are comfortable where you are. I still feel you moving around (mostly trying to stretch out your feet) and the midwife at our appointment Monday said you were in prime position for delivery--finally, straight up and down. Your heartbeat was good at 140, and you are measuring just fine. We love you very much.
My blood pressure is good and I've gained 30 pounds now--more than what I hoped, but only by 5 pounds. I will not have another regular appointment with the Birth Center. If I remain pregnant, the next time I'll go will be next Friday, for an ultrasound at UNC and then a non-stress test at the Birth Center, to make sure that it is okay to keep waiting.
Since I don't have much news to share, here's an awesome (and foul-mouthed, just a warning) blogger and her great tips for being a new dad. I've also included her suggested comebacks for folks who ask, "Have you had that baby yet?/When are you having the baby?"
http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/6/7/new-dad-survival-guide-8-essential-tips.html
Comebacks for the question, "Have you had that baby yet?"
1) I'm trying to hold it in so I can finish this novel I'm reading.
2) Oh, I had it, I just left it in the car today.
3) Jerkthatstatestheobvioussayswhat?
4) Don't worry, you'll know when your husband starts paying child support.
5) I had it yesterday but I'm trying to shoplift this basketball so could you leave me alone?
6) Sure I did, I just love maternity clothes so much that I duct-taped a bowling ball onto my belly and carry on like usual.
And lastly, the top 5 things I've learned from pregnancy and the top 5 things I've appreciated/enjoyed about pregnancy. Just for some levity and because I'm probably going to be too tired to remember much about it once Kathryn does arrive.
Top Five Things I've Learned:
(1) Give your husband just a tad more grace than you usually do. Your hormones are making you into even more of a stereotypical crazy woman than normal. He honestly does NOT get it, even though he's trying. Try to be patient.
(2) Accept that there are still insanely inappropriate people out there who will say all kinds of things that should never be said to pregnant women. But don't feel you have to let them get away with it.
(3) Everyone has advice. Be open, listen to it, nod your head. But don't feel like you have to do what they say, no matter who it is. This is YOUR pregnancy and YOUR baby. YOU know what's right for you and yours.
(4) Start early in your preparation for baby--including everything from building a registry, to figuring out what you want your nursery to look like, to exercising and eating right, etc. You will not have the energy or patience or time to do all of this in the last trimester.
(5) Babies cost a lot even before they arrive. While Jared and I have held to our original ban on frilly-butt clothes and have kept only a limited amount of pink "stuff", we have accepted any and all offerings from people. If we decide we can't use part of it, we use it to bless someone else who's expecting.
Top Five Things I've Appreciated/Enjoyed:
(1) For once in my life, it's okay to have a belly!
(2) The majority of this pregnancy has been easy--moderate morning sickness (but only at home, I never got sick at work or elsewhere), no complications, manageable aches and pains.
(3) Several people in my life have given me the back-handed compliment that I have "childbearing hips/hips meant for making babies." I actually do--my thickly built frame has done me many favors during pregnancy.
(4) I have gotten to know Jared in surprising new ways in the last ten months, and love him more and more. He is such a great daddy already.
(5) We have been so blessed by friends and family who have given us bags of gently used items, thrown us baby showers, gifted us at baby showers, and shared in our happiness. Thank you.
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