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Pregnancy & Childbirth
September 29, 2000:
Thirty Seven Weeks

It's been a great week! We had my shower last Thursday, it was online, and it was so cool. We were all laughing and having a good time and I didn't even have to get dressed or eat cake!

I had contractions all last night and thought maybe we'd make the cut off for the school deadline (tonight at midnight), but alas, no such luck. I generally have contractions on and off for weeks before the baby. It was a rough night with no sleep, but hey, I didn't sign up for sleep. Or did I?

Today the kids and I turned my belly into a pumpkin. It was a lot of fun. If you'd like to see the whole process you can see it here.

I also feel asleep in the bath tub. Good thing Kevin was awake and woke me up. I really wish I were more comfortable, so that I could sleep. Right now it's the hips aching and the out of breath feelings keeping me awake!

October 2, 2000:
Thirty Seven Weeks, Two Days

Sleeping, or not sleeping, is the hardest part for me right now. Someone asked me if I was ready to have the baby. I told them that I was ready to not be pregnant, but not ready for postpartum. I then said that I wished I could take a vacation between the two. Wouldn't that be nice?

Kevin is hanging in there and trying really hard to be supportive of what I need. He even went to get me Toll House cookies last night around 9 PM. (He could have gone earlier if he hadn't complained first!) He doesn't even flinch when I say I need to go shopping for something I've forgotten, or that I purchased the wrong thing. He doesn't ask me how many newborn sized t-shirts one kid can wear... Today he even put the new car seat together and moved Isaac's car seat to the back of the van. (With only small threats...)

As I laid in bed last night trying to sleep, I remember what it was like waiting for the other babies. You didn't know what labor would bring. You had your preconceived notions of length, surroundings, and details, but it was always different, an intensity that you couldn't imagine. Now looking forward I wonder what this birth will hold for us as a family. We've had three very different births, just wondering what this one will be like. It's scary and exciting all in the same breath.

October 5, 2000:
Thirty Seven Weeks, Five Days

I'm dead dog tired after a great birth. I'd actually frgotten I was still on call, but I was so glad that I went and was able to see a really awesome birth. In some ways it's scary to watch a laboring woman when I'm this pregnant but ah, the baby parts...

The contractions are becoming more frequent and the pain is great in my pelvis. Basically it's so squishy I have no ability to move or sit or stand, or lay down. Meaning I can only be comfortable in the tub!

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Photo reprinted with permission of Robin Weiss.

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