Waiting.....

For the first time since Kate was born, time seems to be slowing down. One of the things that amazed me most about parenthood was the sheer swiftness with which those first weeks, months, and, yes, now I can even say years, flew by. This is obviously not a unique or in any way astounding revelation. It's the sort of thing you always hear people say, but for me, the concept of time whirling by at the speed of light didn't really have any real world relevance until I became a mother myself. But oh boy, does it ever. In the blink of an eye, my tiny, helpless newborn transformed into a sweet, energetic, opinionated toddler with boundless energy and an extensive vocabulary. Whew. Well, now, as I wait for the birth of our second child, I find that the hours have slowed down almost to pre-baby speed. The days creep by, ever so slowly. It's a strange sensation, but I sort of like it. And knowing now how short lived it will be, I'm in a far better position to appreciate this time for the mindful meditation and reflection it offers.

The grouchiness I mentioned last week has passed, thank goodness. I think that probably had far more to do with being sick than with being pregnant. I'm still pretty uncomfortable (which goes without saying, at this point). But thankfully, the worst of the cold/flu ickiness seems to have passed. Giving birth is daunting enough without having to wonder if you'll be coughing and constantly blowing your nose between contractions. I'm not quite 100 %, but much, much better. And in a much better mood too.

Although my due date is technically December 11th, Saturday will mark 37 weeks, and thus, full term. Because Kate sort of snuck up on me at 36 weeks and 6 days, I never found myself in the throes of anticipation with her. I worked, came home, my water broke, I went to the hospital, and she was born the next day. So I'm sort of wondering how these next few weeks will play out. The fact that I have my bag packed and everything is in a far greater state of readiness makes me think I might have to wait a bit this go around, because that's just how things go. We shall see.

In the meantime, I spend my days playing with Kate (cherishing these last moments of one on one time with her), sipping raspberry leaf tea, taking long, slow walks with Sally Rose, reading my childbirth books...again (Birthing From Within is my favorite), watching old movies, knitting (badly I might add, but it's still calming), praying, and of course, waiting......