Preparations

Nope, I haven't fallen into a black hole (or had the baby.) At 37 weeks and 5 days I am waiting patiently for signs of his imminent arrival. Oh, and trying to get a little more organized for his homecoming.

People keep asking me if the nursery is ready yet and I can only reply with maniacal laughter. Um, no. Not remotely.

I have to keep reminding myself that all he really needs is me (his food supply), some diapers, and his bassinet and that we have some leeway on transforming his room from chaotic staging area to baby's home base.

Still, I am trying to do a little bit every day and this weekend, when Will is off work, we are going to put together the crib, hang some paintings, unpack the boxes of clothes, and start figuring out how all the baby gizmos work.

Yesterday, I washed my childhood teddy bear for his room. I also got a haircut, since it seems like personal maintenance might fall by the wayside for a little while. While I was at Hello Beautiful, the owner very sweetly gave me a baby gift. A very cool little boy's nightgown and a mini Brooklyn shirt. Such a lovely gesture!

Work in Progress, 2012

37 Weeks: Full Term

Singapore, 2011

Today I am looking rather like a round-bellied Buddha, not this slim line guy. You will just have to use your imagination for a day or so while the dust settles at home. But I am 37 weeks today, and officially full term.

We had a meeting with our doula last night and we both have ner number in our phones, ready to go. I don't really anticipate an early arrival, but who is to know with these things? My Brooklyn Summer Moms group account has been overflowing with birth stories. Like me, many of these women are first timers, and the variety of the birth stories is astonishing. 6 hour, baby's-almost-born-in-the-cab-at-38 weeks stories, scheduled C-section stories, mamas mainlining Evening Primrose oil at 41 weeks and 5 days stories. For every truism I hear about first babies coming late, there's a woman with plenty of evidence to the contrary.

My doula did mention that there is a certain mind body connection. Meaning if I need more time, emotionally speaking (which I do), I might just get it. Then again I may not.

What I am certain of is that I am excited to meet this little man soon.

36 Weeks

35 Weeks

33 & 34 Weeks

32 Weeks

30 & 31 Weeks

28 & 29 Weeks

27 Weeks

26 Weeks

25 Weeks

24 Weeks

23 Weeks

22 Weeks

20 & 21 Weeks

19 Weeks

18 Weeks

17 Weeks

16 Weeks

15 Weeks

14 Weeks